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How to Take Charge of Your Career: Build Your Personal Brand

29 Jan

Personal-Branding-Naming-Alternatives

If you are considering making career change, I have good news and bad news.  The good news is – it’s up to you.  The bad news…it’s up to you.  That is the biggest hurdle most people face when considering making a change or looking for new opportunities.  It seems to be a huge undertaking and they don't know where to begin. So let's discuss the secrets. 

Start by understanding that the first thing a hiring manager, VP, or even CEO asks when looking for new talent is,"Who do I know?" 

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5.5 Tips for Generation Y Managers

18 Oct

So you are young and in charge?  Good for you!  But if you want to keep it that way, be aware that your journey is just beginning.  There are some important thoughts and skills to develop.

Understand that in today's workplace, we have FOUR generations all working together, and more importantly, the youngest generation – Gen Y (or Millenials) – have developed into management and leadership positions.  Previously we only had to contend with the issues that came with a multi-generational workforce, where the older workers were in the leadership positions.  But now we have younger workers managing older workers and this brings with it a whole new set of challenges. And also some very exciting opportunities!!

Whether you are a Gen Y searching for strategies, or someone who wants to help your new Gen Y Manager, here are some keys to success:

 

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Successful Communicators Know Their Audience

10 Oct

 

"That's not what I meant when I said that!" exclaimed all of us at some point in our conversational careers.  How many times have you found yourself in a situation where you were misunderstood and had no idea how it happened?  You may have been clear and concise, respectful, and even full of valuable information.  But somehow your audience interpreted your message a different way than you intended.  How dare they!

Not knowing your audience could cost you relationships, money, or even your career!  Likewise, if you follow the steps below, you may increase your chances for opportunities and healthier relationships.

 

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3.5 Steps to Being Unstoppable Again

12 Jul

Have you ever had the feeling that you were on a roll, and then all of a sudden, your streak ended and you couldn't get back on top?  In sales, in poker, or life in general?   It has happened to all of us, and the trick is understanding what to do about it when it does happen. 

The Power of Perspective

Guess what?  You're human!   And because you are human, you are susceptible to your own emotions.  Why do you sometimes feel as though you are unstoppable, and sometimes you feel that nothing goes right? 

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Get Your Mind Right, Then You Can Worry About the Rest

27 Mar

"What's on your mind?" should be the first question you ask yourself when trying to uncover the mysteries of success. Everything starts with having the proper thought processes.

Recently I gave a presentation on the power of mindset in business and I thought I would share with you some of the ideas and a few short clips.

Take some time today and reflect on what it will take for you to start thinking differently about yourself, your relationships, and your business.

Many years ago, I learned (from my Mom actually) that no matter what happens in business – no matter how successful I become, people will remember me for how I manage my emotions. If I lost my cool, was rude, or had a breakdown, it wouldn't matter if I had an amazing year in sales or not. People would remember me for how I made them feel. That was a lesson I learned years ago and always try and remember to this day. Thanks Mom!

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Hey Leader, Check Your Ego at the Door!

19 Mar

Recently I dove into a brilliant book called The 5 Levels of Leadership by John C Maxwell.  Once in while, something like this just slaps me in the face with a reality check and gets me inspired!   I don't know why I had not read it yet, but I am glad I picked it up, and it got me thinking, "What kind of leader have I been lately?"    So I got to work on taking my own personal notes, and even did some work on my whiteboards which is something I suggest you do with anything you are trying to learn – see my post on Are You Truly a Professional? Then Develop Yourself.  Without diving into the book in detail like a book report, I thought I would share with you the insights I gleaned and offer some suggestions on how to use it for yourself. 

Start by asking yourself if you truly want to be a leader and inspire others, or are you content just holding onto your position in management?  Leadership is there for the taking, if you are willing to start working on YOU first.  Ego has no place in leadership, that's what managers are for. 

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Profile of a Business Coach – Rosemary Smyth

14 Mar

Today you are in for a treat!  Recently, I had a chance to sit down for a dual-interview with an amazing member of our business community, Rosemary Smyth.  Have a look at the profile she did of me in her recent newsletter HERE.  Rosemary is a business coach who goes above and beyond for her clients at Rosemary Smyth & Associates and she has recently written a book titled 101 Success Tips and Strategies for Financial Advisors.  Check out her website to see how she may help you.  Rosemary has built an outstanding career for herself and is extremely active in the community.  I am lucky to be able to tap into her knowledge and she is always the first to give freely of herself to others.  This is the mark of a true leader and is why she has been able to build such a strong referral network. 

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Follow up, Follow Through, or Follow Behind – 6.5 Steps to Getting Your Calls Returned

02 Mar

Let's cut to the chase – we are the worst predictors of our own future behaviours. 

  • "Of course I'll be there!" 
  • "You can count on me."
  • "I will 100% do that."
  • "I will call you on Monday to dicuss that."

 

Sound familiar? Well it happens all the time.  And this is not just in regards to sales, but to everyday life.  How reliable and consistent are you in what you say you are going to do?  In today's world, we have unlimited ways to communicate, manage our time, and organize our thoughts – but people seem more disorganized and unreliable as ever!  It is time to simplify. 

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