You know that time of the year when you are responsible for coming up a with a list of everything you have done this past year to exceed expectations in your role and contribute to the success of the company? Instead of staring a blank piece of paper for hours on end, track it throughoutContinue reading “Always be preparing for your Performance Review”
Category Archives: professional skills
Your Elevator Pitch should be about the Value you Bring
“I’m new to town and looking for opportunities.” Eek! That opening line is bound to shut some new connections down before they even get to know you. “I have 20 years of experience designing viewbooks for private schools and want to grow my network in the private school community.” This elevator pitch is a strongerContinue reading “Your Elevator Pitch should be about the Value you Bring”
Adding Value Every Day
If you would ever thank one of my favorite Creative Directors for his contributions, he would always reply, “Just adding value.” And it was true. Every big idea or quick insight was adding incredible value to the project and our clients. He certainly taught me the concept of adding value at every opportunity. That quipContinue reading “Adding Value Every Day”
Five People You Need in Your Network
There are five types of people you should have in your network. These are people who will teach, connect, and support you. Take a look at your current network and see if you have at least three people of each type in your network. If not, be intentional to round out your network. Also, rememberContinue reading “Five People You Need in Your Network”
Effective Communication while Networking
How can I help you? And how can you help me? Networking is a two-way street and having a great network should be a mutually beneficial relationship. It feels good to help others and it also feels good to receive support. When articulating how you can help others and the help you need, it’s bestContinue reading “Effective Communication while Networking”
Improved Communications Skills should be a Goal that lasts your entire Career
One of my current clients has a goal to improve her communication skills. I hear this goal from almost every one of my clients in every stage of their career. It demonstrates self-awareness that even professionals at the top of their game want to be better communicators. Being a better communicator can be broken downContinue reading “Improved Communications Skills should be a Goal that lasts your entire Career”
The Reciprocity of Empathy will improve your Professional Development
“Perception is Reality;” I was frustrated the first time I heard this quote. My manager was sitting down to talk to me about some negative feedback about my teamwork and attitude. It didn’t feel good because that negative feedback came from people that didn’t understand my intention. I have a strong work ethic, and IContinue reading “The Reciprocity of Empathy will improve your Professional Development”
Prioritize Your Purpose; Not Your Tasks
Since 2009, 24% of professionals spent some time working from home according to the US Department of Labor; thanks to our connectivity through smartphones and an increase in flexible work schedules. This connectivity also has burnout on the rise. Sometimes your job can seem like a loop of mundane tasks. To reduce the chance ofContinue reading “Prioritize Your Purpose; Not Your Tasks”
Equal Pay Day: Ask For It
I love helping clients ask for the raises they have earned. And I love even more when they get them! I helped clients successfully negotiate raises, promotions and additional benefits. Here’s one of my favorites. A client worked for a company that gave a modest Cost of Living raise each year. We were preparing forContinue reading “Equal Pay Day: Ask For It”
Thank you Adam Grant, You Explained Why I Wander the Aisles of Target So Often
Last year, I took on a new freelance project and was out to lunch with my new colleagues. Because this group travels quite a bit for work, we were discussing how/where we do our best work. Both of my colleagues described a quiet room with few distractions where they could put their head down andContinue reading “Thank you Adam Grant, You Explained Why I Wander the Aisles of Target So Often”
Jenn Uhen (Pronounced Genuine) 