Why and How to Create Professional Portfolios..

Why do companies invest in brochures and printed media if all you need to know is posted on their website?

Why do professionals produce career portfolios when their resume contains their credentials?

Marketing is as effective for the individual as it is the mom and pop small business to the multi million dollar corporation. In today's blog we will discuss and present some options for producing your professional portfolio.


WHAT IS A PORTFOLIO? A presentation summary of your skills and abilities, transcending, not duplicating the cover letter and resume. A portfolio should serve the primary purpose of supporting you as you market your skills.



Top reasons to create a portfolio:
1. Not everyone reads multipage paper copy.
2. Creates credibility and competitive positioning.
3. "Always on" summary to introduce you, creates productivity and opportunity.
4. Makes it easy for others to refer business or career opportunities to you.
5. Offers tangible proof of your skills with drill downs to more information.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A PORTFOLIO: With Links where practical for more information.
* Introduction
* Summary of Skills, Abilities and Experience. (Links to Resume, online profile)
* Testimonials (Links to References, LinkedIn Endorsements, etc).
* Awards and Honors (Links to Press Releases, awards, recognition.
* Relevant Work Samples (Links to blogs, presentations, reports, or multimedia)

In the blogging community, many professionals include links to a professional portfolio "about me" link. Others structure their Linked In, Facebook, or other "social networking" vehicle as a portfolio summary that is reused in blogs, email signatures, and printed material. This is a practical approach as most social networks cover MOST of the "what to include" elements. The key is selecting a portfolio that is publically available for view.

I will provide a few examples from my profile. I created a portfolio on Konnects.com to meet more local professionals. As a work from home individual who is new to the area, I needed a portfolio that could summarize why I would like to meet others, and what wins we might gain for the mutual connection. In that sample, I link to my LinkedIn Profile as well..

I elected not to use the Linked In profile as my primary means of contact, however. This business profile on Konnects, allowed me to create a focussed local presence on wanting to meet professionals looking for work or looking to hire. I use my Linked In profile to connect to IT Industry professionals as well, and to offer clarity in my services, I wanted to offer this focussed view into what I can offer to someone looking for work or looking to hire.

I would like to create a gallery of great portfolio examples if others are inclined to share, please email me with a sample of your profile, that can be shared with our business and career networks. It is good exposure for you, a chance to kick off the new year with a fresh look at your image, and attract opportunities that you desire in the process! I would like to feature both examples of business and job search oriented portfolios!



Dawn http://linkedin.com/in/dmular
Helping Friends Career Network
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Resolution Helps for Professionals Skills and Networking

Leading up to New Years, I will offer some professional "resolution" assistance.

1. Develop Professional and Marketable Skills:

• Develop Skills and Stay in Touch with Industry:
  
• Don't be a buzzwords bad blender. :D
  
• Browse through and subscribe to interesting Magazines of TradePub.com.
  
• Check out the Free Stuff in Ganas Consulting (Get a Life) website-- great stuff.
  
• Interviewing Tips from largest collection of free Interview Questions.
  
• Job Search with Helping Friends!
  
• Read eNews for Job Seeker Tips, Hints, and Job Leads.
  
• Register as a New Candidate, then Search Open Jobs
• Job Leads (Yahoo Group)-- Job Leads and Career support for ACTIVE job seekers.
• Join Trade and Industry Associations of Interest:
  
• American Management Association
• HDI: Leading IT Service and Support.
  
• Join Relevant Helping Friends Career Networking Groups:
  
• Career Transformation Talk (Yahoo Group)- Virtual Mentoring Tips for PRESENTLY employed.
  
• Job Leads (Yahoo Group)-- Job Leads and Career support for ACTIVE job seekers.
• Linked In Helping Friends (Linked In Group)-- Network with other Members and expand your business and career professional network.
• Winning Career and Business Strategies (Ryze Group)-- Networking for Career and Business Professionals

2. Brush Up on my Career and Business Image:

• Getting Started with LinkedIn (Creating a powerful profile that attracts business)
• Harvard Business School advise on image
  
• Key Words Clarify, Create Value and Convey Image.
  
• Brush up that Elevator Speech, Resume, Social Networking Profile, etc.. Fresh new image, for the bold and purposeful person you choose to be!
  

3. More Efficient Time Management:

• Organi-zine-- Organize it Today Subscription for free organization tips! Great stuff.
  
• TimeToMeet.com free utility to plan meetings with friends or associates, "visually" paints for comparison of available meeting times!
  

What else have you found helpful for attaining your professional goals for 2007?

Dawn Mular: http://linkedin.com/in/dmular
Join LinkedIn HFCN: http://shurl.org/LI_HFCN_invitation
Helping Friends Intro: http://1url.org/go/1HFCN_opps

In Memory: Bob Fanchi

When you read the headlines, ""Plant incident kills Prestress Engineering worker"
it seems a shame. Sunset arriving too early. A 40 Year Old Man was pronounced dead in an Engineering Plan Incident yesterday-- an obituary, the Tuesday before Christmas.

This week I have been working extra hours trying to get everything wrapped up before we go to visit family in Pontiac, IL. A few more unplanned meetings than expected, but a productive week. full of anticipation of time spent with family and friends. How personal this news became when I learned that this headline was about Bob Fanchi, from Pontiac. It has been years but we went to Pontiac Township High School together.

Last year was the first year in over a decade that our family got together for the holidays in IL-- we were too busy, working, living. We have come home in honor of family member's Funerals, and this will be the second year, for Christmas. I have to admit, it feels strange to know that I have been away from my hometown almost as long as I lived there as a child. The faces in Pontiac Places are strangers, although I hope to see someone soon that I actually recognize.. Doubtful, given my odd California encounter with the Kelches and Bunches-- where I sat across the living room from Dale Kelch and saw no resemblance of the Dale I once knew.

I know so much has changed. People have moved on, PTHS is a bit smaller than I remembered it being. The square we used to cruise, probably still has cars, but now the people my age are waiting at home for those kids to return.. Life has a cycle, and 40 is too soon for it to end.

This is in memory of Bob Fanchi, a good many years have passed since we have seen each other, but I remember you from class.. Funny what you remember after two decades. I know you are not the "sandy blonde", kind and quiet.. I don't even remember why we called you "french fry" -- but I wonder if you started it? Was it you or Cubby Crews , or both of you, picking on my artistic rendering of an apple, "a lopsided peach?" Some how I think it was Cubby.

With so many years past, I am sure Cubby is now a more dignified "Stanley". I seem to remember he was teaching somewhere in the area.

We all move on, we grow and change. Life has been a grand adventure since Ann Travers taught us about Jimmy Hendrix and art. High School was awkward for me, uncomfortable, I made a lot of mistakes, and learned from them. As far as I moved away, I never lost home, it lives within me.

Two years ago, I became mother to the beautiful Caitlyn. Her middle name memorializes the memory of my dear Laura Utterback, taken away too soon, at 16 years of age, and yet never forgotten.

Bob may you have found joy during your time here on earth. Our thoughts and wishes with your family in this time of grief.

Life is short, in the whole scheme of things. Reach out today. Touch someone's live, or remind them of how they have touched yours. Dora and Kari, and others, I sure hope to see you on this visit!! Because we don't see one another all that much, please don't think for a moment you are not remembered fondly!

Dawn
http://linkedin.com/in/dmular

Ambition -- a Practical, Achievable Career Art

This is going to be fun.. We are doing a series blog on Career Achievement Practice.

Those applying this activity, please share your advise, experience, Links and results... Yes, even ask for advise on challenging areas..

PREPARING THE CAREER CANVAS:

This implies that we are prepared to accept and take actions towards becoming our best selves. That does not always mean finding a new job, but it DOES mean being proactive, visionary, and organized in your approach to decide what is going to be key in your career art and what is out of scope. It also means choosing what details best represent your vision, and what to trade, omit, or change to create a better image.

You do not need to be an artist or a career scholar to explore the nature of achievable career art vision. At it's purest sense the notion of preparing your career canvas involves knowing realistically where you are, and set a vision for where you aspire to be. Creative potential is like a muscle, that grows in strength, capacity, and ability through regular use. Regular use can be applied by looking for what you can get rid of that you don't need, and being proactive to identify and act on forward progress that gets you there.

Beginning with the dream or vision of what you aspire to be-- done correctly to the right level of detail will be an inspiration sufficient to make you want to take proactive measures, and personal habits to make a difference.

Mine is not the only method to success for your career options, in fact, I think if you take any steps to open your mind, activity, and potential, you can expect results, and so, I will bring in some other reference points that may speak to you as well. As professionals you are likely to relate to these other references. MOST important is to believe things are what they are right now, BALANCED with:

1. You are never given a dream without the equal capacity to make it happen.
2. You are able to do ultimately more, by identifying and getting rid of old habits, beliefs and limitations that no longer apply.
3. You are responsible for your thoughts, feelings, and accomplishments, whether or not you accept this responsibility.. However you are also creative masters of your life, and the possibilities of beauty and accomplishment, are refined through ambitious exploration and practice.

In the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People "Preparing the Career Canvas" would align to "1. Be Proactive. 2. Begin with the End in Mind. 3. Put First Things First.



In the Six Sigma World, this would be a DMA of a DMADV process (Define, Measure, Analyze).



Sales and Marketing professionals create extraordinary profits by focus on the target customer, and how to create an accurate understanding of how they want to be served, where they want to invest, and what the outcome looks like. Marketing professionals know that in order to achieve a desired outcome, they must be able to focus on a clear benefit that your service brings, described in a way that elicits action, progress, and profitability. Preparation requires knowing who and where you are, what you have, and where you want to go with it.




In the business world, we are all great in our profession at solving the particular problems that are required. These same skills that have made you an excellent business person, could extend to the logic of your career as a creative and inspirational project.

If you are looking for a new job specifically, rather than reinvent the wheel that has already been proven, I recommend applying Kathleen Conner's "The Thrill of the Hunt". Many of our Helping Friends have done so and found her techniques allow you to create and even have fun finding ways to create and act on your perfect new job opportunity.



Others might appreciate the techniques of Robin Ryan. She is a brilliant opportunity creator who has featured her work on Oprah. Her ideas are thorough and she knows how and what happens to inspire people to become their personal best!



Okay so there are a number of great "creating your vision and career masterpiece approaches. My suggestion is to prepare your tools regardless, and get started today. Whether or not you are looking for work, these actions help you clarify what it is, where you are, and then you can chart a better course on where you want to be.

Where you ARE:

CAREER TOOLKIT: What have you done for me lately?
1. Update your resume with the Keywords that represent you best.
2. Update and extend your Linked In Profile connections, highlights/aspirations.
3. What are results and examples I have accomplished that should be highlighted.
4. Is my reference list current and my objectives clear?

Creating a Vision for where you aspire to be:

What do you need to learn?
What types of work gives you most joy?
What types of work conditions help you to be most productive?

Now to expand your creativity and visual muscle, interview someone who has done what you have aspired to do, and ask their advise on what they like best, how to get started, and any other ideas they might have.

Just "do" it.

What actions can you take every day to move you a step closer to that finished masterpiece? Manage your activity, trade some old ideas for new possibilities, some time wasters for inspiriations. Most of all, challenge your limitations beliefs with the more powerful inpsiration beliefs. Who do you know that has done this? Are you the first? If so, maybe it is time for this success story to be told so that others believe they can live their dreams. If it has been done, you have no reason to expect limitations on your dream, with consistent action... Get a coach or friend to be accountable on the path, seek coaching, or motivation to make the change fun.

Dawn
http://linkedin.com/in/dmular

Community Network Online Business Careers Library

Keywords create Value, Image and Prosperity... or not..

We are getting a blizzard today in the Akron OH area.. I amused myself that I was willing to risk life and limb for the dark chocolate "finishing" touch on the brownies for a school fundraiser that coincides with the the Holiday Pageant at school tonight. Weather forecast is calling for over a foot of snow, so it is a pretty good bet that this event will NOT go forward.

While driving home at around 20 miles per hour, a commercial came on the radio for a new Akron luxury SPA. With the wipers at full blast, the heater and defrost at full tilt, the radio ad for a new SPA experience sounded AWESOME! "Our aromatherapy services awaken the spirit, our warm service invigorates.... they went on and I was starting to experience the joy that a SPA day could bring..." EVEN while driving in my car in a snow storm, the luxury stood out as something I wanted. But then they finished, "and come visit us, our services are almost as good as any other place." WHAT?? What did I just hear? I was so there, and then they told me about their striving for mediocrity. I don't want a SPA almost as good, I want the best my money can buy!

Words matter. We use them all the time to create an image. As much as other ads are presented to us, they do enter our subconscious and create an impression of value.. or not.

The words we use to describe our opportunities, our views, and yes represent ourselves, matters as well. Not just to those we might be working with, but to ourselves!

Consider the notions of luxury or "average". In a SPA folks generally want luxury.

Consider the notions of a restaraunt "pretty good" leaves room for doubt, which is likely why many fast food places advertise, "good food, fast" or "pricing for people on the go." Most people do not go to McDonalds drive through expecting a 5 star dining experience-- they need food, but don't have time for an experience...

So as it comes to career and business choice, are you using words that satisfy a need, or create an experience? When my industry turned a few years back, I turned to satisfying a need, and my words, my experience, my communications circled around "survival" to provide for my family. I reminded myself not to rock the boat, not to make too many waves, not to get so attached to work, not to give so much that I regretted when I was laid off... In summary, everything I was representing, to myself and to the world was a struggle of seeming necessity, sorrow, and fear.

Now let me not minimize the situation, but let me use my experience to illustrate how a snowball or a mud ball rolling down hill picks up more volume, more size and more intensity. In the universe, whether your material is white snow or murky mud , the result is the same.. A bulk of optimism creates an experience of optimism. A bulk of pessimistic fear, extends the experience of limitations.

How much of the story you present in your jobs is to explain from a position of average why people should hire you? How much of your experience is based in a secret fear that this is the last company in the world that could possibly appreciate you as much? How much of a mudball of limitations must you navigate to get to your true and creative potential.

FACT: If you believe you have limitations or opportunity, you are correct. Your thoughts, your words, your beliefs create your experiences. If something does not conform to your view, as humans, we have an amazing gift of looking for evidence that DOES match. If that is true, would you rather be creating a picture of potential or limitation? Given the equal choice of both, I would rather have luxury than limitation.

If all things happen for a reason, today is a day of remarkable potential. There is a constant flow of prosperity. I heard on the radio that people finding jobs is at a record high for the season, and I am seeing this echoed in the successes of the many job seekers who have found not just jobs, but careers that compliment their skills, for a good salary, and a great environment.

* DEFINE what it is you want, and focus that image.
* IMAGINE the experience of your ideal environment, and then set a course for marketing the opportunity so that you can recognize it and accept it when it is presented.
* PREPARE the project plan, refine the marketing tools you use to describe to yourself and others, get great at articulating what will need to recognize this reality.. and how that will benefit others.

It is the prepared that get an experience. The rushed get what they pay for.

There is an abundance of opportunity, of possibility and success, custom made for someone like you! There is a universe of people waiting for that distinct talent that you offer. When you recognize a successful experience, it will have a few key attributes of pleasantry-- success will seem effortless, results clear, even if the next steps are not... Believing, prioritizing, and acting in that interest of your plans for prosperity, creating a marketing plan for you, that keeps you interested and taking action daily, until that day arrives is much more practical than looking for evidence that it just can not be done.. For you are never given a dream without the equal capacity to make it happen.

RESOURCES FOR INSPIRATION:
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http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/HFCN-CareerTransformationTalk/

Resume Key Words from Top Resume Writers

Three Rules for turning Stress into Success Dr Denis Waitley.

Mental Patterns Emotional Mastery great blog by Scott H Young on getting the most out of life.


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Get Ready For what you WANT in your life.. Creating a positive destiny..

Zig Ziglar: "You can have anything in the world you want, if you are just willing to help enough other people get what they want."

This blog deals with creating career resources from a position of radical prosperity.. radical determination to identify and act on a vision, weeding out those things in life you don't want, to make room for those things that you do want. Some might call this habit, emotional clutter, or security. I challenge you to consider what persistant actions, activity, and support will help you recognize success, and what are those things you are holding on to that are holding you back? Identify them and transform them. Do this by creating new beliefs, donating old materials, and getting rid of years of accumulated clutter that has just created a habit for hanging around.

Some feel it is hard work to create a new vision and act upon it. When considering the amount of time and resource we invest in making a living however, this investment of time is not only reasonable, it is essential for career energy, to be acting towards becoming our best selves.

TRANSFORM LIMITATION AND LACK WORDS TO POSSIBILITY:
Look for reasons to replace "lack" with "amazement"- limitation with possibility.

Limitations repeated create roadblocks to progress. Rationalizing why you are not going to find a job will not help you become more creative, in fact, it will stifle the good progress you might be making. Identify and work with others to create a more supportive environment, steeped in your desired results instead of your feared outcomes! Words matter-- positive words can create possibilities. Negative words are tricky because they can create limitations, that create habits, that create a loop of behaviours "masquerading" as stuckness.

You can create momentum. You can start today. Does not matter who you are, your age, your reason for looking for work, your pocket book, etc. It starts with Identifying who you aspire to be and recognize that person within you today.

Act on weeding out the behaviours, beliefs and limitations that keep you stuck.
Act on a daily action plan that takes several steps each day towards your desired outcome. "Feel the Fear, and Do it anyway".

TRANSFORM, TOSS, OR DONATE UNUSED GOODS. During the holiday season, your time in identifying and donating the things you no longer use can help others less fortunate, so this is a double joy. A recent study found volunteering at an all time high. If that means people are taking time to care for one another, your time spent identifying and getting rid of what you don't use--- Clothing, Toys, Books, Household items, etc. can make a significant difference.
Recycling old cell phones can benefit domestic abuse shelters.

Remember that those things taking up space on your shelves could dramatically help with Katrina's Angels and many other great Rebuilding Operations Still under way. Approximately 123,000 owner-occupied homes and 82,000 rental properties were destroyed or damaged with repair costs estimated at $32 billion, and a fraction of the costs are covered by insurance.

We have remarkable resourcing, creativity and decision making skills. Sometimes we allow circumstances to cloud our belief in this possibility. Today, lets focus on waking to being the best person we can be.. Stepping out to claim that better destiny will require some new thoughts, mindsets and possibilities to be let in, to replace some of the old mindsets, limitations, and roadblocks.. Ideas are there, will you let them in? In the coming weeks we will blog more on this topic and share ideas of how and where one can go to identify a new wellspring for positive change.

To start out with:
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On Ryze Social Networking:
http://hfcnwinningcareers-network.ryze.com/
Feel Free to Prosper

LinkedIn Group: LinkedIn HFCN

Yahoo Groups:
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/HFCN-CareerTransformationTalk/

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LI_FearlessExecWomen/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyLadyMentors

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/LinkedinMotivation/

Dawn
http://linkedin.com/in/dmular