Attitude is Everything

      I recently read the book  "Attitude is Everything  10 Life-Changing Steps to Turning Attitude into Action" by the late Keith Harrell.   Reading motivational books such as autobiographies and self -help books are a great source and inexpensive way to maintain a positive outlook while addressing a life challenge.  
     The 10 steps that the author discusses are:

1. Understanding the Power of Attitude
2. Take Control of Your Life
3. Practice Self-Awareness
4. Re-frame Your Bad Attitude
5. Find Your Purpose and Passion
6. Be Pre-Active
7. Discover How to Motivate Yourself
8. Build Supportive Relationships
9. See Change as an Opportunity
10. Leave a Lasting Legacy

      The fact that you are reading this Blog indicates that you are addressing several of the steps.  Please note that there is a significant difference between pre-active and pro-active behavior.  A Google search of these terms indicates that they are 2 of the the 4 methods in which organizations plan.  Those methods are: reactive, inactive, pro-active and pre-active.  Pro and pre-active planning are necessary to facilitate a career change.  In the book, the 7 Habits of Highly Successful People the need to be pro-active was stressed and fully described. 
      How you perceive change is extremely important.  If the loss of your job is seen as a negative then you are less likely to want to seek employment elsewhere.  Why?  Because somewhere in your mind you believe:

• you will never find another job or position as good as the one you had
• that job was the only type work you can do
• you deserve to be unemployed

However, if you can see the benefits of not having the job then you are consider other options such as:

• being able to explore other career options
• going back to school
• re-organizing your lifestyle
• having more time to pursue your personal goals

     There is the old saying "Smile and the whole world smiles with you but, when you cry  you cry alone."  By having a positive attitude, you are more likely to gain and maintain the support of people while you seek other employment.  You will appear more confident, professional as well as being percieved as being a team player during your interviews.  These are all positive attributes that any employer will want!

Is your job search a hobby or a job?

     According to my financial adviser the IRS considers a hobby an activity that does not generate significant net income while a job does.  Net income is the difference between your income and expenses.  Some activities ie photography are very expensive and therefore to difficult to generate income unless you have a good marketing program and regular clientele.  We could apply this concept to your job search/career exploration.  
    The net result of your job search should be employment in your chosen career.  You define what constitute employment.  For some people the goal would be an internship or volunteer experience at in a new company or different career.  This is an appropriate goal if you are still in school or attempting to change careers.  It could be part-time employment for a variety of reasons.  Perhaps you are retired, have other obligations or have physical limitations.  It could be full-time, seasonal, or temporary or permanent. 
     The expenses that you incur will fall into three major categories.  They are time, money and relationships.  Time is the number of hours per day that you devote to seeking another career.  This includes, research, travel, etc.  The financial cost include stationary, postage, phone calls, special attire/equipment, etc.  Many people do not realize that there are emotional costs to a job search or career change because it is not easily measured or tracked.  This cost will effect your relationships.  The most obvious cost is the emotional overflow you experience by being unemployed.  Your spouse/significant other, children and/or parents would experience or observe this overflow.  Your relationship with co-workers can be affected if they believe you are attempting to advance your career at their expense.  They may also avoid you if you were downsized and they are feeling survivors guilt.  They may perceive you as "not pulling" your weight if they believe you are no longer dedicated to the company's mission or field.   Friends could also become victims of your job search if they become overwhelmed by listening to you vent your frustration at not being able to secure suitable employment or if they feel that you are using them to secure employment with their organization.  You can also begin to question your own abilities and value.  There is a financial cost.  This is reflected in obtaining a resume, transportation, having appropriate interview attire and having phone/Internet access. 
      In theory, the more time you invest in your search, the more likely that you consider your search a full-time pursuit and will be successful.   Theoretically this should keep you motivated.  Initially it does however as time progresses they spent less time in the process.  This is attributed to a loss of  interest or depression.  I believe the loss of momentum can be attributed to increasing emotional or relationships costs. 
      So how do you keep your job search expenses down.  The financial cost should level off once you obtain stationary, an interview suit and other tangible items.  The emotional costs can be mitigated by developing multiple support groups or networks.  Other options include developing an exercise routine, maintaining daily schedules and grooming habits as well as new hobbies.  Be prepared for the loss of friends and acquaintances.  Try to reach out and understand their concerns.  If this is an important relationship seek professional help in order to mediate the break.  Be prepared to accept the fact that not all of your relationships will be able to tolerate the stress of a career transition and judgement should not be assigned to either party. 
      If you would like more information on this subject please contact me at chartingyourcoursewithcoaching@gmail.com.   

Everywhere you go - There you are!

      As a life and career coach, people frequently come to me with questions regarding their career options but I always start at at same place.  I ask how are things going in their life in general.  Your life consists of 5 sections:  health/well-being, financial, vocational, relationships, leisure and spiritual. 

• Health/well-being: your physical health, stamina, grooming, attire.  
• Financial:       savings, earnings, retirement plan, insurance, investments, taxes, etc
• Vocational:    education, work history, hobbies,
• Relationships: all social interactions including parents, friends, children, significant others, co-workers 
• Leisure:         anything you do for fun
• Spiritual:        your believe and value system

Many people don't realize that an imbalance in any area will impact the others. So, how do you incorporate the various aspects of your life into your job search? 
 Health/well-being:   are you physically able to perform your anticipated job duties,  is your medical information organized so that you can provide it if needed, can you explain any disability for which you are seeking job accommodations, are there work hours that best meet your needs, is your appearance current, should you loose some weight.

• Financial: what is the minimum income that you need, what benefits do you need, can you afford to relocate, what is the going rate for the job that you are seeking
• Relationships: are your family and friends supportive, are you on good terms with at least 3 former co-workers and 3 peers that can serve as references for you.  
• Leisure activities: can be used to demonstrate leadership skills, personal qualities, networking opportunities
• Spiritual activities:  will help you stay focused and motivated with your career transition.  Do you share your spiritual believes with those that are going to be your primary emotional supports during this time?

Take the time, to review how you are doing in these areas.  Consider how your ideal life would be, how would you change your life, what would you leave the same and why would you make these decisions.  Try not to blame problems in your vocational life for problems in other aspects of your life.

For daily job search information Tweet me @CYCWC  and for more information on balancing you life please, contact me at 402.965.1496 or chartingyourcoursewithcoaching@gmail.com. 

Fit For Duty?

      As a Baby Boomer,  we are are standing at the corner of  Coronary Disease Drive and Cancer Alley waiting for the Diabetes Type II bus.  It is a standing joke, that we check the obituaries on a regular basis to make sure that our name isn't in it.  When you add the stress of underemployment or unemployment, caring for aging parents and children that are unable to leave home, life can really seem overwhelming and/or depressing.   So what does this have to do with your job search?   Plenty!

      Our physical and mental health impacts the way we approach the job search process.  If we have health issues, your baggage  includes: having the stamina to perform the job, explain gaps in employment, qualifying for health or life insurance, need for time off, obtaining accommodations and disclosing information about yourself.   Your physical health does affect your mental health.  Several medical conditions ie hypothyroidism can affect your memory, concentration and emotional stability.  Other conditions, such as diabetes, and arthritis can result in chronic pain, which impacts your memory and can contribute to feelings of depression.  The net result is that you might be reluctant to apply for work because you are not certain that you will be able to perform all of the job demands.  You could be apprehensive about learning new material because you realize that your mental acuity is slipping.  

      In this day and age of drug testing, you are going to have concerns about taking medication.  Driving and operating machinery should not be done with many prescription and over the counter medications.   Disclosing information about the need for medication on the job is a source of stress for several reasons.  Requesting work accommodation is embarrassing and conflicts with our sense of work ethic because we do not appear ill.  Secondly, we often forget that perform certain activities (ie operating heavy machinery) are contra-indicated until there is an accident and the issue of liability has to be addressed.  Many people assume, that they will be left twisting in the wind if it becomes known that they were performing a task that was against medical advice.  Finally, we came of age in a time, when it was expected to have a drink with your co-workers on payday.  Imbibing alcohol is contra-indicated with many medications especially those for hypertension while  some drugs scan amplify the effects of alcohol so we become intoxicated sooner.  So how do you explain your drinking situation to yourself, friends and co-workers?

      The final insult to our middle age pride comes in the area of sexuality.  Yes, we came into our own during the age of Aquarius.  We knew about the pill and free love.  However, this does not mean that we will readily share our sexual exploits with someone that is young enough to be our child even if they are the human resources representative.  In other words, who wants to tell someone that looks like their kid that they now have to take medication for erectile dysfunction?  Again a physical condition, now is a source of emotional turmoil at work. 

       As a career coach, I can not give a one size fits all solution to this dilemma.   The first step is to have an open and honest conversation with your health care provider.  If you have been unemployed for a prolonged period you might be dependent upon a clinic for services and do not have the luxury of developing a relationship.  In that case, consult you religious or community center to determine if they have a nurse or medical social worker with whom you could discuss your concerns.  They can advocate for you should there be any questions about your treatment regimen at work.  Educate yourself about your medical condition and discuss your concerns with your union representative or human resources department prior to  being selected for random drug testing or other mandatory situation.  Know your rights and responsibilities by consulting the licensing board for your industry as well the state employment office.  Make sure you take your medication as prescribed.  Try to gain the support of your family and friends. 

      Being fit for duty, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act does not mean that you have to be able to perform every element of the job.  You only need to be able to perform the essential duties.  The number of medical conditions that are covered by this legislation as well as by the EEOC is extensive.  You can go to their websites to determine if you are protected under either bill. 

Back to the future.

      Every where you go, people are talking about their reunions.  Elementary, high school, college even the military groups are having reunions this time of the year.  Are you going?  Is it going to be an online reunion or in person?  Being unemployed or underemployed does not justify being absent.  This might be the best networking opportunity that you may have all year.  
     People change.  One look at your yearbook photos, will let you know that you have changed.  Physical appearance is not the only thing that has been modified by time.  The class jerk might been a manager in a Fortune 500 company.  Loners may be involved in relationships with very influential people.  So how do you impress them without appearing desperate or needy?  
      Take a deep breath and relax.  Most likely, you will not be the only person in the room that is looking for work.  Your goal is not to get hired at the reunion but to reconnect with old friends, because being recommended for a job by an employee of the company is one of the best ways to cut through red tape and get an interview.  Ask your friends about their lives and don't forget to ask about people that are not present.  Absentees could have work obligations that prevented them from attending.  Talk about yourself but really focus on what other people are doing.  Not just their current position but how they made the transition from school or the military into that position.  Let them know that their story is very interesting and that you would like to talk with them some more.  Be sure to work the room and talk with everyone including teachers.
      Follow-up is critical.   You need to call people within a week of the event.  Now is not the time to tell them that you are unemployed and want their help.  You are developing relationships by conducting informational interviews.  During your conversations reveal your strengths by relating experiences that demonstrate your abilities but continue to focus on the other person.  Find out their career plans, information about their industry as well as their company.  Be really interested in them and focus on cultivating a relationship because asking too early in the game will alienate the person. They will feel used and/or manipulated.  Your objective is gain a mentor not create an enemy.  When you present your circumstances, let them know that you value this relationship and would like them to be your confidant and an advisor.   Again, you are not asking them to give you a job just advise.  They could proofread your resume or cover letters.  Ask them to be a reference for you on LinkedIn and/or if your could join their LinkedIn group or be friends on Facebook.  Naturally, if you realize that this is not someone that you would as a mentor, you have the option to ask them to recommend you to someone that could serve in that capacity or just let the relationship die.     
     A business card is a resume so be sure to circulate your card and collect others. It has your name, contact information and something about your professional qualifications.  Tactfully list your qualifications by including your degree (B.S.,  M.B.A, etc) or a generic job title under your name.  If you have a or Facebook page or website include it but only if it is strictly for business. Sites like http://www.vistaprint.com/ can make quality cards for very little money very quickly.  Jot notes on the back of business card for talking points when you do your follow-up calls.
     Is your reunion online, take this opportunity to demonstrate your computer skills.  Volunteer to establish a Facebook page, website or broadcast on Tweeter.  Post pictures and connect these sites to other places of interest to the group. 
    You can't undo the past but you act in the present and have faith in tomorrow.  The downside of any reunion is knowing that you were a jerk and/or voted most likely to go to jail, people will remember you.  Accept the fact, that you acted in a manner that was not socially acceptable when you were a student.  Apologize if it is appropropriate but keep moving.  Don't waste time and energy trying to get the sympathy vote by telling everyone how abused you were at home, even if you were abused.  You want people to know that you have changed for the better.  Focus on two or three strengths and stories that demonstrate these abilities.  If you clearly, offended or injured someone then arrange to meet with them in the future to apologize and make amends.  This will demonstrate that you have really changed for the better.  If people, retell stories about you from the past, update the endings by adding "lessons learned"  statement.  This will give your an opportunity to relate how that experience helped you to grow and who helped your development.  
    Regardless of your current circumstances or the issues that brought to this position take the time to connect with your past.  Who knows your future might be there.

Is age a factor in your job search?

     Recently, I have heard several people complain that their age is a factor in their ability to obtain employment, climb the cooperate ladder or relate to their co-workers.  The usual retort is "you are only as old as you feel' or "age is just a number" however, these statements don't make you feel better.  An article in the The Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ dated 12-22-10) listed 21 obsolete items which included VCRs, Dial up Internet, CDs, landlines phones, and fax machines.  As a baby boomer, we remember when these items were the state of the art.  However, there are things that are now obsolete that will impact your job search. 
      Consider, your job search.  In the old days, everyone checked the classified ads in the Sunday paper.  Today, you go to craigslist, or the company's online job board.  You don't mail or fax your resume  but complete one online or email it to potential employers.  Researching potential employers required the use of the telephone book, encyclopedias, directories, and catalogs.  Today, a Google search can provide a wealth of information.  You could also do a blog search and  consult Face book.
       The intangible qualities (ie being organized, responsible) that everyone promoted and office skills (ie typing and the ability to use office equipment such as the  fax or copier) were standard questions.  These skills are obsolete.  Time management is automated because your smart phone has a calendar function that can integrate both your personal and business activities and provide you with reminders.  No reason to request directions to the office for the interview because you can rely on the negation function on your phone.  Your knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Power Point and Excel) are the skills of today.  So how do you disclose your age on your resume or in your cover letter?

1. Did you type or hand write it?  These are both No Nos! Please take a course at the local community college or State employment office to learn how to use a computer.
2. Did you mention any of the afore mentioned obsolete items ie fax machine?  
3. Check your spelling and vocabulary?  Terms, phrases, spelling have changed.  Are you using terminology that is obsolete or unique to your previous employer?  If you need help, ask a young person to proofread your letter and resume.  If they don't understand a term or phrase, most likely your interviewer will not either.
4.  Addresses:  Companies like people move.  Are you using an address, phone number or email address that is dated and no longer valid?  Take the time to confirm this information.  If the site you worked at is now closed ask them how should it be listed. 
5. Phone numbers and email address:  Your employer may not have physically moved but they might have relocated in cyber space.  Include the area code and check the number.  You may want to include the extension rather than have someone have to travel the menu tree.  Get the email address of previous employers.  
6. Position titles:  positions could be consolidated or renamed.  Should someone contact a previous employer, the new HR person might not be familiar with the title you held.  Ask them would is the current title and use it or explain the position in your cover letter. 

Thank you letters are not obsolete however, please email their thank you notes.  Don't waste time writing a letter.  Post your response immediately.  Remember to ask for the interviewer's business card so that you can have the correct address. 

How did they know that?

You have been on job interviews and they seem really interested in you but you don't get the offer. Ask yourself why?  There could be a number reasons that you don't get an offer.  Perhaps, they found a better candidate or they cancelled the position or did they find something in your background? 

You need to be very proactive when addressing information that potential employers could obtain.  First, what are your references, former employers and co-workers saying about you.  Secondly what is on the Internet about you.  Third, what does your credit rating say.  Finally, address the negativity.

Always contact your references so that they know who will be calling and inform them about the position being sought.  Determine if there is number and/or time that would be more suitable for them to be contacted.  Remember, if your reference does not seem professional the value of their endorsement will be reduced.  Remind them of situations that they can use to emphasize your character.  Confirm the contact number for previous employers and verify the type of information that they will provide.  Most HR departments will only confirm dates and positions held at a company.  This will not support your claims of being an outstanding employee so be able to document any statements you make to your potential employer about yourself.  Offer to provide this documentation when you do your thank you letter.  Be prepared to demonstrate your work history with awards, newspaper announcements, performance appraisals even tax statements (ie documenting bonuses)  but have documentation. There is an old saying "put your money where your mouth is"   If your credit rating is poor, your may not qualify for certain positions.  Address this issue by telling the potential employers the truth, your credit rating is at an all time low, due to your prolonged unemployment or illness and that you are working with your creditors to correct this situation.  You want the employer to know that you are a financially responsible individual.  "Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.' - if you had co-worker(s) that do not fall in the 'friend' category, you may want to know where they are currently working because they could be a source of negative information about you. Don't assume the supervisor or HR asked them for a reference because some haters just love to sling mud and will volunteer their opinion without solicitation.  Do everything possible to resolve your issues prior to the interview.  If this isn't possible then perhaps you might consider not working at that company. If you are a social butterfly, clean up your site(s), voice mail, and ask your friends to help you.  If there is something truly horrible about you on the Internet and you believe that it will be uncovered then you need to acknowledge it, confirm the validity of it, and notify potential employers of any legal action that you might be taking to correct the situation ie you were the victim of identity theft.  In the worst case scenario, blame it on the stupidity of being young but never blame your "friends" alcohol or drugs for poor judgement because this will say more about you than any picture.  Make sure that the interviewer knows that you have matured and you will enhance the company's image.

If you are positive that none these issues were factors, then request a post interview.  This should be done by your career coach or counselor from employment services not you.  The goal of this interview is to learn how to present yourself better for your next job interview.

If you would like help with your job seeking skills or need someone to make a post interview call for your, please call me for a free consultation.    

And the question is ...

To be or not to be unemployed, that is the question.  Whether it is better to suffer the pitiful stares of friends and family or to take arms against the sea of questions regarding your source of income?  Hamlet was mourning the loss of his father and his identity (son) while the loss of employment represents the loss of income and the identity.  This identity includes income provider, head of household, job title, and possibly a career.  Like Hamlet you are facing a dilemma because you are processing grief.  The question that needs to be answered is - Do you disclose your work situation or not?

Disclosure is the best way to cope with the natural desire to deny being unemployed.  Grief has four stages: denial, anger, negotiation and acceptance.  Each stage is transversed in sequence and can be revisited if emotional prompts are present.  Control when, where and to whom you make initial disclosures.  You need to be open and honest with your family, close friends, financial advisers and most importantly yourself about your situation.  This honesty will help you stay focused and ask questions about benefits, severance packages and gain financial/emotional support during this difficult time.  Given the current economy, most people understand your situation and will be supportive.  This does not mean that there won’t be “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” from concerned family members or friends but the best way to handle them is with a good offense.  You know these people so anticipate their questions and reactions. 

Anger can be directed at others or yourself.  Consider feelings of agitation, discomfort, jealousy, and annoyance when people attempt to provide assistance or advise as indicators that you are in the anger stage.  You might manifest your anger by yelling, screaming, or crying.  Being part of a support group could help ventilate feelings without the emotional fallout.  Many job clubs and state employment offices offer this type of assistance.  The opportunity to vent frustration about your job search and feelings of betrayal by your previous employer is a form of disclosure which could help avoid being overtaken by your negative emotions or engaging in self-destructive behavior.

Hamlet’s soliloquy is an eloquent examinable on how stressful negotiating with oneself can be.  Attempts to define who you are and where you are going will result in many, many hours or debate with yourself.  Monitoring how you talk to yourself during this process is critical to your success.  Why?  The phenomena of self fulfilling prophesy is at work.  If you keep saying “I am unemployed.” you will stay unemployed.  You have a job!  Your job is to discover new options for yourself.  You job is to redefine yourself.  Your job is to explore alternative careers.  Your job is to explore new life styles.  Your job is on hold, while you take a ‘sabbatical’. You job is to preserve your heritage, by caring for an elderly relative.  Your job is to be a role model for your children.  There are many ways in which you define your current life style without focusing on the negative.  There are 5 other aspects to your life which should provide the positive energy to maintain the infrastructure necessary for your life to maintain its shape. 

Accepting your situation does not mean the death of your problems.  There will always be issues in life.  The trick is maintaining the integrity of your infrastructure.  Know your core values, establish and pursue goals, routinely reassess your situation and consider alternatives and look at other parts of your life for inspiration.

The major aspects of your life are: Professional, Financial, Health/Wellness, Spiritual, Emotional and Relationships.  Life coaching could help you understand the relationship between these areas, clarify your values, establish and track your progress towards your goals.  Contact me at 402.965.1496

Staying Positive While Changing Careers

       A very useful tool, to stay motivated while changing careers is to read biographies of successful people.  “Miracles Happen” by Mary Kay Ash describes her life and the issues she had to address in order to launch Mary Kay Cosmetics.  She faced discrimination and her share of family drama.  However, rather than becoming complacent or despondent, she made a decision to be somebody.  “Miracles Happen” is full of vignettes that stress the importance of faith in you, a kind word, networking and servant leadership.  Mary Kay Ash is a terrific example on how to reinvent youself. 

      So how did, Mary Kay Ash reinvent herself?  First, she had to be honest with herself.  This means she had to critically assess her situation and recognize both the good and bad.  She had to identify what works and what was a waste of resources.  Secondly, she set priorities and developed a plan.  Third, she worked long and hard on her plan while being enthusiastic.  Does this sound overwhelming?  Complicated?    Exhausting?  You are absolutely right! 

       Mary Kay Ash lived by simple rules that anyone can adopt.  Her priorities were clear – first God, then family and then career.  She lived her motto which is the Golden Rule, or treat others as you would like to be treated.  She surrounded herself with positive, supportive people that shared her values and work ethic.  She was not afraid to ask for help.  She kept her word.  She had a vision and broke into smaller achievable steps and she celebrated these achievements.   None of these concepts are novel but they are very easy to break when things get difficult. 

     One of the primary reasons, she established Mary Kay Ash Cosmetics was to empower women while they balanced work, family and civic obligations.   Yes, she recognized the need to make sacrifices at times however, it was imperative to maintain balance in your life.   This takes insight and discipline.  Is your life in balance?  Do you know what your values and priorities are?  Do you have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish?  If you answered no to any of these questions, then you should consider obtaining life or career transition coaching.  Call me at 402.965.1496 for a complimentary session.   

Networking during the holidays.

The holidays present terrific opportunities for you to network.  You have a built in excuse to contact former employers, co-workers, classmates, military buddies and extended family.  However, have you considered how religious and cultural events could help you expand your network?

      From November to February there are a plethora of cultural and religious activities that are sponsored by colleges, museums, religious and civic organizations not to mention bookstores, grocery stores and wine galleries that are designed to enlighten the public.  The costs of these events are usually free or minimal.  By attending events that are not reflective of your heritage, you increase your chances of meeting someone that you don’t know as well as demonstrating your ability to function in the global market.  The newspaper and library will have information about public events for Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Feast of the Three Kings, Ramadan and Chinese New Year.  Your goal should be to attend at least one event every day.

      So how can you take advantage of these networking opportunities?  Holiday networking is like speed dating.  Prepare for these events, by learning a little about the sponsoring organization, identify key people that should be in attendance that you want to meet and learn the purpose of the celebration.  This information will also help you determine how you should dress.  Have 5 to 10 questions designed to keep the conversation light, interesting and moving.  If possible, practice using your questions so that you will feel comfortable.  You can chat up people in the buffet line and during intermissions.  Knowing a few key phrases in the language that will be used will impress people.  Just like in speed dating, you are only making the initial contact and will follow-up with an actual date.

    Focus on your potential “date” by listening attentively.  Ask questions about them, their reason for attending and the role their company plays in these events.  Do not linger with one person; because they came to have fun and you came to meet people.  Before you end the conversation, exchange business cards and let the person know that you would like to talk with them again.

     Personal business cards should be no more than four lines.  The purpose of the card is for your contact to remember you and reach you.  If you plan to introduce yourself as Bob then list that name rather than Robert on the card.  Do not assume the person will make the connection because they might have been drinking or focused on other issues while you spoke.  Your phone number and email should be listed.  Credentials can be tactfully included i.e. Bob Smith, BSW.  Jot notes about the person/event on the back of their card.  You can also do this on the back of blank cards.  Invest in a nice card case and pen in order to make a professional impression. 

     Just like in dating, the sooner you make that follow-up call the more likely the other person will consider you a serious contender.  Remind them who you are and where you met before asking for an appointment.   You are requesting an informational interview in order to get to know their company better.  Expecting a job interview is akin to expecting a marriage proposal after the first date, so go slow.

     As a life coach, I encourage people to balance all aspects of their life.  Networking during the holidays should not take you away from your family.  Many activities are designed for families with children, so feel free to make this a family event but make sure your children are a positive reflection of you.  They should be well behaved and not ill.  Relax and have fun but getting intoxicated is a definite no-no.  For obvious reasons, avoid eating foods that are dripping sauce, could affect your breath or stick in your teeth.  Times are hard but be prepared to make a donation.  Ask for a receipt for your taxes, this will put you on their mailing list as well as give you a deduction.  One thing, that all of these religious and cultural events have in common, is  the concept of gratitude and hope for the future; I want to encourage you to embrace this positive energy.  If you want more information or would like help preparing for holiday networking call or email me.