Why you might be ready for a Career Coach

An interview with Vicki Aubin

Joining us today is Vicki Aubin, founder of The Rockin’ Career Coach, an organization that helps people with their career.

1. What exactly is a career coach, and how can they help?

A career coach is someone who specializes in helping people achieve the career of their dreams, whether it be attaining a specific job, or addressing other goals or areas for development in their career path as a whole.  For example, a career coach can help you to:

• Revamp your resume and cover letter to capture the attention of recruiters/hiring managers and position you as the kick-ass, uniquely qualified candidate you are
• Formulate a targeted job search strategy that gives you the most exposure to the kinds of jobs you desire, and a smart, realistically actionable plan to get you there
• Create your ‘personal brand’ to convey a consistent, professional image and message, online and off
• Assess and overhaul your LinkedIn profile and presence so you are absolutely irresistible to employers (98% of recruiters and headhunters use LinkedIn!)
• Proactively prepare for interviews, so you feel confident and put forth the best YOU possible
• Address other ad hoc issues and challenges at work

And much more; the possibilities are almost limitless. Perhaps one of the most substantial benefits is that you have a knowledgeable, savvy ‘partner’, dedicated to YOU and helping you get where you want to be, in less time and with less effort than you would on your own.

2. What are the signs that someone might need a career coach?

Anyone who feels “stuck” in any aspect of their career can benefit greatly from working with a career coach, in the same way people partner with personal trainers, life coaches, health coaches, etc.  Especially, if you find yourself thinking the following:

‘I know what my dream job is, but I feel overwhelmed at the job search process ahead of me. Where the heck do I start?’

‘I’ve been applying for jobs, but either I’m getting NO responses to my resumes/applications, and/or the positions recruiters/headhunters are sending me are ones I am either clearly disinterested in or totally not qualified for. Am I conveying the wrong message?’

‘I know I want to transition to a brand new role or industry X, but I feel timid and confused about how to go about it.’

‘I feel drained and distracted at the office, daydreaming about my next career move…and I don’t feel focused or confident to take that next step forward.’

In a nutshell, you know it’s time to ‘turn up the volume’ and take charge of your career; and you are ready for some fresh ideas, and the right ‘rocket fuel’ to get you there.

3. What are three things you recommend to job seekers or those looking for something better today?

1. ‘Define what you want’ vs. ‘take what you get.’  Be very clear and specific about what you want in your next job/career move – write it down, know it, feel it; this not only helps you search smart, but also serves a natural ‘motivator’/source of ‘adrenalin’ to fuel you throughout the journey/process (plus, you want a job and career you ENJOY and love, don’t you?).
2. Be focused AND flexible – Have a focused, targeted plan of action in your job search and be willing to be flexible and adjust your strategy along the way as need be (just keep your eye on the ‘prize’).
3. Think of everyone you know as a CONNECTOR and not just a connection.  In the end, you get the job based on personal interaction and connection. Don’t discount ‘this former colleague’ or ‘that networking event’; you never know who knows who, and personal referrals/introductions are powerful allies in your path to your dream job (and they sure beat submitting your resume into the ‘black hole’ of resumes/job applicants!).

4. Lastly, what inspired you to become a career coach yourself?

Short answer: It’s FUN and I love doing it!

Official answer: As I was leaving my previous role in Campus Recruiting, I began volunteering as a Career Counselor at NYU’s Wasserman Center for Career Development, looking to stay connected to the university/student community. Given that I had also previously practiced as a Health Coach, I already knew I had a natural passion and penchant for coaching/mentoring. My major “a-ha!” moment came as soon as my very first student client walked in the door on day one at NYU, and I eagerly asked, “How can I help you today?” I think I felt just as excited to ask that question as the student was to answer! Career Counseling felt instantly like second-nature to me, and I realized then and there that THIS was what I was meant to do, especially given my 10+ years of HR and Recruiting experience behind me.

Knowing that I am making a deliberate and direct difference in a person’s life at such a monumental time is indescribable. It ROCKS! 😉

About the Author

Vicki Aubin – The Rockin’ Career Coach is based in New York City and helps rising professionals kick-start the career of their dreams. With over a decade in Human Resources and Recruiting (Campus, Experienced, Executive, Headhunting), she offers smart, savvy strategies for a kick-ass career they never taught you in (or out of!) college. When she’s not in Career Coach mode, you can find her singing, drumming (girl drummers rock!) or operating as her alter ego, Senior Dance Company Member at Bollywood Funk NYC. She blogs, tweets, pins, faces(?) and tumbls regularly and is the author of 22 Secrets to a Kick-Ass Interview. Get it FREE now: http://www.therockincareercoach.com/free-gift/

About What’s For Work?

The Premier Career Site for Women. http://www.whatsforwork.com

Our Mission: Provide a community that encourages members, employers and providers to work together; to inspire and help each other grow.

Finding Your Passion in Life

An interview with Jessica Sweet

Joining us today is Jessica Sweet, founder of Wishingwell Life Coaching, an organization that helps people find their passion.

1. What does it mean to find your passion?

To me, finding your passion is about connecting with something internal. You know you’ve found something you’re passionate about by listening to your own experience. When you do a thing, you can know it’s reached a level of “passion” for you by how you feel about it – hence all the stuff you’ve heard about “what would you do for free?” If you’ve found something that you are extremely internally motivated to do, you’ve likely hit upon a passion.

2. How should someone deal with having too many passions and not enough time?

There are two things a person should do if they feel they have too many passions. In my experience many people who say they have “too many” passions are frenzied and actually disconnected from their true selves. So the first thing a person with too many passions should do is decide whether they have this frenzied energy and whether they would benefit from digging deep and knowing themselves better. Many times they are just not tuned in to their true selves and their real passions. The other type of person I’ve run across with “too many passions” is the truly multi-passionate person. In truth, I think most of us are multi-passionate, but this is where the second tip comes in. I usually recommend seeing whether people can group their passions. For example, I have many passions which include helping others, writing, and reading. It can feel disorganized and overwhelming (leading to a sense of not having enough time) until one can understand their passions as a group. In my example, I have grouped those passions into a category you might call something like “helping people through stories and words”. Once I understand my passions as a group, they don’t feel separate any more – and any time I spend pursuing one feels connected to the others. It takes away the sense that I’m not forwarding my whole mission.

For those who really can’t connect their passions, and who also feel in touch with themselves and their true passions, I say start working towards eliminating things from your life that you don’t feel passionate about, thereby freeing up time to spend on what you love!

3. Are there daily or weekly behaviors that passionate people demonstrate compared to others?

This is an interesting question. I guess the people who are passionate about something are different from people who feel life is dull in that they give weight to their passions. They feel they are important to find and pursue. I think it’s also important to note that while passions are extremely important in creating a life you love, the people who are truly successful at creating amazing lives are those who have found a way to connect their passions to their gifts and begin working toward a life mission. They are engaged in something greater than themselves – a cause of any kind that they feel compelled to pursue. Driven both by their own passionate interest but also by several other factors including their gift, they have the sense that they are uniquely suited to give back to the world in a specific way.

4. Lastly, what are you personally most passionate about?

As I mentioned, I have many passions, but the overarching idea I’m most passionate about (and the thing my other passions and my gifts help me pursue) is the idea that we are all here with something we are uniquely suited to do. Something we love with a passion, something we want to make a difference with, something that our skills, talents, and experiences support, and something that we have to give back to the world. I’m so passionate about the idea that we all have something powerful and compelling that we are here to do, and therefore every life has meaning, purpose and value. It really breaks my heart to see people who feel useless or purposeless. The idea that so many people feel lost in this way is what compelled me to create my new program, The 9 Day Passion Project, which is a guide to help people know exactly what they need to do to create a life that feels meaningful again. It’s about so much more than just finding your passions, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.

About the Author

Jessica Sweet is a life coach and licensed clinical social worker who helps people create passion, purpose and meaning in their lives. She is available for individual coaching. You can learn more about her and read her blog at http://www.wishingwellcoach.com Be sure to grab her FREE 7 Day Do What You Love MiniCourse while you’re there! She is also the creator of The 9 Day Passion Project, a step-by-step system to help you create a life you love. You can learn more at: http://www.9DayPassionProject.com/learn-more-3-2

About What’s For Work?

The Premier Career Site for Women. http://www.whatsforwork.com

Our Mission: Provide a community that encourages members, employers and providers to work together; to inspire and help each other grow.

Negotiating Pay, for Women

An interview with Patty Tanji

Source: http://www.deseretnews.com

Joining us today is Patty Tanji, founder of Open Workplace LLC, a consulting practice helping women align their strengths with corporate strategies in order to earn more and move up.

1. Why is pay negotiation important, specifically for women?

Pay negotiation is important for women because, on average, they make 82 cents for every dollar a man makes. Women have some catching up to do. Economists call this phenomenon the gender wage gap. Many factors go into this wage gap such as job choice, and taking time out of the work force to raise children.  For instance engineers (a male dominated field) make more money than elementary school teachers (female dominated fields). So even though, on the surface, in terms of skill, effort, working conditions, and level of responsibility, one might imagine both those jobs ought to be paid similarly, they just aren’t. Engineering grads earn significantly more than teaching grads. Its not fair, but that’s how the market for wages work. So, in order to close this wage gap, women can start negotiating their salaries. They can also ask for pay raises but that strategy is a little different than negotiating pay. Both involve acting upon a shift at work, some change that would create an opportunity to ask for more. A new job, a job promotion, taking on more responsibility, etc.

There is also research to show that women undervalue their worth. A caveat here, I’m talking in generalizations, so some of what I’m saying may not resonate with a reader, but for others these words will ring true. For instance, the idea of asking for more money may conjure up images of greed or self promotion. The research shows that men are more likely to negotiate their salary than women. A great book that documents this research is “Women Don’t Ask” by Dr. Linda Babcock.  For some men, asking for more is about winning the game and they are rewarded for asking. But even men can undervalue their worth.

Another reason negotiation is important is the long term, compound effect of money. Even $2000 more in negotiated salary, when compounded annually at 3% (if you get a 3% raise every year) is $57,352.97 after 20 years!  Every dollar you leave on the table is less money you will have when you retire.

2. Should you negoitate even when you feel the compensation and benefits offerred are good enough?

Yes. For the last reasons stated above. But also, what is good enough? Remember, its very easy to undervalue our worth. Its very easy to take the first offer that comes our way. “Good enough” might mean that a person that is hired a month from now doing your job could be making more and not because they are better at what they do but because they negotiated their salary. By negotiating, you are showing your potential employer that you are up to the task. You are demonstrating that you are confident and capable of negotiating, a skill that can be used in many facets of any job, with colleagues, suppliers, and customers.

3. What are some things to ‘Avoid’ or ‘Do’ during pay negotiation?

Avoid: Coming across as a person that only cares about salary and benefits. You really have to show a genuine interest in the company and the job. Sell yourself first. Listen. Show how your strengths will lead to a stronger organization.

Avoid: Talking about salary until you have been offered a job if at all possible.

Avoid: Asking for too much or too little. Make sure your salary expectations are reasonable.

Do: Homework. Find out what your skills are worth in the market place. Pay for a report or if you don’t have the extra $75, at least use any of the online tools to get a free report. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will have a median salary for certain jobs as well. Some state governments have salary data as well.

Do: Find out from trade associations what the going rate is for a person doing what you do. Ask a trusted friend or mentor who knows your job and industry if she thinks your salary expectations are reasonable.

Do. Negotiate in good faith knowing the outcome will be a win/win for you and your potential employer.

Do. Practice the negotiation conversation with a friend, a coach, a mentor. The more you practice the easier it will be to talk about money.

4. Lastly, does it matter if you are employed vs unemployed when it comes to negotiating pay?

Not at all. Do negotiate. However, if you have a job you do have some extra leverage at the negotiations. It is normal to expect more money at your next job and potential employers will understand this.  Also if you are employed you may be a little more confident because you know you have a job to fall back on should you not be offered what you expected.

About the Author

Patty holds a Bachelor of Science in Business degree (Information and Decision Sciences) and a Master of Liberal Studies degree (final project: Barriers and Breakthroughs on the Way to the Boardroom) from the University of Minnesota. Her professional career includes consulting, computer operations, business systems analysis and design. In 2011 she won the Century College Women of Distinction Award for her work on gender pay equity. In 2010 she and the Pay Equity Coalition of Minnesota were named Champion Coalition from the Minnesota Women’s Consortium for outstanding work toward fair pay and economic justice. In 2012 she began Open Workplace LLC a consulting practice helping women align their strengths with corporate strategies in order to earn more and move up. Her vision: That workplaces be transparent, participative, and focused on achieving human potential.

Patty offers free pay raise strategy sessions at http://www.howtoaskforapayraiseandgetit.com

About What’s For Work?

The Premier Career Site for Women. http://www.whatsforwork.com

Our Mission: Provide a community that encourages members, employers and providers to work together; to inspire and help each other grow.

The Fear Factor for Women in Business

by Surina Piyadasa

Source: http://www.careerrocketeer.com/

We recently asked Surina Piyadasa, Executive Presentation Coach, a few questions related to women and fears they face in business, and how best to handle them.

1. What are the most common fears or self-doubt issues that women face in business?

If you’ve faced fear or self-doubt issues at some point in your business career, you’re not alone. This is the confession of thousands of successful executives I’ve come to know in my leadership communications practice.  Face it, we’re all imperfect people managing career ups and downs the best way we can.   How then, do you slay dragons of fear and self-doubt before they become menacing giants – shattering confidence, eroding self-esteem and inflicting emotional distress?  The best strategy is to keep these emotions in check before they can overwhelm.  These dragons gain power each time negative mental chatter is allowed to rule thoughts and feelings:

“What if I’m not hired?” (fear of not being good enough)

“What if management ignores my great idea?” (fear of rejection)

“What if I don’t get the promotion I’ve worked so hard for? (fear of failure)

“What if I’m not paid what I’m really worth?” (fear of financial insecurity)

A “healthy” dose of fear can motivate.  It can be the catalyst to help you breakthrough your comfort zone to achieve new heights of success.  Take bold, decisive action that propels you forward.  Face your dragons and slay them.

2. What three pieces of advice would you give to women dealing with fears or self-doubt issues?

If you’re a women battling with fear and self-doubt, consider these three pearls to help you overcome:

#1: It starts in your head.  The human brain is remarkable.  It can’t hold both a positive and negative thought at the same time.  Jump start your morning by reciting these positive personal affirmations aloud (for at least two full minutes):

“I am loved and accepted at all times.”

“With each breath, I inhale love, joy and confidence.”

“I have much to offer the world.”

In your mind’s eye, picture yourself swinging a sword to slay your dragons.  With each forceful swing, recite these words aloud with conviction, “Fear and doubt, you no longer have power over me.”  With each inhale, breathe in courage, love and acceptance.  With each exhale, let go of any negative emotion that’s been holding you back from achieving your full potential.

#2 Fear only has power if you give it life.  Choose to focus your thoughts and energy on achieving a winning outcome so fear can’t gain a foothold.  Each time you focus on the greatness of achieving success, fear gets smaller.

#3 Build a strong support system.  This can be a small circle of trusted friends, prayer group or mentor to lean on for encouragement and support to keep fear from stealing your joy.

3. What separates successful business women from non-successful?

Perhaps Eleanor Roosevelt said it best with these words, “A woman is like a tea bag — you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”

“Courage under fire” is what’s required if a women is determined to succeed in business.  The opposite of fear is courage.  Women who push through crushing set-backs and heart-breaking disappointments inspire me.  They’re like the Energizer Bunny.  They refuse to give up.  I’ve been fortunate to meet inspiring women leaders who’ve overcome big business challenges  — even in the face of divorce, family illness and financial stress.  If they happen to fail, they’re quick to learn from their mistakes and rebound.  They refuse to let failure define who they are.  Character is revealed through adversity.

4. Lastly, do you have a personal story to share related to the topic that changed your professional life for the better?

As a professional actor, I’ve learned to embrace stage fright.  It wasn’t always that way.  I’ll never forget how my heart nearly jumped out of my chest while filming my first television commercial for a national bank.  There were twenty cast and production crew members on the set that day.  The Director yelled, “Action!” and I was frozen with fear.  My mind could only focus on the twenty pair of eyes watching my every move.  It took ten tries for me to deliver one line to camera.  My voice quivered.  I could barely recall my name, let alone speak clearly.  The Director had empathy for my anxiety.  He walked over to me and gently whispered, “Now, act as if you’ve been promoted to CEO of the Bank and deliver your line.”  I tried it and it worked like a charm.  Stage fright instantly left.  In its place was a confident me who sounded and acted like a credible CEO!  Since then, those pearls of wisdom spoken by that Director echo in my mind when butterflies start to flutter in my stomach.  I’ve learned not to take myself too seriously, look fear in the eye and take that bold step forward.

About the Author

As CEO and Founder of Dynamically Speaking, Surina is passionate about helping leaders and teams prepare for high stakes presentations.  Since 2004, more than 3,000 business leaders across diverse industries have trusted Surina’s coaching for tangible business results. A former tech investment banker, Surina is fluent in the languages of business, technology and capital markets. She holds an MBA in Finance from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. A member of the Screen Actors Guild, Surina draws on two decades of media training and television exposure to help clients engage target audiences with authenticity.  As an on-camera spokesperson, Surina has represented respected Fortune 500 brands in television commercial and industrial film projects.

About What’s For Work?

The Premier Career Site for Women. http://www.whatsforwork.com

Our Mission: Provide a community that encourages members, employers and providers to work together; to inspire and help each other grow.

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Can I really find a job at my age? Baby Boomer Women

An interview with Mary Eileen Williams

Source: http://boomerwomenmarketing.typepad.com

Joining us today is Mary Eileen Williams, founder of The Feisty Side of Fifty / Baby Boomer Women, and she’s here to share her perspective on women over fifty in the job market today.

1. Are those over fifty uniquely qualified to solve challenges in the workplace, compared to their younger peers?

Although each age group embodies certain attributes that make positive contributions to the workforce, older employees boast unique strengths that only age and maturity bring. Three of these valuable qualities are perspective, people skills, and a mature work ethic.

Years of experience create a certain “I’ve seen this before” perspective, which enables mature employees to deal with upsetting circumstances more easily then their younger counterparts. The first few times one encounters a disgruntled customer, a difficult coworker, or an unexpected delay effecting an important deadline, the experience can be unnerving and even highly upsetting. However, by the time one reaches her fifties, she’s encountered several of these types of situations, knows through personal experience that she can handle whatever arises and is, therefore, able to control her emotions and maintain her equilibrium.

In addition to perspective, a mature woman brings well-honed people skills to her job. Gained through a lifetime of interacting with managers, coworkers, customers and clients, she can generally diffuse even highly charged situations and bring about a much needed calm and order.

Age also gifts her with a mature work ethic so she knows the importance of showing up on time, being a contributing team player, and putting the customer first.

2. Are there differences between men and women over fifty, in terms of their attitude and success in the workforce?

Baby boomers represent the first generation where women entered the workforce in substantial numbers. Nevertheless—and especially in the case of first wave boomers—most households in the 1970s and 80s were fairly traditional. The husband was the breadwinner while the wife remained home to care for the family. Even if the woman worked outside of the home, she generally held a second income position, working part-time or pursuing less demanding jobs known as “the mommy track.”

Now that the job market is far more welcoming to women in higher-level positions than it was when boomers first kicked down the barriers, many women are choosing to pursue long-deferred dreams. They wish to leave their mark in the larger arena and are focusing on meeting their goals with a renewed sense of vigor and energy.

Many middle-aged men, to the contrary, have already lived out their career aspirations. They may feel that they’ve “peaked” in a certain sense and wish to explore other aspects of their lives rather than devoting a single-minded focus to the world of work. Midlife means change for both women and men and it’s often a time when traditional gender roles undergo a major metamorphosis.

3. What is the most common question you receive from people seeking your advice, and how do you respond?

The most common question I get is: “Can I really find a job at my age?” This, of course, disturbs me greatly because the media has perpetuated a great falsehood—in fact, a downright lie—upon the American public. And far too many people believe it.

If you’re a mature jobseeker, please don’t fall for their dispiriting news! The statistics the media cite are, by definition, generalities—and do not reflect on your own chances for success. Your opportunities are based on the methods you use to conduct your search, the contacts in your network, the number of opportunities available in your area, how many hours per day you put into your search, and a whole host of other factors that are relevant to you as an individual.

Yes, you may run into ageism and you may be overlooked for some positions because you’re past fifty, however don’t allow this to discourage you. Your attitude underscores every facet of your job search and the truth is that out of 4.2 million jobs (tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics from September 2009 to September 2012), 3.5 million of them went to workers 55 and up!

Source: Yahoo

4. Lastly, what tips would you share with a boomer looking to re-enter the workforce after taking a break?

The main tip I suggest is to “come from a position of strength.” Don’t apologize for being away from the job market for a period of time. As a candidate you’ll need to instill trust in potential employers that you have the abilities and the commitment to do the job—and do it well.

Most people have done some type of volunteer work. Recognize that you learned and used valuable skills and, whether or not you were paid for your efforts, you still provided an important service. List these skills on your resume and speak to them in interviews—providing substantiating examples of you doing your work at its best.

Your belief in yourself as a viable candidate will go a long way to instill trust in hiring managers and, with a bit of luck, you just might land the job!

About the Author

Mary Eileen Williams is a Nationally Board Certified Career Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Career Development and twenty years’ experience assisting midlife jobseekers to achieve satisfying careers. Her book, Land the Job You Love: 10 Surefire Strategies for Jobseekers Over 50, is a step-by-step guide that shows you how you can turn your age into an advantage and brand yourself for success. Recently updated, it’s packed with even more information aimed at providing mature applicants with the tools to gain the edge over the competition and successfully navigate the modern job market.

About What’s For Work?

The Premier Career Site for Women. Real People. Real Connections. Real Support. — with everything in one place! www.whatsforwork.com

Mission: To redefine how employers acquire talent and women find and preserve their dream jobs using innovative technologies.

Company Overview: What’s For Work? helps women take control of their careers by providing a rich set of tools that develop their knowledge, skills and confidence they need to land and preserve their dream jobs.

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A Female Perspective on Social Media

An interview with Bri Clark

Source: http://3.bp.blogspot.com

With so many women actively involved in social media, we reached out to someone who knows a thing or two about the subject to get her thoughts, Bri Clark from Belle Consulting.

1. Why do women stand out when it comes to social media?

Women are naturally social. We as beings crave camaraderie. Often times we are isolated within the sphere of our responsibilities with little to no contact with the regular world. Because of social media we can be in two places at once…in a sense. We can discuss hobbies, share photos with far away relatives, or lean on a friend during a particularly bad day. Social media is dominated by us because we love it. We use it.

2. How can women use social media to network more effectively?

With my earlier answer I said that we are naturally more social by nature. In contrast a business mindset is not as natural for us. What I mean by that is we are emotionally influenced in everything. For example a man might think he is entitled to promotion and raise and ask for it. Women are much harder on themselves in comparison. They have to feel that they have earned it. And since women are so hard on themselves they probably will never feel they did deserve it. With that said. If we as women would be bold and ask for support when we need it we will find that there is a virtual army of female supporters to answer that call. For example, if you have a blog post you are particularly proud of and you want others to see it. Just ask them to share it. They will.

3. Are there things to avoid or be aware of when it comes to having an online presence?

Don’t assume anything. Often times we will find that our feelings are hurt. And it’s because we have allowed it to hurt us. One of the best things I’ve been told is don’t assume. It’s also the one I struggle with the most. In addition to not assuming you need to decide where you will draw your lines between social presence and personal details. I know a woman who has a toddler and she is very popular author and speaker. She has never divulged her son’s name online. Opting to simply call him “the Spawn” instead. One minute she’s talking books and blogging the next cats and potty training. It’s an amazing combination that has created a great response. But she set that boundary from the beginning and has stuck to it. So make sure that even if they are small boundaries you stick to them.

4. Lastly, what is the most memorable professional experience you had that came from using social media?

For that would have to be connecting with one of my favorite authors of all time. We connected through Facebook. I counseled her on some social media marketing. We found we have a lot in common. Cats, kids, husbands, and deadlines. Just by getting to know her as one woman to another our relationship has grown to texting and phone calls. Because of it I actually got to hear news before any other fan would about her novels. And because I understand and value her friendship I of course didn’t’ divulge it.

About the Author

Bri is the original Social Ghoster, literary strategist, popular blogger, award-winning author and speaker as well as a consultant and promoter for multiple publishers and businesses. As a founding premier member and marketing strategist of the Women Speakers Association she works with women all around the world. One of her greatest joys is showing people how not to be intimidated by anything. Her personal motto “Alpha all the way,” which means prepare to dominate anything you go after, is the mentality she attempts to invest in her audience. Visit her at: www.belleconsult.com

About What’s For Work?

The Premier Career Site for Women. Real People. Real Connections. Real Support. — with everything in one place! www.whatsforwork.com

Mission: To redefine how employers acquire talent and women find and preserve their dream jobs using innovative technologies.

Company Overview: What’s For Work? helps women take control of their careers by providing a rich set of tools that develop their knowledge, skills and confidence they need to land and preserve their dream jobs.

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The Competitive Edge of a Saleswoman

An interview with Elinor Stutz

Source: http://www.mymagneticblog.com

Many would agree, that the sales industry has changed over the years from once being dominated by salesmen to now employing a growing number of talented saleswomen. In a field where relationships matter most, women have excelled given their inherit relationship building skills. And joining us today, is a woman who knows a great deal about the field of sales, Elinor Stutz. She is a well known and respected international speaker and author in the area of sales.

1. What positive changes have you seen for women in Sales during your career?

My sales career began in the 1990’s in the business equipment industry after being a stay-at-home mom for many years.  The only job I could get was to sell an known copier door-to-door.  The entire sales team and management were disgruntled that I was hired.  Consequently, no training was provided and nasty tricks were played in order to get me to quit.  But I refused to leave, as I wanted to be a good role model for my teenaged children.  Simply by making friends with everyone who invited me in for an appointment advanced me to multiple sales.  By the 4^th month I became the top producer!

Since that time I do believe treatment of women has improved, however, I am not convinced base salaries are equal.  From my perspective, I knew I had the sales advantage and would make the monetary difference up with commission.  However, social media has leveled the playing field whereby everyone has an equal opportunity.  My crowning glory came this January upon learning about Open View Labs.  They devised an algorithm system to find the best of the best.  They honored me as one of the “Top 25 Sales Influencers of 2012”.  That designation signified much has changed!

2. What advice would you share with a woman that has no Sales background, who wants to get into Sales?

Several points come to mind when it comes to making it in sales.

1. Work with integrity for yourself and your clients
2. When you encounter negative others, move forward more determined than ever to be successful.
3. Provide the best customer service possible
4. Make friends with everyone you encounter
5. Commit to continual self-education
6. Work on public speaking – this made a huge difference in my sales effort.

3. Do you think women have a competitive edge over men when it comes to selling?

I do believe women have the advantage when it comes to sales. In particular, two areas stand out:

1. Women are known for their multi-tasking abilities.  Many salesmen tend to be single threaded.  In sales, one needs to manage multiple accounts and tasks at the same time to do well.
2. Most women are natural relationship builders and that’s what it takes to get past the gatekeepers as well as develop a bond with the prospect/client.  The ability to do this well produces a returning and referring clientele – my definition of the Smooth Sale!

4. Lastly, what advice would you give to female Sellers that could help them advance in their career?

No matter which stage of your career you happen to be, always prioritize what is most important to you and which aspects of work you enjoy the most.  Consider these questions:

• Is your company allowing you to excel by granting you permission to perform according to your interests and talents?
• Are you continuing to grow in your position?
• Is the company and its industry doing well; are they current and do you feel as if you are a team member treated fairly?

The very last piece of advice is, should you decide to interview for a new job, never quit your current job before you have a new one lined up or it becomes increasingly difficult to find one.  On interviews, present your reason for leaving in the best possible light.

About the Author

Elinor Stutz, CEO of Smooth Sale, LLC was honored by Open View Labs listed in their “Top 25 Sales Influencers in 2012”.  Elinor authored the International Best-Selling book, “Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results.” Community Service led to her second best-selling book, “HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews.”  Elinor invites you to connect online. www.smoothsale.net

About What’s For Work?

The Premier Career Site for Women. Real People. Real Connections. Real Support. — with everything in one place! www.whatsforwork.com

Mission: To redefine how employers acquire talent and women find and preserve their dream jobs using innovative technologies.

Company Overview: What’s For Work? helps women take control of their careers by providing a rich set of tools that develop their knowledge, skills and confidence they need to land and preserve their dream jobs.

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If You Want It, You Buy It – How it all started

An interview with Lisa Gomes

Source: http://dinaruns.com

Recently, we sat down with Lisa Gomes, a career mom, and asked her a few questions about how she got started and her experience in balancing work and family life.

1. How did your career come about?

The phrase I heard before entering the workforce, “If you want it you buy it”, is probably the best thing that ever happened to me; because it started my love for work and excelling in the workforce.  I was a junior in high school when I landed my first job.  Not just any job, my title was “Happiness Facilitator”; and no, this is not a joke.  I worked at a local fun center where I was in charge of creating a happy environment for children on their birthdays.  Part of my duties involved cutting cake, singing, and sharing jokes.  At the time, I would roller skate to and from work since I didn’t have my license yet.  After graduating high school, I went off to junior college where I would attend school and work between studies.  I started working as a receptionist at age 18, and within two years I was an Office Manager where I was responsible for Billing, Accounts Receivables, Purchasing, Petty Cash, Collections, and Sales.  At age 24, I got married and knew kids were in my future, but I wanted to enjoy time with my husband first.  Later, I found a new job in Sales, selling aftermarket parts. It was during this time, that we decided to start a family.

2. What challenges did you encounter as a new working mom?

While pregnant, I was asked if I was a ‘mommy mom’ or ‘business mom’. My reply, “Why can’t I be both”?  There are challenges in having children and working full-time. They vary from finding a great sitter/daycare provider that you trust and afford, to the angst and heartache in leaving your newborn in the care of someone else (this of course varies from mother to mother).  The other challenge is taking sick days at work, when your baby is not feeling well. In my experience, finding a flexible employer and being able to communicate with them can help solve various challenges.

3. What advice would you offer women that are balancing work and family?

Put family first, and work second.  While I’m sure you are working hard for your family and their future, there are moments that you can never get back with your children so it’s important to embrace the present as well.

4. Do you think career women can ‘have it all’ so to speak, or do you think there are trade-offs?

Yes, but there are trade-offs naturally.  Do we miss out on the little things, such as the “firsts” i.e. walking, rolling over, and talking?  Yes, sometimes we do.  But eventually we experience and record them in the baby books. In my situation, my daughter absorbed more from the daycare provider than she would have from me since I was working; learning how to count, write her name, and spell.  Did I miss out? No, because she is now thriving in school and we’re very close. Yes, I win!

About Lisa Gomes

Lisa Gomes is a career mother. She has experience in every office aspect, specializing in sales, and has also dabbled in HR. She loves to run, and have fun with her amazing little girls and husband. They enjoy bike rides and road trip adventures. Lisa loves working and teaching her girls the importance of hard work. She is also a little obsessed with organization and routines; some call her OCD! She can be contacted at Alillisa53@aol.com

About What’s For Work?

The Premier Career Site for Women. Real People. Real Connections. Real Support. — with everything in one place! www.whatsforwork.com

Mission: To redefine how employers acquire talent and women find and preserve their dream jobs using innovative technologies.

Company Overview: What’s For Work? helps women take control of their careers by providing a rich set of tools that develop their knowledge, skills and confidence they need to land and preserve their dream jobs.

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Shannon, the lawyer and mom

An interview with Shannon Forchheimer

Source: http://www.law-dimension.com

Recently, we sat down with Shannon Forchheimer, the new Lead Attorney for Montage Legal Group in Washington DC, Maryland and Virgina. We discussed her experience in having stepped away from a career in law to raise a family, only to return later with a group that offers the work-life-balance she needed.

1. During your time at Skadden, and Dickstein Shapiro law firms, what was your most successful technique in networking and building trust within the organization?

Entering any new organization is difficult and overwhelming, but going into a large law firm is an experience of its own.  Fresh out of law school, naïve and vulnerable, I’d be lying if I said I knew exactly what I was doing.  Instead of feigning confidence, I found being honest was the best policy.  If I didn’t understand something, I admitted it.  If I was feeling overwhelmed, I sought advice.  I found that the more honest I was, the more people were willing to mentor and guide me.  As a result, I felt like I was playing on a team – that people were there to support me, to build me up, and in turn I would go the extra mile to get the job done.  Even having now left both of my law firms, I am proud to say that I carry with me some lifelong friends and mentors.

2. As a professional career woman, was it difficult to leave your legal career? What feelings or challenges did you experience?

At the outset of my legal career, if someone would have told me that I would quit to stay at home with two kids, I would have said you were crazy.  I was driven, career oriented, and ambitious.  When I got pregnant with my first son, I figured I would have to scale back a bit, but nothing prepared me for the emotions I would feel upon becoming a mother.  I tried to make it work, but after having my second son, I knew I had to walk away.  The work demands were just too great for me to be the kind of mother I wanted to be.  The aftermath was difficult –  I felt like such a large part of my identity was taken away from me.  I was always Shannon, the lawyer.  Then Shannon, the lawyer and mom.  When I became just Shannon, the mom, it was a big adjustment.  But deep down, I knew it was the right decision.

3. During your time away from the workforce, did you keep your professional network alive? If so, how?

Shortly after I left my job, I started a blog (www.butidohavealawdegree.com).  I wasn’t quite sure what my goal with the blog was, but I knew I wanted to reach out to other women in similar situations.  It proved to be a godsend.  I found a network of women I never expected to encounter –  lobbyists for women’s rights, successful mom bloggers, journalists, and, of course, other lawyers.  I realized that there were so many possibilities out there, and I was proactive about establishing relationships with women that could mentor me.  The blog also brought me some paid, freelance legal jobs, which kept my resume current.

4. What led you to return back to the workforce with Montage Legal? How is this partnership different than your previous experiences, and what excites you most?

Perhaps the best result of the networking from my blog was finding Montage Legal (www.montagelegal.com), a freelance legal network made up almost exclusively of women who have left their law firm jobs to stay at home.  This is not your typical temp or contract agency – these are women who are educated and experienced, but left their jobs for reasons similar to mine – because the balance between full time work and family was just too hard.  I was so impressed when I came across this company that I wrote a blog post about it, and sure enough, they found me.  One thing led to another, and last month, I became the Lead Attorney for the Washington, DC branch of the company, which launched in September.

To me, the whole model is genius.  There are so many moms out there who leave their jobs for family reasons, but do want to keep their foot in the door career wise.  However, such opportunities are few and far between.  Through Montage, these women are banding together, legitimizing their skills, and becoming the ultimate talent pool for law firms that need to hire lawyers on a contract basis.  I am thrilled to be part of an organization that empowers women in such a way.

5. Lastly, what advice would you give to women considering a departure from the workforce, with plans to return later?

Ultimately, I think it is important to follow your heart.  Your kids will only be young for so long – work will always be there.  I don’t want to minimize what a departure from the workforce means – it is a serious thing, not to be taken lightly.  But at the end of the day, if you are driven, ambitious, and determined, it is entirely possible to reenter the workforce.  Just don’t ever take your eye off of the ball – be cognizant of your resume, your connections, and your goals.  The right opportunity may fall right into your lap.

About Shannon Forchheimer

Shannon graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2005, where she served as a Senior Editor of the Journal of Constitutional Law.  Upon graduation, Shannon joined the New York office of Skadden Arps as an associate in the Litigation Department, where she represented clients in complex commercial litigation and government investigations involving RICO, federal securities laws, ERISA, and breach of contract.  In 2007, Shannon relocated to Washington, DC, and joined the law firm of Dickstein Shapiro, where she continued to focus her practice on complex litigation, and represented government contractors suing the Government for breach of contract and CERCLA violations.

After the birth of her second son, Shannon left law firm life.  While at home full-time with her young sons, Forchheimer started a popular blog, “But I Do Have A Law Degree,” which was voted one of the “Top 5 Lawyer Mom Blogs” by FindLaw’s Legal Blog, Greedy Associates. In 2012, Shannon joined Montage Legal Group as its Lead Attorney for Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia.  Shannon lives in Washington DC with her husband and two sons.

About What’s For Work?

The Premier Career Site for Women. Real People. Real Connections. Real Support. — with everything in one place! www.whatsforwork.com

Mission: To redefine how employers acquire talent and women find and preserve their dream jobs using innovative technologies.

Company Overview: What’s For Work? helps women take control of their careers by providing a rich set of tools that develop their knowledge, skills and confidence they need to land and preserve their dream jobs.

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The Right Person, a Restaurant Owner’s Perspective

An interview with Debra Kondratczyk (co-founder and prior owner of Charli Marrone’s Italian Bar & Grill).

Recently, I sat down with Debra and asked her a few questions from a restaurant owner’s perspective on: challenges, hiring, exceptional employees, and tips for owners and employees in the industry. Here were some thoughts she shared.

What are some challenges within the restaurant industry today?

There are three challenges really: Customer Service, Pricing, and what I call ’30-seconds or less’.

1. Customer Service — I see this not only in my previous restaurant, but in many restaurants lately. It’s really unfortunate because without happy customers, your business will fail.
2. Pricing — The instability of our economy has made customers seek the ‘good deals’. Customers are not spending the money they use to at high-end restaurants. And now, it’s more common for customers to find and use services like Groupon for deals on food. At the end of the day, they want good service, good food, for a good price.
3. ’30 seconds or less’ — Restaurants are busy on certain days and times; we all know that. But the customer should not be affected by this. In my experience, many restaurants are not paying attention to the time it takes before they greet and seat their customers; which leads to walk-outs and poor reviews. In my business, I made a point to seat our customers within 30 seconds or less. And, to ensure my employees understood the importance, I had them sit at a table for 30 seconds with people walking by them, not looking at them or acknowledging there existence. Guess what? They all felt the pain, and quickly realized how the customer might feel after waiting so long.

What do you look for when hiring someone new?

I look for personality. My customers are coming into “my home”, so I want my servers, hostesses, bartenders and cooks, to act as if it was their home and company. Everyone needs to get along in the restaurant like a loving family, not a dysfunctional one. So the personality of a new hire is very important, in how they will mesh within the restaurant and among our customers.

Can you share a story of an exceptional employee that worked for you?

Honestly, I had 1 out of 100 that was exceptional. This gentleman would find something to do if the restaurant was slow. Anything from taking out trash, checking restrooms, rolling napkins, polishing silverware, to helping in the kitchen. His job as a server did not entail all of this, but he wanted to help wherever and whenever. He was the type of server that would approach customers with questions like “what can I get you to drink from the bar” or “what can I get you for dessert”. He was a server and a salesman; not an employee putting in his time and clocking out at the end of his shift. Because of his style, he received priority when it came to scheduling, pay increases, etc.

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com

If someone asked you, ‘How can I be successful in the restaurant industry?’, what tips would you share with them?

1. For the owner: don’t open a restaurant unless YOU intend to be there and run it; your customers want to know you. Owners play a special role and can make customers feel exceptional from welcoming them, to solving any problem in the restaurant. Be there… love it and live it.
2. For the owner and employee: look for and have a great personality. When both the owner and employee have them, it creates wonderful synergy in the business that  customers benefit from.
3. For the owner and employee: treat your restaurant as it’s your home. If you can make your customers feel at home, and have consistency of great service and food you offer… they will come back again and again. Plus, they will tell all their friends how great your place is, which we know is the best type of advertising.
4. For the owner: treat your employee’s with respect, yet be firm and fair… showing no favoritism. Rules and guidelines are important within any good team, and you own the responsibility for setting the tone. Your employees will expect this, and respect you for making things clear.

Closing Remarks:

Thank you Debra for taking the time to share your perspective with What’s For Work? The Premier Career Site for Women.

About What’s For Work?

The Premier Career Site for Women. Real People. Real Connections. Real Support. — with everything in one place! http://www.whatsforwork.com/

Mission: To redefine how employers acquire talent and women find and preserve their dream jobs using innovative technologies.

Company Overview: What’s For Work? helps women take control of their careers by providing a rich set of tools that develop their knowledge, skills and confidence they need to land and preserve their dream jobs.