After earning a Bachelor’s degree from Dominican University with a major in Communications, Nancy knew she wanted to pursue a career in public relations or advertising. She described herself as the classic people person but when she landed a job in an ad agency, she soon learned that this was not an ideal fit. It was through trial and error, tenacity, and some incredible mentoring that Nancy forged an amazing professional journey that has given her opportunities to work in a myriad of career sectors. [Read more...]
Career Coach • Author • Speaker
Positivity is Infectious But Not Always Easy
March 22, 2011 by 1 Comment
I’ve learned a lot from people in my life who have faced extreme adversity and still found the strength to be positive. While I strive to maintain a cup half full mentality, there are taxing times when I need some extra help to stay positive and upbeat. It’s so easy to go to the dark side and wallow in negativity. I have found that positivity and negativity are equally infectious so I do my best to walk on the positive side and share this energy with those around me.
Over the years I have picked up some strategies that may also be helpful to you when you are faced with a negative situation or toxic people.
- Come to terms with the fact that you can’t please everyone. Let some of the naysayers in your life go so you can surround yourself with a positive posse that celebrates your strengths.
- Celebrate your mistakes and learn from them. You are human and embracing your flaws with humility will liberate you to focus on what you do really well.
- Don’t respond if you are not calm. Take the time you need to cool off from a confrontation or emotional situation so you can respond thoughtfully and intelligently.
- When faced with a negative situation – take a deep breath (or several). You may even count to 10 to give yourself the time to release the tension and regain a sense of calm.
- Admit your mistakes and learn from them.
- Always have a positive go-to friend to reach out to so you can clear your mind and focus on the positive when the need arises.
- Never go to bed angry – cleanse your mind of the negativity of the day so you can have a peaceful sleep and recharge for a new beginning.
According to Albert Einstein, in the middle of every difficulty lies great opportunity. So try and keep your cup half full and celebrate the positive since you have the power to release the negative.
Networking Bootcamp for Job Seekers Part II
March 24, 2010 by 2 Comments
You’ve assembled your contact list and now it’s time to actually reach out to people in your network. You have a clear picture of your strengths, what you are looking for, and customized questions at-the-ready for your new professional contacts.
Here are best practices to lead you to success.
- Stay Positive. Be prepared to speak with anyone who will listen; don’t be afraid of rejection. Be friendly and put yourself out there.
- Search out a common denominator. Figure out the common interests you share with those with whom you speak. Build the conversation around that topic to get the ball rolling and ease nerves.
- Take risks and reach out to some wish list contacts or join a networking group that could lead to something significant.
- Ask open-ended questions in conversations. Ask questions about who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.
- Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people will turn to you for suggestions, ideas, and referrals. This keeps you visible to them and gives you a chance to give back.
- Consider volunteering. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.
- Make yourself useful. Reach out to others in a capacity where you can actually do something good and show off your skills at the same time. Join a board of a worthy organization; offer to take notes at a conference where people in your desired career sector will be, and look for opportunities to solve problems.
- Be gracious and always thank the people (in writing) who have been helpful. Stewarding relationships in your network is essential for your professional reputation and it’s most appreciated.
Networking is the practice of building and stewarding professional relationships that you will use throughout your career and it will also introduce you to the wonders of the hidden job market.
