Developing the Crucial Keys to Your Success

I wanted to expound more upon my writings from earlier this week, Real People Inspire. I prefer to write with a stream of consciousness and believe I left some loose ends. Let me give you some background as to what lead to my unusual train of thought.

Discovering the Hunger Within.

I am officially hungry to find outlets for my creativity, for a long time I have been debating, sketching ideas, and developing a plan to launch my own personal consulting firm for communications. However, one of the key components missing was a firm foundation of understanding the roots of my future aspirations.

Last night, I climbed out of bed, approached my stack of communication books, and pulled one of my most beloved pr books. I told myself, you cannot consult for pr if you do not really understand the basic history and founding fathers of pr. I decided I needed to pick a target. I was going to find the father of public relations and study him like the back of my hand. I then came across who I wanted to study, Edward L. Bernays.

Ground Yourself by Understanding the Past.

As I read through my book about the works of the founding father of public relations, I could not help but feel excitement within me. We had covered the basics of this within my previous classes. Yet, I lacked a true connection and appreciation for this iconic historic figure.

How was I supposed to stand on my own to feet and defend myself, let alone my knowledge for what I'm trying to do if I had not taken the time to learn the simple basics of my field.

Within our educations systems we use many formulas, theories, case studies, etc. How often do we take the time to genuinely study people? I can't speak on behalf of every educational system in America, but I am displeased with the lack of appreciation for the masterminds behind the formulas, theories, and case studies.. why did their names become forgotten?

Imagine how much more we could learn and develop as people if we set aside the time to learn from each other. Before you can progress forward it's important to understand the history that has lead to where you are today.

Identify Your Inspirational Influencers.

Now, this principle can apply to anyone. Each day I challenge you to seek out your own inspirational influencers. You can identify them by one of two ways. 1. Meditate and identify iconic leaders that you respect, connect, and look up to. 2. List out qualities of yourself that you either possess or seek to possess, then research iconic figures who are known for those qualities.

Inspiration is Contagious.

I wish I could map out a genealogy-like-chart to trace back the line of inspirational influencers through the past centuries. If you take the time to study out your inspirational influencers, I guarantee you will discover that they too were impacted by inspirational influencers.

Explore your key influencers of your inspirations, learn of them, study them out, and share that knowledge with others. Stay strong and continue to develop that inspiration within you to contribute to your success. Others are aware of your good doings, you might just become someone else inspiration to help them move forward.

As people learn how to inspire one another other, society progresses forward.

Real People Inspire.

Hello PR friends. A short simple thought for you today, who are the top people in your life who inspire you? I'm not sure everyone can immediately recall their roots and foundation for inspiration. Yes, I know you will spout off the typical answers of your inner roots for inspiration.. your mom and dad, 1st grade teacher, baseball coach, lifelong friend, etc. etc. However, I would like to know of public figures who have influenced you.

Do you think, those who cannot immediately recall roots of inspiration, have inspiration themselves?

Obviously, this question is rhetorical. I honestly, CANNOT answer this myself... which is a major reason of why I'm writing this post. I haven't taken the time to research what iconic public figures and heros inspire me

I recently started working as a temporary employee at Overstock.com, my past week of working there reignited my search to find my 'influencers.' During our new hire training they mentioned that the company lives and breathes by the philosophy of Warren Buffett. They further mentioned that when the company first started, new hires were required to read the works of Warren Buffett.

Start Tracking Your Influencers.

1. Make a list of qualities that represent you, or qualities you admire.
I will do my best to keep this short. 1. Compassion 2. Competition 3. Networking/Relationship Building 4. Public Relations

2. Identify past public figures who were praised for the specified quality/attributes.

Compassion - Mother Teresa

Competition - John Wooden

Networking/Relationship Building - Dale Carnegie

Public Relations - Edward L. Bernays

 

3. Research, study, identify.
To be determined. I'm going to start ordering some books and get to it.

Good luck to you with further discovering your inspirational foundation. I encourage you to ponder who your influencers are. What qualities do you admire? Name the influencer with those qualities. What have you learned from them? Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Dressing Your Best

Understanding how to dress your best and mold to company culture has been something I've unfortunately struggled with. Just once I start catching onto what is most appropriate attire for the position--I move onto another job. See the dress above? This is the dress I've chosen to wear to my first day tomorrow. Not only am I wearing this dress, the dress will be accompanied with tights, a black cardigan, and headband.

Deciding What to Wear For Your First Day

1. Observe: When you go to the interview, what are others wearing? What colors, patterns, and designs are prominent. Also, take note of the hairstyles women where in the office (I'm a women.. so vice versa to you men out there reading this.)

2. Ask: When I first started working at the Utah Senate, it was a hard culture to grasp onto. One of the best things I did that helped was asked the girls in the office what stores they shopped at. Then, I would check out the stores and have a better feel for the company culture. For my new job I'm starting tomorrow, I asked the recruitment director what was expected of me and preferred.

3. Don't Be Distracting: I read this surprising fact the other day.. women in the workplace who dress immodestly are less likely to receive raises or promotions. When I started working at the senate I was unaware that my dress that went down to an inch above the knee was distracting to Senators. Blending with the work environment is key, try your best to not stick out like a sore thumb.

4. Dress for the Job You Want: Easier said then done. However, this is a good goal to set and work towards. What I tend to do is to pick someone in the company who is in upper management and to mimic their fashion style. 

5. Still Attempt to Be Yourself: A new job can be overwhelming, just remember to find small ways to encapsulate your personality with small accessories with your outfit. Make it your own. 

I've Accepted a Job, Guess Where

Give it Your Best Shot

Well, after six business days of being laid off, I am proud to say I have accepted a position with an amazing company. I have invited my friends to view this blog to guess which company I'll be working for. I will release the details on Monday. 

Here are some hints as to where I'll be working.

• Ranked in Top 10 of Best Places to Work in Corporate America, Glassdoor
• Ranked in Top 5 for Employee Satisfaction, Forbes
• Gold Stevie® Award for Company of the Year
• Ranked in Top 5 in Customers' Choice Awards,  National Retail Federation Foundation and American Express
• Ranked in America's 100 Most Trustworthy Companies , Forbes

You can also view photos from their Instagram by clicking here. 

The Story of How This Came to Be

I attribute getting this position through, 1. Linkedin, 2. Linkedin, 3. Linkedin, and 4. Networking. I try to stay active on my Linkedin account and nearly four months ago a recruiter reached out to me for a position with their company as an executive assistant. The company had changes in management and the position was pending. I kept in touch with this recruiter throughout this time, and was planning on reaching out to her after my layoff.

Sharing information on Linkedin is a great option for job seekers. Like Facebook, Linkedin has a timeline of activity where you can not only publish, but write updates, post photos, and more. I shared my blog post, "A Cup of Compassion," on my feed.

Within less then 24-hours, this recruiter not only reached out to me but invited me to interview at her company. The catch was, since I had met her, she had moved on to a much larger, established organization and is now the head director of recruitment. I was speechless when I saw what company she worked for and was flattered she wanted to get me in the door. 

The Interview

The best way to describe the interview is that I didn't feel like I had to put on a show, be fake, or tell them what they wanted to hear--I could be me. Not only that, but I enjoy talking which each of the staff members and the four different decision makers whom I spoke with during my interview. 

As I left the building from my interview, they said I would be told very shortly whether or not I was selected for the position, I joked with them that they could feel free to give me a ring as soon as I was in the parking lot. Less then thirty minutes after the interview, I received a phone call with an offer for the position. It made me smile because she said, "I wanted to call you as you entered the parking lot, but I had to talk to the three others you spoke with beforehand."

I'm excited for this new opportunity and to get on board with a well known company with phenomenal credentials. Thank heaven for Linkedin, networking skills, and the kind people who believe in me and continue to do so. Happy Hump Day everyone.

Establishing Your Digital Footprint

I am NOT a job snob.
I repeat, I am NOT A job snob.
I AM NOT A JOB SNOB.

You know that feeling where you first start dating or talking to someone? Nowadays when we are excited and getting to know someone--we do our research. When I am trying to decide whether or not I want to further pursue a relationship with this person, I really try to understand their reputation online.

The way someone represents themselves online with their digital footprint gives you a good taste of who they are. Whether they are on the America's Most Wanted list, blogging about political issues you could care less about, or even nothing at all. Aren't you curious to know where they place themselves on the map? What tracks are you looking for when searching someones footprints across the digital world?

This moral compass also stands true with my job search. When considering a company to work with, I am extremely interested in reviewing their digital footprint. Today, I received an interview request for an office assistant position. Upon my google search of the company I found lots of things that IMMEDIATELY rubbed my 'PR SELF' the wrong way.

• Their website is completely outdated: the formatting errors are horrific, the font is hard to read and inconsistent, the website lacks any significant call to action and looks like it stepped out of a '2002 I don't understand promoting my business horror film.' Their contact us page bland, as if it only pulled text from a phonebook. The images across the website are stretched and not sized correctly, making their company office look like a stretched out strand of silly putty.

• No footprint on social media: Where are you? I googled and googled, digging for any trace of a social media presence-- nothing. I sat at my computer in awe. Shall I say more? Who are we kidding, this really rubbed me the wrong way.

I re-read the job description. Office management, cold calling, and B2B sales. Why, Why, Why does this business think they can't get sales without any type of PR/Social Media presence on the web and within the community? I don't care WHAT TYPE of work it is or WHAT TYPE of excuse they had. You must remember, there is no excuse. 

If you or your business have yet to create your own online footprint, my one word of advice for you is...Get to it!

Obviously don't just take a stab in the wind, make a plan. Think over some of the following thoughts:

• Define your target audience.
• Plan on how to develop a relationship with them.
• Disseminate what you want your audience to know about you.
• Rediscover and ponder, what issues matters for you or your business. Think Values.
• Lastly, remember to meditate on the moments that make you human and puts you on the same level.

I could go on and on in regards to developing a plan, executing, and sticking to it... however, I'd like to jump back as to why I am a job snob.

At the end of the day, I think it would drive me absolutely bonkers trying to assist a company's betterment if they have not tackled the internet and all of the beauties it has to offer them and their business. In good conscience, I could not accept a job with a company who did not have a good online presence unless they were willing to work on it or let me help them. Inhibit, Don't Prohibit. 

OH YEAH. Did I mention how much I love Public Relations, Social Media, and Communications? E-Commerce & Social Media baby! That's where we are headed. Embrace it, live it, love it, and challenge yourself to grow from it.

What's important to you about your digital footprint? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Defining Your Job Legacy.

It's amazing how the people you work with make all the difference. Unfortunately, my colleague and I were laid off together-- however I believe it has made us stronger. Although we've lost ours jobs, I continue to have my invaluable friendship to help me pull through it. This post is dedicated to my close friend and mentor: Karen Tapahe  (she's great, single, and looking! For a job that is.) 

This was taken day one of my job, Karen and I recognized each other and
she immediately jumped up and gave me a hug.

Karen and I have a unique friendship, we actually met while I was working a night job for fun at a local gas station. Karen and I always would chat it up and discovered our shared passion--Communication, PR, Social Media, and Non-Profits. Karen and I exchanged business cards, connected on Linkedin, and would chat whenever she came into the gas station.

When I started working at my last job, Karen remembered me and greeted me with open arms. She took me under her wing and patiently worked with me until I perfected the comfort-ability of performing my job. Karen and I had many talks, I referred to her as my office momma--because she let me confide and trust in her. She also always would go out of her way to do her job to the best of her abilities and make everyone around her feel loved and comfortable.

Upon being let go, I was told I wasn't the only one being let go from my company. A pit grew in my stomach wondering which employee in my group would be leaving. I went back to my desk and immediately texted Karen I was let go, I heard her phone ding--she was still in the office and nowhere to be found. As I drove home in tears, my phone received a text. Karen was let go as well.

I was in panic that her and I were let go. However, I believe it would've been much worse if they would have selected only one of us to be left go. Surprisingly, I am happy to admit--with how hard this has been, I am so grateful to have Karen by my side. Karen has been a great support to me through the entire process and I hope I can do the same for her.

 I am beyond grateful to have had such great luck with meeting phenomenal people. I'm grateful for all of the friends I've made from my past work experiences. I feel that we also take, give, and learn from those that we work with. So in conclusion, I'd like to point out--although the work experience you obtain from jobs is great, the relationships you can maintain afterwards are what matter. Who will you keep in touch with when you move on from your job, how will you be remembered?  

Cinderella is Back to Online Dating

Don't you miss the good 'ol days where you could go out and get a date? Where you could meet someone in person, hit it off, and ask to see them again? Go to a ball, leave a slipper, and have some burly man come running after you trying to return it? With modern day society, the chances of this happening are slim. Nowadays, we've taken our realities of true love in the "real world" and pushed it to the online realm, in return for more time and convenience. Who wants to drink to that?

Here are some current statistics about online dating, take a gander. A few of these statements are false, can you spot the fakes?

• 94% of those actively looking for a relationship use, or plan to use social media to find their next relationship.
• Millenials are changing the dating scene. An Aberdeen study found that 73% of 18-34 year olds found their last relationship through a social network.
• 89% of all relationship seekers report having seriously dated someone found through eHarmony.
• 51% of individuals in relationships are either actively seeking, or open to a new relationship. This means fully 71% of all people in the U.S. are “on the dating market” (meaning single and looking, dating and looking, or dating and open).

Oh wait, did you know those were actually job searching statistics--and I lied, these statistics are all true. Take a look at the original statistics below.

• 94% of recruiters use, or plan to use social media for recruiting.
• Millenials are changing the recruiting industry. An Aberdeen study found that 73% of 18-34 year olds found their last job through a social network.
• 89% of all recruiters report having hired someone through LinkedIn.
• 51% of workers who currently have a job are either actively seeking, or open to a new job. This means fully 71% of all workers in the U.S. are “on the job market” (meaning unemployed and looking, employed and looking, or employed and open).

Online dating as well as online job searching are a beast of their own. So get cozy, grab a drink, and start getting those online profiles ready, unfortunately now--it's one of the best shots you've got.

A Cup of Compassion

Today I was laid off from my first salary job. As I returned home today, I stopped by a bakery. As I entered the shop the boy behind the counter asked me what I was in the mood for. I openly shared my misery as to why I sought out their sugary sweets. "Hmm, I'm in the mood to have whatever tastes good to someone who was just laid off." Everyone in the shop heard me and muttered their condolences. I felt a bit selfish admitting to my self misery, but I gave myself a rule to only have this self pity behavior for the next 24 hour--nothing more, nothing less.

Standing next to me was a young girl about half my height. She immediately told me she was sorry and asked if she could give me a hug. I nodded my head yes. She immediately wrapped her arms around me. As my eyes grew swollen, I tried to hold back my tears. I softly thanked her for her kindness. She told me after I had finished my purchase to come across the street and she would give me a free glass of lemonade.

After squandering $10 on a select number of vegan sweets. I head out to my car--As I glance across the street, I see the girl and a young boy stationed outside of what appeared to be an office building. The bakery was located in a rundown segment of downtown. Locking up my car, I decide to head across the street for my free glass of lemonade.

The girl was happy to see me again, she immediately asked me what lemonade I wanted. As her punch stained fingers filled up my plastic Subway cup she had handed me, my curiosity wondered as to why they were selling the lemonade. I asked her my question, she said they wanted to start a babysitting service and then use their money to save for college. The girl nicknamed, Phoebe explained to me how she wanted to be a biologist and her friend boasted with a smile as he said he wanted to be a game designer.

She elaborated on the money they had made the following days, $32 total. "We have issues, so we need to start saving," she said. I asked her what issues she had, she explained her and her friend both suffered from a variety of mental issues and that she had multiple personalities. "My dad took all of our money and left," she said. The office building, was actually their home--government assisted housing.

"We want to save our money to help increase our chances of being able to go to college and we also want to donate part of our money towards breast cancer research," she said. My heart immediately melted into a pile of butter. She pointed towards their pink cooler and items they had. I thanked her for the lemonade and she gave me another hug and asked me to come visit her again. As I crossed the street, she yelled to cars passing by, asking them to buy her .50 cent lemonade.

Once I met up with my boyfriend, I literally had a break down about my encounter with this girl. Here I was being selfish and having a pity party--where this beautiful, sweet, caring girl is working so hard in hopes to someday afford a college education. She had compassion on me, she hugged me. she held me in her little arms-- she truly gave me insight into a problem I often overlook.

It infuriated me to know that not only this girl, but many children across the United States futures are impacted upon which economic class they are born into. Sure, she will have scholarships opportunities, however, by the time she is eligible, who knows how many others she will compete against. This girl is fighting against the odds that are not in her favor.

Although I don't have a lump-some of money to help her, I hope that having compassion on her like she did with me can make all the difference. I encourage you to share what Phoebe reminded me of today, compassion. Give someone that extra support they need to push onward.