This month thanks in part to a bout with insomnia, and a gift of grace from the talents of our Helping Friends, a boatload of work for our career seekers community has been done! Helping Friends Career Network is a resource created for members by members.. The needs are great, but the quality job leads and possibilities are up to the task! Our biggest challenge is getting the word out so that people know about the incredible base of recruiters, networking masters, and quality job seekers who are creating possibilities here, in the spirit of caring, sharing and helping.
August through October are our special months for the Helping Friends. This type of activity is not sustainable throughout the year, however thanks to a generous community, the support of my dear husband Kevin (who has taken on extra hours to support my extra hours). Kristen Fife for recruiting and career coaching, to Judith Price for technical assistance, research and Oh My Gosh so much!! The PR and Business Coaching , Networking Genious of Randy Vanderhoff and Vincent Wright. Alot, alot of key talent, community collaboration, and networking goes into each edition of the Helping Friends-- and the journey is just starting.
If everyone in the community is giving a little of their personal best, and taking the knowledge that helps them achieve their goals, we will create unstoppable motivation and momentum.
The new products we are testing for resume search and jobs listing exceeded expectations, so we are finalizing the Beta Test and then will be engaging our Very Important Volunteers and Promoters who have helped us to build the interest, provide the leads, and do the great work that is the HFCN Opportunity. In the meantime, take a look at August in Review.
If you know of someone who was recently laid off, or trying to find work after Hurricane Katrina, have them send their resume, Geographic preferences, Job Title, Salary, and LinkedIn profile to opportunities@helpingfriendscareernetwork.com. While we are testing new technology, don't be mistaken, backing that new technology which will only enable us to be more efficient, is a bunch of experience and opportunities. Lets do more than play with technology, lets put alot of great people to work during our test drive.
28 August 2006
22 August 2006
Where were you a Year ago, Where are you now? Where are you going?
Sometimes it feels as if life events force reflection and introspection.. However it is good to ask the questions that help you remember where you were, where you are and where you are going. It is often a failure to ask these questions that cause us to become victim to our own "busy-ness".
In 2005, I was trying to manage life in a new state, far from my friends. Work was busy and we were in a layoff mode, so we were working and bracing for heartache. The implications of "downsizing", "rightsizing", or "reductions in force" have a predictable ripple on one's spirit, regardless of how resilient, all will be affected, confidences called into question, values to be re-examined.
A personal life experience happened to our family on the same day as hurricane Katrina. I feared the sorrow and grief of too much happening too fast would consume me, however something magnificent happens when you can put aside the personal worries and focus on possibilities instead.
It feels like yesterday, however the one year anniversary approaches, and to support those who survived and supported the victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Helping Friends Career Network (HFCN) is finalizing a memorial edition with three thoughts in mind.
1. Celebrating the triumph of human spirit, despite tragedy.
2. Reminding our friends that reconstruction is a continued effort.
3. Supporting the fact that with everyone doing a little, we
accomplish alot!
If you know of hurricane Katrina victims who need career assistance, please have them introduce themselves to me personally or to the HFCN job leads network and we have volunteers who will help. If you know of jobs or offer career coaching services, particularly in customer
service and legitimate telecommuting, please join us as well.
HFCN Job Leads: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/hf-careernet/
Subscribe: hf-careernet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
LinkedIn HFCN Business Networking:
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/LinkedIn_HF_Careernetwork/
Subscribe: LinkedIn_HF_Careernetwork-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Dawn
http://linkedin.com/in/dmular
http://helpingfriendscareernetwork.com
Profound Opportunities through Caring, Sharing, and Helping!
In 2005, I was trying to manage life in a new state, far from my friends. Work was busy and we were in a layoff mode, so we were working and bracing for heartache. The implications of "downsizing", "rightsizing", or "reductions in force" have a predictable ripple on one's spirit, regardless of how resilient, all will be affected, confidences called into question, values to be re-examined.
A personal life experience happened to our family on the same day as hurricane Katrina. I feared the sorrow and grief of too much happening too fast would consume me, however something magnificent happens when you can put aside the personal worries and focus on possibilities instead.
It feels like yesterday, however the one year anniversary approaches, and to support those who survived and supported the victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Helping Friends Career Network (HFCN) is finalizing a memorial edition with three thoughts in mind.
1. Celebrating the triumph of human spirit, despite tragedy.
2. Reminding our friends that reconstruction is a continued effort.
3. Supporting the fact that with everyone doing a little, we
accomplish alot!
If you know of hurricane Katrina victims who need career assistance, please have them introduce themselves to me personally or to the HFCN job leads network and we have volunteers who will help. If you know of jobs or offer career coaching services, particularly in customer
service and legitimate telecommuting, please join us as well.
HFCN Job Leads: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/hf-careernet/
Subscribe: hf-careernet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
LinkedIn HFCN Business Networking:
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/LinkedIn_HF_Careernetwork/
Subscribe: LinkedIn_HF_Careernetwork-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Dawn
http://linkedin.com/in/dmular
http://helpingfriendscareernetwork.com
Profound Opportunities through Caring, Sharing, and Helping!
17 August 2006
Succcess Story: Artists Profile Carol Eacret-Simmons
What you create for today matters infinitely more to produce a
beautiful texture for the future. We have choices in our
life, our careers, and our purpose.
Be special, be anything but mediocre is the title work on of one of Carol Eacret-Simmons art work, on display in a New Zealand International Collage Exhibition.
Carol Eacret-Simmons is a living inspirational story to anyone who have ever yearned for
something more than mediocrity, reaching for something more special
than your present reality.
To anyone that had come to believe that they were too (insert limiting belief here) to live their dreams. It is never too late to start living your dreams. You are never given a perfect inspirational dream, without the equal capability to make it happen, even if it defies all statistical odds! Odds, for the special person are only made to
be defied, challenged, and transformed.
Many parents face the reality of empty nest syndrome and the life
changes that this implies. Suddenly adjusting to a very different
pace, noise level, and activity when the last child leaves home, Carol
went back to school to see what she might study that would hold her
interest from her quiet country life in the midwest. While her
husband Mahlon was finally starting to count the years before
retirement, when they could finally enjoy their lives, perhaps travel,
arts and music for inspiration... Carol took a few art classes for
inspiration. The sleeping giant of a dream started to stir
within.. a possibility of inspiration emerged. .
What is she doing all this full time school stuff for? What does she
think she is going to do? Many people watched as she amassed more
art shows, talents, and stories. At her graduation from Illinois
State University some had the nerve to ask "if she was done" yet.
To do a trial retirement run in celebration of her graduation,
Mahlon and Carol did their first trip together ever outside the United
States, in an artists study in France. Mahlon and Carol walking
the picturesque French art and culture together.
Then it was off to work on her Masters. For the first time in her
life, Carol took residency outside of her family, in Kansas. Now the
critics were really perplexed. Okay they have been married for nearly 3
decades, Mahlon is retiring in a year, and what the heck is Carol
doing? What could she possibly want to do with an advanced
degree?
Her family drove from Colorado and Illinois to Carol's Masters
Art Show in Kansas
State University right before graduation. Mahlon and Carol
did a second artists study in Scotland in a Castle Artists
Retreat. Each trip creating more inspiration, a deeper rooted
dream, and a life connected to enriching lives through art.
Mahlon had taken an early retirement, and all seemed to fall in place.
While the wagering had now begun that clearly Carol's midlife crisis is
not subsiding, wagers probably started cropping up regarding what was
going to happen. Scotland produced an amazing series of arts,
experiences, and a partnership at last based upon just enjoying your
surroundings and expressing that connection to all that is around
you.
She and Mahlon took residency - selling their home of almost 2
decades to move to North Dakota in support of her first professional
work, Carol
Eacret Simmons accepted her dream job of Teaching Art and Gallery Director
at Dickinson State University. Her
artwork has been exhibited in permanent
collections of the International Museum of Collage, Assemblage, and
Construction in Cuernavaca, Mexico; University of the Arts Printmaking
Gallery in Philadelphia, Pa.; and Illinois State University Bone
Student Center. She has
found and raised her voice and art to express the environment, the
cultural, and the empowerment of renaissance living!
She is active on the North Dakota Arts
Alliance/Alliance for Arts Education is dedicated to
the promotion of the arts for all citizens of North Dakota. She
recently exhibited at the Ruddell
Gallery with two of her fellow artists originally from Illinois
State,. Dave Wilson and Donovan Widmer in an exhibition titled "1,000
Miles from Normal".
| “Like most artists, I tend to work in series. Most of my work is influenced by nature and my deep concern for the environment." “I was drawn to the irony of painting something as large as a constellation on a small canvas, and then painting a butterfly wing or flower petal on a large one. This upsetting of micro/macro equilibrium led me to display the paintings as if they were bouncing around the gallery – like a world gone mad.” ~ Carol Eacret Simmons. |
| Helping
Friends Career Network
| A-Z
Career Guide |
Copyright © 2006, Helping Friends, L.L.C.
-- All
Rights Reserved
15 August 2006
Accountable, Purposeful Life Management-- Creative Possibility.
You are led through your lifetime by the inner learning creature, the playful spiritual being that is your real self.
Don't turn away from possible futures before you're certain
you don't have anything to learn from them.
You're always free to change your mind
and choose a different future, or a different past.
-
from Richard Bach's Illusions, The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah
Human nature causes us to question, "Why is this happening to me", but
too often we fail to explore the why, we accept fotune before "intent".
Becoming fully aware and accountable is recognized when exploring our role our purposeful life management, and our power of creativity. We do have a mighty capability to create powerful reality- whether that power is supportive of distracting is also a choice, although we frequently convince ourselves otherwise, it is exploring the stories we BELIEVE that we tell ourselves that creates a lesson for positive transformation.
The link to Andrew
Schneider's article spoke volumes about the laws of positive
attraction, and the contracts of self talk.
If thoughts can set intentions that attract the life experiences, then we are, in fact, what we think. Uncomfortable in the midst of lifes challenges to accept that we have the power to correct most situations by simply exploring expectations, response, and thoughts. If it is possible we seek problems because we need their gifts, 'why IS this happening'-- a journey into the 5 whys might be helpful!
"Six Sigma's DMAIC Process of Exercising the '5 Why's'
to explore and confirm understanding provide an excellent vehicle for positive change. The Whys are useful in Business Problem Solving to simply communicate beyond natural assumptions or bias to discover new possibilities. I had seen a very nice application of the 5 whys on Marketing
Headhunter.com. If you feel you would let youself off too easy
to do this, seek a career coach, a friend, or of course you can join
the Helping
Friends Yahoo on Career Transformation or Ryze network on
Winning Career Strategies.. Although the networking features
are free, the value and introspection from charting and acting on your
life course is priceless!
Don't turn away from possible futures before you're certain
you don't have anything to learn from them.
You're always free to change your mind
and choose a different future, or a different past.
-
from Richard Bach's Illusions, The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah
Human nature causes us to question, "Why is this happening to me", but
too often we fail to explore the why, we accept fotune before "intent".
Becoming fully aware and accountable is recognized when exploring our role our purposeful life management, and our power of creativity. We do have a mighty capability to create powerful reality- whether that power is supportive of distracting is also a choice, although we frequently convince ourselves otherwise, it is exploring the stories we BELIEVE that we tell ourselves that creates a lesson for positive transformation.
The link to Andrew
Schneider's article spoke volumes about the laws of positive
attraction, and the contracts of self talk.
If thoughts can set intentions that attract the life experiences, then we are, in fact, what we think. Uncomfortable in the midst of lifes challenges to accept that we have the power to correct most situations by simply exploring expectations, response, and thoughts. If it is possible we seek problems because we need their gifts, 'why IS this happening'-- a journey into the 5 whys might be helpful!
"Six Sigma's DMAIC Process of Exercising the '5 Why's'
to explore and confirm understanding provide an excellent vehicle for positive change. The Whys are useful in Business Problem Solving to simply communicate beyond natural assumptions or bias to discover new possibilities. I had seen a very nice application of the 5 whys on Marketing
Headhunter.com. If you feel you would let youself off too easy
to do this, seek a career coach, a friend, or of course you can join
the Helping
Friends Yahoo on Career Transformation or Ryze network on
Winning Career Strategies.. Although the networking features
are free, the value and introspection from charting and acting on your
life course is priceless!
14 August 2006
Announcing: LinkedIn For Helping Friends Career Network!!
HELPING FRIENDS CAREER NETWORK (HFCN) is proud to announce it's newest Networking Capabilities delivered via LinkedIn for HFCN Groups. THis new organization will bring unique value to all Helping Friends Members. The LinkedIn HFCN Groups enables greater freedom , flexibility, and extra features for networking and strengthening connections.
LinkedIn was a preferred organization for this forum.Yahoo Groups extend our communciations and social networking options. The Helping Friends Career Network Reputation was earned by relationships and referrals-- it was about people, helping people. LinkedIn, as the leading professional network tool online, is used by over 3.4 million professionals worldwide. LinkedIn's progressive networking features allow you to get a more complete business profile, and build win win networking relationships.
Access to special LinkedIn HFCN Group features is freely available to HFCN Group members only.
A. BECOME A GROUP MEMBER:
1. Go to LinkedIn Group URL: https://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/2079/250E49709220/
2. To participate in the business networking, we have created a LinkedIn Special Yahoo Group at: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/LinkedIn_HF_Careernetwork/
3. Check out our Networking, A-Z Career Resource Guide, and Service Partners Directory!
LinkedIn_HF_Careernetwork Group Email Addresses
Post message: LinkedIn_HF_Careernetwork@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: LinkedIn_HF_Careernetwork-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Benfits of LinkedIn Group Membership. Working with Helping Friends Career Network, we offer great advertising and visibility to LinkedIn professionals, and we have several vehicles organized for offering sales and discounts that benefit our members in addition to providing quality business referrals and career service resources through the power of community!
B. BEGIN TO NETWORK:
1. Introduce yourself to the group, what you have to offer and what you need.
2. Ask questions and participate in discussions or events. Add content, etc. For ideas, read the Networking page on http://helpingfriendscareernetwork.com.
Dawn Mular
http://linkedin.com/in/dmular
Founder HFCN LinkedIn for Groups: https://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/2079/250E49709220/
HFCN LinkedIn for Groups YahooGroup: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/LinkedIn_HF_Careernetwork/
09 August 2006
Morning Light IV
It is a visual representation of the promise of a new day.
I love discovering a depth of people, and a capacity to see. Lou Springer is highly respected in his profession, and he has this other artistic talent that needs to be expressed as well.
Morning Light IV is a stunning representation of the promise of a new day. Images like this are particularly inspirational as I am finding nature creates a soothing backdrop with which to move through life's events.
Dawn
http://linkedin.com/in/dmular
I love discovering a depth of people, and a capacity to see. Lou Springer is highly respected in his profession, and he has this other artistic talent that needs to be expressed as well.
Morning Light IV is a stunning representation of the promise of a new day. Images like this are particularly inspirational as I am finding nature creates a soothing backdrop with which to move through life's events.
Dawn
http://linkedin.com/in/dmular
Cultivating an Appreciation of Possibility!
I have heard it said that whether we feel limited or inspired by circumstance, we create our truth based upon our belief systems. If our thoughts have the power to create suppoorting or limiting realities, what can we do to make them work to our advantage?
This is not a new notion that thoughts create realities, perceptions create limitations or opportunities! Manifesting techniques are fascinating for their potential to awaken inspiring Career Possibilities.
We are exploring these possibilities in a discussion on the Helping Friends Career Network Transformation Group. Prosperity Teacher, Marilyn Jennett wrote about "Forget the How, Enjoy the Wow, starting Now.." A perfect lighten up and let it happen article! Marilyn is in my opinion a role model for creating unbounded possibilities!
I am intrigued by this notion of manifesting and culivating possibility! I blog to explore and understand it's depth. To summarize my understanding of the notion:
1. Become aware of thoughts that create realities.
2. Focus your intentions, for taking in possibility, breathing out old ideas.
3. Appreciate a sense of well being.
This is about settling your mind to experience an abundant and effortless creativity! Have others studied this powerful notion? Love to hear your stories! HFCN Career Transformation Talk will continue to add to our links library as well!
To Contribute to our discussions,subscribe and post to: HFCN-CareerTransformationTalk@yahoogroups.com.
Dawn
http://linkedin.com/in/dmular
http://helpingfriendscareernetwork.com
This is not a new notion that thoughts create realities, perceptions create limitations or opportunities! Manifesting techniques are fascinating for their potential to awaken inspiring Career Possibilities.
We are exploring these possibilities in a discussion on the Helping Friends Career Network Transformation Group. Prosperity Teacher, Marilyn Jennett wrote about "Forget the How, Enjoy the Wow, starting Now.." A perfect lighten up and let it happen article! Marilyn is in my opinion a role model for creating unbounded possibilities!
I am intrigued by this notion of manifesting and culivating possibility! I blog to explore and understand it's depth. To summarize my understanding of the notion:
1. Become aware of thoughts that create realities.
2. Focus your intentions, for taking in possibility, breathing out old ideas.
3. Appreciate a sense of well being.
This is about settling your mind to experience an abundant and effortless creativity! Have others studied this powerful notion? Love to hear your stories! HFCN Career Transformation Talk will continue to add to our links library as well!
To Contribute to our discussions,subscribe and post to: HFCN-CareerTransformationTalk@yahoogroups.com.
Dawn
http://linkedin.com/in/dmular
http://helpingfriendscareernetwork.com
05 August 2006
Life Balance for Type A Workaholic Personality!
Are you a Type A Personality? Take the Quiz and share your findings.
Inspired by an interest in the balanced mind, body spirit idea, such that periodically I explore this topic. Now let me be perfectly transparent about my Type A personality-- I know it is who I am now, but I know I can change.
I come from a long midwestern traditional family of hard workers-- if you are happy-- celebrate with work, sad or not sure what to do-- don't just stand there, DO SOMETHING. So topics like Performance Management become a serious challenge for me. For years fear and guilt drove me to try to AVOID making mistakesm working at harder than my peers because of a deeply seeded unreasonable demand placed on my self!
The joy of a type A personality is all the cool things you get to learn and do when inspired. The perils affect the individual and those that try to live and work with them.
When I lived in Colorado, I never even realized that the author of the book "Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much" - Anne Wilson Schaef, lived in Boulder, Colorado. If I knew she was there before I moved away, I would have invited her to coffee to learn more about how she applied this in life. However I imagine I was just too busy with Work, Political Advocacy, a family, and a Career Network to do much socializing..
THAT was the problem. Life Balance is about variety, yin and yang, work and play, sunshine and rain.. I KNOW I drive too hard, everyone that knows me knows I do.. But they of course love me as I am-- not sure if this is because of my own neurotic obsession to try to be a perfectly productive NON-workaholic.
It is my experience that we learn more when living in balance. As we start to explore that, I will share some cool links I have found on the topic. Please if you are a type A personality as well, do share how you manage life balance too.
We can find the courage to change and embrace a balanced life style too. The truth is at least for many of us, we LIKE and put a quirky value on doing too much, so doing less and being productive has to become a new paradigm. We forget that if we are too tired, we are less effective than if we are rested.. and so on and so on.. the key is not trying to go on, when a body needs a break. :D
RESOURCES:
Lime.Com has a beautiful fun website with articles on healthy living with a twist-- OH and recipes for Lavendar Ice Cream-- what could be better. Also has podcast meditation room downloads!
Work Stress Reduction Tips
Transforming Your Type A Personality
Inspired by an interest in the balanced mind, body spirit idea, such that periodically I explore this topic. Now let me be perfectly transparent about my Type A personality-- I know it is who I am now, but I know I can change.
I come from a long midwestern traditional family of hard workers-- if you are happy-- celebrate with work, sad or not sure what to do-- don't just stand there, DO SOMETHING. So topics like Performance Management become a serious challenge for me. For years fear and guilt drove me to try to AVOID making mistakesm working at harder than my peers because of a deeply seeded unreasonable demand placed on my self!
The joy of a type A personality is all the cool things you get to learn and do when inspired. The perils affect the individual and those that try to live and work with them.
When I lived in Colorado, I never even realized that the author of the book "Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much" - Anne Wilson Schaef, lived in Boulder, Colorado. If I knew she was there before I moved away, I would have invited her to coffee to learn more about how she applied this in life. However I imagine I was just too busy with Work, Political Advocacy, a family, and a Career Network to do much socializing..
THAT was the problem. Life Balance is about variety, yin and yang, work and play, sunshine and rain.. I KNOW I drive too hard, everyone that knows me knows I do.. But they of course love me as I am-- not sure if this is because of my own neurotic obsession to try to be a perfectly productive NON-workaholic.
It is my experience that we learn more when living in balance. As we start to explore that, I will share some cool links I have found on the topic. Please if you are a type A personality as well, do share how you manage life balance too.
We can find the courage to change and embrace a balanced life style too. The truth is at least for many of us, we LIKE and put a quirky value on doing too much, so doing less and being productive has to become a new paradigm. We forget that if we are too tired, we are less effective than if we are rested.. and so on and so on.. the key is not trying to go on, when a body needs a break. :D
RESOURCES:
Lime.Com has a beautiful fun website with articles on healthy living with a twist-- OH and recipes for Lavendar Ice Cream-- what could be better. Also has podcast meditation room downloads!
Work Stress Reduction Tips
Transforming Your Type A Personality
04 August 2006
Easy Career Branding and Networking Plan
Most of allow our brand to be defined for us, but what we are doing today. This is not a deliberate strategy, most of us are simply too busy in our day to day jobs to think about the importance of branding to our CAREERS, as it is to many companies. FastCompany.com recent article "The Brand Called You" creates a very practical foundation that any individual can adapt to represent their unique self, their value add to the business community, and a Networking Plan to make that Brand called YOU gain that well deserved market image.
Many of us thrive on that beautiful cup of Panera or Starbucks, why would we choose that over a mug of Folgers at home? Most often it is brand affinity! So when Starbucks expands their market into Ice Cream I am all about buying it, why? Because Carmel Latte is my favorite, and they are now offering an ice cream in my favorite beverage flavor!
Companies get it, and Professionals are starting to as well. You don't need to be a Advertising Excecutive or Public Relations Guru to apply these simple steps to clarify how YOU and others relate to the magnificent brand that is You, Incorporated!
Using the Fast Company model, plus the power of a few things you already have and very likely at low or no cost, you can apply easy career branding and apply it through your own personal networking plan.
A. DEFINE WHAT YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOU, INCORPORATED.
B. SIMPLIFY- What makes you Unique? What do you offer that your competition can not?
C. PITCH the Plan through your personal network.
Using these three simple steps you can define your career branding message and a plan for pitching it into a reality that represents YOU, INCORPORATED, now improved with this great new objective that people I do business with understand!
A. DEFINE WHAT YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOU, INCORPORATED.
Everyone has a chance to stand out, something they do uniquely that positions them as the perfect choice for a business opportunity. Why do some do this so naturallly and others are too busy? Develop a sense of curiousity and play towards what you are and do.
1. Make a decision to think of yourself differently-- you ARE your brand, and your objectives, talents, and desires manifest opportunities that support you. You are NOT the company you work for, but when you are clear on your objectives and the company is clear on theirs, it is easier for both of you to make a decision based upon choice (Starbucks) over function (cup of black coffee).
2. Use free networking and brainstorming to discover how to explain what you are doing to someone not in your industry. My friend Margi has a gift for explaining anything, whether it is a IT Hairball process or a new market direction, as simply as you would select a pack of M&Ms. If you have a Margi in your life, bonus, if not, you can find them in the abundance of free online networks-- people that represent themselves well and naturally are network leaders on Ryze.com, YahooGroups, LinkedIn, and my personal favorite, the Helping Friends Career Network Groups on Yahoo.
TIP and DOUBLE DOG DARE? If you want to have some fun with this, create a LinkedIn Profile that represents your brand, then add it to the "Gallery" of LinkedIn network profiles. OTHERS can come to visit this Gallery, admire the brand that it you, send invitations to connect, or borrow from your good example.. See your brand is already starting to have value recognition, and you are only on step 1! Remember brand is about explaining your value and improving how you represent yourself as the brand of choice!
3. The shampoo bottle says, "lather, rinse and repeat" -- I am not sure many people READ that and apply it, but they do like the notion of clean hair, so they will lather and rinse until they feel the job is done. They bought the shampoo because they wanted the outcome- clean hair, not because the bottle suggested how to get it. People select you because they have confidence that you are someone that can help them solve their business problem. Too often we dilute our effectiveness by marketing ourselves to others based upon our wish. People don't select you because your goal is to get a job, people will however be very interested in you if they think you can do what they need to have done!
B. SIMPLIFY. So if this is about yours and their desired result, what is the best way to represent yourself and the opportunity in a way that you are simply the brand of choice in a competitive environment. THIS part takes practice and the brand that is you, refines over time. The big companies use this notion of distilling the desires of their customer and the desires of their company into a feture benefit model of clear benefits of your strengths to continuing a business relationship.
I learned this brand lesson from my son, who at 4 years old, could discover the features and benefits of companies he never even shopped at.. We played a game--
"You can do it, we can help"? his answer "Home Depot"
"da da da da da- I'm loving it" his answer, "can we go to McDonlds and get a happy meal, they have ___?"
In my industry we have created a notion of complexity as our secret value! Folks can't figure out how we do it, then they will select us out of despair, and we can be heroes! That is largely impractical especially in this competitive environment!
Advantage is based upon networking, relationships, and people's choice. If over 60% of jobs are found through networking, a toddler is swayed by golden arches to feel that a happy meal is their perfect choice, and I use a Verizon phone and you will be able to hear me now, and I will never be alone.. THAT is brand, and it works for people as much as companies.
1. Make a decision to establish your profile and simplify it. Practice in your mind, as to how others receive you helps, working with friends helps, -- a fun way to do this is with social networking and my favorite source there is Ryze.com-- it allows you to put together a profile that represents your personal and professional interest, then join discussion groups where you can learn alot about who you are and what you value. So "write your profile" and have a "showing" with friends to see how they see you, refine this based upon input and observatino to better meet your target audience.
2. Create or join a community of professionals either in your industry, or in a career brainstorming group, etc. The goal is to network with like minds, particularly in a place where you can give and receive hints that simplify the message. If you are a mentor to someone, you can apply the notion of teaching best, what you most need to learn. If you are seeking advise, receiving and acting on advise that has had your desired results is better than busy work because you are not sure what else to do.
TIP: If you need ideas for Communities for your Career, refer to A-Z Career Guide Reference for Winning Career Strategies- Advise, Opportunity, Changing, Job Leads or Career Coaching Related!
c. PITCH. Within your support groups, friends, community and online presence, explore how your represent yourself. I found I adjusted my core profile to fit a few different social networks online, in my networking groups, even in my business practice.
1. Create and share news that genuinely helps people to achieve what they desire. Some things that you can GIVE are business referrals, links, information, endorsements, all things that create a relationship. My friend Dani is a master networker of a Ryze group called "Truth Seekers" that explores a fun mix of current events, politics, and self quizzes. Dani brings a beautiful brand of herself into the mix-- a personality that is strong, solid, and definite Dani, but appealing to a vast variety of people, because she values relationships and diverse opinions as a part of who she is. Dani
TIP: LinkedIn is a great give and receive on how others perceive your value add. Give and Receive referrals for people you respect. There is something satisfying for giver and receiving in telling them what you appreciate about them. LinkedIn's endorsement mechanism allows you to give that feedback in a way that contributes to their personal brand, while allowing value input on how others perceive you!
2. Strive for the win win in relationships. This is not about using people and selective association with people, it is about feeling connected to a community, representing the unique thing it is that you do, and recognizing the value to the business relationship. If you do this when you don't have an objective, you will have created a habit that always seeks the win win, when you do have an objective.
3. Networks are not built over night, they mature and improve over time.. As do you and your brand. Wishing you every success on the path. Set a goal to do a little bit each day and you will be surprised what you have accomplished, simplified, and delivered over time! Apply the notion of awareness.
Being awake to the opportunity presented in day to day life, and allow that practice to expand and change. It is fun to watch what can happen when you are not so driven by objectives, that you can see new possibilities. That you are disciplined enough in your message that you attract business possibilties and people know how to work with you, but creative enough NOT to miss an opportunity because it did not fit your present level of involvement. Life is about choices, lets explore the limitless potential of becoming our personal best!
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Got ideas, articles or links after reading this? I would love to hear from you!
Dawn Mular
http://linkedin.com/in/dmular
Helping Friends Career Network
Join Winning Career Strategies on Ryze! We support "virtual mentoring"-- whether refining present skills, how to get your first job, recover from a set back, or embark on a journey to a complete career makeover. Even if your goal is going from gainfully employed to venturing out into business on your own, we are the exploration Career Network!
Many of us thrive on that beautiful cup of Panera or Starbucks, why would we choose that over a mug of Folgers at home? Most often it is brand affinity! So when Starbucks expands their market into Ice Cream I am all about buying it, why? Because Carmel Latte is my favorite, and they are now offering an ice cream in my favorite beverage flavor!
Companies get it, and Professionals are starting to as well. You don't need to be a Advertising Excecutive or Public Relations Guru to apply these simple steps to clarify how YOU and others relate to the magnificent brand that is You, Incorporated!
Using the Fast Company model, plus the power of a few things you already have and very likely at low or no cost, you can apply easy career branding and apply it through your own personal networking plan.
A. DEFINE WHAT YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOU, INCORPORATED.
B. SIMPLIFY- What makes you Unique? What do you offer that your competition can not?
C. PITCH the Plan through your personal network.
Using these three simple steps you can define your career branding message and a plan for pitching it into a reality that represents YOU, INCORPORATED, now improved with this great new objective that people I do business with understand!
A. DEFINE WHAT YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOU, INCORPORATED.
Everyone has a chance to stand out, something they do uniquely that positions them as the perfect choice for a business opportunity. Why do some do this so naturallly and others are too busy? Develop a sense of curiousity and play towards what you are and do.
1. Make a decision to think of yourself differently-- you ARE your brand, and your objectives, talents, and desires manifest opportunities that support you. You are NOT the company you work for, but when you are clear on your objectives and the company is clear on theirs, it is easier for both of you to make a decision based upon choice (Starbucks) over function (cup of black coffee).
2. Use free networking and brainstorming to discover how to explain what you are doing to someone not in your industry. My friend Margi has a gift for explaining anything, whether it is a IT Hairball process or a new market direction, as simply as you would select a pack of M&Ms. If you have a Margi in your life, bonus, if not, you can find them in the abundance of free online networks-- people that represent themselves well and naturally are network leaders on Ryze.com, YahooGroups, LinkedIn, and my personal favorite, the Helping Friends Career Network Groups on Yahoo.
TIP and DOUBLE DOG DARE? If you want to have some fun with this, create a LinkedIn Profile that represents your brand, then add it to the "Gallery" of LinkedIn network profiles. OTHERS can come to visit this Gallery, admire the brand that it you, send invitations to connect, or borrow from your good example.. See your brand is already starting to have value recognition, and you are only on step 1! Remember brand is about explaining your value and improving how you represent yourself as the brand of choice!
3. The shampoo bottle says, "lather, rinse and repeat" -- I am not sure many people READ that and apply it, but they do like the notion of clean hair, so they will lather and rinse until they feel the job is done. They bought the shampoo because they wanted the outcome- clean hair, not because the bottle suggested how to get it. People select you because they have confidence that you are someone that can help them solve their business problem. Too often we dilute our effectiveness by marketing ourselves to others based upon our wish. People don't select you because your goal is to get a job, people will however be very interested in you if they think you can do what they need to have done!
B. SIMPLIFY. So if this is about yours and their desired result, what is the best way to represent yourself and the opportunity in a way that you are simply the brand of choice in a competitive environment. THIS part takes practice and the brand that is you, refines over time. The big companies use this notion of distilling the desires of their customer and the desires of their company into a feture benefit model of clear benefits of your strengths to continuing a business relationship.
I learned this brand lesson from my son, who at 4 years old, could discover the features and benefits of companies he never even shopped at.. We played a game--
"You can do it, we can help"? his answer "Home Depot"
"da da da da da- I'm loving it" his answer, "can we go to McDonlds and get a happy meal, they have ___?"
In my industry we have created a notion of complexity as our secret value! Folks can't figure out how we do it, then they will select us out of despair, and we can be heroes! That is largely impractical especially in this competitive environment!
Advantage is based upon networking, relationships, and people's choice. If over 60% of jobs are found through networking, a toddler is swayed by golden arches to feel that a happy meal is their perfect choice, and I use a Verizon phone and you will be able to hear me now, and I will never be alone.. THAT is brand, and it works for people as much as companies.
1. Make a decision to establish your profile and simplify it. Practice in your mind, as to how others receive you helps, working with friends helps, -- a fun way to do this is with social networking and my favorite source there is Ryze.com-- it allows you to put together a profile that represents your personal and professional interest, then join discussion groups where you can learn alot about who you are and what you value. So "write your profile" and have a "showing" with friends to see how they see you, refine this based upon input and observatino to better meet your target audience.
2. Create or join a community of professionals either in your industry, or in a career brainstorming group, etc. The goal is to network with like minds, particularly in a place where you can give and receive hints that simplify the message. If you are a mentor to someone, you can apply the notion of teaching best, what you most need to learn. If you are seeking advise, receiving and acting on advise that has had your desired results is better than busy work because you are not sure what else to do.
TIP: If you need ideas for Communities for your Career, refer to A-Z Career Guide Reference for Winning Career Strategies- Advise, Opportunity, Changing, Job Leads or Career Coaching Related!
c. PITCH. Within your support groups, friends, community and online presence, explore how your represent yourself. I found I adjusted my core profile to fit a few different social networks online, in my networking groups, even in my business practice.
1. Create and share news that genuinely helps people to achieve what they desire. Some things that you can GIVE are business referrals, links, information, endorsements, all things that create a relationship. My friend Dani is a master networker of a Ryze group called "Truth Seekers" that explores a fun mix of current events, politics, and self quizzes. Dani brings a beautiful brand of herself into the mix-- a personality that is strong, solid, and definite Dani, but appealing to a vast variety of people, because she values relationships and diverse opinions as a part of who she is. Dani
TIP: LinkedIn is a great give and receive on how others perceive your value add. Give and Receive referrals for people you respect. There is something satisfying for giver and receiving in telling them what you appreciate about them. LinkedIn's endorsement mechanism allows you to give that feedback in a way that contributes to their personal brand, while allowing value input on how others perceive you!
2. Strive for the win win in relationships. This is not about using people and selective association with people, it is about feeling connected to a community, representing the unique thing it is that you do, and recognizing the value to the business relationship. If you do this when you don't have an objective, you will have created a habit that always seeks the win win, when you do have an objective.
3. Networks are not built over night, they mature and improve over time.. As do you and your brand. Wishing you every success on the path. Set a goal to do a little bit each day and you will be surprised what you have accomplished, simplified, and delivered over time! Apply the notion of awareness.
Being awake to the opportunity presented in day to day life, and allow that practice to expand and change. It is fun to watch what can happen when you are not so driven by objectives, that you can see new possibilities. That you are disciplined enough in your message that you attract business possibilties and people know how to work with you, but creative enough NOT to miss an opportunity because it did not fit your present level of involvement. Life is about choices, lets explore the limitless potential of becoming our personal best!
---------------------------------------------------
Got ideas, articles or links after reading this? I would love to hear from you!
Dawn Mular
http://linkedin.com/in/dmular
Helping Friends Career Network
Join Winning Career Strategies on Ryze! We support "virtual mentoring"-- whether refining present skills, how to get your first job, recover from a set back, or embark on a journey to a complete career makeover. Even if your goal is going from gainfully employed to venturing out into business on your own, we are the exploration Career Network!
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