Leah's Got "It!"

Look who's baaaa-ack!

2011-09-11T16:30:00.000-04:00

Wow, I'm kind of amazed to see the disrepair this little place has come into while I've been working on BellaDonna Grotto, school, the retail job, and consulting gigs.

I'm going to save on the tl;dr. Here's the "short enough, did read" version: I'm back. Get ready, blog; you're about to be pretty again.

The new blog!

2010-12-04T20:25:00.001-05:00

I am now posting regularly at Circle City Style.

My ambitions are changing right along with the circumstances of my life. Marketing, public relations, and social-media craziness will always keep a place in my heart. But I started this particular blog to aid me in a job search. I've decided I'm going about it wrong. I sought stability, and employment in a corporate environment, and the more I go on, the more this feels like a wrong path for me. Moreso, it feels like a dead end. I'm paying the bills, but even though I've impressed a few of the right people within this company, it seems that my efforts are not enough to get me out of the call center environment and into a more suitable, creative place. I've carefully studied some top people, worked hard to impress them, and and I've had my ideas, at best, stolen or completely ignored. I am so done playing a game that's gotten me nowhere. Maybe it's inexperience or naivete. Maybe I just don't have enough money. Maybe I'm not schmoozing enough with the right people. But I know, within the deepest parts of me, that I am made for better than this.

I'm not sure what direction I will take this blog in right now. What I do know is that I want to step into a more entrepreneurial direction. I'm going back to school for a two-year program in fashion and costume design. This and music are two creative fields I've long been interested in, but never pursued. I'm too old to go on floundering, and young enough that I still have a chance to chase these dreams. Circle City Style is the first step in getting my name and my new brand known. I'm formulating a more solid five-year plan including work in design, vintage-clothing sales, and fashion writing and marketing. Now is the time. The creative scene in Indianapolis is stirring in just such a way to make me believe I'm in the right place.

It just feels serendipitous. I feel like this is why I've been struggling so. This may just be what I was meant to learn. Stay tuned, and please check out Circle City Style, Indy's first and premiere street-style blog.

Many thanks and much love,

Leah

Somehow it seemed appropriate.

2010-10-12T23:48:00.000-04:00

We're all, around the world, sharing a victory dance as the Chilean miners finally emerge from the underground, 69 days after they were first trapped. My heart is with their families. My faith is restored. I can't see this as anything less than a miracle.

For some reason I have this song in my head, and it seems appropriate. We're one people in celebration. This is much too rare an occurrence. Let's share it and rejoice in every way we can.

Crossposted to hicksvilleliterary.blogspot.com

Look at these awesome things!

2010-09-22T00:20:00.001-04:00

I'm in the process of getting out a blog post that's really tough to write. I'm trying to make lemonade out of lemons. That is, I'm turning around a couple of pretty darn hurtful and frustrating, sour situations, wringing the lessons out of them, sweetening with a little insight, and serving it up in hopes that we'll all be able to grow once it's been shared. I'm having to be patient with myself, because yes, it has to hurt if it's to heal, but this one really smarts. So please bear with me. I'll have it out by Friday.

Meantime, here are some items you really ought to read if you haven't yet.

Starla West wrote a great post on the importance and effect of the color you choose to wear. Consult it, especially if you're off to a super-important pitch or interview and want to make sure you're evoking the right mood in your audience. Color does have power. Use it right.

An update: If you're a reader on my Twitter account, you already know I'm not writing for Indygeek anymore. I love the guys, I wish them the best... but it just isn't the optimum environment for me right now. Some things were said, some other things were misconstrued, there was some conflict, but for the sake of my online rep and John's, it's not my place to go into things. I am in love with the potential I see within Indygeek. I really want to see the site improve and take off, and I will cheer when and if that happens. It's just not something I see myself being able to contribute to presently, given some big differences between John's leadership style and my own.

Anyway, out of fondness for John and Alex, here's a roundup of my favorite posts from the site during my time there:

The Looxie wearable camcorder -- John's right. In today's document-everything, social-media hungry world, this nerw tech development could be quite the big deal. It looks awesome. I want one.

The Best of GenCon 2010 Video:

10 surefire ways to beat post-convention depression -- I ventured into some geek humor. I had to include this. It's the most fun I've had writing an article in years.

86% of Recruiters Use Social Media to Research Applicants -- just a friendly, geekly reminder to watch your online etiquette.

And here's the archive of my social-media articles, if you're so inclined to check it out. I'm still embarrassed, in hindsight, at my halting, stumbly 4square education. I shall try not to drop the ball on a social media marketing big-freakin-deal in the future.

I'll probably go ahead and post the next few months' topics on here. I really enjoy this stuff, and if I don't presently have a venue to geek out on it, I'll just create my own. Stay tuned, y'all.

Don't let a miniature disaster wreck the brand you've worked to build.

2010-09-07T08:00:00.021-04:00

Miniature disasters and minor catastrophes
Bring me to my knees
Well I must be my own master
Or a miniature disaster will be
It will be the death of me

This weekend, I had the discomfort of witnessing a miniature social-media marketing disaster that never should have happened.

MyCarDoc.com has provided a positive experience to a significant number of Indianapolis residents in the past several years. In fact, this weekend’s events are the only bad publicity I’ve ever seen for them. In defense of proprietor John Cannon and his wife Suzan, they handled the fallout wonderfully. But by being proactive rather than reactive, I believe the whole mess could have been completely avoided.

The company got off lucky. They’ve got a great reputation and a well-established brand in the area. A less-strong company could be severely damaged by a hiccup such as this, so pay attention, small-business owners. We have a new case study as to why a proactive crisis communication plan needs to be Priority # 1 in everyone’s new-media strategy.

It was a perfect storm, of sorts. My editor at IndyGeek, John Fox, received some shoddy work from a (now former) employee of MyCarDoc. On Friday, September 3, I heard that John’s van was running worse after his $200-plus tuneup than it had been before. He and his wife had to postpone their Labor Day weekend trip because of these issues.

(note: Since both of the main characters in this narrative are named John, I’m going to simplify things by calling my editor, John Fox, Fox. The proprietor of MyCarDoc.com, John Cannon, will heretofor be known as Doc. Got it? Good! Let’s carry on then!)

Fox sent Doc a Twitter message around 11:00 a.m. on Friday. Unbeknownst to Fox, or well, any of us in Interweb-land, Doc’s Smartphone was on the fritz. He couldn’t check his Twitter, and did not get the message until some nine or ten hours later. By this time, a hopping-mad Fox had gone on quite the Twitter rampage:

At this time, I myself was freaked out by the fact that the employee who had disabled Fox’s van had also serviced MY car, unaware that said employee had already been terminated for negligent work and for doing personal errands while on the job. Would there be more damage to come?

I was also quite upset at the slow response time on Doc’s part, as I was also unaware he couldn’t access his tweets. I didn’t know Fox hadn’t tried to reach him the old-fashioned way, via phone.

I was this close to ending my own, up until then satisfactory, relationship with Doc’s shop.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the only time I’ve seen issues in Doc’s Twitter reaction-time. I direct-messaged him about two months ago, in a panic, because my driver’s-side window was stuck in the down position and I needed advice. The entire night and half a day went by before I received a response. I should have just tried calling, but I didn’t have his number in my phone, so Twitter was my only resource at that moment.

Anyway, by the time Suzan Cannon jumped into the conversation, Fox had made six negative tweets. I’d made two. People were getting curious and concerned, tweeting Fox with questions about his experience. Within 24 hours, Suzan and I able to help facilitate a sorting-out of the issues, and my personal impression of the company was fully repaired. Suzan did a masterful job dealing with each of the FORTY-EIGHT disgruntled tweets that were generated by this unfortunate event. All repairs were done under warranty, free of charge.

Fortunately, Fox and Doc were able to talk man-to-man and resolve all issues by noon on Saturday, September 4. I saw Fox’s tweet on the issue and cheered:

Presently, I’m unable to see whether the debacle caused any permanent damage to MyCarDoc’s brand. I sincerely hope it did not.

I am relieved to see a positive end result, but disappointed at how simple it could have been to avoid this in the first place. Keep in mind, I’ve used MyCarDoc in the past, as a positive example of what to do as a successful social-media marketer. Doc is a liked guy, and this was the first negative publicity I’ve ever seen for his business. This is impressive. But if I had a say in strategy, I would say a beefing-up of technique is in order.

First of all, the moment their offending employee was terminated, I would have drafted a short announcement for the company blog, something like this:

Dear Valued Customers,

We have unfortunately had to let go of an employee due to below-standard performance. As a responsible, ASE-certified garage, we carefully screen and vet employees, and we are improving these processes to hopefully avoid future issues. Please know this employee’s failings are not a barometer for the standard of service you can expect from MyCarDoc.

We’d like to take this opportunity to re-state that MyCarDoc services are under warranty. If you notice an issue with the outcome of work received from this terminated employee, or any MyCarDoc mechanic, please come forward, let us know, and we will resolve your issue free of charge. If you haven’t noticed an issue, but did receive work from this terminated employee and have concerns, please call us so we can check over your vehicle for quality assurance.

We’re sorry for this issue, and we’re doing everything to make it right. We also appreciate your patience, as the termination of this employee has created a backlog. We’re working extended hours to get on track as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your friendship, and for your business.

I would then tweet the link to the blog-post, a few times, scheduled at four or five-hour intervals. This proactive approach would let customers know what to look for and what to expect. In addition, I would keep a Word copy of this post on file, to use as a basic template in case (God forbid) a similar issue should present itself in the future.

Also, if I were Doc, the second I noticed my phone acting freaky, I would have called Suzan or a trusted employee, given the MyCarDoc Twitter login information over, and had a tweet sent out informing, “Due to technical difficulties, Twitter messages may have a substantial delay in response. Here’s our phone number, please call if you need quick assistance.” I would also set up some kind of alert-system, so direct messages from cute, panicked little women in need of advice (cough cough) would have quicker help to get out of panic-mode and on with life.

We all love our technology, but clearly, tech has hiccups. I hope the above example illustrates how important it is for any business, large or small, to have a solid contingency plan. More than one (VERY TRUSTED) person should have access to make crucial announcements, if the main social-media spokesperson is not available or is suffering a difficulty. Also, if you haven’t already, sit down –RIGHT NOW— and brainstorm potential risk scenarios, from minor to worst-case. Set up some templates for your blog and other new-media strategic outlets, in case Murphy’s Law should show its ugly face.

It just might save your business.

Quit overthinking and just DO it already!

2010-08-23T08:05:00.069-04:00

The Ditty Bops - Wake Up @ Yahoo! Video

Wake up and smell the coffee
Rise and shine
The early bird gets the worm
Strike while the iron's hot
And whistle while you work

Stay on the trail
Keep your hands and arms inside the train
Don't stray
Watch your step
And wipe your feet
Draw inside the lines

So it's been almost two months since I last posted. Yes, I'm aware of how unacceptable that is, and I ask for your forgiveness, dear readers. It appears that even in all my infinite wisdom (snerk), I do not have all the secrets for not getting stuck in a rut.

Life just came at with me with crappy situation after crappy situation, and no amount of my screaming "Cut it OUT, life! I've got crap to do!" came to any avail. I quickly went from simply whelmed, to quite overwhelmed. And instead of using my writing to help process this and bring forth new wisdom (learned via failure, no doubt, but wisdom gained nonetheless), I... well, just kinda threw my hands up. Got so caught up in trying to do things "right," that I just kind of ground to a halt.

I mean come on. Really? We were made for so much more than this. Megafail on my part.

Fortunately, this failure, too, leads to greater wisdom.

I let various circumstances push me into over-thinking things. Advancement opportunities within my current work place seem... well, rather stagnant at the moment. And my brain did not go into encouraging directions: "Is it me? Is it a failing within the corporate structure here? Am I dreaming the wrong dreams? Am I just not good enough? What's WRONG with me? Is there even a point? Why do I feel like I'm being chewed on by a corporate machine and not growing at all?"

I saw a counselor. I re-thought my thinking, and started coming back a little at a time. I've now got a monthly column at Indygeek.net, I've been networking like crazy, writing special pieces from time to time, compiling a little list of places I'd like to guest post, but... even though things were going great on Indygeek, I was suffering from a MAD case of blogger's block here in my own corner of the Intertubes.

For starters, this blog is morphing into something entirely different than it started out as, and I'm not even entirely sure what that is yet.

But y'know what? Especially after all the learning I've taken in at this year's recent Blog Indiana conference, my conclusion is... to not think about it right now! I'm just going to take down ideas as they come, write what I want to write, and let this place evolve organically.

Yes, you must be thoughtful about what you put out there, and about where you want to go. But don't forget the point of all of it.

Breathe deep
Speak out
Make up your mind
Be brave
Follow your dreams
Listen to your heart
Close your eyes
Make a wish

We are the only ones who can watch out for our butts.

2010-06-30T19:37:00.001-04:00

A funny thing happened on my way out of the office today.

A little thing, but relevant to and symptomatic of how things have seemed to go in recent days.

I signed out of my computer, left the building, and got all the way to the parking garage before I realized that I'd forgotten my ID badge.

(Insert your choice of expletive I wouldn't post here)

This was going to be an ENORMOUS hassle. I have to finish an article today, get my oil changed, and start getting ready for this weekend -- and dealing with security to get into the building is a big enough pain in the butt in the morning, when everyone is actually there. If you forget your ID badge, your manager has to come to the security desk, vouch for you, and escort you to your unit after you've been given a temporary badge for the day. My manager was gone. It was late! Most of my entire unit was gone! This was probably going to add on a good 15 minutes, and that's if I was lucky.

It was unavoidable, though. I'd rather deal with those guys than the parking-garage staff thinking I was a liar trying to freeload on parking fees. That'd be an even bigger headache.

I dragged my feet reluctantly back into the building. People were shuffling out, glad to be done with work and go home to their families. There was only one man at security, and he was hunched over the computer, on the phone. His back was to all of us. Osama Bin Laden himself could be standing behind him, waving his arms, and this guy wouldn't see it.

I could be the good employee, get his attention, and go through the aforementioned bureaucratic procedure.

I nonchalantly sauntered by, instead. I was just one in a crowd of many employees. He never noticed the lack of badge. I breezed into the office, snatched my badge off the desk, and was out of there in two minutes, credentials now properly in hand.

Guys, I know it isn't a big deal. Nothing happened.

But I work for a major insurer. These security staffers are entrusted not just with protecting the lives of the few hundred employees in my building, but the protected health information of a whole lot of people. So, yeah, nothing happened this time. I wasn't a crazed gunwielder or a criminal intent on selling your health information. In fact, I work my tail off daily to help you, and to protect you and the security of your records.

But it did unnerve me a bit, and I may have a chat with the security desk in the morning. I feel a bit bad about doing this, because I know how the way big corporations do things. The security staff probably have all kinds of weird procedures, red tape, protocol, and such (I know I do!), which make it much harder to do their actual job. Which should be to protect our lives and the important files of our customers.

But it's just one symptom of what seems to be a Band-Aid society. Was it like this when I was growing up? Shirking because it's "not my problem" or, worse, neglecting what truly is your job? It makes me a little less happy at having been able to avoid that security-badge hassle.

Sure, your own mistake could be no big deal. Maybe you work at McDonalds, and you got lazy and put two pickes on that burger instead of three. Big whoopin' deal.

But what if? What if a kid runs into the street while a crossing guard is busy checking out some hottie nearby? Or, say... what if there's a financial regulator watching porn instead of thumping greedy bank execs who are taking gambles with your retirement, your mortgage's stability, or pretty much the entire economy, as it turns out?

Wouldn't the Mineral Management Services workers who smiled and nodded to their oil-exec friends have been better friends if they'd, oh, I dunno, called them out on the corner-cutting that's now drawn scrutiny upon the whole industry, and inflicted massive, ongoing destruction on the Gulf of Mexico? Were the lives of eleven men and countless sea creatures worth it?

Are there any among us with still-unshaken confidence that these crises are a fluke that won't happen again? How many of us are checking ourselves? How'd it become so rare to do the right thing, whether one or two lives or millions hang in the balance?

We are the paradigm shift that needs to happen, folks. We are the ONLY ones who can watch out for our own butts, and those of the people around us. Personal responsibility is not just a nice idea; it's something we must nurture for our own sakes. And social, or corporate, responsibility are only this on a larger scale. We've gotta use our heads here.

If it were easy, and if our current society rewarded it, we'd all already be on that path. But today, now, is where you and I can put our feet upon that path.

We haven't had a morning groove lately. Let's fix that!

2010-06-17T07:56:00.000-04:00

Know what, y'all? If you weren't at Indy PRIDE this weekend, you missed out. We're not DC or LA or San Francisco, but we don't try to be. The key is doing your best, and having a blast, with what you've got.

What we had was TAYLOR DAYNE! She's a legend in the gay community, she's beautiful, and I've had this song stuck in my head all week. It was one of my favorites when I was four. It's still every bit as good today. You KNOW you want to groove with me on this one.

Five (more!) Business Tips from Lady Gaga

2010-06-16T22:21:00.005-04:00

It’s common knowledge that Lady Gaga is not a guilty pleasure for me, but someone I’m quite happy to enjoy. She’s just addictive to me. On the upside, there are plenty of reasons to not feel guilt for loving her. There are certain days when listening to something that just inexplicably makes you happy is enough. And completely necessary.

Then, there’s her truly smashing business sense. You’ve got to be a strong, powerful, and savvy person to orchestrate such a meteoric rise in such a short time. So I went and compiled a list of five business pointers we could all stand to take from Gaga. Love her or hate her, the advice is indisputably sound.

I have to give credit where it’s due. EZAsset beat me to this. But they didn’t cover all the bases on this topic, so I’m here to finish it off:

- Have a point of view. God, does she ever. And it’s so essential. People. Listen up. Especially in an economy like this, whether you’re seeking that perfect job or you’re an entrepreneur who needs to NAIL this pitch and snag another client, you’ve got to really have something to say, and you’ve got to stand behind it. Your audience can sniff out wishy-washy a mile away. I’m reminded of another of my pop-culture pleasures, Project Runway. The designer with an “off” design who gets voted off is almost never the one who took a risky idea and ran with it. The designer who plays it safe is the one who gets the ax. Because forgettable gets you nowhere.

- Do what you say you’re going to do. Lots of people say “I’m going to be a star.” She did whatever it took to make that happen. That takes a lot of thoughtful pushing. A lot of falling down, getting back up, adjusting your strategy, and pushing some more. Eyes up, focus on the goal, and persevere. It’s not just a perseverance thing, though; it’s an integrity thing. If it’s a promise you don’t know if you can keep, don’t make it. Stretch yourself, not the truth.

-It’s not always about inventing the wheel. Gaga isn’t breaking any ground musically. All she’s done is take a niche of the dance-music genre and make it indisputably her own. I’m all about being super awesome and covering new ground. But if you have an interest that already exists, why not run with it? Take a concept you like, improve on it, become the best and most memorable at it. (Although if you’re going to take inspiration from a predecessor, just be inspired. Don’t crib off the exact same song.)

- Be a team-builder. My favorite thing about Gaga isn’t her musicality, her sassy style, or her larger-than-life attitude. It’s the way she has with choosing the right people, or creating the right combinations of people. Red One. Her Haus of Gaga team. I don’t really like Beyonce much, and I didn’t expect much of that collaboration, but she knew it was the way to go, and y’know what? They made something great together. Nobody is an island. The ability to form just the right creative team that gets stuff done impeccably is a fabulous talent, and skill that we should all work to develop.

- Be gracious. Give thanks when they’re due, every time they’re due. In the business world, this means things like sending a real, snail-mail thank-you note after an interview, or remembering something important to your contacts such as a birthday or anniversary, or being generous with referrals. Or having a flexible return policy. For Lady Gaga, it’s being fabulous to her fan base. She’s sent them thousands of dollars worth of pizza while they waited for her to get to a signing, sent support one-on-one to fans in need via Twitter, and worked tirelessly to help out one of her best supporter networks, the gay community. (I’m still in love with her for her speech at the National Equality march!) Just be excellent to the people in your business life, whatever that business consists of.

Whether or not you’re one of Gaga’s Little Monsters, these are some good tips to take from her interesting persona. Go forth, be bold, be real, and make magic happen!

(Pics are from her Wikipedia page)

Today's wake-up groove was an easy one.

2010-05-12T08:17:00.000-04:00

Boogie!

Via Shakespeare's Sister.

And no, I don't care that it's a commercial. It's glorious! Take a cue from Hugh Jackman today and dance like nobody's watching!

(note: Don't forget, if you're reading this via my Facebook, it doesn't import videos so you'll have to click-through to see.)

Rock out your workday - Muse edition

2010-05-05T08:26:00.000-04:00

Aw yeah. Just don't hold me responsible if your boss notices the lyrics to Uprising and gets nervous. On the upside, if you ARE your boss, no worries!

A brief treatise on working with conviction

2010-05-04T21:03:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking about direction a lot lately. For the blog, for my romantic relationship, for my career, for my life. I'll try to keep it brief. I've committed to posting at least a couple times a week from now on, but to be quite frank, I feel like crap today. Throat's killing me. Had a milkshake for supper 'cause the thought of solid food hurt.

Anyway. When I started up this blog a little over a year ago, it was honestly little more than a gimmick to get me noticed by someone businesslike. I'm sure, in hindsight, that it showed. But those days of faking like I knew who I was to impress someone for the sake of some job, any job, to pay the bills... they're over. I'm still not raking in the dough, but I'm getting by. And there's one BIG thing I'd love to go back and tell my past self. It's what I want to tell one of the main groups I was targeting when I started this blog: fellow broke, scared job-seekers like I was. I wanted not just to be visible to an employer, but to be encouraging to others like me. Here it is, here's what I would say:

STOP just pandering to get an interview, any old interview. You've got at least some conviction. Will you sleep at night if you're a vegan but you're working at a meat plant? That's an extreme example, but you get my point. I try to keep the politics to a minimum on my online social networks, and in my work life. But I've worked in environments where my attitudes, even hidden, were so unwelcome I was afraid to even breathe at my workplace.

In one temp assignment, I worked for a very conservative elderly man. When it slipped that I might be a feminist, his mission seemed to become doing whatever it took to "put me in my place." Assigning the most menial and stereotypically female-done tasks, constant horribly sexist comments or questions to get a rise out of me. (It didn't work.) I literally couldn't even walk past him without something. I remained sugar-sweet and compliant, simply responding to his ribbing with a gritted-teeth smile, "You're not going to get a rise out of me that way."

Please don't get yourself into a spot like that. I don't know what your rub points are. I just know you'll be too emotionally exhausted to fight for anything better if you compromise too much. I know 'cause that was me.

Don't throw away your convictions for a buck. Nurture them.

So, here is my little manifesto for working with conviction. Share it or don't, I just hope you make the concept of having one all your own:

I will work with most anyone who has any range of diverse political bents that differ from mine, so long as we all can agree to disagree and get what's important done. I will work with those whose styles of working and managing are, or aren't, something I immediately understand. I'll deal professionally with anyone who does the same for me.

The line I draw is when you start to believe your rights supercede those of the fellows around you. I won't abide bosses who put down for no good reason. I will abide by and give tough love and constructive criticism, all day any day. Call me out when I screw up. I want to fix it and avoid making the same mistake twice.

I won't abide an environment that is hostile to conservatives, liberals, religious, nonreligious, minorities, the disabled, women, men, or anyone who resides on an ambiguous point on the spectra of gender identity or sexual orientation. If you're a hiring manager who doesn't operate with these basic respects, kindly deposit my resume' in the circular file. I don't want you any more than you want me.

Put this in yer headphones and rock out.

2010-05-04T08:20:00.000-04:00

I love to put pick-me-up songs in here to help motivate folks on workdays that typically seem to be downers. You hear a truly rock-out, danceable, crank-and-sing-along song, it just really helps put you in a better mood to conquer the day.

That having been said, I give you... MOTORIN'! WHAT'S YOUR PRICE FOR FLIGHT!

Oh, go ahead. Just TRY being out of sorts now.

Stop making excuses! DO YOUR BEST for yourself!

2010-04-27T23:12:00.002-04:00

Well, so much for going to bed early tonight.

I was going to get a little extra rest this evening, to face the day tomorrow brighter. Last week was quite rough, and the weekend was very renewing, but I need to keep up the levels of energy and brightness I was able to restore.

I just can't turn my brain off and sleep, though. Not 'til I get this out.

I was on the phone, earlier this evening, with one of my oldest friends. Folks, this girl is BRILLIANT. I have been proud my whole life to know her, for her wisdom, kindness, and all-around goodness. You just don't meet people like this.

She and I got to talking, catching up. Things have been rough. I know rough, having been there really recently. I understand way more than I want to about where she is. Enough to know, she is in a place where she doesn't want advice, doesn't need it, it wouldn't be put to use.

Like me, she struggles with depression. Like I have in the past, she's in a relationship with someone who currently has too many problems of his own to be the pillar she needs on her worst days. Worse, she's facing the judgment of well-meaning friends because her man has had some run-ins with the law. Now, I'm a big believer in the redemptive power of love. I also know it's difficult and rare.

It's not a time to judge, and unsolicited advice would do no good. I've been the depressed. I've been the over-thinker, the over-empathetic, and the enabler. I've wasted a sad amount of years on tasks, insurmountable mountains, people, and emotionally-squishing places because... well, I didn't know I deserved better. I hear these words come out of her mouth, all the reasons she just doesn't have the time or resources or whatever, to change her circumstances for the better.

And it sounds like something I could have once said myself. And sometimes it's still hard to remember, not to fall back into that pattern.

Honey, I've had my fair share of days where I was unemployed or underemployed, scared you-know-what-less, having panic attacks or murdering an entire bottle of wine and then crying myself to sleep in helplessness.

It's as simple as just looking yourself in the mirror, saying "I deserve better and I will not try for better -- I will just DO IT." It's just that simple. And simple does not mean easy, it's the hardest thing you'll ever do.

The slings and arrows we face daily are not all so big, but they are as impossible as we make them, y'all.

It may not be something as tough as relocating far from everyone you love, like I had to do. It may not be as hard to contemplate as being told you need to leave the one you love, for the sake of your own self-dreams. It may not be as scary as quitting the job that pays the bills, so you can build the company of your dreams.

But I'm willing to bet you, too, are holding something over yourself. Where are you holding back from doing your best?

I remember a line from one of my new favorite movies, Kamikaze Girls. "Humans are cowards in the face of happiness."

What are you doing today to prove that quote wrong in your own life? What are your excuses and how can you shoot them down for the prize?

It's Thursday! Get movin'!

2010-04-15T09:00:00.001-04:00

I'm not actually a Bleach watcher, so I have no idea what's going on in this video. LOVE this song, though. It always gets me up, happy, and motivated. So, naturally, I wanted to share it with you. Get out there and shake it! Then get to it!

You just need to learn to let our hair down
(we need to learn to love somebody)
Something good as it goes around
Take full advantage of a sunny day
Better hurry before the sky goes gray
There is so much to be livin’ for
Drop that top and turn on the radio
And let your mind get free
Come on and rock with me!

O Computer, My Computer!

2010-03-20T20:58:00.001-04:00

Folks, these past few months have been ROUGH! My computer got well and truly sick, and I couldn't fix it! So I dutifully sent it to get some repairs... and the part I needed had to be backordered!

Horrors! I have soooo many ideas running in my head, too many to even get written down in my notebook. I need to be able to type! And obviously I'm not going to get this out of my system while I'm at work. That time needs to be spent... well, working! Duh!

So I have had to sit on all the great plans I have for my two blogs. And it's excruciating, because they're great plans. My energy levels, joie de vivre, and creativity have shot through the roof. Good thing I only need to wait a little longer before I can get to work.

That's right, my lovelies. The part FINALLY came in, my computer is FINALLY fixed, and I am getting it back tomorrow. Oh, bliss! I won't be able to jump in at full-swing right away, because I'm also in the midst of moving to a new place. So I'm basically living out of boxes and I have to get them transported and unpacked. Boy, when it rains it pours!

Here's a preview of what's to come:

- Reviews of local and national job-search sites!
- Interviews!
- Video!
- Twitterviews!
- Photographic madness!
- The long-awaited Calvin & Hobbes post!
- The long-awaited pirate's career advice post!
- A series on budgeting time and energy!
- And maybe, possibly, some reviews of job-shadows and informational interviews that I am dying to set up and get done.

Booyah. It feels fab to be almost-back. And it's even on the first official day of spring. Can things get any better?

EDIT 04/17/2010: Well, THAT was a wrong piece of information. It still isn't fixed. This is driving me NUTS, I'm DONE waiting, and I'm taking proactive steps to resolve this. Because I needed this computer back, like, yesterday. I'll let you know when that really does happen. Can't wait!

A jam to motivate your Monday:

2010-01-11T07:20:00.000-05:00

Drop me in the middle so I can make a ripple effect
Upon the ocean I'll be the moon that turns the tide
Drop me in the middle so I can make a ripple
A domino effect falling through the sands of time

Good Riddance, 2009!

2009-12-29T23:15:00.000-05:00

Photo by Flickr user jimgspokane

Perhaps you've heard. 2009 was not the greatest of years for most people. Yes, really! It was so crap, Times Square in NYC even hosted an official Good Riddance party as part of its festivities. What are YOU saying good riddance to?

For me, it's good riddance to doubt in my relationship. As of December 26, my beautiful boyfriend and I made it official. Once he's done with his bachelor's degree, we're in it for life. I'm also VERY happily saying good riddance to abject financial destitution (and HELLO to hunting out and embracing more ways to help the many still struggling), and such stress that I had a heart-attack scare last month.

I'm saying good riddance to failing to budget my time and energy to make the most of both. Good riddance to the helpless feelings from watching one friend be diagnosed with HIV, another die young of heart failure, and my brother see his home burn down, all within two weeks of one another.

I'm saying HELLO to getting back into the fitness routine I let lapse, to taking up a relaxer such as meditation twice or more a week, and to an aggressive approach to eliminating debt and saving for my bright future with Zach. Oh, and to writing daily for at least 15 minutes, either here or on paper.

How about you? What are YOUR reasons to be happy about giving the ol' heave-ho to 2009?

We interrupt your regularly scheduled blog post to ask for a Christmas miracle.

2009-12-19T15:09:00.001-05:00

So, if you follow my Twitter, you know that this has been a pretty awful day for my big brother.

He and his new wife, Gretchen, recently moved 8 hours from the rest of our family so he can attend Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in South Bend. This weekend, we all came out to my grandparents' house near Milan, Indiana to celebrate Christmas. Like we have every year since... well, before I existed.

This morning is when they got the call. Just in time for Christmas, they've lost pretty much everything. Their apartment building has burned. Since the fire was on the lower level and they live upstairs, their stuff is *technically* intact. But the firefighters consider it a total loss anyway, as the structural integrity of the building is gone. They probably won't be able to safely get up there to salvage anything.

Their two cats were visiting at Mom's house in Petersburg, so they're safe. The downstairs neighbor's bulldog was not so lucky. He didn't get out of the building.

Jason stands to lose thousands of dollars worth of musical instruments and books. More importantly, they need some temporary lodging for themselves and the cats. It looks like some friends they've made up there are going to step in to help out in the housing department.

The only clothes, shoes, etc. they have are what they brought with them to Milan. If you or someone you know lives in the South Bend area and have something to give, Jason wears men's 40-inch jeans and XL shirts. Gretchen's a 14/16, L shirt size.

I was thinking more in terms of covering their material needs i.e. clothing, food, etc. but people have expressed interest in giving money. We're still looking into options as far as monetary donations. He doesn't prefer to go with Paypal, so I'll take alternate suggestions. I will update with a link for donation once that's squared away.

I believe in the good of people, even total strangers, especially around this time of year. Obviously, I really care a lot about my brother and his wife and I'd love nothing more than for some stability to be returned to them. We'll do as much as we can for them, but my parents live as far south as you can be and still live in Indiana, and my Jason and Gretchen are way up in South Bend. I'm in the middle, and I can give a little, but I'm still recovering from my own financial hardships myself. Though I'd love to give him the world, I'm not able right now.

Please lend your support in this time, even if all you can provide is well-wishing. If you'd like to give money or materials, I can hook you up with the info you'll need for that.

Sorry this isn't particularly articulate. We're still pretty much in shock. I know it'll be OK, but we just... aren't there yet.

Update: Here's my brother's post on the subject. Since they're down here, they haven't yet seen how bad the damage is. However, they did just get a call from a neighbor who says it looks, from the outside, like the bedroom and everything in it is most likely unsalvageable. Don't know about the rest of the apartment yet. They probably won't know until Monday.

UPDATE: Apparently he caved and got a PayPal. Too many people requesting a place to send aid. Here's his blog post with the PayPal info.

From the post:

Due to a large volume of requests, you can now make donations via PayPal. PayPal accepts all major credit cards, as well as direct transfers from bank accounts. All donations will go for two purposes:

1) Helping us secure a new living space, this includes costs for housing deposit, utility deposit, and any upfront rent requirements; and,

2) Costs that will go towards helping us replace our things. This includes essentials like clothes, kitchen items, linens, basic furniture needs, and the like, as well as things we need but aren’t immediately essential. This includes replacing my musical gear (which is how I make most of my living via performing and lessons), library (which I need for continuing my studies), my wife’s rather substantial yarn collection (which she uses to make and occasionally sell items to provide an additional income stream for us), and other things that we need to replace, but aren’t necessarily immediate priority.

I know I can get another tenor sax eventually. What I can’t do is get another antique Beuscher with which I’ve become so intimately familiar I know every intonation quirk and trick needed to make things like altissimo notes work properly. But thank God we’re ok and even though some things will be difficult to replace, the truth is that stuff is just stuff – again, thank God no one was injured or worse.

Paypal link

I'll get up the church address as soon as we've cleared it with the church. Thanks again, everyone.

Social(ly awkward) professional networking

2009-12-05T20:19:00.000-05:00

Or, "what if you cross paths online after the breakup?"

I had a teachable moment the last time I was surfing Smaller Indiana.

I was revisiting this post. And then, surfing back to SI's main page, what to my wondering eyes did appear... but a featured post by the sales trainer where I worked when I wrote said post.

Oh, snap. Hi, Jamar.

It's not as bad as it could be. It is, actually, a positive thing. Any teachable moment is.

I could get all flustered and go about blustering that it wasn't the company I was talking down on, it just wasn't a good fit for me. And that'd be true because, oh, MAN, it really wasn't. But LOL, how much of a cop-out would that be! Truth is, no one company or department fits everyone, that's just a fact of life. So, no blustering. Just the facts, folks. Teachable Moment #1. Keep a very tight filter on what to say. And own up when you screw up. What's been posted can't be un-posted. I really *was* that drained and miserable, but I could have addressed it better.

It really *does* sound like a break-up story. "I'm sorry, dear, it's not you. It's me."

I did learn a lot about business and the work world, and about myself. I accepted a sales position at this company in March, for the simple reason that I'd put in resume's and applications in a 5-hour radius of Evansville, and this is where I got the job offer. Period. It was a panic-acceptance because I had been in panic-mode since, oh, around August of 2008. Teachable Moment #2. Friends, please try not to do this.

I am thankful. For the lessons and for the fact that this offer got me into Indianapolis, a city with much more opportunity than the city I left. I was literally on the edge of homelessness, staying on a friend's couch because that's the only place I had left to go. And now I have a modest apartment that, though not my dream home, is something of my own that I can sustain without doing any freeloading. Teachable Moment #3. Count your blessings and give thanks for them.

The fact is, what kept me down is that I didn't know myself well enough. I didn't *know* I wasn't a sales person until I gave it the ol' college try. If the job doesn't fit your aptitude and interest, you're inevitably going to be hitting your head on a brick wall every day. So of *course* I didn't get treated like I amounted to much. As a consumer salesperson, I kind of... well, don't. I don't care about making sales-rebuttals until Mr. Smith buys a bigger TV that he doesn't really need.Which is fine. It isn't for everybody. For the record, if a sales career *is* for you, Jamar is THE MAN. I'd direct any sales person who wants to be better at it in his direction. It might make me look kiss-butt if you don't know me, but I don't care, because I know that I refuse to blog things I don't mean.

I care about marketing copywriting, public relations and crowd-engagement, and the marriage between truly good customer service and effective marketing materials. If your product doesn't appeal and perform, if your service isn't great, all the commercial campaigns and sales-rebuttals in the world won't save you in the long run, period. The niche I fit into is making the sales-closer's job as easy as possible. My niche goes hand-in-hand with sales, but that's not what it is. Once I was done alternating between

1) playing victim because my supervisors weren't "nice to me, wah wahh," and
2) blaming myself because I "just wasn't trying hard enough,"

I was able to (teachable moment #4) confidently define the right goals to work closer to my niche, and move forward in purpose rather than in panic-mode or resignation.

Which is pretty sweet.

Trendy #Indiana

2009-12-02T22:13:00.001-05:00

(cross-posted to my personal blog)

So here's a cool little effort that won't take more than a moment of your time.

Well, *two* moments if you're one of the few cave-dwellers who doesn't have a Twitter account yet. Sign up and then get back to us.

Ready? OK, here we go.

Fellow Indianapolis resident, social-media addict and all-around cool person Amy Stark has mounted an initiative to get Indiana to trend on Twitter. The idea is, we have more to offer here in Flyover Country than we tend to get credit for. It could be a little silly, but what the hey. There are enough good things to offer around here, and if a little exposure will help, then by any and all means, it's worth a shot.

It's all in fun -- and there really isn't any downside.

When words or phrases start to trend on twitter there is a snowball effect as tweeters begin to ask, “why is Indiana trending?” Among social media platforms twitter is unique in that virtually all tweeters participate on at least one other social networking platform, so when messages spread virally on twitter they quickly appear on other platforms. If “#Indiana” trends it will increase name recognition globally, it will provide favorable exposure to existing Indiana businesses and possibly attract future business. It will also raise awareness of social media among Hoosiers and encourage them to lend their voice to the global dialog happening round-the-clock on twitter.

The time: 12:30 Eastern time. The place: Wherever you are, as long as you have Twitter access. It's as simple as using the tag #Indiana in your tweet at that moment. It can be a link to a post from one of your favorite Indiana bloggers, a vacay spot, news story, fave local business -- it's all good!

So, say #Indiana tomorrow at noon-thirty. Say it loud, say it proud. I mean... why not? How often do you get to make ripples when you live in a landlocked state?

The humble trash can

2009-09-30T09:50:00.000-04:00

*thunk*

... @&$#*!

I'd knocked the trash can over -- again! And now I feared I would be late for work, but I couldn't just leave that mess in the alley. I have a tendency to really whip my car around quick, backing out of the driveway. Trash pick-up is only once a week, not frequent enough to quickly cement a routine. And for some reason my landlord ALWAYS puts those big cans right in my path. So, for a little while, picking up that stupid can became routine.

I cussed. I cussed some more. I was late for work a couple of Wednesdays. I once passive-aggressively left the can tipped-over in the alley, hoping Dear Landlord would get the idea and move the cans farther over to the left. Why'd they have to jut out into the driveway like that? There was room enough! I thought about just demanding that the landlord put the @&$#* cans somewhere else, but that's where he'd been putting them for decades.

It felt ridiculously like a triumph the first time I changed course and missed the can.

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." -- Ben Franklin (Or maybe Albert Einstein.)

Where in your work life or job search are you still hitting that @&$#* can? Why? Are you trying to hurry too much? Not paying enough attention? Need advice you haven't yet sought?

Choose today to correct your course.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend.

2009-09-26T14:55:00.000-04:00

Five-minute long videos done all in one take are ALWAYS impressive, but more important is this: Let's all go out the rest of this weekend, and on the week to come, with the kind of excitement for life the kids in this video are showing.

It's really interesting how things work. I was thinking, yesterday, that you're kind of in a crappy spot when you're so busy over a week that you can't even write about your amazing weekend until the NEXT weekend.

But now I have a reason to hang onto those scribbled notes I haven't worked into a coherent narrative. I'll keep the details on the down-low until we come out with the finished project, but in short, it's a collaboration with Life Without Pants and a handful of other bloggers and young-professional types. And I'm QUITE psyched about this.

New blog

2009-09-24T14:21:00.000-04:00

This blog is for professional stuff. I didn't have one for personal stuff. That's fixed now.

If you'd be so kind, check it out and let me know what you think.

Gotta get back to work for the time being -- see you this evening at Schmooze-A-Palooza!

It's Hump Day!

2009-09-23T07:12:00.000-04:00

Get up and MOVE!

New tigertastic project in the works!

2009-09-22T09:57:00.000-04:00

I know, I know... still need to update on the awesomeness that was this weekend. I will get to that after the work-day is over. But the Colts played last night! And I was born and raised in Indiana. You KNOW how my evening went.

To address Saturday in short: If I ever had any doubts that creative marketing is for me, they're gone now.

In the meantime, I'm on break at work. Not exactly a fab time to craft any sort of epic post. But I was feeling nostalgic after reading that Fark.com Calvin & Hobbes comment thread yesterday.

So I decided to link to a post on career lessons learned from C & H. Said article MUST exist, right? I mean, this comic is, and will forever be, the best comic ever.

THE ARTICLE DOES NOT EXIST!

I must rectify this. It is my patriotic duty.

YARRR!

2009-09-19T09:50:00.000-04:00

It be International Talk like a Pirate Day, ALL day, ye scurvy dogs!

In honor of this great holiday, I be gearin' up to make berth at Irish Fest and do a little creative MARRketing for Geekery 4 Rent -- so if ye'd be so kind, stop and say hello to this hard-working pirate lass, I'd be ever so pleased. Doubly so if ye bring yer best pirate-jokes.

Can't wait to see ya there!

(Yarr, here be guerrilla marketing tactics, good for all budgets. So it don't matter whether ye have a huge treasure hoard, or only a tiny booty.)

About Motivation: Remember who/what you're in this for!

2009-09-15T13:06:00.000-04:00

So, I was going to post this right after Labor Day. And then Blogger ate it and I was too frustrated to re-type the thing. And then life happened, and I've just now gotten around to revisiting the post. But it's fitting, as it turns out, that I should post this in such proximity to the anniversary of 9/11 when people are still feeling contemplative, etc:

I know this is a career-blog, so I won't let it get too mushy-rainbow-puppy overrun. But we just got back from a holiday weekend, and I hope you all have gotten to spend a good amount of quality time with the people you love.

I know that it's admirable to have traits such as goal-focusedness and determination to succeed. So determined, in fact, that you'll put in the long hours, the travel -- or, in many cases, including mine, move hours away from pretty much everyone you love. All in order to chase a dream and an opportunity. Labor-day Monday evening, on the long drive home from a fantastic visit with my family and my love, I heard interviews on BBC world news radio, of people from Bangladesh who had moved to Dubai to make money for their families who they'd left behind. One man's most prized possession was his cellular phone. He got one conversation on that phone per week with his wife and daughters. Nt every day is he lucky enough to get day labor in a global recession that's even hit opulent Dubai hard enough to dry up the job market. In his tough physical toils, that one phone call per week is what he lives for.

Suddenly my four-hour drive seemed piddling in comparison, and I stopped taking my rare and cherished visits home for granted.

The more-stable future you're building must be worth it. In order to *be* worth it, we've got to keep feeling that pain of our absent loves. Over and over again. There's nothing sadder, and sourer, than someone who's lost himself or herself to work. All that will and passion, God-given for sharing in something bigger than ourselves, somehow seems squandered when it gets focused 100% on the bottom line. What's all the success in the world, if you have no one to share it with?

So take a moment, and let's remember what you're in this for. Is it your children? Spouse? Aging parents down the hall or assisted-living nearby? Are they safe under a warm cozy roof today, thanks to your efforts?

Remember what you're putting these hours of work and dedication for, and never, ever take it for granted. If you're going home to your children, lover, whatever family -- hug them this evening, like you mean it.

5 things I wish I'd known 5 years ago

2009-09-02T19:40:00.000-04:00

Well, my alma mater started classes this week, so I guess it's time for that obligatory back-to-school post. I'm not sure if this year's incoming college class is still even considered Generation Y. Already, I'm beginning to understand that "generation gap" term. Sometimes I swear I'm a 24-year-old curmudgeon and you guys are all nuts, and I'd holler to "get offa my lawn!" If I had a lawn. Apartments generally don't come with those.

Anyway, university class of 2014, the future starts with you, your success is the world's success, yadda yadda. (I'm not actually that disillusioned, I've just still got that stock-graduation-speech in my head because I heard it myself so recently. You know what I mean -- the college grad speech isn't all that different from the high school one, truth be told.)

So here's some bits of wisdom I probably heard from my parents when I was 18, but didn't listen to because they were too old. I'm only a little bit older than you, not even old enough to have babysat you when you were kids. So maybe it'll make a little more sense coming from me.

- Networking isn't just a buzzword used by stuffy people in suits. I started out at the University of Evansville, which is a pretty darn affluent school. When your background is blue-collar, it can feel pretty odd. I took on plenty of extracurriculars, but didn't take advantage of job fairs or networking events. Student meetings in jeans and T-shirts were more fun. Besides, in those days I had blue streaks in my hair and black polish on my nails. Networking equaled corporate BS for conformists. Or so, I thought. That is the case if you go to the wrong places. But the truth is, having moved to Indianapolis, I've gone to plenty of networking events. There may not be much blue hair, but the people are genuinely interesting. And the best way to find your niche (or blaze your own, a la Susan Baroncini) is to get out there and see what's what and who's who!

- Get some sleep. When I was going-on 19, my average bedtime was 3 a.m. and I had 9 a.m. classes. At the risk of sounding vain, I was really smart (academically), so I could sleep through my Latin class and still pound out the homework and get A's. But (GOD, I sound OLD!) it can catch up to you. Young'uns, hopefully by the time you graduate from college, the job market will have gone back uphill and you'll have no trouble finding a job with good healthcare benefits. Or maybe a public option will exist by then and it will be less of an issue. But maybe not. And all that partying and sleep-deprivation will catch up with you, and you will feel like crap. Nothing's quite so fun as being 23, fresh out of school, worried about money (Darlings, you likely have NO concept of the word "broke" yet!), and feeling like your body is going to fall apart because you didn't care for it.

- Relationships and bootycalls are NOT THAT DARN IMPORTANT! Lord, if I could do it all over I'd have jumped ship on the crap relationships I maintained because I was scared to be alone. And I see so many other young folks squandering their emotional and mental energy on significant others rather than nurturing and growing their own self-identities. You need that. Some people (and I fear that this occurs lopsidedly so toward females) go years, DECADES, defining themselves in terms of who their parent, sibling, spouse, or child is, rather than what unique and wonderful qualities they themselves offer. It's so simple that it's revolutionary... you can avoid that midlife crisis entirely, just by HAVING a life!

Plus, you'll do better in academics and in your club/sport of choice if you're not worrying so hard about looking dumb in front of that girl/boy/whatever. I cringe at my graduation status, even though it was "Cum Laude," because even though that looks decent on a resume', I believe I could have done better. Please don't let that be you.

- Don't be so darned afraid to try, fail, or ask for help. I'm TERRIFIED of failure, and I've talked myself out of a lot of opportunities that way. And annoyed the crap out of people in my social circle because I don't know how to ski/carry out a WOW raid/play euchre.

Same applies in the business world. In five years, we may end up working together. Wonder of wonders, I may even end up supervising you. I"m going to give you the STINKEYE if you don't ask me questions. (Yes, the dreaded stinkeye!) I'm going to wonder if you're cheating, or just not taking enough risks, if you never screw up. It's part of life!

- If your professor doesn't challenge you, challenge him or her. Your university will probably have a class or two on critical thinking and argument. It's not going to be enough. Our educational system is generally crap in this department, and it's doing many of us a disservice. Don't go into the game ready to learn WHAT to think or say in order to get a decent grade. That's not our educators' job, or at least it shouldn't be. Learn HOW to think. This will make the difference between our generation being a generation of leaders, or a generation of followers.

5 career lessons from Battlestar Galactica

2009-08-23T16:14:00.000-04:00

Anyone who knows me even a LITTLE bit knows I'm moderately obsessed with the 2004 re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica. But never underestimate the geekiness--it can prove quite an advantage if you need creative ways to motivate yourself and improve your career edge.

In keeping with this much-reposted article of 10 business lessons from BSG, I've come up with 5 more pieces of advice for career-minded individuals. Mind you, there are about a ZILLION nuggets of wisdom I had to choose from. There might be a Part 2 eventually, because it was just very difficult to narrow things down. Here's what I came up with:

1. Be a leader NOW, don't wait for fate to thrust you into a leadership role, as Lee Adama did.

Otherwise you'll find yourself floundering, and being upstaged. Not to mention getting lectured on the subject by your hotshot underling pilot. Do your research, pull your weight, and when the time comes, jump in with both feet. You'd do better to take example from Pres. Roslin than from the younger Adama. Be appropriately authoritative.

2. Be adaptable, unlike Felix Gaeta.

You NEVER know what turn life will take you in, what new tech might come up or what person you dismissed in the past who may well be a powerful ally in the future. Gaeta couldn't accept when a few of the hated Cylons changed colors and allied with the Colonial fleet. His actions as a response led to humiliation, failure, and... well, death by firing squad. Your result if you fail to be appropriately versatile will likely not be anywhere near so drastic. But it WILL be painful at best.

3. Keep your moral compass, even when it's frustrating.

Like Karl "Helo" Agathon, who stood his ground beside his Cylon wife until the pair proved themselves two of the fleet's most valuable officers. He also risked his respectability to stop a genocide of members of the Sagittaron colony by a crooked doctor. He stood his ground amid scoffs and threats on all fronts, even from people he'd known as friends. In the short run, these actions hurt. But it was worthwhile to hang on to his integrity. Galactica's Doctor Cottel tested a deceased Sagittaron's blood and proved Helo's theory correct. The truth eventually will prevail. That inner voice of right and wrong is a vital tool in a sometimes-murky professional environment. Never lose that.

4. Learn from past mistakes.

"All this has happened before, and all this will happen again." These words recurred throughout the BSG series, first uttered by the Cylon Leoben, and unwinding as a thread as the human/cylon confrontations increased in complexity, intensity, and risk. By the series' end, we are left to make our own conclusion as to whether the cycle of destruction has been broken, or will repeat yet again. It may not be as dramatic as obliterating your own civilization over and over on a 3-thousand-year loop, but it's still vital to examine the past, and its errors. That adage about being doomed to repeat history if you don't learn from it is all too true. If you see that your course of action isn't leading to your desired end -- be it a promotion, growth of your small business, or landing that new job -- or if you've made the same wrong moves more than once, stop the loop and re-evaluate.

5. Never understimate the power of respect.

All through the BSG series, this proved a recurring theme. Admiral Adama's leading hand was firm, stern, but ultimately considerate of his crew and fleet's needs. Galen Tyrol upheld a more just socioeconomic system among the fleet by standing up for inter-colonial respect and class mobility. Admiral Cain's megalomania and lack of regard for the humanity of her own crew led to her demise. And, the end success of the journey for human and cylon alike ultimately hinged on their ability to understand that they were all in that journey together. Whatever your company, whatever your role therein, it's not an overstatement to say that your success rate depends in large part on you, unfailingly, both giving and demanding appropriate respect at work. (Hey, it just may keep your entire civilization alive!)

Hopefully, you can take these themes into consideration and use them to improve your performance. So say we all.

...Upon further thought, yes, I am definitely going to make a part 2. Career tips girls and women can gain from Battlestar Galactica. It pretty much needs to happen, because the "women rock" theme is so heavy in the new series. Also, this blog needs more Starbuck. So stay tuned for that.

Brevity & horn-tooting

2009-08-20T00:39:00.000-04:00

I'm clearly still not fully adjusted to the new schedule. (and being up 'til nearly 1 like I am at the moment isn't helping, but I digress.) I literally fell asleep this early evening mid-edit of a longer and better post, which I'll finish and get live soon.

Shorter version: I'm implementing some changes to better keep ahead of my commitments. I'm going to drop out of the contest over at IndyMojo.com, which is in progress to recruit a part-time street team leader. My first priority right now is kicking butt at learning my new job (which presents an interesting subset of joys and concerns and will get its own lengthier post later this week.) I commit to continuing as a volunteer for the growing street team. This better fits the schedule commitment I can adhere to if I want to perform not just acceptably, but well.

Also very clearly need to do some re-tooling on previously posted purpose-focused areas of this site. While my new position is not my original target, I'm doing still MORE re-evaluating for future goals. And I'm officially happy for the time being. The career path is a journey, not a destination. The work is rewarding, and there is room within the company to advance into roles that fit my longer-term plans.

Now for the "toot my own horn" part. I realized earlier today that I have spot-on met the goal I set for myself almost exactly 2 years ago. Granted, it was nebulous in hindsight, but my goal was to work and live in downtown Indianapolis. I've met that with flying colors. Hey, anything to liven up that little voice inside that says "You ARE good enough, and you CAN meet your dreams!"

What have you done to liven up that little voice today?

Pick up your perk!

2009-08-12T22:28:00.001-04:00

Fatigued or downright depressed in your job search? It's a small comfort to know that you have plenty of company. I struggled, myself, with intense depression and anxiety last year. In recent days, I have apparently joined the ranks of the happily employed, but the fatigue associated with going from a second-shift job to first-shift has been worse than expected. I wanted to get right back in high-gear as soon as I got back to Indianapolis and started my new job Monday. My body clearly had other plans. Anyway, it should be clear that I speak from plenty of experience when it comes to fighting depression and fatigue.

Obviously, if the "blues" stay persistent, or if the depression becomes severe, you shouldn't just suffer through it like I did. There IS help to fit your income, or lack thereof. The tips below, and some St. John's Wort, were enough to get me functional most of the time at my worst. But if you need further intervention, don't hold yourself back from it. You deserve better.

Even at the worst times, I had tried-and-true ways to give myself a shot of perk. Mostly, it's just about taking a few minutes to pamper yourself. Society says this is a luxury and requires tons of money. I disagree. Here are a quick few tricks; feel more than free to add your own!

- Listen to your body's call for more sleep. Make sure you're actually tired and it's not just the depression.

- Better-sleep tips: Have some chamomile tea if you have anxiety that's making sleep difficult. Brew your own teas for pennies a cup, and scoff at people who routinely pay upwards of $3 for the stuff. You can flavor it up with a slice of lemon (or some of that cheapie RealLemon juice). Or add a shot of apple juice, at less than a buck for a can of concentrate. I take some valerian root capsules with my evening chamomile. You can find cheapie-brands at Walgreens, Target, Wal-mart, etc. Be warned, it tastes GROSS, so you're going to need that budget-gourmet tea afterward. Still can't sleep? Run by the local headshop/stoner store and pick up some Morningstar brand Japanese incense in lavender. It's aromatherapy you can practically afford with couch-change. You'll be more awake and productive in the morning.

- Trade backrubs with a friend. Or your significant other/spouse, if you have one. I still have tension and pain issues from all the stress knotting up my neck, shoulders, and back. It would surely have been worse if I hadn't volunteered as a guinea pig for a friend who wanted practice while in massage-therapy school. (But even the most untrained layperson can be helpful.) There are about a million ways to get absolutely free massages.

- LAY OFF the energy drinks. They're super expensive and will actually only make you feel worse. I say this even though I'm an energy-drink addict. But I really do feel better on days, like today, when I abstain from drinking them. Try tea. Even coffee is better, if you use moderation. If you have as fierce a habit as I'm weaning myself from, you'll probably need some ibuprofen for the caffeine-withdrawal headaches.

- If you really feel that you must have an energy drink, go sugar-free at least. But Red Bull is the only brand I've found that does sugar-free that doesn't taste awful, and it's the most expensive brand. (I'd also suggest avoiding Rockstar. Here's why.)

- Get a bicycle. Craigslist, thrift, or get one at a yard sale for $40 or less. Use it whenever you can. Biking to the store doesn't just save you lots of gas money, it feels REALLY good. Get a nice-size bike basket and wear a backpack, so you'll have room. I've also seen people use those little behind-the-bike trailers that are advertised for letting toddlers ride in. That makes more sense to me. I'd rather break an egg than a kid if I hit a bad bump. These little trailers get costly, though, even on Craigslist.

- Finally, my favorite: Jam out. Everyone can come up with at least 3 to 5 songs that ALWAYS put them in a good mood. Capitalize on this. Here are some that do the trick for me:

"Glad to Be Alive" by Cowboy Mouth (WEIRD slide show, sorry, it was the only video I could find for this song.)

"The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World (video probably NSFW--underwear)

"Robots" by Flight of the Conchords

"Hook" by Blues Traveler

"This Much Fun" by Cowboy Mouth

Go forth, rock out, feel better, and re-gain your edge.

The top 10 best job-search blog posts I've read this week (Now with musical zombie action!)

2009-07-26T03:52:00.000-04:00

Here are the top 10 posts I've read over the week of July 19-25. NOT an easy list to narrow down. I've been fortunate to find some of the best names and minds in the business of helping people make the most of their jobs, job searches, and careers. Here's what made the cut:

1. Via Heather Huhman of Examiner.com and ComeRecommended.com: What Hiring Managers Look For During Interviews. - A refresher if you're a veteran at this, and a little survival guide for the newbies among us.

2. Via JobSavants: The Seven Prep Essentials for Job Interviews. They say these tips will "dramatically improve your performance at job interviews and make a greater success of the job once you're in the saddle." The strategic thinking behind the tips themselves leads one to believe that line.

3. Via HR Guru: If you *are* employed, what to do to keep your job. Self explanatory, and worth its weight in gold in these times we're in.

4. Via CareerRealism: Four LAME Excuses Why Jobseekers Don't Self-Evaluate. OUCH, *raises hand* Guilty as charged. But I've changed my ways, and so can you.

5. Via CollegeRecruiter.com: 8 tips to build and maintain a professional online image. I've touched on this issue on my blog before, but this post takes that general advice to a higher level. Nicely done, folks.

6. Via CareerRealism: Ten things recruiters won't tell you (but I will!) If you only have the time to read one article on this list of 10, READ THIS ONE. Get into that interview's head. Brutally honest, and therefore worth its weight in gold.

7. Via Careerbuilder: 10 Job interview questions you were afraid to ask. Need to manage your image so as not to be perceived as a "dumb blonde?" Got a terrible rash? Afraid you can't look professional and be overweight at the same time? Wondering if the nose ring was a bad idea? Check this story out.

8. Via CollegeGrad.com: 4 pieces of advice for discouraged newbies to the job market.

9. Via Dumb Little Man: 10 answers you should know before going into the interview. Don't freeze up like a deer in headlights next time you get the "So, tell us about yourself!" question.

10: Via WordPost: 5 business lessons from Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video. It's self-explanatory why this post is full of epic awesome. And it's not just throwing its hat in on the whole Michael Jackson (may he rest in peace) gimmick. It's actually decent advice. Way to be awesome, WordPost.

A lot of new developments

2009-07-25T19:24:00.001-04:00

Wow. Just in the past 48 hours, the playing field has changed up a lot. I have this weird, momentous feeling that my "journey" has, just like THAT, gone from informational to actual.

I need to take a step back this evening, to do a little housekeeping, and to take stock and plan my next few moves.

I'm literally getting excited about the future, to the point that it feels like this little body of mine isn't going to be able to hold it all in.

I am working on a round-up of the best job-seeker advice I've seen this past week, so look for that once I've had time to finish it up after dinner. It hasn't been an easy list to cull down, since I'm blessed to be following some of the best and brightest writers in the world on this subject.

Please stay tuned.

A Tale of Two Job Fairs

2009-07-23T15:16:00.000-04:00

Here's the part where I get around to talking about the fairs I've attended this week.

Monday's event, the IndyHires fair at the downtown Sheraton was kind of a fly-by. The fair was scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but I work at 1 on the north side of Indy. I had to be quick about things.

This was OK, though. The fair was, in all honesty, disappointingly small. Not in terms of turnout, by any means. The line of attendees waiting to register stretched all the way out the conference-area doors, across the downstairs lobby, up the stairs, and into the main level lobby of the Sheraton. But the only exhibitor that held much real hope for a near-future job placement was Express Employment. One temp agency. Besides that, there were recruiters for independent-contractor sales jobs with Culligan and Aflac, the National Guard, one radio station, and about four colleges trying to recruit for fall classes. That's... it.

The huge turnout of employment-hopefuls obviously speaks to our area's current depressed economic climate, but it also speaks well of LocalHires' prowess at marketing themselves. Kudos from this young marketing pro.

I just really, really wish there had been more resources available once all these hopefuls showed up. I, personally, did get in some good networking with a few attendees and the radio station's representative. I do wonder at the low exhibitor turnout. Did Localhires just focus lopsidedly on getting seekers to show up, but not as much on recruiting exhibitors? Was booth rental too high? I have a hard time believing that the number of companies looking to hire in Indianapolis is THAT low, or that local businesses are THAT apathetic. Quite to the contrary. In recent weeks, I've made acquaintance with several business owners and managers, all of which are quite the movers and shakers who I'm proud to know. (not to mention hopeful of the potential for a good future helped by these acquaintances.)

In any case, I'm not giving up on LocalHires. I still maintain a profile on their site. They really are relatively new on the block, and maybe future fairs will be less disappointing. But let's just say I put a lot more weight on the LinkedIn and Twitter fronts, this blog, and good old-fashioned face-to-face.

The Indianapolis Small Business Fair on Tuesday, on the other hand... This place was made of epic win.

I had literally NO time to prepare for this one, as I heard about it around 11:00 p.m. Monday night. Events and exhibition were scheduled to go from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. I don't have a small business, or necessarily plan on starting one any time soon, but I thought it would be a good place to do some networking. That thought was a HUGE understatement.

I preface the rest of this post by admitting the "Networking"-word always kind of made my stomach a little crawly-feeling in the past. I had this conception of stodgy, boring people in suits, passing around business cards and talking about tea or golf or some productivity-jargon buzzword. Because, well, I'm sorry... but all my experiences with this kind of thing in Evansville *were* boring. I'm so glad to have my conceptions shattered on that front.

I'd heard that Kyle from Brandswag would be there, but sadly, I didn't get to stick around for his seminar. Work at 1, and all that. From what I've heard about Kyle, and read on his own blog, he sounds like a greatly interesting person, and I hope to get to meet him at some point.

Of course, interesting people were common company at the Indy Small Business Fair. Susan from Business in Blue Jeans chatted me up at her table, just before I had to leave for work and she was due to give her seminar. What a treasure this woman and her husband both are! (And here is the part where I shamelessly plug her website and free E-newsletter. Get thee over and check 'em out!) But in seriousness, she really did give me some great nuggets of advice. As close by as she is, I hope to stay in touch.

Ditto for the Knight Surfer. This guy's a peach. Eclectic, kind, creative, and generous with help.

I really can't even get into the names of all the genuinely good and helpful people I got to speak with. Resume' advice, opinions on the best professional-networking groups, interview tips, name-sharing for even more network connections, and (well, duh) advice for if I do decide to start my own business, all flowed generously. By the time I left, I was all out of my own business cards, and my handbag was heavy with other people's. And my planner was all inked-up with upcoming networking meet-ups and breakfasts. The one with the most glowing review was BPE, where I'm planning to attend my first meeting this coming Monday at 7 a.m.

It appears that these two events just exemplify a difference in substance between a "job fair" versus a "career fair." I know which type I'll be seeking out from here on.

More delay on the changes, but less so this time.

2009-07-23T11:58:00.000-04:00

Still fighting whatever it is that knocked me on my back all day Saturday. Just can't ask my body to go faster than it can handle, and right it just isn't up to full-speed.

In spite of ailing health and long, weird work hours, I WILL see this through. It's just one more exercise in patience.

Holy bejeebies!

2009-07-22T18:20:00.000-04:00

Still at work. Still trying to focus on accomplishing work tasks instead of composing blog-posts and creative junk like that in my head. (speaking of which, multiple new posts cookin'. Should be live tomorrow morn at the latest!)

But I had to get this out.

Martin Bosworth just called ME indispensable! Little, silly, me. Uh, wow. It's safe to say that this makes a good week even better. The thought that someone I've admired for some time now, who's an outstanding consumer advocate, critical thinker, and powerhouse blogger, has that kind of respect for me. I'm kinda floored. And very encouraged.

Nice.

WHY, again, have I been so hard on myself for the past year?

Indiana Small Business Fair!

2009-07-21T13:59:00.000-04:00

Oh my goodness, I'm so EXCITED but so tired right now. And I work until 10 this evening, so here's hoping the adrenaline will keep up until then. Definitely going to have to relapse in my caffeine addiction to get through this day.

Long story short, the Indiana Small Business Fair today was worth its weight in gold! Lots of follow-up networking to do, which will probably have to wait until tomorrow morning. I'll consolidate my post on today's Small Business Fair with the summary on yesterday's LocalHires fair at the Sheraton downtown.

Thank you again to everyone who took the time to help me on my informational journey today. Lots of beautiful people I'm proud to get to know.

Panic at the Job Search! Or, what NOT to do your first year out of college.

2009-07-21T12:01:00.000-04:00

I suppose this is kind of a confessional, but I prefer to call it a "How-Not-To" guide. I post now in the belief that true strength lies in growing past your vulnerability, not denying it. In the freedom of finally knowing purpose and fearlessness. And in the hope that someone, after reading these words, will also choose to turn from fear to purpose and goal-focused strategy.

Like so many of us, back when things were very evidently bad in the job market but before the "R-Word" had ever been uttered by the authorities, I capital-P Panicked at the state of things. Like so many other young aspiring professionals, I dwelled on the question, "Why isn't this working?" On the surface, it looked like I'd done everything right. I was graduating Cum Laude. I'd done what no other woman in my family had done before me. I had the piece of paper. Where was the opportunity it was supposed to bring?

It was late November, 2007.

I didn't even bother preparing to walk in my own college graduation, so busy was I searching and applying for jobs. I didn't want to leave southern Indiana, but the selection of jobs within my field seemed very limited there (probably due to not networking enough). Again, this is before anyone ever said the word "recession," but most people who live there would agree that Evansville has long been suffering from brain drain and a lack of good jobs for graduates. I settled for a job as a legal secretary.

It was February, 2008.

I had already quit the legal secretary gig. The job involved suing people in collections litigation, cold calling to demand money, and generally having a front-row seat to many low-income peoples' lives falling apart in real-time. Not good for the soul. Call me a bleeding heart, but I had majored in PR with the intent of working in a nonprofit. The day I told a woman being evicted her mandatory move-out date, she started crying, and then her 3 children in the background also started wailing was the last straw. There had to be better than this. I started temping while scouring job-search boards at night, waiting for something better to come up.

It was mid-June, 2008.

There was no creativity whatsoever allowed in temping, but it paid the bills. For a while. The office I was assigned to, while respectable, was clearly not a good match for a creative-minded person who is relatively liberal for southern Indiana. The proprietor was in his 70's, a regular Limbaugh listener. I'll say no more. I'll never trash-talk the place, as they did a lot of good for many people. I became complacent in my search for a permanent job, thinking maybe I could just make it work here. I was very much a "passive job-searcher." Most of the young women in the small town where I grew up already had husbands and babies and hadn't come this far. In comparison, it seemed somehow like I had "made it." Until I was unceremoniously sent looking again. "It's just not working out, but don't worry--we'll give you a good reference." But by now, the temp market had entirely dried up, and I still wasn't even getting call-backs for anything more stable. I was sending hundreds of resume's a month, with no real rhyme or defined intention. I was starting to panic. I lowered my standards, taking part-time work where I could get it, at up to $3.00/hour below my original goal wage. I had been uninsured for some time, and was literally watching myself slide from my comfortable middle-class roots into the growing class of "working poor."

It was November, 2008.

By this point, I'd lost several "surefire temp-to-perm hire" jobs. In earlier, more capricious years, I'd quit better jobs than these. I had a part-time job selling cellular phones, and was lucky to make $200/week. My expenses were outgrowing my income at an alarming pace.

I'd already called all my favorite professors for networking help, and they seemed to have few leads, all of which said "You're remarkably talented, but there just aren't any openings at this time. Good luck!" I'd emailed my old supervisor from my internship, but got no reply. In my mindset at the time, it was too easy to think he just didn't feel like I was worth a response. (Yes, in hindsight this is ridiculous.)

I was losing sleep, having panic attacks. I broke off a good relationship because I just didn't have the energy. First, I gained weight because I was stress-eating. Then I was too stressed to eat at all. I felt like I would never succeed and like I had nothing to offer. I slept most of the time when I wasn't working, to try and forget. To be honest, I wasn't even trying anymore. I couldn't even afford a bottom-barrel, frightening apartment.

I had moved out of my $400/month rent apartment and was co-housing with some lovely idealists who didn't care a bit about money. They were outcasts, outlaws, vagrants. I owe them a lot. Their rag-tag, but still bon vivant, attitudes probably saved me. They shared their home and their meals with me. (Often, the meals were rescued from dumpsters. I just learned not to ask.) Made me feel human and worthy in a market where, so many times, I'd been reminded how very expendable I was.

I stopped. I thought. Ever so tentatively, I stopped moping and started researching. I called up more contacts. I self-examined, re-built my resume' for the zillionth time, and spent a lot of time researching in the public library since my computer had died and I didn't have the money to fix it or get a new one. (The lack of this vital resource proved, for me, the most daunting part of job searching as an economically-disadvantaged person in the 21st century.) I was still afraid, but I was not entirely without plan or purpose anymore.

It was March, 2009.

I was still putting the pieces together to develop my personal brand. This blog was a product of my evolving thought pattern. Somewhere around this time, I stopped trying too hard to fit into the mold I'd previously perceived as "acceptably professional." It sounds way too shmoopy and self-helpy, but I was finally starting to accept myself and my quirks, "warts and all," and finding it much more effective to work these into my technique as an asset rather than try to hide them as flaws. I moved to Indianapolis, both because I had a call-center offer here that I could pay bills with in the interim, and because, let's face it, there is a markedly more youthful, vibrant, and opportunity-filled environment for young professionals in Indy.

It is July, 2009.

My "personal brand" is not 100% defined, and that's OK. I don't think anyone's ever really is. It's important to maintain fluidity and flexibility, anyway. In a market where everyone is trying SO hard to maintain a veneer of perfection and invulnerability, I find myself amused, these days, at the prospect of dishonesty. So many of us bear battle scars from this bear economy. I tout mine with pride in consideration of the lessons learned. There is an often-used saying, "Ad astra, per aspera." To the stars, through the rough. I got sick to death of being scared, and I swear I'll never go back there again.

For the first 19 years or so of my life, not always but generally, everything was handed over to me without much struggle. I'm naturally bright, and got a couple of academic scholarships in college. I never really tried for my good grades. The honors graduation came pretty easily. But natural aptitude only gets you so far, and you can't cute your way out of everything by a long shot.

Naturally, it'd take getting roughed up a bit to learn the value of a fight. So I probably wouldn't take much of the past year back, because it was so important to learn how tenacious I really am. You know how so many college seniors and recent grads just kind of grab for the right keywords in their resume'? It's so much more fulfilling to be able to type "tenacious and goal-oriented" with the experience and gumption to back it up. Today, I can do that.

I'm thankful. I'm beyond fear. I'm ready.

Say it with me now. It's a new day. We can do this.

One more heads-up before I dive into late-night research

2009-07-20T23:34:00.001-04:00

Via Gradversity: "How's your job search going?"

(alternate post title: Geesh, where was this post 6 months ago when I was still uselessly freaking out?!)

Great post. Says the often-nebulous, age-old "stop with the whiny 'why me's?' and get to fixing it!" but this time it's presented in a solid, solution-focused and non-lecture-y way.

I had to give a heads-up to this post.

2009-07-20T15:40:00.000-04:00

"The Most Important Letter You will Ever Write" on Job Searching with Rob

I'm never going to look at rejection the same way again. This one' a must-read, y'all. Don't miss it.

Slow burn, higher momentum

2009-07-20T14:45:00.000-04:00

Looks like a bit of a "one day, one lil' change" process. Was planning to change a whole bunch o' stuff on Saturday, my day off, but my body had other plans, and I was laid up all day with sniffles and a very sore throat. So, while I recuperate, changes are still in progress. Just not as quick-fire as I'd hoped. Here's what's up for the first half of the week:

I updated the resume' page! Check it out!

Two blog posts will finish out this evening: goings-on at today's IndyHires career fair (hopefully including footage of my talk with Fox 59!), and the finished "Panic at the Job Search" article.

Also coming up this week: updated and improved "Fellow Job Seekers" page(s). And a more-defined statement of direction for myself and for this site.

I'm at work right now, so can't go into huge detail. Here's a funny to hold you over until this evening. Check me at Twitter in the meantime! I'm tweeting and re-tweeting info/advice during workwork. (On breaks, of course!)

edit: Tuckered out! Will finish these 2 blog posts in the morning before heading to the Indiana Small Business Fair. Hope to gain lots of new insight, leads, networking contacts, and creative fodder.

Here's an example to live by.

2009-07-19T23:14:00.000-04:00

Via @danschawbel, here's some great advice from Kyle Lacy, owner of the local business BrandSwag. (And mad congrats, as he's riding high on two years of entrepreneurial success at age 25! Rock on!)

"5 things I've learned as a Generation Y Business Owner"

1. A Great Business Partner is Invaluable.

2. Don’t Let Your Age Keep You Down.

3. Find a Mentor. Even a Couple.

...

Right, like I'd copy/paste the whole thing and steal Kyle's thunder! Get thee over and read the whole thing; it's got very valuable insight on cultivating an attitude for success. Useful for everyone, not just young'uns like myself.

Whoops, I lied.

2009-07-15T18:36:00.000-04:00

Well, I didn't lie. I just underestimated the time it'd take to pack, move, unpack, and get settled in.

(By the way, congrats to me on my first apartment I've ever gotten all to myself! *pats own back*)

The general effect of this transition is that I won't actually have the time to start implementing any major blog changes until around Friday, rather than today as originally planned. I need to spend this evening finishing the unpacking, and preparing for tomorrow's job interview. (Wish me luck please!)

I am, indeed, resuming regular posting as of right now. For the next couple of days, though, this will be limited to sharing info from other job-search info sources who I trust and admire. Thank you again for reading, and I look forward to getting back into full swing by Friday.

Hang in there!

2009-07-07T20:10:00.000-04:00

FIN.AL.LY. Folks, the time has come at last for this poor neglected blog to start its journey to being all it can be! I know that, ostensibly, it's been quiet around here lately. Lots going on behind the scenes! The blog is getting a redesign, with a whole new array of features I'm not about to spill too much about today!

Besides a cyber-makeover, I'm moving my real-life dwelling again. After YEARS of uncertainty at best, and turmoil at worst, one thing's for certain: I'll finally have enough sustained access to the Internet to do this place some justice.

ETA for the re-start of new posts is a week from today. Gradual implementation of the new, improved "Not another boring job-search blog!" soon to follow. So stay tuned! :)

Gratitude!

2009-06-05T13:48:00.000-04:00

I am so excited and thankful today. A kind and generous soul has put up the money so I don't have to keep struggling to save for that laptop I need! Thank you, so much, for investing in my pursuit for a better future. I'll keep busting myself even harder to make sure this investment is a worthwhile one. And as soon as I have the means and the chance, I'll pay it forward.

This new laptop will not just make it easier to hunt for opportunity, as I no longer will only be able when I can borrow a friend's computer. I can also work on creating and improving work portfolio samples, polishing the resume', increasing skills through free online courses and tutorials, and continuing the workers' and job-seekers' karma experiment that is this blog.

So get ready for big and swift improvements once the laptop arrives! Yays!

Lance Armstrong blames Drew's cancer too. Won't you?

2009-06-04T14:34:00.001-04:00

Lance Armestrong has decided to #blamedrewscancer for his collarbone injury.

Also, in just about 24 hours, the cancer has been blamed on over 3,000 mishaps! Cancer doesn't stand a chance! We're beating the dickens out of this disease, and having a lot of fun doing it. Go ahead, I challenge you to blame Drew's cancer and see if it doesn't lift your spirits.

Drew is also still looking for sponsors to donate to Make a Wish and the American Cancer Society. For example, pledging 5 cents for blame would be awesome. A few minutes ago, I asked my employer to join me in blaming Drew's cancer. Won't you do the same? There's no harm in it, I mean, it's a PR opportunity. The worst they can do is decline. And in that instance, we'll blame it on that darn old Drew's cancer!

Q of the Day

2009-06-03T14:26:00.000-04:00

We're gonna take a break from the usual. Today's question is inspired by a remarkable gentleman I've just found on Twitter. Tweeters are bound to notice today that #blamedrewscancer is a trending topic.

The brains behind this belong to Mr. Drew Olanoff, who has recently been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and decided that the best way to beat cancer is to beat up on it as much as possible. So get onto your Twitter account and blame all your troubles on Drew's cancer. The plan is to find some sponsor(s) to raise money for the ACS and the Make a Wish foundation. Drew will announce those on his own blog as they emerge.

So today's message is one of courage and hope to those living with cancer. Drew spoke well, "I have cancer but cancer doesn't have me."

AND today's Q of the day, obviously, is...

What do you blame on Drew's cancer?

One wishes niceness were always the trend.

2009-06-02T19:57:00.000-04:00

found this via Twitter: Niceness the New Career Trend?

Mean is out. Earnestness and altruism are in fashion. Humility is an aphrodisiac. The roof has caved in, and people are responding accordingly. Not by panicking, but pulling up their bootstraps and making lemonade. And giving their neighbor some. And the prostitute down the street. And the dog too.

Full article at modite.com

Count your blessings, then get tactical.

2009-06-02T13:38:00.000-04:00

Things are still going decently up here in Indianapolis, but too many instances of looking too much at where I'm qualified to be, and at my long-term goal versus where I am now, have led to some unnecessary deflation in my perk.

Then, at just the right moment, that old hymn from Mom's church got stuck in my head. "Count your blessings, name them one by one..."

In this economy there are many, many of us who are feeling trapped as we do anything for a paycheck, performing tasks below what we know we're qualified and trained to do. We still do feel fortunate indeed to have a job at all, but something we can throw our hearts into? We must realize the response today is not a crushing "no way," but a whispering "not yet."

So we count our blessings. We band together, commiserate, and wait for better times while actively preparing ourselves the best we can to latch onto opportunity.

I've got plenty to be thankful for. Six months ago, just making enough to survive on seemed like a pipe dream. Now, I'm up to living paycheck to paycheck without overdrawing or borrowing money from family. I'm meeting and exceeding sales goals at work, so that's obviously valuable for my image, references, and resume'. The next goal is to have some surplus to put into savings, health insurance, and finally getting a laptop so I can do the freelance work I've long desired to do.

It's seemed like something of a catch-22, this necessary strategizing. Do I get a second job, or seek a dead-end job that pays better but doesn't have the same good future opportunities as where I am? In the short run, this would be a financial benefit. But instead I've opted to apply for volunteer marketing work at a couple of local nonprofits. Short-term belt-tightening frees up that time to improve the resume' and widen the opportunity net.

Take time to be thankful! Then take more time to strategize. Then patiently carry out your steps to MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Q of the Day

2009-05-27T23:11:00.000-04:00

What's one opportunity you're holding back from today? Why?

Taking the initiative! Please advise!

2009-05-27T17:11:00.000-04:00

While my goal for this site is to become a total career-building advice maven (no inconsiderable task at age 24), the times often come in life when two choices arise: freeze like a deer in headlights, or ask for some advice of my own.

Today, friends, is one of those days.

I've undertaken an idea that takes some chutzpah in a decent economy, let alone one like this. I, a mere peon in a call-center, have approached the manager of the marketing department asking for some time to discuss marketing ideas.

Basically the plan is to pitch myself for a job that does not yet exist. But it SHOULD.

Long story short, we need to grow here when it comes to social media. So objective 1 is to spearhead the social media effort. (perfect job for me, I add!)

Objective 2 is to be something of a liaison between the call center, where I currently am, and the marketing department, where I DEARLY want to be. I find myself in a unique position but one with boundless opportunity. We marketers tend to revel in being surrounded by research. Papers, graphs, quantifiable everything. But you've got to put some value in hearing straight from the horse's mouth. The call center is that ever-important mouth. But how can I implement this idea in a quantifiable way? Anecdotal doesn't really cut it in this day and age. The only remotely decent idea I've come up with is to somehow try and focus-group within the company itself for reps' feedback.

I just need advice to pull this off. Are you in a company, or even better, the department, that successfully implements social media into its strategic plan? (Brett, Zappos is a great example so I'm looking at you for input on this one.)

Have you successfully pitched an idea in this manner to a higher-up in your company? How do/did you make it work? What would you do differently if you had it to do again?

Thanks for any and all helpful advice!

Q of the Day

2009-05-15T19:37:00.000-04:00

What is your dream job? And by that, I mean what is it that you're so into that you'd do it even if you weren't being paid to?

Work at what you'd do for free, and it won't seem like work.

2009-05-15T18:01:00.000-04:00

That is what they say, anyway!

So one challenge for today, my fellow ambition-seekers, is to find and pounce on one opportunity to do just that.

My goal is to work in PR/marketing, preferably at a nonprofit. I'm making a living, but not yet in this medium. The good news is that doing some volunteer work can get you one step closer. I took that step today; I will be helping a local nonprofit with their marketing work. So excited! Can't wait to see what doors of opportunity will open next!

Q of the Day

2009-05-13T18:56:00.000-04:00

LOL, lately it's been more like Q of the month, but I'm fixin' to fix that.

Question for today is...

what is the most creative way you've ever gotten on an employer's good side and/or gotten the attention of a potential employer?

Make "Raving Fans"

2009-05-13T15:38:00.000-04:00

So glad to be back again long enough to make a post! You all are dear to me and I hope that my ability to access the Internet improves quickly, so I can devote the attention to this place I want to and see my vision through to fruition.

As I mentioned in a recent post, I'm now working at NPS in Indianapolis and making enough to save toward getting a laptop! In the meantime, I'm learning quite a bit about customer service here. My coworkers and I recently read a book together called "Raving Fans." This book is an important one that I'd recommend to anyone, because it is SO not just relevant for someone in the service industry. You can use the principles in this book as a blueprint to create and hone your vision for professional success -- especially in my own chosen field, marketing! Start with the very first principle, "Decide what you want." It's a simple quick read, amusing, but relevant.

So, whether looking for that dream job on Indeed.com, tidying up your resume', or just working on that brilliant entrepreneural leap, I recommend you take a second to borrow or buy a copy of this useful parable on respecting yourself enough to see your professional vision through.

That's all for now; my goal is to have that computer within the next 2 1/2 to 3 weeks so I can get back to posting and improving this place regularly. Thank you for reading, and happy career building!

Blog Status/thanks for your patience!

2009-04-14T19:44:00.001-04:00

As you have noticed, it has been some time since Leah'sGotIt.blogspot.com was updated. I still have great hopes and expectations for this little corner of the Internet, but the hiatus has been necessary as great changes have come about in my life. Taking time off of my online projects for real-life adjustment has been imperative.

I did manage to procure a better-paying job at All American Direct in Indianapolis, Indiana. Being closer to living within your means does SO much for your peace of mind as well as for your ability to invest time and energy into things that matter, rather than stressing over the bare necessities. Hang in there, if that is where you currently are. I am one more item of living proof; keep fighting, keep scrapping, and keep building yourself up, and you will get there.

Current projects include getting moved the rest of the way into my new digs in Indy, getting hooked up with some volunteering opportunities, developing my writings here (obviously) as well as on Helium.com and iReport.com, AND hopefully procuring part-time or freelance work in some field of writing. Journalistic writing, marketing copywriting, I don't know at the moment. Something that will be rewarding and keep my hand in my desired profession.

I don't know about you folks, but I have been feeling a whole lot more optimistic lately. I do need to continue this hiatus until my computer access improves. Probably only another week or so, thank goodness. Do take care, keep developing yourselves and your career goals, and may you have a better grasp on happiness and purpose today than you did previously.

Peace,
Leah

p.s. Have you checked out JobAngels yet? They're wonderful.

Q of the day

2009-02-11T14:37:00.000-05:00

What's one cringeworthy job-hunt mistake you wish you'd never made? Don't sweat it; most of us have those days when it seems like our sole purpose is to be a warning to others. But learning is the key. What'd you do wrong, and what did/can you learn from it?

You can take the Facebook out of the party...

2009-02-11T13:29:00.001-05:00

but can you take the party out of the Facebook?

A lot of folks in my age-bracket are (rightly) concerned about some not-so-professional aspects of their social networking sites working against them in the job market. We already know it's suicide to go into an interview without researching the company. It ain't rocket science; you MUST demonstrate that you know something about whoever's interviewing you. It also shouldn't be rocket science that, more and more, this goes both ways. Employers are gonna at least try to look at your Facebook to make sure your image isn't going to embarrass theirs. And it isn't just about nekkid pictures. That political outspokenness you found in your college years can hurt you too. (ouch!)

So... what if, like many, you've had some Myspace or Facebook indiscretions when you were younger and dumber? Are you doing enough damage control today? What can you do to keep your online image employer-friendly, or to make it so if it isn't already?

The short-term is obvious. If you don't have time to do a deep-clean right this second, make everything private until you can. Or just delete and start over.

Meanwhile, this obviously doesn't have to mean that your online professional networking options have just gone "poof." Get on BrightFuse and LinkedIn. And put some time into that stuff! (which reminds me, I need to go work on my profiles... *and* link to them from here of course.)

Make sure getting that Facebook/Myspace clean-up done is high on your priority list. That pic of yourself in your undies wearing a Viking helmet with a PBR in each hand... yeah, that needs to go bye-bye ASAP. Keep vulgar stuff to private messages from now on; that stuff is between you and your friends. Not you, your friends, and your potential new boss.

Even once you've made that stuff over, what has been on the Internet may well not be so easily removed. If you're really freaking out about these things now that you've grown up (at least somewhat), there are professional providers of online image maintenance. It seems silly, but it's much sillier to lose a job prospect due to capricious youth.

The reality is, if you're like most us who never expected college to get over and real life to start so soon, that undoing this kind of damage most likely will take some time, and you might never be able to do so completely. But we've got to be pro-active, do what we can, go forth, and do no (more) harm.

Related: 10 privacy settings every Facebook user should know.

For Employers

2009-02-10T23:20:00.000-05:00

EDIT: Position found! Started Aug. 10, 2009

EDUCATION
University of Southern Indiana - Evansville, IN
Communications B.A. in Public Relations/Advertising
Honors: Dean's List, Cum Laude, Denise Powers academic scholarship
Organizations: Society of Professional Journalists, International Club, PRSSA
University of Evansville - Evansville, IN
Pursued B.F.A. in Creative Writing, GPA 3.7 until Dec. 2004 transfer
Honors: Dean's list, academic scholarship, National Dean's List
Organizations: Habitat for Humanity, Muses (Now Delta Omega Zeta), Women's Chorus

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
• Customer service agent - National Programming Service. March 2009 - present
Go above and beyond to make customers raving fans of NPS. Market products and image of sister site AllAmericanDirect.com. Customer service, sales, technical troubleshooting
• Freelance Web copywriter - Jan. 2009 - present
Building help site on creative career-building from the ground up at LeahsGotIt.blogspot.com
• Sales associate – Cellular Connection. Nov. 2008-March 2009
Implement more efficient and effective problem solving.
Maintain and grow competitive sales percentages while providing top-notch customer service
• Administrative Assistant – HR Solutions. Feb. 2008-March 2009
Coordinate scheduling and communication for 3 company buildings
Prepare and proofread all documentation, certificates, signage, letters, and publications
Receptionist duties, customer service, multiline phone; other duties as needed
• Legal assistant- Wilhite and Associates. Nov. 2007-Feb. 2008
Hone multitasking skills while preparing legal proceedings for court
Maintain professional communication to clients and defendants, update client database
Receptionist duties, multiline phone, other duties as needed
• Marketing intern - Eiteljorg Museum. Indianapolis, IN. May 2007-Aug. 2007
Maintain museum databases and Web site
Grew as innovator and team player while preparing materials, events with marketing team
Published article in Indy’s Child magazine, circulation 100,000
• Section editor, senior writer - USI Shield. Evansville, IN Sept. 2005-May 2007.
Exercised leadership skills. Interview; write, assign, proofread and copy edit stories;
coordinate visuals; page design; enforce deadlines; manage payroll documents
Earned ICPA 1st place award, Nominee for Hearst student journalism award

QUALIFICATIONS
• Business – News, feature, editorial, column and press release writing; copy editing; research and interviewing; CMS and AP style
• Computer/technical - Quark Xpress, Microsoft Office Suite, Lotus WordPerfect, Adobe Premier, Adobe Audition, Adobe Photoshop. Accurate typing 80+ WPM. Elementary radio/TV production. Familiar with Mac and PC operating systems
• Personal - Quick learner, tenacious, goal-oriented, reliable, enthusiastic, creative, congenial, team player, energetic, adaptable, customer-oriented

CONTINUING EDUCATION
Spanish language, Adobe Dreamweaver, grant writing

Work Samples:

Eiteljorg marketing for Indy's Child Magazine

Award-winning storm coverage

Interview with ice cream giants Ben & Jerry

Amateur wrestling sports feature

For Fellow Job-Seekers

2009-02-10T23:19:00.000-05:00

This is hopefully the place where we will eventually be something of a burgeoning community. For now, it will serve as a resource for sharing some job-search help sites, resume' development, and other such resources.

Search Advice

JibberJobber Blog
One Day, One Job
Personal Branding
Brazen Careerist
Brand Yourself!
Job Searching with Rob - New link! GREAT and thoughtful content.
Networking With Passion - the networking-advice blog of one very talented Cincinnati-ite.

Job Listings
Indeed.com
HotJobs
Monster
Nonprofit jobs at Idealist.org
Simply Hired

Free Education
Free-Ed.net
MIT Open Courseware
Lifehacker Links to online classes
Free computer software tutorials

List will grow. Obviously you're more than encouraged to add your own links, introduce yourself, cozy up, pull over a chair... bring some tea or coffee. You know the deal.

Hi! I'm Leah. But you figured that part out already.

2009-02-10T22:42:00.000-05:00

Is there anything shinier and more full of potential than a brand-new blank slate? Isn't a new blog kind of the electronic equivalent of said slate?

We might wax more philosophical later. But this is a first post. Which means what you're wanting right now are the basics, so here we go.

- My name, as you've read, is Leah. One would assume this is generally a female's name. You'd be right in this case.

- I am 24, a 2007 university graduate, and I hold a BA in public relations/marketing.

- To put it in a vernacular way, I KICKED BUTT at college. Consistent Dean's List status. Graduated cum laude. Go-getter. Was a member of PRSSA and SPJ. Raised the bar at my university's student newspaper, earned several awards, and was nominated for a Hearst award. Wrote up a storm, read up a storm, worked up a storm, and still have the skill-set to show for it.

- I'm the first woman immediate family to ever complete a 4-year degree, and one of only two people in my family to have done so. Way to embody the American Dream, huh?

- I've been out of school for a year, I'm 20K in debt, I'm lucky to have THAT low of debt, and I currently make about $200 a week.

- I am one of a growing number of people for whom dental and healthcare are currently an unreachable luxury.

-I'm thankful to have the income I have. But only as long as I keep believing this is only for the interim, until I find my niche.

- I live square in Flyover Country. Southern Indiana, to be exact. But I am fully willing to re-locate anywhere you'll hire me to.

- It's a genuinely scary economy. I am beyond sick of being afraid. I'm sure you are too. The worst part of all this is the potential for isolation. A recent Boston Globe article said that, if the worst case scenario happens and this recession becomes a depression, it will likely not be characterized by bread lines but by the lonely flicker of televisions. We can't let ourselves come to that. We must not be isolated. We can't be ashamed if we've fallen short, even far short of our goals for where we would be. If we work together, we can help each other. What can I say? I'm a bit of a populist.

- Several people, including my sorta-boyfriend, have told me I can't make it in this world if I don't develop a more cutthroat persona and be willing to knock others down to get where I want and need to be. I'm sorry, but I just can't believe that. You and I can network and help each other. If you're in as dire of need as I, we can bounce opportunities to each other. If you're looking to hire, I will contribute everything I've got to the task of helping your company be as wildly successful as possible.

- I will post more info soon on where we'll go together if you choose to join me on my journey to betterment. Including but not limited to networking, landing interviews, relevant current events, distributing and improving the ubiquitous resume', continuing education regardless of how limited our financial means, and of course... what I mean when I say Leah's Got It!

[Edited 7/21/09]

An update!

Leah's Got "It!"

Look who's baaaa-ack!

The new blog!

Somehow it seemed appropriate.

Look at these awesome things!

Don't let a miniature disaster wreck the brand you've worked to build.

Quit overthinking and just DO it already!

We are the only ones who can watch out for our butts.

We haven't had a morning groove lately. Let's fix that!

Five (more!) Business Tips from Lady Gaga

Today's wake-up groove was an easy one.

Rock out your workday - Muse edition

A brief treatise on working with conviction

Put this in yer headphones and rock out.

Stop making excuses! DO YOUR BEST for yourself!

It's Thursday! Get movin'!

O Computer, My Computer!

A jam to motivate your Monday:

Good Riddance, 2009!

We interrupt your regularly scheduled blog post to ask for a Christmas miracle.

Social(ly awkward) professional networking

Trendy #Indiana

The humble trash can

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend.

New blog

It's Hump Day!

New tigertastic project in the works!

YARRR!

About Motivation: Remember who/what you're in this for!

5 things I wish I'd known 5 years ago

5 career lessons from Battlestar Galactica

Brevity & horn-tooting

Pick up your perk!

The top 10 best job-search blog posts I've read this week (Now with musical zombie action!)

A lot of new developments

A Tale of Two Job Fairs

More delay on the changes, but less so this time.

Holy bejeebies!

Indiana Small Business Fair!

Panic at the Job Search! Or, what NOT to do your first year out of college.

One more heads-up before I dive into late-night research

I had to give a heads-up to this post.

Slow burn, higher momentum

Here's an example to live by.

Whoops, I lied.

Hang in there!

Gratitude!

Lance Armstrong blames Drew's cancer too. Won't you?

Q of the Day

One wishes niceness were *always* the trend.

Count your blessings, then get tactical.

Q of the Day

Taking the initiative! Please advise!

Q of the Day

Work at what you'd do for free, and it won't seem like work.

Q of the Day

Make "Raving Fans"

Blog Status/thanks for your patience!

Q of the day

You can take the Facebook out of the party...

For Employers

For Fellow Job-Seekers

Hi! I'm Leah. But you figured that part out already.

One wishes niceness were always the trend.