Archive for the ‘Business’ Category

I attended Women & Words which is a writing and publishing conference presented by eWomen network. They did a spectacular job of assembling some really interesting speakers and panelist that helped support and demystify the writing, publishing and social media world.

The authors generously took the time to talk about the “birthing” and marketing challenges that accompany writing a book; sharing valuable tips for any aspiring writer. The behind the scenes look at the industry and creative process was amazing, it is not as easy as one might perceive it to be.  Each presenter was approachable and genuinely provided even more reasons to be inspired to explore your inner writer. The publishers that attended spoke passionately about the differences and similarities between self publishing and traditional publishing. One thing I heard consistently, you need a few good editors and proof-readers before you send anything out.

As a participant I truly felt welcomed. The volunteers and organizers made sure you were enjoying yourself and that you arrived at each workshop on time.  I found myself  conflicted as to what workshop to attend, they were all so informative and I was afraid I would miss out. However, it was refreshing to find that no matter where I sat I would be receiving quality information and connections with creative women and men. Yes, a handful of men were there too.

One in particular, Giovanni Amenta, stole the show with his workshop. With style, humour and honesty he shared his story and provided an interesting perspective on producing audio-books. His previous incarnation (as I like to call it) before becoming a certified Image Consultant and Stylist, was as a Canadian Tenor. However, his calling took him away from that life and into one that appears to suit him very well. He was a complete joy to spend time with.

Two out of the three Book Broads gave participants a chance to get the inside scoop on how to turn your blog into a book. It was unfortunate the one on the awesome threesome was ill but Angela Crocker and Peggy Richardson demonstrated their knowledge and excellent presentation skills to a receptive and curious group of blogging or soon to be blogging women.

Charmaine Hammond’s contribution to the conference was her book, husband and dog Toby all there to share the secrets of success. Her book On Toby’s Terms is in development for a motion picture and Toby….well, let’s just say when you have a dog like that life is never dull. For dog lovers like myself this book and movie will touch a chord.

Carla Rieger’s book The Change Artist sounded fascinating! Inspired by a true story that starts with her own father’s mystery life, the reader is taken on a journey that is just incredible. You never know what can be uncovered about a person in your life and how that journey can often circle right back to self recognition. Great speaker, incredible story!

What I did come to realize is I have a lot to learn but thankfully there are people out there willing to help. I’m going to be pouring through books and information that I obtained from this wonderful conference. As I understand it, this conference was the first one here in BC and yet it exceeded my expectations. These women did a spectacular job offering an affordable conference with lunch included and trade booths to peruse. Being able to sit for lunch and chat with not only the presenters but fellow inspired writers and publishers was such a  nice touch. Great job ladies!!

A little side note to this. I have to admit I wasn’t going to go. The last conference I attended was the BC Career Development Association which is something I belong to but I was not impressed. It was the second time I had attend that conference in four years and found it was not worth the time or money invested. The presenters were not as generous with their expertise, the cost was high and this year no booths were set up to gain trade related materials. As for lunch…well you fend for yourself in a high priced area.

The reason I mention this is that it is hard to put together events and some organizers are better at it than others. It takes a considerable amount of time and forethought as to the needs of participants (and presenters) and the goals of the organization itself. I’m thankful for Loretta Voth who consistently promoted Women & Words via email and that I trusted my intuition and went to this event.

My advice:  Before you invest in any conference do as much as you can to investigate the backgrounds of the presenters.

Try to answer: Do you feel the standard has been set high enough that it warrents your time and parting of hard earned dollars?

Go for it: If it feels right, it is worth a try. When egos are left at the door and people are truly wanting to impart their wisdom it can be a very rewarding day or weekend! Even if you are an introvert like me you can mingle or not and still walk away having learned something new.

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 »

I was inspired by someone who reminded me how powerful expectations can be; both internal and external. Many of us grow up with messages that set the tone for how we view ourselves as it relates to appearance, our roles in family and relationships, our career or educational path, our place in society. Guided by the messages we make decisions that may be (or may not be) appropriate for us. Sometimes, we can become debilitated by the constant barrage of opinions that are truly not our own.

Handed down to us, these messages are most always soaked in expectations for our journey and if we do not fulfill them there is a true sense that we are letting someone down, if not ourselves. It can be a heavy burden to bare as the soul battles to tell the other story. That other story is what “we” know to be true. The message that was sent with us designed to be our road map through life. When we ache to find our way and begin to feel a sense of detachment from our own existence I believe it is because we can’t hear what the heart is trying to say.

Sometimes when I sit in a room with another person I see that struggle. I hear the voice with the message; the voice that wants to give all the answers that person is seeking. It is as if there are two people in front of me, one that tells the current life story and one that holds the original script. Their struggle is based on the missing pieces, which they know on some level, but they just can’t hear that very personal voice. Instead they revert back to what others think, feel and do because the belief is “they must know best.” They often do not.

We can never live up to expectations that were created for the sole purpose of assigning our place. A defined box that contains little of the original message. Expectations defined by family, relationship, culture or gender are often not healthy. The power that is exuded by one person’s expectation of another can change our whole perception of self and life. If it is a positive expectation that is mutually welcomed it propels us forward, if it is negative from the beginning or becomes so over time, it may stop us in our tracks.

A beautiful soul sat before me and I felt great when she stayed with the process that took her closer to hearing her own message. When she gave herself permission to go there, to enjoy the moment of being who she is without judgement it was breath taking. Fleeting moments when the obligations and expectations dropped away long enough for her voice and power to emerge triumphant. She was beautiful and connecting as it should be, as she wanted. I want her to realize this: “You were noticed, you do matter and what you are doing for yourself is courageous and admired.” You matter, as a mother, as a spouse, as a daughter, as sister, as a colleague, as a citizen and above all else as a WOMAN! Brought into the world with everything needed to survive and thrive.

Thank you, it was an honor to meet you.

The majority of people I know use Facebook to connect with current or lost friends and former lovers; the latter is usually not discussed openly. However, there are others I know in the business sector who use it for establishing business to business relationships, increasing client base and sharing industry tips. I haven’t yet made that leap to Facebook personally or professionally. (Professionally, I may one day join but at this time I remain uncommitted)

In 2008, I was introduced to Linkedin. A dear friends brother was very familiar with building business, brand and social networking; he offered to educated me on the finer points. Being from across the pond (England) he took the time to craft a lengthy email citing the do’s and don’t of blogging, the advantages of using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. His reference to LinkedIn came with more passion, “You MUST be on this.”

Taking his advice I became a LinkedIn user,  but lately I’m beginning to wonder if it is not becoming another Facebook? People are trying to connect with me that appear more interested in building up quantity rather than quality associations. I don’t press the accept button without checking out the who? and assessing the why? we should be a part of each others network; this is where I see a long list of names from all over the world. Finding it impossible to see a common thread I simply ignore the invitation.

One person, who I have met personally,  was an individual in which I could still not answer the “Why?” question. I don’t like the feeling of obligation and therefore stood firm that this was not a business relationship I would like to cultivate. (It is funny that I do have a small voice inside my head that says “you are being a snob.” I don’t like that voice but I understand it forms its opinion based on a longstanding need to be polite and say “come on in” even when I’m not up for company) I’m sure I’m not the only one who has had to evaluate their relationship building on this site but at times it just seems a little too frequent.

LinkedIn is all business for me, connecting and learning from those groups and individuals that can bring a unique perspective and have expertise I appreciate. It is a virtual world of business discussion, collaboration and support that holds no borders and no office hours. Business development is key and establishing relationships with people who can inspire me, use my services or want to connect for mutual referrals or information sharing, is a great perk! What I don’t need is the “friend” seekers.

LinkedIn has been expanding rapidly over the last few years and as I understand it plans to tap into more ways in which the 100 million users can find value in this tool. Joining millions of professionals for all the right reasons can be business and life changing. Connecting with old colleagues again who may provide well needed information or a spark to ones business/career plans is exciting. So much to be gained and as long as I can keep the wrong element at bay I will continue to use LinkedIn. If it gets taken over by those Facebook and Twitter junkies that need a new place to feel noticed I may need to adjust my settings.

Have you assessed your connections on LinkedIn before accepting invitations?

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.

One of the joys of my life right now is writing. There is so much in life to explore and write about, I’m so excited! I have been fortunate to dabble in the world of writing since I was a kid and have kept my poetry book full of youthful musings and reflections . I still have one little poem I wrote at the tender age of six that the teacher proudly put up on the wall for others to see. Very small indeed since my language and printing skills were still developing but dare I say, thoughtful.

My art work never made the wall of anything, other than my mother’s willingness to showcase my talents around the home. I can’t draw, unless stick people count and to this day nobody wants me on their team for a spirited game of Pictionary. I flunked (and got kicked out of) sewing class in junior high school, even though I thought my stuffed penguin was a work of art. Wrapping presents creatively remains a challenge, that is why I love gift bags and tissue paper and if you want properly arranged flowers give me extended time to consult Martha Stewart’s Arranging Flowers book.

My mother was a highly talented and widely known singer in her time, who after giving up her career to immigrate and raise children made it her goal to instill the love of music and singing into her children. Singing in front of a large or small audience was as natural as could be; though we didn’t always want to be on display. It was a talent I took for granted but choir, drama and talent shows were fun.

Dance and sports were also joys of mine which took up all my weeks. It was a busy schedule between training and competition but when I look back now I feel so fortunate to have been given these opportunities. The dance styles I learned were numerous and when I reflect back on some of those costumes I think “Wow, the seventies were really bad for fashion.”

Soccer was my dream sport and running long distance. I could run forever; put a ball in front of my feet and I felt the freedom and passion welling up inside me. (still do)

I do remember there were a couple of sports that weren’t my thing though, baseball was one of them. Great at running for the bases not so good at hitting the ball far.  Basketball, not that keen. I remember once grabbing onto the ball to take it away from an amazon of a girl, unfortunately she did not let go. Instead she proceeded to fling me to the side like a rag doll, I’m not sure but I may have been temporary attached to the ball while she was running. Note to self: grow a few more inches and you might belong in this game.

Blogging has taken my creative drive in a different direction, I’m pleased with the venue and the exercising of my brain. Recently, one of my blog posts Internet – Its Role in Victimization was syndicated on BlogHer. That was such a wonderful surprise as I respect the site tremendously and all it provides to our community of bloggers. As I develop my writing further I am inspired by so many.

You may notice down the side of my page a role call, as it were, of other bloggers/writers who equally explore their passions, life and talents. I encourage you to get acquainted with others who have similar interests to yours. Try something new or re-imagine something you have been doing for years. Build up your confidence as I am trying to do. I may not be the best at everything I have tried, but the point was to challenge myself, even if that required somebody to push me from behind. There are so many talented people whose expectation is to enjoy the process… so go I and hopefully so go you.

(In a shout out to a tireless promoter of others work, (and thanks for your mention) please check out Scully Love Promo on my blogroll links. You will love Christine’s reviews, especially if you are a book lover)

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.