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Archive for the ‘Career’ Category

Quiz: How Well Are You Maintaining Your Personal Brand?

Developing and managing your personal brand—that which creates a clear and memorable impression about who you are and what you do—is practically a requirement in today’s economy. Doing so not only gives you greater control of your career and personal destiny. Take the Self-Quiz below to see if yours needs just a dusting off, or some full-fledged spring-cleaning.

1. I know what’s important to me, and I can list the values that inform my work and my approach right away when asked.

2. When colleagues (and those I work with at all levels) think of me, the idea that comes to mind is clear and consistent, from person to person.

3. I know how I create value for my company and/or my clients. They do, too.

4. My personal “brand message” is targeted and focused.

5. I put my brand, my unique contribution and/or approach, on everything I do: presentations, reports, meetings, deals, etc.

6. I look to connect my personal brand to every situation possible (and appropriate).

7. I consider myself my own CEO and have a vision by which I lead myself.

8. My emails are consistently opened, read and acted upon.

9. I focus on growing and nurturing my professional network, both through offline approaches (e.g., associations, speaking, etc.) and online strategies (e.g., LinkedIn, blog/forum participation, etc.).

10. I look to find what’s distinct about me and what I bring to the table, rather than try to conform to the norm. In essence, I create my own “unique selling proposition” (USP).

11. I have a personal brand plan, and I execute the strategy and tactics in it.

12. I establish appropriate partnerships that will extend my brand and help me get complementary brand value.

13. I make sure that everything that surrounds my brand (my office, my website, my customer service, etc.) communicates the same brand message.

If you answered true to at least eight statements, you’re well on your way to building a powerful personal brand. But don’t forget: it’s not only about creating a distinct personality, but also telling the world about it. Don’t hesitate to contact me if  you’d like support shining up your personal brand.

Welcome to the August issue of According to Marshall…

There is a lot of information out there and most of us have little, or no time, to read it. My goal is to provide you, my readers, with relevant, important and up to date information that will help you in your business success. It’s just a quick summary, on various topics of interest, that I am sure will be relevant to your personal and professional success.

If there are particular subjects that you would like to receive information on, let me know. And if you want to share relevant information I would be happy to include it to my readers. Please feel free to send your information to me.

If you have trouble reading this or seeing graphics click here for the online version.

Examples Of Good Resumes That Get Jobs

By Sam Dogen

“One of my predictions for this year is that the job market will surprise on the upside. With cashed up corporate balance sheets and a revival in demand, there is little doubt in my mind that unemployment levels will continue to improve. Unfortunately, 2011 has proven to be a little more challenging than expected, with unemployment levels staying at above 9%. This is why now more than ever, you need to get all your documents in order, starting with your resume.”

Click here to read the full story

A Winning Job Search Strategy

By Peter Vogt

“You’ve posted your resume online and are submitting resumes and cover letters for all the job openings that seem to fit you.

Is there anything else you can do to look for a job? Absolutely! In fact, the more diverse your job-hunting strategy, the more effective it’s likely to be.”

Click here to read the full story

Staying Positive During Your Job Search | Jobfully Blog

By Stephanie Heydrick

“Having a positive mindset is important in your job search.  However, job search length has become much longer since the current “Great Recession” has begun.  It’s common to see job seekers get discouraged, particularly during an extended period of job hunting without results.  Keeping a positive mindset constantly can be challenging.  Here are some suggestions to help you stay positive:”

Click here to read the full story

A Resume Checklist: 13 Things to Do Before You Apply for the Job

By Selena Dehne

“When writing the first draft of your resume, you probably know it could be — and should be — stronger than it is. If you’re like many job seekers, though, you might feel pretty mystified as to which specific steps will lead you to more powerful content and a more attractive design.

Fortunately, boosting a bland resume or simply polishing it before applying for a job isn’t as cumbersome as you might expect.”

Click here to read the full story

June 2011

Welcome to the June issue of According to Marshall…

There is a lot of information out there and most of us have little, or no time, to read it. My goal is to provide you, my readers, with relevant, important and up to date information that will help you in your business success. It’s just a quick summary, on various topics of interest, that I am sure will be relevant to your personal and professional success.

If there are particular subjects that you would like to receive information on, let me know. And if you want to share relevant information I would be happy to include it to my readers. Please feel free to send your information to me.

10 Tips to Get People to Act on Your Emails

by Jessica Strelitz, Smart Blogs

“Want to be more innovative? Stop doing all the stuff that is wasting time and sapping energy.”

Click here to read the full story

The Most Important Question a Manager Can Ask

by Linda Hill & Kent Lineback, Harvard Business Review

“The most effective way to find out what your employees need from you — and to be a better leader — is to ask “What can I do to help you be more effective?”.”

Click here to read the full story

9 Ways to Use Summer to Your Career Advantage

by Andrew G. Rosen, USNews

“As adults, most professions require we that we show up at the office, regardless of the season. While summertime can be considered “lazy days,” it’s actually the perfect time to up your game and advance your career.”

Click here to read the full story

Why Branding Your Resume Produces a High ROI

by Jessica Holbrook, JobDig

“It has been no secret in advertising and marketing for some time now that you need to know your target audience. In a job search it really isn’t any different. You need to know who you audience is, what their needs are and how to communicate the benefits of what you offer.”

Click here to read the full story

Whether you are thinking about making a career change or satisfied in your current position but still don’t know what your skills are, it’s time to discover your abilities and strengths and what makes you marketable.

Any marketing professional will tell you that one of the first things you have to know about a product before you put marketing plan together is to know the benefits – what makes this product different? Why should I buy it? How will it benefit me (and maybe my team)? Translating this to your job and/or career means knowing what YOU have to offer, what makes YOU different and why Mr. or Ms. HR person should hire YOU?

It is imperative in today’s competitive job market to know YOU. By knowing what you have to offer and then marketing and branding yourself as the person with that information, will help to separate you from your competition. Your marketability will depend on your ability to demonstrate, on paper and verbally, your skills (even if within the same organization).

Read more about building your personal brand here:

http://www.mbrownassociates.com/personalbrand.html

The best way to have a good year is by living life on a daily basis, letting the good days accumulate, one by one. And it doesn’t have to be New Year’s to resolve to have a good year. Start anytime. Today, for instance.

1. Take time, slow down. Be present in your life and mindful of the present.
2. Care for your body, eat well, exercise, treat yourself to loving, nurturing self-care.
3. Spend quality time with family and friends. Communicate, keep in touch. Say I love you. Tell people you appreciate them.
4. Take time throughout the day to renew yourself. Take a walk, read a poem or a good book, listen to music (really listen); bring beauty into your life. On a monthly basis, take a whole day for yourself — play, treat yourself to something you want to do; retreat from your daily life. Mark these special days on your calendar (in ink) so you’ll be certain to take them.
5. Clean up what needs to be cleaned up. Make amends, fix what’s broken, clear away clutter, forgive what needs to be forgiven and let go.
6. Commit to a project you really want to do or to learning something new or attaining something you want. Commitment is the first step. Then set achievable goals and work toward them on a daily basis.
7. Give yourself to a cause, volunteer at a nonprofit organization, a community group, your church or lend a hand to an individual or family who could use your help.
8. Practice your spirituality in whatever form you express it, on a daily basis.
9. Laugh every day.
10. Take time to dream.

Here’s wishing you the happiest holiday season and make it a great ‘10′ in 11!

Now is not the time to put your job search on hold. Not only are there a lot of extra job openings, but also new budgets take effect in January. Human resources receives the job requisitions for the budgeted new jobs in November and these are filled before January 1. Not only that, you have less competition because people think it’s a bad time to look for a job. This is one of the best times of the year to find a job!

Announcing The Career Success Mastery Program

You will no longer be frustrated and anxious in your efforts to succeed. We will work together to:

•  Create a Powerful Resume that Opens Doors
•  Create a A Strategic Cover Letter
•  Develop a Great 30-Second Pitch
•  Launch a job search campaign that will actually work
•  Maximize your networking efforts
•  Increase your energy and confidence level so you can feel great about presenting yourself in a knock-’em-dead interview
•  Negotiate effectively for the salary you desire and deserve
•  Receive professional feedback on how to improve your job search and career improvement skill
•  And so much more!

If meeting with other Greater Washington DC area job seekers in a confidential, face to face manner, facilitated by a Professional Career Coach, appeals to you then this is the program for you.

“Marshall has an uncanny ability to guide his clients to maintain a motivated job search. His networking coaching is incredible, and he is exceptionally accessible. In today’s competitive marketplace, it is critical that executive talent have exceptional guidance to secure your employment goals. I recommend Marshall, without reservation.”

—Bill Williams

We will meet in person or via telephone, once a month for 2 hours PLUS emails in between. The first meeting, by phone, is Friday December 12th at 12:00pm Eastern. Then the group, once formed, will determine day, time and location of subsequent meetings

Ahead-Of-The-Curve Discount: $275 if registered by November 15th 11:59pm Eastern

Full $350 per month payment registration Deadline:
November 29th

Consider this…

When you are unemployed your loss of salary can cost you thousands of dollars per month. This program will pay for itself many times over by helping to accelerate your successes PLUS save 1-on-1 coaching $$ by being a part of this group. Isn’t it time to invest in yourself?!

Click here to learn more!

They are former teachers, nurses and doctors. They are accountants, lawyers and business people. They are spouses, parents, siblings and children. They are former Peace Corps volunteers and military officers. Some are from the USA; others are from Pakistan, Swaziland and Nepal. Different backgrounds, united to provide USAID humanitarian relief to countries all over the continent of Africa and beyond.

The other day we looked at the various skills that they bring to USAID. And what a list it was! They have competencies in strategic planning, leadership, business acumen and team management. Many of them have strengths in communication, decision making and program management. I can’t speak for all USAID employees, but the ones I have met, also have a strong sense of honesty and integrity.  Transferable skills? You better believe it!

Today’s message from South Africa…know your skills, your accomplishments and your successes. Learn how they are applicable to international development. Talk to folks that you know (or know someone) that have worked in this field. And if you have interest in making a difference, seek out opportunities with USAID and/or other organizations that are similar.  From my perspective, you can’t go wrong!

Are you in the throws of a job search, seeking to make a career change or been recently downsized?

Announcing The Career Success Mastery Program

Let me ask you…

• Do you want to stand out in the crowd of people who have similar credentials and experience?
• Do you want a heightened sense of self-awareness and greater clarity about your purpose and goals?
• Do you want to develop an effective job search and cut down your job search time?
• Do you want support and guidance all along the way?
• Do you want to save 1-on-1 coaching $$ by being in a group?

If you feel that you can’t complete your job search alone, then this group may be a great way to achieve your goals.

With other job seekers. and a certified career coach that will facilitate the meetings, I will share my best practices from working with hundreds of clients. We will work together to plan your course of action, keep you on track, overcome barriers, and celebrate your success!

I understand how to launch a job search campaign that will actually work – no more missed opportunities, wasted effort, or wasted time. The strategies you will work on will be useful during these times and are also useful during a strong economy. I developed the Career Success Mastery Program to help you on your path to SUCCESS!

Is Your Job Search On Hold Because It Is So Late In The Year?

Now is not the time to put your job search on hold. Not only are there a lot of extra job openings, but also new budgets take effect in January. Human resources receives the job requisitions for the budgeted new jobs in November and these are filled before January 1. Not only that, you have less competition because people think it’s a bad time to look for a job. This is one of the best times of the year to find a job!

If meeting with other Greater Washington DC area job seekers in a confidential, face to face manner, facilitated by a Professional Career Coach, appeals to you Click here to learn more!

Question:
I am a 46-year-old homemaker. My last child will be leaving for college in a year and I have never worked outside the home. I am lost and don’t have a clue where to begin my job search. Where do I start?

Answer:
Don’t despair. There are many readers who, I am sure, can relate to your situation. I have some suggestions that should help you begin.

1. Search for books that can assist you with an internal examination of who you are and what your life’s purpose might be. One book I have recommended to several of my client’s is Julia Camron’s “The Artist’s Way.” This book contains encouraging quotes and exercises that help you to understand more about who you are and what you are looking for.

2. There are mental health agencies and non-profits that teach courses and provide job search training for displaced homemakers.

3. You may want to consider national career job specialists or private career coaches that could assist you through assessments and career coaching. Among the Internet search topics you may attempt are: career pathways, career coaches, career guidance for displaced homemakers.

4. Search online for colleges and technical schools that want to attract displaced homemakers through grants. I know of one person, a 50-year-old divorced mother, who found scholarships that subsidized her return to nursing school.

Another step for you to consider is identifying paid and volunteer experiences you enjoyed. Further, you may want to think about aspects of being a stay-at-home mother that were fun. Think about the various tasks you performed such as:

• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Gardening
• Managing finances
• Organizing events
• Decorating
• Searching for housing
• Assisting students with homework
• PTA work
• Taking care of the pets
• Taking care of the elderly
• Volunteering at the church

Which ones did you really enjoy and have passion for?

Most important, at the age of 46, I think it is especially important to have passion for what you do. As you go through the process of soul searching and exploration, it is important to ask yourself questions like “Is this giving me meaning and purpose?” or “If I did not do this for pay, would I do it anyway?” I hope your answer is “yes” for both. There are plenty of resources and support out there for you. Make a list of what your are going to do today to find your path. More important, once you find what you have been looking for, I encourage you to assist others on their journey.

Published by Marshall Brown, “The Career Coach Is In” for the Washington Post.
http://views.washingtonpost.com/on-success/career-coach/

Great networkers don’t just go to events (small or large) to promote themselves, they also contribute something to the people they meet.  Be sure to know what you can contribute and listen to what other people need.

I know, networking is very easy for extroverts, but for introverts the prospect of “meeting and greeting” can be very difficult.   Learn how to overcome this and more at my program:

“Career Success Toolkit” Teleseries:
The Ultimate Unfair Competitive Advantage to Open Doors & Get the Job You WANT!
Starting September 22, 2010 to a telephone near you:
http://www.mbrownassociates.com/toolkit/index.html