The REAL Unemployment Rate (it is not what the news tells you)

The REAL Unemployment Rate (it is not what the news tells you) I hate reports of the unemployment rate.  They are lies, usually. Check out this post from Bill Humbert on  RecruitingBlogs.com to understand the unemployment rate. Check out my commentary on it at Career-Resumes. Heres a visual Bill says the government reports an unemployment rate that is just part of the picture (U3).  The real unemployment rate, he says, is a few lines down (U6). (click image for original source) Of course, the reality is if you are unemployed, your PERSONAL unemployment rate is 100%. The REAL Unemployment Rate (it is not what the news tells you) I hate reports of the unemployment rate.  They are lies, usually. Check out this post from Bill Humbert on  RecruitingBlogs.com to understand the unemployment rate. Check out my commentary on it at Career-Resumes. Heres a visual Bill says the government reports an unemployment rate that is just part of the picture (U3).  The real unemployment rate, he says, is a few lines down (U6). (click image for original source) Of course, the reality is if you are unemployed, your PERSONAL unemployment rate is 100%.

How to Tell the Story of Your Personal Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

How to Tell the Story of Your Personal Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Jack Harts recently published Storycraft: The Complete Guide to Writing Narrative Nonfiction can take your ability to tell the story of your personal brand to a whole new level. Less than a week after its publication, Storycraft is already an Amazon Top 100 book in its category! Must-read for brand-building success Storycraft is must read for entrepreneurs, Internet marketers, career-driven recent college graduates, job seekers, and career changers. Storycraft takes the mystery out of writing narrative nonfictionthe type of writing thats necessary for building strong emotional bonds with readers, telling stories about personal brands in compelling, memorable ways. Facts are not enough Storycraft is important because it takes more than factsfactual information about your education, previous jobs, expertise, and intereststo compete with everyone else who is seeking the job, clients, or prospects you want for yourself. To stand out from the competition and create an emotional resonance with prospective clients or employers, you need to: Capture their interest by setting the stage for a believable story your prospect can identify with. Maintain their interest the same way timeless literature, bestselling books, and Hollywood movies doby describing an obstacle, overcoming the obstacle, and sharing the lessons revealed by the struggle. Provide details and descriptions that put readers into the unfolding action, ensuring that the story will be remembered and recalled. Humans are hard-wired to respond to, and remember, storiesas opposed to bullet-points or pie-charts. Brain scans and MRIs reveal a story center in the brain thats excited when individuals experience stories, opening neural paths to other parts of the brain. A book that took 30 years to write For decades, Jack Hart was writing coach and managing editor of the Oregonian. As a writing coach of a daily newspaper, Jack Hart helped reporters consistently deliver excellence and meet their deadlines, as described in his first book, A Writers Coach: The Complete Guide to Writing Strategies that Work. Equally important, for over 30 years, Jack Hart was directly involved with several Pulitzer-prize winning stories that generated unprecedented reader response. By analyzing what readers said about these stories of everyday people, and the challenges they endured, Jack Hart gained a deep understanding of how and why some stories have such a powerful impact on readers. How youll benefit from reading Storycraft After reading Storycraft, youll have a new understanding of: Story basics. Youll learn the vocabulary of storytelling and the strategies and tools used to arouse reader interest and keep readers engaged. Youll be able to use tools like story arc and plot points to construct your brand-building story. Recognition. After youve read Storycraft, youll read, listen, and view stories with more appreciation and understanding of how the article, book, movie, or broadcast was created. Whether youre listening to Ira Glass This American Life, watching Cops!, or rereading Moby Dick, youll experience it with greater appreciation. Universals. Its important to emphasize that Storycraft is about the universal elements of story-telling success. It will help you tell your story in a variety of media, including blog posts, background statements, podcasts, and YouTube videos. You may never want or need to write a best-selling novel or narrative nonfiction book. But, knowing how to do it can provide the tipping point you need to re-evaluate your ability to convincingly tell the story of your personal brand, and how you help others achieve more success. About: Roger C. Parker will interview Storycraft author Jack Hart on August 16, 2011. This will be Rogers 106th Published Profitables author interview.

How to Engage with Thought Leaders on Social

How to Engage with Thought Leaders on Social Recently I was asked: “How do you engage with social influencers or thought leaders and actually spark conversation and engagement?” Well, as a Recruiter I often use social media to engage with candidates and clients. So, to no surprise I often use social media to engage with influencers via Facebook, Twitter LinkedIn or Instagram. How? Well, let’s first start with What is a social media thought leader? Anyone who you feel has succeeded at building an audience and credibility within your industry on various social media platforms. Why connect with social media thought leaders? A common reason as to why I reach out partly curiosity. Usually a thought leaders curiosity creates more opportunities for themselves and their organization most influencers then share that curiosity with their followers. Influencers also often talk about about the value of doing what they love. So, when it comes to reaching out to thought leaders, this couldn’t ring more true to what I’m interested in learning about too doing what I love sourcing recruiting! How to connect with social media thought leaders? Creating new connections is important when reaching [especially for the first time] if you do nothing but plug your own stuff [i.e. I need advice on OR tell me how you implemented that], influencers will instantly be turned off and un-fan/unfollow or ignore you. Think about it like this, in most cases, you can’t get to know someone in a few days. While there are a few exceptions to this, most relationships take time to develop, thus engagement can take some time as well. So, if efforts to engage fall short don’t sweat it! Many of us [including influencers] are deprived of time. Here are some tips on how to engage with social media thought leaders 1) Find your influencer Determine the people who are influential to you and your industry. Tip 1 : I follow influencers that actively post valuable information, resources, tips and have also taken part in speaking events and/or conferences. Tip 2: I usually plug myself into Facebook groups and discussions easy to start an engaging conversation with influencers. At the same time you can also engage with influencers on social media by sharing an article and providing an opinion or thought on something they have recently posted. 2) Share, Like Repeat We now know the foundation to building an effective influencer relationship starts with engagement just pick the appropriate channel that meshes with your brand, image, role or purpose. Tip: This includes sharing tweets and/or blog posts. Keep in mind influencers may write articles on various websites -it’s important to mention their handle and/or name when sharing content. 3) What to write? The most important tip above any other is to make sure that if you do decide to reach out directly to your choice of influencer take time to read about their work and their latest posts on social media demonstrate a  common interest. Note: every person I reach out to I reach out to a bit differently there is no step-by-step manual on this; however, here a few tips I can provide to help with the initial conversation. Ensure when writing your message make the outreach genuine AND don’t forget to introduce who you are (if they don’t know you). Here is an example of a social influencer I reached out to one month ago: “Hi _____, My name is Angela I’m a Recruiter [specializing in Technology] with Recruiting Social. I had to drop you a quick note here after reading your Facebook post on your challenges and successes throughout your career in IT recruitment. It’s nice to see someone who is at your level discuss the obstacles but also the fun perks in working in the IT industry. I appreciate the tips you provided on how to manage time! Hopefully we will be able to cross paths soon!” The influencer’s response: “Hey Angela I appreciate your message. I wouldnt have the opportunities I do without the obstacles I’ve faced. Glad you found the tips helpful! Let me know if I can be of any help in your recruitment journey as well!” One thing that is definite, online networks will continue to help us connect in more effective ways, collaborating with and inspiring each other. 4)  Connect with intent. Many would assume that the first place you’d connect with influencers would be on LinkedIn true BUT even though LinkedIn is a professional social network make sure you put some context into why you’d like to connect. Tip: avoid the “looking to expand my  professional network” message. 5) If all goes well? If you catch your intended influencer’s attention, great! Just remember recommendation = appreciation. One of the most amazing ways to support your influencer for their time, advice and mentorship, is to provide a recommendation whether that be in the form of a letter, email or a recommendation on LinkedIn. You’ll discover what techniques work best for you, these are merely tips and examples to use in your social-savvy approach with influencers.

How to Work When You Dont Feel Like It - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

How to Work When You Don’t Feel Like It - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Everybody has days when they don’t feel like working but still there are tasks that need to be completed and bosses expect the same productivity every day from their employees. Also, being productive and accomplishing things is very fulfilling and nobody wants to waste their time for nothing. Therefore, when you feel like you don’t want to do anything, implement the below suggestions which will help you get back to your work. Give Yourself a Reward before You Begin: Motivation is very important when you start a new task. Therefore, increase your dopamine level by rewarding yourself with a nice dessert or your favorite coffee or with a short comedy video. Organize Your Workspace: Make sure your workspace is organized before you begin on a new task. If not, clean out all the unnecessary papers and stationary. In this way, you don’t lose your focus when you start working on your task. Listen to Some Music: Try to relax and refresh your mind to get ready. Listen to classical or jazz music to soothe your soul. Also, if you can, open the window and let the fresh air in. Fresh oxygen will help your brain work better. Start Small: Divide your main task into smaller tasks. This will help you manage your work better and as a result, you can measure your achievement as you easily complete your tasks one by one. Completing smaller tasks will also motivate you to start off others and so, finish the whole project. Do it with Friends: Increase your motivation by collaborating with other people. Remember those school days when you used to group study with your classmates. The same holds for work as well. If you have a teammate or a coworker who can help you by giving inputs or who can motivate you, then, work with this person. Daydream Your Success: Shut your eyes for a few minutes and daydream about your future success. Studies have proved that this can actually increase your motivation. Thus, you can start off your work with more determination. Just Do It: As Nike says, just do it. Ignore everything else around you, just do the work! Don’t forget that beginning is half finishing so stop wasting your time and focus on the task. Get moving as soon as possible and you will realize that beginning is actually much easier than you think.

10 Proven Steps to Get Out of the Boring Herd

10 Proven Steps to Get Out of the Boring Herd Photo Credit â€" Pexels.comSuccessful people find a way to distance themselves from the boring herd of individuals who are like everyone else in some way, shape or form. As a result, they get noticed and are given opportunities that their “same” brethren are never exposed to.Here are 10 critical steps to take to separate yourself from the herd and establish a brand that is distinctive, unique and unmatched by anyone else.1. Always be looking to do every task with your own personal twist. evalYour objective is to establish this approach as an involuntary response whenever you are given a problem to solve or an opportunity to pursue. Just having the notion top of mind to add your own signature to everyone you touch will lead you in the right direction.2. Purge copyingfrom your beingThis is tough because it’s almost second nature to benchmark best in class and apply best practices.We have been conditioned to believe that we are better off when we follow the best in the herd. Nonse nse. All we have done is temporarily change our position in it.3. Observe what others are doing and do the oppositeAmazing results are achieved by contrarianacts.4. Learn to focus on the critical few things you need to be successfulIt’s so tempting to chase the possibilities that are out there but the problem is that you are busy but ineffective in delivering quality results. Standout people are “mindlessly” focused on a few critical thingsthat are not on anyone else’s radar.5. Eliminate the barriers that get in the way of your ability to focus on your key prioritiesHolding on to the things that make you comfortablemay satisfy your appetite but it won’t enable your quest to stand-out from the herd.6. Hook up with weird peopleIf you’re going to seek stimulation from others, lean in to people who don’t follow the rulesand have “off the wall” views.7. Be the first to take on new projectsevalPut your hand up to take on challenges that have not been addressed by anyone before; make it part of your brand.8. Loosen up on preparing your planTighten up on how you intend to execute it.Most people think the value is in the plan; don’t go with them.Jump in to the messy inelegant world of implementationwhere results get delivered.evalAmazing people get stuff done; they don’t sit around pondering possibilities.9. Be imperfectas often as you can. While others are seeking the impossible dream of perfection, successful people are achieving results.10. Recover when you make a mistake And you will, that’s what execution artists do.Fix your mistake (because that’s what people expect) and surprise them with something they DON’T expect.You will be remembered for your risk taking and brilliance of recovery. Your mistake will quickly be forgotten.There is no scientific formula to get you out of the herd of commonality but these 10 steps will do the job.

8 Ways To Be A Stronger Communicator

8 Ways To Be A Stronger Communicator Becoming a stronger communicator positively impacts your success whether you are an aspiring leader or in a support role. Communication is more than the words you use. Its how and when you choose to share information. Its your body language and the tone and quality of your voice. Communication is complex and this is exactly why you want to begin improving yours today. Here are some tips to get started on your way to becoming a stronger communicator. Know  What You Want the Outcome To Be Before you begin planning what you will say in an upcoming meeting, consider what you want the outcome of your communication to be. What actions do you want others to take? How will you move people? Thats the term used in Daniel Pink’s To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others.  Pink contends that  we are all in sales today. “Whether we’re employees pitching colleagues on a new idea, entrepreneurs enticing funders to invest or parents and teachers cajoling children to study, we spend our days trying to move others.” Build Your Professional Reputation Internally Externally In the workplace, other peoples perceptions of you dont form based on a single encounter. But never forget how valuable a good first impression is! In order to gain respect and be seen as a trusted authority, eager team member or dedicated employee, you will need to  build your reputation  over time. Every interaction, from how you greet your co-workers in the morning to how you summarize a status update in an email, contributes to how people view you. Hold Back On Flaunting Your Intellect or Usurping Power Adept communicators don’t strong-arm people into paying attention or dazzle listeners by showing off how much they know. Leave your ego at the door when speaking to people. Establish an even playing field, and place yourself at the same level as your listeners. Avoid a condescending tone of voice and terminology your audience will not immediately understand. While you may be the smartest, most knowledgeable person on a particular topic, wait for the invitation to share your expertise. Be Confident A wimpy response isnt going to gain the recognition or support you desire. Confidence is queen when it comes to effective communication. Masterful communicators use strong action verbs, avoid filler words, such as um’ or ‘ah, look people in the eye and sit or stand up straight when called on to speak. Show Awareness  and Sensitivity Shoving your great ideas or accomplishments down listeners throats wont work. Building relationships is part of the communication process and is key to your success in conveying your message. Your goal is to understand what is important to your manager, colleagues, clients and co-workers. You also want to factor in their feelings and opinions on the topic or issue in order to craft a message that resonates with them, rather than put them on the defensive or upset them. Your message should imply concern for others. As the saying goes, walk a mile in their shoes to understand whats important to the people you are communicating with. Consider Your Timing There is a time and a place for everything. When you are aware of the events or emotional state of those you are communicating with, you can improve the timing of your message. Appropriate timing means you have taken the person and occasion into consideration and know when to share your message. Master the Art of Listening The most adept communicators are experts at listening and reading between the lines. Mastering the art of listening isn’t easy. You will most likely feel tempted to share your own insights, opinions or assumptions while listening to someone. Avoid commentary or interjecting. Instead, ask open-ended follow-up questions. This provides evidence that you are hearing and listening to the person. It shows your respect for the person speaking and for the information they are sharing. Practicing good listening skills will help you gain the respect of those you encounter. Earn Respect and Trust Earning respect and trust from your colleagues, managers and customers doesnt happen automatically. Your title and role don’t give you any special privileges. If you work hard to exceed expectations and deliver with integrity, you are on your way to establishing the right to be trusted. Consistently repeat these steps to earn the right to be heard. Take Action: Develop Your Communication Skills All these things probably sound familiar. Youve read them before. What you really want is concrete help. You want the quick fix to become a stronger communicator. There are thousands of books on the topic of communication. These self-help books can arm you with more insight and tools to improve your understanding of the intricacies of communication, but there is nothing as powerful as practicing what you learn. Heres how to develop your communication skills: Learn from Mentors Enlist help from managers or leaders you respect. These mentors can provide constructive feedback and real-time coaching. Who do you turn to for advice? Do you have a mentor? Read  more here. Watch TED Talks Learn how to present by watching  innovative thinkers  featured in TED Talks. In 18 minutes or less, these videos capture presentations of great communicators. Since 2006, TED has been hosting conferences and events centered around science, technology, business, culture, art and design to share  â€"  as TED puts it  â€"  â€œIdeas Worth Spreading.” Here is more information on  Ted Talks. Join Toastmasters International Join a Toastmasters club, and build your skills in a “learn-by-doing” meeting. Toastmasters International has been around 90 years helping members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills. Attend a Dale Carnegie program Attend  one of Dale Carnegie’s well-known leadership development programs, which are based on his legendary book, “How to Win Friends Influence People.” According to the Dale Carnegie Training website, these programs teach you how to: strengthen interpersonal relationships, manage stress and handle fast-changing workplace conditions. The description continues: Youll develop more effective communication skills and be better equipped to perform as a persuasive communicator, problem-solver and focused leader. And youll develop a take-charge attitude initiated with confidence and enthusiasm.” Originally posted on US News World Report On Careers

Encinitas, Colorado Resume Writing Service

Encinitas, Colorado Resume Writing ServiceThe whole thing about choosing the right resume writing service Encinitas, Colorado is that the candidates must look for a professional service provider that will not only give them a proper resume but also check that it contains nothing about their criminal background. The candidate will want to do the checking first before deciding to hire any company for resume writing services.Resume writing services are not a new concept; it has been around since the time when people started using it as an easy way to get hired. Of course, the quality of resume writing has gone up with the advancement of technology and the introduction of online resume services. Today, these companies offer employment solutions to busy working professionals.Before you can start your search for a service provider, make sure that he has a state license. Not every company has this but it is highly recommended for the applicants to ensure that the firm you choose is legitima te. You will find a lot of them claiming that they are the best and will offer a customized solution and services but most of them are just scam artists trying to cheat you out of your hard earned money.Your goal for finding a good resume writing service is to get an accurate job placement at a good salary. This will help you save a lot of time and effort to find the right company that will offer quality services. An individual who has a good resume written for him will certainly get the job and will do a better job than the one who has a bad resume written for him.With this, it is imperative to find the right company for your needs. If you have a short time to search for a resume writing service, you can use the Internet to find several of them at a time and then compare their services.Compare them to make sure that you are getting the best and the cheapest price. Even though you cannot avoid paying for this service, it is still better if you will be able to get the best results in the least amount of time. If you are unable to find any company in the area, you may consider using the services of a professional to get the job and will save yourself from wasting time.A resume writing service that can provide you with a customized application to include in your cover letter and resume will surely save you a lot of time. A personalized application will increase your chances of getting the job and thus you will be saved from spending a lot of time researching on the Internet. Even though you may find several of them online, it is advisable to get in touch with a few of them to see if you get the same service as they are offering.You will be able to compare the services and the prices as well as decide what one would suit your budget. If you are applying for a job in a particular location, you can ask the companies which ones they have found.