Recent Posts – Page 31 – Career Life Institute

Getting That Perfect Job

There are several initial steps that you will take to discover who you are and what you really want in a career. Once you have completed a Career/Life Plan®:, or in some other way have completed an indepth exploration of you, your talents, dreams, potential, you will be ready to bring those unique talents to the attention of potential employers.

You will want to take time to create a resume that clearly states the tangible results you have accomplished and lets the working world recognize the benefits of convincing you to work for them. Employment is always a two-way street, and in any hiring situation you are both trying to discover how well you may be able to work together.

So, once you have your resume and cover letter in place, how do you get in front of the right people?

Be very clear about what you want in a job – that doesn't just mean duties and salary. That also means corporate culture, working conditions, people environment, personal skills you want to showcase, etc. The more clear you are here, the better the fit will be.
Research the companies out there that meet your criteria. Follow up the intial research by "informational interview" where you actually go into the company and interview someone there to find out about what they do, what kinds of employees they hire, how they treat their employees and customers, what their structure is, etc. Informational interviews may include managers, executives, secretaries, etc., whoever is able to give you the information you need about the company. Because these are busy people, always schedule your interview ahead of time, and be respectful of their time constraints.
After you have completed this research and identified one, two, or three companies you are interested in, contact them again. Forget about the newspaper ads (although they can give you an idea of what the market is like), most jobs are not advertised. And those that are advertised will generally have heavy competition (when I was a training manager for a software company in Silicon Valley my ads, regardless of the position, would pull in 90 applicants – minimum).
Network, Network, Network. You should always be doing this whether on a fomal or informal basis. Formally, any trade association that matches your market is a good place to start, so is NAFE (National Association for Female Executives), even Rotary and Soroptimist. Informally, become involved in your community and you'll be surprised the connections that "suddenly" pop-up when someone has a need. Take the time to identify everyone you know, and who THEY know that could be a help to you. You may be amazed at how large your network really is. Networks are the best places to give and receive help. Remember, networking is a two-way street, so ethically you will need to give back to the network in whatever way your particular gifts allow – this is the basis and foundation for networking. And by the way, networking is the best way to find jobs.
Along the same lines, volunteer for some project or position in your community that holds interest for you, gives you more/better experience, and gives you an opportunity to meet others. It's okay if it puts you in the limelight, too. This way folks get a chance to find out who you are, what you do and how well you can do it. Plus you'll be doing the community a favor, so the community will be more inclined to help you out when the time is appropriate. We all prefer to do business with people we know, this gives the rest of the world the chance to know you.

Even for the seasoned veteran with lots of experience, it often takes 6 months of active searching to change jobs effectively. So give yourself permission to focus on what you really want and take the time to put your best foot forward.

Daily Planning

This time of year I feel a stronger urge to hibernate than any other, a desire to be still and enjoy these precious days when the sun arcs across the southern sky and fills my kitchen. I'm drawn to sit there, like a cat, or to work quietly in my journal.

But the days in which I work-for clients, employers, friends, myself–I revert to a time management tool I learned in a goal setting class many years ago, daily planning. Since learning it (and even teaching it in time management classes for a couple of years), I've found it to be the simplest "trick" for getting tasks prioritized and accomplished.

Start by gathering your calendars and "to-do" lists.
On your calendar pages for the next week, write down all the things you are already scheduled to do in the times they're scheduled-business appointment, dentist appointments, and driving the carpool. Don't forget preparation time for business appointments.
Next, block out time each day (preferably in the morning) that you would like to have a ten-minute daily planning session with yourself in which you'll do this exercise. Make sure it's at a time that you can work uninterrupted. Write it in the appropriate time on your calendar. Then commit yourself to keeping this appointment!
Now look at the rest of the list and think about your schedule for the next few days. Write tasks on the daily calendar only when you think you can realistically accomplish them. For instance, if you have several errands to run, write them together on the day when you anticipate having time for them.
If you have a big project to get ready for next week, include a small block of time each day to accomplish part of it.
Can any of your tasks be delegated to someone else?
Make sure each day contains some personal as well as professional tasks-time with your children, spouse, friends, yourself. Adding personal "appointment" it a good way to balance your calendar and your life. Be sure to put the family appointment on your calendar–kids'' plays, spouse's business dinners, movies.
Use your daily planner as a tickler file-when someone's birthday is coming up, write a note the week before to buy a birthday card.
Try to keep from moving unfinished tasks forward everyday. Instead, during your daily planning session, thoughtfully consider when you can really accomplish something. If you find you're moving a task forward every day, write the task on a post-it or on a bigger goals list-this may not be the season you really want to accomplish it!

This is the bare-bones list, and if you just do this daily planning exercise at the same time everyday, you'll be amazed at the "extra" time you seem to create for yourself.

Top 10 Ways to Get the Most Out of a Conference

Attending a conference with other participants from around the world opens up a world of opportunities for growth, learning, and fellowship. Why not take a little time to plan ahead so that you can maximize the results from attending.

Set Goals Before You Go
Before you leave for the conference, write down some goals that you want to accomplish during the conference. These could include items about specific skills you want to hone, questions you want to have answered, people you want to contact, areas for which you want to have referral contacts, etc. Set three to five goals for each day of the conference (some goals may stay in place each day) and then hold yourself accountable for them at the end of the day.
Take Some Supplies
It's no fun being a thousand miles from the office and not having what you need. So be sure to think about what supplies would make your life easier at the conference. You'll want to take business cards, brochures, fliers on any books you've written, note pads, post-its, pens, pencils, highlighters, a permanent marker, and five manila folders (labeled Call, Write, Read, File, Receipts). You may also want to consider taking a stapler, some staples, paper clips, rubber bands, a calculator, and a small tape recorder for taking verbal notes. You won't need huge quantities of these items, so they will be able to fit into your suitcase or briefcase quite easily.
Dress Efficiently
Hotels and conference centers are notorious for having great variations in temperature from room to room. So dress in layers that can be removed or added depending on the temperature. Wear clothes and shoes (low heels for women) that are comfortable. You will probably be spending more time on your feet and doing more walking than you usually do at home. Also be sure to wear clothes that have pockets. Designate which pocket will be used to hold your own business cards and which one will be used to receive cards from others — you don't want to hand a prospect someone else's business card.
Be Attractive
Everyone goes to a conference to learn and have fun, but no one enjoys being around people who are boorish, self-centered, or needy. Before you go to the conference review the ways in which you can make yourself irresistibly attractive so that others will be attracted to you and the information you need will be drawn to you effortlessly.
Take Care of Your Body
While the excitement of a conference can get the adrenaline flowing, be sure to monitor how your body is doing. Take frequent breaks if you need them. Sometimes a short nap in the afternoon can make it possible to enjoy late-night fellowship without being worn out the next day. Drink plenty of fluids, but remember that coffee and other caffeinated beverages often cause "dry mouth." Try to stay as close to your normal eating and drinking pattern as possible even though it may be tempting to over indulge the alcohol, sweets, and rich foods. It's no fun being sick at a conference. Also remember that many hotels have exercise rooms and spas with whirlpools and saunas.
Maintain Balance
With the excitement and overstimulation that usually occurs at conferences, it will be important for you to take measures to maintain your balance. Try to continue any routines that you normally practice at home. Arrange for a wake-up call or set an alarm to get up and take a morning walk/run. Bring your book of daily readings and your journal to the conference. Do a bit of yoga or other exercise in your hotel room. Carry a small object in your pocket such as a favorite stone, an acorn, a special coin or medallion, anything which you can touch from time to time during the conference and bring yourself back to your emotional/spiritual center.
Network, Network, Network
A conference is a priceless opportunity to make yourself known and to get to know others. You've already set some goals that will get you started. Now be alert to other opportunities. Never underestimate the value of connecting with the "lesser known" participants — it wasn't too many years ago that the keynote speaker was a "lesser known". Remember to listen to what others have to say, but you also have to offer something to the conversation if you want others to remember you. Don't make any commitments that you cannot keep, even though it is easy to get caught up in the high energy of the conference. We all know that what goes around comes around. So work hard at being helpful to others. Perhaps you can offer a kind word or a lead that might be useful.
Learn From Every Experience
You will learn much from attending a conference. There will be wonderful speakers with much to share. You will learn a great deal as you network with colleagues. And there will be some mistakes you make that will also teach you important lessons. Learn from every single experience that you have. Write down the lessons and new information so that you can use what you've learned in the future.
Lighten Your Load
Conferences are great places to pick up "stuff." You'll collect business cards, brochures, handouts, and perhaps even books and tapes. Before you know it you will have more things to pack than your suitcase will hold. Plan ahead and lighten your load throughout the conference. Take some mailing labels addressed to yourself at home. Also take a few free priority mail envelopes from the post office as well as some postage stamps. The priority mail envelopes can be filled with as much as you can get into them and mailed for the flat two pound postal rate. It's much easier to mail a few pounds of material to yourself than it is to haul it back on the plane.
Maintain Integrity Back at the Office
When you return to the office after the conference, be sure to promptly do whatever you have said you would do. Those manila folders that you labeled Call and Write will help you remember what you promised. And don't forget to send appropriate thank-you notes.

_____About the Author_____
David Bentley, M.Ed. & Personal Coach, coaches clients through the game of life — helping them find balance, clarity of direction, and purpose in an ever-changing world. Email David at dbentley@interisland.net (360)378-8436 or visit his website.

Staying Healthy During Menopause

Womankind has existed thousands of years with the fact of menopause. Today, in Western society, women experience a spectrum of problems ranging from mild discomforts to total debilitation. Hot flashes, irritability, forgetfulness, anxiety, depression, fatigue, vaginitis, and feelings of inadequacy are some of the experiences women have. But not in all cultures. Why? We don't know; however, we can extrapolate some educated hypotheses.

We know that 1) during menopause ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone–in steps and erratically; and 2) then estrogen comes from adrenal and ovary androgens, converted first in fat cells, then in the liver.

I believe the disabilities associated with menopause come from our high stress lifestyles, the type of diet we have, and environmental contamination. couples therapy los angeles Some ways can help us function well overall:

Respect the changes in your body and allow for grief if necessary; and recognize we have great things to offer as older, experienced women and "there is life ahead."
Deal with your stress. Know that stress alters body chemistry. Find a way to take a few minutes each day or take one day a week for yourself–garden, walk, do Yoga, reading, or whatever works for you. We have to take care or ourselves along the way with all the care given to others and to our professions.
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Eat well and use nutritional therapy to repair or minimize the effects of contamination. Check and use support for optimal liver and thyroid function; they are interdependent. The liver detoxes and potentiates our food and hormones.
Approximately 15 to 20 percent of us need hormone replacement therapy. I believe natural phyto-hormones are more effective and safer than synthetic hormones.

There is excellent help available locally to get you through menopause. Any serious therapy should be closely monitored by a responsible health care provider.