Are you Ready for Some Football and a Job Search?

Labor Day weekend signals the end of summer and the beginning of football...oops, I mean, Fall. In the South, football is almost its own religion. Some people can quote player stats. and team standings quicker than a Bible verse.
Both men and women stay abreast of college football, high school football and the NFL. Everyone has a favorite team. Life stops when the game starts.  Now, now... I'm not criticizing this, it simply fascinates me. Football fans across America often show support by wearing their team's colors. On game day, many come out in full team regalia. You will see people wearing team jerseys, caps, and more just to encourage their team.

Since I was born and raised in Wisconsin, I consider myself a Green Bay Packer fan. When I lived in Wisconsin, I even went to a game or two. The excitement and energy in historic Lambeau Field was contagious. Packer fans were over-the-top. Even during below-zero cold weather, some men would strip down to display "Go Pack Go" painted in green and gold on their beer-filled bellies. I even sported a cheesehead once. Thankfully there are no photos to prove it. As I observe football mania, it made me think, how could we apply the same energy and focus to a job search?

1) Get a cheering section. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to stay in the game. I've heard people say, "There are no jobs out there," so they avoid trying. They listen only to family, friends and the news--then do nothing but complain. It is indeed a tough job market and you must be even more flexible and creative in your search. Few people work in a job that is the same exact major they chose while in college. The perfect job may not be your first job. Avoid taking advice from people who are not in the know about today's local and national job trends, recruiting methods or interview practices. If that ideal job does not come along, do you have an idea for a business? Get professional advice on how to write a business plan and start that business.

2) Show your team colors. Don't be afraid to target a few organizations. Use Linkedin.com to find them. The majority of recruiters and companies are recruiting on Linkedin. Be sure to use the six Linkedin etiquette tips I've previously recommended. Make sure your marketing tools are consistent and compelling. Yes, you STILL need a good, clean, resume and a strong elevator pitch. Use the resume to help tell the story about your experiences. When networking, a resume is your "business card" and your elevator pitch is the concise, verbal introduction about what you bring to an employer and why you are interested.  If you are a college student, the career services office can help you refine your resume, develop a great elevator pitch, and it's usually a free service.

3) Practice your plays. If you get an interview, practice basic interview questions with a career services professional or other professional. Make sure it is someone who knows what employers or investors want in your industry or field. Make sure they will give you honest feedback on everything from your word choice to your energy level when answering.  The words you think you are saying don't always sound the same when you speak them aloud. Be sure to dress appropriately for the industry and organization. If you are unsure what to wear to your interview, ask someone.

4) Cheer for someone else. Finally, always give back. If someone refers you, interviews you or otherwise helps during your search, send them a thank you note or email within 24 hours. While you may focus solely on what you need during a job search, remember someone else might need something you already have. Help another person and expect nothing in return. It's the right thing to do and it feels good to take your mind off of yourself when helping someone else.

As the football season comes into full swing, I expect to see even more people wearing their team colors, cheering wildly, tailgating, and gathered around large t.v. screens. If you are searching for a job or starting a small business, make sure you have the right tools and use smart plays. Even if you have more losses than wins, don't give up. Just step away and rework your game plan. Get good coaching. Then get back in the game!

Six Things New Hires Should Do During the First 30 Days


This is a guest post by Jennifer King, HR Analyst for Software Advice. She blogs about trends, technology and best practices in HR and career development.

The first weeks on the job for any new hire can be overwhelming. There are plenty of orientation meetings to attend, training sessions to complete, and new hire paperwork to fill out. While these are all important, here are six things new hires should do on their own within their first 30 days to set themselves up for success.

1. Come up with your elevator pitch.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. So, before you start introducing yourself to everyone, figure out what you’re going to say when you meet them. 

2. Understand your role and how you will be evaluated.
The responsibilities of the job you were hired for could change by the time you start work. Reach out to your manager about what may have changed, and make sure you have a clear understanding of your current role, responsibilities, and authority before you take on any projects. 

3. Learn the business.
Before you can begin to contribute to an organization, you need to figure out how the company works. What are the business objectives? What’s the organizational makeup of the company? How does your company do business? 

4. Interview your boss.
The key to being a successful new employee is helping your boss be successful. Find out what keeps your boss up at night and come up with creative ways to alleviate those worries. 

5. Be ambitious, but have restraint.
You might be eager to start contributing right away and fixing everything wrong you see with the organization. That intention is good, but tread lightly. As a new hire, you won’t have the historical context about why a policy or process may or may not need fixing.

6. Be proactive about your onboarding.
One day of orientation and a meet and greet with your team may be the extent of your company’s onboarding program. If so, be proactive with your managers about their training plan and what you need to accomplish in your first three months on the job. 

Life is Like the Tour De France

It's that time of year where I find myself mesmerized by the televised coverage of the Tour de France or, Le Tour. From June 30 to July 22, I am intrigued by the riders who push past their physical and mental limitations in search of an elusive yellow jersey. The Tour de France has 1 prologue and 20 stages of challenging road that covers a total distance of 3,497 kilometers (approximately 2,172 miles). 

The stages of Le Tour consist of 9 flat stages, 4 medium mountain stages (one with a summit finish), 5 mountain stages (two with a summit finish), 2 individual time trial stages, 1 prologue and 2 rest days. I watch not only for the sport and athleticism but because the Tour and it's stages teach many life lessons. 


Focus. Professional cyclists focus on what they can control and leave the rest alone. They train, plan and perform yet there are many uncontrollable factors that can determine or change the outcome of any stage of their race. One rock, one crash in front of them or downpour of rain can change the outcome of any stage of the Tour. Smart riders don't focus on the things they can't control. These riders have the right training and mental toughness. They keep pedaling in confidence knowing they have done all they can to prepare for this moment in time.


Flat but moving.The flat stage is where many riders set a pace, keep the pace or roll along with the other riders. If we are in a flat stage of life, we might ask ourselves, what is my purpose? Am I making a difference? Where do I see myself in a few years? Do I have right tools and training? Some may even ask--what is the minimal amount of work I have to do to stay with the pack? During the flat stages there are often more questions than answers but strong cyclists keep pedaling. During a flat stage even if the riders don't appear to be making progress they gaining miles, getting stronger and still moving forward. 

Ride with a Team. Whether at work, school or home we have to ride through life with others. During this stage we need people around us to encourage, support, provide a reality check and even a little tough love when necessary. Our team should challenge us to keep going and sometimes take the lead when we are tired. Who is riding alongside you in life? Who encourages or challenges you in a healthy way? Who lifts you up when everything seems to bring you down? Who changes your flat tires?  You'll often see the lead riders rely heavily on their coaches or team mates for advice and strategy during the race. Even the strongest riders have caring, strong team mates who know how to help. It's smart to have good mentors, strategists and team mates. 

Ride Alone. In the Tour, there are individual time trials. Time trials can be lonely but  the rider must move as quickly as possible to get through them.This stage allows you to grow stronger in mind, body and spirit because it's just you and the road. Sometimes it can be painful to pedal so hard and fast. Hopefully during this stage you learn how to best use your time and resources. This stage requires focus and continuous movement toward your goals. This stage requires trust, stamina and knowing where to place your hands on the handlebars. Ride alone sometimes, you can. It will work with the right attitude and approach.

Mountains. The mountains  are always challenging. This is where the deepest levels of strength, courage, faith and endurance are tested. Riders want to give up here. Especially when your hamstrings and quads are screaming for you to stop. The mountains demand consistency, determination and confidence before you reach the summit. In the mountain stage, fatigue is often the greatest enemy. In a job search or your career, this is where you feel you've talked to everyone, tried everything and nothing is happening. No interviews, no rejections, no promotions...nothing just a tough climb. Mental toughness matters in the mountains. You gain this toughness by digging deep and relying on something greater than yourself. You also gain this toughness by including those with opposing thoughts in your circle of influence. Do you listen to those who think differently or just those who will tell you what you want to hear? Do you make decisions based upon facts or fear? Do you allow yourself to be influenced by the opinions of others or do you stop trying because it's just too difficult? Stay strong. Build the muscles of wisdom, faith and endurance.


Rest. After ten days of racing, the Tour requires racers to rest from the physical and mental pressures. That's right, even these finely trained, highly fit and mentally tough athletes must rest. They take care of injuries and attempt to recover and retreat from the intensity of the race so they can continue on to the final stages. Do you take time to intentionally rest and renew? Never feel guilty about taking time away for yourself, it makes you a stronger rider. Get some rest...it's okay...she said, mainly to herself. 


Timing. The Tour de France rider often wins or loses the yellow jersey based on mere seconds. Are you stressing about timing? Ask yourself, will this matter in 10 minutes, 10 months or 10 years? It might help you to find a better rhythm of life. The riders always keep their pace but they plan it well. Elite cyclists know there is always another stage coming up, requiring another adjustment. They hold a steady pace when necessary, pull back, surge forward or even sprint based on everything else going on around them. Pay attention to life's timing.


Who or what do you rely on to help you through the stages of your life? I hope you will prepare, avoid discouragement, renew and keep riding in this crazy race we call life.  Move out with your team and sometimes it's okay to go it alone for those individual wins. Don't give up so easily, the yellow jersey may be closer than you think. I'll see you at the winner's podium! This is why I love Le Tour! It gives me hope.


Read more about the Tour de France , you'll see... it's a lot like life. Want to talk about this? Leave a comment below.

Three Points to Plans and Decisions

Whenever I talk to students, colleagues, clients, friends or family about presenting, decision-making or planning, I often suggest using the three-point approach. Whether you are preparing to introduce a new idea, product or service, interviewing for your first job, changing careers or improving your current career, you need to have a plan to move forward with some level of certainty. That means having to make choices and then act on whatever you decide. It can be overwhelming and frightening. The best way to communicate or act on a decision is to keep it simple and manageable. To get started on developing your three points for discovery, decisions and planning; here are some categories to consider and questions to ask:

1) Assess your tools and resources. Do I have the tools and resources I need? For a job search, these tools include: an updated, professional resume, an effective social media/online presence, authentic interview skills and good advisors who are current on recruiting trends and well networked in your industry. Do I have an active network of family, friends and professional colleagues that I am fully engaging in career conversations? Have I shared my hopes and goals with those in my network? Have I practiced articulating my personal brand statement? Do I communicate clearly and concisely? Hint: There are wise people who want to help you develop these tools and skills. Find them, talk to them, listen to them and follow-through. We all need a support system.

2) Set goals. Have you set broad goals in key areas of life? Key areas include, but are not limited to: Spiritual, Family, Relationships, Health and of course, Career. Ask yourself: What do I want to accomplish in each of these key areas of life? Remember, keep it to no more than three things! What's my timetable? Are my goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achieveable, Realistic and Timely? Create action items, set dates, adjust the plan when necessary and write out the details. Keep track of how you're doing in a journal or online notebook. Hint: Review your goals regularly and share them with an accountability partner who will challenge and encourage you. Celebrate your successful milestones.

3) Look inside. What are those internal messages that hinder you? What are you afraid of? What family or financial pressures prevent you from doing what you really want to do? When and how can you change the pressures upon you? Do you have a realistic view of your job market and your profession/industry? How hard are you pursuing your passions? Do you believe you can make a living by doing your passion? Do you exercise regularly to release stress and maintain your stamina? What are you doing to renew your spirit and be encouraged? Remember, your plans and decisions may impact other people. Don't be selfish but don't use that as an excuse to do nothing. Hint: Surround yourself with positive, honest people. Do not fear those who challenge or disagree with you. We often learn much about ourselves in those moments of difficulty.

See how that works? I just used three points with important questions under each of them to write this post. I'm convinced that in seeking answers to good questions you often discover purpose or awaken a desire to move forward. Three points. It can work for so many things in life. There is no magic in using this approach. I am fortunate that I in my life and work, I have had the opportunity to help people reach inside, grab three goals, create action steps and take responsibility for moving forward. It's worked. I think it could work for you too.

What do you think about using the three point approach? Has it worked for you? Why or why not? I'd like to hear what you think. Leave your comments below.