Hello Phone My Old Friend

Hello Phone My Old Friend It’s a funny recruitment world we live in these days. Funny, in that so many new consultants (and to be fair the managers who teach them) have grown up in a world dominated by email, and online recruitment systems. Funny, for those of us who grew up in a world of desk phones, private incoming phone lines, and fax machines. When I talk like this I feel really old, but in lots of ways, I feel sad too. It’s not nostalgia that makes me feel this way. I feel sad for the solid sales skills that are being lost, the confidence-building practices that are disappearing and the influence and persuasion skills that aren’t being learned. Gone are the niceties of speaking with people. Gone is the ability to understand, influence and sell. Gone is the opportunity to differentiate and build real relationships with clients. Gone…. Hang on a minute. That’s not true. None of these things are gone at all, they are just not being used as well, or as often. I have a really simple view on this. Email is great and has many, many advantages over the now antiquated technologies of post and fax. It’s fast, it is effective, it is cheap. It is not a replacement for the telephone, and it is certainly not a means to have a real conversation. And please don’t get me started on using it as a cold calling alternative…… When I was a very new consultant, I was sent to meet one of the company’s top billing temps consultants and he taught me a very simple lesson. He said “listen, it’s really simple. You pick up the phone, and money comes out of it”. You pick up the phone, and money comes out of it. Was there ever a statement, so well put, so simple or so true. Phone skills are an incredibly important part of a consultants skills toolkit. In my mind, they should be the first skills taught. Learn to love the phone. Use it as a means of introduction, a door opener, use it to keep in touch with people, use it build relationships. Use it whenever the urge comes to email. The best tool for the job is the best tool for the job. Before you reach for a keyboard, please stop and think. What is the best way to achieve what I want to achieve? If it’s the phone, pick it up. If it’s the keyboard, then go ahead. But, be honest with yourself. Are you typing to avoid having to call? And, if so, what’s stopping you? When I walk into one of my client’s offices and all I can hear is people talking on the phone, invariably the fee boards on the walls look very healthy too. When I walk into a client’s office and all I can hear is clicking on keyboards, the fee boards are often empty too. Co-incidence? Of course not. About the author:  James Nathan  runs the James Nathan experience; the Business Development, Sales and Service Excellence Expert for Professional Recruiters.

How to Choose Between Resume Writing Services in London Ontario

How to Choose Between Resume Writing Services in London OntarioIt is important for people to know the main difference between a resume writing service in London Ontario. These are two different but complementary methods of getting a job. A resume is a document that outlines your personal characteristics and skills and how you would match up with the position you are applying for.Resume writing services in London Ontario can help you create your document from scratch or let you work with a fresh resume template. The services also help you update the documents, send it out for review and have a professional do your cover letter and resume for you. All you have to do is provide the necessary information they ask for and a few samples of your previous work. With resume writing services in London Ontario, you get the best of both worlds.There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of documents. The advantages are many. When you take time out to write a resume yourself you are ofte n faced with an overwhelming amount of information. The first thing to realize is that there is no such thing as a perfect resume. You can be as good as you want to be, but there is a lot of room for improvement.One of the major downsides is that when you hire a professional you might be paying more. Since the service is charging you for their time, you are charged for it and since they charge for that work, you will be paying. This might not bother you but if you have not done the actual work yourself then you might be at a disadvantage.Another advantage of hiring a resume service is that you can always use the material for others who might be needing a resume. You will have less risk with the paper work because you are not the only one who has created this document. If a company needs a resume from someone, they will probably hire a resume writing service to do it for them.This is also a great way to make sure that the resume you create is accurate. You can have a professional pro of read your document, or you can let them handle that. If they are not a trained professional, they might miss some errors, which could cost you your job.To answer the question in the title of this article, the only advantage to hiring a resume writing service is that you do not have to do the work yourself. It will take you much less time to get your document written by a professional and ready to submit. The only disadvantage is that you may pay more for the service.If you have not written a resume before, and would like to add something to your current resume, try looking at the web for a resume writing service in London Ontario. There are lots of companies that do this type of work and most offer many different services. You can easily find a resume writing service that meets your needs and budget.

Stress May Test You, But It Doesnt Have To Taunt You

Stress May Test You, But It Doesnt Have To Taunt You In today’s business world, it’s not enough to simply be busy. We have to be doing the right things in the right order all while showing the alignment between our individual output, and the goals of our teams and wider organizations. So, when stress rears its head, as it inevitably will do, we must find ways to curb it, if not totally kick it to the curb, in order to maintain the consistent levels of effectiveness that fuel our careers and the faith that our stakeholders have in our abilities. Imagine you have a handful of priorities that need to be addressed in the next hour. If one of those priorities had the power to completely derail the other priorities if you didn’t manage it properly, you’d surely give it the attention it needs, right? Well, that priority is stress. You might not write it on a sticky note, but to keep it in check you have to manage it just like you would any other project on your to-do list. There’s no magic system where you can turn the productivity dial up and turn the stress dial down, but there are a few ways to develop your self-awareness and resilience to keep the weight of stress from becoming overwhelming. Stress tests us, but it doesn’t have to taunt us. Here’s what I recommend to keep stress in check. Recognize your individual stress signals There’s nothing worse than being blindsided by something you could’ve seen coming if you had just kept an eye out for it and stress is definitely the type of thing that can sneak up on you. Because we all have different strengths, weaknesses and interpersonal styles, stress looks different for every person just as productivity does. During times of stress, even our strengths (when overused) can do us a disservice. For instance, a sociable and inclusive extrovert may talk over people and become overbearing when they are stressed. Similarly, a reserved and thoughtful introvert may become even more inwardly-focused and may seem standoff-ish when they are stressed. It’s different for each person, but if you know how you show up on good days and bad days, you can see the stress signs coming and side-step your typical bad-day behaviors before it becomes a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Don’t try to be everything to everyone The best way individuals can support their careers, teams, and organizations is by knowing and showing their authentic selves. Sometimes we stress ourselves unnecessarily because we try to be everything to everyone, which is a futile and exhausting task. While this dynamic can come from the good intention of wanting to please all of our stakeholders, it can quickly get individuals into a situation where they over promise and under deliver. Instead of being everything to everyone, it is better to be the best version of yourself to the people who need you to be you. At Insights, we believe understanding our individual personalities on a deeper level can empower us to navigate our responsibilities and relationships more easily. We know that anyone can do anything, but we also know that if you’re constantly stretching yourself in areas that don’t come naturally to you rather than sashaying to the sound of your strengths, you’ll get tired and stressed very quickly. Prioritize and progress the right tasks by checking your perceptions In our professional lives, we’re all accountable to get things done, but it is how we perceive what is needed of us and how we think we should get it done that impacts our ability to do so. Stress can strike when you’re caring about the wrong things and they’re getting in the way of your ability to get the right things done. To not get trapped in an endless cycle of activities that aren’t aligned to desired results, you have to know yourself and what’s required of you. To help, try taking some time to check what you’re perceiving in the context surrounding a project. For instance, ask yourself what biases could I be bringing to this task that could be hindering my productivity? Is there anything I’m assuming has to be a certain way when it really doesn’t’? By looking at your workload through this lens, you can develop strategies to work smarter, not harder. Stress is one of those facts of life and regardless of where you are in your career, and what capabilities and competencies you have acquired, the ability to manage stress can always benefit your professional life. Irish author C.S. Lewis wrote, “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”   Ultimately, your ability to boost productivity and curb stress is about making space to understand yourself and being intentional in all that you do. About the Author: Virginia Fraser Virginia is a writer and editor for global learning and development company,  Insights Learning and Development  and is based in Austin, Texas. She is passionate about sharing people-focused stories and snippets from the working world that illustrate the connection between personal development and organizational success. . Eggs image credit. Main image credit.  

5 Elevator Pitches That Pique the Curiosity - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

5 Elevator Pitches That Pique the Curiosity - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Youre at that pivotal point in  your entrepreneurial journey. Its time to secure an investor. Youre ready to take the next step, and want to partner with a business minded person who  understands your specific needs. You managed to peak the interest of several big name money makers, and its time to move on to level two. Perfect your pitch with these lead ins that kickstart your forward moving conversation. I hate sales pitches. Want to totally relieve that awkward, oh no, Im about to get pitched feeling? Start off with this statement. It keeps everything honest and  transparent. This shows vulnerability, which will increase trust in your proposal. Let me buy you a drink. Then well talk business. Dont be uber serious. Avoid preparing a ten page report detailing out why people should invest in your next level concept. The stuffier you are, the less chance you have of acquiring crucial  financing. It doesnt have to be a drink. Im not saying you cant negotiate without alcohol. Take them out  for ice cream, waffles, ribs whatever works. But commit to a casual, sit down conversation. Pay close attention, this is kind of a next level concept. This phrase challenges your listener, but in a healthy way. It forces them to focus on what youre saying. Why? Because they want to prove  that theyre not outside your realm of thinking. They want to be a part of the smart kids club.  Who doesnt want contribute to the next big thing? When the dust settles, your investors want to associate with something that gains public attention and traction. I havent told anyone else this but Make people feel like youre about to let them in on an exclusive secret. This phrase builds anticipation and listener loyalty. For example, lets say youre a big time angel investor. Im about to pitch you the next big business idea. How would you feel if you knew youre the 57th person to hear this pitch? Probably a bit annoyed. But, how would you feel if you were one of the first people to hear about this new concept? Pretty freaking awesome. See my point? Make your listener feel special with this go-to lead in. I really need your feedback on this idea. Include them in your brainstorming and creative development process. Most of the time, investors want to be involved in your business growth. They want to have a say in your direction, and influence your decisions for the better. The more specific you get, the better. For example, instead of asking them for their general opinion, get a bit more granular. Say, Do you think I should be taking route X for Q1 or  route Y? This proves how much you value their opinion. These statements are sure to peak the curiosity of even the most stuffy, too cool for school investors.

Tips on How to Place Your CPR Certification on Resume

Tips on How to Place Your CPR Certification on ResumeOnce you have achieved a CPR certification, you will be in the higher echelon of employers when you apply for any job, including on resume. Because of this, it is important to understand the differences between your certification and how it is included on resume.The purpose of this resume should be to create the impression that you are qualified for the position. The resume should cover all your educational background including your CCRP certification. However, what is often forgotten is the certification itself. Because the CPR certification is a distinct designation and a much different thing from the CPR that you received from your certification training, the placement of the certification in the resume should be done differently.As a general rule, for a prospective employer to consider you for a position they must see that you have a CPR certification. A piece of paper on your wall or at your job does not provide them with the proof that they need. They will have to see that you received the certification in order to accept you as a candidate. It may be in your letter of intent or on a list of credentials at your current job. Regardless of the way it is presented, the certification must be clearly highlighted in your resume.Most employers do not require a CPR certification in order to fill a position, so you must convince them that you are a good candidate based on your skills and experience. After all, you will likely not know if the position that you are applying for requires the certification until after they have contacted you. This is the very reason that the placement of the certification on resume is so important. If they see that you have received the certification they will have a more positive opinion of you and they may even ask you about your certification. Although they will not usually ask for proof, they may ask to see it.Another reason why it is important to show off your certification res ume is that most employers prefer to offer positions to applicants that have a certificate and do not have to show it. Many employers feel that a person with a certification that is not readily available should not be given a chance to prove themselves. Also, they will feel that a person without a certification is an open book and does not want to spend time proving themselves. You can see that the ability to demonstrate your qualifications, both in your education and in your certification is important.When your CPR certification is on resume, it will show that you have earned that credential. Also, this will help you stand out from other applicants who do not have it. Even though it is a certification, it is important to place it high on your resume so that employers will see your work experience and skills and see that you can perform the duties required to provide care for a victim of an emergency situation. As a result, your credentials will stand out. It will also help you avoi d being overlooked by other candidates who have not received a CPR certification.Because you will be receiving more offers for positions you apply for in the future, you want to make sure that you include this certification on resume. Most employers will not hire someone without a CPR certification. Even if they do not require it in the application process, they are more likely to inquire about it once you are formally offered the position. Therefore, the certification on resume is your ticket to future employment.The knowledge that you will be providing CPR certification should be on the resume. The placement of the certification on resume should be clearly highlighted in the document. That way, when employers contact you they will see the certification as a verification of your skills and experience.

Daily Personal Branding Tips from the Experts - Executive Career Brandâ„¢

Daily Personal Branding Tips from the Experts In a guest post on Ryan Rancatores Personal Branding 101,  Mohammed Altaee asked 15 Twitter personal branding experts to contribute their top tips in  Personal Branding Tasks You Can Do Every Day. Here are 9 of their sure-fire  suggestions: 1. Continually hone your skill through self improvement. â€"  @pathfindernig (Yinka Olaito) 2. Post a status message daily on

Find Your Career as a Digital Marketer - CareerAlley

Find Your Career as a Digital Marketer - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Marketing continues to become increasingly digitized, and digital marketers are the leaders driving this constant evolution. For any college student dreaming of becoming a pro marketer, keep in mind that the following four identities will ensure the start to a successful career in marketing. Social Butterfly Digital marketers are social creatures who possess the charisma to draw in clients and consumers using all forms of communication. From promoting a sweepstakes on Facebook to driving an Instagram campaign, the social nature of marketing is digitally versatile. Digital marketers are also social soldiers deep in the trenches of social media, especially because social media is driving revenue. Social media has generated revenue for one in five B2B marketers and one in three B2C marketers, according to the 2014 State of Digital Marketing report released by Webmarketing123. Social media platforms are money-makers with analytic capabilities that marketers can rely on to gauge performance. Engaging marketers strategically maximize these social platforms by generating online conversations, branding posts and tweets, offering unique information, and building interpersonal relationships. Creative Visionary Eye-catching and persuasive visual content enhances and brands digital marketing strategies. A powerhouse digital marketer can create and promote images, graphics and video that are viewable and shareable. The Digital Marketers Diane S. Thieke, a public relations pro, emphasizes that marketers cant ignore the impact of visual learning, especially on visually marketable sites such as Instagram and Pinterest. Your specialization is in Internet marketing, not graphic design, but a marketer can still learn how to use a collection of tools to help generate more visually appealing content into strategies and campaigns. Develop your visual content skill set with the following tools: Adobe Photoshop to manipulate images that meet marketing needs and visions SnagIt to screenshot images for presentations and tutorials Commercial photo sources for content images (e.g. Getty Images, bigstockphotos, Flickr, PhotoPin, and Creative Commons) PicMonkey or Pixlr to edit and enhance images using cropping, filters, borders, and theme options With an arsenal of image tools, marketers can share a company event photo or an infographic on Google+, Youtube or a slideshow for a conference. Content Master Digital marketers will be visual and word experts. A company blog or product descriptions need to be frequently updated, fresh, superior-quality, and optimized. Digital marketing and Internet marketing are complementary. Active websites and blogs with creative, relevant content that meets SEO standards will boost rankings on search engines and increase credibility. The 2014 State of Digital Marketing Report adds that more than 63 percent of marketers will increase content spending; hence, content still remains king. As a content master, a marketer will craft a wide range of messages that are: Searchable Focused Fresh Valuable Shareable Relevant Quick witted and catchy Researched Original Mobile Enthusiast Along with content spending, mobile spending is also projected to increase insomuch that three in four marketers intend to spend more on mobile for 2014, as the State of Digital Marketing Report highlights. Consumers rely on their smartphones and tablets for all types of information in real time. The digital marketing and SEO-savvy iAcquire staff puts it this way: without a mobile strategy, money is leaking out of your pockets and right into someone elses. In the blog post An Unapologetic Update on Mobile SEO, iAcquire reports that by 2014, its estimated 50 percent of Web traffic will be mobile. SearchEnginePeople.com also emphasizes that mobile marketing has the following advantages: Elicits purchases Improves local SEO Reaches customers constantly connected to mobile Internet Impacts users through responsive Web design Expect to deliver messages and promote campaigns that reach the mobile customer through an app, email, text message, or social network. Byline:Kyle Iverson Kyle is a business marketing grad from the East coast who spends his time writing about social demographics and going to trade shows. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Joey Trebif

Freakin (Great Links) Friday Installment 2 - When I Grow Up

Freakin (Great Links) Friday Installment 2 - When I Grow Up Welcome to Installment 2 of Freakin (Great Links) Friday! And yes, Im going to see how many photos of sausages are really out there in the world, so keep checking back! This week a LOT of my links came from my twiends (thats Twitter speak for Twitter Friends), so I added their Twitter handle in case you want to follow em. If you want a brief explanation of Twitter why its so frackin awesome, go here to read about its awesomeness here to see a video (in case reading isnt your thing. In that case, thanks for stinking around here!). SmallBizBee posted Are Your Goals SMART? back in September, since SMART goals (or SMARTY goals) have been invading my head recently, I wanted to add the link. You can follow SmallBizBee on Twitter here. Procrastination came up more than once this week via SmallBizBee and A Leap Across A Chasm. A Leap Across A Chasm has actually become one of my favorite new blogs, as Creativity Coach Dan Goodwin is helping you be as creative as youve always known you can be. Time To Create: The 1% Wake-up really puts things in perspective, even for non-creative related tasks and goals. Increase Creative Flow How to Avoid Gridlock Give Your Creativity the Green Light is all aboutuhincreasing your creativity when theres traffic on the expressway of life. Or something like that. Nourishing Now Wows is a great tool to help you put something (a goal, a task, etc) into plan NOW, can also be applied to non-creative tasks (just replace the word creative with the best one that fits for your situation).   I probably should have put Nourishing Now Wows in the procrastination bulletpoint, but thats too much brain power for me pre-11a. Please dont sue me. You can follow Dan Goodwin on Twitter here. I dont talk much about productivity on this blog (at least I havent up until now), but its a big interest of mine. Ive been reading a lot about Getting Things Done (or GTD if youre cool), and even though I read the book years ago it never really stuck. Some actually use it as their religion though, so Ive been thinking of taking the plunge and seeing what the story is. Organize IT has two awesome posts: Why Getting Things Done Rules! and Why Getting Things Done Sucks! So I can choose for myself, which is what America is all about. I also enjoyed Organize ITs post entitled Fed Up? Bored? Frustrated? How to Make Time Fly By. You can follow Organize IT on Twitter here. Lateral Action posted on the Top 10 Social Networks for Creative People. It doesnt seem like Lateral Action is on Twitter, but John Haydon is the one who posted it. Freakin (Great Links) Friday wouldnt be complete without some Kelly Rae Roberts, who I assume will become a staple here. This week I just loved her post thoughts on perspective + italy. Her writing is both heart-breaking and heart-warming, but its only heart-breaking that shes not on Twitter. My favorite images of the week go to Starry Night Over The Grand Tetons (which was posted/taken by Lisa Bettany), Fists With Your Toes and Cloud Over DUMBO (both posted by Gothamist). I also wanted to make note that I updated the Stuff To Help Ya Grow Up page, which now includes some career books for creative types. Im slowly going to start making my way through them of course will post my thoughts here. Oh! And you can follow me on Twitter here. Eventually Ill get a little widget box of code-y goodness my tweets will appear on a sidebar on this blog, but uhI havent figured this out yet/made my husband do it for me. Have a freakin great weekend!