Stepping Back, to Step in New

When was the last time you stepped back to really look at YOU?

I'm sure you know what you look like, eyes, hair, facial features, but when is the last time that you really took time to look at what you bring to the table in a business setting.

It's a given that we all want to believe that we are the best choice for any position, but is this really a true statement?  Do you really believe this?  More so, can you sell this to a potential employer?

As the 2011 year comes to an end and we start looking towards 2012, get in front of a mirror, and ask yourself some very important questions to figure out who you are, and why someone should hire you.   Doing this will not only get you to better know what you can (and cant) do, it will give you a chance to practice your sales pitch.  If you don't buy it, then no one else will either.

Some sample questions:
Why should someone hire you over another applicant? What skills do you have (hard or soft)?  Are they (really) up to par? What makes you different than anyone else applying for the same position? Will your references speak favorably about you?

While there are so many questions that can be asked, start with basic ones and be truthful in your answers.  Even though it may be tough to hear (especially coming from you), it gives you something to work with...and we can all benefit from the self-improvement homework.

So my recommendation to you is, grab a mirror and a quiet room.  Figure out who you are, what makes you different and then build on your special traits.

Selling you in any atmosphere (business or personal) is about the most important thing you will do - help someone want to buy what you're selling.

Good luck!

It's the Fourth Quarter, are you ready?

2011 is almost done and gone, what have you done for you lately?

As we move towards the Fourth Quarter, the end of the year, it's time to re-evaluate where you are in your life plan.  How often do you review this plan? Are you meeting your smaller goals as you work towards the big picture of your life? When is the last time you actually looked at that chapter in your YOU Book?

Talk is simple and cheap, but the reality of life can be cut-throat. Are you ready to face the facts of your life and where it's headed?

If you're unhappy with your situation, it's time to saddle up and make changes so that you move forward, not continue to stand in the same place or worse move at a snails pace.

It's time to look beyond the immediate wants you may have and work for the basic needs to secure the future of you and your family.  It all starts with you and how you choose to do your business.

There are many organizations to help in your quest for a better future, they are all in your reach if you step towards them and put all you have into bettering your skills and hone in on what expertise you have.  Every industry is looking to hire that perfect employee, why shouldn't they hire you?

Take the time to take a long hard look in the mirror.  See the package that you present to other people.  Look at you from head to toe, review your skills (soft and hard). It may be time to make a full-hearted change so that others see the best that you have to offer.  But remember, any changes you make to self should be from the heart, and real.  People (good HR people) can easily read through nonsense and putting on an act to get a job only hurts you in the long run.

Good Luck!

Small fish in a smaller bowl

If you've ever felt like you're a small fish in a tiny bowl that keeps getting smaller and smaller, maybe it's time you jumped into a bigger bowl.

Times are rough right now, but they will eventually get better.  Where will you be when things change?  It's time to stop limiting yourself and your opportunities and move towards the future.

It's easy to play the self pity-party game, but you won't win doing this.  NOW is the time for you to pick yourself up and dust yourself off.  Make yourself ready for the future before you jump and miss the bowl.


If in your quest for something new and better you find your skills are lacking, look at getting training (free if possible) to better learn and master your skills, or even add new ones to your resume.  In today's society, you have to become the change that you want to see.  No one will lead you to a new, bigger bowl, you have to find it, and work to get yourself where you want to be.

Everyone has choices, and even though the choices may not always be pleasant, they are nonetheless choices. The choice before you now is to stay where you are in life, or do something to change the status quo.