The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. –Chinese Proverb

 

In looking for inspiration for today’s blog,  I Googled top inspirational quotes and “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. –Chinese Proverb” appeared.

I absolutely LOVE this concept.  In helping people, as a friend or career coach, I can attest that we are all guilty of beating ourselves up and saying it’s too late, we are too old or we missed our chance.  The reality is that the only boundaries that exist are the ones we create for ourselves!  Truth as the Proverb states, that optimally the best time for what ever action may have been 20 years ago, but the reality is- you can’t go back, you are in the present moment and while it may not be what you originally perceived as the optimal “BEST” time, NOW is perfect.

It takes guts to take action, make a change and believe that what you truly want or desire can be yours and that you are worthy of it.  We are all here to learn, grow and bring value. It’s all a choice.   There’s consequences with the paths we choose. As we get busy with the mundane tasks of life, (what I refer to as running on the hamster wheel), we lose touch with our passions, our essence of what inspires us, what makes our souls feel alive and our lives richer.   What I find exciting and interesting is that sometimes, when we are lucky enough to be open, opportunities, passions, relationships, or things long forgotten have a way of coming back into focus in our lives.  These events need to be honored as magical and cherished as wonderful gifts.  It may be something as simple as picking up a musical instrument that you loved to play in school, watching a movie that inspired you, hearing a song that takes you back to the place and sensations of when you first heard that song or reconnecting to an old friend.  I truly believe life is like a garden.  There are seasons when you plan your garden and the same concepts are applicable to managing your career. You need to:

1.      Prepare the land or soil where you will have your garden.  This is similar to preparing yourself in school and life education as the foundation to be successful in your career.

2.      Plan where you will garden and what you will plant in your garden.  This is similar to figuring out what you want to do and where you want to do it.

3.      The right tools such as seeds and gardening tools for your garden, and education, experience and relationships for your career.

4.      Deal with environmentals- this could be weeding, dealing with bugs, or animals eating your bounty in your garden or weeding out negative relationships/companies that won’t work for you, environments that don’t suit you, or situations that just don’t work in your career.  Whether it’s your garden or your career, you need to check in on it, anticipate problems, give it care and feeding.  You can choose not to, but it won’t yield big results if you fail to help it grow.

5.      Enjoy the fruits of your labor.  Just as in gardening, you need to take a break and enjoy the beauty and bounty of what you have created, cared for and grown.

6.      Learn from the past and remember you can try again. 

Live with gusto!  Sieze the day!  Snap out of it! While the best time to plant a tree may have been 20 years ago- live in the perfect present of here and now and make a difference- make a change- re-ignite your passions- tend to your garden, live your dreams and “plant your trees”!

If you would like to check out the radio show from this past week:

http://www.1077thebronc.com/?page_id=356

If you would like to enroll for a Career Yenta Boot Camp^TM  session or sponsor a friend or loved one or previous employees as outplacement:

http://www.careeryenta.com

Give us a call- join us at boot camp!

Love

Career Yenta ^TM

Rock 2013!!!

What’s your “Secret Sauce”?

A dear friend recently shared an article with me to let me know they recognize my “Secret Sauce”.  I was of course very grateful and flattered.  http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130717182801-48426-the-secret-sauce-of-great-recruiters   In reading it, I thought of the friend that sent it to me and felt they too had this same “Secret Sauce” applied to their profession!  Sometimes we forget or take for granted the things we do right or what makes us unique.  Sometimes it can just take a quick email, with a simple link from an old friend to remind you.  In further reflection of the article, I realize that the key factors are having genuine passion, a plan for success, pride in your work and focus on whatever task/job you are doing, your direct customer(s) and the world at large.

 So how does this help you?  Let’s walk through the highlighted characteristics and how they are critical to success in anything you do.

Here’s what the article states as “secret sauce of a great recruiter”

 “1. Authentic Compassion. The best recruiters are often labeled as a “people person” but what that really means is that they are incredible listeners and they truly care about the people they interact with. Compassion is even more powerful in the long term as people build a relationship and interact across multiple roles and/or companies.

 2. Agile Builders. The best recruiters are data driven and iterate with the same discipline and frequency as the best software developments teams. Understanding a problem (such as sourcing, interview process, closing a candidate), measuring performance and using a sprint process to optimize results on a regular basis are fundamentally agile development skills and requirements for top recruiters.

 3. Positive Marketers. Every interaction an external person has with your company is a marketing impression. This includes every email, phone call or news article, and every person they talk to including a recruiter, front desk admin, interviewer or executive. The best recruiters know this and use every impression as an opportunity to have a positive impact. People often forget that 99% of the time you make an impression on an external person you will not ever hire them so the risk of that impression being negative is high. If every interaction is positive, you will impact not only those individuals but a broad network of potential future hires.

 4. Communication Artists. In today’s electronic and busy workplace, communication is an often overlooked art. The best recruiters are able to handle three widely varying communication requirements — sourcing new candidates, rejecting existing candidates and internal process alignment — with the same level of empathy, positivity and discipline. Each of these communications is an art in its own right and the best recruiters manage all three such that every interaction leads to positive momentum.”

 Here’s why it’s critical path to incorporate this “Secret Sauce” into your career management plan.

 1. Authentic Compassion. The key words to me here are “incredible listeners” and “truly care about the people they interact with”.  We talk about it on “Your Career is Calling” http://www.1077thebronc.com/?page_id=111  the key to success is networking- building relationships.  It takes time, but the foundation can be created in an instant (i.e. an interview).  Part of building a powerful relationship is trying to understand where the other person is coming from, learning where you can help and provide value.  So whether you are in an interview, working in a cross-functional team, or meeting with your boss…actively participate… life is short… it’s not a dress rehearsal.

2. Agile Builders. The key words to me here are “data driven” and “Understanding a problem (such as sourcing, interview process, closing a candidate), measuring performance and using a sprint process to optimize results”.  In Step 1- you actively listened, understand the pain point you need to resolve and now in Step 2 you need the data- the plan – how will you successfully exceed expectations?  Like my Dad used to say… to do the job right, you need the right tools as well as …. Knowledge is power.  Put yourself in a position of power!

3. Positive Marketers. The key words to me here are “Every interaction an external person has with your company is a marketing impression; and If every interaction is positive, you will impact not only those individuals but a broad network”.  You are always on.  I forget where I heard this, but I remember either reading or hearing someone tell me “EVERYTHING MATTERS!”  Not to stress you out or cause anxiety- you can always recover and learn from a mistake, but do your best, be your consistent, authentic self and stay positive. I’ve written about the power of positive thinking, tweet positive quotes https://twitter.com/G45Consulting and have done an entire radio show on the effects  (archives available here: http://comm.rider.edu/thebronc/?page_id=356   ) The Power of Positive Thinking April 7, 2013.  We also recently had a guest discussing the effect of the positive workplace:  Transforming IT Culture– June 23, 2013- (while he talks about “Information Technology” Culture- the concepts translate to any workplace).  STAY POSITIVE.

 4. Communication Artists. The key words to me here are “Each communications is an art in its own right and every interaction leads to positive momentum.”  Any time you interact, you need to be sensitive to what message you are communicating.  We recently did two different radio shows on the mechanics of your message.  You can check out archives of the show here: http://comm.rider.edu/thebronc/?page_id=356   Check out the shows from The Importance of Netiquette– June 16, 2013 –   and The Art of Communication– June 30, 2013

As my mission is to help others “Work with passion…. Live inspired!”  I encourage you to ENGAGE and ENJOY!  Like Gene Simmons says… “I don’t wait for the calendar to figure out when I should live life.”

If you are looking to make a change in your career, and are stuck, it’s not working, or just can’t get going, let us help you in your journey.  If you don’t do it now, when will you?  Dreaming without a plan is like thinking you are going to win the lottery and never buying a ticket. Get your admission ticket to a Career Yenta Boot Camp!  Let’s get going.

If you would like to check out the radio show from this past week:

http://www.1077thebronc.com/?page_id=356

If you would like to enroll for a Career Yenta Boot Camp^TM  session or sponsor a friend or loved one or previous employees as outplacement:

http://www.careeryenta.com

Give us a call- join us at boot camp!

Love

Career Yenta ^TM

Rock 2013!!!

Happy Fourth of July Weekend – Could you pass the US citizenship test?

NBC News has the following 20 question test : http://nbcnews.to/19WLCwB which has been modified.  “The questions asked by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are usually selected from a list of 100 sample questions that prospective citizens can look at ahead of the interview (though the examiner is not limited to those questions). Some are easy, some are not. We have picked some of the more difficult ones.”

 In hearing about this test, especially during the Fourth of July holiday, I can’t help but think of the correlations that run between career management and citizenship (today or our ancestors just coming to this country). Here are a few: vision, preparation, courage, trust, resilience and independence. 

¨      Vision:  I love fireworks!  Every year during this holiday, I’ve never shared with anyone that while I’m enjoying them, my mind is in a constant state of wonder… about a lot of things. One consistent thought is that of trying to imagine the same vision of what could have inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner.  What were and are the real conversations that occur amongst the leaders and within families developing, and then relaying the plan to go to America?  During the revolution, what really happened behind closed doors? History books tell us the stories, but it would be interesting to learn what conversations really happened and were shared.  What truly sparked their inspiration to believe there will be a better life and it was critical for them to pursue this vision?  Even for new citizens to this country, or employees looking to work elsewhere, what is driving you- what does your new world look like?  Whether you are trying to manage your career or change your life, you need to have a vision, a goal and then a plan.

¨      Preparation: A key difference between a dream and a successful goal is that successful goals pack a plan.  You can dream detailed, fun, action packed dreams, but unless you have a plan to execute and get there, the likelihood that your dreams will come true are extremely low.  It’s true that some people can develop better plans, but we are all living in our own swim lanes.  The plan you craft, will be custom fit for you.  It’s your journey.  You can be as detailed or wing-it as you want.  Whether it’s the citizenship test or preparing for an interview, the tools and tips are out there.  Are you doing everything you can to ensure success?  It’s all up to you.

¨      Courage: Goals, visions, dreams and plans are wonderful, but will never have life, nor be fulfilled without the true guts, courage to take that first step on your journey. There’s a saying, “A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch but on its’ own wings.”  Always believe in yourself. It takes courage to believe in yourself that even if you fail, you will do everything within your power to pursue the goal and execute your plans.  Our ancestors, immigrants, new citizens and job seekers all have/had it.  They all faced the fear and forged ahead anyway to blaze a new trail for themselves and their families!  

¨      Trust: In working the plan, there has to be an element of trust in others.  While you may be the conductor of your life’s symphony, there are musicians that need to play the music.  Your musicians may have the face of a husband, wife, child, career coach, hiring manager , old boss, recruiter, or random stranger.  Whatever face your team has, you need to have a belief that other people will properly execute their piece of your journey, that the information you have is correct, the map, path or process you are on is the correct one that will take you to your end goal. Even if there is a breakdown, you need to trust the universe that there is a lesson for you in this breakdown, recover and move on.

¨      Resilience:  There will be times in your journey that I refer to as “the desert”.  I call it this because I always envision a scene from a movie where the hero or heroine is walking through the desert, their camel has deserted them, they are low on water and supplies, yet they continue to forge ahead.  There may be some hallucinating and crazy self-talk, but the journey continues.  Being a Jersey Girl, I love the latest slogan of resilience after hurricane Sandy : “Jersey Strong” and “We are stronger than the Storm”.  Even if you’re not from Jersey, remember you are stronger than any storm you are facing.

¨      Independence: Once you achieve your goal, it will be time to set new goals on how you will sustain, maintain and live within your vision on your own.  Once you leave the nest, whether it’s a country or an old job, you need to acclimate yourself to your new surroundings, develop new habits, try new things that will allow you to flourish.  There will always be elements of your old “home”, but as you forged your path to this new life, endured the “desert”, holding on to the past will hinder your ability to enjoy the fruits of your labor- your perfect present and the future.  Like a snake, you need to shed your old skin… it no longer works for you.

So as you enjoy your time in the sun, the lazy, hazy days of summer, reflect on the world at large.  Learn from history and understand that how the more things change the more they remain the same.  As you enjoy the theater of the sky as it’s painted with fireworks, take a moment to look around and see the families on blankets and lawn chairs and wonder ….be grateful for where you are!   A few years ago, a friend had shared that George Washington had the opportunity to be King of the United States and declined. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/GeorgeWashingtonTheManWhoWouldntBeKing/  Since that time, I take a minute to thank and be grateful to the original George W for choosing to be President and not King (not that there’s anything wrong with it), but our lives and the world would have been so different! 

If you are looking to make a change in your career, and are stuck, it’s not working, or just can’t get going, let us help you in your journey.  If you don’t do it now, when will you?  Dreaming without a plan is like thinking you are going to win the lottery and never buying a ticket. Get your admission ticket to a Career Yenta Boot Camp!  Let’s get going.

 

If you would like to check out the radio show from this past week:

http://www.1077thebronc.com/?page_id=356

If you would like to enroll for a Career Yenta Boot Camp^TM  session or sponsor a friend or loved one or previous employees as outplacement:

http://www.careeryenta.com

Give us a call- join us at boot camp!

Love

Career Yenta ^TM 

Rock 2013!!!

What’s your best next step? The universe has changed your direction…. Now what?

I mentioned earlier this month, that I love the month of June.  My personal history reveals that it is a time of important milestones. Significant events in my timeline have occurred during the month- some good, some sad, some happy, some bad. I’ve learned to go with the flow.  Ok I’m still trying to learn to go with the flow!  I have learned that when change occurs, it’s the universe revealing that something wasn’t quite right, or I’ve learned what I was suppose to learn and now pointing me towards a new lesson.   It’s a time of cleansing the palate.  It’s a time of respite.  Kids are finishing the school year and gearing up for summer.. that wonderful time to kick up your heels, relax, rejuvenate, review and renew. To me it’s a time to really contemplate if the direction I’m forging is good for me.  I was pleasantly surprised to have this sentiment echoed this week in a terrific segment on the Today Show by Jane Pauley “Your Life Calling” “a new series produced by AARP and featured monthly on TODAY. “Your Life Calling” highlights people age 50+ from across the country who, by choice or necessity, are trying new things – whether it’s starting new careers, learning new skills, changing how they live or finally pursuing their dreams.”

While I think it’s interesting that these folks are 50+, I think the lessons are applicable to anyone at any age from young adults just starting out and trying to find a career right on through folks who are retired, but not tired of being in service to others.

This past week’s episode Therapy dog brings comfort to nursing home residents

“With her husband often away on long trips and her daughter off to college, Sue Halpern decided to take on a new challenge:…”

I encourage you to watch the video. It’s a neat story of a woman who found herself as an empty nester with the “gift of time”.  In considering her best next steps, she pushed herself to do something she hadn’t done before, outside her comfort zone and incorporate inspiring her dog, keeping the dog happy!  ( I can totally relate to this- having grown up on a mini farm and always having all types of pets, dogs really are such faithful companions. You feel indebted to see the joy in their eyes!)

So she decides to explore having her dog become a Therapy Dog.   The experience seemed to be very enriching for all.  So much so she wrotea book “A dog walks into a nursing home”  (My love of bad corny jokes all starting with something walking into a bar… I can’t help but smile when I hear this title).

I have shared in the Career Yenta blog and on the radio show, Your Career is Calling  that I am a big advocate for volunteering.  While it’s always wonderful to get paid, there’s something indescribable that happens when you volunteer.

Here are some points shared from this segment:

¨      Life expectancy increases by as much as 4 years by volunteering

¨      The patients in the nursing home really seem to light up as they are spending time with her dog

¨      The dog and Sue Halpern both seem to be happy.

¨      Sue shares that ”People who volunteer, feel richer, even if they have no money in their pocket”

What I’ve learned from working with non-profits:

¨      In managing your sense of loss, especially during periods of job loss (transition), the best thing you can do is keep busy and be of service to others.  Volunteering provides that opportunity- you have a purpose.

¨      In evaluating what organization you want to volunteer with, it forces you to think about what is important to you.  This is the same though process you should be employing when evaluating if a company is a match for you as the best next step in your career.

¨      The values/mission of the organization should be something you’re passionate about, in line with your own beliefs. 

¨      It doesn’t have to be a big job

¨      You never know who you will meet that will be volunteering next to you or if this could turn into a viable career

There are many other lessons, sweetness and joy that can be derived from volunteering.  The best way for you to find out is to give it a whirl- explore, experience, enjoy!

I hope you are inspired to start to be of service to others.  You never know what riches you will encounter.

If nothing else, I hope that it reminds you that when presented with an event that changes your life, it’s an opportunity to grow.  When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.   

If you would like to check out the radio show from this past week:

http://www.1077thebronc.com/?page_id=356

If you would like to enroll for a Career Yenta Boot Camp^TM  session or sponsor a friend or loved one or previous employees as outplacement:

http://www.careeryenta.com

Give us a call- join us at boot camp!

Love

Career Yenta ^TM 

Rock 2013!!!

Tags: Friends, Friend, Network, Social Media, Face Book, connecting, Dog, therapy dog, therapy, nursing home, volunteer, today, today show, Linked In, Twitter, Social Media, wisdom, career, careeryenta, coach, G45, G45 Consulting, goals, inspire, job, money, power, yenta, Jane Pauley, AARP, Your Life Calling, your career is calling, yenta, sue halpern, a dog walks into a nursing home, rich

Life is too short. Make today Count! RIP James Gandolfini

Wednesday the world learned that James Gandolfini, while vacationing in Rome, died of a heart attack at the young age of 51. While age is relative, 51 is too young for such a great talent to end his time on earth and a sad reminder of how tomorrow is promised to no one. In hearing the stories and memories of friends and colleagues, it’s refreshing to hear that while he played such a big narcissistic character Tony Soprano, James Gandolfini seemed to have been one of those rare gems, that was humble, modest, generous, compassionate and genuine. It begs one to evaluate their own life and to think of their legacy.

Your career and legacy are not created and managed in an instant. It’s those daily interactions, those moments that you stepped up and did the right thing, especially when you thought no one was watching. Not to encourage paranoia, but especially in today’s technological landscape, the world is watching. We have cameras on street lights, Facebook, Linked In, Twitter, cookies, your digital footprint at work and at home. It’s the tending of the garden. Are you consistent in your message, branding and daily interaction? Time passes so quickly, it’s so easy to get caught up in the minutia of to do lists, chores, errands and running on your personal hamster wheel that before you know it months, years, and decades pass. Are you living the life you thought you would? Is your career where you want it to be?

What can you do different today to make your world or the world at large a better place?
In learning more about James Gandolfini in the media, there are few relevant lessons in managing your career. He didn’t do interviews because he felt he wasn’t any good at them. He did sit with James Lipton on “Inside the Actor’s Studio” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/20/james-gandolfini-inside-the-actors-studio_n_3472025.html
–Actors, musicians and artists are the consummate job seekers. It’s level set and understood as they are looking for a role, their employment is a gig and it’s about filling in the gaps to pay the bills until they land that dream job and even then they are always looking towards their next opportunity.  In today’s landscape, you can’t expect to be in the same job for 20 years.  You need to manage your career and look to your best next step while bringing your A-Game to your current role.
-During an interview, do your best and drop the self doubt – In auditioning for the role of Tony Soprano he didn’t think he would get it. He thought that they would want someone more suave, more smooth!!!!! Who was more suave or smooth than James Gandolfini?
–Be kind to everyone. In hearing the feedback from colleagues, the consistent theme was that James Gandolfini was a really great guy and treated everyone kindly. Until doing this blog, I never thought about it, but being from Jersey, especially North Jersey, I can’t tell you how many bars and restaurants have autographed pictures of James Gandolfini. Some of them are from when they shot a scene for the Soprano’s at their location, but when you consider all the stories of celebrities that “don’t sign autograph’s” it’s refreshing.
–Network, network network. Whether you are in business or the arts, staying connected and networking is so important to managing your career. When you work with someone and enjoy great chemistry or success, they are a known commodity, it’s easier to say yes I want to work with you again. Brad Pitt worked on three films with James Gandolfini. While your reputation and skill set do play a part, knowing someone will be a good fit on your team, makes all the world of difference. I can’t tell you the number of hiring managers that when speaking about who they would hire, said “I just like that person.”
–Play to your strengths. Early on, he was consistently getting roles of a thug, mob guy. In watching the interview “Inside the Actor’s Studio” it seems that James Gandolfini struggled with some of the scenes in the Sopranos. He felt the fear and did it anyway.

There is countless wisdom we can take from the life of James Gandolfini. While sadly James Gandolfini’s legacy is included in the obituaries this week, it reveals he packed a lot of life in his short years. I send prayers and condolences to his family and friends. It was cute, in his Actor’s Studio interview when asked what he would want God to say to him when he got to heaven, James Gandolfini replied: “Cover for me I’ll be right back”. I hope as his journey continues beyond this earth, he feels fulfilled.
For the dear readers of this blog, my wish for you is that you are happy and healthy. If you’re stuck in your career management, looking to make a change, need help in strategizing your best next step, reach out and let G45 Consulting help you succeed.
Work with passion…. Live inspired!

If you would like to check out the radio show from this past week:
http://www.1077thebronc.com/?page_id=356
If you would like to enroll for a Career Yenta Boot CampTM session or sponsor a friend or loved one or previous employees as outplacement:
http://www.careeryenta.com

Give us a call- join us at boot camp!
Love
Career Yenta TM

Rock 2013!!!

Sharing some of Dad’s Wisdom for Father’s Day

Sharing some of Dad’s Wisdom for Father’s Day.

Sharing some of Dad’s Wisdom for Father’s Day

Happy Father’s Day Weekend!!!  Happy Father’s Day to Father’s that are still here with us, those that have passed and to Moms that are both Mom & Dad!

When I think of Father’s Day, I love to think about the relationship people have with their Dads.  While I have volumes of wisdom from my Dad, I think of a shared wisdom I have with a good friend that I used to work with.  Almost daily, we used to go grab a cup of coffee and strategize on how to successfully navigate the competitive, cut-throat environment we were living in.  His father had recently retired, so almost as if he intuitively knew we were on break would time his daily call during our coffee.  Each day, Dad would open the call with the same question:  “What are you doing to bring value today?”  My friend would point at the phone, mouth the word “Dad”, smile this great special smile held for his fiancé and Dad, and give the 30 second briefing. Afterwards we would giggle about it and honor our fathers by developing our plans for value for the next interim.   My dear Dad has been gone many years, yet in some bizarre way, it feels like we communicate daily, whether it’s a memory, something I think he would’ve liked, or the execution of a lesson he imparted on me so long ago.  In those daily calls, I recalled a similar question from my Dad.  To this day, it warms my heart when I talk to my friend and we ask each other that same question- “What are you doing to bring value today?”

Hand in hand with this wisdom from my Dad was: “To do the job right, you need the proper tools.”  In managing your career, there are a number of slight changes you may not even be aware of that when timed correctly, could tee you up perfectly to your next best step. This is where the use of a career coach can bring value.  Sure, luck and skill may have played a big part in your navigation thus far, a coach can help catapult you beyond what you currently imagine for yourself.  As I shared in my last blog… we are not islands.. it’s all about relationship and “You get by with a little help from your friends.” (The Beatles)  What’s your vision?  What’s your next step?  Are you equipped with all the proper tools to get the job done right? I can help you.  I get it, maybe you’re a person that likes to do it yourself… that’s fine too!  We can develop a custom fit coaching program to help you overcome whatever obstacle your facing.  I or my team of experts can help… give us a shot.  Why stay stuck?  Why keep pushing the same strategy to achieve mediocre results?  Isn’t your time, your life worth more than that?

If you find you need help with networking or would like to learn of some books you can read to sharpen your saw… drop me a line, call into the radio show or sign up for a Career Yenta Boot Camp ^TM  .

Feel free to share wisdom from your Dad and the impact it has had on your life.

If you would like to check out the radio show from this past week:

http://www.1077thebronc.com/?page_id=356

If you would like to enroll for a Career Yenta Boot Camp^TM  session or sponsor a friend or loved one or previous employees as outplacement:

http://www.careeryenta.com

Give us a call- join us at boot camp!

Love

Career Yenta ^TM 

Rock 2013!!!

 

“You get by with a little help from your friends” The Beatles

“You get by with a little help from your friends” The Beatles.

“You get by with a little help from your friends” The Beatles

Bon Jour !!!  Welcome Back!!!!  It’s June, the month of May is over.  As I shared last month, in reflecting on my life, May historically presents “opportunities for me to grow”.  Some change always occurs in my life- big or small- but impactful. By the time June arrives, I have accepted this event, reacted to it, gone through some preliminary planning and am ready for action, in great part because of my friends!  Granted I take credit for having the fortitude to get up, dust off and begin again down the road, as I was taught by my Dad… but friends, whether they realize it or not, have held that little nugget of gold- wisdom- inspiration or fuel to get me over the finish line.

 The definition of a friend per the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary is:

1. 1. one attached to another by affection or esteem
   2. acquaintance
2. 1. one that is not hostile
   2. one that is of the same nation, party, or group
3. one that favors or promotes something (as a charity)
4. a favored companion
5. capitalized : a member of a Christian sect that stresses Inner Light, rejects sacraments and an ordained ministry, and opposes war —called also Quaker

 It’s interesting that some folks say they don’t have “friends” at work.  That’s fine… but as per above, my scope of people I call friends, is in line with the definition, can be in my personal, professional (or both) worlds (although I’m not sure if I know any Quakers). There are people I have met through professional networks that have become very close friends, great treasures.  Another thought that comes to mind is that poem by an unknown author

People come into your path for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

 When you know which one it is, you will know what to do with that person.

 When someone is in your life for a REASON it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

 They have come to assist you through a dificulty…

 To provide you with guidance and support…

 To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually…

 They may seem like they are a godsend, and they are.

 They are there for the reason you need them to be.

 Then without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

 Sometimes they die…

 Sometimes they walk away…

 Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand….

 What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled…

 Their work is done.

 The prayer you sent up has now been answered and now it is time to move on.

 Some people come into your life for a SEASON.

 Because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.

 They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

 They may teach you something you have never done.

 They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

 Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

 LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons.

 Things you must build upon to have a solid emotional foundation.

 Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

 It is said that love is blind, but friendship is clairvoyant.

 Thank you for being a part of my life…

 Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime

 ~ unknown author

 June is an amazing fun month for me, as generally I become engrossed on my latest May challenge, and wonderful people enter (and exit) my life.  This is a year of blessings from lifetime friends.  Old friends have been appearing out of nowhere!  I don’t know if it’s the effect of the Cicada’s (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cicada) .  I’ve been running into some of these friends at the grocery store.  What makes it bizarre is we’ve been going to the same store for a few years and just never ran into each other… until now.  I don’t care why now, I’m thrilled and grateful for many reasons.  There’s another wonderful saying.. The best mirror is an old friend.  As you go through a challenge, especially if you haven’t seen this friend for a few years, if you’re lucky, an old friend knows you and loves you unconditionally.  They see beyond the “current flaws” or missteps and can really serve to remind you of how wonderful (and not so wonderful) you are.  As the poem shares.. friendship is clairvoyant- they mysteriously just know what you need and how you need to perceive it.  There’s no competition, jealousy, malice…. just pure joy and hope to see you be happy.

 Now you may be asking yourself… what does this have to do with managing my career?  Darling… everything!!!  Whatever you’re doing-  It’s all about relationship!!!  While there are those folks that love to fancy themselves as loners, we are not islands, we need relationship.  Even Michael’s character in Burn Notice, (http://www.usanetwork.com/burnnotice ) a spy, gets by with a lot of help from his friends (and family).  Let’s not forget Tom Hank’s character in the movie Cast Away ( http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0162222/ ) had Wilson.

It takes guts to open yourself up, take a chance and be out there… but the reward, richness and return can far outweigh the risk.  In helping people in the Career Yenta Boot Camp ^TM  , many people really struggle with networking, whether it’s the connecting through social media, making that connection at or after an in-person networking event, or even in the interview.  People really have a tough time with overcoming whatever obstacle they have created for themselves inside their head.  The beauty is that once you allow yourself to conquer this hurdle, a wealth of experience can be yours.

 I can’t convey to you, the level of exhilaration I feel when I am able to help someone overcome that obstacle, give them that little push.  I am genuinely happy for and proud of that person that they pushed themselves to go outside their comfort zone and expand their world.

My Dad used to say… to do the job well, you need the right tools. Beyond old school- bumping into someone at the grocery store, today we have Linked In, Facebook and countless other methods to re connect.  You never know what gift or lesson this friend will have for you that will help bring you closer to your goal or increase the quality of your life.

 So my hope for you is that you rekindle relationships with old friends, enrich the time with current friends,  explore and meet new friends.  To have friends, you need to be a friend… so pick up the phone…. Send the email, send the friend request… worst case… it’s bad timing- it’s not your season…  Sow the field, plant the seed, water it… care for your garden of friends.  When the time is right… you will reap the harvest.

 If you find you need help with networking or would like to learn of some books you can read to sharpen your saw… drop me a line, call into the radio show or sign up for a Career Yenta Boot Camp ^TM  .

 Feel free to share comments about your great stories of connecting to old colleagues/friends and how they have helped you

If you would like to check out the radio show from this past week:

http://www.1077thebronc.com/?page_id=356

If you would like to enroll for a Career Yenta Boot Camp^TM  session or sponsor a friend or loved one or previous employees as outplacement:

http://www.careeryenta.com

Give us a call- join us at boot camp!

Love

Career Yenta ^TM

Rock 2013!!!

What’s your Mt. Everest?

Yesterday’s news shared that “Yuichiro Miura, an 80-year-old Japanese mountaineer who became the oldest person to reach the top of Mount Everest last Thursday, almost died on the descent. While he currently doesn’t have plans of another climb of the world’s highest peak, he will be doing plenty of skiing.”
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_23343727/mount-everest-80-year-old-says-he-nearly
I love this story!! How many times have you told yourself, you can’t do something, it will never happen, or I’m too old??? It’s easy to come up with excuses as to why you can’t, or how things won’t work or to let other people scare you and make you believe the negative. Granted, you can’t rely on wishing something to happen – expecting it to magically occur. Don’t get me wrong- I encourage people often to wish, dream big and think positive… but the real magic comes from ACTION! Miracles happen when you’re putting yourself out there and trying. You may fail 5 times, 10 times, 100 times… but with each failure, you have the opportunity to learn, to grow, to improve! Some call this character building. I like to think of it as true grit – guts- POWER!!! The secret sauce to success is staying humble and open to learn from others and realize you can’t do it alone or just for yourself. Sometimes you need a little help and sometimes you need to consider the greater good. It doesn’t diminish your success by any means. We can see and learn from each of these elements in Mr. Miura’s story. Last week he was quoted in this article: http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/japanese-climber-80-year-old-man-becomes-oldest-atop-mount-everest-052213 ,
“On his expedition’s website, Miura explained his attempt to scale Everest at such an advanced age: “It is to challenge (my) own ultimate limit. It is to honor the great Mother Nature.”

He said a successful climb would raise the bar for what is possible.

“And if the limit of age 80 is at the summit of Mt. Everest, the highest place on earth, one can never be happier,” he said.”

I’m overwhelmed and inspired on multiple levels!!! It’s not just the fact that he’s done this at 80, but here is a man that is constantly upping the bar!!! Based on his comments, I don’t doubt that he will top this!

I’m humbled by Mr. Miura’s story as he is constantly striving to improve and “honor the great Mother Nature.” It changes my perspective on not only achieving a goal, but forcing me to ask, what is my intention- what is the purpose- what is the value- who is honored and benefits from the achievement of my goal? Achievement could grow to not only include yourself but the world or universe at large!!!! Honestly- if Mr. Miura is doing this at 80, we all have NO excuse to NOT overcome the obstacles to get to the summit of our own personal Mt. Everests!!!!

So what does your Mt. Everest look like? What can you do to break down the tasks to success into achievable bites? (I’m sorry- I can’t help thinking of that joke- How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time…You were warned- I apologized in advance). Can you change the scope to include a benefit for others- for the world or universe at large?

If you’re having a challenge in making that breakthrough in your job search or career management- give us a call- sign up for a Career Yenta Boot CampTM – reach out and let G45 Consulting or the Career Yenta TM help you!!!

Cheers
Love Always,
Career Yenta TM