Four lessons you can learn from famous failures

Four lessons you can learn from famous failures by Amber Rolfe Nobody likes failing.  But no matter who you are, you’re likely to have experienced some form of failure in life. And although it can often seem like a step backwards, it actually plays a big part in your future successes. Don’t believe us?Here are four important lessons you can learn from famous failures (and how you can use them to turn a negative into a positive):Learn from your mistakes In 1985, Coca-Cola was losing a battle to its biggest rival, Pepsi â€" attributing their success to a sweeter tasting drink alongside the infamous ‘Pepsi Challenge’ adverts.To reclaim the stage, Coca-Cola did something nobody asked for. They canned the old Coca-Cola formula, and launched a ‘New Coke’ that tasted more like Pepsi. Unfortunately, this wasn’t well-received by the public, and they were forced to abandon ‘New Coke’ within a few weeks.The silver lining? Relaunching old coke as ‘Coca-Cola Classic’ gave their original product a whole new lease of life. Six months after it was rolled out, Coke’s sales had increased at more than twice the rate of Pepsis, effectively helping them win the cola wars for the rest of the 1980s.Remember: everyone experiences failure. It’s how you deal with it that really matters (see also: if it ain’t broke, etc.)Honourable mentions: Thomas Edison made 10,000 failed lightbulbs before finding a design that worked, Bill Gates first business collapsed before it got off the ground, and Nintendo were never discouraged by various products that didn’t make it big (from the Virtual Boy to the Satellaview).Don’t let others stop you from pursuing your dreams If Walt Disney’s success is anything to go by, other people’s opinions aren’t always valid.Not only was he told he lacks creativity early on in his career at a Missouri newspaper, he also failed at running his first business, ‘Laugh-O-Gram’.And whilst Walt found success in his first big cartoon, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, he was later forced to relinquish the rights to it when his long-time producer refused to give him more than a 20 percent cut of his films.But he didn’t give up. Instead, Walt Disney went on to create Mickey Mouse, paving the way for 156 more successful films, and firmly cementing his name as a world leader in family entertainment.Honourable mentions: Elvis Presley was told he couldn’t sing, Van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime, and Charles Darwin was labelled a ‘failure’ by his father.  You can’t win them all Sometimes it takes some time (and a few failures) to find your niche.The multinational technology company, Apple, taught us this back in 1995 when they figured out that gaming probably wasn’t their forte.Hoping to expand their reach, they teamed with Bandai to create the Pippin, a gaming console that incorporated a combination of games, educational applications, and web browsing.Unfortunately, the hefty price tag, low memory, and poor performance were just a few of reasons the Pippin failed to make it big. In fact, it only sold 42,000 units in its year on the shelves â€" whilst the likes of the N64 sold almost 500,000 units in just three days.The founders of the popular ice cream company, Ben and Jerry’s, also tried and failed in other pursuits (including pottery and medical school), before realising their success lied at the bottom of an ice cream container.Honourable mentions: Colonel Sanders was unsuccessful in almost every endeavour before perfecting the KFC recipe at 65 years old, Albert Einstein tried (and failed) working in insurance, and McDonalds’ attempt to make ‘Mighty Wings’ happen flopped in 2013 when it got a poor reception from consumers â€" and led to a huge excess of unwanted chicken*.  You can’t always do it alone The ability to turn your failures into successes isn’t always something you can do on your own. Often the change comes from surrounding yourself with supportive people.For example, after lacking an e motional connection to the characters in a story he was working on; the now successful writer, Stephen King, was ready to give up. It was only when his wife retrieved the crumpled Carrie manuscript from the bin that he was convinced to finish the novel and turn it into the best-selling book (and film) it is today.She also continued to support him throughout his career, helping him through drug and alcohol addiction, and encouraging him to keep writing even when they were struggling financially.Luckily, the hardships paid off, and he went on to write over 55 novels, selling over 350 million copies.Without her there for support, it’s likely King would never have stuck at it and found success. Although clowns may have been infinitely less scary…Honourable mentions: With falling sales and ageing customer base, Old Spice turned to ad agency Wieden + Kennedy to launch the award winning ad campaign, ‘The Man Your Man Could Smell Like’, which quickly went viral and increased sales b y over 107%. Thomas Edison’s mum home-schooled him after teachers said ‘too stupid to learn anything’, and Emily Blunt’s teachers encouraged her to get into acting and try new accents to overcome her stutter.Six ‘before they were famous’ first jobsSix celebrity career comebacks*Yes, this was actually a thing.  Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs nowImage creditsCoke Zero  https://qrius.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/960.jpgWalt Disney  http://images.mentalfloss.com/sites/default/files/styles/mf_image_16x9/public/disney_primary_0.jpg?itok=PzBCBHTTresize=1100619Apple Pippin  https://i0.wp.com/512pixels.net/wp-content/uploads/S3/2012-11-18-pippin.jpegStephen King  https://static1.squarespace.com/static/507dba43c4aabcfd2216a447/t/53ea37f1e4b0010022ae0605/1407858708868/Stephen+King?format=750wFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy cl icking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Features

First impressions count nail that elevator pitch!

First impressions count nail that elevator pitch! Imagine you get in an elevator with the manager of the company you want to work for. It should be possible to introduce yourself in a way that creates a powerful first impression in the time span of an elevator ride from top to bottom  no more than 60 seconds. Essentially, your ‘elevator pitch’ should answer three questions: Who are you? What do you do? What are you looking for? It can act as an ice breaker, a summary about yourself and an introduction. It can also serve as the foundation for covering letters, email introductions, meeting employers and other social settings. When preparing it, consider: Where you are: Are you at a careers fair, employer presentation, on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, in front of your PC writing your CV and covering letter or an email to an employer or preparing for a job interview? The context is very important when preparing your pitch. Who you are: Are you a maths finalist, a young entrepreneur, an aspiring sports journalist etc.? Describe what motivates you, what you are skilled at. What you want: Are you looking for work experience, are you seeking tips and advice on how to enter a specific industry, do you want to find out more about the organisation or type of job, or are you interested in the person you want to approach? Who you are speaking to: You might need to introduce yourself differently depending on whether you are talking to a recruiter, a course mate, an academic etc. What you have to offer: This is about your unique selling point. What is your proposition? What can you bring? Why should they give you their time? An elevator pitch can take the following forms: CV personal profile / career objective / summary: There is considerable discussion about whether personal profiles are killer of filler  but if you do choose to include one, you really need to make it count.  For example: Seeking an internship in the ___ industry to build upon a keen scientific interest and start a career as a ___. Eventual career goal is to become a fully-qualified and experienced ___, with the longer-term aspiration of moving into ___. LinkedIn summary:  Having an online profile is imperative  if you want to be ‘found’ by employers and build your network.  And when you are found’, you need to look great! Your summary is the best introduction to your LinkedIn profile. For example: I am a second year History student at the University of Warwick aspiring to work in publishing. I review books for The Boar Warwick’s editorially independent student newspaper and you can see some of my articles here. Last year, I came third in PBS National Student Poetry Competition for my poem ‘X’. I am currently actively seeking editorial work experience in a publishing house. Job interviews:  Undoubtedly, one day you will be asked something along the lines:“Tell me (something interesting) about yourself? Why should we hire you? Why are you the best candidate for the job? Why are you the right fit for the position? What would you bring to the position?” These questions cannot be answered without knowing how to ‘pitch’ yourself. For example: I have the experience and the attitude to excel in this production assistant position. I have almost two years of television production experience â€" including two summers interning at The X Show, where I was exposed to all aspects of TV production. I made such a strong impression the first summer, I was invited back and given a role with more responsibility. During my final year, I have been working part-time for a production company in an assistant role but have also  recently had the chance to help edit several episodes. I have a reputation for getting things done â€" and with a smile. That’s because I love working in the TV  industry and am excited to learn and get experience in every way possible. Speculative applications:  Anecdotally, 60-80% of the jobs are not advertised. There is a hidden job market and the only way to access it is via networking and speculative applications. Your speculative covering letter should be clear about what motivates you, what you have to offer and why you are approaching them. Prospects has a really clear example to highlight the points, and here is just a flavour: I am writing to enquire as to whether there are any suitable vacancies in the audit department at Just Boom Finance. I would like to draw your attention to my most relevant qualification and experience: I am predicted to achieve a 2:1 in my BSc Finance and Accounting degree. This  programme, which is accredited by the Association of Financiers, provides  thorough preparation for a career in audit. My work placement and subsequent employment at Thrift Financial enabled me to see how aspects of the professional services industry work together and to  understand the importance of the audit function in supporting clients financial  and business development. During this time I participated in a new client interview in which my mentor supported a new business to establish new record and reporting systems. Networking (interviews): We all  know that one of the challenges of networking is breaking the ice, starting a conversation. When attending such events you need to go prepared. With prior research on the speakers, the companies and the industry and preparing in advance your introduction, you should be able to confidently approach them for useful information, tips and advice.  For example: Hello, my name is  __________ and I am a __________ year __________ (degree) student at   the University of Warwick. I am interested in a career in the  ___________ industry as a __________. During my time at Warwick I have been involved in __________ (societies, projects, interests etc.) and developed skills in __________. I have also had an internship position / work experience as a ___________ with __________ and discovered that I really enjoy __________. Could you tell me more about __________? Initially used in sales to create interest in a project, idea, product, the ‘elevator pitch’ has become a useful tool in personal branding when networking and job hunting. As they say, it only takes a few seconds for people to make up their minds about someone, so, make these 30 seconds of your elevator pitch count. “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”!

How To Find The Perfect Relationship and Your Dream Job - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

How To Find The Perfect Relationship and Your Dream Job - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Now thats a headline to get excited about. Although I cannot provide all the answers in a single post, Shawn Grahams new book Courting Your Career may help you. The same dating game that we all go through is similar to our job search. For you to stay at a company for over a year, there needs to be some kind of match. If you treat your career like you do the opposite sex, maybe you will find the right man or woman. Getting on the right career path isnt simple. Finding your dream woman or man is just as complicated, but today you will learn some tactics from the man who has cross-linked both to make it easier for college students to understand the job search game. Shawn Graham is an Associate Director with the MBA Career Management Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hills Kenana-Flagler Business School. He also has a personal blog and blogs for Fast Company. Me: Shawn this book is genius and perfect for college students who can relate to dating and falling into the wrong relationships. Did you have any situations in your own life that helped you develop a book relating dating to ones career? This question almost forces you to be transparent. Shawn Graham: In a word…plenty. Especially the similarity between pre-date and pre-interview jitters. Early in my career, I would always let my nerves get the best of me during an interview. I’d be totally prepared and confident until the moment I walked in the door. That’s when I’d fall apart. It reminded me of how nervous I used to get before a first date with someone I was totally into and how nerves and a lack of confidence would squash any chance I had for a second date. One day I finally realized that, looking back, dating seemed to get a whole lot easier as I went on more dates. And knowing that gave me an added boost of confidence going into job interviews. Me: I think every career development book should talk about getting to know yourself which is in Chapter 1 of this book. I call this discover your brand and feel like its the cornerstone to all things career and life related. What do you recommend people do to learn about themselves and what resources are out there to research careers and industries? Shawn Graham: Start with friends and family. Where do they work? What do they do? Think about what you like/dislike about their jobs. Think about your major. Did you choose something that will almost certainly lead to a job directly after graduation like engineering? Or did you major in something you like (for example philosophy), that won’t necessarily lead to a job without an advanced degree. Make a list of jobs you think you’d like. Then consider the reasons why you’re interested in them. As you gather more and more information about yourself, you’ll eventually reach a deeper understanding of what you’re looking forâ€"both personally and professionally. A ton of online resources are available to help you research careers and industries. Start with sites like Vault.com and Wetfeet.com. You’ll also want to visit the websites of companies you’re interested in so you can get a better understanding of their business and gather information on possible jobs or internships. Me: How do you compare casual dating with internships, projects and volunteer work? Shawn Graham: They offer you and the company an opportunity to get to know each other better without being locked into a long-term commitment. They’re a great way to gain valuable work experience you can put on your resume and can also help you choose your career path. Since these options are short-term in nature (8-10 weeks), you don’t have to worry about making a long-term commitment as you learn about different career fields. However, you still need to make sure you put your best foot forward by delivering high quality work. Me: In Chapter 3, you mention networking and relate it to meeting other singles to expand your network. I assume that if someone is in a relationship, they dont have a job opening, but do you think that should stop you from flirting with them? Shawn Graham: That’s a loaded question. When you’re in a relationship, flirting will almost certainly get you into some serious trouble. But, when it comes to your career, it’s definitely important for you to continue to expand your professional network. You never know what doors you might be able to open up for someone else or when you might need to leverage their expertise or perspective. Me: How many “dates” do you have to have with a companyg in order to seal the deal? I had to casually date 6 people for my first job at my company. Shawn Graham: Two to three rounds of interviews are typical for most companies. Once you get past the first round, the interviews get more in-depth as the interviewer is trying to further evaluate your knowledge and degree of fit with the company. Me: When you get serious about dating and are ready for the relationship, what do people need to know? Can you please touch on its not you, its me? Shawn Graham: Calling an organization to say you’ve accepted a position with another company is a lot like breaking up with someone. In both cases, the other party will feel rejected, disappointed, or even angry. When breaking up with a company, it’s best to call the person who extended you the offer directly to let them know. Don’t burn bridges. Keep your conversation short and to the point. Thank them for the opportunity. Let them know (in general terms) why you’ve decided to turn down the position. For example, are you rejecting it for a position that is more in line with your long-term career interests? Are you doing it to be closer to family? You want to be general to avoid making negative comments about the company. In the world of dating, you probably wouldn’t like it much if somebody pointed out all of the reasons he or she didn’t want to go out with you. The same holds true when you’re turning down a job offer. Me: What inspired you to write this book and what do you want people to get out of it? Shawn Graham: I was finding that most job seekers didn’t relate to online and print resources and, as a result, were having a difficult time navigating their job search. I hope readers will find that even the most difficult career-related issues can be broken down and resolved using the comparisons and strategies detailed in Courting Your Career. I hope readers will leverage the advice and strategies contained in the book to help them find career success. And, if it helps them in the love department, even better.

Not Getting Job Interviews 11 Likely Reasons Why - Career Sidekick

Not Getting Job Interviews 11 Likely Reasons Why - Career Sidekick Not Getting Job Interviews? 11 Likely Reasons Why Applying for Jobs / https://www.edenscott.com/blog Common reasons for not getting job interviews include not tailoring your resume correctly, not applying with the right methods, having a resume thats longer than it should be for your experience, and a number of other reasons.In fact, there are 11 common reasons why you are not getting calls for interviews, so well look at all of them in this article.If youre wondering, why am I not getting job interviews? then keep reading and you should be able to start getting more.11 Reasons Why Youre Not Getting Job Interviews:1. Youre relying too much on job boards and job websitesMany job seekers rely entirely on large job sites like Monster, Indeed and LinkedIn, or niche job boards (for example tech job boards, creative talent job boards, etc.)While this is a good way to supplement the rest of your job search methods, it should be FAR less than 50% of your effort, and definitely not 100%.Id recommend job boards and job sites as only 20% of your job search effor t.So if youre spending more effort than that, its a big reason why youre not getting calls for job interviews.There are just too many people on here and companies get flooded with applications.Its difficult to stand out, its not personal at all, and although you can apply for a ton of jobs, its not very beneficial if nobodys calling you back to interview!So what should you be doing for the other 80% of your time?Id recommend networking to get interviews, and applying directly to companies that interest you.2. Your resume has responsibilities but not accomplishmentsThe next reason you might not be getting job interviews is related to your resume, specifically your employment history section.Most job seekers make a big mistake here, listing responsibilities only. Like this:Responsible for ____This is NOT going to impress a hiring manager or a recruiter because its really just telling them what work your boss assigned you to do, not what you accomplished.Start your bullets with a verb when possible (like led, or grew, etc.)Examples:Led a team of five to do ___Grew companys social media following from 900,000 to 2.1 million in nine monthsIf you want more help with this, we have a full article on how to write awesome resume bullet points, with examples.3. Youre trying to send applications quickly and not tailoring your resumeSending out more applications isnt always better the point is to get interviews, right?Whats better sending out 20 applications and getting one interview or sending out 10 applications and getting three interviews?The choice should be obvious.This is what tailoring your resume for each job will do for you!It usually takes less time than you think once you spend 30 minutes learning how to do it to begin with! Most people just dont want to put in the time to understand it and so they apply for a ton of jobs but get very few interviews.If you want to avoid that, read that article I linked to above and start tailoring your resume for the job descr iption.In short you want to re-order your bullet points to show the employer whats most important to THEM. And you want to make sure to include some keywords from the job description on your resume, too.4. Youre applying for positions that arent the right fit for your backgroundWhile you dont need 100% of the jobs requirements to apply, you should have around 70-75% minimum.If youre applying for jobs that youre not at all qualified for, it could be part of the reason youre not getting calls for interviews.I know this one is pretty obvious but some job seekers Ive worked with are still doing this, so I wanted to make sure to include it here.Lets keep going now5. Your resume is too long and is getting skimmed over rather than read closelyThe modern resume should be short and easy to read. While it doesnt NEED to be one page, it should certainly be a maximum of 1-2 pages for job seekers in the first 8-10 years of their career.If youve been working just a few years and have a three-pag e resume, thats a problem.Your resume is really a highlight reel and a sales pitch to the company showing how you can help them for their specific job. Its not a list of everything youve ever done at least not if you want to get interviews.Your paragraphs should be only a few sentences each, too. Avoid big, bulky paragraphs if you want to get your resume read!And utilize white space between paragraphs/sections. Make sure its all well-spaced and inviting to read.You can look at this article itself as an example. Notice how there are no huge paragraphs with 10 sentences. That makes it much easier to read and more attractive (and less likely youll leave after a few seconds).Here are more tips on how to make your resume stand out.6. Youre not applying for enough jobsI mentioned earlier that you should focus on the quality of applications, not quantity.Dont rely on job boards, dont mass-email your resume out without tailoring it. But I do see job seekers that arent getting interviews for the opposite reason theyre just not applying enough.You do need to send out some volume to get interviews.Thats why job boards are okay as 20%, and why you should be applying every day if youre in an active job search!So if youre not getting any interviews and youre only applying for a few jobs each week, its time to start putting more time and effort in.7. You have a large, recent gap in employmentIf you have a big gap in employment at or near the top of your resume, you really need to address it.You can list your employment in years instead of months in your employment history if that helps.Or you can write a cover letter to explain the circumstances of why you left your previous job, and how the issue has resolved itself (for example if you had an illness but have now recovered).You can take a LinkedIn learning course to fill the space and show employers youve been staying active even when not employed. You could also do consulting or freelance work, on Upwork for example.You c an do one or more of these things, but make sure youre addressing your employment gap one way or another so that it stops preventing you from getting calls for interviews.8. Youre using a resume Objective section instead of a Career SummaryNothing wastes spaces on a resume and shows a hiring manager youre old-fashioned than putting an Objective.Dont do it. They already know your objective is to obtain their position.So instead, write a great Career Summary that highlights some of your biggest accomplishments and qualifications that prove youll succeed in this next job!   Thats how to get interviewed.You can find some great career summary examples HERE.9. Your work experience doesnt appear on the top half of page 1 of your resumeIf you have any work experience at all, its one of the first things recruiters and hiring managers want to see.Dont bury it at the bottom of page 1. It should begin on the top half of page 1, no exceptions.Adjust your resume until thats the case, and youll st art getting more interviews.If you need help with resume sections and ordering those sections in general, heres an article about what to put on your resume and in what order.10. Youre using a functional resume format instead of chronologicalAnyone whos read this blog for a while probably knows Im NOT a fan of a functional resume which is a resume that separates your work history into functions or categories of work, instead of by job/date.Heres the problem recruiters and hiring managers want to see WHERE and WHEN you did each task that youre listing in your employment history section.They arent going to value it as highly if they cant see when you did it. So none of your experience will count for as much with a functional resume.And that could be costing you interviews. It could be the sole reason youre not getting called to interview, in fact.So if youre not having success with a functional resume, Id recommend changing to a chronological employment history section where you list each job and employer.Here are some examples.  11. Youre facing some type of discriminationTheres a reason I put this last.Most people arent being discriminated against and focusing too much on this can prevent you from focusing on the things you CAN control like how youre applying for jobs and whats on your resume.But it is possible you might be facing age discrimination or another type of discrimination.The best thing you can do is keep applying. And research companies before you apply.If youre a certain race or ethnic background and concerned about being discriminated against, look at companies leadership and board of directors (on LinkedIn or on their company website).This is a good way to see if they hire people with a wide range of backgrounds or not.You can do the same research for age. Look on LinkedIn and see if they seem to employ people who are 40 and 50+, or if everyone seems to be in their mid 20s.Youll see better results by researching and applying to companies that s eem to hire people similar to you.Heres some additional reading on avoiding age discrimination.Quick Review: Likely Reasons Why Youre Not Getting InterviewsYoure applying too much on job websites and job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed and MonsterYou list responsibilities but not accomplishments on your resume/CVYoure not tailoring your resume for each individual job as you applyYou are applying for jobs that you are not at least 70% qualified forYour resume is too long which is preventing it from getting fully-read when you apply for jobsYoure not spending enough time applying for jobs each dayYou have a gap in employment that you need to address before employers will feel comfortable calling you and inviting you to interviewYou have an Objective section on your resume instead of a Career Summary paragraphYour employment history doesnt begin on the top half of page 1 of your resumeYou are using a functional resume format many employers dislike this and it could be preventing you from getting job interviewsYou are facing some type of discrimination

Tips on How to Write Expected Graduation Date in Resume

Tips on How to Write Expected Graduation Date in ResumeWhen you are looking for some tips on how to write an expected graduation date in resume, the first thing that should come into your mind is, the entire purpose of a graduation document is to allow you to document the specific graduation date. It is very important that you are clear about what date you wish to highlight when you are writing the term 'graduation'. It is also the right time to set the details on the background of the institution and details related to the graduation party.Writing an expected graduation date in resume is easy if you follow the tips given below. They will help you not only in writing the formal part but also have a better idea of what would be the expected formality when you are publishing your resume. This will ensure that you do not need to come back to this later.First of all, start your article with the name of the graduate school or organization, usually, it is necessary to mention the graduate name. This is a section in resumes, which is generally left out. However, it is recommended for writers to include the graduate name in the expected graduation date in resume. The reason for this is that it helps to distinguish between two and four-year universities and it further helps in having a better understanding of the terminology used. By including the name, the reader can be sure that the work is indeed by the grader.Students years of studies are also a section which should be mentioned. It can be included in the expected graduation date in resume as it allows for the student to be understood easily. The years of study before the present year can be used for years to study for an organization.Formality of the diploma can also be discussed. It is always advisable to opt for the formality for organizations, but it does not mean that you can use the formality for institutions. Some institutions require aformal formality while others do not. It is better to state the formalitie s in the expect graduation date in resume.The reasons behind the graduation also needs to be mentioned. If there is a degree of uncertainty or doubt in the minds of the readers regarding the precise reason behind the graduation, then the reasons should be mentioned. Graduates must be happy about their qualification and it can be stated in the expected graduation date in resume. The reason, which has been mentioned, would prove more trustworthy if the specific qualification is clarified.Work experience is also another section which is written. In fact, this is one of the most essential sections as it provides the whole background of the work done by the grader. It is very important to add to the resume the working hours worked, as it provides more information to the readers. The time taken to complete the work also provides the readers a clearer idea of the achievements. The readers should not only be impressed by the achievements but they should also know about the job and the organ ization that the grader was associated with.All these aspects must be mentioned in the expected graduation date in resume. If the grader speaks fluent English, then it will be very easy to communicate with them and ask questions. If you are one of those who are bothered about the English writing skills, then it is advised to hire the services of an English writer for such a purpose.

Getting Support in Times of Change - Kathy Caprino

Getting Support in Times of Change As a coach and a therapist, I work with hundreds of people each year who are going through dramatic change of some kind or another, and are in need of support from their families, friends, colleagues and others. We often discuss what healthy support is, and how feels when we receive support that gives us the strength and confidence to persevere.So what does helpful support look like? From my perspective, positive support shows up in many ways, and is expressed verbally and non-verbally, through language, beliefs, attitudes, and behavior. Supportive people communicate that: They can understand what you are doing and why, even if they dont fully agree They are positive, encouraging, bolstering, and uplifting in their language, attitudes, and behavior They express their belief in your ability to succeed They express joy at your success and happiness (and feel it!) If/when they have concerns, they express them calmly and productively They know the difference between their agenda and yours Overall, those who are truly supportive want you to be all you can be in this life, and express that desire in their actions and words. So what can we do to elicit even more support from family and friends? Here are some tips that can help: Present your ideas half-baked. Allow others to brainstorm and problem-solve with you, which helps them to become more invested in your process and your progress. Avoid done deals. Open a dialogue about the support you need. Dont go underground with your need for help. Make it clear what you need and want. Say to your family and friends: Its very important for me to have your support on this. May I please tell you what would be most helpful to me? Identify actions that are specific, behavioral, and measurable in what you ask for. For instance, one client asked her spouse, Honey, I would very much like to take this new class, but it would mean Ill need some extra help two nights a week for a month. Would you be able to give the kids dinner and put them to bed while Im at school? Ask, What can I do to make it easier for you to support me on this? Then consider the answer, and take action on it. Develop a support plan together that you all can buy into, and revisit frequently. Finally, when they are supportive, show your deep appreciation for their help and flexibility. These small steps can make a big difference. But what can we do when were still not getting the support we need? There are many factors that contribute to lack of support from family, friends, and colleagues. To understand it more fully, its important to look at whats going on from a process standpoint as well as a content level. In other words, ask yourself, What can my familys or friends lack of support tell me about myself, my relationships, or this new step that I should understand? Sometimes, a friend is jealous of your success or your expansion, and just cannot be fully present or happy for you at this time. In this case, your compassion helps. But also it might point to the need for a stronger boundary to be developed, so that you will know if and when the right time comes to walk away from this non-supportive friend. Other times, non-support reflects a concern on the part of a family member or friend that perhaps the path you are taking seems a bit shaky, risky, or potentially difficult. If this is the case, its very important to open your mind and heart, and fully process the information your family/friend is telling you. Look at it, explore it non-defensively, and decide if any of this is information that you havent considered. It very well may be. If not, then its time to articulate your stance with confidence and strength. Try to convey how and why this step, from your perspective, is critical to your happiness. Finally, it is helpful to look at where you are not receiving support. Get clear on where your buttons are being pushed in the process (what makes you become defensive, insecure, indignant, angry). By examining your own process, you will develop a deeper understanding of where you might need a bit more clarity, confidence, and courage to follow your new path. Heres a crucial point many people dont realize: Once you get completely clear on your new direction, youll find that you are more able to attract into your life the type of support and assistance you need. When you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this new step feels right, you can move mountains, and you wont let a few naysayers stand in your way! Wishing you joyful and exciting transitions.Kathy

4 New Job Search Tools to Check Out in 2012 - CareerEnlightenment.com

Vizualize.meThere are a lot of online résumécompanies. Some of them are very good. But they essentially take a paper résuméand stick it into some HTML coding and nice fonts. Vizualize.me takes your résuméa step further.After you import your LinkedIn profile, Vizualize.me generates that information in the form of an Infographic â€" it will graphically represent your profile. With the tool, you can modify the fonts, format, and colors to fit your brand.I’ve built a few for myself and have been really pleased with how they look, though I never went so far as to have it printed on a t-shirt (which you can do as well).Cachinko.comCachinko.com is like Pandora, but for jobs. After you “star” a job you like, the system will leverage your social graph (your friends and connections) to find similar positions that you are more likely to be interested in.I tried several searches with this tool and thought it was pretty neat â€" if you are into using job boards. Rather than searching over and over again on a job board, with Cachinko, you just go to the “Jobs You’ll Love” list and it populates it for you. The more jobs you “star” the more accurate the list will be.After you’ve identified a job you want, you can use the “Friends who can help” feature to actually talk to people in your network about the job.1-page.com1-page.com stands for One Page Job Search Proposal. Founder Joanna Riley is the daughter of Patrick Riley, author of the long-time best-selling business book, The One-Page Proposal. The idea is that if you can’t sell your idea on one page, you haven’t thought about it enough.While a résumé may have a place in the hiring process, its function is no longer the pivot point for employers. Enter the one-page proposal. By submitting a proposal to a potential employer, you are telling them what you WILL do for them should they choose to hire you.The format of a “one-page” proposal is very specific. And this website will take you thro ugh the steps one by one. Even if you don’t end up using your proposal in your application or in your networking, the process of writing down your entire value on one page is hugely valuable.