My Picture Sucks

My Picture Sucks Since I started JibberJobber I have been getting various criticisms. Its actually really good because most people dont criticize my and my projects (or at least, then wont tell me what they really think). Only when someone says Jason, do you realize that xyz sucks? that I come down to earth a little and think about changing something that I thought was brilliant. Such is the case with my professional head shot. I had never considered getting a professional head shot until Peter Clayton asked for one. So I called the two photographers that I knew (I tend to do business with people I know and like :)) and was able to schedule a short-notice photo shoot with one. We spent a couple of hours shooting various poses, with different shirts and suit coats and ties. For some reason the picture on the right is the one that I liked the most. Right after the interview with Peter Clayton I was asked for a professional photo for some articles that would be posted in a job board network across the country, and I was grateful to have it ready. Shoot, I really like the picture on the right! But not everyone does heres two comments Ive received in the last few weeks: Quoted from an e-mail: [On] the subject [of] personal branding. It’s time for you to get better photos. yours is too darn dark and gloomy. Was it a Goth phase you were in? You want to brighten people’s days, be the knight in shining armor for their job search . Your creative and innovative (don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone). Your photo needs to reflect that. And, from someone else: And, get a better picture. I think the shirt is too dark. Look at Kent Bs picture. If I looked like that Id be a big exec. When you shrink the pic it looks even worse darker as a thumbnail. (this is from John Reinke, sent after I put my picture on an e-mail newsletter) The first was a great e-mail because I have a strong relationship with the person who told me, and he said that he needed to change his picture also. I was amused by the way he told me to make it more professional (Goth???), at the same time cringing that Id have to pay to fix something that I didnt think was entirely broken (or, that bad). Oh well. My book publisher said the picture is TOO SMALL, and I cant find the disk with the originals. So Im headed out this morning to meet the other photographer and get some non-goth pictures. Wish me luck. And now, about you. Do you have a professional headshot? I had no idea I would need one but having one has been quite handy. If you are interested in your personal brand it seems this is something that should be on your list of things to do! My Picture Sucks Since I started JibberJobber I have been getting various criticisms. Its actually really good because most people dont criticize my and my projects (or at least, then wont tell me what they really think). Only when someone says Jason, do you realize that xyz sucks? that I come down to earth a little and think about changing something that I thought was brilliant. Such is the case with my professional head shot. I had never considered getting a professional head shot until Peter Clayton asked for one. So I called the two photographers that I knew (I tend to do business with people I know and like :)) and was able to schedule a short-notice photo shoot with one. We spent a couple of hours shooting various poses, with different shirts and suit coats and ties. For some reason the picture on the right is the one that I liked the most. Right after the interview with Peter Clayton I was asked for a professional photo for some articles that would be posted in a job board network across the country, and I was grateful to have it ready. Shoot, I really like the picture on the right! But not everyone does heres two comments Ive received in the last few weeks: Quoted from an e-mail: [On] the subject [of] personal branding. It’s time for you to get better photos. yours is too darn dark and gloomy. Was it a Goth phase you were in? You want to brighten people’s days, be the knight in shining armor for their job search . Your creative and innovative (don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone). Your photo needs to reflect that. And, from someone else: And, get a better picture. I think the shirt is too dark. Look at Kent Bs picture. If I looked like that Id be a big exec. When you shrink the pic it looks even worse darker as a thumbnail. (this is from John Reinke, sent after I put my picture on an e-mail newsletter) The first was a great e-mail because I have a strong relationship with the person who told me, and he said that he needed to change his picture also. I was amused by the way he told me to make it more professional (Goth???), at the same time cringing that Id have to pay to fix something that I didnt think was entirely broken (or, that bad). Oh well. My book publisher said the picture is TOO SMALL, and I cant find the disk with the originals. So Im headed out this morning to meet the other photographer and get some non-goth pictures. Wish me luck. And now, about you. Do you have a professional headshot? I had no idea I would need one but having one has been quite handy. If you are interested in your personal brand it seems this is something that should be on your list of things to do!

Its The Season For Parties!

Its The Season For Parties! The season for parties is upon us!   It’s time for cramming your calendar with celebrations and socialising and making sure you seize every opportunity to make the most of this exciting time of year.   What will you do this season?   Are you a laid back barbeques, dinners with friends and pool parties type or are you all about the nightlife with all the glitz and ‘glam’ that the after dark hours present? Whatever your personal preference, you will no doubt be thinking about the clothes and costumes you need to look your absolute best.   Your calendar may call for super smart casual, elegant chic, or outrageous costumes, that will have people talking long after you have said goodnight and tottered home for a well-earned rest.   All that matters is that you are prepared for whatever fun is on your agenda! All Kinds Of Parties! In the lead up to Christmas and afterwards, when you have spent time with your families and close friends, there are the parties with your colleagues, your friends; and the parties you attend for the sheer pleasure of being out and about with that holiday buzz.   Music, dancing, everyone dressed up to the ‘nines’; that’s your time to just have fun.   You’ve worked hard all year and you deserve to spoil yourself.   One foolproof way of ensuring that you get to really shine this season is to attend or hold a Masquerade Party. This is a very clever means of getting loads of people together to really let their hair down; whether they know each other well or not.   And of course, everyone will be striving to outdo the next person with their masquerade masks.       You don’t want to get caught off guard on this one and we’ve discovered that the range of these sexy, seductive and mysterious little accessories has something to offer everyone, regardless of style!   You may favour ‘Phantom of the Opera’ style â€" bold and half faced, or ‘Venetian’ enamels â€" highly decorated in full or half face; or you might prefer the exquisite ‘Filigrees’ with a fabulous French flair.   Or for those with a slightly quirkier twist in mind, you might prefer the lure of the ‘Leather’ range. With these stunning little masks, whether you are female or male; you can divulge you true personality or disguise it completely with the incredible range of styles available.   And let’s not forget the stunning array of colours you can choose from.     There are masquerade masks of every colour imaginable to add that mysterious finishing touch to your costume.   Cream coloured masks can be adorned with beautiful crystal insets and rope edging or you can get your ‘dark side on’ with black or bold red; or go delicate pinks and every shade of blue or even rich gold and silver.   All you have to do is let your imagination run wild and get your party started!   Happy holidays!

3 Things You Can Start To Do Now To Increase Your Income

3 Things You Can Start To Do Now To Increase Your Income Is your budget such that you frequently run out of money before you run out of month? If so, it may be time to look at some options to increase your income.  Here are three paths you can start on today that can help you increase your income and build a better and more secure financial future. If Youre Entrepreneurial Everyone has heard about #sidehustles and freelancing. In fact, a rather astonishing 86% of the American workforce says they derive additional income from a side hustle of one kind or another. And going this route has some definite benefits: Being your own boss.   You get to choose your hours, what youre working on, and how you move your business forward. Your responsibility, your results.   As you reach greater levels of success, you get the satisfaction and rewards of your efforts. Unlimited Possibilities.   What you choose to provide as a product or service is only limited by your imagination.  Choose something totally new, or build upon what others have found success in. So, for example, subscription boxes have become very popular, even appearing on the hit television show Shark Tank.  Create a product that people want or need on a regular basis and youre on your way.  You get to make the decisions, you get to bask in your success.  If that sounds like it might be your thing, heres some more detailed information on  how to start a subscription box. Have a Desire To Get An Advanced Degree? If youre in a business field, getting an MBA can return big dividends.  The average MBA holder enjoys about 50% more income than their Bachelor of Business counterpart.  But in the past, getting that MBA may have seemed impossible because the only way to do so was through a traditional brick-and-mortar university that probably had prohibitive tuition costs.  Thats not so now. An online MBA, or virtually any other degree, is available with schedules and fees designed to fit your needs.  So if an advanced degree would help you advance your career and earnings, go for it. Do You See A Promotion In Your Future? If climbing the corporate ladder is your preferred route to financial and personal rewards, the time to start creating that is right now.  Call it the squeaky wheel or whatever you wish, you need to do that which will bring the opportunities to you.  Heres what career experts suggest: 1.  Give Yourself the Best Chance for Success While portions of a successful career could be attributed to luck or good timing, the majority of people with successful careers will tell you that they got to where they are through their hard work, determination and natural abilities. But how are you supposed to take advantage of all those things? Get a job that  matches their personality.  That’s what  Penelope Trunk advises women to do.    By finding a career that works well with your natural abilities and tendencies, you give yourself the best possible chance for success by catering to your already ample talents. 2. Confidence is Key In a room full of people, often the ones with the most confidence will stand out among the rest. However, it can sometimes be difficult to know how to build your confidence in the workplace. According to Lindsay Olson, in a U.S. News and World Report  article,  women can  begin to build their confidence  in the workplace in several ways.  For example, use more assertive words, dress in a way that makes you feel capable,  and  speaking up when you have an idea or something to say. Even if you feel like your confidence is low at this point, you can always do small things each day to steadily build yourself up and set yourself apart from your coworkers. 3. Create A Place For Yourself Large, successful companies often make it easier to blend in among the ranks than to stand out from the crowd. But if you want to be someone who steadily climbs that corporate ladder, you’ve got to find a way to make an impression on your superiors. One way you can do this, according to Jamie Hufford, in her post at FemaleIntel.com, is to become  recognized for a specific reason. By doing this, you’ll be creating a place for yourself within your company that no one else can fill quite like you can. You can implement this idea by striving to be known for a specific, positive reason or purpose. Becoming the “go to” person that fills a real need will help your superiors see just how indispensable and important you are to your company. The Bottom Line The bottom line is that if youve got the desire to create greater financial abundance, there are many ways to do so.  It wont just appear tomorrow.  But its much more likely to be in your future if you prepare and take action today.

I Like That Youre Broke 4 Cheap Date Night Ideas That Are Better Than A Fancy Restaurant

I Like That Youre Broke 4 Cheap Date Night Ideas That Are Better Than A Fancy Restaurant Are you on a tight budget but still looking to date or keep the romance alive in your relationship? If the answer is yes, or you like to save money, you may need some help with cheap date night ideas. Were going to explore some date night options that are not only fun but inexpensive and budget-friendly! Keep reading for more information! 1. Hit the Thrift Store If you know your partner relatively well, take them to a local thrift store. Set a budget for each person$20 should be more than enough. Each partner must choose an outfit for the other to wear while out on the town thereafter. Yes, it can be hilarious for the person wearing their new threads and tempting to pick something ridiculous, but remember, you must be seen with them! After choosing an outfit, hit up a bar for a happy hour drink or head to a shopping center to look around. Opting for an inexpensive or free activity after finding your outfits will allow you guys to laugh and bond over the silly choices and still keep your date cheap! 2. Search for Deals Online Just because your goal is to save money on dates, it doesnt mean your dates have to be any less extravagant than expensive ones. Websites like  Dealwiki.net  offer coupons for various stores and activities. You will find the places that are offering sales and deals so that your formerly full-price date is well under budget! While searching for your deals, you may also find sales on clothes, jewelry, and fragrance that can help you make the best impression. 3. Be a Tourist in Your Own City Pretend that your date is from out of town and you are showing them the best places to experience. This may include checking out art galleries, grabbing a scoop of ice cream from a historic shop, or walking around a cool neighborhood. Many cities also offer free or low-cost festivals or activities during the weekend. For example, on any given weekend in Louisiana, there is a festival celebrating strawberries, pigs, or even rice. Other cities and states may offer movie nights in the park or evenings that display local artists work (for free!) 4. Flea Market Shopping Most flea markets occur on certain weekends of the month and can cost a few dollars to enter. However, once youve figured out when where they happen and the cost, you can find some interesting and cheap buys. There is something for everyone no matter their interest, and usually, the items are well-priced and vendors want to make deals. Dont choose to buy something for the sticker pricealways attempt to haggle! Additionally, you will find snacks and other foods to eat at the venue or take home. Cheap Date Night Ideas: Easier Than Expected Just because you are looking for cheap date night ideas, it doesnt mean you are cheap or even broken. It may mean that you are saving for a new house or a better car. Whatever the case may be, a cheap date night can be as great as an expensive restaurantand typically allows for better bonding and conversation. If you have any favorite cheap dates that we missed, leave them in the comments!

5 Tips For Creating a Perfect Resume

5 Tips For Creating a Perfect ResumeDo you know the difference between a perfect resume and the optimal resume? There are so many issues that can go wrong when creating a resume that it would be a terrible idea to get them wrong. If your resume is heading for disaster, you should check out these five tips for creating a perfect resume.The first tip for creating a resume with MSSU is to plan your message in advance. You should choose something you have knowledge of and which fits your job description. It is very important to keep the message of your resume to a single topic. A lot of people, especially students, will not know what they are looking for in a job.This leads into the second tip for creating a perfect resume: to plan your message in advance. When writing a resume, the first thing you need to do is to plan how you want to make it look. Once you have that down, the next step is to create a resume that is within a specific skill range. It is so easy to get caught up in resear ch.We don't have time to focus on one aspect of your resume when we are trying to find the perfect job. One of the biggest mistakes people make is to just use 'resume basics' in their cover letter. You should write an outline that is customized to the company you are applying for and the position you are applying for.If you are trying to sell yourself, you are not doing anyone's job. There is a reason why you are reading this article. Make sure you set aside some time for a mock interview and if possible interview in person.The third tip for creating a perfect resume is to make sure your MSSU is going to be clearly visible to the reader. Avoid covering up important information with too much black space. Covering up information is only going to cause problems later in the process.Finally, a really good resume is going to be unique and individual. It doesn't matter how perfect the MSSU is, if it doesn't stand out from the crowd. There are a lot of opportunities for copywriters these d ays to promote their services. Make sure you don't fall into the trap of just spamming them with e-mails.If you have created a resume that is perfect for you, the job will certainly be waiting for you. MSSU is a great way to get your resume noticed. Take some time and write your resume as best as you can so that it has a chance to be noticed.

Time to Put Your Job Search Up On the Rack for Inspection - Pathfinder Careers

Time to Put Your Job Search Up On the Rack for Inspection - Pathfinder Careers Time to Put Your Job Search Up On the Rack for Inspection Before we go on vacation, it’s always a good idea to take the car in and have the tires rotated, oil changed, and the brakes checked.     After all, you are putting a lot of wear and tear on the vehicle, and it is a good idea to do some maintaining to keep in good running order. Using this logic, it also makes sense to do a regular ‘tune-up’ on a job search to make sure everything is operating properly and in optimum condition. Here are some quick tips to assess how effective you are being in running an efficient, targeted job search: 1)  Are you a tired driver?     What is your emotional state? Do you feel positive, energized, or have a hopeful outlook on your job search? If you are feeling down and listless, it’s time for a oil change and shift in direction to get the parts moving again.   The success behind every job search really lies in keeping everything in motion.   The moment you let one ball drop, the rest of them come tumbling down around you as well.   You need to keep the engine that drives your job search happy and well-tuned, so if you don’t feel that great about how things are progressing, it is time to start doing things differently. 2)  Is your GPS working? If you carefully track your mileage on what works in a job search and what doesn’t, you will have a better idea of where you want to spend your energies.   It’s always worth taking calculated risks in trying new tactics out to see if that provides any additional momentum.   However,   if you keep reaching dead ends, then it’s time to turn your job search around and head in a different direction altogether. Or else, stay on trusted roads that have plenty of job on-ramp opportunities. 3)  Watch your indicator lights.   The people in your network can be your indicator lights letting you know in advance about hidden problems within target company cultures or can give you a heads up about things you can do in advance to pave the way to an interview.   Keeping in touch with your contacts (that means refreshing them consistently) helps you stay in touch with all corners of your job search machine and be on top of any issues immediately. 4)  Keep your tires inflated.   Being positive about your future is as essential as the air that keeps your tires inflated.   You need well-inflated tires to be able to roll down the road, and the same holds true for your positive outlook.     People are attracted to positive people, and you give off a ‘vibe’ that can be picked up on by interviewers, causing them to like you. If you are deflated, it acts as a push-back. So take a moment to evaluate what it is that puts a spring in your step, and make a conscious effort to include that in your day to keep the positive energy flowing. Keeping your engine tuned and job search vehicle in prime operating condition requires upkeep and maintenance.   Using these tips can help you stay primed and ready to respond to any opportunity that comes along your way on the road to your next job. ***Like this blog post? Here are some other posts by #CareerCollective experts to read what their advice is on this topic: 4 Summer Strategies to Step Up Your Job Search  by @DebraWheatman Mid-Year Job Search Checkup: Are you wasting your time? by @GayleHoward What is your unique value proposition? by @keppie_careers It is Time for Your Check-up Ms/Mr Jobseeker  by @careersherpa Mid-Year Career Checkup: Are You On Your Game? by @KatCareerGal How to Perform a Mid-Year Job Search Checkup  by @heatherhuhman Reposition your job search for success  by @LaurieBerenson Mid-Year Job Search Checkup: Whats working and Whats not? by @erinkennedycprw Mid-Year Job Search Check-Up: Getting Un-Stuck, by @JobHuntOrg Mid-Year Check Up: The Full 360, by @WalterAkana 5 Tips for Fighting Summer Job Search Blues, by @KCCareerCoach Are you positive about your job search? by @DawnBugni Where Are The Jobs? by @MartinBuckland, @EliteResumes Mid-Year Job-Search Checkup: Get Your Juices Flowing  by @ValueIntoWords When Was Your Last Career Job Search Check Up? by @expatcoachmegan Is Summer A Job Search Momentum Killer?   by @TimsStrategy Is It Time for Your Resume Checkup? by @barbarasafani

4 Networking Tips That You Can Learn From a Dog

4 Networking Tips That You Can Learn From a Dog When I tell my clients that the most effective way to land a job is through networking, their response is often a sigh of frustration or a look of dread. Even the most extroverted, outgoing people often don’t enjoy networking events. And one of the main reasons for this is that many of them aren’t taking the right approach to networking. They feel as if they are carrying a big sign over their heads that says “How can you help me?” They are uncomfortable feeling like they don’t have anything to offer, because they are new to this city or industry and don’t yet have connections of their own. They are the kind of people who like to help others and don’t want to walk into an event or meet someone for a coffee feeling like nothing more than a leech, sucking that person dry of information and connections. This got me thinking and asking myself who I know that not only enjoys networking but is also very successful at it. And I was a bit surprised when I discovered that the one who stood out the most is someone who is incapable of having an actual conversation. Chloe is my 2 year-old Golden Doodle. The reason I know that she is one of the best networkers out there is because in the time that I’ve had her: she has single-handedly introduced me to hundreds of people (and animals) I have more than tripled the number of friends that I have since she came into my life most of my neighbors remember her name before they remember mine or my husband’s most people can’t help but be won over by this big lovable pooch If Chloe could speak, here’s what she would tell us about networking: 1. Introduce yourself to everyone Introduce yourself to everyone who crosses your path (or even those on an entirely different path on the other side of the road). Chloe literally introduces herself to everyone she sees. She doesn’t discriminate and doesn’t stop to analyze whether she will gain anything from this introduction. She sees someone and she instinctively thinks, “I must say hello.” Then she either drags me over, tugging at her leash, or she sits and waits for them to catch up with us. And she greets everyone with such exuberance as if they are the most important person in the world. How would you feel if a human being made you feel this way? Probably pretty darn good, and very willing to spend some time with them. After all, they are excited to get to know you and already seem to think you’re amazing, so why not accept a bit of ego boosting and make a new friend? If you are only focusing your networking efforts on people who have important titles or work within your industry, then you are missing out on a wealth of opportunities and discovery. Some of the best connections I’ve made were with people who had jobs in entirely different industries. You don’t know what else is out there until you take a chance and explore the unfamiliar. 2. Don’t be afraid of rejection Sometimes Chloe’s friendly introduction is not reciprocated by others, and she receives a bark, snarl or aggressive nip. She might be momentarily saddened by the rejection but then moves on and doesn’t hesitate to introduce herself to the next potential friend to come along. And, amazingly, the next time she sees that dog who was unfriendly to her, she will try yet again to win them over and approach them with just as much, if not more, enthusiasm as before. In our old neighborhood, there was a yard with two very unfriendly guard dogs who would snarl and bark aggressively at anyone they saw. Each time we walked by, Chloe would inch closer towards their fence, wag her tail and greet them while I would pray the fence held up and they wouldn’t tear us both to shreds. Within just a few weeks, she had developed such a bond with one of the dogs that instead of viciously scaring us off, he would come up to the fence and softly whimper for her to come over. I don’t know how she does it, but this pup leads with her heart, has no fear of rejection, and never gives up on the desire to make a connection with anyone. What kind of a networker would you be if you weren’t afraid of rejection? 3. Be genuinely curious One of my neighbors told me how Chloe often stands in the backyard staring at her through the fence, sometimes for a very long period of time and she wanted to know if it would be okay to give her a treat the next time she saw her. I said that a treat would be fine, but in all honesty, it’s not really a treat she’s thinking about when she is peering at you through the fence. She would be just as excited to have you come over to say hello, give her a paw shake or pat on the back, and talk to her. To Chloe, everyone and everything is fascinating. She loves when we have parties, because she gets to interact with so many people. She is so genuinely curious about everyone. There doesn’t need to be a motive to approach them. She simply enjoys their company. If you take this approach to networking, you will find many more doors open to you. Conversely, if you approach someone at a networking event and are wearing your “How can you help me?” sign not only will the conversation feel uncomfortable to you but you will also be much less likely to receive the support you’re seeking. People like to help people who are genuinely interested in them. You are friends with your closest friends because they make your life better. It makes you feel good to be around them, they are interested in you, they listen to you, they laugh when you tell a joke, they offer support when you’re in need, they share hobbies or interests or they provide good conversation. Human needs are just the same when it comes to networking. 4. Keep in touch with your connections Chloe knows where all of her pals live in the neighborhood. And on our walks, when she sees their houses, she stops at their driveways, sits, and stares at their house waiting for them to come out. She doesn’t understand why I’m embarrassed, yanking on her leash, coaxing her to move along so that this person who I barely know doesn’t think I’m some crazy stalker standing in their driveway. All she knows is that she likes this dog (or person) that lives there, and she wants to see them again. Why are human beings more hesitant, scared, or embarrassed to make it clear to someone that they find them interesting, value their connection, appreciate their company, and want to spend more time with them? You aren’t doing smart networking if you are simply meeting once with each new connection. You’re just as quickly forgotten by them and not even building an actual “network.” Follow up with a thank you email. Send a note when you run across an article you think they would like or another connection who you think they would enjoy meeting. Reach out again to grab lunch or invite them to join you for happy hour or another networking event. That’s all? It all seems too obvious, right? And it is. After all, it’s advice from a dog.What it really boils down to is that we all need to stop overthinking networking. A networking event is really just one big party with the opportunity to meet some really interesting people and make some new friends. A coffee date with a new connection is just the chance to have an interesting conversation and establish a deeper connection with someone. If you are looking for a job, you should be ready to share the exact role you are looking for and your 30 second pitch on your unique value and experience. But, this should come up naturally in the conversation. Get curious about them first. Learn about what’s important to them, where they’re from, their hobbies, their pursuits, the school they went to, their kids, their dogs, etc. If they can help you in your job search, that’s just an added bonus to a new friendship, but it should never be your sole purpose for talking to them. Happy networking and many tail wags to you! By Stephanie Heuer|2017-04-21T18:08:40+00:00July 28th, 2016|Networking|2 Comments