Career Musings

It Pays to be Persistent

2009-06-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

This post is from Harry Urschel's Blog. It tells jobseekers (or anyone else for that matter) that one shouldn't give up too soon...it pays to be persistent.

"“I sent in a resume…” or “I had an interview… over a week ago and haven’t heard anything. Should I call to follow-up?” or “How much is too much when calling or emailing to follow-up?”

I get asked this question in one form or another regularly, and my standard answer is: “It pays to be ‘Pleasantly Persistent’!”

What’s that? It’s connecting multiple times in a way that draws them to you rather than giving them the urge to get a restraining order against a perceived ‘Stalker’! It’s staying in touch and building rapport, as opposed to creating an image of needy desperation.

In most telemarketing sales, it usually takes multiple calls to make a sale. Generally:
5% of sales are made in a 1st call
15% of sales are made in a 2nd call
80% of sales are made in a 3rd, 4th, or 5th call!

The old adage: “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again!” definitely applies in your job search as well."

Click on the link above to read the full post.

Heard of MaestroConference? (free trials now available)

2009-05-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

This post is for anyone who conducts workshops via teleconference. A couple of weeks ago I heard about a new teleseminar service called MaestroConference. I 'attended' one of their free webinars and I was impressed!

Here's the gist of it...

With Maestro, you can re-create the dynamics of a live
workshop through an ordinary teleconference.

Create breakout groups, takes orders by phone -- you can
even "pass the mic" to people who "raise their hands" (no
annoying background noise or anything like that).

MaestroConference is now offering 30-day free trials of their service. If you do any kind of training via teleseminar, or if you run mastermind groups by phone, I strongly encourage you to claim your free trial here...

http://twurl.nl/tk5htc

There's No Corporate Ladder to Climb: You're On Your Own!

2009-05-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

Today's post is a link to Mark Schnurman's article in the New Jersey Business News:

Climbing the corporate ladder is an anachronism today. For most of us, toiling at the same company for our entire career is not a viable option. The frequency of layoffs, mergers and acquisitions, and the transient nature of our society and work force combine to destroy the social contract of lifetime employment with one employer.

Today, each of us is a small-business owner.

We own our careers and our lives and benefit from their fruits.

The seminal question must be: Would you invest in the company called YOU?

Click on the link in the title to read the full article.

LinkedIn & Twitter = Online Versions of a Rotary or Golf Club?

2009-05-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

"Think of LinkedIn or Twitter as online versions of a Rotary Club or Golf Club". So says a member of Toastmasters, and I agree!

According to the latest issue of Toastmaster, "Web 2.0 isn't just for teenagers using Facebook or MySpace anymore....a growing number of businesspeople, including many Toastmasters, are using these new applications to run their small businesses more efficiently, network with peers, tack customer perception of their products or services online and promote their organization."

Tomorrow am deliver a “Coaching-the-Coach” presentation to employment counsellors at a conference. Using Social Media (or Web 2.0 technology) as a job search tool will definitely be a big part of my delivery.

Connecting your Brand to your Value Proposition: Recognition to Reputation

2009-04-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

How is Brand connected to your Value Proposition? What is your core value message? Are these terms confusing as they relate to your career transition and career development? Have you established what they are and incorporated them into a self-marketing strategy? If you have an interest in this topic; have no clue what these concepts even mean or what’s their relevance to your job search, then join my guest Wayne Pagani and I, for an informal discussion about these concepts and explore some practical ways to develop your value proposition, your brand, and how to use them to leverage your career transition.

Who is Wayne Pagani? Wayne is a talented career development strategist who brings over ten years of unparalleled service delivery in the field of career development complimented by extensive management experience in the corporate world. He has coached executives, managers, and other professionals with diverse backgrounds. Wayne delivers inspirational workshops and services to clients seeking career and professional development solutions in all sectors of business.

Listen on the Internet or call 646-478-5137

Boost Your Visibility & Profits With Web 2.0 Technology

2009-04-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

The caption of a recent article written by Janis Foord Kirk, career columnist for the Toronto Star said, “Entrepreneurs need coaching”! As I read the article I couldn’t help but see the commonalities between an entrepreneur and a jobseeker. Both have attributes and competencies that their ‘clients’ need, both are facing challenges in these turbulent economic times, and both need strategies on how to brand themselves, stand out and stay competitive.

As a departure from the norm when I would focus on jobseekers, I am dedicating this article to CEO’s (Chief Entrepreneurial Officers), otherwise known as small business owners. Some of these people are also feeling the residual effects of downsizing and layoffs just like GM, Chrysler and Ford. I will discuss three simple strategies that small business owners can implement to increase their visibility and ultimately their profits.

One of the first strategies a CEO could implement is the tried and trusted act of networking. Networking – whether it’s face-to-face or online – is a crucial skill for entrepreneurs, and should be practised regularly. This is a good time to get out of your comfort zone and connect with people you hardly know, including your competitors. Many business relationships and alliances have been forged between people who once considered themselves competitors.

The second strategy is to become familiar with social media or Web 2.0 technology such as LinkedIn, Twitter, VisualCV and MuchMor, among a long list of others. A former spokesperson for Facebook said, “People are going beyond their face-to-face network and reaching toward that next layer of people that could play a role their success…but these people may be hard to reach through traditional media”. The rise in the use of social media is not limited by geography and has allowed people to connect with each other wherever and whenever they wish. These forums do not replace face-to-face communication, but add another dimension to networking and increased visibility. Below are several popular social media resources you may find beneficial to you and your business:

LinkedIn. This is “an online network with more than 30 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries”, according to its website. Its main aim is to help professionals forge and maintain business connections, but more and more business owners are making valuable connections through LinkedIn.

Twitter. The new kid-on-the-block, when compared to LinkedIn, but it is growing at an alarming pace. What started out as a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing, has blossomed into one of the most popular online communities. Not only are business relationships being developed through this forum, but it provides fertile soil for learning and keeping up with industry trends. One of the great things about Twitter is that one has only 140 characters to get one’s point across.

VisualCV. You may not have a website and probably you don’t need one, but you do need an online presence. If you want to put together an online bio or portfolio, then you will want to take at a look at VisualCV. It combines elements of a traditional resume with additional features like videos, photos, and a portfolio with samples of one’s work. Because it’s web-based, it is very easy to be incorporated into an email and send to prospects.

Blog Talk Radio. Are you aware you can host your own radio show to keep in touch with your clients or reach a wider audience? There are numerous online radio stations available, but you can check mine out at www.blogtalkradio.com/CareerCoach.

Maestro Conference. The third strategy is specifically for business owners who conduct teleconferences on a regular basis. Do you host teleconferences or teleseminars? How would you like to be able to have breakout sessions during one of your teleconferences? Literally having several discussion groups going on simultaneously and you, as host, having the capability to monitor and moderate these groups. Think Maestro Conference. Maestro Conference allows you to create a dynamic environment combining the convenience of traditional conference calls, with the interactivity of a live workshop. Check them out at http://www.thewrightcareer.com/links.htm.

MuchMor Business Network. Muchmor is a dynamic social media organization that powerfully combines online business & social networking with real life events & workshops. The vision of Muchmor Media is to provide our clients with a quality & knowledgeable service that enables their businesses to grow & prosper.

“Small is the new big. Sustainable is the new growth. Trust is the new competitive advantage”, states one company’s tagline. What about you? As Chief Entrepreneurial Officer of your business, are you ready to explore the benefits of social media? If you would like additional information or need help in creating your profiles for any of the above media, call us at (905) 840-7039 or send an email to daisy@thewrightcareer.com.

Links as referenced in the article:

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/careercoach4u

Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/daisywright

VisualCV: http://www.visualcv.com/daisywright

Radio: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/CareerCoach

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Ace Your Next Interview: Strategies to Impress the Hiring Manager

2009-04-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

Make sure to call in to my Radio Show "The Career Achiever" tomorrow, THursday April 16, at 3 pm EST. I will be interviewing Eric Kramer, owner of InterviewBest.

Technorati Profile

Seven Job Search Mistakes to Avoid

2009-04-07T17:06:00.000-07:00

How many times have you heard that “first impression counts”? Many job seekers believe that a professional resume package is all that’s required for a successful job search. They don’t realize that an email address, the message on an answering machine, or the inappropriate use of cell phones could severely derail their job search.

The seven mistakes outlined below are real situations culled from unsolicited information that either arrived in my Inbox or was mentioned in conversations with an individual or two. None of the individuals are clients, so the element of confidentiality does not apply.

1. Email Address. Cute email addresses should be used only with your cute family and friends. They will not be considered cute by potential employers. All correspondence that pertains to your job search should have your real name or something that demonstrates professionalism. Consider the young woman whose email address was lazygirl@xxxxx.com. (The domain name has been changed to protect her identity). This young lady was looking for a job in a restaurant where they required someone to work in a fast-paced environment. Why would an employer hire someone who is announcing that she is a ‘lazy girl’?

2. Voicemail. Your voicemail should convey your professionalism. In your absence, it becomes another tool to market yourself. Give yourself a call and listen to your message. Is it short, clear and businesslike? Don’t be like this other young woman I met at a job fair who wanted to know what she was doing wrong why she couldn’t find a job. When I called her home to follow-up, part of her voicemail message said “If you got this message, you may be someone I don’t want to talk to, and if you are someone I don’t want to talk to, you know what to do”. Why would a hiring manager give her a second call after such a message?

3. Résumé. Don’t be a part of the ‘cheating culture’ by submitting someone else’s résumé as if it’s your own. That is never acceptable, particularly when you didn’t take the time to remove the other person’s name. A man sent me an email asking me to hire him. The name on his email address was different from the one he had as his signature, and the name on the résumé was also different. Three aliases! When I wrote back suggesting that he decides who he really is, his reply was “do u think i am dumb?”

4. Cover Letter. Take the time to write a proper, professional cover letter to accompany your résumé whether you are applying by email or sending it by snail mail. Your cover letter is another opportunity to market yourself to the employer; an opportunity to draw attention to your special skills or to explain something that was not covered in your résumé. The majority of hiring managers still want to see a cover letter whether or not the job posting asks to “fax a résumé”. The man referred to above (the one who wanted me to hire him) had as his subject line “looking 4 work”, and his one-line cover note said “I am looking for permanent work. Please hire me”.

5. Interview. Your résumé and cover letter brought you to this important stage. It is now time for you to shine; to tell the interviewer why you are the best candidate for the job. It’s inevitable that you are going to hear the question, ”Do you have questions?” You should be prepared with a few good ones. Do not be like the candidate who answered “No” to the question, then went home and sent an email with a long list of questions to the interviewer.

6. Job Offer. If you have reached the stage where you have been offered the job, it means the company really wants you. While it is normal, and sometimes expected, that a certain amount of negotiation will take place, don’t blow your chances by asking for the impossible. One young man, fresh out of graduate school, thought he should push the envelope by informing the interviewer that the other company was offering him much more money. He lost out on an opportunity as this company could not match the offer, and the other company didn't exist.

7. Cell Phone. Watch your cell phone manners. One of the last things you do before going into an interview is to turn off your cell phone. Do not put it on vibrate, but turn it off. Not only will it be embarrassing to you if it rings during the interview, but it could spell disaster to your job search. A salesman was at an interview when his boss called. In the midst of the interview he told the boss that he "was meeting with a client", and could he call back.

Your job search is much more than a resume and cover letter. It entails honesty and professionalism starting with your first contact with the company. Overlooking proper job search etiquette could be detrimental to your career success, so beware.

_____________________
Daisy Wright is Chief Career Strategist at The Wright Career Solution and author of No Canadian Experience, Eh? A Career Survival Guide for New Immigrants. Email: careercoach@thewrightcareer.com.

Don't Sabotage Your Dreams with 'Buts'

2009-04-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

How many times have you said to yourself?

“I would like to find a new job, BUT I am too old.”

“I would really like a pay raise, BUT my boss will just say no.”

“I would like to change careers, BUT I am afraid it might not work out.”

“I hate my job, BUT if I leave it I won’t be able to make the same amount of money.”

“I would like to start my own business, BUT I don’t have the money.”

“I would like to ... BUT my (friends, coworkers, family, spouse, kids) keep telling me I would be crazy to do such a thing.”

Can you relate to any of those? What’s getting in the way? The big ‘BUTs’ – no pun intended. Everywhere you turn, there's a 'but' that stops you in your tracks. These ‘buts’ are your fears that tell you that you don’t have the time, the money, the education, the nerve, or the skills. These ‘buts’ tell you that you should stick to the evil you know of and not venture into the unknown. These ‘buts’ cripple you and prevent you from going after your dreams.

The biggest of these ‘buts’ is F.E.A.R. – False Evidence Appearing Real. Eleanor Roosevelt said “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” You are afraid of what people might say. You are afraid to put one foot in front of the other just in case you might reach somewhere. You are afraid to take a leap of faith in your endeavours. You are afraid to fail, and in some cases, you might be afraid to succeed! Do you see the power that fear has? It has gripped you so fiercely that you hang on to the same job day after day even though it no longer gives you the satisfaction it once did.

The other big ‘but’ is the negative self-talk you engage in. Have you ever listened to some of the things you say to yourself? “Duh ... what a ditz I am. I can’t do it. I’ll never be able to have that. I don’t deserve a raise. It’s my fault. Here I go again, making a fool of myself. They didn’t like me. I didn’t get the job because I am too old.” and on and on it goes. While you are wallowing in self-pity, you meet another negative person who agrees with every word you are saying about yourself. That’s destructive behaviour!

One of these days when you are having such a conversation with yourself, try this little exercise. Write down everything you are saying or thinking. At the end, pretend you are telling your friend what you told yourself. “Duh ... what a ditz you are! You can’t do it. You’ll never be able to make it. You don’t deserve the raise. It’s your fault. Here you go again, making a fool of yourself. They don’t like you. You didn’t get the job because you are too old.” Wow! Would you really say those things to your friend? If not, why are you saying them to yourself?

You need to change that mindset. You cannot allow fear and negative self-talk to cripple you and prevent you from moving forward with an idea or a decision. If you set your heart on engaging in negative self-talk, consistently allowing the ‘buts’ to get in the way of your dreams, you are destined to remain where you are. Instead, ask yourself, “What if I moved forward in spite of my fears? What if I take a chance?" You could surprise yourself and succeed!

I have known many people (including me) who have been able to clear some of the ‘buts’ out of our way and move forward in spite of our fears. We were once where you are. At every turn we saw the ‘buts’, but never allowed them to thwart our progress. It took faith; it took belief in self and it took encouragement from positive-minded people.

Surround yourself with positive-minded people who will encourage you to follow your dreams. It's okay to listen to the naysayers, but continue moving confidently in the direction of your dreams, anyway.

I hope you have gained some food for thought from this article. It doesn't matter where you are in your career or your life, if you want to make a move, forget the 'buts' and JUST DO IT!

Radio Interview with Canadian Business Consultant & Venture Capital Expert

2009-03-19T16:57:00.000-07:00

Do you have a great business idea and would like to find out how to raise capital to fund the business? Are you an aspiring entrepreneur under 30? Would you like to hear from someone who decided to create a job for herself rather than work for somebody else?

If so, join me on my radio show, The Career Achiever, on Wednesday March 25, 2009 at 3:30 pm, when I will be interviewing the Founder and Principal of Lemonade Capital, Prerna Chandak, a young woman who took a giant leap to move her career forward and start a venture capital and business consulting firm working with SMEs and young entrepreneurs across Canada. Prerna was honoured as one of Chatelaine Magazine's 80 Amazing Women to Watch in Canada and in 2007, was a recipient of the National Top 20 Under 20 award by Youth In Motion.

Stay tuned for additional shows on career and job search topics.

More Tips on Using Twitter in Your Job Search

2009-03-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

Twitter is the one of the coolest job search tools. Click on the link to find valuable tips on how to use this fascinating tool in your job search.

Some topics include:

* How to get the most out of your page
* How to evaluate a recruiter on Twitter
* Job search tools
* Specific job search accounts

Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/daisywright

Monday Morning Career Tips on My Radio Show

2009-03-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

Just recorded 2 episodes of my radio show - one on Boosting Your Self-esteem, the other on 7 Career Survival Tips for Turbulent Times @ http://tinyurl.com/bxbvsy.

Self-esteem is based on how you see your abilities and your worth as a person. People with low self-esteem are usually negative about themselves and their abilities. They are afraid to accept who they are, yet self-acceptance is crucial to one's self-esteem. Listen to this short Monday morning builder-upper, pointers that you can ponder on during the day and boost your self-esteem.

The doom and gloom frenzy seem to be taking over our ability to think straight. Don't fear, the 7 Career Survival Tips in Turbulent Times will help you see things in perspective. Listen to it on my BlogTalkRadio show or copy and paste this link to read the full article at The Wright Career Solution: http://tinyurl.com/bugd2q

7 Career Survival Tips for Turbulent TImes

2009-03-04T08:59:00.000-08:00

Just sent out my newsletter - 7 Career Survival Tips for Turbulent Times (that spell SUCCESS). Here's the intro...

Almost every news item these days is about job losses, bailouts and stimulus packages...pretty despairing stuff. This past January, 129,000 Canadians lost their jobs; Bombardier announced recently that it was laying off 1,320 employees; Chrysler is thinking of temporarily closing down some of its plants. One of these plants, with over 3,000 employees, is in my city (Brampton). Such news is painful, and if we add that to what's happening all across the United States, and the rippling effects being felt all around the world, we could very well be experiencing an "economic tsunami", according to a Microsoft TV ad.

My Radio Show

2009-02-28T07:40:00.001-08:00

My radio show on BlogTalkShow was first aired in June 2007, and since then, because am pressed for time, it was mostly on an ad hoc basis.

I decided that for 2009, I would clear the archives, revive the show and feature career experts and small business owners as my guests. Stay tuned. In the meantime click on the title above and listen to a 9 min segment.

80% of Job Offers Come from Networking

2009-02-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

Blogging guru Dan Schwabel says that "Most job postings aren’t even vacant, might not exist and 80% of job offers are received through networking." Read the rest here: http://mashable.com/2009/01/13/social-media-resume/

Daisy Wright's Interview with CHUM 104.5 FM

2009-02-23T11:47:00.000-08:00

Interviewed this morning by Sara Konings of CHUM 104.5 FM for a new job search series about how to survive job layoffs. I will post the date the series will be aired as soon as I am advised. In the meantime, listen to an earlier interview at http://www.chumfm.com/podcast/MP3s/Interviews/Career%20Coach.mp3

Believe in Yourself

2009-02-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

If you are going to be successful in your job search and career, it starts with believing in yourself! Say, "I do believe, and yes, I can!" Yippee!

How to Overcome a Job-Hopping History

2009-02-14T13:45:00.000-08:00

Are you considered a Jenny or Johnnie Job-Hopper, frequently moving from one job to the other? The following link has some tips on how to deal with such a history.

http://tinyurl.com/audmcl

Have you got Presidential Poise? - Part 3

2009-02-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

This is the final in the series of Sue Currie's article, Have you got Presidential Poise?

Be Well-Mannered. A leader of Obama’s calibre has impeccable manners. He mixes with the well-to-do, moneyed people of Washington who helped fund his campaign. He will also deal with Kings and Queens and Heads of State and will do so with courtesy and stateliness. A Commander in Chief of a country or perhaps just You Inc. understands and displays correct business and social protocol.

Carriage and demeanour. Obama wears clothes well. Of course so does First Lady Michelle Obama who will grace covers of magazines for years to come. They both choose classic and elegant styles. Mr Obama is more conservative and classic befitting his role while Mrs Obama adds a stylish twist to her dressing. They both show great posture walking tall and with dignity. Yes they both have great figures, but no matter what your size or shape, dressing well is a skill that can be learned and should be practiced.

Cool. What makes someone cool or have charisma? Perhaps this is an elusive quality. But I think it’s about being a leader that people want to follow no matter what field of endeavour. It is standing out in a fresh, modern way with a sense of calmness and composure.

_______________________
Sue Currie, the director of Shine Communications Consultancy and author of Apprentice to Business Ace – your inside-out guide to personal branding, is a business educator and speaker on personal branding through image and media. To learn more about how you can achieve recognition, enhance your image and shine, sign up for free monthly tips at http://www.shinecomms.com.au

Speak Well with Composure

2009-01-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

Second in the series: Presidential Poise

This segment talks about being 'well prepared and well practiced' in order to deliver an effective speech.

"Not all of us need or have the opportunity to make a public speech. If we did we could certainly learn many lessons form Obama. Most importantly to be well prepared and well practiced. I’m certain he didn’t write a few notes on the back of his hand and just “wing it”. In fact he has been learning the craft of public speaking for many years and so can you. Even if you just speak up in meetings or conference calls being at ease in these situations is the sign of control and confidence.

Having a powerful, persuasive voice helps. Again this trait can be developed through being aware of what your voice sounds like, eliminating the ums and ahhs, you knows and perhaps getting some voice coaching."

********

As an aside, Toastmasters is a great organization to help you eliminate the ums and ahhs and deliver an effective speech. Visit www.Toastmasters.com and find a club near you.

The next post will be Being Well Mannered.

_______________________
Sue Currie, the director of Shine Communications Consultancy and author of Apprentice to Business Ace – your inside-out guide to personal branding, is a business educator and speaker on personal branding through image and media. To learn more about how you can achieve recognition, enhance your image and shine, sign up for free monthly tips at http://www.shinecomms.com.au

What is Poise?

2009-01-25T21:04:00.000-08:00

The following is an excerpt from Sue Currie's recent newsletter titled Presidential Poise. As a career coach and speaker, I usually discuss some of Sue's points with clients when I meet with them one-on-one, when I facilitate workshops, or when I speak to groups. I cover topics like poise, self-confidence, public speaking, dress code, mannerisms, etc. Over the next few days, with permission from Sue Currie, I'll reprint segments of her article. Here's the first segment:

"According to former Australian Prime Minister, Paul Keating in an article in The Australian, one of the attributes that sets Obama apart is his poise.

What is poise? According to various dictionaries it means calm self-assured dignity, ease of manner and assurance, especially in dealing with social situations. Also, a graceful controlled way of standing, moving or performing in action. Equilibrium, a stable state of balance. Going further into the Thesaurus these words and phrases come up also, mental poise, intelligence and wisdom.

Poise is a very desirable personal brand attribute. Here are a few tips to help you include and exude this trait into your personal brand:

Self confidence. Displaying self-confidence and self-assurance is easier said than done. However, a leader or someone in control shows re-assurance to others. They take an interest, listen and make the first move to initiate conversation, putting other people at ease. Obama uses encouraging words of hope and a future to look forward to. He has a warm, genuine smile. His words, actions and manner are comforting and reassuring."

Next post will be How to Speak well with Composure.

________________
Sue Currie, the director of Shine Communications Consultancy and author of Apprentice to Business Ace – your inside-out guide to personal branding, is a business educator and speaker on personal branding through image and media. To learn more about how you can achieve recognition, enhance your image and shine, sign up for free monthly tips at http://www.shinecomms.com.au

Daisy Wright to Speak at Sheridan College

2009-01-19T10:52:00.000-08:00

Attend this 1.5 hour presentation at Sheridan College in Brampton tomorrow, January 20, at 6 pm. The presentation will include:

**How to Bridge the "No Canadian Experience" Gap

**Creating a Road Map to SUCCESS

**Elements of Effective Communication (and it has nothing to do with Words)

**The 3 R's of an Effective Job Search

**Using Social Media as a Networking Tool

Daisy Wright's Interview with CHUM FM 104.5

2009-01-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

Amid news of layoffs and a declining employment rate, what should we be doing to secure a place in the workplace? Career coach Daisy Wright of The Wright Career Solution says job seekers should make proactive choices now. Get your resume ready, take advantage of training opportunities at your current job and do a lot of networking. Get to know people within the company, as well as others in the field. Make sure people know who you are and what your skills are. She says many companies offer bonuses to employees if they successfully recommend someone before they even post a job. That's one of the reasons jobseekers should learn how to network effectively. CHUM FM reporter Sara Konings spoke with Daisy Wright.

Visit this link: http://www.chumfm.com/podcast/MP3s/Interviews/Career%20Coach.mp3 to hear the entire interview. You can also visit www.thewrightcareer.com/news.htm and click on the CHUM FM 104.5 link.

Do You Want to be Supported or Stretched in 2009?

2009-01-01T11:31:00.000-08:00

Hello Readers,

Happy New Year! I would like to share with you a part of an email from motivational speaker Jonathan Sprinkles in which he asks whether the people we associate with SUPPORT or STRETCH us. Do they support us because they care how we feel or do they stretch us so we can question the self-imposed limitations we place on ourselves? Great points to ponder for 2009!

According to Jonathan:

People who SUPPORT you care how you feel.
People who STRETCH you care how you finish.

People who SUPPORT you don't want you to get hurt.
People who STRETCH you don't want you to waste your potential.

People who SUPPORT you want you to feel loved.
People who STRETCH you want you to feel challenged.

People who SUPPORT you tell you it's okay.
People who STRETCH you ask you how you're going to do better next time.

People who SUPPORT you want you to be safe.
People who STRETCH you love you too much to let you stay where you are.

My wish for you in 2009 is that you will surround yourself with a good blend of supporters and stretchers. Supporters are great, but you need some no-nonsense stretchers to force you out of your comfort zone and set you on the path to achieving your goals. Olympians Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps had stretchers who helped them reach their gold-medal potential...so can you!

Happy New Year!

Daisy

Borderless Workforce Survey

2008-10-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

Top 10 jobs that employers are filling with foreign talent in 27 countries, ranked in order, 2008

1. Laborers
2. Engineers
3. Production operatives
4. Technicians
5. IT staff
6. Sales representatives
7. Administrative assistants
8. Customer service representatives
9. Senior executives/board members
10. Accounting, finance staff

Note: Based on survey of more than 28,000 employers in 27 countries.
Source: Manpower Inc

http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/MAN/439136478x0x208357/41b8de87-062c-4840-9b0a-8ff48bd175b4/2008_Borderless%20Workforce%20Survey_Global%20Results_FINAL.pdf