Pressure… it doesn’t work

Feb 9, 2009 | blog, happiness

Release the pressure by Scribblings of Light I have to take a minute and talk about the atmosphere that I’ve been working in as a consultant for the last eight months.  It’s  been an unbelievable stressful environment.  Why have I stuck with it?  Guess I’ve fallen into that rut of feeling like I need to be “responsible” and keep the nose to the grindstone – or something like that.

The reality, of course, is that this particular contract has taken more of my time, energy, and attention to participate in this environment.  More than I would like to admit to friends and family – though they can probably tell from my blogging tempo at the very least.

That’s the rub too isn’t it?  Coworkers who’ve been in their particular pressure cooker don’t see it for what it really is.  Or is it easier from an outside perspective to criticize what you perceive is wrong and how it contributes the behaviors you observe?

At any rate, I’m finding the pressure of my current contract to be more than I desire to maintain.  There are options to follow up on, and directions to pursue.  Despite the news you hear from the mainstream media, there just seems to be an avalanche of opportunities out there if you’re watching for them.

So instead of stewing here in the juices of an unhappy circumstance, I’m off to change the future once again.  Why don’t you join me?

Photo credit: Scribblings of Light

Change And The Generational Gap

Feb 9, 2009 | blog

'table talk' by ChrisB in SEA We had an interesting discussion around the lunch table the other day regarding many aspects of the current economy.  From the mounting job purges of too many large companies and what it all means to us the average person.

Really the discussion came around to how the traditional exercise of searching for a job is changing.  There were three of us at lunch today and, not surprisingly, there were three different perspectives and understanding of the process in an environment that we all find ourselves in.

Here is where the differences in age come into play.  Among the three of us around the table, there was about a decade from the youngest to oldest.  The perception of how best to position oneself in today’s market was probably best understood by the younger two of the group, with the oldest standing fairly firm to the notion that job search and how you go about it hasn’t changed much.

Really, the truth is that it depends on the job you’re looking to get.  Calling it a job to begin with is part of the problem, as anyone looking for the next job should really believe that they are looking for the next step in their career.  Following the old, tried and true methods of mass mailings, cold-calls, and relying on a headhunter finding you may still work, but one wonders for how long?

Instead, following the example of many an enterprising young millennial may actually be your best bet.  Maybe everyone doesn’t feel up to posting videos of themselves on YouTube, or spending hours on Twitter, or the many other social networks. However, at least a full LinkedIn profile, and even a Facebook page, so folks are able to find you, may be in order.

The point I suppose I’m trying to get to is that change has already taken place in the area of job search & career placement; and the sooner you understand that the easier it’ll be to prepare for the next phase of your career.  This is as true for seasoned corporate veterans as it is for the new college grad looking to jump into the fray.

It’s time to manage yourself into the next career change rather than falling into it.

Photo credit: ChrisB in SEA

Personal Branding Magazine Issue 7 | Discover Your Brand

Jan 27, 2009 | blog

Personal Branding Magazine - Volume 2, Issue 3Yep, it’s time for the next issue of the magazine that can change your career: Personal Branding Magazine.  I’m quite proud of the work that I’ve contributed to the magazine, and want to send a personal thank-you to publisher Dan Schawbel for putting together a great magazine in every issue. So please check out the latest issue – I hope you purchase a subscription as a large portion of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

Personal Branding Magazine Volume 2, Issue 3 focuses on the first step of the personal branding process, brand discovery.  Many people rush into personal branding, without first taking precious time to discover who they are and what they want to do for the rest of their lives.  In this issue, we expose how to unlock your true potential, unearth your passion, acquire the necessary skills and how to set achievable goals.  We’ve interviewed some of the leading businessmen, such as Marcus Buckingham, to help you with your own personal development.

Features:

  • Focus on Discovering Your Brand
  • Interviews with Marcus Buckingham, Marshall Goldsmith, John Assaraf, Tim Sanders, and Gurbaksh Chahal
  • Full paid issue (available February 1st) with 24 articles covering personal discovery and related topics
  • Free sample issue with 6 articles, including how to Use The Internet To Discover Yourself, and SEO for Brand Discovery
  • Join us on Facebook!

Video note from publisher Dan Schawbel:

2009 – Goals & Plans

Jan 12, 2009 | blog

'Achieving Goals' by tochris So it’s the end of another year. As such, I wanted to take a minute and put my plans & goals for 2008 out there.  I’ve not done this one before, but thought I give it a go this year.  Much has changed and I have some directions that I want to follow in 2009 that I neglected in years past.

Writing – Blogging

I’m planning on making a return to a regular blogging schedule after a bit more than a year of a more random approach.  The reason for this was partially work related, but also from a lack of direction in the Fall/Winter of 2007/2008.  This will include the review of a couple other blogs I have – see if I still have the passion & interest to continue those, or if I should end up selling them off.

Writing – eBooks, Newsletters

Ah… yes, there were two aspects to the writing bug this time around. I also am planning to move forward with some eBook projects and a possible Newsletter in 2009.  I’m not sure when exactly this will take place, but will be working on the planning in January.  The eBook topics will relate to personal branding, the social web, information technology (& social media), and probably how many of these relate to the enterprise. I’m thinking hard on these lately.

Events

Social Media Breakfast – Twin Cities (@SMBMSP on Twitter) has been a great success here in the Minneapolis & St. Paul area, and I plan to continue evolving our local version.  It will remain a low or no-cost event. In addition to this fun monthly event, I’m planning on working some one-off special events and possibly an annual event.  Whether those are a summit, retreat, or un-conference style I’m not sure yet, but I do have a few concept ideas that I want to expand on.  I’ve found that I really enjoy helping people connect, and thereby connecting their business or career needs with resources in the local community.

Online Income

2009 is the year I get serious about increasing online income.  By focusing energies on new ideas and business models for my consulting services I plan to make the transition this year from a senior technologist role to a business & customer communications role. The end result will probably be something different, but that’s the fun of a dynamic, fast-paced industry… it’s constantly changing.

Direction

The next few weeks of this year is also the time I’m going to be taking to reassess my career direction. Am I really pursuing the dream, or have allowed myself to get sidetracked and mired in the mechanics of the mundane, again? This is a crucial piece of the puzzle, as it feeds into everything else.  Without direction, none of has have a clue as to where we’re going.

So what’s your plan for this year?

Photo credit: tochris

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