Time flies by, doesn’t it? Each day ends in a blink of an eye. Rethinking Yesterday: We often worry about what we said, what we did, how we were heard, etc. If we aren’t rethinking yesterday, we are looking forward to something in the future – tomorrow, next week, next month, etc. What are we missing? Many times, it is simply being present. We forget to smell the flowers or admire the mountains as we focus on getting in our steps. We hurriedly walk past others without a greeting or even a smile. And we aren’t aware that that person may need that at the very moment you are passing by. “We forg ..read more

As a career and confidence coach, I love tapping into other coaches’ talents to improve my own relationship with self-confidence because it serves to help my clients as well. With my book having been launched just over a year ago, I’ve been lucky enough to have been invited to speak at bookstores, book clubs, Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, girl scout troops, grade schools, and more. The Perfect Choice: Recently, while back in Upstate New York to attend our granddaughter’s high school graduation, I was invited to do a book reading/signing at a local book store, The Book House. We were staying with ..read more

Last week I reached out to a client I hadn’t heard from in a few weeks to inquire as to her status. She enthusiastically informed me that although she hadn’t heard from two organizations she applied to, she was excited to have received a call from a small, local firm. She had reached out twice following the interview and hasn’t heard back. Utilizing My Connections: While speaking with her in person when we first met, and learning not only was she new to town and what her ideal job was, I happily referred her to three connections of mine. Two informed me that they were not hiring. The third, a ..read more

Over the last several years I’ve given advice to prospective employees. The Etiquette Of Hiring: We discuss the etiquette of how to apply, interview, and follow up for a position. What I haven’t talked about, at least recently, is the etiquette of filling a position from the employer side. “An astounding 75% of candidates say they’ve never heard back from an employer after applying for a job.” I recently read a very interesting article on this topic by Jon Picoult, founder of Watermark Consulting and the author of “From Impressed to Obsessed 12 Principles for Turning Customers and Employees in ..read more

“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” – Jack Welch A recent article caught my eye as I was considering my next blog topic. It started with the above quote. I’ve referred to this quote often over my career. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Much like coaching, leading includes asking the right questions and then having the ability to listen, actively. Open-ended questions are powerful questions. When you ask “why”, “what”, or “how”, the receiver of the message doesn’t feel judged or critiqued. The power is on th ..read more

In work and our personal lives, we are often asked, whether intentionally or not, to push the limits of our comfort level. My Boundaries: I know many times, at various stages of my career, my boundaries were pushed far beyond what I thought I was capable of. “Let me start at the end. All is well.” Recently I attended a virtual session that included some work on reducing stress. We were taught to set a timer for 12 minutes and in solitude, just write. Doesn’t matter about what, just put the words in your head and heart on paper. Physical paper. When the timer goes off, light a candle and burn t ..read more

You’ve worked hard, in college, at your previous jobs, and at home. Employers today are looking for your accomplishments.” Toot Your Own Horn: No matter your background, you have proven abilities and there is no better place than on a resume to toot your own horn. Where do you start? Every resume should contain your contact information, where you have worked, the role you played, and the dates of employment. Within these subsets, list at least three bullet points focusing on the most important or relevant things you did in each role. But don’t stop there. Employers today are looking for your ..read more

Acronyms and jargon. Both commonly referred to as alphabet soup, are only helpful if your audience knows what you are talking about. Using jargon, which is precise, and can be the hallmark of a professional in a specific discipline, has its purpose. However, if definitions are not provided when used in a more generalized context, you will have lost your audience. Additionally, some acronyms can alienate your customers. Likewise, some acronyms are too informal and using them may negatively affect the company you work for and represent. If you are writing in terms that your audience doesn’t unde ..read more

Vacation! We all need to take a break. It’s so GOOD for us, as business owners, individuals, spouses, friends, and colleagues. Taking time away enables us to recharge. “I propose we try delegating and/or asking for help. Start with the little things.” Hubby and I just returned from six magnificent days in Hawaii. I didn’t bring my laptop. Of course, I had my iPhone; however, that was used to make phone calls, especially to keep in touch with my 90-year-old mom, in the advent she needed something – refill prescriptions (I thought I had covered all my bases before leaving). Struggling With Deleg ..read more

Don’t Give Up! February was a very busy month. I had five speaking engagements. Why am I sharing this? Not to brag, but to let you know I was close to giving up. Just when we think we are stretching too far out of reach, the universe hears us and responds. “The reason being, we all have to start somewhere.” I’m not a religious person. I do however consider myself spiritual and by that, I refer above to the universe. Your beliefs may be different and I’m ok with any of that, just so long as you come away with the takeaway – do not give up! The first thing I’ll confess to, is that my speaking en ..read more