Blues, Drinks and Networking??

Are you prepared to network at all times? How about at a downtown bar?

After a few drinks at a local bar I was approached by a very clearly drunk woman who had some eyesight issues to discuss with me, and although frightened about the direction of our conversation, I was glad she signaled me out. The conversation started out very weird (I'm now very acquainted with every aspect of her life), but it ended with an introduction to a couple contacts hiring in the area. How great is that? I visit a bar for the local music and leave with a couple numbers I actually want to call the next day! 

Although it was a great night and I can't wait to meet more slightly drunk people next week, it got me thinking...where else can I meet professional contacts? Where else will my opening line "I just moved to the area and I'm trying to get a lay of the land..." work? 

Should I introduce myself to complete strangers in the grocery store? Maybe chat over some frozen veggies?

      

"Can you hand me that bag of frozen corn? By the way, my name is Brandi..."

(Maybe not, that sounds like a grocery store pickup)

Should I strike up conversations with customers reading the paper at the car wash? 

      

"Hey, did you read page 2? It's crazy right? I just moved to the area..."

How about while waiting in line at the local lunch spot? 

"Sorry to eavesdrop, but are you looking for an analyst? Hi, I'm Brandi..."

How about the park? Or is that creepy? or

How about in line at the ladies restroom?

Although a lot of these sound like horrible pickup lines, I'm going to give it a try! Especially since I have a sign on my forehead that reads "Stop! Tell me your life story!" It's about time I counter their stories with my five minute sales pitch. Who knows, maybe my next contact will lead me into the career of my dreams?

You don't get a second chance to make a first impression!

Having so much time to myself has allowed me a chance to read A LOT and I've discovered one universal theme in every leadership book: Personal Branding. 

My attempt at modeling.
I was oozing confidence! 

What do people think of when they think of you as a brand?

Professionally, I know I possess unique qualities, but what about my personal branding, more specifically, my style? 

In the past, I dressed to the nines for dinner dates, movie outings and drinks, but I gave up applying my style sometime after 2008. My daily ritual then became: sweat pants and a tank,  a hat, and a pair of flip flops with no accessories on most trips to town.  Usually my appearance didn't bother me, but the times I would encounter an acquaintance from college, an associate from work, or worse, a cute guy at the supermarket, I suddenly cared. 

I know this isn't new information for a lot of us, but I felt authors like Harvey Mackay, Jeffrey Fox and Mireille Guiliano were on to something. 

Harvey Mackay, founder of MackayMitchell Envelope states: 

"Companies have always hired according to subtle, hidden values...Under any circumstances, take huge pains with your grooming, hairstyling, and wardrobe. And not just at interviews, either. Looking good is the rule every time you poke your nose outside the door." (86)

Jeffrey Fox, Founder of Fox & Co states: 

"Practice being presidential all the time, and that includes the business uniform" (74)

Mireille Guiliano, former CEO of Veuve Clicquot states: 

"Your appearance makes a nonverbal, emotional appeal, branding statement and often forms the first impression of you. You've heard the phrase "you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression. First impressions count in business and in life." (92)

While I didn't dress horribly before, I didn't see a need to apply my personal style 24/7. I saw it as unnecessary and time consuming, and really didn't have the energy! However, after reading countless books all stating the same theme, I soon realized it was time to change my stance. Not only has my revised personal branding allowed me a chance to shop; but it has also given me a confidence boost in all areas of my life. 

I finally feel SMEXY (smart and sexy)! 

Yes it takes longer in the morning to apply a little makeup, manage my hair, select a presentable outfit, find a pair of matching earrings, shoes and other accessories; but I don't mind the routine anymore. Furthermore, I'm no longer embarrassed about my clothes when I encounter a stranger in town with a job opportunity. Which happened today! 

Mireille Guiliano sums it all up with, "A leader leads by example, and as much as I love leggings and a sleeveless T-shirt at home, it was never part of my public appearance...you never know who might show up, and over the years we had a few pleasant and not so pleasant surprises." (97)

What do you think? Should we all take a second look at our personal branding? What will your first impression say? 

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES BRANDI A DULL GIRL!

I don't know about anyone else but I wasn't motivated to search today. I applied for a few jobs this morning, caught up on my business news and read a few chapters of You Can Negotiate Anything (learned nothing), but I really just wanted to lay on the couch all day. 
We all need a few hours throughout the week to NOT think about work, right? 

Normally when I'm needing an escape I pick up a steamy romance novel (I know, TMI) but today I ordered a pizza and had a date with my DVR. Instead of escaping into yet another 50 Shades wannabe, I got caught up with Sleepy Hollow, Bones, The Mindy Project, New Girl, Ellen and The Originals. If you haven't watched any of these shows - STOP, and set up your DVR now! 

I would love a chance to dance like Ellen, live like Mindy, hang with the New Girl, kick ass like The Originals, talk like Bones, and finally escape to Sleepy Hollow. If nothing else, that would be one awesome blog entry the next day; if I survived I survived it all.  You're talking to the same girl who relinquished the rights of her car to a spider. Correction: a very large spider with a vendetta! I'm still amazed at how quickly I was able to pull over, place the car in park, and strip on the side of the road without causing any accidents.  

I know this entry didn't blow any minds but it was a lazy kind of day. To leave on a good note, a friend called to say a company verified my references today, so that's good news, right? I love it when I hear someone is interested in me, professionally, that is! 

I'm off to watch Revolution. Happy Thursday everyone and watch Scandal tonight! 

Book Review: 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions

101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions (2nd Edition), Ron Fry

Check Out this Book on Amazon!

I purchased this book right after graduation with the hopes of one day mastering the toughest interview questions, but at 21 years old, I got bored after the 2nd chapter and placed the book on my shelf to collect dust. 

Although I was lucky enough to get a job right out of college with little to no help from this book, that wasn't the case seven years later. After bombing my first interview I immediately ran home and dusted off the cobwebs. 

How it worked for me? 

"So, tell me about yourself?" Although you would think this would be the easiest question to answer, you'll soon find out it's everything but. In this book, Ron Fry has you complete an personal data input sheet detailing everything you need to know about you from high school to your current situation. After completing the form in its entirety you not only know yourself better than anyone else (as it should be) but you also discover some strengths and weakness you may not have known before. 

Once you feel like you have "you" down, you then move on to the fun part - The 101 toughest questions. Each question has about a couple answers and an explanation on its background. If you still feel like you're a little uneasy about the answer, Ron Fry also provides you with a little help on which answer is best for you. 

I recently studied this book prior to a high profile AA interview and although I didn't get the job due to other reasons (I'll have to tell you about that another day) I was complemented by the interviewer with a personal call the next day on my interview. She was very impressed with my answers and hoped to work with me in the future in a different capacity.  I'm not sure how much of this book I can attribute to that success,but it can't hurt to have this one in your arsenal! 

Check it out and happy reading! 

Book Review: How to Become CEO by Jeffrey Fox

For those of you who have an Uncle or Grandfather who constantly offers unsolicited, blunt advice about succeeding in Corporate America, you will love How to Become CEO by Jeffery Fox. 

This book is a quick read and contains a ton of advice I would consider common knowledge for any business professional. Although easy and somewhat predictable, it's still a good read. Don't let the two page chapters fool you. Jeffery doesn't beat around the bush with any of the topics and although I found it quite annoying at times, he somehow still connected with me on a personal level. Soon after reading, I found a notebook and started revising the steps to achieve my personal and professional goals.

 I see this being that book on your shelf that you refer to maybe once or twice a year because you want to recall a quote you read!

Dance & Search! The new way to look for a job!

Have you ever dreaded getting up in the morning because you knew you had a full day of searching and applying? You know what I'm talking about: 

Step 1: Wake up & get dressed

Step 2: Walk the dogs

Step 3: Eat breakfast

Step 4: Retrieve Laptop

Step 5: Search online for awesome job.

Step 6: Fill out application for awesome job. 

(repeat steps 5 &6 all morning long!)

Like most people I was completely dreading the monotony of being unemployed this morning. I woke up to a clean room (my dogs actually slept through the night - huge step in the right direction) and I received more than 4 hours of sleep, so I was quite the chipper one this AM. Until I thought about the task ahead. :( :(

Knowing I would be full of regret if I didn't apply for at least a few jobs this AM, I dragged my laptop from under the bed *with disdain* and setup my desk to apply for yet another job - and another - and another - you get the point. 

Now, normally I apply for jobs in silence (It helps get the creative juices flowing) but today I decided to blast my Al Green station on Spotify for a little variety. For those of you who know me, you can only guess what happened next: 

First, it was the shoulders (bounce, bounce, bounce)

     Then, it was the head (nod, nod - check the door for spectators - nod, nod)

           Then, a little leg kicking (kick, kick, sway, kick - oh crap, was that the dog?)

                 Then, it was the snapping and clapping (snap,snap & a clap-clap, clap & a snap)

                       Then, a little hip action (sway, sway - fall off the chair - check the door - sway, sway)

Finally, I just couldn't contain it anymore - I swear the ghost of a 70's Soul Train dancer took over my body!

After about 4 hours of applying, dancing, some more applying and some more dancing, by noon I was out of wind and sweating with trembling legs from dropping it like its cold. Yeah, my days of dropping it like its hot are LONG gone. However, I didn't fall on my arse throughout the entire process, so that's progress! 

To make a long story short, when I looked back at my applied jobs folder for a status check, I soon realized that I had completed 10 applications without even knowing it. Any other day I would have given up after the 5th application because let's face it - the process sucks!! Sooooo...

Never underestimate the power of an awesome playlist!

Give it a try! I'll be icing my body tomorrow so I'll send my 70's Soul Train ghost your way. 

Recruiters: Friend or Foe?

Whatever happened to the saying "no news means good news"? 

Apparently no news means bad news when you are searching for a job. 

Dow Chemical contacted me for an interview for a Sr. Assistant position over a month ago, and although I didn't get the position (Their words: I was overqualified), I was told the next day I was being considered for another position. At that moment I was feeling pretty stoked that they took the time to contact me and let me know of this new opportunity; but when I didn't hear from Dow three weeks later, I figured they selected someone else. 

A few days after that, just when my mind started to get over the rejection (Seriously, I was like "Dow who?"), a contract agency for Dow contacted me for a second interview and just like that - I was pulled back in! The recruiter was super excited about the opportunity and even though I wasn't sure about the role, after a couple phone calls, she talked me into it. After she pumped me up for a few days with her excitement and confidence in my candidacy, I was pretty sure I could wow them in the interview; and boy did I wow them. I left that interview feeling pretty confident an offer would be headed my way in a couple days. 

Today was the 9th day and it's been radio silence on the news front! Actually, I contacted the recruiter last week and she said there wasn't any news yet. So this morning I said "enough is enough" and I contacted the recruiter again. This was her exact reply: 

"Oh, I'm sorry. I meant to call you awhile back. They went with someone else. Keep in touch and good luck. Thanks!"

Ouch and Really?!?  At this point the rejections aren't as bad as they used to be, but it really ticked me off the recruiter couldn't even take the time to clue me in on what was going on. I was emailed and phoned daily when I was being considered, but somehow that changes after the interview? It's like you don't even exist anymore.

I've only been doing this a few months but I've heard all the stories from the recruiters.

"Here at X we care for you and believe in you!"

"Your impressive background makes you the perfect candidate for this role!"

"You are a part of our team now, so we will work non-stop to help you find your next career."

Where's that team spirit after the interview?

Today's proclamation: 

How about those drawing skills?

No More Recruiters! 

(I've always been a direct hire kind of girl anyway!)

What would you do when faced with a compromise?

Picture: www.colourbox.de

Today was your ordinary unemployed Monday with no news from recruiters or hiring managers, but I did notice one thing as I began to clean out my email inbox: a startlingly amount of emails from health insurance companies requesting interviews. While most people would find this as good news, I find it weird because my resume clearly does not show I have a background in insurance sales. I wonder if my resume contains some type of secret keywords for the insurance industry. Who knows, but it did make me wonder:

When you’re actively looking for a job should you pass on undesirable opportunities?

Should you comprise what you really want for a paycheck?

So I posted this question online and to my surprise I received a few answers. Here are a couple of the answers:

“Run your job search like a business, gain new experiences and broaden your options while building your skill set! There is no direct route to success, just as long as you hit your goal and you’re moving forward. Lateral moves are not acceptable. – Sean”

“Wait until you find your desired job. Set yourself up for the future you want to have       – Tamara”

I have always been a very goal driven individual and I established very early on that I wanted to achieve the following steps in my career journey:

1. Begin a career in Project Management
2. Become a Project Manager
3. Become an Senior Level Executive with a specified background in Project Management
4. Become a Management Consultant
5. Ultimate Goal: Become a CEO or COO of a Fortune 500 corporation

I know I’m young and I still have time to figure things out, but tell me –at 29 years old, how much time do I really have left to do something other than achieving my career goals?  

Today has left me with a lot to think about, but I would like to share one last thing:  Gary Spinell, Author and Financial Executive shared the following with me today. Since he’s already in the role I’m trying to achieve, I figured he may just know what he's talking about: 

Hi-Brandi, There are 2 considerations: one is your financial situation because everyone's is different and if your income needs are immediate then you have to decide if you are willing to have the income or hang on longer for something better. The other factor is the industry/career aspect.

If you are looking to change industries, or get into a different type of department or even a special company where you believe there can be upward opportunities, then sometimes stepping back is acceptable to achieve your long term goal. However, if you are looking to stay in the same profession and career, then the REAL key is to only take a job in which you will learn something new that will help you land the job after this next one!

Consider the average tenure with a company today is only 2-5 years, so if in several years you are out looking again, be sure you obtained some valuable experience in this next job to leverage into landing a future one.

I am financially stable and wanting to change industries, so maybe when thinking about my long term goals, insurance could be worked in for a year or two?  I see a pro/con list in my near future. I'll keep you posted. If you're interested in checking out Gary's 5-Star book on Amazon, click here: http://amzn.com/B007ZGWOBA

Go Figure! Can't a girl play hooky??

Of course when I decide to play hooky for a couple days my body actually rejects the idea! 

What happened? 

Early into my Saturday I developed one of my infamous migraines and I'm not sure about anyone else but mine are body crippling, painful and long term! So as I spent most of my Saturday in bed, with the lights off and a hot pad on my forehead, missing a gorgeous day! However, around midnight I decided enough is enough! So early Sunday AM - I grabbed a couple painkillers, my trusty sunglasses and braved the day! 

Am I glad I did it? Absolutely! 

It was a beautiful 65 degree day outside and for Texas that is AWESOME! I grabbed my pink pencil skirt, black sweater and pair of oh-so-lovely black boots (I thought it was important you had a visual) and headed off to church. 

Today's Sermon: Forgiveness! Have you truly forgiven the ones who have done you wrong?

For a grudge holder like myself, today's sermon helped me realize maybe it's time I let a few of them go! 

After church I headed to the only store that can put a smile on my face in the worst of situations, Target! 

By the way... New App Alert! 

Cartwheel! Facebook teamed up with Target to create a coupon haven for Target shoppers. If you love Target as much as I do, download it!! You browse the available coupons, tap the coupons you want and when you're done shopping you show the cashier your shopping cart barcode and voila...money saved! I actually saved money on everything I purchased today, which never happens when coupon cutting. The best part: as I was walking up and down the Target aisles, I entered a quick search for the items I needed and a coupon appeared. No more searching through tons and tons of Sunday ads. 

Target, you're welcome for the plug! I accept credit, cash and checks! 

Back to my day: 

After some much needed retail therapy I ventured to the local bar for a quick meal and completely forgot today was Football Sunday. Being that I could care less about most sports except Basketball, I was totally out of my element. As I sat down at the bar to order my meal I noticed every TV was on a game, with one side of the bar full of loyal Dallas Cowboy fans and the other side was full of, um...Cowboy haters? After about five minutes of listening to everyone's loyalties, I kindly whispered to my waiter "I'll take my order to go." and I was off to my football free home! 

Overall, it was an uneventful weekend. I had high hopes for a couple days of greatness to prepare myself for "work" on Monday, but it didn't quite work out like that. I'm glad I was able to get some rest and I can't wait to see what this week has in store for me! All of it, the good and bad!  

Monday's tasks: 

 (1) Follow up with a few recruiters while keeping a couple fingers crossed behind my back! 

 (2) Attend a free conference on "What you're doing wrong in your job search"...hoping I'll actually learn something and it won't be a complete waste of my time. 

 (3) Make a few more network connections and follow a couple leads on soon to be available jobs in town. I almost hate poaching but I figured it couldn't hurt to get my application in before the position becomes available.   

All while tending to the needs of 4 dogs and standing in as the family chauffeur! I have less than 4 hours left in my Sunday, so Dawson's Creek - here I come! 

Calling in Sick!

When I first started this search I was told that my new temporary job would be to 'Find a Job!'. Since I'm the type of person that requires a challenge or a task in order to function properly, I accepted the job and attacked it at full speed.

Like any other project it was fun in the beginning finding new opportunities, networking and reading articles about becoming the next big thing in business, but it's exhausting work; especially when there are little to no rewards for your hard work. So I've been thinking....I'm going to take a sick day or two! *cough*cough*

I have been 29 for 11 days and it's about time I stopped and enjoyed it! So for the next two days I'm not going to worry about which hiring manager will call next week, read another chapter of "Women, Work & the Art of Savoir Faire." I'm not going to research which Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Texas or upload my resume to yet another niche job board. Instead....

I'm going to maybe take Lincoln and Bailey to the park (who wouldn't want to spend the weekend with them?), or hook up the DVD player and watch a couple seasons of Dawson's Creek. I know, I know...there are much better shows to watch, but when you're feeling nostalgic about the good ol' days - Dawson's Creek is home for me. I still get caught up in the love triangle between Joey, Dawson and Pacey! Who will she pick? How will it end?

Lincoln & Bailey (Top)

Maybe I'll make a pitcher of pomegranate mimosa's, order a pizza and read a romance novel? I could people watch at Starbucks, that's always fun. Maybe have a drink at the Hilton, but who likes drinking alone? I would love to do is go out with my girls for a couple drinks but driving 2 hours for a drink doesn't seem like a night of relaxation. Oh well, Dawson's Creek it is!

You know when I first started this entry I was feeling a little guilty about taking some me time, but now I'm just really excited about having a worry free weekend. If anyone asks, I'm sure my cough will be gone by Monday.

Say What Now?!?

It's officially been 2 months since I started actively looking for a job (out of work 4 months) and I'm having a bad week! I know I said that I would grow and learn from each rejection and move on to the next job, but that doesn't make it sting any less.

After what I thought was an amazing phone interview, a recruiter tells me today that their client decided to go with another applicant for the face to face interviews. Although I was more qualified for the position they thought it was in their best interest to try candidate B first. I haven't been ruled out, but they'll let me know their decision soon. 

As much I appreciate not being ruled out....Say what now?? 

Since when are more qualified applicants ruled out first? 

World - What's going on out there? At one point in my career I used to take stock in the fact that I was the most qualified person for the job. It's what allowed me to progress in my career and push me to be the person I am today. Now, it's a curse! In the past few weeks I have come to loathe my experience! 

I'm not sure if the recruiter was feeding me a line to avoid confrontation or if this is the beginning of a long and painful career search, but either way today ended a bad, uneventful week.

Time for my 5 minute pity party!! 

"Ugh!!"

There's nothing wrong with that right?