Tripping On The Ladder

 By Jenaissance
 (c) March 22, 2010

One day last week, I had a small window of time between phone calls, so I thought I better walk over to our neighborhood library to return a few books whose due dates were quickly creeping up.

It was a relatively nice day, and I thought I could kill two birds with one stone by hitching the dog up to the leash and walking him to the library with me.

Our dog likes excitement—and it really doesn’t take much to qualify. He is delirious with happiness every time he hears any of the following, in no particular order:

“Do you want to…go potty?”

“Do you want to…go on a Field Trip?” (That’s our code word for a car ride.)

“Do you want to…have a treat?”

But today something interesting happened. I was about to ask, “Do you want to…go for a walk?” when I got interrupted and didn’t get to finish my sentence. All I said was, “Do you want to…?” (and then I paused to look at my BlackBerry), and yet the dog still nearly jumped out of his skin with enthusiasm.

It occurred to me that perhaps his excitement was in the prospect of something happening, not in the specific activity itself.

Those of us who are in career transition—either starting a new business venture or looking for that next job opportunity—often fall into this trap, too. How often do we find ourselves hinging all our hopes (and happiness) on the specifics of “what’s next” instead of on the “what’s now”? We tell ourselves we’ll be happy once we get that new job, make a certain amount of money, land that new client, achieve work/life balance, save enough to retire…you get the idea.  

But instead, maybe we are robbing ourselves of the ability to enjoy the mystery and the joy of the here and now. By focusing on the outcomes we think we need, perhaps we are neglecting some powerful gifts that are here right now—including the ability to “live in the moment.”

Try it today. Set aside the doubts and nagging voice that insists that the future will be your savior, and try to enjoy today in all of its beautiful, mysterious unfolding.

 By Diva Nikki
 (c) March 17, 2010

One of my favorite bands of all time is U2. I’ve borrowed the title of one of their more famous songs for this article.

While the subject matter of song and article are quite different, I think the title works well for both.

In response to my article asking for ideas and suggestions for this column, I got a great question from one of our readers:

“What happens to the column when your husband gets a job? I really enjoy reading your insights. I am going through this now with my husband, and it’s nice to hear other wife’s thoughts on how to keep it all together when it feels like everything is falling apart.”

What an excellent and timely question. You see, my husband has gotten a job. Well, sort of.

About a month ago, my husband got a job offer. Sort of. The “sort of” is that he was offered a position at a really great company…but it’s a temporary/part-time position. The person who offered the job – who, by the way, is a regular reader of this column – understood that it was well below his qualification level. (He’s got an MBA. The position was mostly for data entry help.) But she saw this as an opportunity to give my husband a chance to network, get an “in” at a company he would love to work for…and to be out of the house and not collecting unemployment.

At that moment, my husband could have done many things. He could’ve been insulted at the idea of doing work below his skill and knowledge level. He could’ve demanded more than what was being offered to him and made it about the money rather than the opportunity and intent. He could’ve let his pride get in the way. But he didn’t. In the name of love – for me, for our household, for our life together – he threw his pride out the window. He listened to the offer, saw it for the opportunity it was and said, “When can I start?”

Since taking the position, he’s certainly done his share of data entry. And he’s done it gratefully.  He also, however, has lent an enormous amount of continuous improvement, programming, logic and thought leadership to some important projects for the area he’s helping out. It hasn’t mattered to him what his paycheck level is right now. It’s mattered to him that he’s been able to help people and make a positive difference.

Does he hope this will lead to a more permanent position? Absolutely.

Is he holding back right now because he’s only a temporary employee making a lower salary? Absolutely not.

He’s making the most of this opportunity. 

I told you this article was about pride. But it’s not about my husband’s pride…or even the way he was able to set that pride aside to do something good for us. It’s about my pride… My pride in him for being a talented, wonderful person and husband who is willing to take a chance and accept an opportunity that we both hope will benefit him and our life together…someday.

 By Diva Nikki
 (c) February 10, 2010

First, I’d like to thank those of you who sent notes of support and concern after my recent Prioritizing Priorities article. 

I’d also like to reassure you that in our household, nothing excremental or otherwise has yet hit the fan. We’re just taking further steps to prepare ourselves as best we can.

Not to say it’s all puppies and rainbows in our lives these days, either. But one thing I’ve noted about times of trial in our lives is that it puts in sharp, unmistakable relief the good things in our lives as well. It makes me think of one of my favorite quotes:

“Don’t block the blessings.” – Patti LaBelle  

As a Desperate Workingwife, here are some of my suggestions for recognizing the blessings in your life…even when your spouse’s career transition may be far, far less than a blessing.

Appreciate your own career and development.
I recently underwent a bit of career transition myself and began reporting to a new manager in a new area of the company at the beginning of this year. I might have been tempted, at first, to think, “Gee…just what I need. More change.” And that would’ve blocked some serious blessings. Because as it turns out, my new manager is one of the best surprises I’ve had in a long time. She believes in me wholeheartedly, pushes me to be better and encourages me to think bigger. She’s completely reenergized my passion for what I do. There’s a blessing I want to count, not block.

Stop and revel in your own accomplishments.
I’m not saying you should rub your own accomplishments in your spouse’s face. Be tactful. But do celebrate your wins in a personal way. Just finished a big project at work? Treat yourself to a pair of shoes on clearance. Lost a pound this week? Do a happy dance in the kitchen. (I highly recommend socks on hardwood floors for the best spinning capabilities.)

Celebrate the accomplishments of others.
You’ve probably heard that even if you’re feeling down, if you physically make yourself smile that act will eventually elicit the corresponding emotion of happiness. (Try it.) Celebrating the blessings of others can bring you blessings of your own. So attend your friend’s baby shower, go to happy hour to celebrate your co-worker’s promotion and hoot and holler when your spouse gets called for an interview.

Notice and accept support with gratitude.
Chance are, you’ve got a great support network in your life. (My best girls – you know who you are and I love you.) Have you noticed that more often lately, as you’ve been living through your spouse’s career transition time, that lunch or coffee tabs are picked up by friends? Rather than argue with them. let them and thank them. Most of us have it in our nature to want to help the people we care about. This is their time to help you – don’t block their blessings by taking that opportunity away from them.

Thank God for the blessings which come out of thin air.
Maybe you got an unexpected refund check in the mail.  Or your heating bill was less than you thought it would be this month. In my case, out of nowhere, a new friend came into my life through one of my music groups. Without any rhyme or reason I could think of, this beautiful woman became somewhat of a personal cheerleader for me and gave me confidence at exactly the time when I needed it. When these things seem to come out of nowhere, simply stop and offer praise for the Holy Spirit’s influence in your life.

Additional Resources:

Patti Labelle, Don’t Block the Blessings – available on Amazon.com

Yvonne Bynoe, Is Your Attitude Blocking Your Blessings?,

By Linda Lande
(c) January 28, 2010

Today’s economy has plenty of people searching for new employment. But could you inadvertantly be getting in the way of your own job search success?

If you’re falling flat with job applications or interviews,  it might be because you’re falling into these common trip-ups.

In Tuesday’s edition of “The Daily Rung,” we shared some of the most frequent pitfalls that happen before an interview that will clearly work against you. Today, we focus on common trip-ups during the interview.

Part 2. Day of the Interview

Are you making any of these common mistakes during a job interview?

Mistake: Putting on the glitz and the glamour.

Quick Fix: First impressions make a difference. For women, Stacey Stratton, principal and executive recruiter of  True Talent Group, recommends being as “plain Jane as you can while still being classy.” This means wearing a basic, dark pantsuit or skirt suit (no shorter than 2 inches above the knee), shoes that cover your toes, and understated jewelry and makeup.

“Go for the sophisticated, but modest look,” recommends Marni Hockenberg, principal and executive recruiter with Hockenberg Search. “Nothing about your appearance should be distracting.”

Men should wear a dark well-fitting suit, an understated tie, a white or light-colored shirt, matching socks and polished shoes. A sport coat with nice slacks, shirt and tie also are acceptable. “Make sure your suit fits well,” says Hockenberg. “If you’ve gained or lost weight, then invest in a suit that fits the new you or tailor your existing suit. And get a fresh  haircut. ”

Hockenberg and Stratton also recommend:

• Not wearing big or dangly earrings.
• Keeping tattoos covered.
• Not wearing perfume or cologne.
• Popping a breath mint. Bad breath not only is distracting, it’s unpleasant.
• Removing the jewelry from piercings, other than one or two in your ears.
• Placing a towel over your shoulders if you brush your hair beforehand so dandruff isn’t visible on your jacket.

Just remember, “nothing distracting,” says Hockenberg.

Mistake: Showing up late—and not  bothering to call.
It’s not like calling is going to get you there any quicker, right?

Quick Fix: Basic common courtesy dictates a pre-appointment notice if you’re running late. “Showing up late is more than just one strike against you,” says Stratton. Consider programming the contact number into your cell phone—that way, you’re sure to have it readily available, if necessary.

It’s generally recommended that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment. Allow more time if you’re asked to complete paperwork beforehand.

Mistake: Chewing gum during the interview.
You might want to even blow a bubble or two—especially if your gum is florescent pink or green! Many employers want people who can multi-task. What better way to show them than by talking and chewing gum at the same time!

Quick Fix: No gum. Toss it out before you walk in the door.

Mistake: Leave your cell phone on during the interview.
You don’t want to miss a call for another interview. Besides, a ringing phone means that you’re in demand.

Quick Fix: “Turn it off,” says Stratton. “Don’t even leave it on vibrate. Focus.”

Mistake: Talking a lot.
They want to know all about you, so let them have it!

Quick Fix: “Remember,” says Marni, “the ‘i’ in “interview doesn’t mean that it’s all about you. Listen—and answer questions in a way that lets them know you understand their business.”

Mistake: Not asking any questions.
If you researched the company online, what questions could you have?

Quick Fix: “It’s important to have a few questions for your potential employer,” says Hockenberg, “but don’t ask questions that you easily could have found online, and don’t squander your opportunity by asking generic questions.”

Ask closing questions, such as:

• “Is there a particular part of my background and experience that helped you decide to interview me?
• “In my current role, I’m responsible for activities such as… What part of this experience would you find most valuable to you?
• “I tend to learn new technologies quickly, where do you see a need for that skill in this position?

“This is an opportunity for you to highlight your skills and experience again,” says Hockenberg. “Let them know exactly what you want them to be sure to know about you. Set yourself apart from the competition. Remind them about why they want to hire you.”

Mistake: Letting your mind wander—it lets them know there is more to your life than your job.

Quick Fix: “If you interview with one foot on the gas and one on the brake, the interviewer will sense it,” says Hockenberg. “Interview to get the offer. If it turns out that it’s really not the right job for you, then you can turn it down later.

“Be present. Be energetic. Be focused. Be interested. Be passionate about the job and the company—and be ready to explain why.”

 Posted by Linda Lande
 (c) January 26, 2010

Today’s economy has plenty of people searching for new employment. But could you inadvertantly be getting in the way of your own job search success?

If you’re falling flat with job applications or interviews,  it might be because you’re falling into these common trip-ups.

 In today’s segment (Part I), we show you some of the most frequent pitfalls that happen before an interview that will clearly work against you.

Part 1. Before the Interview

Are you making any of these trip-ups?

Sending the exact same cover letter and resume to each potential employer.
If XYZ Corporation receives materials saying that you’re looking forward to becoming an employee of ABC Corporation, it’s guaranteed that your resume will be deposited quickly in the trash.

“Your materials should be customized for each job application,” says Stacey Stratton, president and executive recruiter for True Talent Group. That means addressing your cover letter to a specific person (when possible), mentioning the company’s name a couple times in the main text, telling them how your skills and personality will benefit their organization, and briefly explaining why you’re interested in the position.

Keeping your humorous phone message.
You want them to know that you’re light-hearted and fun, right?

“Make sure that the phone you direct potential employers to has a clear, professional message,” says Stratton. “It’s the first time they’ll hear your voice—make it count.” 

Including spelling errors in your materials.
And if you really want to sink your ship, misspell people’s names—maybe even your own!

There really is no excuse for spelling errors—but don’t trust spell check alone! Read through your materials carefully to ensure that you are using the correct spelling and the right words.

Forgetting a couple items.
Employers like to know that employees can follow directions. So to ensure you don’t get the job, exclude a few of the items requested, such as work samples, forms, a list of references, or your salary history.

The job market is tough. Any means of weeding candidates will be used. Give potential employers what they ask for—in the way they ask for it.

Leaving inappropriate pictures and messages on Facebook and other online venues.
What’s the big deal? Work life and personal life are totally separate, right? 

“All employers Google potential candidates,” says Stratton. “You’ve got to be on your ‘A’ game. Clean up your online information.”

In fact, there are experts and services, such as Social Media 1-2-3 for Job Seekers, to help you audit, evaluate and shape your online presence  for maximum job search success.  

Failing to spend time preparing.
You know all about yourself—what’s there to prepare for? 

“While much of the interview is about you,” says Marni Hockenberg, principal and executive recruiter for Hockenberg Search, “potential employers also want to know that you’re sincerely interested in them. The ‘I’ in ‘interview,’ is not about you.”

Do your research. Visit the company’s Web site to learn about who they are, what they do, how they behave as a member of the business community. “Even more important,” says Hockenberg, “review the company’s mission, vision and goals—and then determine ways that you will help them meet those goals.” Know why you’re a good fit for the job.

“Come prepared to explain how you have helped other employers meet their business challenges—and explain how you’ll do the same for them,” Hockenberg says. “Know how you’ve benefited your previous employers.”

She also recommends taking at least three sets of printed resumes and references with you.

Stay tuned for Part II: During the Interview in Thursday’s installment of Tripping on the Ladder.  

 By Dan d’Man
 (c) January 15, 2010

When I told friends and co-workers that I was starting my own business as a writer and communications consultant, I received all sorts of advice and insights.

Much of it was great and saved me a lot of headaches. Still, there were a few things I wish I would’ve known before taking the leap.  Things like…

Doing books “by hand” just doesn’t add up
When I started my business, I didn’t take the time to set up an electronic accounting/invoicing system — something like Quicken. I remember thinking, “My business isn’t big enough to warrant something like that.”  

Well, not long after, my business became too big to do my bookkeeping “by hand.” But then, I was too busy with work to take the time to set up an electronic system.

Do yourself a favor and take the time to set up your bookkeeping/invoicing system before you start your business.

You should treat your business like … a business
Successful businesspeople from all professions stress the importance of investing in your business. They recommend setting aside a certain percentage of your profits (10 percent is a frequent recommendation) for this purpose.

 Whether it’s updating your Web site, attending educational conferences, refreshing your marketing materials — it is important to sharpen your skills and add tools to your business resources.

On paper, it’s an easy concept to grasp. In practice, it can sometimes be difficult to actually write out those checks.

I recommend setting up a separate bank account in which you can regularly deposit a percentage of your business income. Having it already set aside can make it a little easer — psychologically — to spend it for its intended purpose. (Note: I also recommend this model for your quarterly business taxes.)

Freedom is a relative term
When you’re a one-person company it’s rare that you ever feel totally free from work. 

When I’m on vacation, I long for my corporate-employee days. It was so nice to be able to leave an out-of-office voicemail directing any immediate needs to another person in my department. That allowed me to truly unplug and enjoy my time away.

As the owner of a one-person business, I have no one I can direct calls to. It’s difficult to totally detach myself from “What if” scenarios. “What if my biggest client calls and has an urgent need? What if that company finally calls back and wants to bring me in on a project?”

And because nothing gets done while you’re gone, you do at least two weeks’ worth of work to prepare for a one-week absence. I have a real hard time telling my clients, “You know that really important project of yours? Yeah, just hang on and I’ll get right back on it when I return from Cabo.”

Running your own business isn’t impossible
Knowing — or at least assuming — this from the first day I started my business  would’ve saved me a lot of stress and lost sleep.

 I worried about getting clients, keeping clients, servicing clients, billing clients, bookkeeping, doing taxes, having enough work, having too little work, staying motivated and staying sane. You name it, I worried about it. While that’s my nature, it was magnified significantly when I started my business.

But then, slowly but surely, I realized that owning a business isn’t brain surgery. In fact, if you just work hard and follow your instincts, it’s really quite easy. It’s so easy, in fact, that I’m now writing an article about how to do it. (I gotta say, I didn’t see that coming.)

It’s also been the best business decision I’ve ever made. I’ve grown immensely as a person and as a professional and I shudder to think that I almost didn’t take the leap and give it a try.

Now that I’ve helped you avoid these four possible missteps, there’s really no excuse for you to not take the leap as well. If you’re relatively good at whatever it is you do and, most importantly, passionate about it, you can take any interest or skill and turn it into a business. 

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 Dan d’Man (a.k.a. Dan Deuel) is principal of Deuel Communications, a writing and communications consulting firm. He is a frequent contributor to Tripping on the Ladder. He lives in Minneapolis/St. Paul with his wife and two young daughters.

 By Jenaissance
 (c) January 14, 2010

Starting a new business is an exciting, thrilling opportunity—but, if you’re not careful, your new venture can easily drain your finances before you even earn a penny in profit.

In Tuesday’s issue of “The Daily Rung,” I shared with you a few tips for knowing what to spend your money on when forming a new small business. And now it’s time to consider a few places where you can save money.

Part II: Where You Should Save

Furniture
Unless you are expecting clients to visit your office, you really don’t need much in the way of office furniture—at least, not right away. If you’re working from home, you’ll probably need a desk with ample work space, a good ergonomically sound chair (since you’ll presumably be sitting in it much of the day) and a file cabinet, preferably one that locks and is fire proof.  

Be sure to set up some space that is dedicated solely to your work. In other words, your work desk shouldn’t double as the gift-wrapping table and the poker night table, and the keep the kids and the dog away from it, too. In a home office, it’s critical to keep your work space separate from your living space. Not only will this help keep you organized, but it’s also a requirement by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) if you are planning to claim home office deductions on your annual income tax return.

If you need to equip a new office, Craigslist, office furniture resale stores and Target and other discount retailers offer low-budget solutions. And even if what you come up with is hardly a matched set, if aesthetic is important to you, never underestimate the power of a good can of spray paint to give all the pieces a cohesive look.

Phone Bills
Depending on your line of work, you may or may not need to have a dedicated telephone and/or telephone number. So much business these days is transacted via e-mail that, if you have to make a choice, it might make sense to invest in a high-speed Internet service first, rather than a phone line. If you plan to use a cell phone for business purposes, ask your wireless service provider to give you a special rate by bundling it with your current calling plan. If you use a land line, consider purchasing prepaid telephone cards to make long-distance phone calls rather than paying for costly long-distance service.

And, there are many great services available—Skype being one of them—that offer free web conference services so you can hold virtual meetings with colleagues and clients without spending a cent, and all from the comforts of “home.”

Advertising
As soon as you announce that you are open for business, you will likely be on the receiving end of endless solicitations to advertise your new business.  Whether it’s a representative from the Yellow Pages, the community “shopper” newspaper, or the latest fad in online advertising, the solicitations will come. These sales people have a job to do—and goodness knows it requires persistence on their part—but that doesn’t mean you should just hand over your wallet, either.

Before you consider any kind of advertising for your business, revisit your business plan. Who are the customers you are hoping will hire you? And where are they? If you are trying to appeal to a niche market, chances are good that your prospective customers won’t be looking for you in the Yellow Pages. Likewise, if your target customers aren’t Web users, then online advertising may not help you reach the right folks.

Advertising, when done carefully and selectively, can really help your business development efforts. Advertising, when done foolishly or without a plan, is like watching your money run straight out the door. Be selective—and, if you’re really unsure, there’s no harm in trying some other business generating activities first (phone calls, face-to-face meetings) before considering alternate forms of getting the word out.  

 Guest Column By Marni Hockenberg
 (c) January 8, 2010

A job search can easily be put on the back burner during the holidays, especially if the search has lasted six months or longer.

It’s good to recharge yourself during the holidays to avoid job search burnout. But, like allowing yourself just one more holiday cookie, the temptation to play now and pay later can be dangerous. Moderation is the key.

Hopefully during this holiday season, you enjoyed your down time while also taking some simple and practical steps to jump-start your 2010 job search. But even if you didn’t, it’s not too late to boost your efforts now that the first days of the new year are upon us.

Reflect on your 2009 job search.
Write down five activities you did that successfully moved your job search in the right direction. Keep doing them in 2010. Then write down five activities that didn’t provide traction and discontinue them in 2010.

In other words, make a resolution to be intentional and use your time wisely.

Find an “Accountability Buddy.”
Job searching can be lonely—but with a buddy, you don’t need to be the Lone Ranger anymore. Write down and review your daily, weekly and monthly job search goals with your buddy. Ask him or her to hold you accountable. When you achieve your goals, your buddy can celebrate with you!

Flashcards will give your interview “flash”
Remember flashcards? I used them in school to learn math (where are they? I still need them!). Buy a pack and write down the tough interview questions that stump you.

Formulate your answers and ask your Accountability Buddy to participate in a mock interview with you. Rinse, repeat, rinse, repeat.

Preparation is key in a job interview! 

Attend job search educational workshops, forums and meetings.
Even if you learn one tip that will propel you toward achieving your goal, it will be worth your time.

For example, I’m offering an interactive Interview Workshop on January 12, 2010, titled “How The Hiring Game Is Really Played: Experienced Recruiter Reveals 9 Interview Secrets!” from 8:15-10:30 a.m. at the Ridgedale Library in Minnetonka, Minn. For those of you in the Twin Cities area who’d like to register, visit my Web site at www.hockenbergsearch.com/calendar. For those of you in other parts of the country, seek out workshops that will help you build your skills to become a more confident and prepared job-seeker.

No matter what you do, the simple steps you take now can pay dividends as the new year unfolds!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Guest columnist Marni Hockenberg is principal of Hockenberg Search, a professional and managerial recruiting firm based in Minnetonka, Minn. With more than two decades of recruiting and business consulting experience, Marni Hockenberg has a proven track record of providing focused, personalized search services to small- and medium-sized businesses to help them find, recruit and retain top-tier talent. 

 Guest Column By Marni Hockenberg
 (c) January 4, 2009

As a professional trained recruiter and interviewer, I had enjoyed a long and successful career working for other people—including working as an award-winning senior search consultant for an agency that would become part of one the largest staffing agencies in the U.S. and serving as a founding member of an information technology training company, where I focused on business development initiatives.

It was a successful and exciting career by most accounts—but even so, I’d always held on to the hope that one day I would pursue my dream of entrepreneurship and start my own company. And, in 2002 I finally had the opportunity. I dreamed, I schemed, I planned and I just decided to “go for it.” Joining forces with a longtime colleague of mine, I co-founded The Hiring Experts, a search firm focused on providing recruiting and search services for companies of all sizes and in most industries.

 After The Hiring Experts closed, just last year I formed a new company, Hockenberg Search. Some of my clients call me a “professional matchmaker” or an “ambassador.” Whatever the terminology, my job is to help small- and medium-sized businesses find, recruit and retain top “A List” talent.

Throughout these years of entrepreneurship, including this most recent business venture that is mine alone, I’ve learned three important things that I think are fundamental to success, no matter what business venture or industry you’re considering. What’s interesting is that these tips also can apply for those of you who may be considering a new career opportunity rather than self-employment, specifically. 

1. Passion for your business is the key. 
If you have a burning desire to take your product or service to market and believe in your ability to succeed, you will stack the decks in your favor to “make it.” Your friends and family will sense the passion in your voice when you talk about your business; your customers and prospects will know that you take your business seriously; and every morning when you wake up, the passion for your business will propel you to forge ahead and put in many hours that will be a labor of love. If you don’t have a passion for your business, don’t even bother to start it.

2. An ad hoc “advisory board” of trusted friends, family or service providers that believe in you and your business will get you through the dark days of doubt and fear. 
Find people who are optimistic, have high self-esteem, have business experience, a track record of achievement and success, and who will tell you the honest truth (even if you don’t want to hear it).  These are your cheerleaders, and you don’t need to be the Lone Ranger when you start a business.

 3. Attend networking events and become active on social media outlets such as LinkedIn and Twitter.
You will begin to build your personal and business brand to the outside world which will differentiate you in the crowded marketplace. This is the beginning of building a referral network for your business. People generally need multiple exposures to a product or service before they buy it – your brand is the beginning of creating this awareness. What do you stand for? What is your value in the marketplace? What business problems or personal problems will you solve for your customers?  Ensure that people will feel proud to recommend you or your business to others.

Now…Good luck and go for it!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Guest columnist Marni Hockenberg is principal of Hockenberg Search, a professional and managerial recruiting firm based in Minnetonka, Minn. With more than two decades of recruiting and business consulting experience, Marni Hockenberg has a proven track record of providing focused, personalized search services to small- and medium-sized businesses to help them find, recruit, and retain top-tier talent. 

 Guest Column by Rebecca Love Williams
 (c) January 1, 2010

I hope that you all had a very happy holiday filled with peace, love and joy. Now that the new year is upon us, it is time to really think about the New Year that is approaching us.

Have you started writing your Life Plan for 2010 to allow you to get a “fresh start”?

A Life Plan is a written plan of your goals and objectives in your life. It is like a map or guide to help you achieve your inner desires. Your plan can be divided into eight areas:

• Career
• Environment
• Family and friends
• Health
• Leisure
• Love and relationships
• Money and finance
• Personal development or personal growth

Each of these areas affects your life and the importance of each one will vary depending on your internal values and situation.

Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself while writing your plan:

• What’s most important to you, your core values?
• What do you dream about?
• Where on your career path do you desire to be?
• Is your employer helping you accomplish your personal career goals?
• Are you still having fun at work?
• Will it allow you to spend more time with your family?
• Are you spending enough time with people who are important to you?
• How can you maintain your health?
• Do you have the time and the resources to entertain and travel?
• What places do you want to visit in the next two to three years?
• How much money do you want to make?
• Does your current employment support your income goals?
• How much do you need to save for your later years?
• Are you giving back to your community?
• Where do you want to live?
• Are you continually developing and improving your relationship?

These questions will give you some starting points to think about as you begin developing your plan for 2010. Of course, Life Plans can be more complex, and if you would like to develop a more intense life plan, you might need to seek out a Professional Coach.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Guest columnist Rebecca Love Williams, principal of Williams Business Solutions, is an experienced professional coach and human resources  consultant. She regularly coaches her clients through a process to help them achieve their life and professional goals, including an emphasis on life planning strategies. Williams is based in Evanston, Ill., and serves individuals and businesses nationwide.