Business is All About Connecting

Business is All About Connecting The more you connect, the more efficiently you connect; and the more credibly you connect, the more success you will have. Social media networking enables people to connect more and more efficiently and cost effectively than ever before. Social media has shifted the way people make, build, and nurture relationships. It gives you incredible new powers to create new business opportunities and connections for yourself and your company. Stated another way, it can be a game changer for you where properly applied. When you consider the various ways that you can optimize your opportunities and improve the trajectory of your business career giving you the ability to truly up your game, the tools of todays social media can be amazingly impactful: A revolutionary way: When I had an issue that needed resolution, I used to walk down the hall of my office and consult with colleagues to seek their advice. But this old-school  method of corporate problem solving was time-intensive and limited in perspective there were, after all, only a few people at that water cooler. Today, there is a revolutionary way of getting things done and finding solutions brought to us courtesy of social media and commerce that has swept the Internet world. Going to lunch with Bob may be easy and comfortable, but it is incredibly inefficient and unlikely to have a significant impact on your future business. Of course, you wont just take Bobs perspective, youll want the perspectives of many to make an informed decision. But that represents a whole lot of lunches. Instead, you can seek the knowledge of the masses to quickly and efficiently help you further your success in business. For example, hiring a VP of marketing might take you days, if not weeks, to achieve if you asked one or two personal colleagues at the water cooler for recommendations. It can now be achieved in a matter of hours, if not minutes. People wonder all of the time at my capacity to get so many things done seemingly simultaneously. Let me tell you my dirty little secret: I dont have just one or two friends helping me solve my business issues, I have thousands of them! Dont rely on old-school luck: Through social media networking, I am able to effectively uncover the people who have specific expertise on any issue I may be confronting. I dont rely on old-school luck that a colleague in the adjacent office will have the perfect solution. I do this by blasting questions, by categorizing, and by micro-targeting. Let me explain how this works. Quite simply, I frame my question to thousands of internet connections and try to obtain the best possible result. For example, if I am looking for a Sr. VP of Marketing with digital media experience, I can post a Facebook message to my 5000 Facebook friends that asks simply: Who is the best marketing person you know in matters related to digital media? In a matter of minutes, I will instantly have qualified resources offered through responding posts and emails. Categorizing in  social media: One of the personal categories I use to organize my connections on my email accounts and on Facebook is Marketing and PR. Approximately 350 of my Facebook friends have backgrounds in this area. How do I know? Whenever I add a new Facebook friend, I religiously, and almost obsessively, study that persons background and interests by perusing his or her profile. I, then, place that person into the appropriate lists or categories. So, when I am ready to find that VP of Marketing, I can quickly access my list of marketing contacts from my Facebook database and seek advice, ask for references, or pursue one of my Facebook friends as a possible candidate. On LinkedIn, I have more than five million contacts that are only one degree of separation from me. In fact, using LinkedIn gives me the power to contact over 30 million people directly or through a connection. This allows me to search, as I frequently do, for qualified resources to find expertise in Information Technology, Computer Hardware, Software, Telecommunications and Wireless Markets, among others. This gives me a thousand times better results than asking Bob at the water cooler. Micro-targeting is also a useful tool. LinkedIn allows me to send messages based on job title, location, size of company, or industry. Let me share a real-life example. Several years ago, I was raising money for the Checketts Global Sports Fund, a $250 million fund whose investors own parts of professional sports franchises. I needed to quickly and effectively target high net-worth investors. I targeted relevant categories within LinkedIn and blasted out an email to those targeted categories and successfully connected with millions of potential dollars in investment. Clearly, social media networking can increase your effectiveness through blasting questions, categorizing, and micro-targeting. Compel the  masses: The possibilities are endless when you harness the tools that compel the masses. While the principles themselves are timeless, the marriage of principle and application create the synergy that we often see as an ìovernightî success. That missing link is what I believe many of you in business are hungering for but are somehow missing. What old-school tendencies do you need to revolutionize? Id love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Author: David Bradford, “The Bottlecap Kid”, is Executive Chairman and former CEO of HireVue, former CEO of Fusion-io, and a member of the Utah Technology Council Hall of Fame. Learn more about David at  DavidBradford.com.

Writing a Community Service Resume That Will Get You a Job

Writing a Community Service Resume That Will Get You a JobWriting a resume, however well written it may be, will only get you so far if the job market is no good. Most employers are looking for freshness and quality; not only will you stand out to them more, but you'll stand out as a less risky candidate.For example, certain public service organizations offer education and job placement assistance to their members. Not only can you get training or mentoring; you can also volunteer your time, making your resume (and job applications) an effective first impression.Check your local community service programs for some inspiration. Volunteer for a petting zoo, read the newspaper, walk the dog, go on a class outing.Write something every day. Leave your resume to laze on your desk, unnoticed, until an employer finally calls you for an interview. Write something when you feel like it, and take yourself off your feet.Writing a resume doesn't mean that you should hire a writing company. First, they don't know your background, and second, they don't know your goals. If your goal is to write a resume that will get you a new job, community service does not meet that goal.In addition, if you're serious about writing a resume that will get you a job, the best thing you can do is to do something that has never been done before. In the past, a resume only was able to contain what the company was looking for.Nowadays, the way we live and think means that our brains are constantly changing and will be for some time, making it's mind bogglingly difficult to always come up with an 'answer' to an old question. If you want to stay employed, you should look to other ways of getting your resume written and start writing a community service resume!Writing a resume that is unique will get you a job, but it will also help you get out of your comfort zone. You'll become more comfortable with being able to tell your boss what you did and also take advantage of the new skills you developed w hile doing it. It's a win-win situation.

Signs it is Time to Change Your Job

Signs it is Time to Change Your Job Signs it is Time to Change Your Job There’s such a thing as changing your job too often. But there are also times when you can stay in a job too long. Knowing how to find the center ground between these two can be difficult. There are signs, however, that the time has come to consider changing your job and here are some to watch for. Signs that it is time for a changeThere are lots of signs that can continue to the need for a change while at other times, they are merely part of life. That’s why it is a very personal thing, deciding when the point has been reached and a change is needed. Here are some signs that could mean that point is drawing near.1. You are stressed and can’t let goIf you wake up in the middle of the night feeling stressed and worried about your job, the project you are working on or other aspects of your professional life, this can be a sign a change is needed. Stress is a natural part of life and can work as a motivator. But if it goes too far and you find yourself constantly stressed, una ble to relax or to take a mental break from your job, then this is too much stress and isn’t healthy for you.2. Management problemsA wide  Gallup study  of 7,272 U.S. adults found that nearly 50% of people report the main reason for leaving their job is to get away from their manager. Bad management is a huge problem that can ruin your enjoyment of your job. From grumpy or rude managers to those who micro-manage you at every stage, there is a whole spectrum of bad management that can indicate to you that it is time to move on.3. You are underpaidOne in three people says that being underpaid is the top reason they are considering leaving their job or are involved in job searching. It may be something as simple as constantly doing unpaid overtime or you may find that you are getting paid significantly less than someone doing the same job as you. Whatever the case, if you are underpaid and your boss won’t consider a pay raise or increase in benefits, this may be a sign. 4. There ’s no career advancement pathMost of us will want to advance our careers, whether into a higher position or into a different, more specialist area of the company. But if you are in a role that doesn’t have this capacity and there’s no career advancement path, you may come to a point where looking for another job is your only option if you want to do something different with your work life. Of course, if you are happy, there’s nothing to say you can’t stay put â€" some people put happiness above career advancement and there’s nothing wrong with that either.5. You can’t be yourself at workWhen we are at work, we are often the most professional version of ourselves. But if you feel you have to become someone entirely different and not be yourself at work then this is a sign of a problem.You should be able to be yourself with your work colleague in most ways without feeling uncomfortable, out of place or even facing hostility.6. You can’t take time offIt isn’t just a g ood idea to take time off, it is important for your physical and mental health. But if you feel you can’t take time off or get too stressed when you do, this is a sign of a problem. If you dread the weekend because you didn’t get everything done and can’t relax or you don’t take time off when you are due it, this is a sign that the job is taking too much out of you and a change may be needed.7. You dread Monday (or the start of the week)We all joke about the Monday blues or the worst day of the week. But if it becomes more than a joke and is a regular part of your life, this isn’t a good situation. If you dread Monday and spend all Sunday in a gloom because it is coming, you may want to consider changing your job.Making a changeIf you are affected by these signs or symptoms, then it may be time to make a change. It doesn’t need to be a major declaration of intent â€" simply get your CV out, polish it up with your latest accomplishments and start looking for jobs. Then yo u can personalize it for the role you desire, start making those connections and get away from a job that isn’t working for you anymore. previous article Free Light Grayish Green Resume Template next article Contrast, The Free Fill In The Blank Resume Design you might also like6 Online Gigs You Can Do During Coronavirus Outbreak (To Offset Your Lost Income)

How to Help Your Employees Recover From Their Mistakes

How to Help Your Employees Recover From Their Mistakes So your clumsy employee made another mistake. What’s it going to be? A telling-off? Sarcastic jokes at their expense? Or just a stern lesson on how to do things properly? As it turns out, the most valuable way to respond to employee mistakes may be to help them learn to forgive themselves. Nobody likes making mistakes, but actually, they’re good for us. Making mistakes is how we learn. Depending on the outcome of the mistake, some people will just tidy up and move on. Others can’t help but dwell on even the smallest slip-up for days or weeks: it keeps them awake at night, makes them cringe every time they have a quiet moment to remember what happened. They may even turn to drink or develop an eating disorder to quieten a sense of embarrassment or regain a sense of control. That’s because human beings have evolved to use quiet moments to reflect on our experiences, particularly bad ones such as making mistakes. Unfortunately, for some people, this evolved response sometimes gets out of hand. If your clumsy employee is already beating themselves up about their error, the last thing they need is you making them feel guilty on top of it all. Equip them to process and learn from their mistakes with confidence and they are likely to become more competent and productive in the future. Not to mention the fact that it’s just a pleasant, neighborly thing to offer support to those around you when they’re unhappy â€" regardless of hierarchy! And of course, let’s not forget that the cards are kind of stacked against employees, to begin with. They toil to make money for the business owner while taking home a meager wage that may bear little correlation to the quality and quantity of work they do. And they are expected to get things right every time when the scope for failure is so much wider than the nail-head scope for success. Often, they’ve been given inadequate training because CEOs are more interested in maximizing financial returns rather than investing in people and their community. So how can you encourage them to stop obsessing over their mistakes? The first step, after offering your kindness, is to urge them to be kind to themselves. A mistake is a mistake; it doesn’t make them a loser or a failure, though those may be the terms they’re using to describe themselves, even if only with their inner voice. You and they should stop referring to the mistake as a mistake and think of it as a learning experience. Mistake is a very blamey word. Try ‘breakage’ or ‘miscalculation’ instead. Pick your employee up on their negative language. If they say, “I made a mistake” ask them “but what did you learn?” or “how would you do things next time?” If you find them still dwelling on the mistake later, urge them to take a break and get a change of scene â€" a walk or a coffee â€" or give them a task to get them up and about and distract their mind, such as the mail run. Aside from jogging their mind out of its self-destructive cycle, distraction can reduce fear by the effect it has on the brain at a neural level. And instead of dwelling on the past, encourage your employee to write out (for themselves) a step-by-step plan as to how they will fix their mistake and learn from it in future. This activity should be framed as a development opportunity and not a punishment, so don’t make it mandatory â€" but let them know you support them and have their best interests at heart. Finally, direct your employee to this guide to recovering from mistakes. It contains a number of ideas like those above to help move on from slip-ups and use mistakes as evolution intended: to make us stronger! About the author:  John Cole  writes on behalf of NeoMam Studios. A digital nomad specializing in leadership, digital media, and personal growth topics, his passions include world cinema and biscuits. A native Englishman, he is always on the move, but can most commonly be spotted in the UK, Norway, and the Balkans.

Griffin Mcelroy Resumes Writing Tool Review

Griffin Mcelroy Resumes Writing Tool ReviewThe Griffin Mcelroy resumes writing tool is a terrific resource for helping you create an outstanding document. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there are many things that you can learn from the software.The first thing you'll notice about this software package is that it comes with a training video. While there's not a lot of time spent on the instructional aspects of the program, it does offer valuable information. It provides the user with information on creating a unique style of resume. The video also provides information on creating a strong introduction that's well-written and professional.Another great asset to the software is the 'Maui' logo in the middle of the main screen. The logo lets you know that the software is a collaboration between Griffin, Maui Resume, and author Jonathan Ope. The program's user manual offers useful information on how to use the program effectively.The website offers a great support system to answe r questions and give information about the software. However, you should be aware that when you order the software, it does not come with support. You must pay a fee to get personalized assistance from the company.If you're a customer, you can request a free trial of the product. Once you're a customer, the payment process is easy, with a secure server that encrypts all of your personal data. Once you purchase the software, you will need to open an account, which is completely protected with a password that is required to access the service.The software is very user-friendly, providing you with easy-to-follow, simple tutorials. There are also online guides that show you the basic operations of the software. Each step is described so you know what to do without reading a bunch of instructions.Features include but are not limited to, speed, ease of use, and design. The tool is very fast and quick to access. There are instructions included in the application, so you know what to do and when to do it.The Griffin Mcelroy resumes writing tool is simple to use and contains a number of advanced features. However, there is a fee associated with using the software. With the cost of premium versions, the user experience should be worth it.

Safe ways to stay awake while studying - Debut university

Safe ways to stay awake while studying - Debut university This article was written by an external contributor. Seren Morris advises the best ways to stay alert whilst studying.   Ahhh, the January blues. Exams are upon us and everyone is exhausted. Students are walking around campus like zombies, falling asleep in lectures and struggling to concentrate. However, if you find yourself on hour three at the library, barely having made a dent in your work and feeling yourself falling asleep right there at the desk, do not reach for the caffeine tablets just yet there are other safer, healthier ways to stay awake while studying. Exercise Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep? If so, make time to exercise, whether its an early gym session or yoga before bed, exercising will ensure you get better sleep. You might not want to pull yourself away from the library to go for a run, but making time to exercise will benefit your studying long term. Get up half an hour earlier than usual to fit in a run before class you will thank yourself at bedtime. Get an early night Yes, all nighters at the library can be tempting, and sometimes, necessary. But do not get into the habit of staying awake all night and then find yourself struggling to stay awake the next day. Its more productive to work during the day and give yourself time off in the evenings, so try to start working earlier rather than later. Plus, the earlier you start, the earlier you can finish! Aim for about seven to nine hours of sleep every night, and try to get a few early nights a week. You will be feeling refreshed and ready to go the next morning. Drink up Staying hydrated is so important, especially for your energy and concentration levels. Keep your water bottle full and drink water regularly, aiming for about two litres a day. Try to avoid sugary drinks you might feel like they are keeping you awake but you will soon be crashing when the sugar wears off. Eat well, feel good Eating well is key to staying awake. Avoid sugary foods that will give you an energy boost only to leave you crashing an hour later. Instead, try to eat high energy snacks like nuts and fruit, and incorporate foods high in protein into your diet. Never skip breakfast and always take a lunch break, and keep snacks on hand to keep you going throughout the day. How much coffee is too much coffee? Coffee is everyone’s go-to before a long day of studying. However, there are coffee dos and don’ts that will keep you as productive as possible. Firstly, drink coffee early! Caffeine’s half life is between four to six hours, so you should feel its benefits all morning. Its safe to drink about 300mg of coffee a day, which is around four cups, so try not to have more than four (although it can be tempting!) Also, start limiting your coffee intake after midday, and do not drink any coffee after 5pm, or you might have difficulty falling asleep. Avoid energy drinks Energy drinks seem like an easy fix to a long, tiring day at the library. But they might be causing more harm than you think. Some energy drinks have more caffeine and sugar than you realise, so you could be consuming more than is safe without even realising. Also, energy drinks might be a quick solution to feeling sleepy, but they are not sustainable long term. Pick up your bottle of water instead. Study drugs and energy pills are not your friends… When the stress and desperation of exam time sets in, its easy enough to reach for study drugs that promise you hours of concentration, productivity and hard work. Yes, some caffeine tablets available in stores are mostly safe and will keep you awake when used properly. If you are going to resort to these pills, make sure you know how much caffeine you are consuming, and avoid coffee and other food and drinks high in caffeine when taking them. Too much caffeine can cause restlessness and insomnia among other side effects, which do not result in a productive study day! When it comes to illegal study drugs, think twice. There are so many other, safer ways of staying awake and maintaining your concentration; it is not worth risking your health for a day at the library. Always use common sense and trust your instincts. Put your health first and remember: no grade is worth sacrificing your health for. Connect with Debut on  Facebook,  Twitter,  and  LinkedIn  for more careers insights.

How to Prepare for a New Job

How to Prepare for a New Job How to Prepare for a New Job || The Work That Comes After the Job OfferCareer design, Corporate Life, Job search September 5, 2016 0 Comments  Romper: NastyGal Stripe Her Down Romper   Bag: Louis Vuitton Empreinte Montaigne BBI recently received and accepted an offer from a  new company. I will be starting a new job in a few weeks! If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably heard about this news. But on Cubicle Chic today I want to share with you what I’m doing now that I am between two jobs, and how I am preparing myself for the next phase of my career. This is how it goes: after many sleepless nights, numerous interviews, the final negotiations, the constant anticipation, finally, came the phone call. THE phone call that changes everything!  Celebrate, give yourself a pat on the shoulder, and go out and get something nice for yourself because you deserve the reward. And after the adrenaline rush subsides, take a moment to think about what your next steps are.  Leave your c urrent employer on a good noteDo your best to leave a good transition plan for your replacement, and close all the gaps you can foresee. Be honest in your exit interview, provide constructive feedback if there are things you think your current employer could improve on. Lastly,  write a heartfelt but concise farewell email to all that you’ve worked with; include your email in there, and a link to your LinkedIn profile so people can stay in touch with you. This is the last chance for you to make an impression on this professional network, make it count.    Romper:  NastyGal Stripe Her Down Romper   Bag:  Louis Vuitton Empreinte Montaigne BB Sunglasses: Oscar de la Renta 215Mentally separate yourself from the old, and be ready to embrace the newThis is more of a philosophical note than a practical one. I’ve seen in the past people that join my team, and cannot stop themselves from using the lingo of “this is how XYZ used to do it” or “the way that we did it before was…” Let’s just conclude once and for all that there is no good end to this kind of lingo. If you have good recommendations, don’t position it as “the way that XYZ did it”; make it yours! If you don’t have good recommendations, well, you shouldn’t be making them in the first place. But by associating it with your old company, you come across as still attached and not able to adapt. For example, try to say “it’s better to ask why do WE do it this way”, and not “why do YOU do it this way” as a tactic to show you are ready to embrace the new culture and environment (Career Girl Daily).  Be strategic in the way you build your new brand The same way you prepared for all those interviews, you should be thinking about how to rock your first day of work, the first week of work, and the first month, and the first quarter, and so on. Read up on the 30-60-90 Day Plan  (Business Insider) and think about the personal goals you’d like to reach on Day 30, Day 60, and Day 90.  Th ink about what you want to be known for, because that is going to be your professional brand.Also, fine-tune your elevator pitch (MyDomain.com). As part of your introduction to the new teams and new people, one of the first things they will ask you is “where did you come from” and “what did you do before”.  Be ready to have a concise but to-the-point summary that will effectively summarize your past experiences, and even impress your new co-workers just a little bit.    Romper:  NastyGal Stripe Her Down Romper   Bag:  Louis Vuitton Empreinte Montaigne BB Heels: Kenneth Cole; similar here Sunglasses:  Oscar de la Renta 215Use common sense Listen more than you speak, turn off your personal phone, curb your (hyper)enthusiasm, and observe the culture and blend in. These are all more common sense than actual tactics, but the trick is to remember these things while you are under the pressure of adjusting to a new environment, constantly meeting new people, and wrapping your head around how to hit the ground running with the new employer.  You should also be ready to throw the work-life balance out the window for a while (The Every Girl) and be ready to log in some extra hours just to get up to speed.  These extra hours spent in the beginning will pave the way for your success later on, and also leave a good impression on people around you that you are committed and dedicated to success.  Romper:  NastyGal Stripe Her Down Romper   Bag:  Louis Vuitton Empreinte Montaigne BBRe-think your strengths and weaknesses Career design, Corporate Life, Job search September 5, 2016 0 Comments  Romper: NastyGal Stripe Her Down Romper   Bag: Louis Vuitton Empreinte Montaigne BBI recently received and accepted an offer from a  new company. I will be starting a new job in a few weeks! If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably heard about this news. But on Cubicle Chic today I want to share with you what I’m doing now that I am between two jobs, and how I am preparing myself for the next phase of my career. This is how it goes: after many sleepless nights, numerous interviews, the final negotiations, the constant anticipation, finally, came the phone call. THE phone call that changes everything!  Celebrate, give yourself a pat on the shoulder, and go out and get something nice for yourself because you deserve the reward. And after the adrenaline rush subsides, take a moment to think about what your next steps are.  Leave your current employer on a good noteDo your best to leave a good transition p lan for your replacement, and close all the gaps you can foresee. Be honest in your exit interview, provide constructive feedback if there are things you think your current employer could improve on. Lastly,  write a heartfelt but concise farewell email to all that you’ve worked with; include your email in there, and a link to your LinkedIn profile so people can stay in touch with you. This is the last chance for you to make an impression on this professional network, make it count.    Romper:  NastyGal Stripe Her Down Romper   Bag:  Louis Vuitton Empreinte Montaigne BB Sunglasses: Oscar de la Renta 215Mentally separate yourself from the old, and be ready to embrace the newThis is more of a philosophical note than a practical one. I’ve seen in the past people that join my team, and cannot stop themselves from using the lingo of “this is how XYZ used to do it” or “the way that we did it before was…” Let’s just conclude once and for all that there is no good end to thi s kind of lingo. If you have good recommendations, don’t position it as “the way that XYZ did it”; make it yours! If you don’t have good recommendations, well, you shouldn’t be making them in the first place. But by associating it with your old company, you come across as still attached and not able to adapt. For example, try to say “it’s better to ask why do WE do it this way”, and not “why do YOU do it this way” as a tactic to show you are ready to embrace the new culture and environment (Career Girl Daily).  Be strategic in the way you build your new brand The same way you prepared for all those interviews, you should be thinking about how to rock your first day of work, the first week of work, and the first month, and the first quarter, and so on. Read up on the 30-60-90 Day Plan  (Business Insider) and think about the personal goals you’d like to reach on Day 30, Day 60, and Day 90.  Think about what you want to be known for, because that is going to be yo ur professional brand.Also, fine-tune your elevator pitch (MyDomain.com). As part of your introduction to the new teams and new people, one of the first things they will ask you is “where did you come from” and “what did you do before”.  Be ready to have a concise but to-the-point summary that will effectively summarize your past experiences, and even impress your new co-workers just a little bit.    Romper:  NastyGal Stripe Her Down Romper   Bag:  Louis Vuitton Empreinte Montaigne BB Heels: Kenneth Cole; similar here Sunglasses:  Oscar de la Renta 215Use common sense Listen more than you speak, turn off your personal phone, curb your (hyper)enthusiasm, and observe the culture and blend in. These are all more common sense than actual tactics, but the trick is to remember these things while you are under the pressure of adjusting to a new environment, constantly meeting new people, and wrapping your head around how to hit the ground running with the new employer.  You should also be ready to throw the work-life balance out the window for a while (The Every Girl) and be ready to log in some extra hours just to get up to speed.  These extra hours spent in the beginning will pave the way for your success later on, and also leave a good impression on people around you that you are committed and dedicated to success.  Romper:  NastyGal Stripe Her Down Romper   Bag:  Louis Vuitton Empreinte Montaigne BBRe-think your strengths and weaknessesTake stock of the work history with your last employer and think of all your successes and failures. Think about how they made you feel, how they changed you, and what you did to make sure you can replicate the success, and avoid making the same mistakes. It may help to write these things down so you can visualize them more clearly. Take the highlights from this list of historic success and failure, and make sure that’s your starting point for your next job. Lean on your strengths, and find ways to develop things you ar e weaker in.  What were the things you did right, or wrong, when you first started your job?  All photography by Natalie Alvarado @ STYLENFUSE.COM

10 Things I Wish Id Known About Starting a Business - When I Grow Up

10 Things I Wish Id Known About Starting a Business - When I Grow Up I’m not going to lie: I’m pretty proud of myself. In 2007, I took a huge risk, stepped away from an old dream of being on Broadway, and embarked on a new one. I looked deep into my gut and asked myself: What do I want to do? What do I know I can be great at? How can I make that happen?   When the idea of career coaching first peeped up in my gut/heart/head, it of course felt crazy. This was something totally brand new, something I never “dreamed about as a kid,” something I didn’t see coming. But, that peep eventually became an undeniable calling, and here I am so many years later with a thriving business and the satisfaction and amazement of having helped thousands of other creative women listen to their gut peeps, too.   Was this dream-come-true a walk in the park? Did the universe unfold before me and show me the answers? Did I have one of those epiphanies where everything suddenly makes sense and nothing is bad or sad or scary? Helllllll no. Not even close. It was hard. It was confusing. A lot of times I felt totally lost but thank goddess I didn’t deny myself that new dream because it was so, so worth it.   If there is one thing I can do in my role as The When I Grow Up Coach, it is to share some of the wisdom I learned along the way and try to smooth out those bumps for my clients. This #insight is on the house.   Here are 10 things I wish I’d known about starting a business (in no particular order): Set measurable goals when it comes to getting ready to leave your job. In 2008, I set some business goals that sounded like this: “Get certified, build up a savings with enough money to not have to worry about making money for a few months, get enough clients and consultations coming in to feel like people in the world knew who I was, and to have a professionally designed website.” Here is the thing, “enough” is not the same thing as a measurable goal. It was an arbitrary disclaimer that I used as a placeholder until I figured out what the heck I was actually doing… If instead, I decided in advance that I needed, say, $5000 in savings or 3 new clients a month, I think the 2 years and 7 months it took me to leave my job would have been reduced by at least a few months if not more. You will not replace your “real job” income right away. Seriously. It’s impossible unless you’re a superhero who doesn’t need sleep or you launch a Kickstarter that goes viral or you get on Shark Tank and money is thrown at you even though you have no sales (the Sharks hate that). Expect 3 or more lean-ish months to start, and a full year in business full-time before you can compete with your former self. Experiment. Forever. With your schedule. With your offerings. With your time. With your money. With your priorities. With your clients. Keep your eyes open on what’s working. Tweak what isn’t. Drop what feels like a drain. Rinse and repeat until retirement. Working 8 hours each day is not necessary. Think about the 40 hour workweek (or more) you’d have at your day job. Would you really work a full 8 hour day? Does anyone? Between lunch hours, bathroom breaks, coffee runs and water cooler chats â€" not to mention procrastinating on Facebook â€" your 8 hour work day probably was closer to 5ish. A recent study actually showed that the average 9-to-5 worker is only productive for 2 hours and 53 minutes a day. 2 hours and 53 minutes a day! So don’t run yourself ragged or guilt yourself over not working 40 hours each week on your biz. You do not need to run yourself into the ground to be successful. Take a Business Building Day each month. Put it on the calendar and make it sacred by not booking any calls or meetings that day. I try to schedule mine the first business day of each month, so I can reflect on the past month by going over my wins, challenges, money made and spent, etc. This is what makes you a pro-active business owner instead of a reactive business owner. Talk about your dream business as early and as often as possible. Yes, it’s scary to tell people about your business, especially before it becomes “real” (a.k.a. it’s your full-time gig that comes with full-time money). But the earlier you answer the “So, what do you do?” question with something about your business, the earlier doors open for you. Say YES to everything, and be fearless in pitching yourself. Someone wants to interview you for their blog? YES. Someone wants to collaborate with you on a project (and you feel good working with them)? YES. Someone offers you an introduction to a potential client? YES. Say YES always, and be pro-active about it by approaching the people you want to feature you with a personalized email request. I know it’s scary, but it’s also so worthwhile. Know that you can’t walk anyone else’s path. Sure, there are tons of people who are gonna tell you how you can make big money by taking their marketing programs, and yes, the honest ones are sharing what has worked for them…but that is not a formula for your success. You can absolutely learn from these women, but you also have to shut out your “shoulds” and know that you’ll have to discover and walk your own path to build an authentic business that feels like you. Keep on following the scary/exciting. Doing the thing(s) that make you feel an equal amount of fear and excitement leads you to The Land of No Regrets. Even if it doesn’t go as planned, or isn’t a complete success, you’ll learn the lessons (and skills!) you need to decide on your next steps. Action begets action. Keep showing up. Do more than think. Ready to take these 10 wish-I-knew lessons and apply them to *your* future business launch? There’s no need for you to learn any of this the hard way, and there’s a whole lot more insight where that came from. My 90 Day Business Launch applications are open right now AND my free, live 90 Day Business Launchers Tell All is happening *tonight*! Click your preferred link and get to applying/registering. Regardless, there are more lessons to learn and more work to be done yours! and I am *here* for it.