Perform Your Best At Work

Weird in a World That's Not Book Review

An honest, sharp-witted, practical guide to help you get and keep the job you want—from an outsider whose been there and done it, a woman who went from being a broke, divorced, college dropout to running some of the biggest websites in the world.

I liked this book.

Funny, warm, personable, insightful, and interesting. For a woman to go from the lows of her life, to turn it around and make a difference for herself, her staff, and readers is inspiring.

Thoughts in the book I really enjoyed:

"It is unlikely that a career path will hit you like a lighting bolt one day."

"Have courage and try new things."

"Be great with people."

"Work hard because nothing is handed to you."

I would recommend this book because the author hits on something important. You do not have to be perfect to get ahead in your career. You just have to be yourself.

Here are places to purchase the book: HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Note: I was asked to review the book. At no time, was I given payment or a piece of book sales. I was asked for my honest opinion and it is here in this post.

 

Punch Above Your Weight! How to Succeed at Whatever You Want to Do.

I really liked this book.

Here is their official description: "Punch Above Your Weight! addresses the important idea that in reality each one of us can be thought of as a business. In order to survive and be successful we each have a need to undertake personal marketing and sales activity in terms of our ideas and possible contributions, and to be productive in whatever form that takes."

No longer do we get a job and stay their our whole lives. Either we change, or the workplace changes, so we have to be ready to move and do something else; sometimes at a moment's notice.

Some highlights from the book:

Create a vision and stay true to that vision which is an important thing to do. You can't achieve unless you can visualize what you want. 

Do not let your emotions get in the way. Also, true. When you take things personally, you lose objectivity and that is when you lose your power, focus, and the ability to change your circumstances.

And, there are many others. A definite read.

You can read more about the book at: https://tho.presswarehouse.com/Books/BookDetail.aspx?productID=434844

Note: I was not paid in any way for my recommendation. I was given a complimentary copy to read and I liked the book very much.

What do You Need to do to Find Joy in your Career?

A career is a life long journey that starts when you make the decision to start working and doesn’t end until retirement or when we choose to no longer work and make a contribution with our time to society.  Along the way each and every day is a part of that journey; what are you doing to affect your career today?  Did you take a lunch break so you can ensure you have a productive afternoon?  Have you sent the hiring manager at the company you interviewed with a note or card of thanks?  Are you able to put your head down and get the job done even if you don’t like your job?  Make sure you make today about improving your career any way you can.

Why You Really Should go Out for Lunch Today

Fortune Article:

Lunch breaks and other breaks throughout the day are extremely important.  Those who take lunch breaks away from their desk regularly report a major increase in productivity.  Not only can you get away and forget about your work for the time of your lunch break, this could be a great time to network with employees in other departments, all you have to do is invite them along with you.  It’s important to have this time to refresh and recharge.  If your employer is discouraging lunch breaks on a regular basis you should direct them to this article.  Most companies want to keep employees around and have them choose to stay; regular lunch breaks are a way to help make that happen in order to have a growing and talented base of employees that have longevity with the company.

Full Article:

http://fortune.com/2015/09/17/lunch-office-work-day/

What’s the Best Way to Follow Up After an Interview?

Careerealism Article:

In our world of instant communication, emails and electronic messages you might think the best and most approved way of following up after a job interview is to simply send an email of thanks, but that is not the best way.  A phone call can not only tell you much more about how your interview went but also offer the hiring manager an opportunity to actually discuss a few more questions with you if they want to.  Aside from a phone call where you might not be able to reach the hiring manager a hand written card or note is a great way to say thanks with email being the least attractive method, but certainly one that is acceptable after the other two methods.  Take a look at this article to see how you should go about all of these methods.

Full Article:

http://www.careerealism.com/follow-up-after-interview/

Life’s Work: An Interview with Andre Agassi

Harvard Business Review Article:

Andre Agassi has been the top of the tennis world more than once and has also been at the very bottom in a place that many would have thought he might not come back from.  This interview may surprise you with the knowledge that he never really liked to play tennis, but he put his head down and went to work to get things done, learning to take joy in the accomplishments if not in the fact that he was one of the best players in the world for a long time.  You can learn a lot from his journey and this candid interview where he speaks about his inspiration, his journey to the top after falling to the bottom and even about his family and what he has turned into the most important part of his life.

Full Article:

https://hbr.org/2015/10/andre-agassi

Everyone Needs to Learn how to Manage Their Career

When you find yourself in new territory at work there are a few ways you can figure out how to handle the situation.  Many times you have a boss or coworker that has been there before that can lend an ear or advice that could work for you, but you should also do some reading and research in order to know if the advice you are given is going to be beneficial.  Being a new manager, getting employees to buy in to their own development and networking as a shy person are all difficult paths to cross.  These articles are meant to help you with all three of these possibilities, giving you the tools to manage your career in a way you might not have considered before; enjoy.

New Mangers Need a Philosophy About How They’ll Lead

Harvard Business Review:

Being a new manager or leader in an organization typically means the people where were your peers are now your subordinates.  You may even have won the promotion over some whom you now have to manage and instruct.  This can be a rocky slope to navigate at first considering the relationship you have had with this group.  When this is the case one of the best ways you can instill trust and gain the confidence of the team that you will be a great leader is by employing a philosophy called “servant leadership”.  This type of leadership ensures you are a ready resource for their needs and work alongside your team on projects.  This helps you establish a team philosophy that ensures everyone is working together and lets you more easily see what your team is working on.  Take a look at this article and learn more about this trust building form of leadership.

Full Article:

https://hbr.org/2015/09/new-managers-need-a-philosophy-about-how-theyll-lead

5 Ways to Get Employees to Participate in Professional Development

Careerealism Article:

Professional development seminars and events can often be viewed by the employees who have to attend them as a time to get paid for doing nothing.  Unfortunately, when this attitude and mindset is present the employees will get exactly nothing out of the seminar.  This is the case when a company has not properly prepared the employees for what they are about to do and given expectations for results and reflection.  Setting the groundwork is one of the most important parts of any professional development program and when it comes to a short seminar or event, the time is so small that clear goals need to be in place in order for the employees to fully benefit and the company to know the investment was valuable.  Review this article and see what you should get out of a seminar and how you should present them to your employees.

Full Article:

http://www.careerealism.com/employees-participate-in-professional-development/

Five Networking Strategies Even the Shy Professional Can Use

Forbes Article:

Even as a shy professional you have to work with a variety of people each and every day.  A great place to start so that you can network for a better position or a lateral move that will benefit you and the company is to discuss with the people you already work with and learn from them how to network.  Taking lunch with others can help you come a bit out of your shell as well, which will make it easier when it’s time to discuss your goals with your boss.  Read through this article and learn what you should be doing to connect with others.

Full Article:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecenizalevine/2015/09/15/five-networking-strategies-even-the-shy-professional-can-use/

Where do You Need to Improve Your Career?

Are you a leader in your company that has been working for many years to get where you are?  If so it’s possible you aren’t sure what the new workforce coming in is expecting from you, taking on a mentor from this group and learning about their mindset can really help.  Do you own your career or are you on autopilot?  Learn how to be a business of one, in charge of your career and the path you are on while you build your map to success and take steps each day to get there.  Take a look at where you are in your career and see where you need to improve.  We all need to improve in some way; in what way do you need to improve yours?

Use a Recent Graduate as a Career Mentor and Tap the Millennial Mindset

The Guardian Article:

As a leader in business the need to gain a perspective into the mindset of the younger millennial generation of workers can be extremely valuable.  With the workforce projected to be comprised of over fifty percent millennials in the next several years you as a leader need to be able to connect with these younger employees.  Taking on a mentor that is a young, junior employee can give you the insight you need to learn how to relate with and learn about this new generation of young professionals.  As with anything else this needs to be a give and take and last for a specific amount of time in order to gain the perspective you are looking for.  Check out this article and learn how one leader broke down the generational barriers.

Full Article:

http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2015/sep/10/recent-graduate-career-mentor-younger-generation

7 Secrets to Mindful Career Ownership

Career HMO Article:

Your career is yours to manage and even when you are in a full time position which you might feel is secure and will be there for you as long as you need it but what happens if it isn’t?  It’s important for you to be a business of one and own your career and its trajectory.  That doesn’t mean you can’t be happy and fulfilled in the work you already do; if you are, that’s fantastic.  What it means is that you are in full control of your career regarding what you are doing and accomplishing each day.  When was the last time you paid yourself a compliment?  What did you accomplish today; did you give yourself a pat on the back?  There is nothing wrong, and a lot right with stepping back and looking to see what you made happen in a day, check this article out and see what you can use for your career.

Full Article:

http://careerhmo.com/mindful-career-ownership-secrets/

How to Make a Career Map that Actually Works

Fast Company Article:

The importance of having a career map and path that leads you upward is to help you feel successful in your career and let you reach your goals.  You can have a goal, but if you don’t know how to get there the best GPS in the world can’t help you, but the advice in this article can give you some insight.  You need to focus on you and what you want to do, take stock and see what really does drive you that are what you should be doing.  You also need to make certain you are making some form of progress each and every day.  Take a look at this article and learn more about your career map to success.

Full Article:

http://www.fastcompany.com/3050786/hit-the-ground-running/how-to-make-a-career-map-that-actually-works

Challenge Yourself to Be the Professional in Your Career

When entering negotiations, job interviews at an older age or dealing with a direction you don’t agree with it’s always a good idea to be the professional and keep your wits about you.  In negotiations  you have to understand what you are aiming to gain from the other side and ensure you are prepared to do what you need to in order to make that happen.  As a person who is considered “seasoned” when you are being interviewed by someone much younger than you it’s important to show your energy and ability to work together.  Using softening phrases for issues at work that you don’t fully understand will give the other person a chance to show you their thought process and certainly shows your respect for them.  Make sure you are the professional even when others aren’t.

7 Things You Need Before You Negotiate Anything

Inc. Article:

You are going to negotiate different things throughout your life. Whether you are stopping at a yard sale to haggle a price on an item for sale or you have to strike a new deal with a potentially large client you will be in a position to negotiate.  For any particular circumstance you need to be fully prepared to defend your position, have counter offers ready and be prepared to walk away if necessary.  When you play out the possible scenarios in your head before entering the negotiation you have a better chance of being confident in your overall negotiating tactics and can remain calm when you see a scenario turning one way or another right in front of you.  Take a look through this article and learn how to apply these seven tips to your negotiating style.

Full Article:

http://www.inc.com/jayson-demers/7-things-you-need-before-you-negotiate-anything.html

4 Tips for Overcoming the “Seasoned Worker” Stereotype

Careerealism Article:

As we get older in the workplace we eventually fall into the “seasoned worker” category and there isn’t a lot that can be done to change that fact.  This doesn’t mean you can’t have a great transition in your career after a certain age, but it does mean you need to adjust your sights and figure out what is the right fit for you.  If you know what you want from a career or what will spark your interest you can find ways to enjoy your work and be passionate about what you are doing.  Just as there are prejudices towards you as an older worker, typically there are some toward a boss that is younger as well; this needs to be set aside in order to be productive.  Focus on the value that you and your new boss bring so you can work together.

Full Article:

http://www.careerealism.com/overcoming-seasoned-worker-stereotype/

4 Messaging Techniques to Help Defuse Workplace Drama

Entrepreneur Article:

There are times when we don’t agree with decisions that are made at work even though we have to live with them.  Instead of talking and complaining about them behind the back of those who made the decision or confronting them in a head on argument a more constructive approach can be to use these phrases to make sure the conversation is kept professional.  By using terms such as “help me understand” or “what I like about that is” you can then add your own opinion which will help you show professionalism and the ability to understand.  This approach will be appreciated by the person who made the decision and give them the opportunity to express their opinions and thought process which might be the right path anyway.

Full Article:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/250321

Different Meetings Can Help Your Career in Many Ways

Whether it’s a professional conference, a business lunch or a coaching session you will attend a variety of meeting types over your career where you have the opportunity to make something great out of them for your career.  At conferences and conventions you need to see what you can find to connect with and who you can network with that you don’t already know.  At a business lunch it’s time to close the deal and start a partnership while at a coaching session you need to have an open mind and be ready to apply the principles you are taught to your own career.  let these meetings be some of the best influences in your career and you will certainly be on your way to a highly successful upward path.

11 Ways to Get the Most out of Your Next Business Convention

Inc. Article:

When attending a business convention, vendor fair or other event put on by your company for your benefit it’s important to find the benefit in what is presented to you at the convention.  Many of us have left conventions and conferences with a new collection of stationary from the hotel or branded pens with no real idea what went on or any benefit gained.  That is certainly a waste of your time and energy and the company resources.  Instead of this outcome, learn about the convention and who and what will be presented to you can figure out how to make the most of what is right in front of you.  Take a good read through this article and make your next professional conference or convention a highly valuable one for you and your company.

Full Article:

http://www.inc.com/james-parsons/11-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-next-business-convention.html

5 Tips for a Successful Business Lunch

Careerealism Article:

A business lunch may be the final meeting before you are able to close the deal with a new client and you certainly don’t want to blow it.  If you follow the five rules present in this article you won’t be able to mess it up even if you tried.  The simplest of advice makes for a very easy way to be successful during a business lunch.  Something as mindless as putting salt and pepper on your food before tasting it can be taken as you being too assuming and ruin your whole relationship so make sure you fully understand what you can and cannot do during this meeting.  It can certainly be your time to shine and close the deal with a client you have worked hard to convince to work with you.

Full Article:

http://www.careerealism.com/successful-business-lunch/

Why Being Assigned a Coach is a Compliment

Fortune Article:

Coaching sessions at one time were thought of as negative experiences and for those employees who were having trouble in their careers.  While this method is still used many companies have begun to assign corporate coaches to employees that show massive potential and this coaching is put in place to help them improve their overall career path.  this fine tuning makes a huge difference in the progress those who have the potential to be a corporate leader have shown.  If you are asked to take on an executive coach that is a sign you are on your way up, unless you know of a glaring error you have recently made, and it should be viewed as a way to boost you up to the level the company believes you should be at.  Enter the coaching with an open mind, ready to learn and listen.

Full Article:

http://fortune.com/2015/09/03/coaching-work/

New E-book To Help You Launch Your Job Search

Ryan McCormick, a fellow LinkedIn connection, and IT recruiter wrote this free ebook. I really liked it.*

Here's the premise of the e-book:

"The process of hunting for a job can be daunting, distracting and discouraging. Most people aren’t prepared when the time comes. Sometimes getting started can be troublesome.

Launch your Job Search is a blueprint that people can follow to find a new job in the shortest amount of time possible.

When breaking down the design of the blueprint, the most basic steps of getting a job are: 1. Resume 2. Job Leads 3. Interview 4. Follow-up 5. Offer.

All of the items listed are actionable. If you take action, you will see results."

More information at: http://www.jobtuneup.com

*Please note I was not compensated for posting this. I just like to help out others who care as much about getting the job search right as it do.

Thank you for joining "The Work Less Earn More Summit"

Thank you for joining "The Work Less Earn More Summit!"

 

To download your complimentary copy of this book, click on the following link: Four Steps To Building A Profitable Business.

Please note that the pdf of this book is for your eyes only and a thank you for attending the summit. 

 

 

About the Book: Do you work for yourself? Or, do you dream of doing so one day? Are you worried that your venture will not be sufficiently profitable because of doubts about marketing yourself, your products, or your services?

This book is based on the hundreds of business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals Deborah Brown-Volkman has met and worked with, her twelve years experience as a sales and marketing executive, and personal know-how building two successful marketing-driven companies of her own.

Good luck to you in pursuing your business dreams,

Deborah

************************************************** 
Deborah Brown-Volkman, PCC 
Career, Life, and Mentor Coach
President, Surpass Your Dreams, Inc.
http://www.surpassyourdreams.com 
[email protected]
631-874-2877 

No Winner Ever Got There Without A Coach

New Book Announcement!

No Winner Ever Got There Without A Coach.

A Guide to Personal and Professional Success

What does it take to succeed in business and in life? Insight Publishing is pleased to present Deborah Brown-Volkman, Dr. Pam Brill, and David Rock in an exceptional compilation of resourceful people who will tell you how they learned how to be successful.

In this book, you will find out why goals are not supposed to be reached alone.

 

My work in the book focuses on Career Reinvention and what to do if you have lost your job, may be losing a job, or want something new and different in your career and how important it is to not go through this process by yourself.  I discuss how to go about creating a new you with simple and straightforward techniques for going about it. Very important information to have in today’s economy. 

I also compare your career to Madonna’s career and you will find this parallel surprising and very interesting. 

Click Here to find out more.