Why I Won’t Hire You – or Even Interview You

Aug 14, 2012 | Leadership Development

That title may sound a bit rough for some of you, but if you're looking for a job - or you know someone who is - pay attention. Let me share some insights from an employer's perspective as to why you may not be able to land that job - or even the interview - for which you think you're well qualified. As a bit of background, I've been looking to hire a part-time, marketing assistant to support me and my team with brand management, social media, and general in-office admin tasks. I've also made...

Get Customers. Get to Know Them

Jul 31, 2012 | Sales, Marketing & Customer Service

I recently received a thank you note from Matt, one of my nephews. I had helped him revise his resume and practice for interviews, as he needed to "get" a co-op in his final semester of college in order to graduate. Matt wrote that he had "gotten" a great co-op position with a company that has strong future employment opportunities for him as well. Our work in getting to know the prospective organizations had paid off. He was selected while other students with higher grade point...

Accountability – It’s Expected

Feb 17, 2012 | Leadership Development

Leaders think beyond the current frustrations and pressures. That’s how they identify opportunities and foresee roadblocks. That’s how they do their jobs. That’s how they’re able to lead. That’s how they do what is expected. That’s why they’re respected.

I Want My Life Back!

Jan 10, 2012 | Leadership Development

Yep, I heard it again. A new client, a CEO, told my team prior to our first work session, "I want my life back. I love working, but I've got to stop working 80-hour weeks. Something needs to change around here." Sounds logical and completely reasonable to me, but how do you get your life back if you are the only person who knows your job? Worse yet—how do you do that if you are the owner, CEO, or another member of the C-Suite? Who can do your job? As I have observed over the years, being...

Be An Expert Presenter

Nov 8, 2011 | Leadership Development

I attended a luncheon that culminated with an insurance expert explaining his services to the attendees. As soon as the speaker turned on the projector to start his presentation, the bulb blew. A quick inspection revealed there was no spare and the restaurant staff didn't even know their projector used bulbs! Instead of panicking, the insurance expert simply said, “I'll just have to cue you more carefully as you follow along with your handouts.” He then proceeded with his talk. As he...