How Are You Giving During The Holidays?

I came across an article this weekend about a "mystery couple" in Philadelphia who walked into a restaurant, ate their meal, and quietly gave their waitress enough money to pay for another random couple's meal. This in turn set off a chain reaction of giving, as other diners began to pay it forward. Although it really didn't cost much to inspire a random act of generosity, the results were so profound that a national news organization like MSNBC picked up the story.

Another aspect of giving that has been prominent in the news this year is the fact that charities across the nation have experienced a drop in donations and giving. Although you may not have the extra money to donate this year, it may be as easy as giving a few cans of food or donating your time in a soup kitchen. I was particularly interested to read about Lanny Green, who rings the bell for Salvation Army in Arlington, Va. - and is homeless himself. The Salvation Army pays him a small hourly wage, but he "gets it" - he knows this job gives him a chance to help himself AND help someone else.

This year, everyone is trying to make Christmas special on a low budget. As you rush to and from the mall, remember to take a moment to give of your time, your resources, your expertise, or just showing a bit more patience than usual with long lines and overwhelmed cashiers. Happy Holidays!

The Holiday Job Search - Give Up Or Step It Up?

Job searching during the Holidays can seem daunting, but a recent New York Times article suggests that there are still plenty of opportunities out there for the motivated seeker.

So why should you keep pushing your resume while hiring managers are celebrating at company holiday parties? The article states:

"This is actually one of the best times of the year to look for a job, said Ford R. Myers, a career coach, author and president of Career Potential in the Philadelphia area. Partly, that is because most people do take a holiday break, some starting with a laissez-faire attitude as early as Thanksgiving. This leaves a wider opening for those who persevere, Mr. Myers said.

At this time of year, the hiring managers who are in the office tend to be more accessible, more relaxed and less busy than usual, Mr. Myers said. And the holidays can unleash a spirit of generosity toward job hunters that is lacking at other times, he added."

As you continue your search, I would suggest that you identify multiple points of contact with a potential employer, including their executive assistant, desk phone, cell phone, email, Facebook, Twitter, and their mailing address for a handwritten note. Technology has provided us with a variety of ways to stay on someone's radar, and it is up to you to take advantage of your options. But more importantly, make sure you provide substance in your outreach.

Send a Christmas card, attach a relevant article to your email or mention that you heard about their recent achievement through a mutual contact. Your outreach must ADD VALUE and provide incentive for them to respond.

I usually say that the best time to call someone is on a Friday. And with this being the week before Christmas, guess what? Most every day between now and January will feel like a Friday. So instead of giving up, step up your efforts over the next few weeks!

Assess your options, make a phone call, send a Christmas card, and set up a meeting for January. You just might catch someone in the holiday spirit of giving!

Navigating Holiday Etiquette At Work

Whether you are looking for a job or currently employed, it is important to recognize that the Holiday season provides an opportunity to make a thoughtful impression on those around you. In fact, it's always important to recognize any opportunity to go the extra mile. We're all so busy and engrossed in our own work and family life - when someone takes an extra five minutes to say that we matter, we never forget. Which brings us back to Holiday gifts and etiquette in the workplace.

Here are a few tips below:

1) Identify the list of people who have helped you or may be able to help you in the future. Handwrite a short, upbeat note wishing them well during the Holidays.

**Always keep a book of stamps in your desk so that the thought of having to stand in line at the Post Office doesn't deter you from buckling down and writing your cards - that way, you can just do it already!

2) If you are thinking of giving small gifts to your co-workers or clients (gifts to your boss are probably not the best idea), figure out what is important to them. Family? Pets? Traveling? Food? A friend of mine works in Major League Soccer and was tasked with buying a gift for a very successful athlete. What do you get someone who has it all? She settled on a couple of low-dollar toys from Target for his toddler daughter. The gift didn't cost much, but it made a huge impact because it centered around the most priceless part of his life - his family. He talked about it for days!

3) Shhhhh - if you give a gift or do something thoughtful for a co-worker, there's no need to make a big deal out of it. The person who receives your gift will know you're thinking about them, and that's all that matters. So keep it quiet!

How do you go the extra mile to make an impact with co-workers and clients during the Holidays?

Thoughts On Sharing Your Personal Brand

If you are looking for an interesting read today, check out www.drewsmarketingminute.com. The author, Drew McLellan, has some excellent thoughts regarding your personal brand. In short, he makes the point that although your personal brand is important, it is HOW you share your brand with the world that makes all the difference.

In the end, building a reputation based on credibility, consistency, and generosity is what it's all about. Which of these areas can you improve upon during the Holiday season?

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends...

I was checking out Bucks on The New York Times this morning, and came across this excellent article about helping your unemployed friends and family during the Holidays. The article had great suggestions, from providing free baby-sitting to simply listening to them talk about their situation - it can be so frustrating at times!

Sometimes, the only thing that our unemployed friends and family need to hear is that we're there, supporting them and doing what we can to make their burden a bit easier. It doesn't take much - even just a phone call, email, or a handwritten note. What can you do to help the people you love during the Holidays?

Add Value - Period.

I recently had a friend and client going in for an interview. I spent time on the phone prepping him for the interview, discussing potential questions to expect from them, their needs, their challenges, their opportunities and more. As our conversation evolved it became more of a role play – I was acting as if I was interviewing him and he was responding as if he was in the room – in the interview. Great practice – healthy process by the way. I recommend this at home.
Without exception his answers to my questions would regress back to “getting this job is so important to me” or “this job would make my year…my life.” After listening for some time I finally said to him, “this isn’t about you, it’s about them. Sadly, but candidly, they aren’t worried about you, they are worried about how you are going to make their product better, how you are going to add energy to their team, add value to their team, sell and enhance what they do and how they do what they do. Come ‘on” I said, “you know that.” He said, “yep, yep, yep – you are right. But it really would Molly.” I said, “I know it would, but just say it once – say it sincerely and move on to illustrate how you can add value to them.” The reality is, to many references to how much you want it– you look needy and they will offer you a dollar a day (no not really – but you know what I mean). So, hold back, control that overwhelming desire to just explode with “I WANT THIS SO BAD.” And take all that energy, all that passion and talk about how you can ADD VALUE – not about how they add value to you.

It’s a dog fight out there; it’s more competitive than ever. But when you drill right down to it, it’s about adding value. You can create positions for yourself by simply demonstrating and communicating that you can add value.
People hire people and people invest in people who can add value consistently, uniquely and quickly.

GO FOR IT! BE FEARLESS!