Blogging4Jobs

Thank you to the hard sellers, posers, underqualified, over-enthusiastic, and those that rely solely on their charm and good looks.  Thank you for the bottom of my heart.  You’re lack of dedication and preparation is what has helped me catapult my business.  Your lack of seriousness has allowed me amazing opportunities and a chance to rise above.  Your over-aggressive methods and scare tactics have helped clients determine what they don’t want and taught them to ask the right questions.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Not sure where I’m going with this?

As a job seeker or business person who is in the business of selling yourself or your company, knowledge is a key part of preparing for battle in every situation.  By preparing for an interview or a business meeting, you are putting your best foot forward, collecting your thoughts, and developing your game plan and strategy.  And part of any effective strategy involves research by online channels like a company’s website as well as offline channels and your personal network.  Your personal network can tell you what the company’s about page cannot–local history, company culture, environment, and information about leadership.

In business, there are those that rely solely on their enthusiasm, fancy titles (social media experts), and aggressive behaviors to get their foot in the door.  For some this proves to be an effective method, however, I choose to rely on experience and providing value.  While my sales cycle may be slower, the idea is that my reputation can proceed me while also creating a solid relationship foundation with the long-term future of my business in mind.

While I understand and empathize for people in life situations who are out of work or are trying to establish a business (like myself), I feel little sympathy for persons who do not take the time to research, develop a strategy for battle, or use methods in bad faith.  In these economic times, most people cannot rely strictly on their charm, good looks, or charisma to get the job done.  And if they do, it makes setting myself apart that much easier.

So continue doing what you do.  Sell your snake oil and make promises you can’t keep.  Go for the hard sell and avoid me when I walk into the room.  Because without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Photo Credit Dan Hollings.

Whether you are an Human Resource professional or business person, the game of life and business is ongoing.  Environments change, rules evolve, and business expands and progresses.  To stay on top of your game as a professional and leader in your industry and organization, you must always be pushing yourself to do and be better.

Being successful in business is more than business tools like income statements, P&L’s, and the process of SWOT analysis.  Even more importantly, providing value and continued benefit to your employees, team members, and yourself through professional development can be an effective tool in retaining top talent in tough economic times through training, education, and information.  Project Management is one of those essential business tools that all professionals can use every day.  PM is very rewarding and useful tool that can be leveraged in a variety of business as well as human resource situations.

Earlier this year, you might remember I wrote about the Cat Herding/HR Connection.  I snagged some awesome “I Herd Cat Pins” for me and some of my HR Evolution (un)conference friends.  The Persimmon Group, the creative geniuses behind the Cat Herding Pins offer a fantastic Project Management Training Class in addition to their consulting services.

The Persimmon Group and I have teamed up to offer some Project Management classes in the Oklahoma City Metro Area.  While I will not be teaching the classes (I am sadly not qualified), I am more than willing to write and talk about their upcoming training class called, “Surviving Project Management.”  It is a three day intensive and hands on class that provide participants with the foundations of project management.

Details. . . .

• August 22-25 in Oklahoma City, OK from 8:30-4:30 daily

• Meals and snacks included

• Course Materials, CD-ROM, and handouts provided

• Class is approved for 21 PDU Certification Credits

• Limited to 20 just participants

Registration for this three day intensive Project Management training is $995.  You can download information either HERE or below to learn more or contact 918.592.4121 to register or for more questions.   This class is available and open to all Blogging4Jobs readers.  Developing and improving your skills set is important to stay competitive and at the top of your professional game.  The Persimmon Group’s Surviving Project Management class can help.

Surviving Project Management

FTC Disclosure: I received compensation for mentioning the product listed above as part of one of the services I offer my clients. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, transparency is defined as (1) : having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly or  (2) : free from pretense or deceit.

Transparency.  The words sounds good.  The concept sounds nice.  As a consumer, I have access to a company’s business, their strategies, financials, and intentions instantly.  Transparency is all about full-disclosure, being open, and honest in everything we do as a business and personally both good and bad.  While I encourage people and businesses to be real, engaged, and interested providing their audiences with conversations, information, and content, no one can provide 100% transparency and full-disclosure.

It just can’t happen.

Because companies who are transparent provide full-disclosure telling me as a consumer, employee, or world citizen like it is.  But the real-world isn’t like that.  Imagine BP taking full responsibility for the oil spill and fully disclosing their plan or lack of one from the beginning.  How would this effect their marketing campaign, their profit margins, or consumer opinions?  Public relations crisis management would cease to exist.   Or personally, you disclosing your financial problems, failed marriage, drug problem, or family income all in the name of personal transparency.

Are you or your business transparent or is it something else?

What I’m talking about is the Transparency Myth.  The concept of transparency is a word that makes executives and consumers sleep better at night but the fact is that as humans we don’t want transparency.  Wives in reality do not want their husbands to tell them that they really do look fat in that dress.

Because a company who is transparent will openly admit to treating me like I’m a dollar figure on their income statement.  And as a employee, I’m nothing more than a sales figure or productivity rating.  I’m here to tell you that the concept of full transparency cannot happen.  Full transparency doesn’t work in marketing and it certainly doesn’t work with your employees.  Because we all know that honesty is not always the best policy in business.  Because if we truly believed in transparency, we’d tell job seekers more than the standard, “You weren’t the best fit for the position.”  We’d tell them, “We like the other guy better,” or “My boss is a jerk and he decided to cut my budget and I can’t fill the position.”

I’m in favor of a new concept I call Controlled Transparency.  You manage your brand, control your content, and monitor your company’s message both internally and externally.  As a business or person, you provide a controlled message, responding when needed, and providing them nuggets of information without overloading your audience.  A successful controlled transparency model involves engagement, interest, a message that is strategically planned free of dishonesty, pretense, or deceit.

So keep that engagement flowing and work to create a controlled and transparent dialogue that satisfies our need to feel open and honest keeping the consumers, candidates, or clients flowing with controlled transparency.

Photo Credit Ideal Gadget.

Hat tip to William Tincup.

It’s hard to explain but bacon is revered by Human Resource professionals all across the world.  It’s a common theme that binds and brings us together.  Many of you know that I purchased the domain HRBacon.com.  Not sure where and when inspiration will strike for the site but I’m betting it will.

What you don’t know is that bacon transcends HR.  There are more than 70 Million Google results for bacon and all within the last year.  Bacon provides inspiration, business opportunity, and community.  If you don’t believe me, take a look at this video about bacon from Ignite Dallas by my friend, Mike D. Merrill.  It’s hilarious, informative, and worth a view.

Enjoy! (I’m hungry….)

Photo Credit The Schlicken Empire

I have often said that being a blogger has been the best and most important career decision I have made, and it’s true.  I enjoy writing and being a thought leader in my industry.  Bloggers who are serious about putting out quality and interesting content often before major publications and newspapers do, work very hard to write and produce good information.  It requires a lot of research, preparation, and creativity.  For me, blogging it not about making money.  It’s about building relationships and growing your personal and professional brand.  Because I have worked hard to build my name and brand, blogging affords me a lot of benefits.

• Networking. Blogging is a great way to meet with authors and speakers with whom you admire.  You are able to connect with them and establish a relationship while interviewing them for a blog or website.  I have been able to make and build relationships with some very influential people in my professional career as a result of blogging.  Their insight and mentoring has changed my career path.

• Media Access. As a blogger who has worked hard to build my brand, I have the ability to attend conferences and special events as media where I can blog, network, and interview presenters, attendees, and vendors.  Of course, I have to put out articles and content as a result from attending the conference.  It’s nice to be seen at events as a relevant and viable form of media.

• Client Testimonials and Work Examples. A good blog post with comments and conversation aims to make a potential client or customer’s decision to hire you much easier.  I am able to lead a prospective client to my site allowing them to view my work, my thought process, and insight into me and what I value.  It’s a living resume or profile that goes beyond the usual work experience into your passions and revelations.

• Special Blogger Access. I was able to plug in at SXSW and charge my labtop, iphone, and other electronics in a lounge specifically for bloggers at the South by Southwest Interactive Conference.  The folks there treated the bloggers very well with live music, beer, breakfast, and some free goodies.  I met and connected with some amazing folks while I was there while getting some work done at the same time.

• Cool Stuff. There are times as a blogger that I have access to new technologies, products, and articles and publications.  People want to know your opinion and will send you iphone apps, pokens, and other gadets to review or write about if you so choose.  Before writing that review, consider how reviewing the newest gadget or book you received will impact your overall brand and image in the marketplace.  And don’t forget to research and understand the FTC’s view on receiving and reviewing product as a blogger.

With blogging growing in popularity each day, your personal brand and your blog’s message is even more important.  Building your following and relationships takes time, but the payoff can be more than what you expected.

Photo Credit k-12 Online Teachers

As Sunday comes to a close for South by Southwest, I’m taking the opportunity to look back and reflect over the last three days of the conference festival.  For those of you not familiar with SXSW, it’s an interactive festival held in Austin, TX that celebrates media, music, and film each year.  More than 20,000 people will grace Austin with their presence to experience the latest music, technology, and movies from big names and up and coming players in the industry.  This year is my first visit to SXSW and I have more than enjoyed the atmosphere and experience.  Here are some of my first impressions, thoughts, and topics that have my attention.

• Network-nomics. I’ve coined this phrase after hearing Chris Brogan and Julien Smith speak on Saturday on the concept of a favor driven economy.  Networking is a strategy that is founded on favor, influence, and branding while targeting your audience.  This economy has given rise to Network-nomics and will continue to grow in importance as social media becomes more mainstream.  I plan on diving more into this topic as I think it merits more discussion.

• Must Read Books. This list has grown very long.  I love to read and subscribe to approximately 100 blogs myself that I read on a regular basis but I am finding that I’m reading a larger number of books because of my increased travel.  Some books that I have my attention and are on my must read list are:  Love is the Killer App, Give Your Speech Change the World, and How to Be More Interesting.

• Marketing. This topic was fluid throughout the last three days.  I attended sessions where marketing yourself as a blogger and speaker was discussed, visited social media marketing booths at the tradeshows, and met with Gowalla and Four Square founders who highlighted upcoming trends and business marketing uses.  As a business professional who is independent this is extremely important.  My strategy has been not only to engage conference attendees but also to meet and get to know about vendors who may be in need of my services as a new media and human resources expert.

• Validation. I’d be a rich woman if I got a dollar for the number of raised eyebrows and confused stares when I explain to people that I my company specializes in integrating New Media with HR.  Apparently, the general consensus is that HR is not on the cutting edge of media and technology,.  They’re right.  I’m here and I am working hard to show people that me and the my media HR friends are the exception.  I’m different and its a validation that my journey and decision to leave the corporate world has been a good one.

Look for more videos and recap information from some of the sessions forthcoming.

XHR Stacked Logo

I’m not shy to admit that blogging has been the single most important and defining career move for me.  Not because I’ve made millions of dollars because of blogging but because of the opportunities I’ve had and the great people and friends I’ve made a long the way.  Blogging has opened up another world for me.  I now think of my relationships and projects in a global context not limited by state boundaries or oceans.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that when I first started my blog, BloggingforJobs almost four years ago did I think that it would lead to me starting my own business and becoming a thought leader in the HR & Recruiting community.  I created the blog as a way to differentiate myself from other Oklahoma Human Resource professionals while also engaging passive job seekers by providing them job search advice and tips. Honestly, I was looking for a cost effective way to fill my candidate pipeline.  The name BloggingforJobs was purely a spur of the moment decision.

I wrote for over two years with a small, regular readership taking the time to build my brand.  Finally, in early 2009 while on maternity leave, things began to change.  Glamour Magazine called me to interview me which led to several other new opportunities.  I had arrived.  Around the same time Twitter began accounting for 30% of my total website traffic and I made the decision to move to my own domain, Blogging4Jobs.  I wanted to be able to better control my content and design especially since my brand was becoming so important in my personal branding and differentiation strategy.  When I finally made the move, I had to shortened my new name to Blogging4Jobs only because the domain, bloggingforjobs.com was not available for purchase.  (I’m glad I did!)

I’ve been feverishly working on new logos for both Blogging4Jobs & Xceptional HR (my consulting company) that is streamlined and helps people identify that the two are really one in the same.  Building and launching a brand that is consistent and covers all your bases and sends a consistent message is a lot of work.  Most companies look to hire an outside agency to help them with this process but being the ambitious budding entrepreneur that I am, I am always up for a challenge especially when it saves me some green.

In addition to creating several new logos that are consistent with my new message and brand, I’ve had to update newsletter templates, twitter profile pages, and three separate websites that I currently manage as part of the Xceptional HR family (Blogging4Jobs, Tweeting my Business, & JessicaMillerMerrell.com).  And although the re-branding process has only just begun, I’m excited to announce the new logos.

In the coming days and months look for other both large and subtle changes to the Blogging4Jobs and Xceptional HR brands.  I’m thankful for your readership and look forward to having you along for the ride.

Your business card is an important part of you and your company’s brand. It’s an essential part of the business networking process. A good business card can say a great deal about you above and beyond the basic website and contact information. Done correctly a business card can to elevate your status and make you memorable with whomever you come into contact with.

The first recorded use of business cards dates back to the 15th century in China seen as a visiting card or calling card among business men.  While in Europe, this calling card was introduced in the 17th Century and was used as a form of advertising for trade merchants that often included a map and directions of where the vendor’s product or service cart was located.  As printing became more popular in the 1800′s the business card finally reached the United States quickly becoming a popular form of advertising and networking among businessmen and the public.

As the business card gained in popularity, there became two distinct types of uses: visiting cards and business cards.  In the 19th Century in the United States, visiting cards were used primarily by individuals as a way to establish social obligations.  A stack of cards would be housed in the hallway and became a catalogue of visitors as an early form of “While You Were Out” phone messaging that we are familiar with today.  Business cards were widespread among men and women and across classes.  People were looked up on in poor taste if they visited or attended an event or made a social call without one.

As our lives have become more virtual and networked based, our vision and idea of the business card has continued to evolve.  The traditional paper business card still holds true but the rise in popularity of iPhones and mobile devices has changed the way in which we exchange our contact information.  Popular iPhone virtual business card applications like Hoccer, Bump, and others have begun to take the place of the traditional business card.

• Hoccer. A free downloadable iPhone application offers the ability to exchange your contact information with a simple throwing gesture.  The application must be opened by both parties who must complete a throwing motion to exchange their information.

• Bump. With over 10 million downloads, Bump is one of the most popular iPhone contact exchange applications. Two people open the application and bump their iPhones with their hands.  After only a short setup, all your contact information is easily transferred.

• LinkedIn. With their most recent iPhone upgrade, LinkedIn now offers a contact information transfer service.  Both parties must have their bluetooth activated on their iPhone in order to exchange their contact information.  While in London, I was able to quickly exchange contact information by just sitting next to someone during a conference or dinner.

For non-iPhone users there are also alternatives to exchanging virtual contact information as well.

• Business Card Readers. Blackberry and iPhone users can use a data capture application that takes a picture or scans the business card right from your mobile device.  Another great application for this and other data capture purposes is Ever Note.

• SnapDat.  Create and exchange a virtual business card online with anyone.  In a matter of minutes, you can create a very professional business card to exchange on social media networks and other online communities.

• Pokens. Pokens are the social business card and aren’t we all about social these days?  After selecting a poken and setting it up, you are able to quickly exchange contact information with other poken users quickly and are able to upload the contact information by inserting the USB from the poken into your computer.  These are great for large events and conferences where you can connect with a large number of people very quickly.

My friend, @pokengirl has graciously provided a number of pokens as part of the promotion for my Tweet This! Launch Party last month and is also offering a15% discount to my readers.  Visit her website at www.PokenGirl.com, purchase a poken, and use the discount code, Blogging4Jobs to receive a discount of 15% off your order.  This offer expires on March 31, 2010 so don’t delay.

Photo Credit Create It Displays and You Renew.

FTC Disclosure:  All products and applications listed and reviewed in this blog post were purchased and paid by Xceptional HR.  I did not receive them as a gift with the exception of the Poken.

These basic interpretations of totems were taken from written and verbal native teachings and from the animals themselves. They include animals in the waking world and those animals who travel the dream world. Totems speak to our inner voice – so we benefit when we listen to them. When animals choose to contact us directly, their energy becomes our energy, our Life Totem.

Totems mean different things to different people.  In the business world, totems can be used to help teams understand what animal represents the members of each of their team members.  In teams of 4-7 each individual must select an animal from the totem list below that they feel best represents identify themselves.  Once the selections have been made, teams create a totem including each one of the animals that their team members have selected.  Teams work together to decorate the pages and speak to how their groups will use the unique qualities of each team member to their advantage.

To learn more about additional team building activities, visit the blog post–Leading with Team Building.

Alligators – Primal Energies of Birth, Motherhood, and Initiation

Ant – strength, endurance, efficiency, persistence, productivity, courage and community

Antelope – knowledgeable action, speed, rapid growth, grace

Armadillo – Boundaries, how to consciously define our own emotional and physical boundaries

Ass donkey – Wisdom and Humanity

Badger – aggressiveness, persistence, power of true strength

Bat – blood, rebirth, also navigation, teaches to “see” with your other perceptions rather than your eyes

Bear -introspection, mystery, strength, go within ourselves to find the answers you and others seek. Often seen in the “cave or origins” in the Dream Life.

Beaver – builder, cooperation, alterations, building, shaping security, contentment, industry, balance. Beaver is one of a few life totems, once you have it – it travels with you for life, often in the presence of other totems.

Bee – service, gathering, community

Bird – All birds represent pieces of the fundamental principles of unity, freedom, community and Soul flight. See individual birds.

Black panther – introspection, go within ourselves, hold power but yet be unseen.

Blackbird – understanding of the energies of Mother Nature

Blue jay – proper use of power

Bluebird – modesty, unassuming, confidence and happiness

Brown bear – caution, bravery, fairness, organization, curiosity and leadership

Buffalo – prayer, abundance, practical wisdom, healing, good fortune. Buffalo is one of a few life totems, once you have it – it travels with you for life, often in the presence of other totems.

Butterfly – transformation. Courage to change, balance, evolution, and how to experience joy

Canada goose – cooperative and communal behavior, never leave the weak behind

Canary – power of song and voice. Heightened sensitivity

Cardinal – renewed vitality through recognizing our importance

Caribou – travel, mobility

Cat – wholeness, mindfulness, unity, meditation, independence, sensuality, psychic vision

Catbird – language and communication

Cheetah – helps us to keep our eyes on our goals and to find the most direct way of achieving them

Chickadee – cheerful expression of truth

Chicken – fertility and sacrifice

Chimpanzee – living in harmony. simple ways of life that create joy

Cock – sexuality, watchfulness and resurrection, optimism

Cougar – initiative, speed, grace, territoriality and mystery, balanced leadership, cunning and wit

Cowbird – parent and child relationships, resolving old issues

Coyote – trickster reminds us to laugh at ourselves, and enforces karmic law. What goes out, comes back. Coyote is one of a few life totems, once you have it – it travels with you for life, often in the presence of other totems.

Crane – longevity and creation through focus, expression of feminine energies

Creator. The creator dances in all animals, minerals and plants, is part of everything. Synergy

Crow – council, intuitive knowledge of universal sacred law, assertiveness. Crow is one of a few life totems, once you have it – it travels with you for life, often in the presence of other totems.

Cuckoo – heralding new fate, intuitive ability

Deer – gentleness, sensitivity, grace, alertness, creativity and heart and spirit connection. Deer is one of a few life totems, once you have it – it travels with you for life, often in the presence of other totems.

Dog – loyalty, courage, unconditional love

Dolphin – breath of life. Be in harmony with yourself, your surroundings, and others. Breathing deep

Dove – feminine energies of peace, maternity, prophecy and promise of future

Dragon – transformation, ritual, magic, related to Snake. All dragons influence subconscious protection and healing through giving vitality, especially during sickness and confronting obstacles. There are four kinds of Dragons – Fire Dragon – Enthusiasm and Courage; Air Dragon – Inspiration, Insight; Earth Dragon – Grounding Power, Self-Potential; Water Dragon – Inner Depth, Compassion

Dragonfly – illusion, dreams. Burst self-created illusions and limitations and find answers

Duck – female-mothering energy, male-coping with stress, emotional comfort and protection

Eagle – limitless, free, fearlessness. Transcendence, clarity of vision. Free of boundaries

Earthworm – learn about regeneration, stamina, self-healing, transformation and earth-healing

Elephant – commitment, mind power, physical strength, dedication, and overcoming obstacles

Elk – stamina this medicine teaches us the best use of our energy, To follow through until the end

Falcon – accuracy, rapid progress, restraint

Finch – energy of variety and multiplicity, increased potentials

Firefly – illumination, understanding the life force, continuity, wonder, power of light and darkness

Flicker – rapid growth and trust, increased healing love, new sensitivity of heart

Fox – camouflage, stealth, observation, anticipate behavior in advance. cleverness, adaptability

Frog – cleanse the negative forces away and replenishe the soul with positive force. Leap happily. Frog teaches us to positive willpower generates Life force

Gazelle – teach us that with awareness and skill, we can be comfortable in our own vulnerability

Giraffe – teaches us to view our lives in a way that is both grounded and expansive

Goat – tenacity, diligence

Goldfinch – awakening to the nature spirits- fairies, elves and devas

Goose – call of the quest, travels to legendary places, safe return, love of home

Gopher – gathering, preparation for the future

Gorilla – a confirmation that our endeavors are solid and steady. Teaches the importance of staying grounded in all situations; and to handle our responsibilities through the use of power of leadership rather than the abuse of physical strength upon the weak

Grackle – overcoming excess, dealing with emotions

Griffin – magical lion bird guardian of sacred arcane libraries. It is said that no one can pass a Griffin if they are fearful, greedy, or have no self-confidence; they are refused entrance. It symbolizes a need to protect something powerful within by the use of fierce boundaries. A griffin is related to the Foo Dogs who guard sacred temples in eastern Asia

Grizzly bear – teaches stability, tenacity, healing, introspection, maturity and leadership. Represents raw self-power, both destructive and constructive, and the necessity of self-control. Grizzly is one of a few life totems, once you have it – it travels with you for life, often in the presence of other totems

Grouse – completion, sacred spiral dance, fulfillment

Hawk – be observant and to pay attention to what we may overlook, Is the messenger from the Dream Life.

Hedgehog – self-preservation

Heron – aggressive self-determination, self-reliance

Hippopotamus – grounding ourselves so we can face and dissolve emotional issues.

Horse – inner power, freedom, safe movement

Hummingbird – tireless joy, accomplishing the impossible, beauty, agility

Ibis – single-mindedness and narrow-mindedness are two sides of the same coin

Jackal – trickster, humor, stealer of fire. Try to see humor in things. Laughter is one of the spices of life

Kestrel – mental speed, agility, grace, control

Kingfisher – new warmth, sunshine, prosperity, and love

Kiwi bird – earth wisdom, the ability to sniff out the truth, ability to give birth to large ideas

Lion – teach us to be strong and courageous even in the midst of trouble

Lizard – dreaming. Lizard teaches us the importance of respecting and remembering our dreams

Loon. Learn about mystery, transformation, fidelity and maneuverability from loon

Lynx – teaches us that silence empowers concentration. subtlety, silence, secretiveness, elusiveness

Magpie – the proper use of intelligence, familiars, and occult knowledge

Manatee – serenity, gentleness, trust

Martin – good luck and community peace, peaceful living energies

Meadowlark – cheerful journey inward, discovery of intuition, innate abilities

Mockingbird – finding your soul purpose and recognition of your innate abilities

Moose – self-esteem, practical wisdom, joy of accomplishment, strength, spontaneity, unpredictability

Mountain lion – leadership, stand firm in our power, give direction and aid when needed

Mouse – scrutiny. reminds us not to overlook the obvious

Nuthatch – grounding of faith and higher wisdom

Opossum – peaceful alternatives, deception

Oriole – open doors to positive relationship with all members of nature realm

Ostrich – becoming grounded

Otter – woman medicine, healing, sensuality. Let loose of boundaries and limits and just let go.

Owl -learn about old wisdom, mystery and vision, magic, omens, and vision in the night. Insight

Parrot – sunshine and color healing; teaches power of light and color

Peacock – resurrection and wise vision (watchfulness)

Pegasus – Inspirer of rising above difficulties. Teaches the importance of having quick and agile wisdom, as well as humility and boundaries

Pelican – renewed buoyancy and unselfishness; do not to be overcome by emotion

Penguin – lucid dreaming and astral projection

Pheasant – family fertility and sexuality

Phoenix – Keeper of transformation and represents the cycle of death and rebirth through fire. A phoenix reminds us to have hope in the midst of despair, and to flow with the seasons of events

Pigeon – return to the love and security of home; very gentle and loving energy

Porcupine – self-protection, memory, security, innocence, humility

Quail – group nourishment and protection, protectiveness, group harmony

Rabbit – fear. Rabbit teaches us self confidence, and confronting our fears. What we fear will persist and come to us to teach us to let it go. Predators are nearby, so do not let fear guide you into the open

Raccoon – teaches you how to mask, disguise and transform yourself. Put asleep the part of you that is not needed and awaken the aspect of yourself that is. Represents the magic of dexterity and disguise, strategy from afar and moving in shadows to achieve the attainment of desires. Raccoon is one of a few life totems, once you have it – it travels with you for life, often in the presence of other totems

Raven – prophecy, clairvoyant vision, magic, mystery, exploring unknown

Red hawk – learn the lessons of awareness, insight, truth, adaptability, prayer and openness

Road runner – mental speed and agility

Robin – Renew by letting go of the past, do not beat your breast. Renewal of life and one’s self

Salamander – get grounded in the present moment

Salmon – teaches us trust, strength, determination, willpower, loyalty and tradition. Salmon is one of a few life totems, once you have it – it travels with you for life, often in the presence of other totems

Sandpiper – quickness, foraging, scavenging

Seagull – observation, swift action, opportunity, carefree attitude, versatility

Seal – tapping sub-conscious. The seal reminds us how to swim in our inner being for the answers

Skunk – self-respect, reputation, protection, secrecy. The original “walk your talk.” Respect

Snake – transmutation, rebirth, sacred spiral

Snow goose – learn beauty, tradition, transmitting, receiving, ceremony, and gregariousness

Sparrow – awakening and triumph of common nobility; shows how to survive

Spider – weaving, hunting, creativity, balance, interconnectedness, industry

Squirrel – gathering, vulnerability, elusiveness. Discarding the old, planning ahead, playfulness, trust

Starling – group behavior and etiquette; clear communication

Stork – birth and unspoken communication

Sturgeon – determination, teaching, leadership, knowledge, depth

Swallow – protection and warmth for the home and proper perspective

Swan – grace. Be graceful and natural and not be something which you are not

Swift – speed and agility in the great quest; responding to opportunity

Swisher – awakening to the fairy realm

Thunderbird. Lessons in goodness, kindness, cleansing, healing, and humility

Tiger – stress and courage. Be bold in the face of danger. caution, appropriate timing, stealth

Tortoise – Learn from tortoise are ancient wisdom, experience, patience and endurance.

Turkey – setting limits, appreciation, renewal, sharing blessings and harvest

Turtle – The mother earth, longevity, creativeness. The turtle finds solutions by being creative. Turtle is one of a few life totems, once you have it – it travels with you for life, often in the presence of other totems

Unicorn – Symbol of Purity and Innocence, and the ability to make dreams come true. Has the ability to restore broken spirits through gentle strength and trust

Vulture – purification – death and rebirth – new vision., resolution of problems

Waxwing – gentleness and courtesy

Weasel – stealth, seeing beneath the surface, supernatural power

Whale – record keeper. The whale teaches us to listen within, feel the heartbeat of the universe

White Buffalo – Spirituality, selflessness, generosity, hope, and ancient wisdom

Woodchuck (groundhog) – gathering, preparation, burrowing into the earth., power of cycle. Woodchuck is one of a few life totems, once you have it – it travels with you for life, often in the presence of other totems

Wolf – eliminating weakness, commitment, family loyalty, teaching skill

Woodpecker – the power of rhythm and determination; stimulates new rhythms

Wren – resourcefulness and boldness

Zebra – power, alertness, community

Photo Credit Building.

Ask any startup company or grass roots business venturing out on their own about what they want and need to be successful in business, and you’ll get an pretty consistent mix of answers.  I conducted my own unscientific poll amongst friends and colleagues  who are knee deep like me in the midst of a startup enterprise.  I found 8 key concepts at forefront of theses brave business owners and entrepreneurs.  The answers from my peers didn’t surprise me.  What did was that these concepts are extremely important for a successful businesses and yet are also often the reason that businesses don’t succeed.

• Human Capital. As in recruiting, hiring, and talent management.  Working for a startup company takes passion, creativity, and a whole lot of stubborn.  Not every employee or prospective candidate is an idea fit for a grass roots organization.
• Help of the Expert & Professional Variety. And by professional I mean legal, accounting, marketing, and human resource expertise.  Sometimes we seek out these professionals proactively and other times after the fact.
• Mentors. An extremely important part of growing and learning as a business leader is by having relationships with others who have been there and done that.  Establishing a mentor for yourself is extremely important along with the members within your organization.  Help them develop and build mentor relationships outside of your organization ensuring that your ideas don’t go stale.
• Planning. Success doesn’t happen overnight.  Countless sleepless hours are spent planning, organization, and contemplating your business strategy.  Having a clear message and vision and stair-stepped goals are essential for any company big or small.
• Publicity, Business Buzz. Everyone starts somewhere and building a brand and developing credibility lends itself to new clients, partnerships, and just good business.  A startup atmosphere thrives on caffeine, creativity, and often times a very shoestring budget.
• Networking. Building relationships and growing your business happens outside of the office and in the community.  Endless chamber events, networking luncheons, phone calls, and endless business cards are essentially to growing your business and getting the word out.
• Money. Unless we are either independently wealthy or are enjoying the beach bum lifestyle in Hawaii, it takes money to grow and establish a business.  Countless business plans, business pitches, and meetings with potential investors help us secure the funding we need to push our startup to the next level.
• Training. While establishing a mentor is important so is training within your small organization.  Staying fresh and connected within your industry and company are essential to the future success of your business.  Often times things like training and development are pushed to the wayside in favor of other business activities.

Do you agree?  What do you see as the order of importance for key concepts such as these or do you disagree with me complete?  Leave a comment.  We’ll be diving into these and other key concepts over the next several weeks.  How does human resources and its profession play into the successful launch and growth of a startup?

For more information about TeamBuild  based on these 8 concepts, visit Leading with Team Building which includes a powerpoint and handouts to get your team and organization jump started.

Photo Credit Middle Zone Musings.

Glass Ceilings:  One size does not fit all

This subject comes up several times throughout any given year.  It always refers to women in the work place and how they either sabotage their own rise up the corporate ladder – or they choose not to climb on the ladder in the first place.

A glass ceiling will be different depending on parenthood – - one word that changes everything.  Yes, marriage changes a lot – - but not as much as parenthood. The rest of this blog is for those who’ve chosen parenthood.

Just ask any Mom who has to find an emergency baby sitter – - or has an important presentation at work and a child at home who is not only sick, but really wants only his Mom to be there to take care of him/her.

I can speak from the standpoint of “been there – motherhood”, done that “participated in the corporate ladder race”.  No corporate ladder is worth short-changing the lives of your children.  I’m not talking about isolated incidences – I’m talking about long-term career responsibilities that are in direct conflict with parenting.

You do not get “overs” with your children.  They pass through your life one time -  – one 1^st grade Christmas pageant where they have an important, or minor, role in the choir.  One middle-school debate competition where their team wins (or comes in 2^nd).  A winning free-throw for the State Basketball Championship.

Corporate titles and responsibilities will come and go.  Companies are merged/acquired, you’re promoted; you move to a different company.  Your career path will have many detours  – - but you will only have one opportunity to be a part of the growth of your child – at all the different stages.

So glass ceiling – - yes – - there is.  Companies rarely understand when you say “no” to a promotion or added responsibilities.  However, there’s more to life than ceilings (glass, wood, gold or silver).  Sometimes, it is the smile on your child’s face – or the look of delight when you greet them at the door.

And – - eventually – - it is that awesome moment when you hear “Nana” – - so, true confession- – I’m now a Grandma.

Photo Credit Jill Stanek.

Kay Stout is a Managing Partner in Pacheco Stout Consulting and work as an executive career advisor for Oklahoma Professional Search, a leader in career transition.  Kay is a regular on the Behind The Mike Radio Show and a is contributor to CareeRocketeer. Visit her blog, Another Point of View.

So earlier today, I logged on to my blog and realized that March 1 isn’t so far away mainly because of my travel next week to London for the TRU London conference which I plan on discussing later this week.   I was stressing that I wouldn’t reach my arbitrary goal of 8 blog posts this month.  Yes, I set a goal.  I’m extremely competitive by nature and once I attach a goal to most things, I must dominate the competition. You may be surprised to know that I’m the extroverted competitive type.

So each month for over the last 3 1/2 years, I have worked hard to post 8 times a month, and 98% of the time, I’ve accomplished my goal.  And because I logged into my website this morning, I learned that I have been nominated for two separate categories for the Okie Blogger Awards in two separate categories:  Best Business-Related Blog & Best Kept Secret.

The funny thing is I have not ever been nominated for a writing award  in my adult life.  The last writing award I received was in 1990 when I took first place in a writing competition held by the local Kansas county newspaper, the Holton Recorder.  I was extremely proud of the honor and won a bike which is just about what every young kid in the country needs in their early years as their main form of transporation.  Only later did I learn that an entire 5 entries had been received and two of which came from my family’s household, one from me and one from my younger sister.

Please visit the Oklahoma Blogger Awards website and check it out.  While I do hope that you would find it in your heard to vote for me, I am extremely honored to be recognized among so many friends and fellow bloggers within the state I have called home for more than 4 years.  The voting ends on February 14th, 2010 and you must be an Oklahoma blogger to enter.

Photo Credit Style Rules

‘

Just like networking, obtaining speaking engagements involves a number of important factors:

• Develop a Niche. It’s important to understand what topics you want to be an expert on and what you should discuss.  This will determine where and with whom you speak.

• Develop Relationships. Obtaining speaking opportunities is all about who you know.  Never miss an opportunity to let people know you are available.
• Adapt Quickly. Always be prepared and able to speak on short notice.  I have served on panels with less than a day notice for conferences or filled in for someone on a topic while the speaker was stuck in traffic.
• FREE. Everyone starts somewhere.  Use organizations like Toastmasters, Rotary, networking groups, and industry organizations to speak for free.  Offer your services and be prepared to pitch a topic in advance.  Once you have developed an reputation are you able to charge a fee if you so desire.

Photo credit Career in Public Speaking

First the NFL, the Marines, and now the SEC.  Is your company next?

What a difference a year makes.  Twitter and other social media platforms like Facebook and Friendfeed have grown at an enormous rate over the last 12 months.  According to Quantcast, a website quantifier, there were 26.5 Million Twitter users in the United States in June 2009 compared to a little more than 2 million users in June of 2008.  Last year these sites were not even on the radar screen of company executives, professional sports teams, and others.

The NFL has had an existing policy barring the use of PDAs and cell phones by its players and as of July 2009 had begun enforcing a social media policy banning players from using social media platforms during training camp, practices, and games.  The policy has resulted in several fines although it has not been finalized but that hasn’t stopped the NFL from enforcing their policy.  According to the Associated Press, the San Diego Chargers fined cornerback Antonio Cromartie $2,500 for complaining about the food at training camp on his Twitter account. Cromartie linked the quality of the food to the Chargers’ failure to reach a Super Bowl.

The Marines issued an order also earlier this month banning their soldiers from social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace stating that these sites increase the risk that sensitive and secure information might be leaked or received by advisories.  And now the SEC.  The South Eastern Conference just released a new social media policy placing restrictions on how much tweeting, blogging, and video blogging reporters can do at games, practices, and news conference.  In addition, the SEC’s policy also includes restrictions for fans in the stands attending SEC sporting events banning them from using Twitter, Flickr, Facebook, blogging, or video blogging in an effort to keep fans not in attendance glued to the SEC’s preferred television network for the most up to date and complete coverage.

Can they do this?  Yes, they can try but the bigger question is how.   How does the SEC plan to police the 90,000 fans inside University of Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin stadium as well as the 100,000 tailgaters who remain outside the stadium updating their social media profiles and tweeting real time action and updates?  The Social Media Police. We’ll have to wait and see.

As these organizations try to develop a control mechanism and system to monitor and police the use of social media platforms, the rest of the world including corporate American is waiting and watching.  Corporate American Information Technology and Human Resource Departments over the last year have rushed to put in place strict social media and security policies to protect company assets.  However, what they are doing is creating a larger social media divide that could negatively impact the company’s culture and brand reputation.  Unfortunately, the very decision makers who seek to police and enforce with social media policies fail to understand the full scope and power of social media.  And even if companies block employees from viewing social media platforms on company computers, employees still have access to unrestricted internet sites using smart phones like Palms, Blackberries, and iPhones.

First the NFL, the Marines, and now the SEC.  Is your company next?

***As of August 18th, the SEC has issued a revised social media policy that includes the following:

“No Bearer may produce or disseminate in any form a “real-time” description or transmission of the Event (i) for commercial or business use, or (ii) in any manner that constitutes, or is intended to provide or is promoted or marketed as, a substitute for radio, television or video coverage of such Event. Personal messages and updates of scores or other brief descriptions of the competition throughout the Event are acceptable. If the SEC deems that a Bearer is producing a commercial or real-time description of the Event, the SEC reserves the right to pursue all available remedies against the Bearer.

Tweet This!

Two hour interactive course that teaches Tweeps how to navigate Twitter for the business professional.

Thursday, August 6, 2009 from 3-5pm

Boldt Construction
101 W. Hefner Rd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Pre-registration is $50 via Paypal or $65 at the door.

Register Here!

Contact Jessica Miller-Merrell

Jessica@xceptionalhr.com 405.343.5751