The Power of the Pen - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

The Power of the Pen - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Do you write thank you notes? Do you write them by hand or do you type them? If you receive a hand written note do you hold the sender  in a level of higher esteem? Do you feel it says something about the sender? There is a lot to be said for a good old fashioned hand written note. Sure, there is something to be said for emailed notes too, but notes that have been sent by email are so much more impersonal and impermanent. If I had my choice I prefer a hand written note. There is a certain amount of cachet, sincerity and commitment to a hand written note. Not surprisingly, most hand written notes are short. This is by design and it’s also just a factor of the medium. Shorter can be better. What can you say in 140 characters? Actually. A Lot! It takes focus, creativity and attention to detail to say more with less. “Im sorry I wrote such a long letter. I did not have the time to write a short one.” ~ Abraham Lincoln The Pen is Mightier than the Sword While it might seem like more can be done  with a swish of  a sword. I submit that it  is far more powerful to slay someone with words. Too often those in power seek to use force when diplomacy would serve them better. Words can make it possible to turn a naysayer into an advocate. Good Wordsmithing can make this a reality A well thought out and smartly written note is the secret weapon of true leaders.  Leaders often have a knack for the short note. Come to think of it I’m not sure what comes first … the ability to lead or the ability to write concise notes. The U. S. Constitution doesnt guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself. ~ Benjamin Franklin Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake. ~ Napoleon Bonaparte A hand written note can be especially powerful: “We know that he has, more than any other man, the gift of compressing the largest amount of words into the smallest amount of thought.” ~ Winston Churchill  writing about politician Ramsay MacDonald Im not advocating for the search for a better put down. I’m suggesting that more can be done with words. I’m suggesting that people place a higher value on the written word. Especially when that written word took time and effort to put pen to paper. Finally, I’m suggesting that you take the time to hand write notes. Whether they are thank you notes or just notes to say hello or commemorate a special event or occasion.  People will remember. I know I do. What do you think? Do hand written notes have a place in modern society? How often do you send out hand written notes? Do you notice  when you receive a hand written note? Author: Jeff   is a veteran in the Enterprise Content Management industry. Over the past 20 years he has worked with customers and partners to design, develop and deploy solutions around the world. Jeff is currently the Director of Strategic Alliances at Winshuttle. He has worked for Microsoft, FileNet (IBM), K2, Captaris, Open Text, Kofax and Kodak. He speaks and blogs about ECM and the Intersection between Social, Mobile and Cloud Computing.

Enhance Your Brand Identity by Attending Conferences - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Enhance Your Brand Identity by Attending Conferences - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career While having an online presence is definitely important today, there’s still something about face-to-face connections that the Internet is lacking. That’s why attending conferences or professional development events can enhance your brand and awareness in a new way than social networking can. In addition to meeting new people and growing your network, you can also: Listen to diverse speakers Gain knowledge or understanding of your field Discover new career opportunities and options Improve your current business Travel to different parts of the country (or world) Maintaining your brand away from home It can be nerve-wracking traveling across the country to attend a conference with hundreds or thousands of other people, but it’s important to remember the following to maintain your brand and get the most out of the experience: Bring business cards. You never know who you will meet, so have your business cards with you at all times! Make sure all of your contact information is on there, including your e-mail address, Twitter handle, websites, and professional profiles. Another important thing to bring is a business card holder (or you can buy an app that stores business cards in your phone), so you don’t lose the ones you’re given. Come prepared. Do your research on the conference and which parts you’re interested in attending. Also, check into the guest list (if it’s available) to see who will be there. And don’t forget to pack extra pens, paper, and a calendar/planner (if you aren’t using the one on your computer/phone). “Meet” people ahead of time. If you see statuses or tweets about the conference you’re attending, engage those people in conversation and make a point to meet up with them. Use spare time to connect with other attendees. Don’t just grab dinner in your room. Much of the networking at events happens after the speakers are finished. Put yourself out there and you’ll never know the amazing people you could meet. Set goals for yourself. Instead of flying by the seat of your pants, create a list of goals you hope to achieve by the end of the conference. These could include finding new clients, partnership opportunities, ideas, etc. What are some of your tips for attending conferences? Author: Heather R. Huhman is a career expert and founder president of Come Recommended, a career and workplace education and consulting firm specializing in young professionals. She is also the author of  #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle (2010), national entry-level careers columnist for Examiner.com and blogs about career advice at HeatherHuhman.com.

Renovation Tips to Revitalize Your Office - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Renovation Tips to Revitalize Your Office - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Sometimes an office lacks personality or needs a modern update. What reasons do you have for considering renovation of your office? Is the aim to improve work environment or appeal to a wider clientele? It’s important to look at your needs before you dive into the renovation process, and if you decide the changes will pay off in the end. Get ready to make some amazing changes to your space, one element at a time. Focus on Your Most Essential Need Consider your primary goal for renovation. Is it to improve work environment and raise morale, increase productivity or draw in more customers? The business may be growing, and you love your location, so you choose to renovate rather than move. If this is the case, pick one goal to focus on, and tackle your most essential need first. If the building is older, it may need more than a face lift, such as foundation work or a new roof. Your aesthetic goals may need to take a back seat to more structural concerns first, especially if the business site is in a historic house. Your overall goal is still important to guide the renovation along. Your contractor will help you develop a plan of action with appropriate estimates and schedule for completion. Communicate With Employees, Visitors and Neighbors Depending on your role at the office, there are several parties to be in communication with regarding the renovation schedule. If this office isn’t your primary location and you’re setting up the renovation, you’ll need to alert the employees of the building and maintain communication about the process, including guidelines for safety while at work. Visitors will also need to be informed. Contractors typically tape off the unsafe areas to avoid. Likewise, neighbors will need to be informed as to when the construction starts and is expected to end, to better prepare for any projected inconvenience. Choose Designs to Fit in, but Stand Out Renovation gives you the opportunity to improve your office’s curb appeal. First impressions are important to business success. You must streamline designs to be recognizable to the industry, yet be innovative and stand out. How do you strike that balance? Look to the history of the neighborhood for inspiration. What architecture is common to the area, or are there more famous, ancient designs you admire? Is your office in an old home with a unique porch, art nouveau designs or other features original to the home? Seek to restore these and work with a contractor who specializes in historic renovation. Ask your expert about popular and innovative designs that would work well when renovating the building. Does the building have potential to add unique features or layouts? Rent Construction Equipment If you’re not working with a larger firm to renovate, consider renting heavy-duty equipment you’ll only need in the short term. Roughly 40 percent of construction equipment used in the U.S. is rented, and that number is growing. A 75 percent increase use of rental equipment has surged in the last three years for contractors. How long will the company need the equipment, and does it need regular long-term access? Larger companies will benefit over smaller companies when opting to own construction equipment, due to cost and need. Go Energy-Efficient and Save Money Renovation is the perfect opportunity to tackle electrical, insulation and heating/cooling challenges. If an old system has seen better days, go green to keep up with the trend and save money in the long term. Simple changes may mean a big impact for energy-efficiency, such as updating your windows. Depending on what you choose to do, you may also qualify for an energy credit when tax time comes around, and power company rebates may be available. Check with your tax prep-er or energy provider to see if you may qualify for credits or rebates: Renovations that are comprehensive, reducing the consumption of energy through ventilation, heating/cooling and lighting by at least 50 percent, may qualify for a credit of $1.80 per square foot maximum. Tax credit close to 60 cents per square foot may be possible for projects that decrease consumption of energy at 20 percent each for lighting and heating and cooling system. Projects that target energy-efficiency are also eligible for rebates with most energy companies, and they may offer loans or grants to help you get the job done. Be sure to contact your energy provider. Whether it’s structural or aesthetic renovations you’re making, view this as an opportunity to make changes and see your office in a whole new light. What is your essential need or primary goal? Don’t be afraid to pose questions or ideas during renovation planning. Energy-efficient upgrades may help save you money on your power bill and qualify you for tax credits or rebates. You’ll also save money if you choose to rent construction equipment when working with a smaller contractor. Before starting the renovation, be sure to inform employees and neighbors about the impending construction, with a list of safety guidelines and an idea of estimated completion. When you choose to renovate, you’ll see the building’s history unfold before your eyes and may decide to preserve certain features. Whatever changes you make, let the personality of your business shine.

How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for a Career Change

How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for a Career Change If you are like the average job seeker, you probably have a LinkedIn account that has been updated with your resume, qualifications, and amazing skills that confirm your ability to enter the workforce with confidence. However, if you do not keep on top of your profile, you may be doing more damage than good while looking for your dream job.LinkedIn is becoming increasingly popular for employers. In fact, as soon as anyone types your name into the internet search, LinkedIn is one of the first results that is discovered. In other words, your LinkedIn profile is attached to your online reputation so it would be in your best interest to make it reflect an excellent version of you!evalIt is not too late to optimize your online presence. If you are in the process of switching careers, you are in luck. There are many things you can do to polish up your LinkedIn presence and land the job of your dreams. Here are some ways you can shine in front of potential employers.1. Think BIG for Your He adlineGo big or go home! When it comes to your headline, this is your one shot at making the lasting impression you desire. While this is a major key, you do not have to stress out searching for ways to outdo the next job seeker. All you need to keep in mind is that your headline needs to be understandable to all who would read it, while adding your personal ‘WOW’ factor.There are thousands of LinkedIn users that are not optimizing their profiles the way they should to win. One major mistake is that many do not update their headlines, therefore using their past job title. Maintaining high quality in LinkedIn profile means choosing the right headline.For example, instead of writing “Assistant Clerk of Browne Office”, find a more innovative way of getting your point across like “Administrative executive skilled in communicating effectively with clients.” In stating this, you are sharing your position, how you can contribute to future growth, and the individuals you have th e potential of impacting positively.Just keep in mind to keep your ideas short and sweet. You certainly do not want to be too wordy â€" any resume writing service would tell you the same.2. Think SEO for Your SummaryWhen it comes to your summary you will want to remember a few key points. One, you should wish to communicate a story that will show off some of your recent achievements. Next, it would be in your best interest to produce a profile that ranks higher on Google.In order to do this, you will need to include plenty of keywords that link straight to employers in the industry of your desire. This means that you will need to put in some hard effort in order that you might gain the attention of hiring companies searching for your unique skillset.evalYou may also consider researching a job listings in your field of choice while remembering to input the reoccurring conditions in this section. Avoid over-embellishing your profile. For example, if you know that you do not have the s kills to maintain an accounting position, do not include those pieces of information.Keep your writing in first person point of view. Do not be afraid to put strong emphasis on your achievements. This will set your profile above all the rest.3. Think OUTSIDE of the BoxDo you have a collection of excellent work that you know will interest others? It would be in your best interest for your career that you include your LinkedIn profile page as well. This gives you the freedom to post pictures of your prized work or utilize other creative ways in communicating your skillset. For example, if you are an experience photographer, you should consider posting some of your work while linking your profile in the description section.If you are an aspiring speaker, try posting a picture of you speaking at the event you hosted. Pictures have a way of touching a wide range of people in ways that your words might not be sufficient in communicating.4. Think of This as MORE Than a ResumeevalOld are th e days when a paper resume was sufficient in order that you might land the job of your dreams. Your LinkedIn profile holds the key to improve your job search than any paper document can. The world is becoming more digital. This is great news for job seekers because now, more than ever, you have the ability of sharing your credentials with millions of potential employers.No longer must you run from interview to interview to gain attention from your field of interest. Simply upload your resume, include your best skills, and always keep it updated. With a little focus and a whole lot of effort, there is no telling what you are capable of achieving!

Define a Career Beyond Your Job Title - Pathfinder Careers

Define a Career Beyond Your Job Title - Pathfinder Careers Define a Career Beyond Your Job Title Define a career beyond your job title? Yes. But let’s be honest. Really, really honest. Does your current job title REALLY reflect the work you do? If yes, then you can probably skip this post. If not, then you should realize that human resource managers have a tough time with job titles simply because they usually aren’t as hands-on in your job as you undoubtedly are. They don’t really know all the ins and outs, nor the nuances.   They simply do the very best they can to describe what it is that your position is supposed to do, and then run with it. But oftentimes, your job ends up morphing and expanding beyond the original scope, and that affects how you perceive your career. And that’s when you need to start thinking about how to define a career beyond a current job title. Otherwise, you could be limiting yourself. But remember that honesty part mentioned earlier? It’s also really important that you are really honest and not overinflate your skills or abilities in your job title. Because if you do, employers will find out. However, if you are in a current role which has a severely understated title that truly does not articulate the full scope of your work, then there is a solution to help define a career beyond your job title. It’s called the parentheses tool. As in listing your job on a résumé or LinkedIn profile the following way (using parentheses of course): Actual job title (equivalent to additional scope or level), MM/YYYY â€" MM/YYYY You ALWAYS need to state your actual job title, but to carefully convey a higher level of job responsibility and/or scope, the use of the parentheses and “equivalent to” provides a “connecting dot” between the relevant work you’ve done / accomplishments made to what a potential hiring manager is searching for in a candidate. By opening up your mind to how your transferrable skill sets can connect to other jobs, you are in a place where you can define your career beyond your job title. The most important aspect of this, however, is making sure that your résumé or LinkedIn profile can provide specific examples that back up this assertion. If you aren’t able to cite specific projects / outcomes, then anyone reading your information will just assume that you are reaching for the stars with a rudderless rocket. But if you understand how to define a career beyond your current job title, the sky is the limit.

Hallie Recommends - Career Seekers Teleclass - Hallie Crawford

Hallie Recommends - Career Seekers Teleclass Begin 2008 with a fresh start, in a job you truly enjoy! Career Seekers Teleclass begins February 26th Imagine waking up each morning and looking forward to going to work. Imagine feeling excited and enthusiastic about your job. Imagine being so involved in what you’re doing at work that time seems to fly by. Imagine having more than just a job, having a passion and purpose. Sound impossible? It’s not! It’s simply a matter of deciding what you really want to do … and then finding the career or position that matches those desires. If you’ve ever wondered how to get out of a dead end job and find your ideal career, have an idea of what you want to do career-wise but are afraid to take the leap, or are on the fence about whether to make a change â€" then the Career Seekers Teleclass is for you. The Career Seekers Teleclass is a highly effective, 12 week, hands-on, interactive, small group teleclass. Space is limited so act now! The next class kicks off February 26, 2008, 11:00 am ET / 8:00 am PT and will be held on the first 3 Tuesdays of each month for 4 months. Cost: $200/month. Click here for more information and to reserve your space! Dont go another year in a job you dont enjoy. Have a great weekend!HallieWork/Life Balance Coach

Resume Writing Services to Help Market Your Skills and Services

Resume Writing Services to Help Market Your Skills and ServicesThe growing trend of writing resumes is really quite fascinating. However, the most sought after jobs are the ones that require marketing professionals to create resumes to market their skills and services. Of course, these are the positions that need professional assistance with resume writing services to be able to develop professional strategies in building a winning resume.A short-term freelance writer can offer valuable information in writing resumes. However, for marketing and sales professionals and individuals who are in the 'career ladder' on a long-term basis, hiring a business person is not really feasible.In fact, they should plan on spending a lot of time in networking, attending social events, purchasing advertising space and contacting their potential clients. As a result, they will have no time to focus on developing a winning resume. Their resume writing services will only serve to drive up their skills a nd their value as an employee.Professional development is a key aspect of providing quality resume writing services. For example, they should follow up by making themselves available to clients for additional feedback, as well as following up with them periodically to hear any suggestions for improvements that they may have.Another important aspect is the format in which the resume is created. They should make sure that it conforms to industry standards and best practices. Additionally, they should offer advice in how to write the resume properly to help it appear professionally.These professional resume writing services must offer extensive writing samples in order to show their professionalism. These samples can then be provided to clients, so that they can develop their own style. They should also include a detailed budget for their services so that they do not charge excessive fees.Finally, they should offer advice on how to develop effective strategic plans in helping clients a chieve their long-term career objectives. This is one aspect of resume writing services that really caters to long-term career planning.