Keppie Careers

Social media speaker, social media consultant, job search coach

Spring forward – The Progress Challenge

By

It seems appropriate, on the day that we “spring forward” on our clocks, to share some things that I enjoyed about another book by Dean Lindsay, The Progress Challenge. (Read my review of his book, Cracking the Networking Code HERE.)

Lindsay notes,

“Change is inevitable, progress is a choice.”

In his trademark, high-energy style, Lindsay explains how to BE progress – to choose progress. He explains the connections between how we think about what we do and doing it, and provides a blueprint for meeting this challenge. He begins the book by asking a question that I believe is relevant for job seekers – What is motivational, and are you it?

Have you thought about it? He suggests that “each of us has the need and the opportunity to be motivated every day of our lives” (p 29). He points out, “Why else would others listen to us, utilize our services, hire us, be led by us?” Right from the start, a key career message. How do you motivate others? What impact do you (or might you) have that will appeal to someone?

Lindsay explains how to think about how to move forward and offers many suggestions to help even the most unmotivated candidate shake off the stress, anxiety and general malaise that may be preventing him or her from springing forward.

One coping mechanism that I like? “#5 Find and Create Humor (p. 138). How many times have you stopped to try to find a single iota of irony or laughter in a situation. If even things are so bad, laughing at it  (or thinking of crazy ways that it could be EVEN WORSE) can sometimes provide a little relief. Can you laugh at yourself? Is there any humor there? If not, maybe creating some would help?

The author reminds his readers: “Progress does not demand perfection, only persistence” (p. 198). How perfectly true! I often remind myself that the “Perfect is the enemy of the good” – if you stay paralyzed, waiting for perfection, it’s unlikely you will ever move ahead with your plans. Similarly, progress does not need to be perfect, it just needs to be moving, which requires consistent and frequent effort on your part.

I enjoyed The Progress Challenge and am sure anyone (job seeker, salesperson, manager, leader, anyone with an eye on the future) will get a lot out of the, yes – motivational book, quotes and action plans.

Want to receive a free copy? Leave a comment about what motivates you, what is keeping you stuck – what you think about any of this! I will choose a winner at random and Dean will send you a copy of his book! (He may even send out several!)

Learn more about Dean Lindsay at his website: www.DeanLindsay.com or follow him on Twitter @DeanLindsay.

The Smart New Way to Get Hired, a review

By

Everyone is looking for a “new way to get hired.” There is no doubt that the old ways are of limited use. Maybe it’s possible that the “new way” is actually ages old? Using emotional intelligence to your advantage in a job search makes a lot of sense in an environment where “fit” can be even more important than actual skills.

Lisa Caldas Kappasser’s new book, The Smart New Way to Get Hired – Use Emotional Intelligence and Land the Right Job, explains how, unlike your IQ, your emotional intelligence can be improved and developed – specifically to impact a chance to get a job that is a good fit.

Importantly, Kappasser makes the point that emotional intelligence (EQ – emotional quotient) helps you “make the most of your other qualities.” Some skills (page 7):

  • Adapting to change
  • Knowing your strengths and weaknesses
  • Communicating well
  • Cooperating and collaborating with others

It is not difficult to understand how important these skills are in the workplace.

With chapters  highlighting how to apply emotional intelligence for job search, self-management, social awareness, social skills and developing emotional intelligence to achieve your career goals, Kappasser offers some practical solutions and ideas for anyone interested in improving his or her standings in the EQ realm.

Win a copy of Lisa’s book! Comment below for a chance in a random drawing!

If your job hunt is stalled, I can help! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career

By

The new year is a great time to think about reinventing yourself. So many people have been displaced from jobs and careers they enjoyed and hope to do again, but many are looking for the next new challenge. How perfect that Alexandra Levit’s new book, New Job, New You – A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career is launching this week!

If you are thinking of reinventing yourself – or even if you are not – the tales Alexandra shares are inspiring. The book offers story after story of people who successfully made changes in their careers and in their lives as a result of a variety of factors:

  • Family requirements
  • Need for independence
  • Desire to pursue additional learning
  • Financial aspirations
  • Pursuit of a passion
  • Personal or health setbacks
  • Honing a talent or skill

In each category, we learn the stories of regular people (just like us!) who have made a move. Just to list a few:

  • Automotive marketer to toy producer
  • Accountant to wedding planner
  • Wine connoisseur to thought leader promoter
  • Stockbroker to pajama manufacturer
  • Paralegal to advertising copywriter
  • Electronic sales executive to motivational speaker

If you have read other career books, but haven’t “seen” yourself in them – this book is a refreshing change. I imagine everyone will be able to identify with some of the stories here -  via the circumstances and/or the choices described.

The personal, sometimes moving, accounts of people who took the reigns of their professional lives may inspire you, but what makes this book so special and useful is that, for each of the categories above, Alexandra includes self-reflexive questions for potential career changes to consider.  She offers specific suggestions, action steps and exercises to help careerists evaluate a fit for the change and a capacity to make it happen successfully. To top it all off – each chapter includes a resource toolkit and suggestions of useful books to read.

I’ve enjoyed all of the books I’ve reviewed by Alexandra, but I think this one is exceptional – a real home run for anyone looking for advice or information to help them move to their “next best thing.” I hope you will pick up a copy for yourself and anyone you know who could use a shot of inspiration and advice! Don’t forget to visit the book’s site for information about special offers and giveaways and plan to attend the book launch party on January 12th if you are in the Chicago area and keep an eye on Alexandra’s blog for regular career advice and information.

—

No matter what your job target, you can benefit from personalized advice! Don’t forget that clear, concise, optimized job search materials AND a strong, well executed plan are key for job search success! I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

Just Ask Leadership – A review

By

justaskleadership0071621776Knowing how to ask the right questions is a key skill for every successful professional. Gary B. Cohen’s book, Just Ask Leadership – Why Great Managers Always Ask the Right Questions is a reminder that people are a company’s most important resource and that listening is so much more important than talking.

I’ve written about how important it is to be a good listener, and believe it is a crucial skill for job seekers and all careerists. Gary’s book starts out by asking, “Would you rather be asked for your input or told what to do?” (p. 1).

He describes how CEOs and managers can help their organizations succeed by instilling a value on listening and asking questions. He focuses on five important topics:

  1. Improving vision.
  2. Ensuring accountability.
  3. Building unity and cooperation and creating a culture of trust.
  4. Creating better decisions and getting the right answers by asking the right questions.
  5. Motivate to action – asking for success.

In the book, Gary identifies and addresses such important questions as, “How can I seek clarification without being judgmental? (p. 133) and “How can suspending my beliefs inspire my coworkers and resolve conflicts?” (p. 177).

I think that anyone who wants to be a better manager or leader can learn a lot from this informative book based on interviews with nearly 100 leaders, including Fortune 500 CEOs.

—

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs – A Review

By

PresentationSecretsofSteveJobs4173s6m5hNL._SL160_I have said it before, and it is worth saying it again…

If you asked me, “What is the single most important skill a job seeking candidate can have?,” I would initially probably respond along the lines of, “It depends on the job!” However, upon further thought, I might also reply, “Being a strong communicator is an underlying key skill for any job seeker.”

I’ve written about the importance of “soft skills” or “emotional intelligence.” Some business schools are incorporating classes to teach communication and leadership skills, as they are so important in the workplace. Let’s face it – if you have trouble communicating, you are likely to have trouble getting along with colleagues, persuading others to agree with you and succeeding in most workplaces.

Communication skills extend beyond being able to negotiate a one-on-one conversation. Often, being able to present in front of an audience is the key differentiating skill that makes the difference between getting the job and coming in second place.

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs – How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience, by Carmine Gallo, promises to teach anyone how to successfully present their ideas. The author explains Jobs’ approach to a classic argument (p. 13):

  1. Deliver a story or statment that arouses the audience’s interest
  2. Post a problem or question that has to be solved or answered.
  3. Offer a solution to the problem you raised.
  4. Describe specific benefits for adopting the course of action set forth in your solution.
  5. State a call to action.

In the book, he continues to explain exactly how to go about making that happen. With specifics that include everything from offering the variety that the brain craves (p. 129) to techniques to improve body language (p. 170). He explains how to toss the script (p. 202) AND how to use notes when you must (p. 204).

Carmine maps out how to become a better presenter, using a well-known master presenter’s methods as a guide. I enjoyed his book and believe that everyone who needs (or wants) to present better (and who doesn’t need to present better) can learn something important and useful.

—-

I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.