Coach'm Up Boni

I sent out my ship today.  In Chellie Campbell’s book, The Wealthy Spirit, which I love and have read many times, she talks about sending out ships and acting in the direction of your dreams.  Envision these ships coming back to your shore full of treasure.  The ship can take the form of a sales call, sending out a resume, volunteering in your desired profession, or pitching your show or book.  This is difficult to do because you don’t know when your efforts will pay off.  It could be 5 days, 5 months or 5 years from now but you can’t worry about when or how you’ll receive your desired result you just have to send it out to the universe.  You have to act in good faith and follow your instincts.

This is a leap of faith and there is definitely the chance of rejection.  However, when all you do is worry about rejection, you waste valuable time.  What if your next employment opportunity is lost because you put off applying to the position you got excited about and now the posting is filled by someone else less qualified than you?  What if you lost your next customer because you waited too long to call them, while another sales person with a similar service didn’t?  While you sit frustrated and scared to put yourself out there, you are missing out on potential fruitful opportunities.  These opportunities can get you closer to reaching your dreams.

How do you know when to act?  This part is very personal because you have to listen to your internal cues.  When you have a strong feeling, whether it’s a butterfly in your stomach, an excited feeling, or a fun daydream where you envision the positive outcome of your action– you must act on it.  Dump the fear, and take the leap.  This ship can potentially become the bridge you need to carry yourself to the next level.  I sent my ship out today, will you?

Lately, it has become difficult for me to write anything.  My voice has been stifled by fear.  I have tried to create the perfect conditions to write and this has created a paralyzing procrastination.  I was afraid of not choosing the right topic, words, or tone.  I pained over every letter and when it was too hard, I quit to write another day.  Days turned into weeks and weeks into months.  Then I read an inspiring post from San Diego Momma called Building, which helped me put my fear and frustration into perspective.

Writing when it is coming from a truly personal place is supposed to be difficult and churn up many emotions.  I’m moved to write on deeper issues of my own career transition and journey as a  working mother, using my story as a real life example of my constant struggle to pursue my passion, the trials of over-extending myself, the pressure to be a great wife and mother, and the difficulty of managing a household.

I have been struggling with these issues in private but these are the exact issues women and especially working mothers are struggling with everyday and need to hear about.  Instead of focusing on answers, which are fleeting at best, I’m going to share my journey.  Perhaps it will serve others to know they are not alone.  Most of all, this is my way of putting myself first, which you all should do.  I have been running low on gas lately and it’s time to fill my own gas tank.  Make sure to check out San Diego Momma, http://sandiegomomma.com/ to see this great writer for yourself.  She is a wealth of wisdom and is winning the battle against her fears everyday.

2011 has kicked off in a very special way for me.  I had the pleasure of appearing on CT Style on Thursday January 6th and it was a wonderful experience.  Here I discuss what your online brand is and how best to start engaging.  I also provide 5 tips on using Twitter.  You will be pleased to know that 2011 will be my video blogging year.  Thank you all for your support.

Coach’m Up Boni: CT Style – WTNH.com

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR BRAND: 10 THINGS TO TRY IN 2011

By Shawn Parr, CEO of Bulldog Drummond www.BulldogDrumond.com

1. BE COURAGEOUS, OFTEN

Take bold steps to stand out from the crowd. Reflect on 2010 and look at what you did well, and what could have been different. Take courageous steps to help your brand stand out in 2011.

2. REVISIT AND REFINE YOUR PURPOSE
Take the time to look back at your mission and vision and ask if you were living it in 2010. Look for places to bring it to life with your team and explore whether you need to refine it. Remember: the words aren’t set in stone. If they’re not resonating, rewrite and revise!

3. SHUT UP AND LISTEN
There’s a lot to learn if you just take the time to listen. Make sure you ask your team for feedback, ideas and suggestions. Listen to your consumers and pay attention to research. Listen to what they have to say and act on what you’ve heard. Honest, unfiltered feedback is fuel for change.

4. FIND AN ENEMY
An enemy gives you and your team something to push against–something to challenge. An enemy inspires passion!  This year, define a clear enemy and rally your team. It could be a competitor, a trend or an element of your internal culture. No matter what it is, create a plan to beat it, share the mission with your team and go forth!

5. STRETCH AND SET SOME BIG GOALS
Set at least one wild and audacious goal for 2011–something you’ve never tried before. Outline the goal, share it with your team and challenge them to play their part in achieving it. Just don’t forget to celebrate the small victories and successes on the journey.

6. BUILD A PASSIONATE AND ENGAGED TEAM
Your most valuable resource is your people. This year, weed out those who don’t contribute and aren’t engaged. Replace them with active, passionate and energized people who will make a true difference to the rest of your team and your brand.

7. INJECT FUN INTO THE EVERYDAY
One of the best motivators for your team is a great work environment. This year, start doing small things that make your employees happy. A monthly massage for those who have put in extra hours or a weekly pot-luck for the team. Small gestures or events can make a big difference. And the benefits won’t just stop with your team – they will show through everything that your brand does. Happy people equals happy brand.

8. PLAN FOR LEARNING
This year, make a commitment and ensure your company is continually learning and is inspired by the world at large. Create a program that allows your team to take classes. Host a “learning lunch” monthly with guest speakers. Injecting new thinking into your organization will energize your team and, ultimately, benefit your brand.

9. MAKE FRIENDS WITH OTHER BRANDS
Partner brands can be your best ally–whether they’re in your space or not. This year, chart a “circle of love,” identifying brands with similar values that you’d like to partner with in 2011. Set one member of your team with a potential relationship and have them explore how to collaborate. You’ll be surprised by the results, even just the initial conversations you’ll have about your own brand.

10. SAY THANK YOU AND SHOW THAT YOU REALLY MEAN IT
And, lastly, do what your mother told you! Thanking people goes a long way to creating valued and appreciated fans–internally and externally. This year, find new ways to show you appreciate your team, your customers and your partners, in ways that truly make a difference in their lives. You’ll be surprised and delighted by the results.

Shawn Parr is the CEO of Bulldog Drummond, a design and innovation consultancy headquartered in San Diego whose clients include Starbucks, Pepsi, Jack in the Box, Adidas, MTV, Nestle, Pinkberry, Virgin, Disney, Nike and American Eagle Outfitters.

On September 30th I was interviewed by Jocelyn Maminta of WTNH, Channel 8.  Here is my interview in 3 parts.  We discussed navigating today’s job market, social media, transferable skills, and creating your personal brand.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

I had a wonderful time during the interview and hope you enjoy it!

Searching for a new job can be exciting, thrilling and frustrating all at the same time. The shift in the economy has flooded the market with new job-seekers, making the challenge of landing the right position all the more difficult. It may take several months to find the right job, so keep yourself occupied and your skills updated while you search for your new position.

Learn a new skill

When seeking your new job, it is helpful to learn new skills that will help you in the workplace. If you’re a writer, learning basic accounting can prove useful, for example. Expanding your skills in new areas shows maturity and dedication, and may even help you to land a new job.

Volunteer

Not only does volunteering help others, it also helps you. Volunteering will help to relieve the stress of the job search, while providing a valuable service to others. To further help you in your job search, consider volunteering in your career area. If you’re looking for a job as an administrative assistant, for example, consider taking a volunteer position as a receptionist at a nonprofit. Looking for a job as a firefighter? Consider volunteering at the Red Cross or as an EMT.

Network

Sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know that counts. Attend networking events, pink slip parties and social after-work events. Networking is not only a good way to meet people in your field, but a great way to release stress. Set aside one night per week to network with peers and colleagues.

Take Classes

Maybe you have a degree that you never finished, or you’ve always dreamed of going to dental school. Or maybe you just want to expand your base of knowledge. Consider taking a course or two at the local college and earning credits. You may learn a valuable new skill to use on your resume. Colleges also have great career services centers that may be able to assist you in your search.

Freelance

Have a talent that you can use to earn money? Try freelancing. Writers, graphic designers, webmasters—there are plenty of ways you can use your talents to earn money while you search for a new job. There are tons of websites that connect freelancers with clients seeking their services. Use your free time to earn cash while job seeking. Your next client may even become your next employer.

Job seeking can be tough and stressful. But you can make the most of your time between jobs. Sharpen your skills by taking a new course or two. Make a difference by volunteering. Earn a few bucks through freelance work. Your new dream job could be closer than you think.

Louise Baker blogs about getting an online degree at Zen College Life. Her most recent post looked at the best online schools.