The Personal Branding Advantage of Visible Minorities

The Personal Branding Advantage of Visible Minorities 4 A Hassidic Jew came to me with a personal branding question. As he was becoming more active branding himself online, he was considering the use of video. An expert in an industry that has nothing to do with Judaism or religion, he was hesitating because he wasn't sure how people would react when they saw what he looked like in his hat, sidelocks and beard. What to do? His question could apply for any visible minorities but is particularly relevant when the audience doesn't yet include people from the concerned minority group. If we dig a little deeper though, this is less a question about using video and more a question about letting people know who you really are. There are 2 ways to answer this question. 1) Build your brand while exposing yourself gradually Make your visible minority-hood a non-issue. Earn so much respect for your ideas that people won't care what you look like or where you're from.eval Get your audience used to your writing first. Even though podcasts and videos are almost everywhere these days and are only going to become more pervasive, there are still many people who have stuck with text alone for a long time as they grew their brand. The danger of only using text for a prolonged period of time is that depending on how you start using multimedia, people might be turned off less by racism and more by the simple fact that they feel deceived, as if you weren't being completely honest with them over the time they've known you. If you're reading this and deciding to go the multimedia route, be very careful how you manage the transition so that you don't appear to have been hiding all this time. Also, prepare how to respond if people make that accusation.eval Next, get people used to your voice either by podcasting and/or using video without actually appearing in it at first, such as with screencasts or by conducting interviews off-camera. This is important because your voice will later act as a bridge in helping people immediately recognize you on video even if they're unfamiliar with the person they're seeing for the first time. Since you don't want to appear as if you're hiding, star in your videos as soon as possible but only after you know that people have gotten used to your voice. From then on, just be yourself. Depending on the size of your audience, you will often lose some viewers for the wrong reasons but then again, if they had known more about you from the beginning, they might never have connected with you in the first place. You're better off without people like that in your network, so don't consider it a real loss. 2) Leverage your visible appearance to standout Personal branding success involves being a standout for the right reasons. Being a visible minority in a crowd means that by default, you will stand out. After that, it's up to you to convince everyone that you're there for those right reasons. This is the personal branding advantage of visible minorities. Put in context, my questioner could become known as THE Hassidic Jew in his field, e.g. the Hassidic judoka, the Hassidic plumber, etc. The branding paradox in breaking a “glass ceiling” of being first minority member to enter a field or group is that other minority members will be able to follow, potentially weakening your brand. If your entire brand is based on your appearance, how will you manage once there are brand competitors with a similar appearance? That's why your brand needs to be more than one-dimensional; you also have to be bringing real value to your community. That said, “first to market” is very meaningful. If you are the one to break that glass ceiling, that fact can reinforce your brand so much that you will always stand out, but again, it will only be successful if you have other dimensions to your brand. In this branding scenario, audio and video are just branding tools to use on equal level with any others as part of your personal branding strategy. How to choose which strategy is right for you If you've already been building your brand without showing that you're part of a visible minority in your field, you're better off using the first strategy to avoid what your audience or network might perceive as a negative surprise. The second strategy is only really an option for someone starting out in a field, but that also could mean someone who wants to undertake a major rebranding. Ultimately, choose the strategy that you feel more comfortable with or that will be more successful for you. I originally published this article on the terrific Personal Branding Blog.

Professional Resume Writing Services in Edmonton

Professional Resume Writing Services in EdmontonProfessional resume writing services are usually hired by people who are facing the most critical phase of their career and have to find a new job. Since they can easily write their resumes, they will make sure that these should be tailored towards the skills and the traits required for that particular position. Professional resume writing services can provide them with the perfect material to do this.One can easily get professional resume writing services if he or she just needs one. The person can simply contact one of the companies listed on the web and hire their help. These companies will provide these services at very reasonable prices, which is one of the main reasons why many people prefer to hire these services. These companies also provide both formal and informal ways of helping you create a great resume.These companies have different types of professionals to choose from. Some of them are certified and so it is obvious that they have the proper skills. On the other hand, there are others who are not certified but they still have years of experience in the industry. As a result, they are able to come up with professionally written resumes for their clients.A professional resume writing service can help you ensure that your resume is all yours. You need to be specific about your talents and skills so that these can be highlighted. In this way, it is very easy for the hiring managers to see through your capability. They will also be able to judge whether you are a fit for the position.There are also some services that can provide you with an excellent write up for your resume. These services will get you the best of the best to work with. In other words, they will get you the very best and will provide you with top quality written material. This is one of the best reasons why you should hire them.Also, these companies have years of experience and therefore they are more than qualified to help you write yo ur resume. With their experience, they will ensure that the material is all original and consistent. They will also take care of all your editing needs and thus, making sure that all your important information is on the page. In the end, they will make sure that your resume gets through the eyes of the hiring manager.The process of hiring these companies will take some time. However, it is definitely worth it, as you can rest assured that you are hiring professionals who know what they are doing. The professional resume writing services you hire will not only provide you with your resume but will also give you a little boost as well. This will ensure that you go into the interview with the right mindset.When you are in the process of hiring, you will want to consider this fact. Remember that not all of the companies listed on the web will give you top-notch services. There are those who are simply looking to scam people and thus, their services are just considered as scams. When you look for the best resume writing service in Edmonton, you will need to consider these things and then evaluate your own needs.

Aspergers at work Why Im difficult in meetings

Aspergers at work Why Im difficult in meetings Eighty percent of adults with Asperger Syndrome do not have full-time work. This not because they cant do the work. Its that they cant manage to be socially acceptable while they get the work done. Countless studies show people would rather have pleasant and personable co-workers than a co-worker who is always right. I try to keep this in mind each day, and consequently, I spend a lot of time planning my interactions. But sometimes my plans fail. To give you an idea of what Im talking about, Im going to walk you through my most recent parent-teacher conference. Which was a disaster. And while it was a meeting in a second-grade classroom, it could have been a meeting with anyone, anywhere. 1. I cant tell the difference between social niceties and reality. I think Im late. I am bad with transitions I space out from the stress of change so I drive around the school a few times without noticing before I go in. I am bad with time, because I dont totally understand how to predict what the next number will be. So sometimes I forget where I am in the hour. But then I get to the school and I think I am early to the conference, and I go to the bathroom, because the school halls are bustling and I want calm. I get to the room and the teacher is sitting at her desk. Doing nothing. I think this means she is waiting. So I ask if Im late. She says no, but I am pretty sure she means yes. I know some people say the answer they think would be good manners instead of the right answer. I stare at her body language for a clue. 2. I get sidetracked by insisting on telling people what they dont know. I forget to listen to her talking because Im stuck on if Im late or not, but I perk up when she says that my sons cursive writing is too slow and he needs to print like the rest of the class. Because I need her to know that spending any time on kids handwriting is stupid. I tell her there are no jobs that require people to have decent handwriting, and definitely no jobsbesides wedding calligrapherthat require cursive. She thinks Im saying kids dont need to learn to construct paragraphs, or book reports. I try to clarify that I mean good penmanship is useless. She says shes sorry that I am upset. This is when I realize that I picked a fight, and parents do not pick fights with teachers unless the parents are jerks or idiots or both. And I dont even know what Im arguing for any more. So I try to get out of the argument. I tell her that I will explain to my son that cursive writing is for at home until the rest of the class is doing it. 3. I interrupt constantly and dont realize it. She tells me my son is great at math. I tell her that its typical of boys with Asperger Syndrome to be great at math, so thats not what Im worried about. I tell her Im worried about his spelling. She tells me about his spelling and I tell her that he can spell the words hes missing but he cant listen and spell and write all at the same time. I start to tell her about sensory integration disorder, but I see that I am lecturing, so I stop. And then she is hesitant to talk again. Thats when I realize that Ive been cutting her off. I feel terrible and tell myself I have to be a better listener. And then I start focusing on how terribly Im doing and I forget to be a good listener. I am upset that I am offending her. I think about the psychiatrist who says people often mistake someone with Asperger Syndrome as a narcissist. I think this is a moment when the teacher is thinking that I am totally self-absorbed and not caring at all about her. 4. My mind is too scattered to focus on being nice. Just when I start thinking of how to care about her, she says, in conclusion and then I panic. I will not have time to show her I appreciate her. I remember a photo of the Obamas going to their parent-teacher conference and Michelle is carrying a vase of flowers. I should have brought a vase of flowers. I try to focus. I look at the teacher to focus on what she is saying and she is saying my son is delightful to have in class. I hear this as something she says to every parent. Then she gives me an example, which is that he is very easily redirected when he is not doing what other people are doing. I tell her that his problem is not that he cant be redirected. People with Asperger Syndrome are dying to please everyone around them. People with Asperger Syndrome dont want to stand out or be the center of attention. They just want to get along with people and have things run smoothly. So of course if she tells him what to do to fit in, hell do it. The problem is that he will not have someone around him for the rest of his life telling him that. I tell her it would be a positive thing if he could tell things were going badly and then he knew the right way to get help in order to make himself do what is expected. I look at the teacher. She is clearly exhausted from dealing with me. It occurs to me that teacher conferences are only fifteen minutes. Of course we cannot cover anything significant in this time. This is a friendly, get-to-know-each-other moment. Its a small-talk-and-smiling moment. And I should have known to ask someone to come with me, to cue me, so I would do what is expected.

5 Fall Work Fashion Trends for Every Classy Career Girls Ensemble

5 Fall Work Fashion Trends for Every Classy Career Girl’s Ensemble It’s that time of year again â€" a time when summer’s heat starts to subside, and your mind begins to shift from beaches and weekend getaways to cardigans and apple cider. Fall has arrived, which also means a shift in your morning closet routine. Everyones personal style will be different, but this year, there are a few key go-to’s that will ensure you’re putting your best (stylish) foot forward in the office. Fall Fashion Trends for Classy Career Girls Loafers During the summer, flip-flops and espadrilles are all the rage, but in the fall, your preferences shift more toward comfort, and loafers are a great laid-back but professional option. Cole Haan’s bright color palette is trendy without being over the top. For more budget-friendly options, Gap has a great collection of them, from pink suede to herringbone, and everything in between. Polka Dots Whether they’re on your shoes or on your sweater, you can’t walk around anywhere without seeing this fun, girly print in a variety of colors and sizes. Kate Spade is a personal favorite, with polka dots popping up on their accessories year-round. Old Navy and J.Crew also celebrate this classic style with sweaters in jade, tan and more. Blazers File this under the I-love-this-trend-but-don’t-own-enough-of-them section. “Gossip Girl” brought them back in a big way, and while they seem uber-preppy, blazers are versatile, so it’s also possible to go more glam with this item, depending on the fabric. HM has a great selection, ranging from buttoned-up to cool and casual. Gold Jewelry I have to admit that I was a little late to the party on this one. Growing up, I despised anything gold and insisted on wearing sterling silver only. But gold is back in a big way (I’m including rose gold in this group as well), and I can’t get enough of stacked gold bracelets and, of course, chunky watches from Michael Kors. A dainty gold necklace can add femininity to almost any outfit, as well as a little pizazz to an otherwise muted ensemble. Sock Buns There are a million and one YouTube tutorials that demonstrate how to create the perfect bun, and it’s a great way to style your hair in a way that requires little maintenance throughout the workday. From what I’ve heard anecdotally, it’s a craft to be perfected, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t look quite right the first few times. This is by no means an extensive list, but by integrating these few items into your fall rotation, you’ll no doubt find yourself more confident in the workplace. What Fall fashion trends would you add to this list? Today’s post is written by Erica Moss. Follow her on Twitter  @ericajmoss.

Using a Design Resume For Your Job Search

Using a Design Resume For Your Job SearchWhen it comes to designing your own design resume, it is important to pick the best format for you. This will help to guide you as you write a resume that you believe will stand out from the crowd and make you more appealing to employers.First, you need to choose the right format for you. If you're not sure how to go about this, the key is to make sure you are writing in the proper format. If you are applying for jobs at a college or university, you should use a document similar to what would be required when preparing for the final college admission exam. In this case, there are no exceptions needed, since college applications are always long and filled with a lot of information.On the other hand, if you are applying for a job at a professional company, then you can always follow the layout of the resume, which is usually referred to as the template. This format is commonly used by recruiters, business owners, and even by future employees. Th e job you are applying for should reflect the format of your resume.However, before you start drafting your own version of the resume, you need to learn the format that works best for you. There are a few simple things you can do to make sure that your design resume has a professional look, such as avoiding too many graphics in your resume. Having a lot of images and flashy colors is something that does not translate well.Also, avoid using bold font and bulleted lists, since these types of format will take away from the flow of your resume. Also, the most important part of your resume is your summary. As you know, the summary summarizes everything you have written for your resume, so you should not try to be too fancy with your summary. By following these tips, you can easily create a design resume that is impressive and well designed.Of course, you should also write your resume properly, since this is the only way you can convince a potential employer to read it. The format of your resume is just one aspect of a well-written resume, and this is a place where you can show your creativity and flair. Remember that this is the place where you will be describing yourself, so you should take advantage of it to the fullest.Keep in mind that it is not important that your resume look perfect, but it is important that it is very understandable. So, while you may use a fancy title for your resume, you should focus on getting the point across without becoming too much. And remember that you do not have to worry about being overbearing when it comes to your resume. It is your chance to express yourself.A design resume is a great way to introduce yourself to employers. With a design resume, you can show the prospective employer what you have to offer and how your skills can best help them. You can be proud of the fact that you can be a great candidate for any position, and so long as you are able to create a design resume that will stand out from the crowd, you can be conf ident that your professional image will be defined.

Its true - Ive been a bad boy - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Its true - Ive been a bad boy - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog I must apologize I havent been responding to comments on my blog at all for the last month or so and Ive been seriously lax about it for about three months before that. Two readers called me on it in the comments thank you!! I needed the wake-up call. I feel bad about it, because I used to pride myself on responding to almost every single comment on the blog and I want to get back to that. I have been reading all comments that come in, but thats not enough to create a good conversation, so heres my promise: From now on, Ill devote time to reply to comments on the blog. I make this promise for one simple reason: the comments here are a continual source of inspiration for me. I have learned so much from your input, ideas, arguments and stories and the least I can do is reply. So even though business is craaaaazy busy these days (wooo-hooooo!) I will not compromise on this and I will make sure to leave time in my calendar to make sure that this blog remains an interesting read and a good place to discuss happiness at work. You guys just have to promise to keep the great comments coming. Deal? Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

Job Search Tips Optimize for Results - Wolfgang Career Coaching

Job Search Tips Optimize for Results - Wolfgang Career Coaching We have all heard the quote from Rita Mae Brown, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” This quote is particularly applicable to many job searches I see out there. Below is my checklist for making sure your job search strategy covers all your bases and effectively delivers the results you are striving for. Example of an Ineffective Job Search Strategy At a recent networking event, someone asked me why he still hadn’t found a job even after 9 months of trying.  I asked him to describe his weekly job search process. Here are his steps: goes to four job search websites conducts searches based on his criteria reviews the jobs that meet the criteria sends his resume and cover letter to each of the jobs he determines to be a good fit He repeats this process each week. Sometimes he receives a reply from an employer, but oftentimes he does not. Even still, he repeats this process each week. If this sounds like your job search, ask yourself if what you are doing is working? Are you getting the results you want? If not, have you altered your approach? If not, then stop for a minute and examine your process and make the necessary changes. You need to determine why you aren’t rising up to the top of the candidate list and fix your process so that you do! Job Search Checklist Strategy â€" you need to do the right things What are the components of your job search? Do you have a plan with measurable targets (i.e. number of networking connections you will make, jobs you will apply for, etc.)? Is the plan written down? Are there other job search tactics you should add to your plan? Execution â€" you need to carry out your plan consistently each week Which parts of your job search plan do you like to do? Which ones don’t you like to do? Do you spend more time doing the things you enjoy (i.e. searching for jobs online) and less time doing the things you dislike (i.e. finding networking connections)? Do you document your actions each week? Are you meeting the targets in your plan? Connections â€" you need to connect with the people who receive your resume Are you getting your resume and cover letter to the right person at the company? Are you spending time trying to find that person? Are you making connections at that company to ensure the hiring manager does review your resume? Is your profile on LinkedIn or other professional social networking sites updated? Are you using these sites to make connections with others? If your job search is not yielding the results you want, ask yourself when was the last time your reviewed the plan and made some changes. Review the checklist above and see what changes you need to make and implement them. These changes are going to yield positive results. What job search technique have you found most useful in your search? Let us know in the comments section below!