When Does Appreciating Lead to Advocating?
Gratitude seems to be a rare or discounted commodity. In our time deprived, hyper-connected world, we may text a quick “thx” or smiley face and go on our way. And, practices like that make us like everyone else – just average.
How do you stand out in someone’s mind? How do you engage and inspire …
Building Relationships Organically – Part 1
When we don’t need anything and simply interact with the people around us—with the other students in our classroom, the other players on our sports team, the other professionals in our office, our neighbors next door—we build relationships organically. Proximity leads to conversation and shared experiences, which brings us closer and leads to more conversation …
Branded Introductions
The way we introduce ourselves and others can leave us branded. Branded either for the good and highlighting what is uniquely our strengths. Or, branded negatively by shining a spotlight on our weak areas.
Living in West Texas, when I use the term ‘branded’ I imagine cowboys or vaqueros (Vaquero Regional Note: Used chiefly in …
Facts Tell While Stories Sell
Are you good at telling your story? Personal branding provides the focus and energy of your story. If you know who you serve or need to connect with, then your story becomes compelling and interesting.
When I say story, I’m not referring to a long dissertation nor am I describing a keynote address. Your story …
Maintaining Networking Momentum After You Land the Job
Networking is something many job seekers get into reluctantly. It can feel awkward if you haven’t done much of it before. What do you do, where do you start?
Losing your job, especially, can make you want to hold back from meeting new people and talking about yourself. What will you say when they ask …
Personal Branding and the Digital Economy
The world is changing and it’s going to have a monumental affect on every profession and person. The rules and boundaries have shifted as the internet and social networking have evolved into staples of our everyday lives.
Change is inevitable – growth is a choiceThe world economy is in the process of going digital …
How the Company You Keep Can Fuel or Foil Your Success
I was fascinated by an article in the New York Times last week that described how runners who train in groups tend to do better than those who train alone, even with a coach.
The article highlights the fact that the great American marathoners of the 70s and 80s trained in groups. Then when the …
Personal Brand and Word of Mouth, Part 4
This is part four of a five part series of the importance of personal branding in garnering positive word of mouth. In our hyper-connected society, word of mouth has become “world of mouth” and recommendations truly craft your online and offline persona and value. It makes all the difference between positive or negative word of …
How To Make The Most of a Celebrity Interview
If you had 15 minutes to impress a celebrity who could give your career the breakthrough you’ve been hoping for, here’s what you should do.
Background storyFor the past 3 years running, there’s been a guest blogging contest on my blog JobMob each summer. Every year the prizes have gotten better and better, but …
How to Talk About What You Do
How do you respond when someone asks, “What do you do?”
Most people reply, “I’m an accountant,” or, “I’m a writer.” What follows is usually a polite nod, an awkward silence or a blank stare.
Everybody has pre-conceived notions about accountants, and writers, and every other profession. If Bob hated his first chiropractor, he may …