Tent caterpillars create a cocoon for an entire colony. Within one colony there are two types of caterpillar. One type, pioneers, weave long threads forming the skeleton of the tent. The others, the workers, weave cross threads filling in the structure. If there are too many pioneers, the tent is too big and collapses. If there are not enough pioneers, the tent is too dense and the colony suffocates. Viva la difference.

Within the colony of human beings we can find similar differences. Some are explorers, entrepreneurs extending the boundaries of our environment in art, science, or business. The rest fill in the details as accountants or managers Continue reading →

Despite what your grandmother told you, life is not supposed to be a struggle. The same is true for making a career change. This doesn’t mean you won’t work hard to get the job of your dreams. We often forget that we can make things easier on ourselves so that the transition is not painful! Do these six things and you’ll notice a huge difference right away. Continue reading →

Imagine receiving a letter from a salesman who wants to sell you an exciting new widget. The letter focuses on all the reasons why this is such a great item. But nowhere does the man ASK for the purchase! You are not as likely to buy it.

The same thing is true with a job search cover letter. Unless you ASK the employer for the opportunity to be interviewed you probably won’t hear the phone ring. Decide today that every cover letter you write will contain your specific request for a job interview. ASK and you will receive! Continue reading →

What? Want ads are where job announcementsare, not information!

Wait! Job want ads are full of information ifyou know what to do and how to use them.

Doubtful? Here are some ideas of the kindsof information you can find as a job seeker.They are:

1. Start by looking for the ads that are in thecategory of jobs you want to apply for. Cut andpaste these job announcements onpaper for later viewing. Continue reading →

A recent story in Career Journal begins:

“The “midlife crisis” has long been thought of as something that afflicts men and often involves expensive toys and second wives. But the Wall Street Journal’s Work & Family columnist, Sue Shellenbarger, says that as gender roles change, women are increasingly experiencing their own version of these upheavals.”

I’ve certainly seen evidence of this in my own work as a personal development and business coach. My practice is comprised primarily of women and although it tends to be my male clients who volunteer the term “mid-life crisis”. When describing their current state, however, the women are certainly running a parallel course. Continue reading →

When you want something, the best way to get it is to make your request in a straightforward and positive way. You should not expect your boss or co-workers to read your mind and know what your expectations and desires are. Nor should you brood about the fact that someone else has not recognized what you think is obvious to everyone.

If it is important to you and you really want it, then bring it to your boss’ attention. Here are 8 steps you can take to get your requests granted at work. Continue reading →

Ruts: the routines in our work and lives that have become uninteresting and bothersome.

Everyone has a favorite rut or two. They are comfortable, familiar and undemanding. If you stay in them long enough you begin to equate them with who you are and buy in to the belief that remaining steadfastly in them is all you can expect out of life.

Ruts are furrows, gullies, creases and (dare I say) wrinkles where we tend to live life cheerfully and without much thought. We find one way of doing something, and continue the pattern. It does not matter whether it is the best or logical way, we keep on doing things in a certain manner, like taking the same route to work, or going to the same restaurant for lunch and ordering the same identical meal every time. Continue reading →

A recent poll conducted by Yahoo! Small Businessshowed that nearly 3 out of 4 Americans have consideredstarting their own business. In fact, of more than 2,200 adults surveyed, over half (51 percent) said they wouldlike to launch their small business within the next 5 years.

Clearly, entrepreneurship is a part of the American Dream.But is everyone suited to being his or her own boss?Here’s a 10-question quiz that can give you a quickidea of your chance for success if you decide to go outon your own. Keep track of the score on a separate sheetof paper. Be honest. Give yourself a “2” for every “yes”answer, a “1” for every “somewhat” and a “0” for every “no”. Continue reading →

Non-verbal interview behavior can drown out your verbal self-presentation.

Practice interviewing in front of a full-length mirror or, better yet, videotape yourself if you have access to such equipment. Turn the sound down and watch yourself carefully.

How do you sit in your chair? Upright with an aura of energy and enthusisam or slumped as if you no longer care? Do you maintain good eye contact or look down at your hands when a question is difficult to answer? Do you lean forward to make a connection with the interviewer or appear distant and disconnected? Do you use your hands for an occasional gesture, to emphasize a point, or are they always in motion, as distractible as those ex-jocks on TV who constantly flail away regardless of what they are saying? Continue reading →

You have obtained an interview — congratulations! You feel prepared to discuss your strengths, your accomplishments, your willingness to work hard and learn quickly, and your ability to fit seamlessly into the employer’s needs. But… you don’t know anything about the employer. You may not even be sure what kind of industry they are in. Do some quick homework before your interview and you may glean a basic understanding of their business that can set you apart from other candidates. Continue reading →