What is a maxim? Maxims are general truths, fundamental principles, rules of conduct and guidelines, and proverbial sayings. Our two Living on Purpose Project maxims “Live. Love. Do.” and “Living Life With Exclamation!” not only guide our efforts but serve as our guiding philosophy. This week we want to share maxims that have helped others find success as both full-time employees, freelance and consultant career. We hope that they can also change your ability to explore and secure new opportunities and ventures.
1. There are (3) three steps between you and your passion: 1. Do what you love. 2. Do what comes naturally. 3. Do what connect you to and help others live, love and do better. 2. Whatever you do ensure it includes a chance to help others: Always pursue opportunities that create the chance to help loved ones and strangers. 3. The customer rules: Even if they are “wrong” the customer should always think they are right. Listen intently to what is meaningful to your clients/customers i.e., their needs. Educate them on a practical and an emotional level. Build something so uniquely perfect and psychologically appealing that customers MUST have it, even if they never thought of it or imagined it possible. 4. Never give up: Persistence, perseverance, patience and “please” are four power words that can transforms opinions, the way people think and what they do. 5. Evoke and adapt: Our playing field (life) is always changing. Focus less on results and more on learning experiences. Think big and create partnerships that allow you to evolve and grow. If you need confidence, “act as if” and cling onto others’ positive beliefs of you – until your own belief kicks in. 6. Discover your nature is to create: Find something that someone else has done and improve that “thing” by adding your unique twist. Then strive to do it better than anyone else in the world. Find it and bring it to the others. 7. Simplify and go: Rely on the expertise of others but trust your own instincts. Ask what you don’t know and share with others the things you do. Command cooperation and respect, at every age and stage, and believe in your dreams. Maintain and hone peripheral vision because breakthrough ideas, products, or ventures appear out of the corner of your eye. And finally, never forget to always remember opinion is not fact.
This week take seven minutes to write three career maxims that you’ll use to continue to guide you to navigate career choices and changes, and keep you grounded on your goals.
As we enter the season of spending, socializing with family and friends, and giving thanks and gifts, we often feel a huge drain on our bank accounts. However, personal finances are not the only ways that people develop money problems. This week we are looking at seven of the biggest money problems people face in their professional lives. Avoiding these common pitfalls can actually free extra cash for you to use this holiday season
1. Failing to negotiate your starting salary or a salary increase when you accept a new position or promotion: The best time to talk about increasing your salary is before you start a new job. However, many people fail to optimize this opportunity to get the extra money they deserve. Even if you’ve been unemployed for a while or are desperate to get any kind of work there are a few things that you should do before you accept the new position. 1. Brush up on your negotiating skills to secure an extra few thousand dollars. 2. Justify the increase by explaining the expenses associated with moving to a new city or increased transportation costs. 3. Explain that the longer hours/travel associated with your new gig will require you to quit your part-time job and/or give up a consulting job. 4. Prepare a great argument by doing your research, including checking out the Living on Purpose Project archives for our August 6, 2016 post on how to ask for a raise or promotion! 2. Not understanding that the only way you will ever be paid what you deserve/are worth is by working for yourself: Stop giving 110% and expecting to be paid what you’re worth. Truth is, people who have great wealth and bank accounts usually work for themselves. You might not be ready, willing or able to launch your own business, however, start exploring ways that you can also work as a paid consultant/freelancer to even out your salary deficit. 3. Trying to keeping up with the Kardashians: Don’t feel pressured to have to keep up with colleagues. Dress, hang out, and eat lunch, where you can afford to do so. Even in your professional life, find ways to live within your means such as buying a suit or dress from a high-end consignment store, bringing lunch at least three times week, and doing what you can to pay down your student loans. 4. Giving the milk away for free: Although this saying often applies to something else, it also relates to your work life. If you’re a consultant who has been asked to develop a proposal – only give a high level overview. When I first started working as a consultant, I developed a 10-page proposal that virtually gave the prospective client both the strategy and the detailed tactics to execute the project.) When I followed up a week later, I was told that, “I’m going to go in another direction and would no longer need my services.” Instantly I realized that I had given away the milk for free, and that he had never planned on hiring me. If someone asks for a comprehensive proposal or plan, charge them for it. 5. Not putting everything in writing: Whether you are working for or with a family member, or involved in a six figure venture or pro-bono project, outline your working arrangement in writing. I have seen many people of all ages and stages of their career not sign contracts or agreements, “because they were family or a close friend and I trusted them.” You can trust people but what you should trust even more is a contract or piece of paper that spells out how and when you’ll be compensated. Download a general contract from the Internet and make sure that you include major contingencies such as the client canceling the job or project. For example, I once worked on an event that the client canceled seven weeks into the project. Luckily, I had a clause in my contract that stated the client still had to pay me a certain amount per hour for all of the time I worked up until that point. 6. Lacking a clear focus about money, success, and youth: Defining success by how much money you make is a slippery slope to unhappiness. Sure you should work towards goals, but you need to first remind yourself that youth fades and there will always be someone who has/makes more money than you. Build your financial goals on talent and things that truly matter and have personal meaning. Letting a dollar figure represent your happiness or success is a sure way to fail. 7. Not knowing when to “fold ‘em:” Statistics show that regardless of industry, a majority of new businesses don’t make a profit in the first five years, and almost half go out of business in less than three years. Since almost every small business owner invests personal savings into their business, you may lose more than just your business when your venture fails. If your business is clearly sinking with no way of saving it, don’t let your pride cloud your business judgement. Filing a business bankruptcy can sometimes prevent vendors, subcontractors, and creditors from seizing your current assets.
Money doesn’t make you happy but it sure gives you better choices, and not having money can make you miserable. Be aware of how you approach and manage money not just in your personal life but when it comes to your professional affairs. This week take a look at how you can prevent making these and similar career-related money mistakes.
We all have our particular and comfortable way we approach breaking the ice in an awkward conversation, telling others about ourselves on a first date, or even how we start dancing. However do you have effective “go-to” moves for career-related situations? Here are seven “go-to” ways that you should have in your professional toolbox to help you maximize real work life scenarios that almost everyone encounters.
1. Introducing yourself to strangers at work meeting: Find a way to strike a balance between taking over the conversation and being the person in the room that everyone wonders, “who the heck is that?” Do something that will help people remember you. For example, if everyone is going around the table introducing themselves beginning with “Hi I’m Stacey and I work in human resources …” - mix things up and begin your intro with “greetings …” Also, don’t wait for your boss or co-worker to introduce you. Take the initiative and share one fun fact about you, such as that you sit in the cubicle next to the bathroom, work on a particular company-wide project or with someone who almost everyone in attendance is sure to know. 2. Standing out from the crowd at a networking event: Do your homework about the keynote speaker or panel members before the event. Be memorable by doing something that most people won’t do like honestly sharing how you feel, such as “these events make you nervous because you don’t know what to say.” Perhaps introduce yourself by revealing something or someone who you have in common like attending the same school, working for the same previous employer or simply loving the same genre of music. A final word of advice when it comes to shared people, places and things – choose wisely. Years ago when I met the Mayor of a major city, I introduced myself by saying that I knew their ex-spouse. Needless to say the response was not warm and fuzzy. In hindsight it was clear to see that ex-spouse is an ex-spouse for good reason. 3. Making your proposal memorable: Whether you are submitting a structured response for a Request For a Proposal (RFP) or sending an email to a potential pro bono client, find a unique way to share who you are and what you can do. You can accomplish this by finding a way to weave in a hobby or interest into your core skills or services. For example, create a metaphor comparing what you do to a particular genre of music. Find a way to let others see a glimpse of your personal side and what makes you tick will enable you to better connect with others. 4. Initiating a “cold call” regarding a positon or work opportunity: Sometimes we get a lead or someone recommends an opportunity. Often we have to be proactive and pick up the phone or send an email to a complete stranger. Try to use a proven advertising and media strategy, by posing an interrogative headline. Ask a rhetorical question that you know almost anyone and that specific person would answer “yes” to.
Do you remember being 25 years old and having your eye set on your ideal dream job? or “If you could choose between having a persistent person who thinks well on their feet or someone who has a background in __________ but no work experience, you would you pick? Make sure the question you pose is something that resonates with that person and allows you to positon and present yourself as the “answer.” 5. Giving an apology: There are times in your professional lives when you need to clear up a misunderstanding or simply say you’re sorry. When this happens take a “less is more” approach. Find a neutral place, preferably out of the office to apologize and find a way to move on. You don’t rehash everything that happened or what was said. Focus on the three A’s: Acknowledge that what happened or was you said was wrong; Apologize for your role in what occurred; and Acquiesce, meaning make some effort to right the wrong and try to ensure it won’t happen again. A great go-to phrase to end the conversation is “I hope you take this in the spirit of what I meant and not as an attack.” 6. Telling people what they don’t want to hear: This is tough for many people, but you sometimes have to give others feedback that they won’t like. Take a constructive criticism approach and begin with something positive and then focus on one way that that person could try a different approach next time. Give a brief example of what they could do next time and change the topic to neutral or even fun subjects. 7. Breaking the ice: Take note of social cues and observe when someone’s body language may have been affected by someone’s words or actions. Be a professional peacemaker and say something to lighten the mood and bring everyone back to the objective of what you are trying to do. It’s said that success happens when preparation meets opportunity. Practice these and develop some of your own go-to career moves that will enable you to be prepared and “shine” when one of these or other situations occur.
Sometimes despite our best efforts things simply don’t work out, or happen or move as fast as we’d like. We all have to deal with difficult career-related things of which we have no control. Here are some suggestions to deal with some common challenges.
1. Getting passed over for a promotion: It doesn’t matter whether you’re a CEO or an entry-level worker, having to continue working for the same company after being turned down for a promotion doesn’t make anyone feel good. It sucks! However, don’t let this situation define you. If you believe you were qualified for the position, use this opportunity to “read the writing on the wall” and see why the decision makers may not be in your corner. Let this be the much needed motivation to dust off your resume and get moving on finding another job. 2. Needing to forego your dreams to deal with a personal or family situation: We all have responsibilities to other people. At times we need to put our dreams on hold to help those closest to us. If you are in a holding pattern, remind yourself that all dreams deferred don’t “dry up like a raisin in the sun” and die. Some can actually gain momentum and even gain greater intensity after time has passed. Use your waiting time to refocus on your own dreams and your career goals. Sometimes no, isn’t no forever, just “no” for right now. 3. You’re in over your head at work: Many times you may need to “act as if” in order to get a job or be considered for an opportunity. However, once you’ve gotten it, you may soon find that you aren’t able to do key aspects of the job or handle the pressure of the environment. Ask someone, preferably outside the organization, for help. I have helped many people navigate the first few months of a new job by ‘ghost-writing” key reports and presentations on their behalf. If you can’t find people or resources to provide you the needed support, consider creating a Plan B or, if needed, to bow out gracefully. Ideally, you should be the first to say that things aren’t working perfectly and to propose a “back up” plan. Identify someone (internally or externally) to assist you with the project or your job overall. Keep in mind that doing this runs the risk of losing your job. However, it’s far better to admit that you are unable to do something (well in advance of a deadline) or a few weeks or months in, than to drag out the inevitable and possibly destroy a professional bridge and your reputation in the process. 4. You can’t get out of a work rut: You try to pursue different positions at your current job or even work on new projects, but you simply can’t get out of your career rut. Find a way to break away and recharge your batteries. Visit a friend or family member in another city, take a “mental health day” off from work or, simply do little and low cost things to change your routine like get a Mani/Pedi or buy/download a new book. The best way to break a rut is to change the way you think, which in turn will affect your actions and the reactions they create. 5. Dealing with being unemployed: Do your best to keep yourself busy and your thoughts positive. As long as you are doing something every single day to change your employment status, be patient and creative with your time – things will happen. You might not be able to control when the job offers come but you certainly can take hold of how you creatively manage your time. Create a blog sharing your ups and downs of unemployment or showcasing your interest or hobby. Remember, in order to have something that you’ve never had, you often have to do things that you’ve never done. 6. They are planning to outsource or phase out your position: If you are currently working in an industry or department that you know in time will soon be downsized or eliminated entirely, start creating a plan for the future today. You may not be able to stop the axe from chopping your job but you should and can start exploring new opportunities for when, and not if, that occurs. I know many people who work in journalism and publishing who have successfully evolved and grown along with the industry – enabling them to not only stay employed but remain in demand. 7. You are still waiting for the temporary (or part-time) job that you were told would become permanent: Many opportunities start as short-term or temporary assignments but in time can become full-time jobs. If you are currently in this situation, and even if the date that you should have gotten your permanent title has long passed, keep giving 110%. You don’t want to lose steam and have someone make the decision to not to hire you when you lost your passion because things were taking longer than you would have liked. Just because things have not happened, doesn’t mean they never will. The key is to have and exhibit the 3 Ps – patience, persistence and perseverance. Life and career are not always perfect and at times we all have phases or positions that are really tough – so hold on. This week remind yourself that you might not be able to change things today, but you can change your perspective and put things in place to be prepared when change happens.
2. Justify the increase by explaining the expenses associated with moving to a new city or increased transportation costs. 3. Explain that the longer hours/travel associated with your new gig will require you to quit your part-time job and/or give up a consulting job. 4. Prepare a great argument by doing your research, including checking out the Living on Purpose Project archives for our August 6, 2016 post on how to ask for a raise or promotion! 
If you are in a holding pattern, remind yourself that all dreams deferred don’t “dry up like a raisin in the sun” and die. Some can actually gain momentum and even gain greater intensity after time has passed. Use your waiting time to refocus on your own dreams and your career goals. Sometimes no, isn’t no forever, just “no” for right now.