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5 Networking Tips for People Who Can't Network
Tweet Share on Facebook December 8, 2009 Comment (17)The subject of networking comes up most often as it relates to searching for a job. Unfortunately, most of us begin to network when we are out of work—not before.
[See 9 insider secrets to getting hired.]
Networking is really about finding common interests with others and beginning new relationships that you aim to nurture long-term. If you are only trying for short-term, me-first kinds of relationships with the people you meet, that's not networking, that's self-promotion.
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How to Find a Mentor
Tweet Share on Facebook December 7, 2009 Comment (3)Having a mentor, especially at the early stages of your career, can be invaluable. You get someone who can advise you on career decisions, help you navigate tricky situations, and even just suggest ways to succeed at the more mundane aspects of office life.
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What Good Bosses Hate to See, Part 2
Tweet Share on Facebook December 4, 2009 Comment (1)Last week’s post took a stab at what would be said in a room filled with good bosses who had been asked what they hate to encounter on the job. The discussion continues:
“Now that we’ve reconvened, let’s run through what we identified last week: You hate surprises. You hate when people permit a small problem to grow into a big one, or when someone boasts about the brilliance of the organization. You hate people who kiss up and kick down, as well as supervisors who don’t develop their employees. Any others?”
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How to Fight Your Career Fears
Tweet Share on Facebook December 3, 2009 Comment (2)Have you ever wanted to do something, but felt afraid to take action? And then, when you finally did it, you realized there really wasn't that much to be afraid of, after all? Or, even worse, you didn't do it and later realized your fears were unfounded?
If you have, you're in good company. Fear is the single most debilitating factor standing in people's way of pursuing what they really want in their careers (and life in general). When you look below the surface at almost everything that blocks people’s aspirations, you'll find fear.
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Why Your Job is Different Than Your Marriage
Tweet Share on Facebook December 3, 2009 CommentI love to read advice columnists. It always cracks me up when someone writes in about her "boyfriend of two weeks." Honey, two weeks is not a boyfriend, no matter how much he declares his undying love to you. The fact that you are writing an advice columnist about this fledgling relationship indicates that you should get out now. You don't owe anything to this person, and if he's causing you that much angst, it will only get worse.
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20 Tips for Your Workplace Holiday Non-Party
Tweet Share on Facebook December 2, 2009 Comment (3)With Thanksgiving over, you’re no doubt beginning to see articles listing do’s and don’ts for the workplace holiday party.
Mostly don’ts.
Don’t wear a hula skirt or a lampshade; don’t French kiss your boss; don’t do your hip-hop routine (or worse) on the copy machine; don’t drink five appletinis and throw up in the office philodendron—the rules go on and on.
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How to Turn Your Business Around on a Dime
Tweet Share on Facebook December 1, 2009 Comment (1)There isn't too much news these days about turnarounds in business, but I'll bet there are plenty of companies that need to be turned around. Too often, however, the rank and file are waiting on someone else to take charge of the turnaround. They are either too timid, or they lack the skills to do it themselves.
Here are seven basic steps you can take to help your company get back on solid ground:
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What Good Bosses Hate to See
Tweet Share on Facebook November 27, 2009 Comment (3)If I walked into a room filled with good bosses and I asked them what they hate to encounter, this is what would be said:
“Surprises. Can’t stand them. I want to know what’s going on. The one thing that keeps me up nights is the fear that someone will suddenly reveal that what was once a small problem has grown into a monster and, by the way, we need to talk to a lawyer.”
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Does Thanksgiving Belong at Work?
Tweet Share on Facebook November 25, 2009 Comment (4)A job is a business arrangement. You give employers your work and, in exchange, they give you money. Simple.
So, in this season of giving thanks, do you think there's any room for gratitude in the labor-for-cash equation? Especially nowadays, when employers and employees alike are worrying about the next layoff or cutback, and everyone generally feels a little less than optimistic?
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11 Ideas for Obama's Jobs Summit
Tweet Share on Facebook November 24, 2009 Comment (1)I hear some of the folks in Washington talking about creating jobs and I just cringe.
Obviously, out here in the private sector one does not “create” a job. We create businesses that solve problems. Some of those businesses require people to run them, service accounts, and build stuff. While there are businesses that don’t require many workers, that’s still OK, because the person who figured out how to do more with fewer employees goes out and buys a new flat screen TV, new garage doors, and upgrades the furnace.
