Archive for the ‘Career’ Category

Have you ever found yourself in what appears to be a perpetual state of learning? Continuous learning that rarely results in you hitting the bricks running with what you know.  People often say they haven’t had a chance to use their education and that might be so but most of the time it comes down to feeling confident enough to go beyond the books and actually do it!

As one brilliant client of mine pointed out it is about “going from learning mode to action.” That can be scary. I remember the first course I took in counselling, it was all great in theory but then when I was told I had to try out my skills with a person, on camera no less, I was sooo nervous. After it was all over I felt relieved. I had an opportunity to put into action what I had learned and took a giant leap toward my professional goals. You see, left to my own devices I might have talked my way out of actually working with a live body in front of me, fearing that I am simply not ready. Convincing myself that I’m not good enough or that in comparisons to others I will suck! Maybe I could embarrass myself or even worse cause this other person to be uncomfortable. Instead, I was told…It is time to launch…You are worthy now, get out and use what you have so diligently been studying.

Once you are off and running it doesn’t mean you can’t learn more. In fact, ongoing learning is essential. However, using it as a way to make yourself feel worthy among peers or to keep from actually working in your field, due to fear of success or failure, is not respecting that investment. Keep current, keep educating yourself but do it for the right reasons…most important of which is so that other people can benefit from your expertise!

Today’s post is about a wonderful community I have just joined called eWomen Network.

Now, I am not a joiner. When all the other kids were raising hands and jumping up first to be involved in something little Jennifer waited and observed. I could sing, dance, play piano and sports in front of people but never really wanted to stand out in the crowd. As an adult I have spoke in front of large audiences, in classrooms and at board meetings but put me in a room ready to shake hands and introduce myself takes hours of psychological prepping. Thus, joining business groups and other networking type organizations has not been something I gravitated toward and if I was involved it was always at the urging of someone else.

This is what makes my involvement with eWomen Network unique, I showed up not knowing anyone. A few posts ago I blogged about my experience as a guest at the writers conference sponsored by eWomen Network. It was highly enjoyable and informative, the energy was completely different and I was pleasantly surprised by the calibre of women and speakers that surrounded me. What I learned from that day was that “I made the right decision.”

Subsequently, I have spoken with very welcoming women like Loretta Voth, Pamela Chatry and others, who by their natural ability to connect, helped me see the value in this group. There was no pressure, no expectation, nothing of a sort, simply a welcome. As a new member I went this week to a luncheon, I sat at a table and slowly got myself situated. It was at the point when it was evident I wasn’t moving when Janice came up and introduced herself and said “You won’t meet anyone sitting down, take this time to move around.” She proceeded to share more about herself and introduced me to others; I quickly felt more at ease.

There was a great guest speaker name Isabelle Mercier Turcotte who provided a passionate, fun and interesting look at branding – what works and what is less effective. I quickly learned that I have a lot more to learn. This is the consistent theme for me, it feels like this is just the right group of women to connect with, share with, be inspired by and support. Strong business women who still want to learn, grow, connect with and promote others. To give back as well as receive. To provide valuable support. Successful business women from all industries coming together to do more than just swap business cards.

So, this closet introvert who has an often extroverted job is happy to align myself with this network. Whether you live in the United States, Canada or (soon it will be) in Australia I highly recommend checking out their site and local chapters. If you do, let me know either by email or comment on this blog I would be interested to hear your thoughts. For those that have already joined who may come across this post you might want to offer what drew you to eWomen and how it has impacted you since.

If there was a statement I hear most often from people it is “I want to find my purpose, I want to know, What is my purpose?”

There are points in life where we can become sensitive to our life and career positioning. Usually beginning with some conflict on the job or comparison to others in life but none-the-less what is initially a whisper becomes a loud ongoing internal conversation about purpose. Eventually, it gets vocalized to those close to us and then to anyone who may be able to help find what that purpose is.

Over the years I have felt this quest for “purpose” has become even stronger in my clients and lately I have been questioning, “Why?” I”m not sure I know fully what the answer is but I have observed and explored some interesting connections.

Over the centuries “purpose” for many was pre-designed you were essentially assigned your place in life and work. Even if one had a thought of doing something else it would either not be uttered, for fear of going against the establishment, or if you did speak up, you would have quickly realized few cared what you thought. It could be hard to find someone willing to help you change your path. Later generations started to move away from this idea that anyone would dictate who or what they would be and instead sought recognition and acceptance for their own pursuits.

In some cultures, coming of age ceremonies might have assisted one to realize their purpose; resulting in over-seeing the spiritual or practical well-being of their family or people. We have very little left in western culture that would provide an opening for us to be so ceremoniously in tune with our purpose. In fact, the daily interference of important ventures and so-called mundane tasks of living have been blamed for our inability to hear even a pang of purpose.

Sometimes what is confused as “finding my purpose” is actually in part the pursuit of status. Being regarded as an expert has fast become the désir d’aujourd’hui (desire of today) whereby in a sea of multi-talented people and competition, one seeks to be noticed. It is not so much the career or life purpose that has been full-filled so much as the ego has been rewarded. Soon after the questions arises yet again, “What is my purpose in life?”

It seemed to me that in answering any questions about finding our purpose that there would be some finality in the answer. We would be saved from the torment of not knowing (or seeming not to know) and go on from there happily living what we were intended to do. Then I had to ask “Has life and career ever been what we intended?“

After years of trying to define what I referred to as purpose and knowing that it was part of a larger journey, I finally found some clarity recently in a quote from Joseph Campbell. From the book “The Power of Myth” with Bill Moyers, Mr. Campbell offered this:

Just sheer life cannot be said to have a purpose, because look at all the different purposes it has all over the place. But each incarnation, you might say, has a potentiality, and the mission of life is to live that potentiality. How do you do it? My answer is, “Follow your bliss.”  There’s something inside you that knows when you’re in the center, that knows when you’re on the beam or off the beam.  And if you get off the beam to earn money, you’ve lost your life.  And if you stay in the center and don’t get any money, you still have your bliss.

Campbell goes on to quote Karlfried Graf Durckheim to add to his point, “When you’re on a journey, and the end keeps getting further and further away, then you realize that the real end is the journey.”

While toiling over the questions surrounding “our purpose” we forget that we are a living example of the human potential. That both life and career allows us to take the journey and open up to multiple possiblities. There is no finality in that, in the sense that if I find my purpose I will be this or that; I am already! 

So, the question becomes less about “What is my purpose?” and more about “What is my potential?”

To me, that sounds far more exciting, forward moving and ultimately a better use of time in this body, with this mind.

You lost your job.

When you went to receive help at your local Employment Centre what did you see and feel?

Was their a feeling of uncomfortableness sitting in the office? Were you frustrated by the time it took to be served by an actual person? Were you surprised how busy your case manager seemed to be and the limited time allocated to your appointment? Did you feel pushed into an orientation session you didn’t want to attend or a course you felt would not properly address your needs? Did you feel like a number?

These are some of the reasons why people come to see me for private coaching but it is also the reasons why I chose to become a business owner and independent contractor. For many years I watched both sides struggle with the parameters in which the system works. No matter what side of the desk you were on it could be difficult.

Let me give you a sneak peak: Read the rest of this entry »

One of the most dreaded questions in a job interview is usually the first “Tell me about yourself?” This is where many people have the “deer in headlights” look. There are a few reasons for this brain freeze to occur but for the most part it comes down to the lack of a file.

The object of this question is to receive a brief synopsis of appropriate personal information which normally doesn’t include your marital status or how many children you have. Instead focus on your familiarity community…“I’ve lived in the area for….” or speak to the number of years in the industry. Your attributes, related work experience and strengths are also very important to add. It is not the time to embark on your great Canadian or American biography; keep it concise.

The truth is, if you can’t answer this question it is because you have not given it much thought or had the help to develop a meaningful statement. Questions to ask yourself are :

What are my professional experiences and attributes?

What do I bring in terms of strengths to this position?

How have people described me in the past and how does that relate well to this position?

What do I value? What are my skills? Who am I?

When this question arises your brain attempts to find the answer, it scrolls back in its data bank looking for “Tell me about yourself? It keeps searching, just like a computer would do, until it either finds the file because you have previously inputted the data or realizes this file does not exist. When it scans to no avail you are left staring blankly ahead waiting for something to drop out of your mouth. It usually isn’t a strong answer that comes forth.

We can lack the confidence to speak to our strengths, feel like we’re boasting or are too close to ourselves to see what we truly bring. Everything we do after awhile becomes second nature and women, who have so many roles to play in their daily life, can cease to be able to form a cohesive statement for all their contributions. We lose track of ourselves. Comfortable with supporting others and talking about the accomplishments of those close to us, we can lose sight of our own identity. “I simply don’t know who I am anymore.”

Before going to a job interview take the time to fully investigate your skills, accomplishments in paid or unpaid work and practice a statement that encompasses what you bring to the table. Check previous reference letters, job and volunteer descriptions. Ask someone you trust, education instructors, former colleagues; anyone who can help you see the value in what you do.

From an employers perspective: Confidently speak – Tell me about yourself so that I will remember your name. If you are in an interview there is already interest; now all we have to do is have a conversation to see if we fit together.

I know there are a lot of people looking for work right now and I hope this can help to start that conversation going on a good first note.

Today, I had an opportunity to fulfill a dream of getting to beloved chairs re-upholstered. I made a conscious choice to look for someone in my community that showed design knowledge and could help me pick the best fabric for such an investment. The other criteria is they had to be a woman in business. Whenever possible I support the businesses of women, some may not agree with me favouring women, specifically, but I love to “pay it forward.” What I mean by that is, women in business got me where I am today it is time to show my respect.

My dear mentor Pat, was one of the first women I admired. Pat worked along side predominantly men but held their respect and respected them. She demonstrated the importance of collaboration with everyone; she also had a good balance between her femininity and strong presence in the face of difficult situations. There have been other women since then who with their expertise provided excellent service, care and mentorship. I meet women all the time who show me a side of business that only through their generosity take me higher in my own development.

My editor and colleague Jill is an example of that generosity. Jill routinely challenges me to dig deeper and we bounce ideas between each other trying to decide whether this is a colour outside the lines or inside the lines project. I work with women through career coaching/facilitating contracts who inspire me; keep me from getting stagnant in my approach to the topics or service. I see their zest for learning and expanding within their professions and I step it up.

The list is long as to how many women in business have supported me and the partnerships with everyone of them are important. Business development and women’s success in both large and small ventures should be celebrated. It is no small feat to do what women do in one day, one week, one year. Sometimes in the face of opposition or stereotypical assumptions. It is no wonder that women do so well as entrepreneurs while wearing their multiple hats… women are not afraid of hard work. Throughout history women in business succeed because they truly have all that it takes.

So, as I enter into this partnership with another woman in business for the purposes of re-imagining old furnishings I can’t help but feel good about my decision. Worldwide there are women wanting to start up their own businesses; giving those women the tools to do so is a worthwhile cause. A healthy country and community grows with the development of its women. Change a woman’s life – support their business – support their dreams.

Women for Women International

Career Consulting – Why I don’t blog often about career development.

Let me preface the following by saying how much I enjoy serving others and in particular supporting both clients and workshop participants in their professional and personal development. However, it occurred to me the other day that while many of my counterparts use their blog as a venue for dispensing helpful tips and advice for the career, job search and life weary travelers, I have opted not to indulge heavily in those discussions.

I grappled with myself as to whether I am missing the boat on this this. Is it what readers would want? How can I make it more interesting and what can I give that others aren’t already peddling? Then it came to me. It’s not that there is not a need nor an interest or that I couldn’t make it a fruitful adventure into self and career analysis; it was simply that I’m off the clock.

Open. At the beginning of the day I open my doors to hear, feel, interpret, assess, encourage and genuinely assist others. I do this with humbleness, professionalism and honesty intact. At the end of the day, I need to turn the shingle on the door around. Closed. There is simply nothing left I want to say on the topic. I’m completely confident after all these years to address anything on career development, educational planning, self marketing and the associated supports. Just not consistently in a blog format.

There were times when I felt the expectation from colleagues may be that my blog should be the venue for career talk. I looked around at various sites and personalities that use blogging as a means to disseminate their philosophies for coaching and most individuals provide helpful information. At the end of their day, or during it, these people love the flexibility to share, through various social media and sites, what they know and are passionate about in their field. I use my website for that purpose but my blog remains relatively career consulting free except when I’m truly inspired to provide some career or job search advice.

Blogging is my time to reflect. To put some background music on (like right now) and let the thoughts flow. Jennifer gets to emerge in whatever form she wants. The representation and freedom that blogging gives us all, to be who we are in the moment, without apology. The flexibility to change our mind and not be beholding to one thought or process. The scrutiny, interpretation and participation is through the reader. In the end the contents of our head can spill out and be left on the page.

At this time I serve myself and my readers. We understand each other and through this post you may understand why I can’t limit myself. My career counsellor, consulting, coaching, advising and facilitation hats don’t always get a lot of use here for a good reason. Life is too full and too wondrous for me!

The office is closed.

November’s More Magazine is about to hit the shelf and with it comes an ability to draw attention to an article Hot Jobs For Women Our Age. Now besides the fact that I was proud to contribute to the article as a Career Consultant I am especially interested in sharing that life and career is not over after 40.

The interview for the Hot Jobs article took place some months back, along with other experts who contributed, it is safe to assume it could have been pages long if Li Robbins and her editors weren’t so adept at finding the gems. It is very informative, concise and needed.

The fact is women really do look at their work life much different than men, mostly due the interruptions and transitions that occur with child rearing, divorce and now the ever increasing role of care providers for senior parents. Often there has been little time to think of “Who am I”, “What do I want” and “How can I use my skills in a new way.”

However, I have had multiple discussions with “midlife women” who want those questions answered and then take the next step to alter their careers to suit their new found wisdom.  It is not easy, but it is well worth the effort. Women over 40 have so much to give in terms of life and career experience it is astounding! Quite simply though, many are standing too close to the picture to see the real beauty.

All of us, women and men, tend to minimize our contributions.  It is in the shrug of the shoulders, the statements “Well, anyone could do that” or “It’s nothing, I just do it”; all of which have our skills left hovering out in the vast unknown. It is difficult to re-brand and market our skills if we are incapable of owning them. Women are especially not comfortable with self marketing in the same way men are; therefore making the connection to their own skills and making the leap towards their desired job can be daunting.

We also tend to care more about what people think and run a lot of our ideas by others. This is helpful if we are truly without decision making capabilities but rarely do I meet women who are not good decision makers. Most have just been so focused on decision making for every other aspect of the home and family, they forgot to apply it to a more self directed search. The hot jobs that come our way are a direct result excavating not only the who we are, but how we want to work at this time in our life.

Contracting works well for some women, including myself, for various reasons. Time freedom being at top of the list with the ability to set when and how we work. Along with, utilizing core skills that make sense for this time in life with the willingness to adapt accordingly.

In exploring this topic of hot jobs in my local community, one woman who heads up registration for our local leisure center shared the increase need for people who specialize in providing health and fitness classes for mature participants. The fastest growing segment of instructors is women over 40, who after years of embracing fitness are now taking the next step to making a career as instructors.

Further education for women over 40 is growing and accessible. Many women are choosing to re-enter College and University or Continuing Education courses to finally complete degrees or enhance their skills for the market. In a challenging economy, affording education can take a lot of creative thinking but one is not without options through mature student bursaries and scholarships that may be available with a little extra digging. We are never too old to learn and if it makes the difference between doing something we love for the rest of our working life go for it!!

Coaching, consulting and advising is truly where the over 40 woman stands tall. We have to build a base of expertise in order to be taken seriously, though many try to hang out their shingle, those that truly know their stuff become Queen’s of their domain. The rest may be content to have a comfortable income, with low stress, that keeps them paddling in the pool without swimming with the sharks.

Fundraising and Events Coordination really has been two areas I have seen women take the leadership role. There is no age expiry date with these professions and frankly in promoting that multi-tasking, do more with less attitude women are famous for, it is no wonder women are the natural choice for candidates. Plus, there has been an increase need for people in these giving sectors. When the economy tanks and corporations downsize, up goes the need for creative fundraisers and other positions in the social service industry.

From my experience working with women over 40, this is when they truly come into their own. Given the right tools to transition, the motivation and willingness to learn on all levels, women truly can land the jobs that reflect where they are now! If your work life has fizzled out or never even got off the ground, hot jobs are out there if you know where to look. My advice…start from within and work your way out, we are waiting for you.

In the context of my work as a Career Development Practitioner it can often be hard to describe the different approaches I employ to support individuals. (Hence, why I don’t spend a lot of time blogging about it.) Depending on the needs of my clients or students, my role changes slightly to accommodate. Sometimes, I can find myself and my client floating somewhere between interventions and knowing that, I take a momentary step back to reevaluate our position and goals.

There is coaching, counselling, consulting and advising; to name a few. Each have their merits and serve to aid in the process of getting us from point A to B and so on.  If there is one thing that comes up often, when I first begin to work with anyone, it is establishing the differences between coaching and counselling.

So, I thought I would just do a quick and easy look at the differences between styles of working together as it pertains to career support services:

Coaching is like a safety net – If you are going through a transition but need some redefining or refining of your skills, values and/or interest, this style may be of help. It is quite goal oriented and doesn’t delve too much  into the feelings/emotional aspects that may be a barrier to your success. What you get is the support and brain storming that is often helpful to move forward in attaining your goal.

Counselling has a more holistic approach – If there are behaviours, past and present influences, beliefs, negative self talk, skill development, interests and values clarification, professional or personal reasons that hinder progress, this may be the style for you. It is intended to bring forth meaningful discussions necessary for personal growth. In turn, it allows for professional advancement, promotes positive movement, healthy decision making and goal setting. There is great care, ethics and safety used with counselling and it is incumbent on your practitioner to know when discussions have reached an area outside of their expertise. From that a referral would be made.

Consulting provides feedback and strategies – If you feel reasonably in control but need some assistance that allows you to accept or reject suggestions, this may be a fit. Consulting could be something that you tap into occasionally as a check in, but your level of confidence in your skills, education and abilities may be quite intact.

Advising (or Guiding) is really about monitoring your actions – If you don’t want someone to act on your behalf but instead encourage your independence; provide resources and advice to support that self- reliance, this may be just what you need.

No matter what the role I find myself in it is extremely rewarding. I have often said I am humbled and honored to be a part of my clients and students development. We all need someone to turn to and certainly understand what it means to be stuck. Sometimes we are far too close to the situation or unable to get out of the way of ourselves in order to make the next so called “logical” step.

Make sure you ask questions about the practitioners style and philosophy because how they work with you is deeply important. It is your time, money and energy that is being expended and that needs to be respected. Hopefully, after this quick post on the types of assistance that is available you can feel empowered to determine what your next step may be and who, if anyone, will help in that process.

Does the idea of owning your own business, working according to your core values, defining success on your own terms and affecting positive change interest you? Many women have taken steps in their life to do all of that and more but how they accomplish it has changed over the years.

Women entrepreneurs don’t even need a store front to make their professional dreams a reality. This virtual world has expanded rapidly, opening doors for women to develop a business that is unrestricted by international borders. Using the internet and leveraging the power of social media, women around the globe build relationships that strengthen their business and personal aspirations. One of those women is Jill Crossland.

Jill is a life and business coach who started in 2004, what was then, TimeFinders Coaching. Ever the forward thinker, as her company grew so did her recognition of the trend toward self branding. In 2008 she divided her company into Jill Crossland Coaching and TimeFinders Magazine.

She has just launched Create Your Team which brings together a team of professional women with specialized expertise. As one of those team members, I wanted to celebrate with Jill the launch of this site and through the following interview share with readers, one woman’s vision. It is my hope that if you are thinking about becoming an entrepreneur or want to use your expertise in unique way Jill’s story will help you move forward.

From inception to present day Jill gives insight into how a business can evolve, the importance of paying attention to the needs of clients, the wisdom to know you don’t need to do it all on your own and her own struggles with balance. Jill is also looking for women to lend their expertise; maybe through this interview the circle of relationship building will grow.

Take us back to the beginning – At what point did you decide to start what is now Jill B. Crossland Coaching?

It was more of an evolution. Most coaching sites were rather dry and it perturbed me that once you hung up from a client session they possibly didn’t have anything else to fall back on in the way of resources, information and support.  I wanted to provide them with more depth.

When I started it was more for midlife women because I had gone into coaching as a midlife woman and had some difficulty finding the information I needed in order to take that step. So, I thought a lot of other midlife women probably feel the same.

How has your vision for the business changed over the years?

As my demographic became clearer I was able to identify my market and it grew from there. Then it emerged that I was dealing with a larger age group. They were entrepreneurs either starting their business or mid point in their business development.

You have just launched a fresh site called Create Your Team Resources for the Busy Woman. What was your goal for the site?

I wanted it be very efficient, it is about creating a support system, realizing that we can’t all do it alone. When we have made the decision that we can’t do it alone, I want the site to be the place for services, help and support.

How do I find the right website? What is the right social media? How do I find the right babysitter for me to bring on to my team so that I accomplish what I need to with my business?

I thought if I could bring these people together in one area that would be my aim. It’s in its infancy but the goal is that all the resources would be on the Create Your Team site and it would be safe. A safe area to go forth with your team members. This is about women supporting women.

What do feel are the unique needs of women that would drive them to seek out the services offered through Create Your Team?

When I first became a coach everything was about packages, it was sold in big chunks. If you wanted to hire a coach you had to commit to this amount of time and this amount of money, it was the only way you could obtain success.  It was quite overwhelming.

In both my coaching and Create Your Team it is a realization that you don’t have to have full time help. If you have a housekeeper come in once a week that may work just fine; to give you enough time to accomplish what you need to in those hours. If you talk to your coach every month or every two months that may be what you require. The uniqueness is in the realization that it doesn’t have to be a huge chunk of time or money.

You can control who you hire and when you hire them. You can control what you spend; you don’t have to be intimidated into putting out large amounts of money. Women realize they would love to have a housekeeper, or web designer on call 24/7 but they can’t.  They may work out that they can afford it four times a month or once a month.

Isn’t this about flexibility?

Yes.  I know women who say to their accountant “I can do this part but I need you to do this part, I need you at this time of year for my year end.”  Years ago we weren’t saying the words “This is what I need from you” and “This is what I can afford to pay you.” That is very freeing. It enables women to grow their business; instead of sinking all their money into an accountant they can hire a web designer too, they can balance it out.

You have expanded your team of professionals to meet the needs of women and you intend to add even more professional women to provide their expertise. What are you looking for in future team members?

We are looking for financial advisers. I’d like to see life coaches, relationship coaches and business coaches who specialize in start up. We are not only looking for virtual businesses but those that have a physical store front presence. Housekeepers and dog walkers are also needed. For example: if you have a week where you can’t walk your dog this service is helpful. If a very entrepreneurial dog walking service wants to advertise I think they would do well on our site. For the busy woman who is tied up in meetings, she can give them a call.

We are not doing products, it is all service based. Create Your Team wants people who specialize in transitions, elder care, divorce, professional organizers, and time management experts.

Every woman’s needs are different. Create Your Team is the one place she can come to find both the coach and all her other needs in one area.

You have your coaching business, TimeFinders Magazine, the Life Deco Blog and the newly launched Create Your Team website…How do you balance your time?

I keep a very rigorous schedule even though like most of you I work from a home office. I keep a very tight schedule as if I’m walking into a corporation every morning.  I’m in the process of learning that when I don’t balance everything, something has to change. Like all women I have those weeks when it just doesn’t pull together and I just let go without guilt or stress.

I have my priorities – it is clients, website, my writing. Clients always come first. At the beginning of the day I start with their needs, and then I make sure the websites are where they should be and then last is my writing. We must always give the priority to our clients.

What have you learned about yourself in the process of building up the business?

I’ve learnt what I’m good at and I’m no longer hesitant in saying “I’m very good at this” or “I’m not very good that and I need someone else to do it.” I have stopped trying to do it all. I’m very happy to turn areas of my business over to the experts in their field.

The hardest thing I’ve learned is sometimes I have to let go of something I’ve enjoyed because there is just not enough time in my day. I’ve had to cut back on a lot my writing. I don’t put articles out as much as I’d like to because I can’t find the time, I miss that.

How are you going to define success?

My success falls in three different criteria; it is not a one stop success. In my coaching practice, to be honest, it comes from a certain number of clients and an income that is steady.  For the magazine, success will come when it is more self- sufficient as I haven’t sold advertising. The success will be advertising and recruiting more writers. I’m still on the cusp, I’m not offering as much as I would like to my readers.

Create Your Team success will be when we have that full range of services to offer. When I feel we have a good selection across the board and emails coming in that say, “Thanks, this helped.” It is nice to know you made a difference. Women have to give feedback really it’s the only way to grow our business.  It is the only way to know, “Is this working” What went wrong or what went really right. Constructive criticism is a wonderful thing.

Is there anything else you would want readers to know?

You asked me earlier what I learnt and I think I would like readers to know they need to embrace their uniqueness. I am unique, you are unique, and the readers of your piece are all unique. You are sitting comfortably in that uniqueness when you recognize your own needs.

It is all very well that we go to workshops, listen to our friends and read self help books. At the end of the day, at 3 o’clock in the morning, it is you that’s lying there worried or wanting to make the right decision, facing uncertainty and that is the unique position. Every woman needs to recognize what their needs are. They are not the same needs as that speaker they just went to see, as remarkable as she may have been, take from her what you need but then make it your own.

Life is not one size fits all. Take advice but take it and make it your own.

While Jill is the person behind the inception of your Create Your Team and will remain behind the scenes as it grows; it took a team to Create a Team. Alanna Morley designed both the website and Mean Business blog. She will also be the CYT manager. IT consultant Terri Pepin keeps the site running efficiently.   Women helping women is ever apparent as Jill Crossland Coaching and Create Your Team grows.

Many thanks to Jill for taking the time for this interview and for inspiring me in so many ways to grow as a business woman.