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Are You Selling Yourself Short? 4 Top Tips For Determining Your Real Value

By Lisa Broesch

DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE REALLY WORTH?

One of my clients called me as she was attempting to work up the nerve to ask for a promotion. When I asked her why she felt she was entitled, she quickly rattled off a laundry list of items she was clearly proud to share. She told me that she had been with the company 11 years, had been a supervisor for 8 years, taken multiple seminars, developed several processes, led numerous projects, actively Encourages “teamwork,” and has a very good attitude. To which I replied “Ok, but why do you believe that’s worth a promotion?” It wasn’t the response she expected.

I must say, I understood her confusion. Haven’t we all gotten to that place in our career where we feel like we’re entitled to more money, and maybe more “clout?” I know I have, and I know that listing off what I “do” was typically the first place I turned for justification. The problem is, nobody really cares what we “do.” In other words, it’s not the action that brings value to the table, it’s the results of the action. I know, you may be thinking, “What’s the difference?” Well, let me explain and clear up a few common misconceptions.

1. Simply occupying a position for a long time does not make you more valuable to the company. This “justification” comes up more than just about any other. Don’t let it happen to you! In most cases, you’re not entitled to more pay, promotion, or even job security simply because you’ve been in the job longer than anyone else. In fact, with the competition for gainful employment and the need for innovation, it’s more important than ever to constantly update your skills and talents. One of the worst things you can do is to work for a company for 25 years without expanding your areas of expertise.

2. Being “busy” carries no value. I worked with a woman for 18 years who never missed an opportunity to dramatically tell me how busy she was (at work and at home), every time I saw her. Understand, in most reputable companies, employers don’t want their employees (particularly their leadership team) to work themselves into the ground. In fact, as a former executive myself, I much prefer employees who get the job done as efficiently and quickly as possible - leaving them physically and mentally energized for the next project. However, for some reason, we often equate being “busy” with being invaluable. It’s not necessary to tell everyone how busy you are (how can you possibly take on more responsibility?), but it is necessary to deliver results. Don’t confuse the two . . . I wish someone had given me this tip before I spent a decade figuring it out!

3. Companies typically think in financial terms. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely believe that all of the items on her list are essential to her professional development. However, they are a means to an end. The real VALUE comes in terms of the results. For example, “developing processes” is fine, but streamlining efficiencies and increasing productivity are the resulting value of your efforts. You don’t just “take workshops,” “encourage teamwork,” and “have a positive attitude,” you increase motivation and employee retention, and decrease turnover and training costs. See the difference? It’s not the “how you do it,” it’s the “what you’ve done” that really matters. It’s important to look at all the areas you positively impact with your actions (decreasing turnover also decreases overtime coverage and recruiting time, and increases the overall experience of your talent pool). Where are you down-playing what you really bring to the table?

4. It isn’t necessary to constantly grab the spotlight. While you want to ensure you don’t go unnoticed, constantly taking credit, updating everyone on your accomplishments, and vying for high profile projects will only exhaust and frustrate everyone around you. Don’t underestimate the importance of encouraging your coworkers and/or employees, actively recognizing the strengths of others, and leading by example. These are traits that truly improve productivity and morale, speed the success of new employees, and make you a truly invaluable resource. What better way to Actualize your success?

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5 Tips to Finding a Job in Tough Times

By Barry Simpson

As a professional Transition Counselor I see every day the effect of the recent changes in the job market. I also see and hear of those things that work in the job search and those that don’t. Often that ‘aha’ moment comes when a client least expects it and the light bulb comes on over their head. In this article are some of the tips that have helped people in recent weeks and months.

12 months ago it was normally assumed that between 80 and 85 percent of all jobs were obtained through networking in one form or another, today for the majority of positions that is now closer to 95%.

More than ever, those in work are being chased by those out of work to ‘Network’ and in some cases I am being told that the option of a “short meeting” is not on the table as often as it used to be.

Tip 1 Grow your network through an online service like LinkedIn. Stretch your contact list as far as you can and do not use the canned invitation. Create your own invitation and make it personal.

Tip 2 As you work to grow your network make it easy for people to find you. Don’t hide yourself, make sure that you are visible and also that your profile clearly states you are interested in new opportunities.

Tip 3 Create a target list of companies and make sure that all of your contacts have a copy of it. When you are attending a networking meeting insure that your contact has this list well in advance and you explain to them that you are looking for contacts in these specific companies or others that may be similar in size, product set, etc.

Tip 4 Have a set of great networking questions to ask at the meeting. These should include:

* Do you think my resume best fits my goal?
* Do you know any industry groups or associations that I should look into?
* Do you think I am focusing on the industries best suited to my skills?
* What are your thoughts as to the industry direction/trend/etc.?
* What do you see as being the skills in greatest demand at the moment?
* Are there any skills I am missing and should take additional training for?

Tip 5 Treat every networking meeting as an interview. With the growth of unadvertised positions you never know what opportunity may be lurking around a corner. Try to have the meeting in an office rather than a coffee shop, this provides you with a chance to meet other staff members.

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An Assortment of Careers In Cosmetology

By Verland P

Are you looking for an exciting career in cosmetology? Do you know all of the possible careers you can explore? Let us help you decide by showing you some of the amazing choices you now have.

While a hair stylist is the first thing most people think of when someone says they are going to beauty school, it is not your only option. How successful you are will depend on you. If you have the ability to listen to and determine what your customers need, you will be very successful. Keeping up with the latest trends and satisfying your customers will lead to bigger and better things. Strive to either own your shop or work in high end shops.

Manicurists are another option. Today most high end shops will offer manicures and pedicures. As with the hair stylist you will really need to listen to your customers and give them what they need. Customer satisfaction will lead to repeat business and more income. As new techniques and styles become popular you will have to grow with the industry.

Esthetician or skin care specialist will probably require you to go to a different school than most people in the cosmetology field. Possible work places include spas and high end boutiques. If you are really into this field, do your research and find the right school for your career.

Makeup artist is a good choice if you are willing to live in area with a high demand. The possibilities in the field range from your local television studio to the movie studios in Hollywood. You will need to study hard and perfect your craft to land the Hollywood job. Even in small towns this specialty can be combined with a hair styling career. Many people hire a makeup artist for their proms and weddings. A good reputation will add many new customers, so make sure you are ready to satisfy even the most demanding clients.

If you have a well rounded education in cosmetology you may be able to work your way into a management position at a salon or a spa. If this is something that interests you, I would recommend that you take at least a couple of business courses while you are in school. Being able to deal with and fix customer complaints should be a goal for you. This management experience will give you the foundation and hopefully the reputation to open your own salon. We all know that you can’t get rich while working for someone else.

Another great option for you is to return to the classroom, this time as an instructor. This will give you the opportunity to share your knowledge with a whole new generation. While this is not for everyone, some people thrive in a teaching environment. You should talk to the schools in your area and find out what you will need to do to become an instructor.

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