Dec
08

Can everyday questions power transformation?

Cindy Key Focus, Mindset, Networking 3 comments

qyestionIf you read my blog regularly you may recall a recent post about “drift.”  Over the last year I have discovered much about the impact of drift in my own life.

This year one of my coaches, Laura Clark, has helped my explore my personal drift on a much deeper level.  One discovery in my work with Laura has been the power of experiencing the drift like the wind on my face.  I am also learning to use my own strengths in new and different ways — including asking powerful, and tough, questions.

Most people who know me, including my clients, will tell you I ask tough questions . . . and now I’m learning how to use them to help others who are experiencing drift.

If you are seeking more satisfaction, meaning and fulfillment from your career, it could be time for you to ask the tough questions, too.

WARNING:  Tough questions can cause discomfort, uncertainty, and doubt.

Before you blow by and quickly answer each question just to move on to the next task, I challenge you to pause.  Pause and feel the wind on your face.  If you are inside, pause and feel the temperature of the air in the room on your face.

Here are a few very powerful questions:

  • Who am I?
  • Where am I?
  • Why am I here?

Do you feel the wind or temperature?

During the last year as I have focused on each of these questions in a new and deeper manner, I have rediscovered the power each question truly holds — and, the edge and discomfort of each question.

Whether you are on the edge of transition or transformation, these questions may be all you need to launch you to the next level.

This week, pause and answer these questions.  Answer them as they call to you.

Have a comment, share it below.  If the questions will serve someone you know, share this post.

Do you want to discuss your answers and how they impact your career, business and work?  Let’s talk. I  am happy to schedule a career chat with you.

Doing the work you love, living your purpose, and having impact is fun and amazing!

Ready to align awesome?

Contact me to discuss how the power of questions and coaching can transform your life, your results and your impact in the world.

, , , ,
May
12

Tackle Your Fears & Network Effectively

Cindy Key Job Search, Mindset, Networking 5 comments

Networking Cindy KeyDo you dislike networking?  Why is that?

Do you lack skill in this area or is something else holding you back?

Do you want to be a more effective networker?

Often professionals considering a career move or seeking a new position ask how important networking is to success.  My reply?  “Networking is critical to your career.”

When I inquire as to why they are asking, their answers vary.  Here are the most common replies from my clients:

“I am not a skilled networker.”

“Making small talk is not my thing, that’s why I don’t like to network.”

“Starting a one-on-one conversation is frightening.  I just can’t do it.”

“I find silence dreadful.”

“Networking seems like a waste of my time.”

“If networking is what it takes to get a promotion, I am worried about being promoted.”

Do any of these sound like you?

Professionals need networking skills.  At work, and in the world, you need to be able to effectively connect, engage and communicate with different people in various settings.  One of the best ways to develop networking skills is repeated practice of solid techniques.

Though, for many of my clients the challenge of effective networking is not totally about skill.  The actual issues can range from less than effective venues to support their goals to the type of networking they have selected to poor networking techniques.  Any of these issues can result in time invested with limited results leaving your feeling like networking is just a waste of your time.

For other clients, the challenges revolve around fears or beliefs about networking.  The big fears that show up for my clients are:

  • Fear of starting a conversation
  • Fear of not knowing what to say
  • Fear of saying the wrong thing
  • Fear of trying something outside of your comfort zone

Here is a quick assignment to help you see what you need to tackle first.  Jot down your answers to the following questions:

  • What do you dislike about networking?
  • What do you believe about networking?
  • Do you want to improve your networking skills and/or networking venues?
  • Are you happy and content with your current level of networking success?

Now that you have noted your answers, you will know what to tackle first.  Your answers will also help you determine if skill, fear or some combination is your biggest challenge.

Your next step is simple.  Decide what, if anything, you want to change.  Is this an area worth tackling?  You can start today and be networking more effectively by the end of the week.  You can discover more about tackling your challenges <here>.

Do you have a question or comment?  Post it below or give me a call.  I am happy answer your questions.

, , , ,
Apr
21

Do you know how to tap into the hidden job market?

Cindy Key Action Tips, Career Management, Networking Add your comment

hidden jobFew do and many more are not willing to do the work.  It is the time of year that teachers and kids get spring fever and I start thinking about summer — warm weather, vacation, golf and fun.

This is also one of the two times a year when the hidden job market shifts in an interesting manner — passive candidates are easier to connect with.  If you are an active job seeker that means your competition just heated up.  This is not the time for you to cool your search, just the opposite; this is the time to double your efforts.

As more and more data becomes available to companies, they are using this information to hire and predict what candidates are most likely to be a top performer.

If you are a passive candidate searching for your next great position, it is critical to understand that companies are viewing your data as they are building pipelines to attack the best in class.  The company you want to work for is looking at more than just your skills and experience.

What are you doing today to make you a fit with your next employer?  How are you connected to that company today?

Many companies have candidate outreach programs — are you connected?  Are you connected to current employees or former co-workers who now work where you want to work?

Who are the leaders where you want to work?   What are you doing to get to know the hiring managers and to build and maintain a relationship?  What are they looking for?  What defines “best in class” to them?

How can the hiring managers see and experience your work today?  How are you communicating that you are an engaged employee that fits their needs and can help solve their problems?

Knowing how the hidden market works and how to to tap into it is critical to building and sustaining a career and life you love.  What action are you taking this week to tap into the hidden market?

, ,
Apr
14

Time matters in your job search

Cindy Key Action Tips, Job Search Focus, Networking Add your comment
time“Make each minute count.” – Dave Edwards

Do you make every minute count?  I hope you do.

Most of us waste time, work on minor things, and focus on things other than people or high value work.   I fall in the ‘most’ category more days of the month than I would like to.

Over the years, I have looked to the masters — CEOs, COOs and other peak performers — to see what they do in areas where I need to improve.  Using my time more effectively is an area where I always look to improve because I want more time for the most important things in my business and life — people.  Interactions with people are what count the most to me and those minutes are also how I am most successful in my work.

Below are the best time management strategies I’ve shared over the years.  When executed effectively, they do indeed accelerate your search.  May these help you have more time for the things that count in your job search and in your next position.  Here are the tips I’ve found helpful in making every minute count:

  1. Say NO without explanation.

You can say “no” in a simple, polite manner to more email, more stuff, and those non-specific requests (i.e., those things that don’t align with your current goal of finding your next position).

For example, when someone at your child’s school says, “Mr. Brown, sorry to hear you lost your job.  We are looking for someone to volunteer at the school on several projects. Would you like to help?”

Quickly assess the request.  Is it specific with a clear goal?  Will it help you talk directly to someone who can hire you?   Will it help you hone a skill you need to move into your next position?  If the answers are “no,” say “Thank you for asking and thinking of me.  No, I am not available to help now.”

  1. Monitor your energy.  

Know your natural rhythms, sleep patterns and eating habits.  Be aware of how moving away from a former work schedule can impact these.   Use your peak times each day to work on your top 3 priorities.

Move, walk, stand.  Leave your desk and computer screen at least once an hour.  Hydrate: Drink water hourly.   Take breaks.  Go take a walk and eat lunch.  Schedule meetings at a park in lieu of a coffee shop.

  1. Set short periods of time for EMAIL.

Batch email.  View your email two to four times a day, delete, handle if it takes 3 minutes or less, learn that replies to all messages are not needed.

Mark or flag what is important and requires action beyond what you can do at this time.  Then schedule a time to complete the action needed.

Allowing your phone (email or otherwise) to take attention away from an important task makes you average or second rate on the things that matter and require your best.

  1. Build processes.

For any task you do a second time, assume you will do it again.  Stop and write down your process, with as many details as necessary.  Example:  researching a company and their challenges.  Take my word for it, you will definitely repeat this process.

If you write down what you do, the next time you can simply execute the steps.   You will not need to waste time guessing.  You will know what you did and what got results.   If you want to be able to repeat amazing results, write down what you did.

Knowing what you did to get your first interview will help you get a second one.  Knowing how you reached the CEO at one company will help you reach a CEO at another and so forth.

  1. Meet with people and follow-up with people you meet.

Leverage the 80/20 rule.  Spend 80% of your time connecting and talking to people who can hire you face-to-face.  That is the work that moves the needle.

Get out from behind your computer.  Spend only 20% of your time on email, job boards, LinkedIn, or the phone.  Stop seeking perfection on your resume, cover letter, email, etc.

Call and meet people — you need to establish relationships to receive introductions and recommendations.  From each meeting, take away the knowledge you need to continue to grow the relationship.  Ask about them.  What do they do?  What are their professional challenges?  What is happening in their industry?  What do their customers face or care about?  Work to create deep connections and make notes when information is shared.

Then, follow up.  Create the opportunity to reach out again, stay in touch, have another meeting.  A personal touch is what it takes to build that connection and deepen it.  Few relationships are built via email or LinkedIn.

End your meeting with a recap and plan your next step(s) and how you will follow-up with your contact.

In a job search there are many things you don’t control.   You do control how you use your time.   What will you do different this week to make every minute count?

, , ,
Feb
03

Ditch Boring, Create WOW & Be Remembered

Cindy Key Action Tips, Ditch Dare Do, Networking, Personal Branding 9 comments

wow  Do your networking results need help?

Yes?  Then it is time to ditch boring and dull!  It is time to create and share your WOW personal  branded introduction (or Elevator Speech).  It is your branded commercial, serving as your introduction to so many — and, frankly, a necessity.

Use it when you meet and greet (both online and off), understanding it answers the question, “Tell me about yourself.”

An Elevator Speech or your WOW personal branded introduction is a marketing pitch, customized to the people and situations in which you want to secure a conversation.  A conversation is step one, and begins to build or further a relationship.  If you do not WOW people when you first meet, chances are there will be no next conversation, no opportunity to foster a relationship.

In today’s digital, fast-paced world getting lost or forgotten in a sea of information is easy.  Having a WOW personal branded introduction is critical in helping you stand out and be remembered (favorably).

What is the WOW in your branded introduction?

WOW stands for your Worth (what you do and the impact of it), the Opportunities you are seeking, and What you can do for the person (or someone they know) experiencing your message.

Your WOW makes you memorable, helps others connect with you and understand why they should care about what you have to say.   If the WOW is missing, odds are you will be forgotten or the conversation will fizzle quickly.  Without a strong WOW your brand awareness is diminished and it takes longer to have influence in any situation.

Remember, you only have seconds to connect, set the stage and share your WOW.  Your first impression is vital — make it count or you will be forgotten!

Ditch your boring introduction.  Be relevant.  Gain favorable attention.  Ensure that when you meet someone they understand what you do and the impact you have.

Ready to ditch boring and add WOW?

There are thousands of formulas for an elevator speech — pick any formula you like, and then draft your initial speech.

Then slice it, dice it, edit it, and make it yours.  Deb Dib co-author of “Ditch Dare Do!”  recommends being ruthless when editing — every word counts!

Hone your personal branded introduction.  Practice it.  Use it.  Change it as you grow.  You need to be comfortable delivering it, yet if it sounds canned it will impact the impression you make.

This formula will get you started:  “I <what you do> <the problem you solve> and the <results you produce>.

As you grow you will want your WOW introduction to evolve.  As it evolves, update your online social profiles to reflect your updates.

If your WOW personal branded introduction or social media profiles need attention, get help.  If I can help, feel free to contact me.

In 15+ words you can share a great deal about your brand and what you do.  You can go from boring to having conversations that build relationships and land opportunities faster than you think.  With focus and some editing you can create an amazing WOW statement.

You get the idea — ditch boring (and the extra words), create WOW, and be remembered.

Does your Elevator Speech have WOW?   Is it on brand, clear and to the point?  Does it tell your brand story?

Have a comment or thought?  Post it below.

, ,
Jan
27

Are you doubting your worth?

Cindy Key Action Tips, Job Search Focus, Networking 5 comments

drum

The marketplace (and world) is full of noise and doubt.  It can be easy to listen to the voices of doubt.  Sometimes the melody of doubt becomes a song to lull you into inaction.  If this happens you may find yourself sitting still in fear.

Change the beat.  That’s right — have the courage to listen to your REAL call to action and move forward with faith.

Everyone desires success and wants life to be easy.  Me, too!   Yes, doubt can set-in anytime.  When it does, if you listen to the long sad song over and over, you will begin to believe it.  That song will be the only song you sing or hear.  Soon everyone around you tunes into your beat and doubts you, too.

You can’t just keep “dancing to the beat” of fussing with your résumé or filling out online applications and expect someone to call you.  Unfortunately, time is not on your side.  Being out of work for a period of time does impact your value in the market and adds to the doubt you have about your next job and the doubt others have in you.

If you are ready to stop making excuses and be back to work soon, it is time to take action!

Where to start?

First – BELIEVE!  Believe that results will come as a result of your actions.  Have faith that you are enough.  By nurturing and believing in your vision you become a magnet for success and prosperity.

Next, feel CONFIDENT in your values, skills and the job you perform.  Be aware of your doubts and negative feelings or you may miss out on available opportunities.

Then you must ACT!

Begin by assessing your network.  Take inventory of the people you know.  Do you need to grow and nurture your current network?  As in any business, inventory is an asset and impacts your bottom line.  Take inventory now.

Create a plan to connect and stay connected.  Who knows you?  Who likes you?  Who trusts you?  What is the best way to connect?  How will you stay connected?

Execute your plan.  Who will you call this week?  Pick up the phone.  Connect with people.  If you don’t have opportunities for a job in your pipeline you need to change the beat and expand your network.

Add volunteering one day per week to your plan.  Do work for any organization that you want and do any kind of work you can.  The work does not need to be in your field or improve your skills.  If it enhances your skills, great, if it does not that is okay, too — you will be dancing to a new beat one day per week.

At the end of the day, the fastest way to stop listening to the beat of your doubts is to decide what results you want and take action to achieve it and dance to a new beat!

, , ,
Jan
20

Reframing Networking to Accelerate Your Job Search

Cindy Key Career Management, Networking 8 comments

networking

Do you hate to network?

Almost weekly someone tells me they HATE to network.  I get it.

Once upon a time, networking was not my favorite thing to do either.  When I reframed networking to simply “meeting new people,” my point of view about networking changed.

Do you need to reframe how you see networking?  Here are 5 tips to help:

  1. Be open.   No matter what you think or feel about networking, be open.  The next time you go to an event or are in a position to connect with other people begin with being open to the possibilities.  Odds are you will be delighted by pleasant surprises.
  1. Simplify your approach.  Plan to greet all you meet with a smile and a hello.  Then just listen.  Listen and listen some more.  Engage in conversation as appropriate.
  1. Give.  Limit your agenda to giving.  If you are attending an event for the first time, go with a smile for all.  Give of yourself and your time to all you meet.  Not sure what to give?  Start with a smile, eye contact and a listening ear and heart.  Let what you hear be your guide.
  1. Introduce yourself to the host.  Be sure you identify the host of the event.  Say hello and introduce yourself.  Before leaving thank the host and say goodbye.
  1. Return and stay in touch.  Networking is about building relationships — return to the next event and stay in touch.  Relationships are not build with a single meeting or a single conversation.  Decide when you will return and how you will stay in touch with the people you meet.

What is you favorite networking tip or experience?  Please share and post below.

, ,
Oct
21

Personal Referrals – One Secret to Know

Cindy Key Action Tips, Career Management, Job Search Focus, Networking Add your comment

Update LetterDo you have a target job or employer?  Are you wondering how to find or increase the number of your personal referrals?

The secret is right under your nose — engage your personal advocates.

Your personal advocates are those people who know, like and trust you.  They want the best for you, but you need to keep them in loop if they are to refer you.

 

Life is busy.  If you do not share what you are up to your advocates may not know.  Help them understand:

  • your goals
  • your target companies
  • the type of position(s) you desire
  • why you are a good fit for both your target companies and the position(s) you seek

How do you do this?  One easy tool is an Update Letter.

As you launch your search or prepare for promotion, share what you have been up to, what you are looking forward to doing, your one paragraph resume, and, as appropriate, a personal update in your Update Letter.

Create an initial list of possible advocates by reviewing your contacts, colleagues and co-workers.  Create your plan to engage your advocates by writing and sending your Update Letter and following up.

Accelerate your search — and your success — today!

Do you have tips that have helped you engage your advocates?  Feel free to share them here.

,
Jun
24

10 Ways to energize yourself at conferences and networking events

Cindy Key Action Tips, Networking 15 comments

audience Events can be fun and uplifting -or- they can be dull and a drag.  This week I am attending a multi-day  national conference.  To fully enjoy the event and achieve great ROI I need to do some planning and  identify ways to keep my energy high.

A special thanks to Kelly Schaefer  for inspiring me to look at tasks differently and  to Cena Block for tips on organizing stuff and for making me laugh!

Below are the 10 tips I use to insure I have fun, connect and  reconnect.  Each fine tuned via an event connection that has impacted my results and blessed my life.

1. Organize yourself

Pack your name tag, business cards and a specific note pad or portfolio that you only use for  conferences, workshops, or seminars.   Be sure to have plenty of business cards on hand.

2. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes
 Care for your physical needs and be comfortable.  Coordinating with the weather is key for long events.
3. Connect with someone within the first 15 minutes
Smile and say, “Hi!”  A friendly exchange sets the tone for the rest of the event.  Connect early and introduce those you meet to others.
4. Set a tone of trust and anticipation
For example, I might set the following intention:  “What happens today at [name of event] will allow me to meet new contacts and learn what I need for my continued success.”
5. Connect with the theme of the event
If the event has a theme, connect your story or goals with the event when appropriate.  For example, if the event theme is “Stepping Forward” determine how you will connect with that forward movement.  The story or goals you create will help you retain both the information you learned and the names of the connections you forged at the event.
6. Have a easy method to capture information and data
Writing down what you hear will help you retain key facts.  Note action items you want to act on as a result of the event.
7. Step away for fresh air and breaks
Drinking water and taking breaks lift you up.  Hydration helps you think clearly and look good.  Scope out restrooms off the beaten path and you will have a few extra steps of exercise and less standing in line at the conference.
8. Before you arrive, write down at least 2 things you want to learn from the event
This helps you focus on what you are really hoping to take away from the event.  I also have a third item — an intention of “something better than I expected.”  This intention helps me be open to new content and people that I may never have imagined being present.
9. Know your limits and take a break as needed
All events have a schedule, but it may not be the best schedule for you.  Event planners usually set up schedules that fit the masses.  If you find you need a break, take it.  Doing so allows you to be alert and able to get what you need and want from the event.  Some of the best connections made at conferences have been outside the conference center standing in the sunshine during a “me break.”
10. Listen, contribute and interact
The presenters will no doubt be knowledgeable, however some of the best takeaways come for those seated in the audience.  Share your thoughts, questions and unique point of view, as well.  What you have to offer may be exactly what someone needs in that moment.
Then, within 5 days of the event, take action on at least one item you wrote down and share at least two new things you learned with someone else.  Doing so helps you create ROI on the time and energy you invested at the event.
Do you have a strategy to create event and career success?
What would be different in your life in a year if you did?
Who will you connect with that will impact your results?
Let me know in the comments below.
, ,
Jun
03

Mistakes to avoid with LinkedIn

Cindy Key LinkedIn, Networking 8 comments

linkedinLinkedIn is a great tool.

Yet you can  harm your online presence with just a few common mistakes.

Fortunately, like skinning your knee, the mistakes are easy to avoid and usually not fatal.  Your profile should always be more helpful than harmful.

Recruiters search LinkedIn for candidates.  Hiring managers use LinkedIn to prep for interviews and decide who lands on the short list.

Your network contacts (new and established) access and use your LinkedIn profile to share information about you, connect with you and decide if they would like to do business with you.  Review your profile.  What messages are you sending?

Check your profile for these 4 common mistakes:

  1. Pasting your résumé into your profile.  Personalize your LinkedIn profile.  Use it as a gateway platform to your online presence.  With LinkedIn’s volume and traffic your profile shows up in most searches for you.  Create a compelling summary that gains you favorable attention.
  2. Ignoring the details.  Your LinkedIn profile is a 24-7 marketing site for you.  Optimize your profile so it will be found in a search.  Focus on your key skills, the benefits you offer and the problems you solve.  Be selective and highlight the talents for which you want to be known. Include your contact information.
  3. Being generic. Your profile needs to pop and paint a clear picture of you.  If it reads like a dry job description, it may be ignored.  Manage your endorsements.  People hire people, not lists of skills.  Include your personality.
  4. Dropping in only occasionally. Create a plan to engage in the community and regularly update your LinkedIn profile.  Just as not returning a phone call reflects your lack of interest, so does not responding on LinkedIn.  A slow response reveals much to those who use LinkedIn as a recruiting or sourcing tool.  Drop in often.  Be visible.

Now, edit your profile as appropriate to be in the running for the ‘right’ positions.

Do you think your schedule is too busy for a great, well-managed LinkedIn profile?  You can have a great LinkedIn profile and manage it in just minutes a week.

Email me to learn more about effectively managing your LinkedIn profile.  I will send you a video link and a fun tip sheet.

, ,
« Previous Entries