5 Ways to Have Amazing Opportunities Land in Your Lap

5 Ways to Have Amazing Opportunities Land in Your Lap Have you ever had a really cool experience just drop into your lap? Or made a really good networking connection without expecting it? Well, both of those things just happened to me last weekend, and that helped me realize there are ways to make it more likely this can happen to you too. But first, let me set the scene. Here's what happened “Am I on a movie set?” My taxi had just pulled up to the Hyatt in Phoenix, Arizona, and I couldn’t wait to check in. I was hot, tired and hungry. But when I walked into the lobby, it was so packed with people that I couldn’t even see where the check-in counter was. Then I realized these weren’t the regular business people I expected to see. They were all wearing costumes. Amazing costumes! It looked like I had walked onto a movie set and I was the one out of place. At the registration desk, the two people behind it were also dressed in costumes. And all along the walls and counter were maps and references to Game of Thrones â€" a map of Westeros on the wall, house names like Lannister, Stark and Baratheon along the counter. As it turned out, this was the main hotel for people coming from all around the world to attend Comic-Con Phoenix, which was taking place at the convention center across the street. “I must take a selfie!” Comic-Con is a very cool event that my kids have talked about wanting to go to. So I was amazed and excited that I had somehow wandered into Comic-Con central! So I took out my iPhone and was turning around to take a selfie, saying, “I can’t believe I’m here and it’s Comic-Con! I can’t wait to tell my kids!” The woman behind me in line ended up taking the photo (probably to speed things along). Then the man who was with her said to me, “I just want to thank you for making my day. Your sheer joy is inspiring to me, because it reminds me of how my work is seen through new eyes.” I later learned that his name is Tim and he has a business that helps game makers market their products and build community. As part of his work, Tim goes to 30 or 40 conventions like this a year and runs the marketing effort for his clients. “No ticket? Leave it to me.” Tim and I started talking and he said, “Well, are you going to check out Comic-Con?” I said, “I’d love to but I don't have ticket. I didn't know this was going on.” He said, “leave it to me” and a series of great opportunities just landed in my lap. Tim arranged for me to attend Comic-Con in the convention center for a couple hours. Not only was this an amazing experience, I also bumped into a client and her family who were attending (who knew!). That shared experience will help us build a stronger relationship. He then agreed to an interview for my new video series (more on that later), and even found a professional videographer, Scott, who was part of the community and just happened to have his camera with him. And along the way, I learned about the gaming community and how doing something online can lead to greater connection offline, especially for people who are introverts. I’ve even become an adopted member of the community, getting to meet some of the artists and illustrators who are considered royalty in this field. I also came home with some swag â€" Magic the Gathering cards and a game mat signed by artist Steve Argyle, whose clients include Sony Online Entertainment, LucasArts and Capcom. Signed game mat by Steve Argyle 5 Ways to Have Amazing Opportunities Land in Your Lap This Comic-Con experience was a fascinating glimpse into a different world and it unexpectedly turned out to be helpful to my business interests as well. And for you, it’s probably something completely different that you’ll find cool and amazing. The good news is you don’t have to go in search of amazing experiences and connections like this. Instead, here are 5 ways to put yourself in a position to have more really cool experiences, opportunities and connections land in your lap. They’ll help you allow serendipity do its thing. Be Open Recognize that opportunities are everywhere. I was just going to check into a hotel â€" a pretty mundane occurrence. That led to the whole series of coincidences, but only because I was open to them. So make sure you’re open to spotting opportunities to engage and connect, and be prepared to go with the flow. Mindset Matters To capitalize on opportunities, your mindset is absolutely essential. What I mean is this: How you show up determines the quality of your experiences and opportunities. So, how do you show up? What’s the energy you're bringing? Are you attracting people or are you repelling people? You want to make sure you're attracting people. In my case, joyfulness is what attracted Tim and Kat to become my friends. Everyone needs joy and fun, so you’ll always be welcome if that’s what you bring. Embrace the Situation When I walked into that packed lobby, I had a decision to make. I could have been annoyed. After all, I was hot, hungry and tired. And there were all these people standing between me and checking in. Instead, I made a conscious choice to embrace the situation as something really cool and amazing. And so many good things followed from that one decision. Don’t Over-Schedule These days, we’re all so busy that our days are packed with calls, meetings and work. But when you over-schedule yourself, you can miss out. Don't schedule yourself so tight that you're under stress every moment to get to that next thing you have to do. And even if you have a strict schedule, make sure you give yourself some flexibility to change and adapt your schedule so you can take advantage of spur-of-the-moment opportunities. Connect with an Insider It helps to connect with someone who knows who everyone is and can give you the scoop. An insider. They’re like tour guides who share the inside stories and explain what you’re looking at or experiencing. That’s what makes things interesting and helps you learn. It's always better when you're with a guide. Without Tim and some of the people around him explaining the world of gaming, I would have walked right by Steve’s artwork and also missed out on what is a large global community without having any insight, without learning anything, and without connecting with anyone. When you’re with insiders, you can be the one with fresh eyes that helps them get re-inspired about their work. And they can teach you about a whole new world. What will you do? If you want to meet great people and enjoy amazing experiences, it’s all down to the way you choose to show up. So, my challenge to you: How are you going to show up so you can enjoy amazing experiences and meet all kinds of cool new people? Leave me a comment and let me know. And what amazing experiences have you had and how did the way you showed up make a difference? I’d love to hear your story.

Myth Busting You Get Paid More Because Youre the Best.

Myth Busting You Get Paid More Because You’re the Best. Myth: I should make more money because I am the best at what I do. Myth Busted: Higher pay comes with broader job scope and is not necessarily based on merit. In other words, pivot your brain (and wallet) to think and talk in terms of the quantifiable differences in the size of your responsibility now compared with a previous job. Here are three strategies to stay in your “wheelhouse” and parlay what you already do into a higher paying position. Strategy #1: Seek a promotion within your current team at your current company. Most employees do a pretty lousy job at asking for a promotion. Either they make it about a comparison to someone else, an emotional plea, OR simply come across entitled and justified based on their long hours or great quality of work. Remember, your pay check IS your compensation for great work. However, here are two tactics you can use: Prepare the points you want to make, in writing, before you ask for a dedicated 30-minute meeting with your manager to talk about your career. During that meeting, explain your business rationale for an increase. Use business facts to demonstrate that the job you are doing today is bigger than the job you were doing, say, one or two years ago. For example, are you managing more people than before; are you processing X% more claims than before, or taking X% more calls than before? Everybody has some way to measure that they are doing a bigger job. Strategy #2: Seek a path to a bigger position within your company. You don’t have to leave a good company if you feel “stuck” in your current role. Not every position has upward mobility, so you may need to step out to move up. Go to your company’s career site and see if there are one of two types of positions open: A lateral position (same pay level) that has bigger jobs on the team. A bigger job than the one you have now at a higher pay. Be sure to discuss with your current manager why you are considering applying to other internal positions. (Don’t mention that you are looking outside the company if you are!) If you do interview internally, prepare for a formal interview process and don’t assume you will get it! Work hard for it. Strategy #3: Job search for a higher paying position at another company. While this strategy takes a lot more effort, the income increase is likely to be significantly better than an increase within your current company. The tactics to apply: Before you embark on a job search, “window shop” on the big job boards (Indeed.com, Monster.com, etc.) to get an understanding of what is out there so you are clear on your job search goal. Only work on your job search outside of work hours and do not use company equipment, including phones and computers. Learn how to job search. Period. So much has changed, you can’t assume the old ways work best. The most economical investment is to buy a job search book like my Cut the Crapâ„¢, Get a Job! which is a workbook with templates and tools to see you through every step. Research salary levels for similar positions in your city on Glassdoor.com when click on “salaries”. Remember: Your job search expenses are tax-deductible as itemized deductions â€" check with your accountant. Join Dana Manciagli’s Job Search Master Class ® now and get the most comprehensive job search system available!

Making Your Executive Job Hunt Easier Some Tips from Us to You

Making Your Executive Job Hunt Easier Some Tips from Us to You The best executive resume format can make your job easier. It can be difficult to find a new job when you’re involved in an executive fieldâ€"more so than it seems to be for those in lower positions. If you’ve been out of the job hunting game for a while, going back down that road can seem more intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be. If you’re having trouble navigating today’s job market, we can help you. In this article, we’ll give you a few helpful tips for job hunting in today’s era so you can land your next career position more easily. Don’t Forget About Networking! The connections you have within the industry will be the most valuable resource you have as you search for your new job. Keep in touch with them regularly. Youd be surprised how easily an opportunity could be sent your way based on the people you know! Of course, you should also aim to build new professional networks as well. Visit industry gatherings and put yourself out there. You may run into someone who can put your skills to great use! Another great idea would be to get back in touch with those industry colleagues you havent contacted in a while. They may be able to help with leads. Reach Out to Headhunters and Recruiters Its a well-known fact recruiting companies have received a bad rap over the years. Popular opinion dictates recruiting companies often have a low turnout as far as landing jobs for executives. Regardless of the accuracy of this statement, a resource is a resource. All you have to do is learn how to make the most of recruiting services. Work on building up the  best  executive  resume  format  to show recruiters your skill set as clearly as possible. This will work to your advantage because recruiters with distinct knowledge of your professional skills and needs will more easily be able to match you to a job. Continue to keep in close contact with recruiters so you can help them help you! Update Your LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn is an incredibly useful resource for networking and discovering new job opportunities. You will be able to get in touch with other industry professionals across the globe, opening up a wider expanse of opportunities, all with a click of your mouse. Brush up on how to write  cover  letters  for  resumes  and use the information from your resume to augment your LinkedIn profile to its fullest. The site is full of resources to help you with your job search. Thousands of professionals have a LinkedIn account in this day and age, meaning you may easily run into someone who may be able to open the door to your new career or can put you in touch with someone who can. You never know who is connected to whom. Furthermore, recruiters often browse through LinkedIn to find professionals they can help navigate the job market. Just be sure to keep your profile up-to-date! If you still need help, you can also turn to other resources! A professional resume service can help you through your job hunt by showing you how to market yourself to employees more efficiently. Our services have earned us our title as the  best  resume  writing  service.

The Perfect Job

The Perfect JobIf you are looking for a career in resume writing management consultant you will find a great deal of success if you stay focused on your goals and treat every resume assignment as a new project. Each project will require a unique set of skills and abilities which will vary depending on the task.The first thing you should consider when you are planning a resume writing management consultant project is whether the assignment will require writing. Each person has a unique set of skills and abilities which are not transferable to each other so consider what kind of resume you need to complete the project. If it is a writing assignment you can always choose to write a custom cover letter to accompany your resume, which is another easy way to have a resume that complements the other documents.When you have determined whether or not the resume writing assignment will require writing, you need to focus on your skills. Whether you are in a position of authority or have experti se, you will need to know the necessary skills to complete the project. If you are new to writing in particular, you need to read as much as you can on resume writing and review the advice that experts will give you.Once you have a good idea of what you need to know when you are writing a resume you need to decide what format you will use. Professional resume writing services will offer different formats for different projects. If you are looking for a resume cover letter, you should consider how you would like to receive it in the email. If you are submitting a proposal for a hearing, you may want to opt for an ATS or archive file.Even though you may be submitting your resume for an interview, the resume you use can be different than that of the interviewer. Many of the questions you will be asked may require you to respond in a specific manner. This means that you may not have an answer that is as quick or simple as you are used to. In order to meet the new standards, many people turn to writing services which will often give them the template, which they can use for the interview.Before you make any major decisions to make sure that you have all the information you need. You should find a resume writing service that will give you a set of templates and then give you the information you need in the project. This way you know what questions you will be asked so you do not have to waste time answering them. You can then choose a template that is appropriate for your specific needs.Many such services also offer a service that allows you to check the work that has been completed and keep track of your progress. This will help you keep your resume up to date with the information you need and save you time in the long run.

Uncommon Article Gives You the Facts on Resume Writing Services Cost Estimates That Only a Few People Know Exist

Uncommon Article Gives You the Facts on Resume Writing Services Cost Estimates That Only a Few People Know Exist Obviously, the best method to discover such assistance is if you take a look into the top rated professional resume writing services reviews. If you cannot locate a review on a certain company you want to know more about, I advise that you take a peek at our top rated resume writing services and pick one from the list. You'll locate a list of some of my personal beloved services at the close of the write-up. You may direct folks to that page whenever you don't have a resume to hand. Introducing Resume Writing Services Cost Estimates Because a superior writer will often devote a couple of hours writing or editing a resume. It's essential to note that pricing isn't everything when it comes to deciding on an executive resume writer. Certified resume writers possess the credentials, obviously, but a writer who's simply very good at writing sales pitch may be more sui table. In reality, Resume Writing Group's writer was the sole company that contacted our mystery client to assemble extra details. Unless you're on the lookout for a career counselor that specializes in resume writing, you can continue to keep your expenses relatively low. Add-ons, including writing a cover letter, can cost more due to how this is distinct from the resume. Needless to say, getting great resumes fast will come with a higher price tag, which means you definitely need to choose the most effective possible resume writing company. It's possible for you to follow resume examples to get inspired, but you have to never copy somebody else's work. What You Need to Do About Resume Writing Services Cost Estimates Before It's Too Late The Master t he Interview guide can help you understand and apply key practices, and that means you always leave an outstanding impression. You will also have to have other small business management skills, like negotiating with suppliers and expert report generation and presentation. Or, in the event that you left a job to take care of a loved one or to relocate, a very brief explanation will suffice. With this much uncertainty, it can be difficult to assess the cost you're being given. To continue to keep prices affordable, we limit the total amount of onsite visits and have an excellent email and phone procedure that achieves the exact results. For resume services, our rates are somewhere in the center of the market with a few of our premium services being priced slightly greater. Most services offer package deals which include more than 1 service. My site is your very best solution if you're fighting with the decision on which service you ought to choose. Purchasing multiple services simultaneously generally lowers the general cost per service. Other crucial areas in your work experience will likewise be explored to highlight your credentials and make a stand-out resume. A whole lot of inexpensive ser vices on the internet also outsource their work to inexperienced or very low superior writers. When you would like to find the best resume help, you're able to simply follow our lead. You will need assistance with making a resume. In reality, the decrease price point represents a 3-5 day services. The price of a resume can change depending on the sort of job which you are applying for. On the flip side, the maximum price doesn't necessarily signify the maximum quality. For the typical job seeker, the typical price of $200 is more than enough to acquire a quality resume.

8 Interview Strategies for Introverts

8 Interview Strategies for IntrovertsIts hard enough to find a job thats fit for an introvertlet alone acing an interview for one. Perhaps youre feeling overwhelmed by all of the interview advice out there, and feeling like you wont ever quite be able to deliver? googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) You dont have to be extroverted or able to do things on the fly to get the job you want. Though you might be at a slight disadvantage if your introversion makes you come across as antisocial. To put your best self forward, try a few of these tips and strategies for successeven for the shy.1. Have a plan.One of the most overwhelming parts of socializing for an introvert is usually just bedrngnis having any down time between periods of having to be on. Make sure you build in some solo quiet time before and after the interview to make sure your batteries are charged and youre taking care of yourself. Plan your day around it and youll show up fresh an d at your best, rather than overwhelmed.2. Do your homework.The more you know, the more you can anticipate. Where exactly is your interview going to be located? Make sure you know how long it will take to get there and plan out your optimum route. Figure out who is going to be interviewing you and read up on them. Have topics ready to go that you can anticipate coming up during the conversation. And read up as much as you can on the company itself as well as the fleck youre applying for. The better prepared you are, the less likely you are to get tripped up by any questions.3. Remind yourself of your strengths.Take a few minutes to go over your own resume and cover letter. Remind yourself of your accomplishments. Make a bulleted list of things you want to make sure to emphasizeespecially if you usually freeze when having to sell yourself or sing your own praises. Remember, its a natural and good thing to do. So prepare to do it with minimal awkwardness.4. Prepare for small talk.Yes, the dreaded small talk is upon you. Theres no way around it. Even if you think its pointless and excruciating. Try instead to come up with a few questions that are more tolerable to you than sports and weather and last nights Scandal. That way you can put you and the interviewer on common ground immediately and feel more comfortable. Write out a couple of these questions and commit them to memory.5. Look good so you feel good.Have all your ducks in a rowyour portfolio at the ready, an extra copy of your resume and anything else they might need, and a snazzy outfit that makes you feel most comfortable and confident (and is also appropriate for their office culture/environment). Your clothes can show off that personality it takes you a while to let loose.6. Dont try to be anything but yourself.Dont try to be an extrovert when you arent. Even if you could fake being super outgoing and bubbly during the interview, youre going to feel really awkward when you show up to work and everyone expects that of you on a daily basis.Dont be embarrassed about being introverted. Remember, 50% of the population is just like you and being on the quieter side can actually be an asset in some situations. Be yourself and youll find a company thats a good fit for you. And heck, if the opportunity comes up to mention explicitly that youre an introverttake it Theres zero shame and it might even help your interviewer understand where youre coming from.7. Match your interviewers tone.If you get stressed out in interview situations, just use your introvert superhero skills and do what you do best listen and observe. Then you can match the tone of your interviewer as best as possible without having to second guess what sort of tone to use yourself. This will help you be more comfortable asking your own questions and sharing your best ideas8. Nail the beginning and the end.If you think the whole process is just going to exhaust you, concentrate your biggest charm offensive on the first fi ve and the last five minutes. Get that first impression and then leave them with a great impression and youll do great.

I Believe in Letting Kids Roam Free on Halloween Why Dont You

I Believe in Letting Kids Roam Free on Halloween Why Dont You Halloween every year, but perhaps particularly this year, what with the petitions to move the holiday from October 31 seems to inevitably make parents nostalgic. We recount Halloween misadventures of ur youths, back when we didnt adhere to a curfew or let the weather slow us down. Wed run wild at all hours, equipped (handily) with vision-inhibiting masks, toy weapons and zero reflective tape, jackets, or often even flashlights. And I, for one, think its high time we brought this free-range form of parenting back at least (or especially) for Halloween night.Halloweens destruction is often attributed to community trunk or treat celebrations that are put in place to avoid reckless and potentially unsafe trick-or-treating by localizing the whole shebang in one parking lot. Parents, having presumably only recently outgrown their own Halloween bar-crawls, insert themselves into these family-fun versions of Halloween, compl ete with bobbing for organic apples, plus gluten- and corn syrup-free popcorn balls, of course.The trend towards helicopter parenting, with its stereotypically vigilant moms and dads, shoulders much of the blame for these updates in modern Halloween celebrations. But those helicopter parents known for forbidding their children to tischset foot outside unmonitored, uncontrolled, and without protective padding are finally getting pushback in recent years. A 2018 study published in Developmental Psychology, for example, pointed to problematic long-term effects of helicopter parenting ie, it renders children less self-sufficient. Theres a movement afoot of parents who are trying to reclaim free-range parenting as a viable (and, yes, safe) option, and for good reason.No, parents We dont have to be with our kids every moment not even every holiday moment. As a working mom, sure Im heartsick whenever I miss one of my daughters new experiences. I think any increase in family togethernes s is beneficial. But how much of the motivation to inject parental involvement into kids Halloween activities is family bonding, and how much is paranoia?We know that the myths of poisoned Halloween candy or strangers wrapping up hallucinogens and handing them out to unsuspecting children are just that myths. And while its already highly unlikely that a stranger will abduct your child (in fact, stranger danger is far less of a concern than tricky people your child already knows), theres no rise in child abductions around Halloween. The real danger on Halloween? Statistics show its an increase in child pedestrian accidents. And that, while a legitimate concern, doesnt seem to be at the forefront of most Halloween helicopter parents minds.Lets face it Halloween is a macabre time of year, and parents arent immune to getting freaked out. There are slasher marathons on cable, fake graveyards popping up around the neighborhood, and people dressed as the undead. I personally love Halloween , horror and all things dark, but I get the real fears, too especially since having my daughter. Its all a little scarier when youre responsible for a small philanthropisch whom you love.Is it possible that on Halloween, perhaps more than other time of year, parents let their own fears and superstitions infect their children with unfounded anxieties? Is the prospect of hauntings or satanic rituals subconsciously forcing us to follow our children to every doorstep to monitor their safety?If we urge our children not to be afraid of imaginary monsters under the bed, what kind of example are we setting by making fear-based choices after watching a few minutes of Michael Myers stalking teenagers? I wonder if our over-abundance of caution as parents will start to rub off on our children and teach them to become risk-averse. They may be missing out on the autonomy afforded through independent play, which can help build invaluable life skills and confidence.Halloween seems like a pretty go od time to let kids build just that confidence. To practice a little bit of freedom. When I think back, some of my favorite childhood Halloween memories involved knocking on the doors of houses with unfriendly we have no candy signs, or having a standoff with a group of older kids, or getting scared by a man disguised as a scarecrow dummy. For all these memories, I welches old enough to contextualize, and I was safely within a group of other kids.I was never nearly lured into a van, flashed by a neighbor, or talked into being sacrificed by satan worshipers. The appeal of trick-or-treating without adults was mostly the independence well, that and acting kind of like a little jerk. I think theres value in giving kids the freedom to problem-solve and make decisions on their own, even if that decision involves making mistakes and a bit of rule-breaking. Halloween is about (a little) sanctioned mayhem after all, just for one night.So how do we quiet the irrational fears and send our kid s out without low-jacking them and dressing them up as a Hummel packed in bubble wrap? Honestly, if yourethat afraid, dont do it. I cant be responsible for safety decisions other parents make about their own kids. As much as I would like to see free-range parents everywhere banding together and letting their kids loose in solidarity, the reality is that every parent and every kid is different, and no one can make those decisions for anyone else.You know your kid best. If theyre of a reasonable age for independence, have good judgment, adhere to curfews, have other responsible kids to trick-or-treat with, and areextremely careful when crossing the street (even when on a sugar high), those items should factor into your decision not scary myths, scary movies, or any other outside unrelated factors that are making you anxious. If youre mucksmuschenstill not sure, perhaps consider letting your kid trick-or-treat your own block without you as a practice run. Then, you can join for the re st of the outing if you feel the need to.What parenting comes down to is balance and trust if your kid has demonstrated enough self-sufficiency, perhaps some freedom has been earned.So no, I dont think we should do away with trunk or treat entirely. Theres a finite window of time before our kids only want to hang with their friends and emulate YouTube stars or whatever it is theyre doing these days. While they still want to hang with us, lets absolutely soak it up lets act embarrassing and overly involved, and lets wear themed family costumes our own parents wouldnt have been caught dead in.But when our kids decide theyre ready to hit some neighborhood houses on their own, lets let them do it no matter what scary crap we just watched on cable. Elyse ODwyer--This story originally appearedon SheKnows.