How to Create, Host and Promote a Professional Meet-Up Group (Pt. 3) Building Your Future Now

How to Create, Host and Promote a Professional Meet-Up Group (Pt. 3) Building Your Future Now When executed properly and with patience and consistently a professional meet-up group can give you many professional opportunities! You can discover new connections, build your brand, help the local economy and gain real-world practice by putting together an event. However, one of most unique features of a meet-up is the fact that it is an immediate portfolio-builder. Even if you have put together a few, you can add images, quotes, data, promo material, social media breakdowns and marketing plans into a portfolio ready to showcase your experience when needed. As you continue to shape your event, you can add other elements to it. Perhaps new technologies or existing ones that can further expand your brand. Share meet-up info through your LinkedIn and add blog entries to your website. The more you shape it and build it, you are curating a side project outside your full-time job into a special opportunity. You are essentially creating an amazing chance for yourself as a professional to grow and learn. As you tirelessly build it, continue to network and find others that share your vision. Build a team that desires personal and professional growth and do not want to stop learning! As this is happening, you are expanding on existing skillsets and discovering new ones. Document these processes by keeping a journal. This is an exceptional way to look back at what you have done in more detail and serves as a great tool for future collaborators or hiring managers to see what you have accomplished. Image: Raw Pixel

Insu Resume Writing: Is it Difficult?

Insu Resume Writing: Is it Difficult?Insu's (International English Language Testing System) is an internationally accepted international level of English testing. Its used in the United States and other English speaking countries. Some employers use it for applicant pool screening, while others use it for applicant testing purposes.One of the basic elements of Insu is the question section. It includes a form that has a question on it, which asks the applicant a question and then the respondent gives an answer. The answers are classified by each respondent as being a correct answer, incorrect answer, or insufficient information to be ranked.The Insu website describes the Insu question-and-answer format this way: 'A respondent's word must be a word with at least one English letter, or an English word with at least one non-English letter. The respondent cannot answer with an incomplete response.' Of course, the problem with this type of wording is that it could be misinterpreted by some applicants. It might be considered rude to answer a question in such a manner.The upside is that Insu questions are often quite short, making it easy to compile the information needed into one coherent essay. Because the questions tend to have four, five, or six parts, the respondents can usually offer several paragraphs worth of comments. This makes the Insu questions simple to summarize and read, but difficult to misconstrue.Another important aspect of Insu question-and-answer format is that it presents a very organized view of what is expected from the respondent. The forms that are used in the Insu questions help the respondent to determine what types of answers will be graded and what the degree of errors are. Since this format helps the respondent find out how much work goes into answering a question, it can make it easier to prepare for.The main exception to this is that the wording in Insu questions is all standardized and does not vary across the board. That doesn't mean i t isn't challenging to write the questions. It does mean that the wording needs to be looked at closely and then carefully translated into a formal approach that is most effective in answering a question.One thing that can be viewed as a negative about Insu questions is that they often ask for details that might not be relevant to the job. While employers might really want to know the details of where the applicant was born, they might not need it to decide whether or not to hire the applicant. Other things they might want to know are where the applicant went to school, and where he or she lives.The primary reason why Insu questions are used in the first place is because they help the respondent analyze his or her knowledge and skills, which in turn help the applicant get the job. With this in mind, the question format should be carefully analyzed and followed to the letter. Any discrepancies in the format should be avoided. After all, the purpose of the Insu question-and-answer for mat is to provide the applicant with a clear overview of his or her abilities.

Personal Branding Interview Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Personal Branding Interview Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Today, I spoke to both Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster, who are the cofounders of K2 Enterprises and coauthors of Working For You Isnt Working For Me.   In this interview, they talk about how to get along with your manager, how to deal with it, when to quit your job if you dont get along with your boss and more. How long does it take to notice that your boss and you dont mix? Kathi Elster â€" I think that it happens rather quickly. You can tell anywhere from the first week to the first month. You may not know exactly what the problem is, but you sense that something is very wrong. Katherine Crowley â€" There’s usually an internal alarm that goes off inside of you. Your boss leaves you out of an important meeting, or finds fault with everything you do, or blocks any project that you initiate.   One part of you wants to give your new boss the benefit of the doubt, but another part of you smells trouble ahead. When you realize that there isnt chemistry, what is the first thing you should do? Katherine Crowley â€" We tell people to Detect and Detach. Detect is to clarify what the problem is with the boss. What are the exact behaviors that are driving you crazy? Detaching involves taking back your power. We suggest restoring your energy (through exercise or physical movement), repairing your emotional state (spending time with supportive people), and rebuilding your confidence (keep a daily list of your successes and find places outside of work to showcase your talents). Kathi Elster â€" You want to determine whether this person’s behavior is something you can live with. Make sure you have a plan for taking care of yourself. If you sense that this kind of boss isn’t healthy for you, you may want to start circulating your resume. Would you agree that your boss is most of your work experience? Katherine Crowley Kathi Elster â€" There are many aspects to your work experience. The work itself plays an important role. Your co-workers color the quality of your day. Ultimately, your relationship with the boss is the greatest determinant of your overall experience. Studies show that people quit bosses more than they quit jobs or companies. When should you quit your job because of management? Kathi Elster â€" When your health is at risk. If you are so depressed that you need antidepressants or so stressed out that you’ve got ulcers, it’s time to find another position. Katherine Crowley â€" Another indication would be if you feel like a prisoner â€" hopeless, listless, full of dread. While it may be a tough job market, chronic suffering will ruin your health and your home life over time. What are the top 3 excuses youve heard from people that are upset with their boss? Katherine Crowley â€" The top three excuses I hear are that the boss micromanages them, the boss doesn’t keep them informed, and the boss finds fault with everything they do. Kathi Elster â€" The top three excuses I hear from employees are the boss doesn’t back or defend them, the boss gives them responsibility without the authority to carry it out, and the boss is threatened by their success. Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster are the coauthors of Working For You Isnt Working For Me and the national bestselling coauthors of Working With You Is Killing Me.   Katherine Crowley is a Harvard-trained psychotherapist. Her expertise concerns the inside of business; the psychological and interpersonal challenges involved with people working together. Katherine helps individuals overcome their emotional obstacles to success.   Kathi Elster is an executive coach and nationally recognized business strategist. She specializes in the outside issues involved in business building. Kathi’s expertise covers most HR issues especially staff development and management training.

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese A Problem Must be Defined Before It Can Be Solved

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese A Problem Must be Defined Before It Can Be Solved When a program, strategy orprojectfailsto achieve its goals, the reason can often be traced back to the very beginning when no one seemed to clearly define or agree on the problem. That may sound a bit strange how can any organization move forward with a solution unless they clearly understand the problem? Yet, it happens more often than anyone would probably like to admit, which is why Satish P. Subramanian provides a clear framework for getting a better handle on defining a problem in his book, Transforming Business with Program Management. Some organizations have a tendency to jump the gun, when moving toward a solution and can lead them to rush through defining the problem, he explains. This doesnt have to be a long, drawn-out process, and doesnt require a lot of structure, he explains. But without a framing up of the issue, you wont be able to meet your goals. In other words, a team that takes action without a clear agreement and definition of the problem is a waste of manpower, resources and time. Whatever journey youre on, youre not going to be able to achieve the outcome you want, he says. For program managers, he says there are some ways that the problem can be better defined using techniques such as: An environment scan.These scans are aimed at identifying and making a structured analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in organizational strategy. You want to look at operational assets and liabilities. For example, Subramanian explains that an asset such as an extensive distribution network is a strength, regardless of environmental factors. This puts the emphasis on an outside-in perspective by identifying and analyzing whats going on inside the organization and also to look at the business drivers in the marketplace, he explains. An environment scan not only ensures thetransformation initiativewill tackle the right strategic problem, but also creates the burning platform for a business to transform. He stresses that it is important that there is a detailed description of the issues such as strengths and weaknesses and how each of these is analyzed and mapped. The voice of the customer.This technique is used to capture customer insight on their pain points, what they value the most, expected business outcomes (read more here) Photo: managingamericans.com

Why You Should Use a Drawing in Resume Writing

Why You Should Use a Drawing in Resume WritingWhen it comes to resume writing, one of the most popular techniques is drawing. This may seem very elementary and traditional but resume writing with a nice drawing will help your chances of getting hired. This is because resumes that contain good drawings will be noticed and found easier than other forms of resumes.Although there are many reasons why people would use a drawing, it is still a good career choice. As mentioned, drawing is a form of art and has the ability to draw attention to a document. Drawing does not just mean a lot of scribbling, but instead, pictures that illustrate things in an attractive way. If you put in a lot of effort, then your resume writing will be noticed.Some people prefer to write, but people usually use a resume to look for jobs and get experience. Many times, the employer will see your resume first, so it is important to have your resume look good. If it is not appealing, then it will not be read, and th erefore, it will be put on the back burner.A drawing will show your style, but can also draw attention to your achievements in your work field. People will also easily remember if you were hardworking or just sitting around doing nothing. With good photos, a resume will give an impression of a happy person who wants to get more out of life.If you do not have a lot of free time, then you might want to hire a professional artist to do your resume. Some artists will even draw the first page of your resume and send it to you via email. The great thing about hiring a professional is that they can draw what you want them to. You can draw anything you want.There are also some different methods to draw your resume. For example, you can choose a drawing of ahome, which could show your children and pets. Another idea would be to draw a picture of yourself to go along with your employment history. These ideas will make you unique and stand out in the crowd. Having your own drawing is a great w ay to make a positive impression, and it will help you get the best job.As with any other thing in life, having a drawing is a great way to begin. You should always try to take some time to sketch a few pages, as it will be easy to notice if your resume looks a little off. In fact, a simple drawing will get you noticed because it will not look real and therefore, will be noticed by a more perceptive person.So, you can see that drawing your resume is a great career choice for anyone who wants to make a difference in their career. People will be attracted to you if they see you drawing and will see your hobbies as a positive quality. Your drawing will attract employers, and your writing will give you the perfect opportunity to get the job you have always wanted.

Professional Resume Writing

Professional Resume WritingOakland professional resume writing services help to bring life and excitement back into the lives of our clients. These skilled professionals work to ensure that the client's resume is an extremely high quality document that has all the necessary attributes and details that a potential employer would expect to see in their search for the best candidates. Professional Oakland resumes writing also ensures that your resume is easy to understand and professional.A professional resume will always have a strong, professional feel to it and this is because the professional knows exactly what is required to get a suitable job in this competitive business environment. They are always willing to listen to your needs and tailor the writing process accordingly so that you can be given the job you deserve. Even if it does not quite fit into their pre-determined criteria, the professional will work closely with you to find the most suitable solution.The professionals at professional resume writing Oakland continue to deliver excellent results year after year. The company always prides itself on its ability to create the perfect resume to fit every individual need. Each one of these professionals also keeps up to date with the current job market and is always eager to advise clients on how to better integrate their personal style and professional expertise into their presentation.Many of the professionals are equipped with thorough and impeccable writing skills that allow them to create a resume that stands out from the crowd of others, no matter what the qualifications of the individual are. Because of this they are able to transform the experience of many potential employers into a professional approach to creating a job offer. No matter what you have to say about the messy, unprofessional, jumbled mess that is the 'emplayer's mind', it will be hard to argue with the fact that a good resume goes a long way to helping to make the boss see your sit uation in a new light.Professional resume writing Oakland is highly capable of delivering exceptional results in every one of the above areas. All their efforts are put into ensuring that their clients receive the best possible job opportunities available for them. Whether you are searching for a short term contract or a full time role, professional Oakland resume writing is here to make your search easy one.The following company offers custom made Oakland resumes for every purpose. From the professional looking firm that provides back up services for the larger companies to the small one-man operation that produces and delivers their own unique documents. Each one of these firms offers a range of different services that can help to increase your chances of finding work.As well as offering a variety of services it may also be able to provide you with a resume that is tailored around a specific skill or area of expertise. The firms specialise in the art of finding potential employers who have specific requirements when looking for certain candidates. If you are seeking employment in a field that may not appear obvious to the casual observer, it is important to let the professional at the firm know exactly what you are looking for.Whether you are looking for an internship, a full-time position or just a placement to fill the gap between vacancies, it is very likely that there is a professional resume service available to suit your particular needs. These professionals are also able to offer a range of options that will cater to different job roles and offer a bespoke service for each individual job requirement.

There is No Success without Hardship - Jane Jackson Career

There is No Success without Hardship - Jane Jackson Career THERE IS NO SUCCESS WITHOUT HARDSHIPSometimes those roadblocks hit us hard. This motivational quote highlights the journey we all go through which makes our successes all the more sweet The world is so constructed that if you wish to enjoy its pleasures, you must also endure its pains. ??Like it or not, you cannot have one without the other. ??Success is not measured by what you accomplish. Its measured by the opposition you encounter, and the courage with which you maintain your struggle against the odds. ??Youll find all things are difficult before they are easy. The greater your obstacles, the more glory in overcoming them. ??So, make up your mind before you start that sacrifice is part of the package. ??No pain, no gain; No thorns, no throne; No cross, no crown. ??Youve got to go through the negative before you get to the positive.

Job search advice for the weekend embrace fresh starts and partner with experts -

Job search advice for the weekend embrace fresh starts and partner with experts - It is easy to get caught up in what you are doing like a hamster on a wheel and forget to take the time to stop to evaluate what you have done. I dont think many job seekers would disagree; it is difficult to step back and really look at how you have spent your time, what tools, tips and tricks have worked and which have not. When you are in the midst of things, expecting to cast a fresh eye on the process is a lot to ask. I have been thinking of this recently, as I am in the process of redesigning this site! The last time I launched a new look for Keppie Careers, it was a very big deal because I was merging my blog (which lived on wordress.com and was not self-hosted) and my business site that has always been here at KeppieCareers.com. This redesign has been a big deal in a different way. It has forced me to take a new look at what I am doing with the site, what my goals are for the pages and for my readers and to rethink aspects that have been part of my current site for a long time. A fresh look, with the help of some professionalsIt is a good thing! I am also launching a whole new look for my site, complete with a new logo! I was very excited to partner with Elise Elswood for my logo. Once we launch the new site (soon), I hope you will agree that it is energetic and a good visual representation of my brand. (I also have fabulous new business cards she designed for me!) As for the site itself, I will be moving to the often talked about Thesis platform for WordPress. Many respected social media stars use and promote it, and I have several friends who have successfully optimized their sites via Thesis. Willie Jackson has been doing a great job on the technical and web design front. I cant tell you how great it has been to partner with professionals to help me achieve my target goals. I am no graphic designer and, while I certainly could have done something on a Thesis site on my own, it wouldnt have been anything like what Willie has created. So, two thoughts to share: 1. If you have been head down in a job hunt without taking some time to reevaluate or retool, think about using the weekend to take a step back. Maybe dont involve yourself in any job search activities for a few days. Then, on Monday, really spend some time thinking about what you can do differently. Im sure there is at least one thing that will make a difference for you. Dont stop trying to find a job, just do it differently. Maybe you can talk to people who cant help you to propel your search? (You may be surprised!) Or, think about how your body language matters in your job hunt. How can you do what your competition is NOT doing? Is that optimizing social media for your job hunt? Maybe it is time to use Twitter to propel your job search? There is something you have not done that you can still try. 2. Since I always advise hiring an expert for job search materials, I am always happy to say that I have followed my own advice. It is tempting to try to do everything. It saves money, you maintain all controlBut, in the end, it can be a real waste of time and the results are not what you want. A resume writer can help you get a job. No one is an expert at everything! Partner with a job search pro...The results may be beyond your expectations! photo by missmossie