Looking for something a little different? Click Here!
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A comfort zone denotes the limited set of behaviors and environments that a person can engage in without becoming anxious.
The Comfort Zone is our living, work, and social environments that we have grown accustom too. It determines the type of friends we make or people we associate with. It determines a life style we accept or reject.
Most of us love the familiar. Whether we realize it or not, we put a lot of work into ensuring that certain things in our lives remain constant.This personal “comfort zone” is the invisible, but very real area that defines the boundaries of what we know and understand. By staying within this comfort zone we reassure ourselves that we are safe. And as long as we are safely held within the walls of what we know we feel secure and confident.
As we move closer to the edges of that zone we begin to feel a bit shaky and unsure of ourselves. But those edges are where we grow. And by stretching those boundaries we increase our ability to receive.
T. Harv Eker, the author of The Secrets of The Millionaire Mind has said that our comfort zone equals our money zone. In order to have more money in our lives we must expand our comfort zone.
I would add that our comfort zone equals our joy zone, our love zone, our fulfillment zone, our spiritual connection zone, you name it.
So if you want more of anything in your life, the place to start is with your comfort zone. By expanding your comfort zone you will get more of what you want. It’s that simple.
Now it sounds easy enough, but most of us have built up some pretty sturdy walls around our comfort zone. Pushing them out or breaking them down requires conscious, concerted effort. And I have found that it’s easier to expand the comfort zone in small, steady, steps than in great big leaps. But in order to do that, you need to intentionally take expansive action on a daily basis.
So to get you started, I’ve created a list of 50 actions that might expand your comfort zone.
Keep in mind that the parameters of everyone’s comfort zone are different. So if you already love to Scuba dive, number 30 on this list isn’t going to expand your comfort zone very much! But there are most likely other items on this list that will work for you.
Also realize that many of these can, and may need to be, turned around to work for you. For example, number 6 is “Be the first to say, “I love you.” But if you’re the one that always says I love you first, you’ll need to turn it around to “Let the other person say ‘I love you’ first.” For some of you that’s going to be quite uncomfortable, especially when the other person doesn’t say “I love you!”
This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list. It can’t be. Instead, it’s a catalyst and a reminder for you to take small steps each and every day that expand your comfort zone.
Here’s the list:
1. Try some new food.
2. Go on a silent retreat.
3. Ask for a raise.
4. Smile at strangers.
5. Say hello to people in the grocery store.
6. Be the first to say “I love you.”
7. Perform at an open mike night.
8. Eat at a local restaurant by yourself.
9. Take a day off from work to volunteer at your child’s school.
10. Go back to school.
11. Start a new business.
12. Moonlight as a waitperson.
13. Unplug the TV for a week.
14. Write in a journal every day.
15. Learn to surf.
16. Go to a different church/temple/mosque each week.
17. Get your news from different sources.
18. Live in another country.
19. Do a house-swap for a month.
20. Use public transportation.
21. Wear an outrageous outfit.
22. Meditate for 15-minutes a day.
23. Put your cell phone in a drawer for a full week.
24. Make a fool of yourself – on purpose.
25. Call someone you admire in your community and ask them out for lunch.
26. Ask someone you admire to be your mentor.
27. Switch sides (of the bed) with your partner.
28. Confront a phobia.
29. Jump out of a plane (with a parachute please!).
30. Learn to scuba dive.
31. Say I love you to your parents/children/siblings/friends.
32. Admit you were wrong.
33. Go to a movie by yourself.
34. Take responsibility for something you didn’t do.
35. Give away all one-month’s income.
36. Give a public talk on a topic you’re passionate about.
37. Join a networking group.
38. Disconnect the Internet for a week.
39. Ask for help.
40. Get a part time job as a checker at your local grocery store.
41. Enter an art show.
42. Forgive someone.
43. Join Toastmasters.
44. Start a blog.
45. Ask for a partial or complete telecommute arrangement at work.
46. Take lessons in something you’ve always wanted to try (art, music, woodworking, dancing, etc.).
47. Learn a foreign language.
48. Read a book in a genre you don’t usually read.
49. Delegate more of your work.
50. Get up an hour earlier than usual.
51. Try a therapy or modality that seems a bit “out there.”
Which of these have the most potential for expanding your comfort zone? Which ones made you gulp or start to sweat a bit?
Which actions did I leave off this list that, for you, are particularly effective at expanding your comfort zone?
*** from Evolving Times
Take a chance on yourself - step outside your comfort zone at least once every day. It will improve your self-confidence and make you a better employee.
Fran
P.S. If you want to read other's comments on this post, go to http://www.evolvingtimes.com/2007/09/51-ways-to-expand-your-comfort-zone.htm
Monday, October 20, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
How Do You View Life?
PERCEPTIONS
How was your latest car wash experience?
Did you take your car to a do-it-yourself car wash where you could ensure that every spot that needed to be cleaned was clean?
Did you approach the car wash cautiously, checking your windows 2 and 3 times to ensure that they were firmly secure so that no water could come inside? Then carefully ease your car up to the marked line and then wait - feeling powers beyond your control begin to move your car forward and then feel trapped inside when the thunderous rush of water, soap and brushes hit your car from all directions?
Or did you cheerfully approach the car wash, deposit your coins and gently guide your car into the tracks calmly and serenely.
Did you wonder if you were going to get stuck in the middle and be unable to get out? Did you wonder if the machinery would break down? Did you wonder if your windows Or did you sit back comfortably in your warm cocoon, knowing that you were in good hands and that the machinery was there simply to wash away the dirt and the grime to leave your car clean and ready to go again?
I was at my mom's a couple of weeks ago. Mom likes her car clean, but doesn't feel comfortable doing it on her own - well, she is over 80, so I guess that's why. As I was taking her car through the car wash, I thought about the various car wash experiences, and realized how this experience applies to our daily lives.
Some people see their lives as out of their control. They feel buffeted about by the trials and tribulations of life. They approach it with fear and trepidation, wondering what will hit them next. They are constantly looking around, waiting for the next blow.
Others see that they have set things in motion, that they are on the right track as they pass through life, and that the forces that buffet them are simply there to clean away the debris, leaving them refreshed and ready to carry on with a clean slate.
For those that like the do-it-yourself car wash, and I confess, I am one, our lives are probably much more controlled. We are not content to be on a pre-set track. We may be highly competitive. We may have to be number one. We may have to, as Frank Sinatra said "do it my way." Some of us may not be content to work for someone else, we have to be entrepreneurs so that we can guide our life in the way that we want it to be go. And we ensure that all the specks are removed, that there is nothing hindering us, that there is nothing in our way. It's all in how we perceive our life.
The same situation is often viewed very differently by people in each of these groups. That's why even "eye witness" accounts vary so much. Everyone has heard the question - is the glass half full or is it half empty? Do we look at what's missing - what we don't have, or do we consider the benefits and blessings we do have? Now my oldest son likes to say - "It depends on whether you are filling it up, or drinking it". However, most of us would have a set response. For those who have the scary car wash experience, they may see the glass and their life as half empty and out of their control. For people who see the glass as half full, they probably have a good car wash experience. They are content, calm, ready to travel on with life.
The way we look at things changes how we feel about what goes on in our lives, and how we deal with things. When it comes to employment, some people have a perception that a person without a grade 12 education is not worth hiring, yet there are a number of very successful businessmen, some even millionaires, who have less than a grade 8 education, but more smarts than a university graduate.
In the job search - if you think you won't get a job, your body image changes and the employer's perception of you and your abilities may be affected by this. Try this: Let your shoulders hunch forward, hang your head a little and say "I feel great". It's almost impossible to feel great when your posture says I feel lousy. Next, take a deep breath, put your shoulders back, your head up, a smile on your face and say, "I feel great". This time when you say it, you'll mean it. When you change the image, you also change the perception - both for yourself and the employer.
Our perceptions of events are coloured by the way we think, by the way we perceive life. I know a woman who has a beautiful home, an expensive car, fairly expensive clothes and she owns a company. People perceive her as being very rich. What they don't know is that her house is heavily mortgaged and that she has extensive credit card debt, and the clothes that she is wearing are probably 15-20 years old, purchased at a time when she had a little more money. But it is difficult to change people's perceptions. Someone else might be seen as incredibly poor, living in a tiny shack of a house, not driving the latest car, but that person may be very, very content with what they have. So, while others perceive them as being poor, they may see themselves as very, very rich.
Think about your perceptions. Are you full of hope? Or hopeless? Even the worst situations can have a positive side if we look for the silver lining. For those with a hopeless perspective, this is much more difficult as all they can see are the storm clouds. These people may need help to see that the sun always comes out eventually and that there is always another day, another chance to change things, to wash away the troubles of life.
It's up to the hope full people to lead the way. I challenge you to view life with a positive perspective. To look for the lesson in life's difficulties so that you can share what you've learned with others, so they too can survive and grow from their car wash experiences.
How was your latest car wash experience?
Did you take your car to a do-it-yourself car wash where you could ensure that every spot that needed to be cleaned was clean?
Did you approach the car wash cautiously, checking your windows 2 and 3 times to ensure that they were firmly secure so that no water could come inside? Then carefully ease your car up to the marked line and then wait - feeling powers beyond your control begin to move your car forward and then feel trapped inside when the thunderous rush of water, soap and brushes hit your car from all directions?
Or did you cheerfully approach the car wash, deposit your coins and gently guide your car into the tracks calmly and serenely.
Did you wonder if you were going to get stuck in the middle and be unable to get out? Did you wonder if the machinery would break down? Did you wonder if your windows Or did you sit back comfortably in your warm cocoon, knowing that you were in good hands and that the machinery was there simply to wash away the dirt and the grime to leave your car clean and ready to go again?
I was at my mom's a couple of weeks ago. Mom likes her car clean, but doesn't feel comfortable doing it on her own - well, she is over 80, so I guess that's why. As I was taking her car through the car wash, I thought about the various car wash experiences, and realized how this experience applies to our daily lives.
Some people see their lives as out of their control. They feel buffeted about by the trials and tribulations of life. They approach it with fear and trepidation, wondering what will hit them next. They are constantly looking around, waiting for the next blow.
Others see that they have set things in motion, that they are on the right track as they pass through life, and that the forces that buffet them are simply there to clean away the debris, leaving them refreshed and ready to carry on with a clean slate.
For those that like the do-it-yourself car wash, and I confess, I am one, our lives are probably much more controlled. We are not content to be on a pre-set track. We may be highly competitive. We may have to be number one. We may have to, as Frank Sinatra said "do it my way." Some of us may not be content to work for someone else, we have to be entrepreneurs so that we can guide our life in the way that we want it to be go. And we ensure that all the specks are removed, that there is nothing hindering us, that there is nothing in our way. It's all in how we perceive our life.
The same situation is often viewed very differently by people in each of these groups. That's why even "eye witness" accounts vary so much. Everyone has heard the question - is the glass half full or is it half empty? Do we look at what's missing - what we don't have, or do we consider the benefits and blessings we do have? Now my oldest son likes to say - "It depends on whether you are filling it up, or drinking it". However, most of us would have a set response. For those who have the scary car wash experience, they may see the glass and their life as half empty and out of their control. For people who see the glass as half full, they probably have a good car wash experience. They are content, calm, ready to travel on with life.
The way we look at things changes how we feel about what goes on in our lives, and how we deal with things. When it comes to employment, some people have a perception that a person without a grade 12 education is not worth hiring, yet there are a number of very successful businessmen, some even millionaires, who have less than a grade 8 education, but more smarts than a university graduate.
In the job search - if you think you won't get a job, your body image changes and the employer's perception of you and your abilities may be affected by this. Try this: Let your shoulders hunch forward, hang your head a little and say "I feel great". It's almost impossible to feel great when your posture says I feel lousy. Next, take a deep breath, put your shoulders back, your head up, a smile on your face and say, "I feel great". This time when you say it, you'll mean it. When you change the image, you also change the perception - both for yourself and the employer.
Our perceptions of events are coloured by the way we think, by the way we perceive life. I know a woman who has a beautiful home, an expensive car, fairly expensive clothes and she owns a company. People perceive her as being very rich. What they don't know is that her house is heavily mortgaged and that she has extensive credit card debt, and the clothes that she is wearing are probably 15-20 years old, purchased at a time when she had a little more money. But it is difficult to change people's perceptions. Someone else might be seen as incredibly poor, living in a tiny shack of a house, not driving the latest car, but that person may be very, very content with what they have. So, while others perceive them as being poor, they may see themselves as very, very rich.
Think about your perceptions. Are you full of hope? Or hopeless? Even the worst situations can have a positive side if we look for the silver lining. For those with a hopeless perspective, this is much more difficult as all they can see are the storm clouds. These people may need help to see that the sun always comes out eventually and that there is always another day, another chance to change things, to wash away the troubles of life.
It's up to the hope full people to lead the way. I challenge you to view life with a positive perspective. To look for the lesson in life's difficulties so that you can share what you've learned with others, so they too can survive and grow from their car wash experiences.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Points to Ponder
What are three things you are doing regularly that don't serve or support you?
What can you do to change this?
What could you work on now that would make the biggest difference to your life?
What would be your ideal career - if you could do anything?
Fran
What can you do to change this?
What could you work on now that would make the biggest difference to your life?
What would be your ideal career - if you could do anything?
Fran
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Pursuing Your Own Self-Direction
Ambitiously Pursuing Your Own Self-Direction by Jim Rohn
(Excerpted from The Power of Ambition series)
What is the origin of true ambition? There exists really only one place to find true ambition and that is within you – in every thought, in every movement, in every motivation. Your ambition is an expression of who you truly are, your own self-expression.
Self-expression. Isn't self-expression really self-direction? How you think, how you move, how you motivate yourself. Ambition is a result of self-direction and self-direction is one of the six key principles necessary for building ambition. Positive self-direction says, "I know who I am and I know where I want to go. I'm accumulating knowledge and experiences and feelings and philosophies that will help prepare me for opportunities that I know will show up without notice or any help on my part." Because you know where you want to go, you have already been working on the parts of your personality that will make you better. Working on your attitude, working on your health, working on your time management skills. Putting it all down on paper. And you constantly see yourself in the place you want to be, going in the direction you want to go.
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Special - Jim Rohn's One Year Success Plan
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Direction determines destination. So here is a question you must ask yourself, "Are all the disciplines that I'm currently engaged in taking me where I want to go?" What an important question to ask yourself at the beginning of the month, the beginning of the week, the beginning of the day. Because here is what you don't ever want to do - kid yourself. Kid your neighbor, kid me and kid the marketplace, but don't kid yourself - fingers crossed - hoping you will arrive at a good destination when you're not even headed that way. You have to ask yourself often, Am I? Am I doing the disciplines that are taking me in the direction I want to go? Don't neglect to ask these important questions, questions that help determine your direction, the set of your sail, your destination.
Is this the direction I want for my life?
Is this someone else's direction?
Is this a goal I have been ingrained with since my childhood?
Is this goal my parent's, my spouse's, my boss', my children's or is it Mine?
Ask yourself these questions and then debate them. After you have answered these questions within yourself, then take it one step further and ask, "What am I doing that is working or not working?" Debate it all. Work with your mind to figure out the best possible direction for you - your self-direction. And then ambitiously pursue your own self-direction. Let the power of your own ambition take you where you want to go, to do what you want to do, to create the life you want to live!
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
Credit Statement to be included in Reprints:
This article was submitted by Jim Rohn, America's Foremost Business Philosopher.
To subscribe to the Free Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine go to www.jimrohn.com or send a blank email to subscribe@jimrohn.com
Copyright © 2007 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide.
************************
Special - Jim Rohn's One Year Success Plan
(Excerpted from The Power of Ambition series)
What is the origin of true ambition? There exists really only one place to find true ambition and that is within you – in every thought, in every movement, in every motivation. Your ambition is an expression of who you truly are, your own self-expression.
Self-expression. Isn't self-expression really self-direction? How you think, how you move, how you motivate yourself. Ambition is a result of self-direction and self-direction is one of the six key principles necessary for building ambition. Positive self-direction says, "I know who I am and I know where I want to go. I'm accumulating knowledge and experiences and feelings and philosophies that will help prepare me for opportunities that I know will show up without notice or any help on my part." Because you know where you want to go, you have already been working on the parts of your personality that will make you better. Working on your attitude, working on your health, working on your time management skills. Putting it all down on paper. And you constantly see yourself in the place you want to be, going in the direction you want to go.
************************************************
Special - Jim Rohn's One Year Success Plan
************************************************
Direction determines destination. So here is a question you must ask yourself, "Are all the disciplines that I'm currently engaged in taking me where I want to go?" What an important question to ask yourself at the beginning of the month, the beginning of the week, the beginning of the day. Because here is what you don't ever want to do - kid yourself. Kid your neighbor, kid me and kid the marketplace, but don't kid yourself - fingers crossed - hoping you will arrive at a good destination when you're not even headed that way. You have to ask yourself often, Am I? Am I doing the disciplines that are taking me in the direction I want to go? Don't neglect to ask these important questions, questions that help determine your direction, the set of your sail, your destination.
Is this the direction I want for my life?
Is this someone else's direction?
Is this a goal I have been ingrained with since my childhood?
Is this goal my parent's, my spouse's, my boss', my children's or is it Mine?
Ask yourself these questions and then debate them. After you have answered these questions within yourself, then take it one step further and ask, "What am I doing that is working or not working?" Debate it all. Work with your mind to figure out the best possible direction for you - your self-direction. And then ambitiously pursue your own self-direction. Let the power of your own ambition take you where you want to go, to do what you want to do, to create the life you want to live!
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
Credit Statement to be included in Reprints:
This article was submitted by Jim Rohn, America's Foremost Business Philosopher.
To subscribe to the Free Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine go to www.jimrohn.com or send a blank email to subscribe@jimrohn.com
Copyright © 2007 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide.
************************
Special - Jim Rohn's One Year Success Plan
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Work At Home
Welcome to WEB Colleagues
The first question you must be asking is,
"What Is WEB Colleagues?"
We will first give you the exact definition of the word "Colleague":
Definition:
A fellow member or partner of a profession, staff, or academic faculty; an associate.
Now that you know the exact definition of Colleague, I will explain who we are and what we do to offer a great Work-from-Home opportunity.
WEB Colleagues is a group of REAL Type-at-Home Typists who are involved with thousands of companies on the Internet. We work directly with these companies and are paid for typing short articles and posting them to the Internet. In return for our service, we earn a very generous income.
When we tell you "REAL" Home Typist, we mean REAL, unlike many Web sites on the Internet that say they offer type-at-home jobs, but you find out it is really a deceptive way of saying they want you to type ads for their company, and the only way you will be paid is if someone joins their site off your ad. This sound familiar?
With our program it is very simple process. You type, and you get paid. The more you type, the more you get paid. This is not an e book, or a list of companies that you have to apply to and hope you get the job. This is an actual Type-at-Home Job. Our members receive complete online training and guidance. You are NOT paying for a job the job is paying you. There are NO HIDDEN COSTS for additional sign-ups, additional programs or tools to do this job. We provide you with everything you need.
For more information
Good Luck
Fran
*************************************
For more info on work from home jobs Click Here!
************************************
The first question you must be asking is,
"What Is WEB Colleagues?"
We will first give you the exact definition of the word "Colleague":
Definition:
A fellow member or partner of a profession, staff, or academic faculty; an associate.
Now that you know the exact definition of Colleague, I will explain who we are and what we do to offer a great Work-from-Home opportunity.
WEB Colleagues is a group of REAL Type-at-Home Typists who are involved with thousands of companies on the Internet. We work directly with these companies and are paid for typing short articles and posting them to the Internet. In return for our service, we earn a very generous income.
When we tell you "REAL" Home Typist, we mean REAL, unlike many Web sites on the Internet that say they offer type-at-home jobs, but you find out it is really a deceptive way of saying they want you to type ads for their company, and the only way you will be paid is if someone joins their site off your ad. This sound familiar?
With our program it is very simple process. You type, and you get paid. The more you type, the more you get paid. This is not an e book, or a list of companies that you have to apply to and hope you get the job. This is an actual Type-at-Home Job. Our members receive complete online training and guidance. You are NOT paying for a job the job is paying you. There are NO HIDDEN COSTS for additional sign-ups, additional programs or tools to do this job. We provide you with everything you need.
For more information
Good Luck
Fran
*************************************
For more info on work from home jobs Click Here!
************************************
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Excellence
author unknown
Excellence is never an accident. It is achieved in an organization or institution only as a result of an unrelenting and vigorous insistence on the highest standards of performance. It requires an unswerving expectancy of quality from the staff and volunteers.
Excellence is contagious. It infects and affects everyone in the organization. It charts the direction of a program. It establishes the criteria for planning. It provides zest and vitality to the organization. Once achieved, excellence has a talent for
permeating every aspect of the life of the organization.
Excellence demands commitment and a tenacious dedication from the leadership of the organization. Once it is accepted and expected, it must be nourished and continually reviewed and renewed. It is a never-ending process of learning and growing. It requires a spirit of motivation and boundless energy. It is always the result of a creatively conceived and precisely planned effort.
Excellence inspires; it electrifies. It potentializes every phase of the organization’s life. It unleashes an impact which influences every program, every activity, every committee, every staff person. To instill it in an organization is difficult; to sustain it, even more so. It demands imagination and vigor. But most of all, it requires from the leadership a constant state of self-discovery and discipline.
Excellence is an organization’s life-line. It is the most compelling answer to apathy and inertia. It energizes a stimulating and pulsating force. Once it becomes the expected standard of performance, it develops a fiercely driving and motivating
philosophy of operation. Excellence is a state of mind put into action. It is a road-map to success. When a climate of excellence exists, all things—staff work, volunteer leadership, finances, program—come easier.
Excellence in an organization is important—because it is everything.
Be excellent in all you do!
Fran
Excellence is never an accident. It is achieved in an organization or institution only as a result of an unrelenting and vigorous insistence on the highest standards of performance. It requires an unswerving expectancy of quality from the staff and volunteers.
Excellence is contagious. It infects and affects everyone in the organization. It charts the direction of a program. It establishes the criteria for planning. It provides zest and vitality to the organization. Once achieved, excellence has a talent for
permeating every aspect of the life of the organization.
Excellence demands commitment and a tenacious dedication from the leadership of the organization. Once it is accepted and expected, it must be nourished and continually reviewed and renewed. It is a never-ending process of learning and growing. It requires a spirit of motivation and boundless energy. It is always the result of a creatively conceived and precisely planned effort.
Excellence inspires; it electrifies. It potentializes every phase of the organization’s life. It unleashes an impact which influences every program, every activity, every committee, every staff person. To instill it in an organization is difficult; to sustain it, even more so. It demands imagination and vigor. But most of all, it requires from the leadership a constant state of self-discovery and discipline.
Excellence is an organization’s life-line. It is the most compelling answer to apathy and inertia. It energizes a stimulating and pulsating force. Once it becomes the expected standard of performance, it develops a fiercely driving and motivating
philosophy of operation. Excellence is a state of mind put into action. It is a road-map to success. When a climate of excellence exists, all things—staff work, volunteer leadership, finances, program—come easier.
Excellence in an organization is important—because it is everything.
Be excellent in all you do!
Fran
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
How are Your Telephone Skills?
Polishing your telephone skills
By, Cecile Peterkin
Does the thought of a telephone job interview make you nervous? Do you dread making business calls? Does taking part in a conference call stress you out?
You are not alone! Many of us prefer face-to-face communication; however, telephone communication is becoming more popular than ever before. As more of us work from home, deal with global colleagues and clients, and apply for jobs overseas, phone usage is on the rise. Your telephone skills have become a marketing tool.
The first few moments on the phone are crucial. There are statistics that show people develop a perception about you within the first 30 seconds of a phone call and their final opinion of you in the last 30 seconds. With this in mind, make sure the first and last things you say are memorable. During interviews, business, and conference calls phone time is often tight – don’t waste it – keep your answers short and relevant. Use active listening so you are aware of not only what the other participants are saying but how they say it and make sure the person is with you at each stage. The way you speak over the telephone conveys 85% of your message. Focus your voice effectively.
Before the call:
· Make sure you are prepared.
· Have all materials at hand and know the key points you want to cover.
· If calling from home, dress smartly for the call. It will boost your confidence.
· Minimize distractions; close your inbox and call from a quiet & private environment.
· Check for phone clarity.
· Use a headset if you can, and make sure it’s comfortable.
· Have the correct name of the person you are calling.
· At the start of the conversation, set out what the objectives of the call will be.
· Visualize the person you are speaking to, even if you don’t know them. This is a reminder you are in a two-way communication.
· Smile - Smiling changes the tone of your voice. Try standing up - standing can help you feel more authoritative.
· Speak clearly, slowly, and purposefully.
· Take notes if you have to.
· Do not multitask; focus on the call.
· Use the other person’s name when appropriate.
· When you are listening make the other person aware you are there, use statements such as “I see”, “Right”, “Ok”.
Remember! The phone doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Cecile Peterkin is the is the President and Founder of Cosmic Coaching Centre, and publishes “Recipes for Success”, a Free monthly ezine on living your best life both personally and professionally.
*******************
Read the above tips carefully. Dress for success even if you are on the phone. Your attitude comes the telephone lines. Put a mirror near your phone if you need to in order to make sure you are smiling.
Good luck in your job search!!
Fran Watson
By, Cecile Peterkin
Does the thought of a telephone job interview make you nervous? Do you dread making business calls? Does taking part in a conference call stress you out?
You are not alone! Many of us prefer face-to-face communication; however, telephone communication is becoming more popular than ever before. As more of us work from home, deal with global colleagues and clients, and apply for jobs overseas, phone usage is on the rise. Your telephone skills have become a marketing tool.
The first few moments on the phone are crucial. There are statistics that show people develop a perception about you within the first 30 seconds of a phone call and their final opinion of you in the last 30 seconds. With this in mind, make sure the first and last things you say are memorable. During interviews, business, and conference calls phone time is often tight – don’t waste it – keep your answers short and relevant. Use active listening so you are aware of not only what the other participants are saying but how they say it and make sure the person is with you at each stage. The way you speak over the telephone conveys 85% of your message. Focus your voice effectively.
Before the call:
· Make sure you are prepared.
· Have all materials at hand and know the key points you want to cover.
· If calling from home, dress smartly for the call. It will boost your confidence.
· Minimize distractions; close your inbox and call from a quiet & private environment.
· Check for phone clarity.
· Use a headset if you can, and make sure it’s comfortable.
· Have the correct name of the person you are calling.
· At the start of the conversation, set out what the objectives of the call will be.
· Visualize the person you are speaking to, even if you don’t know them. This is a reminder you are in a two-way communication.
· Smile - Smiling changes the tone of your voice. Try standing up - standing can help you feel more authoritative.
· Speak clearly, slowly, and purposefully.
· Take notes if you have to.
· Do not multitask; focus on the call.
· Use the other person’s name when appropriate.
· When you are listening make the other person aware you are there, use statements such as “I see”, “Right”, “Ok”.
Remember! The phone doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Cecile Peterkin is the is the President and Founder of Cosmic Coaching Centre, and publishes “Recipes for Success”, a Free monthly ezine on living your best life both personally and professionally.
*******************
Read the above tips carefully. Dress for success even if you are on the phone. Your attitude comes the telephone lines. Put a mirror near your phone if you need to in order to make sure you are smiling.
Good luck in your job search!!
Fran Watson
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Organized Job Search
Start With A Resume Click Here!
*******************************************************
The Organized Job Search
By Janet Barclay, MVA
Many people, under financial or other pressures to find work quickly, feel they can’t afford to take the time to get organized. On the other hand, conducting your job search in an organized manner will reduce the amount of time you spend looking for information, following inappropriate leads, or waiting for your dream job to fall into your lap. It generally takes at least a month to find an entry-level job, and as much as nine months for one requiring a high level of skill and experience. Getting organized before you begin your job search can ultimately save you a lot of time and frustration.
You should take several preliminary steps before you even begin your active job search. Start by identifying your skills, interests, target market, and any child care, transportation, or other issues that you will need to keep in mind. A career or employment counsellor can be very helpful in this area, as well as with the preparation of your resume, cover letters, and any other job search materials you will need.
Once you’re ready to face the job market, there are three areas where you’ll find it beneficial to be well organized: your schedule, your workspace, and your contacts.
Your Schedule
First, you must decide how much time you can realistically commit to your job search on a weekly basis, and then create a weekly schedule of activities. Keep in mind that looking for a full-time job is in itself a full-time job! Some of your time will be devoted to reading and applying for advertised positions, but be sure to allow plenty of time for other job search activities such as making telephone calls, generating and researching new leads, reviewing old leads for follow up, writing thank you notes or other correspondence, and visiting placement offices, employment agencies, or other service providers. The percentage of time you dedicate to each activity depends on what is most effective for your field of work or geographical area, so it may be worthwhile for you to ask others what has worked for them.
Most people perform different activities more effectively at different times of day. Take your natural energy flow, as well as the availability of quiet time for conducting research and telephone calls, into consideration when planning your schedule. If quiet time is not available at home during the daytime or evening, an employment resource center can be an invaluable resource.
Keep your personal preferences in mind when planning your activities. For example, if you dislike talking on the telephone, it may be less stressful for you to get your calls out of the way before beginning your other activities, or to intersperse your phone calls between other activities so you don’t become overwhelmed.
If you’re planning to drop off unsolicited resumes, map out a route of targeted businesses that are in a particular area, and plan to cover the entire area in one day. This will cut down on your travel time and expenses as well as the number of times you need to dress up.
Keeping a log of the actual time you spend on each activity will allow you to see whether you are on track and to identify any problem areas. It’s not uncommon to become frustrated and depressed when you’re out of work, so be sure to schedule regular time for self-care and other personal activities like going to the gym or the hairstylist.
Your Workspace
At a minimum, you need a chair and a desk or table with plenty of space for you to work with your information, make and receive telephone calls, and plan your job search. All necessary supplies should be stored close by, including paper, pens, index cards, paperclips, staples, and your telephone directory. During your job search, you’ll likely accumulate various versions of your resume and cover letter, job postings, company profiles, advertisements, and business cards, but they will be of no value to you if you can’t find what you need. A binder or filing system, sorting the information into topics, will allow you to refer quickly to both the job posting and that specific application when you receive a telephone call from a prospective employer. It will also allow you to find easily any other information you may have gathered about the organization before your interview.
You may find it beneficial to have an alternate job search office such as your local library or employment centre, where you can research, read, and write without the distractions you may encounter at home. Many are equipped with computers that you can use for Internet job search as well as resume and cover letter preparation, which can be a great benefit if you don’t have a home computer or must share it with other family members. If you plan to use this type of service on a regular basis, you’ll a portfolio or briefcase to hold your job search material, including your resume in printed form and on a diskette, your calendar, and a notebook for jotting down leads and ideas. Most facilities do not allow you to receive telephone calls, so be sure that potential employers can reach you by voice mail, pager or cell phone.
Of course, you’ll need a calendar for marking down job interviews and other important meetings. You’ll also need a system for keeping track of your job applications. This information will help you to follow up on the contacts you make.
Your Contacts
During your job search, you will probably communicate with hundreds, if not thousands, of people, but in order to make effective use of the network you develop, you’ll need a way to keep track of all your contacts.
The simplest method is a card file system with a card for each contact. Each card should include the contact’s name, title, organization, address, telephone number, fax, and email address; as well as the source of the lead, and dates and details of any conversations, correspondence, or interviews. You may find it helpful to set up a recipe box with a set of dividers labelled with the days of the week and a set numbered 1-31 for the days of the month. You can file each card under the date you wish to contact that person. For example, you may speak with someone on the 10th who suggests that you call him or her in two weeks. After noting the information on the index card, file it in the section for the 25th where it will serve as a reminder for you to follow up.
There are wonderful software programs available that can help you with organizing your job search contacts. WinWay Resume, for example, has a section for storing contact information that you can merge with your cover letter. ACT! allows you to schedule tasks and reminders as well as perform mail merges. If you don’t wish to buy or learn a new software package, email address books in Outlook, Outlook Express or in free Web-based email packages are also an excellent way to keep track of your contacts. However, unless you have unrestricted access to a computer, or a portable system such as a Palm Pilot, you won’t be always able to access the information. The key features of any organizational system are ease of recording and ease of retrieval. If using an electronic system will make your job search more complicated and time-consuming, don’t use it.
Job searching can be overwhelming, but when you organize your schedule, workspace, and contacts effectively, you’ll be able to stay on track and find your new job more quickly.
Janet Barclay, Master Virtual Assistant and founder of Organized Assistant, provides administrative assistance and website services to career professionals and other small business clients. Learn more about Janet and her business by visiting her website http://www.organizedassistant.com and her blog http://www.janetbarclay.com. To receive monthly tips for Maximizing Your Time and Space, request a subscription to her ezine, The Organized Assistant Resource.
***************************************
Good luck in your job search
Fran
**************************************
P.S. Need a Resume?? Click Here!
**************************************
*******************************************************
The Organized Job Search
By Janet Barclay, MVA
Many people, under financial or other pressures to find work quickly, feel they can’t afford to take the time to get organized. On the other hand, conducting your job search in an organized manner will reduce the amount of time you spend looking for information, following inappropriate leads, or waiting for your dream job to fall into your lap. It generally takes at least a month to find an entry-level job, and as much as nine months for one requiring a high level of skill and experience. Getting organized before you begin your job search can ultimately save you a lot of time and frustration.
You should take several preliminary steps before you even begin your active job search. Start by identifying your skills, interests, target market, and any child care, transportation, or other issues that you will need to keep in mind. A career or employment counsellor can be very helpful in this area, as well as with the preparation of your resume, cover letters, and any other job search materials you will need.
Once you’re ready to face the job market, there are three areas where you’ll find it beneficial to be well organized: your schedule, your workspace, and your contacts.
Your Schedule
First, you must decide how much time you can realistically commit to your job search on a weekly basis, and then create a weekly schedule of activities. Keep in mind that looking for a full-time job is in itself a full-time job! Some of your time will be devoted to reading and applying for advertised positions, but be sure to allow plenty of time for other job search activities such as making telephone calls, generating and researching new leads, reviewing old leads for follow up, writing thank you notes or other correspondence, and visiting placement offices, employment agencies, or other service providers. The percentage of time you dedicate to each activity depends on what is most effective for your field of work or geographical area, so it may be worthwhile for you to ask others what has worked for them.
Most people perform different activities more effectively at different times of day. Take your natural energy flow, as well as the availability of quiet time for conducting research and telephone calls, into consideration when planning your schedule. If quiet time is not available at home during the daytime or evening, an employment resource center can be an invaluable resource.
Keep your personal preferences in mind when planning your activities. For example, if you dislike talking on the telephone, it may be less stressful for you to get your calls out of the way before beginning your other activities, or to intersperse your phone calls between other activities so you don’t become overwhelmed.
If you’re planning to drop off unsolicited resumes, map out a route of targeted businesses that are in a particular area, and plan to cover the entire area in one day. This will cut down on your travel time and expenses as well as the number of times you need to dress up.
Keeping a log of the actual time you spend on each activity will allow you to see whether you are on track and to identify any problem areas. It’s not uncommon to become frustrated and depressed when you’re out of work, so be sure to schedule regular time for self-care and other personal activities like going to the gym or the hairstylist.
Your Workspace
At a minimum, you need a chair and a desk or table with plenty of space for you to work with your information, make and receive telephone calls, and plan your job search. All necessary supplies should be stored close by, including paper, pens, index cards, paperclips, staples, and your telephone directory. During your job search, you’ll likely accumulate various versions of your resume and cover letter, job postings, company profiles, advertisements, and business cards, but they will be of no value to you if you can’t find what you need. A binder or filing system, sorting the information into topics, will allow you to refer quickly to both the job posting and that specific application when you receive a telephone call from a prospective employer. It will also allow you to find easily any other information you may have gathered about the organization before your interview.
You may find it beneficial to have an alternate job search office such as your local library or employment centre, where you can research, read, and write without the distractions you may encounter at home. Many are equipped with computers that you can use for Internet job search as well as resume and cover letter preparation, which can be a great benefit if you don’t have a home computer or must share it with other family members. If you plan to use this type of service on a regular basis, you’ll a portfolio or briefcase to hold your job search material, including your resume in printed form and on a diskette, your calendar, and a notebook for jotting down leads and ideas. Most facilities do not allow you to receive telephone calls, so be sure that potential employers can reach you by voice mail, pager or cell phone.
Of course, you’ll need a calendar for marking down job interviews and other important meetings. You’ll also need a system for keeping track of your job applications. This information will help you to follow up on the contacts you make.
Your Contacts
During your job search, you will probably communicate with hundreds, if not thousands, of people, but in order to make effective use of the network you develop, you’ll need a way to keep track of all your contacts.
The simplest method is a card file system with a card for each contact. Each card should include the contact’s name, title, organization, address, telephone number, fax, and email address; as well as the source of the lead, and dates and details of any conversations, correspondence, or interviews. You may find it helpful to set up a recipe box with a set of dividers labelled with the days of the week and a set numbered 1-31 for the days of the month. You can file each card under the date you wish to contact that person. For example, you may speak with someone on the 10th who suggests that you call him or her in two weeks. After noting the information on the index card, file it in the section for the 25th where it will serve as a reminder for you to follow up.
There are wonderful software programs available that can help you with organizing your job search contacts. WinWay Resume, for example, has a section for storing contact information that you can merge with your cover letter. ACT! allows you to schedule tasks and reminders as well as perform mail merges. If you don’t wish to buy or learn a new software package, email address books in Outlook, Outlook Express or in free Web-based email packages are also an excellent way to keep track of your contacts. However, unless you have unrestricted access to a computer, or a portable system such as a Palm Pilot, you won’t be always able to access the information. The key features of any organizational system are ease of recording and ease of retrieval. If using an electronic system will make your job search more complicated and time-consuming, don’t use it.
Job searching can be overwhelming, but when you organize your schedule, workspace, and contacts effectively, you’ll be able to stay on track and find your new job more quickly.
Janet Barclay, Master Virtual Assistant and founder of Organized Assistant, provides administrative assistance and website services to career professionals and other small business clients. Learn more about Janet and her business by visiting her website http://www.organizedassistant.com and her blog http://www.janetbarclay.com. To receive monthly tips for Maximizing Your Time and Space, request a subscription to her ezine, The Organized Assistant Resource.
***************************************
Good luck in your job search
Fran
**************************************
P.S. Need a Resume?? Click Here!
**************************************
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Working in Canada
Did you know that 8,000 young workers are injured on the job every year? Do you know how to protect yourself? If you are a young worker in Canada, check out this website.
Did you know that WHMIS regulations require employers to provide proper training for anyone who works with or may be exposed to hazardous materials? These regulations also require warning labels and material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the various hazardous materials found in your workplace.
Hazardous Materials Training WHMIS regulations state that:
* Employers must develop and implement a hazardous materials Training Program for anyone handling or storing hazardous materials, and for anyone who may be exposed to hazardous materials in their workplace.
* The workplace JHSC should be consulted in developing and implementing the training program.
* The program must be reviewed at least once a year.
Hazardous Materials Information
Suppliers of materials must provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s) and warning labels on products. These give you essential information about the hazardous materials you work with. They tell you what dangers each material poses, provide important storage and handling guidelines, and outline emergency and first aid procedures.
Check out Canada's National Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Information.
Stay Safe
Fran
Did you know that WHMIS regulations require employers to provide proper training for anyone who works with or may be exposed to hazardous materials? These regulations also require warning labels and material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the various hazardous materials found in your workplace.
Hazardous Materials Training WHMIS regulations state that:
* Employers must develop and implement a hazardous materials Training Program for anyone handling or storing hazardous materials, and for anyone who may be exposed to hazardous materials in their workplace.
* The workplace JHSC should be consulted in developing and implementing the training program.
* The program must be reviewed at least once a year.
Hazardous Materials Information
Suppliers of materials must provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s) and warning labels on products. These give you essential information about the hazardous materials you work with. They tell you what dangers each material poses, provide important storage and handling guidelines, and outline emergency and first aid procedures.
Check out Canada's National Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Information.
Stay Safe
Fran
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Something to Remember while Job Searching
Our behaviour and our degree of happiness equate to our self-image.
A poor self-image is the cause of most people's failure to reach their potential.
Don't compare yourself to others. Recognize your own strengths.
Pay attention to the things you do well without thinking about them. Listen when other people tell you what a great job you are doing. Most of us have skills we don't recognize.
Remember - if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got. Unless you move from the place where you are, you will always be there.
Here's to moving on to better things!
Fran
A poor self-image is the cause of most people's failure to reach their potential.
Don't compare yourself to others. Recognize your own strengths.
Pay attention to the things you do well without thinking about them. Listen when other people tell you what a great job you are doing. Most of us have skills we don't recognize.
Remember - if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got. Unless you move from the place where you are, you will always be there.
Here's to moving on to better things!
Fran
Monday, May 19, 2008
Improve Your Results
Although this talks about the year 2007, this information is never outdated!
Seven Ways to Improve Your Professional Results
While success certainly does not come from a checklist, we all can use checklists to remind ourselves of ways we can achieve more. And who doesn’t want to ‘resolve’ to achieve more, especially this time of year?
As you are looking forward and thinking about how you can make year-end 2007 even better than year-end 2006, here are seven specific tactics that address seven specific areas of our professional lives. Each of these tactics, when applied, can have a massive, positive impact on your professional happiness, satisfaction and success.
The Seven Ways
1. Create more energy in your life. The starting point for greater results is greater energy. Greater energy will allow you to be more productive and is required to apply any of the other tactics on this list. Coincidentally, energy often is cited as a major reason why people don't make positive change in their professional life as well. Three simple suggestions will get you on the path to greater energy:
eat better – consume healthier, more natural foods in smaller quantities;
exercise more – build your stamina and strength; and
sleep smarter – develop a “sleep routine” to ensure you get enough sleep to be alert and positive each day.
2. Commit to better working relationships. While we are typically hired for, or select our work based on, our technical competence, more often our success is defined by our interpersonal skills. Make the commitment to improving your working relationships. A quick reflection on your strengths and white spots in his area will reveal where you need to start. Improving your working relationships doesn't mean finding a best friend at work (although there's nothing wrong with that), but it does mean building relationships that create greater communication, connection and support.
3. Project a contagious, positive attitude. A positive attitude is contagious! (So is the alternative.) Ask yourself which attitude you want to promote in your workplace. Making the choice to be more positive, supportive and enthusiastic will make a huge difference in your productivity and will positively impact the productivity of those around you too.
4. Talk less, listen more. Nearly everyone will benefit professionally by this advice. Talking less and listening more will improve communication with customers, colleagues and everyone else. The value of this tactic cannot be overestimated.
5. Mentor someone. Make the time to help and support someone else on their professional development path. It might be someone in your department or in your organization, or someone external. In any case, you will be helping another person succeed by benefiting from your experience. At the same time, you will benefit greatly from the experience as well. The process of mentoring someone else will help you reflect on your own advice and help you reinforce those techniques and approaches within your own work as well.
6. Keep a journal. A journal is an amazing learning tool! It can be electronic, in your day planner, on a steno pad, in a dedicated book of your choice, or anywhere else you choose. Where you journal is less important than that you journal. Use your journal to jot down key ideas to refresh your memory, new ideas you want to capture, lists of the books you want to read, a list of the books you have read, a list of your goals – you get the idea. A journal is a tool for reflection and forward thinking that can become one of the most valuable development habits you'll ever create.
7. Set a big goal. Simply setting a goal would be a good tactic, but setting a big goal is a better tactic. Your goal can be related to one of the areas above, it can be about other skill development, or it could be related to a promotion. Your goal could be a financial one, or it could be something totally unrelated. Whatever it is, setting it provides you greater focus and raises your intention for success. But make it big. Stretch yourself beyond where you think you ‘should’ be to believe something big is worthy of your plans and then do it!
Reflecting on the Seven Ways
I brainstormed a list of far more than seven tactics before I pared it back to this final seven. My observation of the longer list, and of this final list, is that two themes prevail: relationships and learning.
Even if you forget my specific tactics, please remember that taking steps to build your working relationships and to be a continual learner will always result in significant and satisfying professional (and personal) development.
Here are two more observations about the seven tactics I’ve suggested – none of them have to cost any money, and all of them can be implemented right now, by making a choice to do so.
This should leave nothing in your way – there is no cost, no equipment or technology to acquire, and no specialized skills to master. The only thing these tactics require is your decision to implement them.
And there will never be a better time than right now.
A Bonus Tactic
Looking for one more way to improve your professional results in 2007? Hire us! Our consulting and training services can help you, your team, and your organization improve your results in a variety of ways. While the specific content will vary, our approaches will always be consistent with the messages in this article – we will help you improve your interpersonal skills and relationships and our work will always be connected to learning.
From this newsletter to books to learning products and services to consulting and training, there are many ways we can help you, and we look forward to learning with you in 2007.
For information on reprinting any of this information included in this issue of Unleash Your Potential, go to: http://kevineikenberry.com/uypw/reprints.asp
© 2006 The Kevin Eikenberry Group – All Rights Reserved
The Kevin Eikenberry Group
http://www.kevineikenberry.com
7035 Bluffridge Way
Indianapolis, IN 46278
Seven Ways to Improve Your Professional Results
While success certainly does not come from a checklist, we all can use checklists to remind ourselves of ways we can achieve more. And who doesn’t want to ‘resolve’ to achieve more, especially this time of year?
As you are looking forward and thinking about how you can make year-end 2007 even better than year-end 2006, here are seven specific tactics that address seven specific areas of our professional lives. Each of these tactics, when applied, can have a massive, positive impact on your professional happiness, satisfaction and success.
The Seven Ways
1. Create more energy in your life. The starting point for greater results is greater energy. Greater energy will allow you to be more productive and is required to apply any of the other tactics on this list. Coincidentally, energy often is cited as a major reason why people don't make positive change in their professional life as well. Three simple suggestions will get you on the path to greater energy:
eat better – consume healthier, more natural foods in smaller quantities;
exercise more – build your stamina and strength; and
sleep smarter – develop a “sleep routine” to ensure you get enough sleep to be alert and positive each day.
2. Commit to better working relationships. While we are typically hired for, or select our work based on, our technical competence, more often our success is defined by our interpersonal skills. Make the commitment to improving your working relationships. A quick reflection on your strengths and white spots in his area will reveal where you need to start. Improving your working relationships doesn't mean finding a best friend at work (although there's nothing wrong with that), but it does mean building relationships that create greater communication, connection and support.
3. Project a contagious, positive attitude. A positive attitude is contagious! (So is the alternative.) Ask yourself which attitude you want to promote in your workplace. Making the choice to be more positive, supportive and enthusiastic will make a huge difference in your productivity and will positively impact the productivity of those around you too.
4. Talk less, listen more. Nearly everyone will benefit professionally by this advice. Talking less and listening more will improve communication with customers, colleagues and everyone else. The value of this tactic cannot be overestimated.
5. Mentor someone. Make the time to help and support someone else on their professional development path. It might be someone in your department or in your organization, or someone external. In any case, you will be helping another person succeed by benefiting from your experience. At the same time, you will benefit greatly from the experience as well. The process of mentoring someone else will help you reflect on your own advice and help you reinforce those techniques and approaches within your own work as well.
6. Keep a journal. A journal is an amazing learning tool! It can be electronic, in your day planner, on a steno pad, in a dedicated book of your choice, or anywhere else you choose. Where you journal is less important than that you journal. Use your journal to jot down key ideas to refresh your memory, new ideas you want to capture, lists of the books you want to read, a list of the books you have read, a list of your goals – you get the idea. A journal is a tool for reflection and forward thinking that can become one of the most valuable development habits you'll ever create.
7. Set a big goal. Simply setting a goal would be a good tactic, but setting a big goal is a better tactic. Your goal can be related to one of the areas above, it can be about other skill development, or it could be related to a promotion. Your goal could be a financial one, or it could be something totally unrelated. Whatever it is, setting it provides you greater focus and raises your intention for success. But make it big. Stretch yourself beyond where you think you ‘should’ be to believe something big is worthy of your plans and then do it!
Reflecting on the Seven Ways
I brainstormed a list of far more than seven tactics before I pared it back to this final seven. My observation of the longer list, and of this final list, is that two themes prevail: relationships and learning.
Even if you forget my specific tactics, please remember that taking steps to build your working relationships and to be a continual learner will always result in significant and satisfying professional (and personal) development.
Here are two more observations about the seven tactics I’ve suggested – none of them have to cost any money, and all of them can be implemented right now, by making a choice to do so.
This should leave nothing in your way – there is no cost, no equipment or technology to acquire, and no specialized skills to master. The only thing these tactics require is your decision to implement them.
And there will never be a better time than right now.
A Bonus Tactic
Looking for one more way to improve your professional results in 2007? Hire us! Our consulting and training services can help you, your team, and your organization improve your results in a variety of ways. While the specific content will vary, our approaches will always be consistent with the messages in this article – we will help you improve your interpersonal skills and relationships and our work will always be connected to learning.
From this newsletter to books to learning products and services to consulting and training, there are many ways we can help you, and we look forward to learning with you in 2007.
For information on reprinting any of this information included in this issue of Unleash Your Potential, go to: http://kevineikenberry.com/uypw/reprints.asp
© 2006 The Kevin Eikenberry Group – All Rights Reserved
The Kevin Eikenberry Group
http://www.kevineikenberry.com
7035 Bluffridge Way
Indianapolis, IN 46278
Friday, April 25, 2008
What is Your Personal Style?
Think about what you do when you have to learn something new. You probably approach the task in a similar fashion each time. Over time you have developed a pattern of behaviour that you use for new learning. This pattern is called a learning style.
People perceive and process information in a variety of ways. As adults our life experiences cause us to learn differently than when we were children. We are more independent and self-directed. More goal-oriented and problem-centered. We want to know why we are learning.
The fact that a person may have a preferred, most comfortable mode does not mean that he or she cannot function effectively in others. In fact, a person who has the flexibility to move easily from one mode to another to fit the requirements of the situation is at a definite advantage over those who limit themselves to only one style of thinking and learning.
There are various learning style assessments that can help you discover your preferences, but everyone is capable of learning under any style, no matter what your preference is.
Keep on learning!
Fran Watson
People perceive and process information in a variety of ways. As adults our life experiences cause us to learn differently than when we were children. We are more independent and self-directed. More goal-oriented and problem-centered. We want to know why we are learning.
The fact that a person may have a preferred, most comfortable mode does not mean that he or she cannot function effectively in others. In fact, a person who has the flexibility to move easily from one mode to another to fit the requirements of the situation is at a definite advantage over those who limit themselves to only one style of thinking and learning.
There are various learning style assessments that can help you discover your preferences, but everyone is capable of learning under any style, no matter what your preference is.
Keep on learning!
Fran Watson
Technology and You
Technology is growing in leaps and bounds. Every day we read about new companies starting up and the growth possibilities that are predicted. It is important that we take a look at this information to see if there is a potential for our services.
Not everyone has to be a computer wizard. Although there is a high demand for software programmers and web designers, there are also jobs for assemblers, mechanics, machine operators, trades people, health and safety professionals, clerical support staff and human resources personnel. It is, however, beneficial to have some knowledge of computers for most jobs. This knowledge can be gained by attending part-time or full-time courses or by reading help manuals and practicing on a computer.
You might want to check out some of the f*re*e courses offered via the internet such as those at the hplearningcenter.com
Developing computer skills is a good thing to do if you are looking for work.
Fran Watson
Not everyone has to be a computer wizard. Although there is a high demand for software programmers and web designers, there are also jobs for assemblers, mechanics, machine operators, trades people, health and safety professionals, clerical support staff and human resources personnel. It is, however, beneficial to have some knowledge of computers for most jobs. This knowledge can be gained by attending part-time or full-time courses or by reading help manuals and practicing on a computer.
You might want to check out some of the f*re*e courses offered via the internet such as those at the hplearningcenter.com
Developing computer skills is a good thing to do if you are looking for work.
Fran Watson
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Interview Tips
As a Career/Employment Counsellor and Workshop Developer/Facilitator who has been working in the employment field for the past 17 years, I can help you with some interview tips and techniques. What can you do for us that someone else can't do?
What qualifications do you have that relate to the position??
What new skills or capabilities have you developed recently?
Give me an example from a previous job where you've shown initiative.
What have been your greatest accomplishments recently?
What is important to you in a job?
What motivates you in your work?
What have you been doing since your last job?
What qualities do you find important in a coworker?
What would you like to be doing five years from now?
How will you judge yourself successful? How will you achieve success?
What type of position are you interested in?
How will this job fit in your career plans?
What do you expect from this job?
Do you have a location preference?
Can you travel?
What hours can you work?
When could you start?
What have you learned from your past jobs?
What were your biggest responsibilities?
What specific skills acquired or used in previous jobs relate to this position?
How does your previous experience relate to this position?
What did you like most / least about your last job?
Whom may we contact for references?
How do you think your education has prepared you for this position?
What were your favourite classes / activities at school?
Why did you choose your major?
Do you plan to continue your education?
Perhaps it has been some time since you have had an interview. Perhaps you think you can ace an interview. Whatever your current status, you may find these tips helpful.
Your resume is like an advertising flyer. It is what gets you in the door. If you have been job searching for a while and have not been having any luck, maybe it is your resume.
However if you have been getting interviews, but not the job, then it may be your interview techniques.
Common Job Interview Questions
By rehearsing interview questions, you'll become more familiar with your own qualifications and will be well prepared to demonstrate how you can benefit an employer. Some examples:
"Tell me about yourself."
Make a short, organized statement of your education and professional achievements and professional goals. Then, briefly describe your qualifications for the job and the contributions you could make to the organization.
"Why do you want to work here?" or "What about our company interests you?"
Few questions are more important than these, so it is important to answer them clearly and with enthusiasm. Show the interviewer your interest in the company. Share what you learned about the job, the company and the industry through your own research. Talk about how your professional skills will benefit the company. Unless you work in sales, your answer should never be simply: "money." The interviewer will wonder if you really care about the job.
"Why did you leave your last job?"
The interviewer may want to know if you had any problems on your last job. If you did not have any problems, simply give a reason, such as: relocated away from job; company went out of business; laid off; temporary job; no possibility of advancement; wanted a job better suited to your skills. If you did have problems, be honest. Show that you can accept responsibility and learn from your mistakes. You should explain any problems you had (or still have) with an employer, but don't describe that employer in negative terms. Demonstrate that it was a learning experience that will not affect your future work.
"What are your best skills?"
If you have sufficiently researched the organization, you should be able to imagine what skills the company values. List them, then give examples where you have demonstrated these skills.
"What is your major weakness?"
Be positive; turn a weakness into a strength. For example, you might say: "I often worry too much over my work. Sometimes I work late to make sure the job is done well."
"Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?"
The ideal answer is one of flexibility. However, be honest. Give examples describing how you have worked in both situations.
"What are your career goals?" or "What are your future plans?"
The interviewer wants to know if your plans and the company's goals are compatible. Let him know that you are ambitious enough to plan ahead. Talk about your desire to learn more and improve your performance, and be specific as possible about how you will meet the goals you have set for yourself.
"What are your hobbies?" and "Do you play any sports?"
The interviewer may be looking for evidence of your job skills outside of your professional experience. For example, hobbies such as chess or bridge demonstrate analytical skills. Reading, music, and painting are creative hobbies. Individual sports show determination and stamina, while group sport activities may indicate you are comfortable working as part of a team. Also, the interviewer might simply be curious as to whether you have a life outside of work. Employees who have creative or athletic outlets for their stress are often healthier, happier and more productive.
"What salary are you expecting?"
You probably don't want to answer this one directly. Instead, deflect the question back to the interviewer by saying something like: "I don't know. What are you planning on paying the best candidate?" Let the employer make the first offer. However, it is still important to know what the current salary range is for the profession. Find salary surveys at the library or on the Internet, and check the classifieds to see what comparable jobs in your area are paying. This information can help you negotiate compensation once the employer makes an offer.
"What have I forgotten to ask?"
Use this as a chance to summarize your good characteristics and attributes and how they may be used to benefit the organization. Convince the interviewer that you understand the job requirements and that you can succeed.
Here are some other job interview questions you might want to rehearse.
Your Qualifications
Your Career Goals
Your Work Experience
Your Education
Websites with Interview INFO
http://www.careercc.com/interv3.shtml
http://www.job-interview.net/Bank/JobInterviewQuestions.htm
http://www.danenet.wicip.org/jets/jet-9407-p.html
Free Resume Information
http://www.umn.edu/ohr/ecep/resume
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/career/resume.html
http://www.rileyguide.com
http://jobstar.org/tools/resume.index.cfm
www.ersumes.com
www.damngood.com/introjobseeker.html
www.scu.edu/careercenter/resources/publications/resumes.pdf
Here is a FREE article on Killer Cover Letters by Jimmy Sweeney with my compliments
Come back and check for updates.
It's A Matter of Attitude
Some jobs can be very relaxed and some jobs can be very stressful, and sometimes your attitude is what can make the difference in whether you are content or discontent.
Our workplace, like many others, is going through some significant changes which have thrown the workers into a bit of a downturn with regard to morale. I have been one of those who has suffered some significant psychological distress over the situation, however this morning I remembered that the only one who can change my attitude is me.
I was thinking about a story that Zig Ziglar tells of a woman who hated everything about her job until he started asking her some questions such as, “Do you like getting a paycheck?” “Are you well paid for what you do?” and other questions which helped her to realize some of the benefits she had in her job. Now, some of the benefits that I had in my job have now disappeared and been replaced with tasks that must be performed, but I can either accept this and reduce my anxiety, or fight against it and suffer from increased blood pressure and more medication. My choice, which will it be???
What would you do??
Fran Watson
P.S. Looking for a job?
Our workplace, like many others, is going through some significant changes which have thrown the workers into a bit of a downturn with regard to morale. I have been one of those who has suffered some significant psychological distress over the situation, however this morning I remembered that the only one who can change my attitude is me.
I was thinking about a story that Zig Ziglar tells of a woman who hated everything about her job until he started asking her some questions such as, “Do you like getting a paycheck?” “Are you well paid for what you do?” and other questions which helped her to realize some of the benefits she had in her job. Now, some of the benefits that I had in my job have now disappeared and been replaced with tasks that must be performed, but I can either accept this and reduce my anxiety, or fight against it and suffer from increased blood pressure and more medication. My choice, which will it be???
What would you do??
Fran Watson
P.S. Looking for a job?
Personal Development
To attract attractive people, you must be attractive. To attract powerful people, you must be powerful. To attract committed people, you must be committed. Instead of going to work on them, you go to work on yourself. If you become, you can attract.
We can have more than we've got because we can become more than we are.
The big challenge is to become all that you have the possibility of becoming. You cannot believe what it does to the human spirit to maximize your human potential and stretch yourself to the limit.
Pity the man who inherits a million dollars and who isn't a millionaire. Here's what would be pitiful: If your income grew and you didn't.
The most important question to ask on the job is not "What am I getting?" The most important question to ask on the job is "What am I becoming?"
It is hard to keep that which has not been obtained through personal development.
After you become a millionaire, you can give all of your money away because what's important is not the million dollars; what's important is the person you have become in the process of becoming a millionaire.
Income seldom exceeds personal development.
What you become directly influences what you get.
Credit Statement to be included in Reprints:
These quotes are by Jim Rohn, America's Foremost Business Philosopher. To subscribe to the Free Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine, go to www.jimrohn.com or send a blank email to subscribe@jimrohn.com Excerpted from The Treasury of Quotes by Jim Rohn. Copyright © 1994-2005 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide.
We can have more than we've got because we can become more than we are.
The big challenge is to become all that you have the possibility of becoming. You cannot believe what it does to the human spirit to maximize your human potential and stretch yourself to the limit.
Pity the man who inherits a million dollars and who isn't a millionaire. Here's what would be pitiful: If your income grew and you didn't.
The most important question to ask on the job is not "What am I getting?" The most important question to ask on the job is "What am I becoming?"
It is hard to keep that which has not been obtained through personal development.
After you become a millionaire, you can give all of your money away because what's important is not the million dollars; what's important is the person you have become in the process of becoming a millionaire.
Income seldom exceeds personal development.
What you become directly influences what you get.
Credit Statement to be included in Reprints:
These quotes are by Jim Rohn, America's Foremost Business Philosopher. To subscribe to the Free Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine, go to www.jimrohn.com or send a blank email to subscribe@jimrohn.com Excerpted from The Treasury of Quotes by Jim Rohn. Copyright © 1994-2005 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
The Right Time To Assume Leadership
Do you have what it takes??
In everything you have to do - every decision you have to make or every action you have to take - it is always better to think twice before actually doing it. Sometimes, it becomes too late to know that what you did is not really the most perfect thing to do. And when this happens, there can be no turning back.
You may have the qualities, characteristics, and skills of a great leader. You may think that you can lead a group of people towards a common goal. But do you believe that you are the right person to carry out such a huge responsibility at the right time?
Effective leadership is more than being able to command your people into doing certain tasks. Rather, it is about increasing both your personal and organizational success by guiding, teaching, and directing your followers for the team’s benefit and their own, and eventually drawing out the leadership qualities in them.
Hence, before assuming leadership - accepting big responsibilities and influencing other people - one may have to consider a number of things. Think about the following questions:
- Am I physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually prepared to accept leadership?
- Do I have a vision that will guide my team and me into bringing success?
- Do I possess strong character that I can use in facing and dealing with different problems that I might encounter along the way?
- Am I capable of influencing other people to do things for the team’s success?
- Am I ready to face competitions, accept criticisms, admit mistakes, or even accept defeat and failure?
- Will I be able to contribute immense benefits to the team other than drawing it towards success?
- Will I be able to produce other leaders among the team who can help me lighten the load?
If you answered “NO” to one or more of the above questions, then you may have to reevaluate your priorities in life. Don't worry, though, you have a lot of time to think over, prepare, and learn more. Remember, a true leader does not just give up. A true leader keeps on understanding what his/her weaknesses are, and tries to overcome them to become better and stronger for the team’s sake.
On the other hand, congratulations to you if you answered “YES” to all of the questions. A great leader is all that and more. If this is you, now, you knew it’s the right time for you to assume leadership.
All the Best!
Fran
In everything you have to do - every decision you have to make or every action you have to take - it is always better to think twice before actually doing it. Sometimes, it becomes too late to know that what you did is not really the most perfect thing to do. And when this happens, there can be no turning back.
You may have the qualities, characteristics, and skills of a great leader. You may think that you can lead a group of people towards a common goal. But do you believe that you are the right person to carry out such a huge responsibility at the right time?
Effective leadership is more than being able to command your people into doing certain tasks. Rather, it is about increasing both your personal and organizational success by guiding, teaching, and directing your followers for the team’s benefit and their own, and eventually drawing out the leadership qualities in them.
Hence, before assuming leadership - accepting big responsibilities and influencing other people - one may have to consider a number of things. Think about the following questions:
- Am I physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually prepared to accept leadership?
- Do I have a vision that will guide my team and me into bringing success?
- Do I possess strong character that I can use in facing and dealing with different problems that I might encounter along the way?
- Am I capable of influencing other people to do things for the team’s success?
- Am I ready to face competitions, accept criticisms, admit mistakes, or even accept defeat and failure?
- Will I be able to contribute immense benefits to the team other than drawing it towards success?
- Will I be able to produce other leaders among the team who can help me lighten the load?
If you answered “NO” to one or more of the above questions, then you may have to reevaluate your priorities in life. Don't worry, though, you have a lot of time to think over, prepare, and learn more. Remember, a true leader does not just give up. A true leader keeps on understanding what his/her weaknesses are, and tries to overcome them to become better and stronger for the team’s sake.
On the other hand, congratulations to you if you answered “YES” to all of the questions. A great leader is all that and more. If this is you, now, you knew it’s the right time for you to assume leadership.
All the Best!
Fran
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Lacking required skills?
Have you been looking for work only to find that there are some skills you are lacking? Perhaps your education needs to be updated, or perhaps your computer skills.
There are many places where you can obtain free upgrading or training, but first you need to take a close look at the reasons why you want or need the training. There may be government programs to help you once you decide, or you many have to foot the bill yourself. Either way, you need to take some time to evaluate just what it is you need.
If you need computer skills, there are places on the internet, such as www.hplearningcenter.com where you can get free training in software programs and webpage building as well as other items. You can also do a search for free computer training.
If you aren't sure what you want to do, you can search out some questionnaires to examine your personality and the type of work that might be enjoyable for your specific personality, such as this one.
Take some time to evaluate your skills and determine what it is you need to better succeed in your job search, then go and get what you need.
All the best
Fran
There are many places where you can obtain free upgrading or training, but first you need to take a close look at the reasons why you want or need the training. There may be government programs to help you once you decide, or you many have to foot the bill yourself. Either way, you need to take some time to evaluate just what it is you need.
If you need computer skills, there are places on the internet, such as www.hplearningcenter.com where you can get free training in software programs and webpage building as well as other items. You can also do a search for free computer training.
If you aren't sure what you want to do, you can search out some questionnaires to examine your personality and the type of work that might be enjoyable for your specific personality, such as this one.
Take some time to evaluate your skills and determine what it is you need to better succeed in your job search, then go and get what you need.
All the best
Fran
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