Sometimes the Safe Path is Not the Right Path

By Jen Picicci,

“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

When I was a kid, I wanted to be an artist. I loved to draw, especially, and even took art classes on the weekends when I could. For fun.

Obviously, being an artist isn’t a viable career (or so everyone in my life told me in subtle and not so subtle ways), so instead of going to college to delve deeper into drawing or painting or sculpture, I went the safe route: art teacher.

Well, after a few semesters I decided I didn’t want to be an art teacher, so I went another safe route: graphic design. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy graphic design that much, most of the technical/pre-press stuff was way over my head (and interest level), and I turned down the one full-time job I was offered after college.

Since I was only twenty-one, adventure seemed appropriate. I moved to Vermont to work at a ski lodge, I drove cross-country, I lived in a tiny apartment in Montana, and then I lived in a tent for a while. It was awesome.

After that I went back to the safe stuff. I worked in an office here, I worked as an event coordinator there, then back to another office job.

I don’t want to make it seem like I’ve always just automatically chosen the thing that felt the safest, the most conventional, since the travels of my early twenties, because I certainly haven’t.

I quit a “good” job because it made me miserable and I wanted to get trained as a life coach.

I quit another well-paying job (that made me absolutely batty and went against all of my core beliefs) in order to stay home with my daughter, even though it seemed like there was no way to afford to do so. (We made it work.)

I started making art again, with real gusto and zeal, even though it doesn’t really make any sense beyond my own deep desire to do so.

Recently, though, I faced what feels like my biggest What-My-Heart-Wants Vs. Take-the-Safe-Path challenge ever.

After going in circles and wondering if I should bother trying to make art my main “thing,” I decided that I should apply to graduate school to become a school counselor. Because you can’t make a living as an artist, as you’ll remember.

Counseling has always interested me, I like kids, and I would have the summers off to do the thing I really like, which is, well, you already know this: art.

I spent a while researching the career and working on convincing myself I’d be able to find a job and that it would be the right fit for me. I applied about six months before applications were due and then pretty much forgot about it.

That is, until the deadline rolled around. I knew I’d hear something shortly after February 1st, and then there it was, an email inviting me to a four-hour group interview.

I can sum up the way I felt about going to this interview with one word: Ugh. I texted a friend and told her if someone else was in my position and felt the sucking feeling I was having, I’d tell them not to go.

I kept thinking, though, that I should go, “just to keep my options open.” You know, to be safe.

Before I went, I hooked up with a coach to talk me through some of what was going on in my head. What stands out to me the most about our sixty-minute conversation is that I said going to school felt like the safe option.

When she asked me what really, truly felt safe to me, in my soul, I said I felt the safest when I was in my living room, art supplies set up, light flowing through the windows, creating something.

Still, though, I went to the group interview. I was surprised by it; I enjoyed meeting the current students, the professors seemed lovely, and I was impressed with the program.

I also learned how competitive the program was—of the eighty something people there, only about thirty would get in. I didn’t think I had a chance.

I was wrong about that. In fact, I was included in the first round of applicants; a top pick. That made me, or at least my ego, feel really good.

My husband was out of town for work at the time, and we agreed to discuss it when he got back. After a lot of back and forth, I decided to accept.

I mean, I’d be taking on probably $18,000 in debt, but I’d have an almost guaranteed job when I finished! And I’d have a state pension! And I’d have summers off!

The other thing? Multiple people who have known me for a very long time told me what a great fit school counseling was for me. I used other people’s excitement about it to continue to believe that this was the right thing to do.

But then some weird stuff started happening. Conversations with my husband would often end with him saying, completely unprompted, “I wish you didn’t have to go to school.” Spiritual teachers who mean a lot to me started popping up on my Facebook or Podcast feed telling me things that I needed to know, like how to really follow my soul’s calling.

I felt like the Universe was trying to tell me that going to school was not right for me, despite seeming like the safe option. I understood that if I went, I’d be giving up what I had dreamed for myself and even my family, and that I’d be one step farther away from listening to my true self.

So I decided to withdraw.

I knew I wanted out, but every time I went to send that official email, I got scared. I kept thinking about what I’d be giving up (Stability! A pension! A “real” job!).

Finally, after a month, I did it. I sent the email from my phone while I was sitting on the floor in the living room, light pouring in the windows, a painting I was working on in front of me. I did it before I could think too hard about it.

Since then I’ve felt a variety of things. Sometimes fear, sometimes joy, sometimes worry, sometimes nothing much.

I wish I could tell you that in the month since I withdrew I’ve become a beloved artist who makes money constantly. I wish I could tell you that everything is working out perfectly. So far, though, I’m just practicing going toward what feels good and away from what feels bad.

I have faith now, faith that I’m following the right path for me. That picking something because it looks good on paper is absolutely not a reason to do something, even if other people tell you it is.

When I look back on this journey, what I see is a woman who wants what’s best for herself and her family, so is following the steps that she thinks will bring her what everyone else will see as success, and I can’t say I blame her. I’m just glad she changed her mind.

I want everyone to know that the safe path isn’t always safe, and it isn’t always right, and that only you know what’s the next step, but only if you listen closely. Here are some ideas for tuning in.

1. Listen to your body.

I just can’t understate the importance of this one. I’ve known for a long time that bodies are way better guides than minds, but sometimes I lose track of it.

I knew, for sure, that school was wrong for me because every single time I thought about starting in the fall my body, especially my chest, clenched into a tight ball. A message like that is the body saying loud and clear “wrong direction.”

2. Stop listening to your thoughts.

Just as you want to start listening to your body, you want to stop listening to your mind and your thoughts.

I know, it seems weird, because our brains are supposed to be all rational and smart and stuff, but so much of what goes on up there is completely based on fear. We worry about money, we worry what our family will think, we worry about dying alone. Those fears are just words, and if you let them lead you away from what you truly want, you’re going to be in trouble.

3. Do it a little at a time.

If you’re enmeshed in a career or relationship or financial situation that’s been going on for years and years and you have tons of people relying on you, it probably doesn’t feel so easy to just say, “Eh, I don’t want to do this anymore.”

That’s why you do one small thing at a time. If your body is giving you ulcers because you hate your job so much, but it feels like a fluttering butterfly when you think of taking a photography class, take the photography class. Try one small thing at a time, building toward the life that you really want.

4. Never buy into the idea that the safe way is the right way.

If you find yourself thinking anything along the lines of, “Well, that’s boring, but it’s a smart career to get into” or “He’s from a prominent family and would be a smart choice,” run! Or at the very least, slow down and check to see what your body and heart are telling you.

I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again: This whole being human thing is hard. I believe that it can be delightful and joyful and wonderful, but it takes work.

We have to push against societal norms that tell us we should do things a certain way. We have to get clear on what we want, and be willing to pivot when that changes. We have to be flexible; we have to be aware.

My goal is to choose what feels good for me. I hope that you’ll do your best to choose what feels right for you, too, even if it’s not what other people think is safe.

Three Friends

This is the true story of three friends

 First one was brilliant, never gave up the first position in his school . Topper in every exam held in School, College and the University.

 Second one  was average, wouldn't fail but pushed to the next class by default.

 Third one was a trickster , a cheat and was an expert manipulator.

But these three were great friends, thick as thieves.

Once their education  was over.....

 The first one, the brilliant guy as expected became an excellent engineer.
He gave Indian Engineering Services exam, was chosen as Class one officer.
He became a Chief Engineer in Indian railways later.

 Second one graduated with Physics major and appeared for Civil Services exam, passed and was appointed as the head of the department (HoD) where his first friend was working at a lower level !!

 Third one didn't bother to study further after school, chose the right party at the right time, fought the elections, won, and became an MP, and later became a cabinet minister and under him were the Departments where two of his school friends were working.

This is not a fictional story.

 First one is E Shridharan .. Metro man.

 Second one is TN Sheshan Chief Election Commissioner.

 Third one is  KP Unnikrishnan who got elected five times as MP for Lok-sabha, and also became a cabinet minister during VP Singh's  tenure as PM.

Three friends - from the same school, the same teachers, but destiny chartered different  paths !!!

(Translated from Original  Malayalam)

Salary Negotations Techniques?

As we move ahead in our career, it becomes important that our compensation is aligned with our professional growth. However, often we come across people who get paid less than what they deserve, mostly because they are afraid to negotiate their salary.

In the current dynamic and competitive professional environment, salary negotiation is an essential skill to have.

In this blog, we will share tips on how to effectively negotiate a salary.


1. Evaluate other components

Apart from the basic salary being offered, the other components like allowances, HRA, insurance, bonuses, incentives, etc. also form a major part of the salary package.

If the recruiter seems rigid during the salary negotiations, you can always ask for a raise in the other components of the salary apart from the basic.

For example, you can negotiate performance-based incentives or request the employer to raise non-cash perks and benefits.

Related: Understand salary breakup

If the difference in the range being offered to you is noticeable, you can use this as one of the points, while you negotiate your salary. Also, once you have a fair idea about the salary range, you’ll know how much you can stretch the salary negotiation.

2. Assess your market value

Now based on the above research and your qualification and experience, assess your market value. Recruiters generally negotiate the CTC package, so decide a figure beforehand that you consider you are worthy to draw.

3. Review industry standards

Research salary range of different companies for the position that you have applied for. Consider factors such as:

• Level of work experience
• Education and certifications
• Location, etc.

4. Rehearse, rehearse, and rehearse

Make sure to practice your pitch as many times as possible, it will ensure that you deliver it smoothly and don’t miss out on anything important.

Get hold of your friends, parents or roommates and narrate your pitch to them. You must also practice answers for the arguments that are most likely to arise during the negotiation process.

Related: How to answer "What are your salary expectations?"

5. Be prepared to tackle arguments

Arguments and counter-arguments are a positive sign as they show that the employer is taking a keen interest in you. However, a good impression can only be created if you remain poised and composed during the negotiation process.

Make sure to speak with confidence and handle the arguments tactfully. Being firm yet gracious is the best way to take it forward.

6. Prepare a pitch

Accumulate your past achievements and prepare a pitch on how these achievements will help you contribute to the company. If you have any experience, make sure to smartly mention that in your pitch.

Here are a couple of tips to help you prepare your pitch: a. Show excitement - Early in the negotiation, you can use a phrase like “Working with (company name) was my professional goal”, this will convey your seriousness for the job.

b. Convey expectations – During the negotiations, you must let the employer know that you are expecting a generous raise from them. To convey this you can say, “At this stage of my career, I wish to take a leap both in terms of my professional responsibilities as well as my compensation.”

7.Timing

Although it is a good idea to initiate the salary negotiation talk, do take care of the timing. Salary negotiation is best left to be discussed towards the final round of interview.

8. Initiate conversation

Do not hesitate to take the lead and start the conversation about salary negotiation yourself. All you need to do is be gracious and ask the question “Is the salary negotiable?”. This will help you start a conversation with the opposite side and depending on their response you can then negotiate your salary package.

9. Have conviction in your strengths

When you are in the middle of a grueling negotiation process, there are chances that you may short-sell yourself. To avoid that, it is important to make a realistic self-assessment of your educational qualifications, social competence, attitude, and other strengths, and that you have belief in your competence.
This self-awareness exercise will give you a rooted & strong sense of confidence, and you will remain steadfast even during difficult arguments.

10. Avoid intimidation

Very often people lose focus and resort to threats and intimidation for the sake of winning an argument. But this approach could bring an abrupt end to the negotiations.

Remember, both you and the employer are just trying to work things out. A show of strength can create a negative perception and may affect your long-term relationship with your employer.

11. Don’t accept the initial offer

Make this a thumb rule. This is because employers generally leave room for negotiations when they give their first offer. Accepting the first offer can trim down your base pay and can also prove detrimental in the long run as it will affect your future increments and bonuses.

 12. Promise what you can deliver

It is important to not get carried away in the negotiation process and promise more than you can deliver. If you have quoted a figure to your employer, make sure that you have the competence and knowledge to live up to it.

 13. Prove your worth with evidence

It is best to come up with hard evidence to prove your competence. If during the salary negotiations you are able to provide some real data about

your achievements, your chances of getting a higher salary will rise exponentially. Employers are more likely to accept a story which is backed up with good numbers.

14. Quote a higher number

Always ask for a little more than what you decided for. This is because the recruiter may also try to negotiate on your quoted number.

Every time you talk to an employer, you must be prepared with a well thought out and realistic figure that will keep you on the negotiating table.

15. Walk away

If you quoted a reasonable figure for your salary and know that you have the competence to fulfill your professional obligations, then there is no reason to accept a compromised offer.

If you don’t get what you want, you must gently express that you are willing to walk away. During the negotiation, you must come out as a person who is asking for something that he/she deserves, rather than someone who is desperate for a job or money.

Once you have acquired salary negotiations skills, it will come in handy throughout your professional life. There will be times when you’ll feel that your compensation is not at par with your performance, or that your annual increment is less than what you had expected. In such situations, knowing the art of salary negotiations will be of great help.

 16. Take your time

You don’t have to accept or reject the offer immediately. If you are not sure about the offer, you should ask for a couple of days to think about it.
During this time, you can assess the offer properly and also weigh other promising opportunities.
In case you choose to reject the offer, it is important that you do that graciously so that you continue to communicate for opportunities in the future.

Related: Calculate in-hand salary with online tools like Salary Calculator.



17. Have a foresight

Even if the monetary benefits are not at par with your expectations, discuss your career growth with your employer and see if they can chalk out a good career path for you. Sometimes having a long-term perspective can be more beneficial than short-term gains.



18. Stand your ground

If you have proved your worth in the negotiations and have confidence in your ability to perform, there is no reason for you to accept an offer that is less than your expectations.
Make it a point to insist on a figure that you think is in line with your job objectives and industry standards. However, take care to not come across as stubborn.

5 Things To Avoid When Breaking Up With Your Boss

Quitting a job – quitting well, at least – can be hard work. There are plenty of missteps you can make that can end up hurting your career in the long term. Check out our list of things to avoid when breaking up with your boss.

1. Don't Pull A Johnny Paycheck

It's been the subject of countless daydreams: quitting your job. You rise from your second-rate, back-breaking desk chair. You stride through the maze of cubicles, eyes forward, deftly deflecting queries and attempts at conversation from your colleagues – Forget the expense report, Cathy. No, Bill, I don't have an opinion on the President's jobs plan.

And then you reach the door. It's closed. No knocking today. You grasp the knob. Twist. Throw open the door. Finally, eye-to-eye with your nemesis, you deliver your attack: "Take this job and shove it." (Yes… we know, Mr. Paycheck didn't write the song. But he made it a hit.) Pretty sweet, huh? Yeah. But don't do it.

Instead: You must suppress the rage, stifle the snark, subdue the frustration. Smile. Be respectful. Give notice. Offer to help in the transition. It is, as the animatronic children at Disneyland say, a small world, after all.

People talk… about you. And unless you've recently come into several million dollars and plan on leaving the workforce forever, a less-than-conciliatory exit can come back to bite you later in your career.

2. Don't Annoy Your Co-workers

You're beginning to feel like an inmate –imprisoned unjustly, of course – with a release date just around the corner. All those people you work with, however, are still doing hard time… with no end in sight. Don't talk about all the great stuff you'll be doing once you're on the outside.

Instead: Leaving on good terms with your colleagues is just as important as leaving on good terms with your boss. Don't badmouth the company you're leaving, and don't brag about that great new company you're moving to. Answer questions honestly.

But bear in mind that these people (some of whom you may actually like) are still stuck in the situation that you're fleeing. You want them to have happy memories of you. Who knows, you may need one of them as a reference sometime, or even end up working with them again in the future.

3. Don't Act Like A Short-timer

You've given notice. See that down there, at the end of the tunnel? It's light. Two more weeks and it's on to bigger and better things for you (a new and happier job, we hope). This can be a difficult time. While your body is there at your desk, your mind is far, far away. A little slacking is expected. Anyway, what are they going to do about it? Wrong attitude.

Instead: Do your best to fend off short-timer syndrome. No matter how you feel about the company or your boss, you want to leave on a high note – be a pro to the end. In your final days, you should strive to work at the same level that you have during your entire tenure at the company.

People aren't necessarily going to remember that you put in back-to-back 18-hour days to finish a crucial, last-minute project two years ago. Colleagues – potential references and networking partners – will remember, however, that you came in late, slacked off and left early before abandoning them forever. You can never make another last impression.

4. Don't Get Lured Back

You have a new job lined up, or you've squirreled away enough money to sustain yourself for a job search (we advise the latter). Your mind is made up. You're out of there. So long. Sayonara. See you later. And, then, they hit you with a counter offer to get you to stay. More money, more vacation, better benefits, promises that "things will get better next quarter." Tempting.But don't take it!

Instead: The moment you gave notice, your relationship with your boss morphed into something that resembles the relationship between an estranged couple. Now your spurned boss, whatever his motives, has entered a bargaining phase that often accompanies a breakup (I can change!).

But things won't get better, likely they'll get worse. You've demonstrated your unhappiness and lack of loyalty by accepting a new job (though some say that employer/employee loyalty is, in fact, long dead). Stick to your plan. Just thank your boss for the consideration and inform him that you'll still be moving on. Many sources say that most people who accept a counter offer end up leaving within six months, anyway.

5. Don't Hold A Grudge

And… you're outta there. You cleared your desk of personal stuff, surrendered your iPhone and laptop, said your goodbyes and crossed that threshold for the last time. You strolled – maybe even swaggered – through the parking lot, fired up the car and headed off toward the horizon.

Congratulations. You have made a successful exit. Finally, you can start trashing your former company, boss and colleagues to anyone who will listen. Wrong.

Instead: Let the past be the past. Don't go around badmouthing your former employer, especially not to a new or prospective employer (or through social media). You'll come off as vindictive… and, maybe, even a bit obsessive. It's not healthy for your career or your psyche. And you never know when you'll run into these people again.

Action Is Essential To Career Success

Are you working on your career goals regularly or just thinking about them? Are you moving forward a little bit every day or waiting for the right time to begin? 

Goals don't get realized on their own. They get completed and achieved when you are working on them. Work on your goals and you will reach them. Work on something else and your goals will take a back seat. 

Nothing great happens in your career without your active participation. When you are taking action in your career, you are carrying out your goals with purpose and power. You are "in the zone" and believe that anything is possible. You feel great. You have faith that your actions will lead to goal completion. And you are right. 

So, How Do You Take Action In Your Career? Follow These 5 Steps Below.

1. Map Out Your Action Steps You can't reach your destination unless you know where you are going. Mapping out what you are going to do-and then doing it-is your recipe for success. Think about it this way. If you were to complete one action step every day, you will have taken thirty steps at the end of the month and 365 steps by the end of the year. Small steps add up to big ones because goals are reached one (mapped) step at a time.
   
   
2. Manage Your Time Effectively You are probably extremely busy, and you are certainly not alone in this. But do not use being busy as an excuse to not work on your career. It's essential to work on your goals despite what is happening around you. And, if you do not make time, it will not magically occur on its own. Are your goals important to you? If the answer is yes, then make time to accomplish them.
   
   
3. Select Your Priorities There will always be something on your list of things to do. So, try to let go of what you should do, or could do. Instead, focus on what you want to do and accomplish. You want to reach your goals. This is your objective. Select the action steps that will get you there, and work on these. This is how you will reach the finish line.
   
   
4. Use Your Calendar A calendar is an essential tool for helping you reach your goals. If you don't feel like taking an action step in your career, your calendar will help you get motivated or stay on track. If you don't remember what your next action step is, your calendar will remind you what to work on. If your action steps are not in your calendar, they will not get done, because you will forget what you need to do.
   
   
5. Move Forward No Matter What You will have good days and bad days-everyone does. Nevertheless, try to move yourself forward and take action even if you do not feel like it on a particular day. Take one step every day whether you believe it will make a difference or not. Movement will help make your goals a reality.

So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!

By Deborah Brown-Volkman

Advice For An Ambitious, Young Grad

Dear Joan:

I am a 21 year-old senior at Penn State, looking to make a dent in the world through entrepreneurship, inspiration, and the dissemination of knowledge and wisdom. I'm actively seeking to learn from the experts about how to be successful in my future endeavors (i.e. consulting, entrepreneurship, public speaking, writing, etc.) and stumbled upon your website in the process. You clearly have a wealth of knowledge and experiences and I would greatly appreciate anything you would be willing to share with me.

Specifically, what is your greatest piece of wisdom or advice (career or personal) for an ambitious, young professional approaching graduation? 

Answer:

What an exciting-and challenging-question!

The first piece of advice you are already demonstrating: 

Seek advice from those you respect and can learn from.

This curiosity will cause people to open up to you and shorten your learning curve about the companies, the people and the politics of work. Unfortunately, many young grads charge into the work world thinking they already know it all-after all, they have those shining new diplomas! What the smart ones soon learn is that the real education starts after they leave school. 

Take risks early in your career.

You don't have much to lose when you are starting out; you probably don't have a family to support; you can relocate; you can switch jobs-even career direction  without causing very much damage. Now is the time to explore and test your skills. 

Make networking a lifelong practice.

Waiting until you need something from someone guarantees it will be too late. A networking mindset will cause you to seek out new acquaintances, learn about them and find out about their organizations-this will always put you in a position of knowing about opportunities before anyone else does (not to mention getting to know some wonderful people). 

Make people feel smart and important.

Draw people out and really be attentive to what they have to say. Be honest and open with your compliments and encouragement. Develop a reputation as a collaborator. Ironically, ambitious people sometimes think they have to show how smart and important they are, so they are dismissive toward everyone else; yet the secret to being regarded as smart and important yourself, is to treat everyone else like they are. (You indicated in the PS of your letter that you were offered a job in a prestigious consulting firm. Be careful to make your clients feel smart and important, too, so you stand out from other consultants who may come off as condescending or know-it-all experts.) 

Run into the fire, not away from it.

Go where the problems are and pull people together to solve them. The single most visible way to earn your way up the ladder is to find and fix problems. If there is a task force, ask to be assigned to it; if there is an exciting new department forming, volunteer to take a lateral job to be a part of it. If your department has been pushing a nagging problem to the back burner, ask to start working on it. Adding value will pay off-in pay, promotions and future success. And since you are interested in becoming an entrepreneur, the secret to success is to search out problems and find a solution no one else has thought of. 

Save your perfectionist streak for things that really matter.

Eighty percent is good enough when it comes to doing staff work; crossing every "T" on everything you do will just slow you down and make your colleagues and employees resent you. It will stunt your career in the long run. Instead, do "administrivia" well enough but save your real energy for getting results that matter. I've seen many careers come to a screeching halt because they can't let go of every detail. 

When you blow your own horn, recognize the orchestra.

Be quick to share credit with others. If you watch respected, successful leaders they always say things such as, "I couldn't have done it without the skilled experts on my team.." In fact, one of the best ways to bring up one of your accomplishments, is to recognize the team who worked on it with you. It won't sound like bragging and it won't be lost on the listener that you were the leader who made it happen. 

Surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth.

It's easy to convince yourself that all of your good intentions are clearly and correctly interpreted by others, and that your credibility and winning personality are admired by all. And all of those great ideas? Why, of course they will work! Without honest feedback to ground you, you can fall prey to your own opinion of yourself. Being aware of how you are perceived is critical; it helps you correct mistakes quickly, helps you make the right decisions and helps you navigate political minefields. Honest feedback from people you trust is like having a trusted group of scouts who will keep you grounded and on the right path.

Good luck and have fun on your career journey! 

By  Joan Lloyd

3 Job Search Mistakes To Avoid

Is your job search going nowhere? 

You can blame the economy or the summer hiring slump. You'll have lots of company if you do. 

Or ... you can look to yourself. Are you secretly sabotaging your job search?You might be. 

Let me tell you the story of "Tommy" (not his real name), who is managing to do almost everything WRONG in his job search. Learn from three of his career-killing mistakes, which can rob you of the salary and satisfaction you deserve! 

Tommy first called me three weeks ago, asking if I could help him write a resume. He said he wanted a pharmaceutical sales job because his aunt and a cousin made good money at it, and he heard it was interesting work. 

But he said nothing about actually WANTING to do this job. When I asked, he replied: "Everyone says I should give pharmaceutical sales a shot." 

Lesson #1: Find a job you WANT to do. Tommy is setting himself up for misery by pursuing a job based on the "helpful" advice of others. 

Unless you're passionately committed to the job you seek, you won't pursue it with enough gusto to be successful in the long run. 

Tommy wanted a new resume to apply for jobs he'd seen posted on the Internet. When I asked if he were also networking for a job, he answered: "Networking? How do you do that?" 

Lesson #2: The best jobs are never advertised in the classified ads or online. They're filled by word of mouth -- people talking to other people. 

Tell every single person you know about the job you're after. Then ask them this magic question: "Who else do you know that I should be talking to?" This can double or triple the size of your network almost overnight. Try it! 

After asking for my email address and promising to send his resume to me that afternoon for review, he hung up. 

Six days later, his resume arrived by email. I sent him a reply and thought I might hear back from him in a day or two. 

Another week passed. 

Yesterday, Tommy called again and left a rambling message on my answering machine, asking nearly the same questions he had asked in our first conversation two weeks before.

Lesson #3: Take action in your job search. Now. 

Tommy wasted two weeks emailing and calling me with vague questions that we could have settled in five minutes. If this is how he's pursuing his next job ... he's in for a long, painful struggle. 

You can supercharge your job search by learning what NOT to do. This will help you pursue a job you really want, uncover the hidden job market through networking, and take action -- now. 

By Kevin Donlin

10 Sales Competencies Of Steve Jobs

I read the Steve Jobs Biography and although he was a very talented designer, innovator and inventor, it was clear to everyone who worked with him, and even to Jobs himself at the end of his life, that he was an asshole.  A simply horrible human being. Despite his miserable people skills, he was on a mission to design products that would change the world.  But Steve was also a great salesperson and this article discusses ten of the things about Steve Jobs the salesperson that you might want your salespeople to emulate.

Preparation - It is well known that Steve obsessed over the most minute details of product design to assure a tremendous user experience.  But he prepared just as much for sales calls, like convincing Bill Gates of Microsoft to create Word and Excel for the first Mac.

Determination - Jobs probably didn't receive any formal sales training, but he was so determined to get his way,make the sale and seal the deal that he nearly always found a way.  He did not consider the possibility that he could fail.

Slide Decks - He didn't like people who hid behind their PowerPoint slides and he did not use more than a few himself.  He believed that if you knew your stuff you didn't need PowerPoint.  He preferred to have discussions rather than slide shows.  Amen to that!

Charm - Knowing that Jobs regularly treated people so badly makes it even more incredible that he could turn on the charm when he wanted something or someone to do business with him.  Although he seemed to have no empathy for the feelings of others, he was aware of the need to develop relationships in order to sell.

Negotiation - Steve usually cut very profitable deals because he was consistently successful at getting others to want what he had, and then was not only willing to walk, but did walk until he got his way.  There is a great story in the book about when he sold Pixar to Disney for something like 7 or 8 Billion dollars.

Building Value - Jobs was a master at building value.  He would talk about the individual components or features of a device, what they would sell for if available on their own, to demonstrate the tremendous value of the device itself.

Understanding - He always knew what was important - their compelling reason to buy - to his prospect and was able to leverage it, and get people excited about the opportunity to work with him.

Creating Trust - Jobs got people to believe in him and his vision.  Even when biased against Jobs, after they met him, talked with him and became caught in his trance, they wanted to do business with him.

Fearless - Steve would not hesitate to call anyone, anywhere, at any time to ask for what he wanted.  And he was persistent - he didn't give up and would get others to help him connect if he couldn't get connected on his own.

Showmanship - While he was a master of all the competencies listed above, he was perhaps best known for, and best at showmanship.  His Macworld appearances were sales showmanship at its best.  The book detailed some of those presentations along with the secrecy, preparation, practice, timing, theater and attention to detail that helped to enhance his mystique and allow him to sell millions of devices from the podium.

By Dave Kurlan / Omg Hub / Dave Kurlan

Out Of Work For Over A Year? How To Bounce Back

It happens to the best of us. You hit a bump in the rocky road of your career and find yourself out of work for longer than you'd like.Being out of work for an extended period of time does more damage than just a gap in your resume. It affects your self esteem, how you view yourself, and what you believe you can bring to the table. 

Everyone has doubts at some point in their career; this is your time. Know that you can and will get past this bump. 

So How Do You Bounce Back? Follow These 5 Steps Below.

1. Remind Yourself That This Is A Moment In Time. Your career runs for multiple decades. That's a long period of time. What this means is sooner or later a setback will happen in your career. It's just the way things happen. All cycles have up's and down's and this is your down. The good news is it's all up from here. Remind yourself that a job will be there, and is waiting for you, right around the corner.
   
   
2. Reacquaint Yourself With Your Accomplishments. When was the last time you looked at your resume? And when you do, does it seem like your accomplishments were achieved by someone else? Just because you have not performed a function in a while doesn't mean you can't perform it anymore. It's like riding a bicycle; you never forget how. Spend quality time with your resume. Read the bullets slowly. Remember the projects you worked on and the people you worked with to obtain these results. Remind yourself that these are your accomplishments, which are something to be proud of. Just because it's been a while, doesn't mean it didn't happen.
   
   
3. Create In Your Mind What You Want To Happen Next. I believe that people get stuck in the day-to-day doldrums of life when they don't have something to look forward to. You may not know when your next job is coming, but you can get ready for it. Ask yourself what you want next. Where do you want to work? What location? What type of people? How much do you want to be making? When you can see what you want, clearly and powerfully, you can get it. I find that when people are out of work for a while, they can't see themselves in their jobs anymore. The amount of time that has passed only matters to you. Visualize what you want so you can get back to work again quickly.
   
   
4. Don't Give Up. Most people don't take discouragement well. When they first lost their jobs, they had vigor and excitement. They got up everyday and had people to call and job search related activities to work on. Over time, the momentum and activities diminished. That caused them to stop or slow down. Don't let this happen to you. You only need one job and one person to give it to you. The work you put in now will bring results; you just haven't seen them yet. A job search is not an instant gratification pursuit. It's a process that brings results over time, on its timetable and not yours. So, you have to keep going.
   
   
5. Believe In Yourself. Most of the time, we are our own worst enemy. We tell ourselves why something cannot be done before someone tells it to us first. This approach keeps you safe from rejection and failure, but it also holds you back. This economy may be forcing you to get out of your comfort zone and into new territory, all great for your personal growth. (Even though it does not feel so great most of the time.) Many people who come to me want to be challenged in their career. It's what's missing in their jobs and their lives. Well, this is your challenge. Will you rise to the occasion or let it get the best of you? You already have a track record of achieving great things. This will be another one to add to your list.

So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!
- Deborah Brown-Volkman

Deborah Brown-Volkman, PCC, is the President of Surpass Your Dreams, Inc. a successful career, life, and mentor coaching company that works with Senior Executives, Vice Presidents, and Managers who are looking for new career opportunities or seek to become more productive in their current role. She is the author of "Coach Yourself To A New Career", "Don't Blow It! The Right Words For The Right Job" and "How To Feel Great At Work Everyday." 

Five New Skills Job Seekers Need

 

Job seekers have had the same list of critical skills to brush up on or acquire for decades -- things like careful follow-up, attention to grammar and punctuation, and great listening abilities. But today's overcrowded job market and the ever-shrinking attention spans of hiring managers are creating brand-new job search requirements.      

Here are five new must-have skills for job seekers today:

Pain Spotting

It used to be that you could apply to a job and parrot the requirements listed in the job ad. But simply saying, "You want organizational and communication skills? I've got 'em!" won't cut it now. Every job seeker says the exact same thing in his cover letter. These days, you've got to do more. You've got to figure out -- by reading the job ad and researching the employer -- what sort of business pain lurks behind the job opening.

What are your choices? There's growth-related pain, and there's consolidation-related pain. There's pain associated with customers fleeing, with competitors outsourcing the work and cutting costs, and with a shortage of talent in an industry. When you know or can guess at the pain behind the job ad, you have something of substance to say to a hiring manager. Until then, you're just another banana in a very crowded bunch.

Storytelling

"I have a strong work ethic and get along with all kinds of people" is about as compelling as "I had cereal for breakfast" -- but, worse, it's not even believable. Anyone can claim these characteristics, and nearly everyone does. To get a hiring manager's attention, tell a brief and powerful story that demonstrates what you get done when you work: "When our big Q4 product release was delayed a month, I put together an outbound-calling campaign that kept our accounts from bailing and got us $450,000 in preorders" will let a hiring manager know some of the good things that happen when you showed up, saw and conquered.

Using a Human Voice

The old "results-oriented professional with a bottom-line orientation" style of resume is as out of date as high-fructose corn syrup. A human voice in your resume and your other outreach to employers will separate you from the boilerplate-spouting legions of typical job seekers. Replace tired corporate-speak like "Met or exceeded expectations" with a concrete, visual bullet point like "I sold our sales VP on a matrix territory structure that boosted sales 14 percent." Don't be afraid of the word "I" in your resume, or of using vernacular. Real people -- such as your next boss -- use slang every day.

Showing Relevance

The typical job seeker has a one-size-fits-all resume that gets pressed into service whether the open position is for a purchasing coordinator, a marketing assistant or a human resources analyst. That's no good. Your background won't be relevant to the hiring manager unless you highlight the accomplishments from each past job that have the most in common with the role you're pursuing. For a purchasing job, spell out your negotiating milestones. For the marketing role, tell the reader how you created or maintained a database and about your writing and creative skills. For the HR opportunity, describe the times when you untangled thorny human problems. Update your resume as often as necessary to make sure your most relevant stories come to the fore.

Knowing Your Value

No one will pay you more than you're worth, so know your value before you begin an active job search. Start with Monster's Salary Wizard so you know your market value and don't get lowballed in the hiring process. If you and an employer have wildly different ideas about what your background is worth, keep looking. Even in a tough economy -- maybe even because of if -- your ability to solve expensive employer problems is worth a lot more than peanuts. Arm yourself with information, and then get out there and tell your story.

Thanks to Liz Ryan, Monster Contributing Writer / Career Advice Monster / Monster

Four Techniques That Get Employers To Return Your Phone Calls

By Deborah Brown-Volkman 

Are you frustrated when you receive no response after you send out resumes, no follow-up calls to hear how you did on interviews, no replies when you are trying to gather more information about a prospective employer? 

Well, you are not alone. Over the past few years, it seems like it has been impossible to get people to return phone calls. The truth is this has always been the case. The employment decision making process often moves slowly. As a result, getting back to you happens slowly too. But when you are out of work, or are trying to jump from your current position, the waiting hurts more, because the stakes are higher. In many cases, you can't afford to wait, because you need an answer now. 

However, if you are proactive and creative, you can get people to return your calls. Here are some tips that work:

1. Don't Expect People To Get Back To You.

This means follow-up on a regular basis. People get busy and do not always remember to get back to you because they get sidetracked on other projects. They are not avoiding you, they are just working on other priorities, or do not have an answer for you yet.

The person who wants something is the person who is responsible for following-up. This means you. You cannot make one call and then say to yourself "if the person wanted to get back to me they would" and then give up. You have to be persistent. This is how you will get what you want.

2. Schedule A Follow-Up Call At The End Of Each Call Or Meeting.

Try not to leave any meeting or telephone conversation without another one scheduled. This way you have a time and a commitment from the other person to talk again. So when you are following up you do not have to feel like you are being pushy, rather you are fulfilling on a commitment you made to have another call.

3. If They Cannot Give You A Follow-Up Time, Ask Them When Would Be A Good Time Or Day To Call Them Again.

This way you do not leave the conversation hearing the dreaded "I'll get back to you." or "I will call you." These words only keep you sitting by your phone for days waiting for it to ring. In the meantime, you are going over the last conversation in your head over and over again, looking for clues of what you did wrong. Don't waste your time and energy. Let people know you will be calling again.

4. If They Give You No Commitment (Or You Were Afraid To Ask) Call Them

Here's a trick that is very effective. Wait 3 days after you've had a conversation with someone, and call them. Then, call them once a week until they get back to you. Many people feel funny about this, but it does work. The goal here is to be as nice and gracious on the first call as the 16th (or later.) If you get angry and it comes across in your voice mail messages, you will not get a return call.

Side note: Please do not think I am telling you to stalk someone or be overly pushy. If someone says they will get back to you, they should. Following-up is your way of ensuring that they do. One rule to the follow-up calls: if someone says stop calling, then stop calling. But this happens very rarely.

In many cases the person you are trying to reach just got busy and is grateful that you were persistent, and thanks you for following-up. You both win, they get a stellar employee, and you get a new job.