Classy Career Girl

My Birthday Gift To You: My 10 Favorite Posts!

2012-05-25T17:28:10Z

Today is my BIRTHDAY! Sayonara twenties! I am headed out to Palm Springs to celebrate my birthday weekend. I am going to soak up the sun and take a technology break, except maybe to take a few photos here and there. Make sure you stay tuned to twitter and Instagram (theclassycareergirl) to celebrate with me! Also, stay tuned for a special birthday weekend giveaway that you don’t want to miss!

Whatever you are doing this weekend, I hope you also get to take a technology break and soak up the sun. Memorial Day weekend is the official start of summer!

In honor of my first fabulous day in my thirties, I am sharing with you my 10 favorite posts on this blog. These posts are all really special to me for some reason or another and I can’t wait to share them with you in case you missed any of them!

Of course, on my birthday I have to direct you to read Office Etiquette: Birthday Celebrations in the Office. How do you celebrate birthdays in the office? Gifts, cards or cake?
And don’t miss this one where I spill my guts and tell you everything that has happened to me over the last year…the good times AND the bad…definitely one of my favorite posts I have ever written on this little blog - A Must Read Post About The Real Classy Career Girl
The day I came out from being an anonymous blogger and showed you my face and my name was on this post – Monday Motivation: Introducing Classy Career Girl - Best decision ever because I could finally be myself!
And who could ever forget that day where I decided to start my networking challenge and blog about it. When I wrote Classy Career Girl’s 4X4 networking challenge I had no idea that it would open up so many doors and inspire so many other young professionals to conquer their fears of networking also!
So glad I kept a record of my crazy life as a evening MBA student while trying to still hold down a full time job. When I read Grad School Student: A Day in My Life, I am so glad I survived those 2.5 crazy years of chaos.
Who doesn’t love a post about moms – here are the Personal Development Lessons That I Learned From my Two Moms
And I can’t forget the fabulous lessons that I learned from my dad, here are the 10 Lessons that My Dad Taught Me About Business
One of my favorite days on my blog was when I unveiled my new, uncluttered , organized office and my new and improved closet. I think I need to do a future post on how to maintain those organized closets and offices though because they don’t exactly look like they did a year ago….
Since I am headed out on vacation, I can’t help share with you a post I wrote about why you also need a vacation…
One of the books that had a big impact in my life and relationships is the book Never Eat Alone. I wrote about the book on this post called Reach Out and Connect. Another book that changed how I look at work and life – The Four Hour Work Week. On this post I wrote about how to have a more productive work week and included some questions that definitely made me think about what I wanted for my work future.

Do you have favorite posts that you have written or read? If so, please share in the comments so that I can go check them out!!

Thanks for all the birthday wishes and I hope you have a fabulous and relaxing holiday weekend!!

5 Ways To Promote Yourself Using Pinterest

2012-05-24T13:15:33Z

Today’s post is written by Alex Summers. Having spent long and arduous hours learning about business, marketing, and writing from respected minds while attending school, she now feels an obligation to spread the knowledge along with a fresh perspective.

In today’s economy, it has become increasingly difficult to compete in the job market. Job seekers are expected to use whatever means available to get their name out there, including popular social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. The latest social media site to gain popularity on the internet is Pinterest, which allows users to link to pictures, articles and blogs, adding them to their own collections or pin boards, providing descriptions and allowing comments from other users. Here are 5 ways that you can use Pinterest to promote yourself:

Get Attention in Your Field. For job seekers, Pinterest can prove to be a useful tool for self promotion. By gaining a large number of followers, the unemployed woman can increase her internet exposure to professionals in her field. A user might start a pin board titled “nursing” and another titled “South University in Richmond” to attract the attention of human resources professionals with faculty positions for nurses at South University in Richmond.
Find Others With Your Interests. Searching for other users with similar interests and leaving comments on their pins will aid in increasing their visibility on the site. If searching for employment in a specific area, like West Palm Beach, Florida, the job seeker could simply perform a search for pin boards highlighting that city. They might find a pin board titled “West Palm Beach college” and leave comments or ask about jobs on the pins found there. The board could be owned by a faculty member or student with knowledge of current openings. A primary goal of women seeking employment should be to increase their visibility throughout all social media sites. Potential employers use these sites with greater frequency, spending less of their advertising budget on printed media or broadcast services and turning to the internet to find qualified applicants. After establishing an account and creating a few pin boards, it is important to gain followers and follow other boards with similar tastes.
Use Geographic Search Terms. Use geographic search terms to find pin boards of users in the area where you hope to get an interview. Seek out pinners in similar fields by searching for pin boards specific to your field, like “nursing” or “paralegal” and the location that you want to get a job in.
Like and Comment. Remember to leave lots of comments or use the opportunity to ask questions. Following these steps will increase your visibility on Pinterest.
Get Googled. Pinterest is climbing the ranks for search terms and as you use Pinterest, you will quickly see that as someone searches for your name, your Pinterest profile will come up. Hiring managers will have a much better chance of seeing your board so I recommend that you create a work portfolio. For example, if you are an artist, create a board with all your art. If you are a graphic designer, create a board with all of the websites you have designed. If you are a speaker make sure you create a board with all of your previous and upcoming speaking engagements. Use it is a place to help hiring managers and recruiters visualize your resume with photos. Also, it doesn’t hurt to have a photo of yourself either!

The popularity of social media sites has soared in recent years. Success in the job market for employable women will depend upon embracing modern technology and taking the time to familiarize themselves with sites like Pinterest.

Have you used Pinterest to promote yourself?

Photo Source

The Young Professional’s Guide to Landing a Job

2012-05-23T12:45:30Z

Today’s post is written by Morgan Norman. Morgan is the Founder and CEO of WorkSimple — the Social Performance platform that works the way you do. Designed for individuals, teams, and large organizations, WorkSimple is a better way to share goals, collaborate, get feedback, and get your work endorsed. Connect with him and WorkSimple on Facebook and Twitter.

Young professionals sometimes get the short end of the stick, especially in a roller coaster of a job market. They’re expected to not only have solid experience, but also the applicable transferable skills, contacts, and endorsements to land their dream career. This is all while being bombarded with stereotypes that they’re lazy, feel entitled, or are never satisfied. It seems like they can never win, right?  Knowing that the job market is not at its best is common knowledge these days. Doing something about it is a whole other ball park. After all, it’s easy to complain, but it’s not so easy to find a remedy. So, don’t resist it.

Take what you know now–about yourself and about this particular job market–and apply it to your career search. Here’s how:

1. Create a work portfolio

Young professionals have something that other generations may not: a deep understanding of online technology and how to apply it to their professional careers. Start strong by building an online work portfolio which not only showcases your work history, but also shows what you’re working on now, goals, real-time feedback, recommendations, and also the ability to create reports. All of these can show an employee something beyond face-value (i.e. a plain old resume) and boost your career.

  2. Create a presence

 In conjunction with a work portfolio, employers will probably appreciate other forms of industry knowledge. The easiest way? Create an online presence through the big name sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, as well as others like Pinterest, Tumblr, Quora, etc.   Think about it: if an employer were to Google you, what do you want them to see? Your questionable college party photographs or a deep knowledge of your industry by way of social networking? The answer seems pretty obvious.

3. Use those endorsements

The opinions of others can be pretty influential, especially if those endorsements are by a thought leader in your space or have a connection with your desired employer. Be sure to pick up these key endorsements, either through LinkedIn or a work portfolio, to ensure you’re viewed positively in the eyes of others. Additionally, if you can suggest projects or certain goals to the endorser that were particularly good (which they have a connection to, of course), it can add “meat” to the recommendation.

4. Say hello

Once you have the right materials in place, you have to connect with the person doing the actual hiring. Here’s where you can make everything easy for them without them doing any digging on their end (employers are busy people, after all). Be direct: email the hiring manager directly through LinkedIn. The best way to be noticed is to send three lines about who you are, what you love about their company and link to your work. You should also apply through the regular means, but this will go a long way. Don’t wait to be on a stack of individuals — make a connection and stay connected.

5. Be memorable

Generic candidates come in all shapes and sizes. You don’t have to be one, though. Be memorable, not only through your portfolio or work history, but by how you navigate through the search.   For instance, once you apply, you should of course follow-up on your application. Go one step further and connect through the popular social networks, send out a thank you tweet, link to a popular industry article, start a discussion on their Facebook page, etc. This shapes who you are as a professional and essentially creates activity for the organization before it’s even your job to do so. Who can resist a candidate who puts in so much effort when it’s not even necessary?

What do you think? What are some other ways young professionals can land their dream jobs?

Photo Credit: Victor1558

How To Transform Your College Clothes into a Professional Wardrobe

2012-05-22T12:50:14Z

Today’s post is written by Maggie who is a writer and marketing gal living in Indianapolis. New to the professional world, she likes to help others ease into the career world. Off the clock, she enjoys cooking, spending time with friends, and CrossFit.

A graduating senior is tasked with many things: capstones, grad school applications, job applications, and at the top of the list: finding time to sleep!

One important thing that the typical senior doesn’t think about is transforming their college wardrobe into a professional one. You need more than jeans and a hoodie once you land a job. Once you’re a senior, start thinking about adding professional attire to your wardrobe little by little — then, by graduation day, you’ll hopefully have a collection that resembles a working wardrobe.

If you don’t plan ahead and start collecting business clothes, then you’ll probably be left with sweats, hoodies, jeans, and the occasional sparkly tank top or dress that you wear on the weekends. This leaves you out the night before a big interview, stressed, and searching for the perfect professional outfit, rather than doing your homework and researching the company. Here are five tips to get you on your way to professionalism!

1. Start with the basics.

On a college budget, it’s not reasonable to think that you can go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. However, getting a few basic items, such as black pants, a pencil skirt, a blazer, and a couple nice blouses will get you well on your way.

2. Accessorize.

Once you have the basics, a little accessorizing can add personality to your outfit — and help these basics turn into a plethora of outfit possibilities. Add a splash of color with some jewelry or a nice scarf.

3. The art of tucking it in.

Remember when I mentioned your tank tops and mini dresses? Well, you can’t wear them as is, but try tucking them into a pencil skirt and wearing a blazer over top. This allows you to transform some of the clothes you already have from college to professional style. And the best part is you can just pull off the blazer and you’re ready for a night on the town!

4. Find the bargains.

When it comes to professional clothes, even the basics get a little pricey. Try secondhand shops or browsing the clearance racks. You never know what you might find, and you will be glad you looked (your wallet will, too)!

5. Don’t forget to have fun.

Sure, you are a professional now, but don’t forget what makes you unique. It might be those cat eye shades or a French-style beret. Whatever it is, try to keep your fun fashion pieces. If you can’t work them into a professional wardrobe, then at least you can wear them during the weekend!

How did you transform your college clothes into a professional wardrobe?

Photo Source

Monday Motivation: Your Weekly Career Links

2012-05-21T13:07:10Z

This weekend I had a blast speaking to a great group of high school girls at Oceanside High School about self-confidence and how to be confident in college. I was very impressed with these high schoolers already planning ahead and asking me questions about how to network and how to get internships! I also loved the confidence from the girls in the room. When I asked them where they were going to college, they told me what college they were going to get into. No fears or doubts for these girls which was AWESOME to hear and reminded me to believe in the big things that I want in my life as well and not to let fear and doubt to get in my way either.

I will be sharing more about my presentation about confidence and the fabulous girls I met later this week! Even though my presentation was geared towards high school girls, one of the teachers came up to me afterwards and told me that it was perfect for her as well. So I want to make sure that I share my presentation on the blog as well so that you can hear how to be confident at your work and in your life as well!

So, here are your Monday morning career links to start your week off right!

3 Things No One Tells You About Graduating College by Brazen Careerist
Saying No to Others is Saying Yes to Yourself by Jack Canfield
6 Ways to Raise Your Visibility At Work by Career Woman Inc.
The 10 Most Important Lessons I have Learned About Working in my 20s by Forbes
5 Work Rules You Should Break by Real Simple

Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen. – Conan O’Brien

Photo Credit: amintirivizuale

CCG 09 Podcast: The 3 Ingredients of Career Satisfaction

2012-05-20T19:52:32Z

PODCAST:

Click play above or right click here and save link as to download or subscribe on iTunes here on this link:

SHOW TOPICS:

How to navigate your career
Career conversations with your Manager
How to sculpt your job to make it what you want
What is career satisfaction? Interests, motivations and abilities
Networking Interview with Tiffany Ish: Work Life Balance and Career Tips
Reader question: How to Ask for Time Off
Reader question: How to sign emails

TRANSCRIPT

Hi this is Anna Runyan and welcome to Podcast #9 of the Classy Career Girl podcast! I hope you are having a great week and I am so excited that you are listening to this podcast today. I just finished a great coaching call with a client and I am so inspired and pumped to help you all with every blog post I write and podcast I do. So let me tell you what I have in store for you today! First, I have been getting a lot of requests to go over the information that I am teaching at my work. The course is called how to navigate your career so I wanted to share some of the things in the course that I think would be really important for you to know as well. So I am going to share with you the few tips I have on how to navigate your career. Then, we are going to listen to the interview with Tiffany Ish who is an entrepreneur and started her own jewelry design company and she also is a blogger at a great blog called I am Stylish and I can’t wait to share her work life balance and career tips for you. Then I am going to answer your questions at the end of the podcast. The question I am going to answer today is from a reader who asked how to ask her boss for time off of work for a vacation that she already has planned so I am going to give her some etiquette tips that she can use to get that vacation she really wants even though she has no days off. So let’s get started today!

So this week I taught my first online course at my work and the course is called how to navigate your career. There are some really important tips in the course and I wanted to share them with you today.

Over several decades, countless studies have been conducted to discover what makes people satisfied at work. Research has found that interests, motivators and abilities are the 3 factors that lead to career satisfaction which are the areas that

Now a question for you – Which one of these three factors do you think is most directly correlated with career satisfaction?

Actually, career interests are the most important of the 3 factors because interests are a part of our core and are stable and they stay with you through your lifetime and we will explore this more on future slides. So now I want to dive deeper into the definitions of each of these key factors.

First interests. The Definition of interests are things that are deeply held that you absolutely connect with – you want to learn more about topics. An example of this is if you really love analysis or new technology. These stay with you throughout your lifetime. My nephew is fascinated by legos and he has an entire room filled with legos. He I am sure will be connected to engineering and building activities for the rest of his life just like his father was because he has an interest in the inner workings of things. My high interests in the Career Leader assessment are coaching and mentoring and when I look back at my childhood, I was always helping my group of friends put together goals and since I was the first one to apply to college, I helped all my friends with the application process and test process so that they could get into their dream college as well. My other personal high is influencing others and I remember when I was in 2^nd grade, I started a save the earth club and even though there was only one other person in the club, I made it my goal and mission to save the earth and would tell everyone I came into contact with that their showers were too long and that they were leaving lights on in rooms that they weren’t even in. I was always trying to persuade people and even had a grand plan of writing a book and persuading others in written communication. Even today I still have that dream of writing a book, although I am not sure it will be about my save the Earth club when I was in 2^nd grade but I today really still want to influence others by writing a book and hope to do that someday.

And then we have motivators which can also sometimes be called values. These are the rewards each of us needs. Some examples of motivators are Flexibility, lifestyle and intellectual challenge. Motivators are really important to be aware of to make sure you are aligned in a job correctly and it is also important to remember that your motivators can change based on your current life situation. One of my motivators is altruism which means that I have satisfaction of regularly helping others with their individual and business concerns and this fits perfectly in my role at work as a consultant because I get to help my client, a manager of a Navy ship program, meet all of his budget and schedule requirements and deadlines and I get satisfaction out of that.

And third, we have Abilities which are your skills – this is what we focus more on at most companies. We focus on Competencies. But this is just one part – skills are like muscles, you build them up if you must also have an interest in them to want to be satisfied in your career. Some people are drawn to career paths because they have the ability and like the rewards, even though they aren’t interested. After a short period of success, they lose interest and either quit or just work less productively. All that to say – we focus on the three things when we define career satisfaction.

I also wanted to introduce you to the concept of job sculpting.

Job Sculpting involves looking for ways in which you can leverage your interests in your current job. A good analogy here is if you think of a sculptor. They have a clump of clay and can add to it and take away from it. Think of your job description in the same way. You can make small adjustments here and there to adjust your alignment of your interests and the tasks that need to get done. This works best when you can identify win-win situations, where there is benefit to you but also where you can add value to your boss and company.

The goal for job sculpting is that your career interests are aligned with your team’s needs and what you need. So how does this work? Employees take the lead to navigate their own career and managers also do their part to help their employees. When both are doing this and you have really productive career conversations and that is when things get aligned. So we are going to roll up our sleeves and talk about job sculpting. Think about the aspects of your work that you love even if they are hard and then the other parts that you aren’t as satisfied with that maybe you have outgrown. Think about what is on your plate, and where can you make small adjustments. This is not about applying to a new job or project, this is really about small adjustments in your current job. So we are going to move through a sculpting activity to help you walk away with something that is actionable.

For me, what I am doing right now is an example of how I have used job sculpting in my own career. My interests are influencing others and coaching and mentoring and so I love training and mentoring new hires on my team in San Diego but I knew I wanted to do more of those things that I was really enjoying. So I applied to become an adjunct instructor and here I am today. So my daily job is the same but I am adding little things that really interest and motivate me and make me happier in the long run.

Another really important thing to think about and be ready for is how to have a career conversation with you manager. This is a three step framework for effective career conversations. Before it is important to prepare and understand yourself, being clear about what you want from your career, clarifying your purpose and desired outcome for the conversation.

Then the Middle is the DISCUSSION where you will share information, disclose thoughts, put across ideas for development, ask for support. Here you will use your listening skills and ask open questions. Make sure you pick up on verbal and non verbal signs from your manager and clarify points and seek agreement on any decisions. (click next 5 times)

And then the end is the FOLLOW up- agree on next steps, especially what you are going to do and timelines, don’t over load your manager, ensure that the actions are being recorded to keep you on track. And then Throughout make sure that there is TRUST- be sensitive to your manager, be open, relaxed, non-defensive.

As you prepare, you want to ensure that you have a clear focus for your conversation. Here are some ideas that other people have had about how to start the conversation:

-I’d like to talk about options for taking on more responsibility in my current role.

-Id’ like to share some ideas I have on how to leverage my career interests in my current role

-I’d like to explore options for a new project since this one is ending soon.

Do any of the above scenarios resonate with where they are right now.

In order to try and maximize the time you have for these discussions, it’s also helpful to recognize that both you and your manager are bringing different perspectives and concerns to the table.

This approach is essentially about planning and conducting a conversation from two perspectives, your own and that of the other person, to help to understand some for the underlying concerns or feelings that might be impacting on trust and the quality of the conversation. This is a really useful approach when trying to achieve career alignment, where you are looking for win-win solutions.” The Key point is that both of you have different expectations, concerns and gaps in knowledge. When it comes to career conversations, managers often feel under pressure to come up with all the answers, that employees may expect them to have a career path in mind for them. They also worry about employees expecting too much, too soon. Managers are aware that they need to take the time to find out about what employees really want but are then unsure about what to do with the information. From the employee side, the more you can consider your manager’s perspective and fill in the gaps the easier you make their job. If you can come up with ideas and solutions that the manager responds positively to then you have succeeded. This perspective is important to keep in mind as you plan for an effective career discussion.

So step one is sharing that with them and then brainstorming with them how you can sculpt your role. I know it sounds difficult but once you initiate and just start the conversation and put it out there, it gets really simple and you will feel much better that you have talked about it with your manager and it makes it so much easier for your manager to help you if you are open and honest.

It can be great to prepare for a career conversation with a mentor and have them help you try to anticipate what your manager may be concerned about and have ideas ready to mitigate some of those issues.

So now let’s listen to interview with Tiffany Ish who is an entrepreneur and blogger! I can’t wait to share her advice and tips about why she decided to start her own jewelry design company and her tips about work life balance.

Click here to read the transcript and watch the video with Tiffany Ish.

Alright, I hope you enjoyed the interview with Tiffany! My favorite parts of the interview was listening to why she started her own company – I always find it interesting what makes people make that jump and also I loved her advice of My advice would be to keep your options open and if you want to do something else, it is OK to stray from that path. Definitely keep your options open even if you don’t think it is possible, it’s possible. Go and do it.

So let’s answer your questions now!! Here’s today question:

I have a question I need to ask you and I always appreciate your articles. They are very helpful, especially for me since I am just in my second year out of college and in the real world! So my question is based off a situation I have gotten myself into… I talked to my boss about taking two weeks off in June without pay. Typically we only get time off without pay for emergency situations. A trip with my family clearly isn’t an emergency, but I would have had to save up ALL of my time off from the beginning of working here just to be able to take this trip in June… and there has been a family emergency, sick days and funerals in between that time. The thing is that our plane tickets are already booked and I can’t go back on the vacation now.

My question then is how can I be the most professional in going to a meeting to discuss if it is okay for me to take this time off without pay?

So here is my answer:

Your boss has already approved it so that is great! I would walk into HR confident because your boss is really the one that matters. The HR person isn’t going to be promoting you anytime soon. It sounds to me more like a paperwork issue that they are going to have to deal with. Definitely have those options ready to go and ready to present. They are great options and perfectly reasonable I think. Rehearse exactly what you are going to say and don’t let them say no!

And don’t be afraid to say that you already booked the trip. You could even say that you thought you would have more time off accrued by now but the funeral or sickness unexpectedly came up. Hope this helps! Thanks for reading!

Our next questions is:

I’m always lost on how to sign email correspondence…. Best, Regards, Best Regards, Sincerely, Take Care, Cheers, etc.

I really don’t have an answer here because I think it depends on you and your personality. For most people where I work, we sign v/r which means very respectfully. This would probably not work in other workplaces. The others I see a lot is Best, which I think if it works for you then do it. For me, I don’t really like best because I just don’t think it fits me. I think it is important however you sign it to just make it work for you and your personality and make it like your statmenet and your signature, kind of a part of who you are. And make sure to check with you work first too because they may require you to sign it a certain way. If you are confused and don’t know what to do, look how others sign their emails and copy that until you can find the right fit of signature for you.

So that’s it for today! Thanks so much for listening!! I hope you have a great rest of the day and I will talk with you next week ! Bye!

Networking Interview #14: Advice For Someone Thinking About Starting a Business

2012-05-18T12:51:24Z

Today in my networking challenge I’m speaking with Sirena Thomas-Moore. At the age of 21, Sirena started her own company and it’s now a multi-million revenue generating company. I’m really excited to get her advice today. Thanks so much for sharing your advice with us Sirena!

NOTE: Sorry if the audio quality is not that great but the interview was really fun and informational!

In case you are reading this at work and can’t watch the video, you can read all of the great advice below instead!

1) How you first decided to start your own business?

Ever since I’ve been old enough to speak I think I just always want to be the boss. I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur, always. And my last year of high school I actually had twin girls. And I graduated and that summer I need to get a job. So I started working with my father who’s been working in a construction industry for like I don’t know the last 20 some years at that time. So I started working on a construction site with him in the office doing administrative work and understanding how the project has been run and he worked in the field. While we worked on that project, we found out the contractor issued a six figure contract to do basically what he was doing for an hourly rate. We got a copy of that contract and my father was like if you can figure out how to start a business I can do the service and we can have our own business. And that’s like with the idea for Elohim Cleaning Contractors came from. So we got on the internet I am as green as they come I didn’t know anything at all nothing. I basically scan on the internet and was like what’s a corporation, what’s LLC, what’s sole proprietorship like, how do you go to EIN. I did all this very easy research online and that’s how we got to began to develop the company.

I think a lot of people think that they have to go to business school or get their MBA to start their own business but you don’t have to do that. No, as a matter of fact I think our ignorance was a blessing because there were some things that we are not aware of and it was great. It was great that I wasn’t aware of it because solely focus on building a business, generating revenue and living life. Like, I wasn’t focus on economy and statistics and I don’t know anything. I think that was a blessing.

2) What would be your advice to someone thinking about starting her own business?

My advice would definitely be to seek out every single free resource that you can humanly possibly find. Because unfortunately when you have that go get em and you’re ambitious and you’re ready to go. You can get pulled in to spending money on classes, spending money on software, spending money on networking or joining organizations but what you really need to do is get your base established first so seek out as many free resources. I went to women business development that’s in here in Philadelphia. Every college, business school has a small business development center and the SBA has free online services like there’s so many to choose to online or even at these development centers or enterprise centers that are free. And they can help you build your business. So that’s one I would say seek out free resources to definitely surround yourself with people that are, where you would like to be. Not necessarily a lot of people that like one what you want but people that actually are there so that you can learn from them. So those are probably the two pieces of advice that I would recommend if your interested in starting your business.

3) How do you manage your life as a career woman and a mother? You said you had twins when you first started your business.

I have twins now and I also have ten month old baby boy. And I’m recently married so now I’m wife, mother, entrepreneur, speaker, and world traveler. To be honest it happens some days and some days it doesn’t. Some days my time is managed very very well and other days I drop ball like everyone else. But I’m really really stuck on managing time wisely because I’ve truly understand that time is the only thing that I cannot get back. So I can’t waste my time and since we all have to stay in 24 hours its just about how you used them. I always have a plan for the most part. What my days are going to be, I try to prepare ahead of time so that nothing catches me by surprise. That happens some days its just us. But time management techniques are important.

4) What do you use to manage your time like to have to-do list or a blackberry?

Yes I do. I have all the above. I’m a gadget I’m a geek. So I totally am into like gogo gadget everything so I have an iphone,I have an ipad, I use my computer I mean I used apps but at the end of the day I mean I use the to-do list for sure. I’m big on teaching people about like moving projects from your to-do list like you can have a list like it says make a doctor’s appointment or you have another list that says clean the basement that’s not the to-do, that’s like a project. Start one thing at a time. It really is about having tasks because people do projects, people do tasks, and its easier to check things off of your list that way and I only have meetings certain days of the week and I don’t meet everyday of the week. Its Tuesday or Thursday and when I meet its all day. I don’t do a meeting come back to the office do a little something go back out do a little something because you’re not really being productive when you do that.

And I have task to certain days like Monday its business development and follow up and that’s on days. And Tuesdays all about bills, finances, sales. I assigned task to certain days as much as I can to streamline things because that’s the best way to manage your time and be productive.

5) How networking contributed to your success?

Networking has been huge to my success. Especially in then contracting business and then certainly in Sirena Speaks which is my other business though.Those are kind of my focus and am doing a lot of speaking, teaching and helping other entrepreneurs build their business. Networking has been absolutely huge. People who want to business with the more like you trust and unfortunately a lot of my contacts a lot of people that I needed they’re not as tech savvy as I am. I may never see them on the internet but I will see them at chamber board meeting. And for me, it was a lot of kind of being in the place where my potential customers were and I just kind of showed up. I knew they’re gonna be there I did my research at a time. And finally somebody would say, “Who the heck are you? What do you do?” And that’s the opportunity to introduce myself. Networking has been really really big for me. That all happens through networking. Someone hearing my story, listening to me, talking to me and referring me.

6) What is one thing you wish you had known as a young professional woman just starting out in her career?

Since I am still not that old, one of the things I would tell my younger self is expect to be talked about, expect to be misunderstood, and expect to be hated on even on circumstances. But don’t let anything stop you from pursuing what you know God has really given to you to pursue. Just don’t let anything stop you. Live a life of knowing and don’t stop for anything.

7) Where can people find more about you online?

I’m just about anywhere. Twitter. I love twitter so you can follow me @Sirenaspeaks and you can also go to Sirenaspeaks.com. And am also on Facebook and am also on LinkedIn under Sirena Moore or Sirena Moore-Thomas, my married name. And just simply google me find me just about anywhere.

Why Not Have Classy Career Girl Speak At Your Next Event?!

2012-05-18T04:01:47Z

Attention all students, teachers, career counselors, event coordinators and professional organizations! Dates in 2012 and 2013 are starting to fill up but I would love to add your next event to my list of scheduled speaking events! Over the last couple of days, I have talked to a few people about speaking and it has made me realize that I really want to speak more and share what I have learned to young professionals, college grads and soon to be college grads.

Download my speaking information packet here for all the details!

Speaking Topics:

My speaking topics are networking, social media for your job search, confidence, what to wear to work (for women), interview preparation, resume writing, career direction and how to navigate and succeed in your career. I recently completed a year of the 4X4 networking challenge where each month I met with 4 people I didn’t know and 4 people that I did know and I would LOVE to share what I learned and help you audience knock down their networking barriers so that they can reach their goals and dreams.

Recent Speaking Engagements:

Wake Forest University Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity
Purdue University and Kranner School of Manager Doster Leadership Conference
Girl’s Empowerment Conference
Brazen Careerist’s Brazen University – Guest Speaker for “Network Your Way To a New Job”
Certified Booz Allen Hamilton Adjunct Instructor for quarterly online course: Take 5 to Navigate Your Career
San Diego Downtown Public Library
Poway Adult School
And of course a few more that I am excited to announce but can’t share all the details just yet!!

Testimonials:

“Thank you so much for coming to speak for us at Wake! Your blog has been (and continues to be) such an inspiration to me. I look forward to staying touch in the future. Thanks for everything you have done.” -Junior at Wake Forest University

“I attended the “NETWORK YOUR WAY TO A NEW JOB” at Brazen U. It was awesome. I learned a lot of things from you. Thank you very much!” -Attendee of Network Your Way To a New Job at Brazen U

“Hi Anna, Thank you very much for the “Get Unstuck” webinar today. It was full of great information, encouragement and gave good sources as well.” -Attendee of the Get Unstuck webinar and participant in the Get Unstuck and Find the Right Career For You course

Training Videos:

Get Unstuck and Find the Right Career For You Webinar

Network Your Way to A New Job (password is brazenjob)

Contact me today!

Email me: anna@classycareergirl.com

Or fill out the contact form below:

[contact-form]

4 Ways to Leverage Your Alma Mater in Your Job Search

2012-05-16T13:11:40Z

Today’s post is written by Lindsey Harper Mac. Lindsay specializes in writing about education, professional and personal development, and career building and writes on behalf of Colorado Technical University.

Contrary to popular belief, your alma mater won’t just push you out of the nest and expect you to fly on your own. In addition to preparing you for the professional world by arming you with a quality education, your alma mater can also provide you with the tools necessary to make this transition smoother and more successful. Finding a job as an individual can seem impossible with the current uninviting job market, but when you have a team of well-connected professionals to support you, the world truly is your oyster.

To find out how you can leverage your alma mater to help you find your dream job, consider the following helpful resources.

  1. Utilize the Career Services Department

Most colleges have a career services department designed primarily to help students in their job search. Most career services departments are not limited to helping recent graduates, but in providing lifelong services to all alumni. Set up an appointment with a career development professional in this department to review current job listings, respond to your questions, and offer professional advice for your job search.

  2. Reconnect with Professors and Peers

One of the more personal resources you can take advantage of is reconnecting to former professors and peers. Your former professors can provide you with excellent recommendations to improve your appeal in the job market and cam possibly help personally connect you with his or her professional peers who may be searching for new employees. Your peers who have already found work can also help you by providing personal recommendations and connections to other professionals in your industry.

  3. Extend Your Education

You may have to focus on your own professional development to improve your appeal to potential employers. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is by furthering your education. You can enroll in an advanced degree program or simply take a few classes to specialize in a certain aspect of your profession. No matter how committed you are, working toward extending your education is an effective, proactive way to surpass the competition. To accommodate your busy schedule, ask your guidance counselor about online education alternatives.

  4. Enhance Your Resume

First impressions can make all the difference in the success of your job search, which is why having a resume that is polished and up to date is crucial for catching the attention of employers. Most institutions have a center available solely for helping students and alumni improve their resumes by reading it over for grammatical errors, evaluating for design appeal, and offering structural advice to increase general appeal.

As a general rule, you will want to focus on emphasizing the active role you played in your professional development. For example, if you received an award of some sort in college, talk about how you actively worked to achieve this award instead of passively describing how it was given to you. In addition to improving the style, structure, and content of your resume, your alma mater can also help market your resume to potential employers to ensure that it won’t simply be tossed to the bottom of the pile.

How have you used your alma mater in your career search?

Photo Source

What To Wear To Work This Summer

2012-05-21T13:20:05Z

I announced in yesterday’s post that I am featured in People StyleWatch magazine this month! But, since I have a lot more advice about what to wear to work in the summer that wasn’t featured, I will be sharing it with you here today on the blog instead! Lucky you!

What is an outfit idea for profesional work environments? How bare is too bare in the summer time for your arms, stomach and legs?

No tank tops…I recommend only wearing light blouses under a blazer or suit jacket. Always be ready to take off your jacket in case you are hot but always have a professional looking shirt underneath your suit jacket. Nothing is worse than being hot but not being able to take off your jacket because your shirt isn’t appropriate underneath for your conservative office! You have to take yourself seriously because you want to be known for your brains, not for having the shortest skirt or most cleavage in the office. Showing skin is NOT how you will get ahead, trust me. I have always had trouble finding lightweight shirts for under a suit jackets for the summer but there are so many cute options out these days! Never ever show stomach in any work environment unless you are a lifeguard. In a conservative environment, always wear closed toed shoes even in the summer. Dresses are definitely allowed just add a sweater or cardigan over the dress. Always wear closed toed shoes to make it more professional looking for a conservative work environment. If you wear a dress or skirt, make sure it isn’t too short. Your skirt should fall close to the knee and not above your knee in the office.

But, you do have a unique personal style and even if you are in a conservative work environment, you can definitely still let your personality out! Try a scarf, jewelry, a watch, small earrings or a bracelet or a belt to personalize your outfit. Even if you have to work in a conservative work environment, you don’t have to look drab, frumpy and boring or like everyone else that you may work with. Be professional with class and definitely a little bit of personality and don’t be afraid to add a little color to your wardrobe. If you have a closet full of black, branch out and buy some greens, yellows, pinks and oranges for the summer to go with your black, gray and brown work staples and mix and match. You can create a lot of outfits with just a few great staples. Never wear spaghetti straps without a blazer or cardigan over. And no skinny pants! Also suits can be the easiest things to put on in the morning!

What is an outfit idea for creative work environments?

Even in a creative field, a strapless dress is too informal without a cardigan over it; keep it for a weekend beach day. Even in a creative field, blazers rock! With a blazer you will immediately grab attention and look more professional. But in a creative field you can dress up blazers into really fun and colorful outfits and still look very professional. You do have more options in a creative field but be careful that you don’t get too loose and not care. If you go in with jeans everyday, not only will you have a tendency to become more relaxed and maybe do a worse job at work but also you will get in the habit of dressing down. Try mixing up your outfits and not wear jeans everyday but some days dress up as well. Add a little bit of excitement over what you will wear everyday. This way you are mixing it up and your co-workers won’t be surprised in whatever you end up with each day.

They key really is to look at the position in your company that you really want someday (or in another company) and find that person that has that job and is successful at it and highly respected. Dress like she does. Use Pinterest or Polyvore and find your own personal style of pieces or celebrities that dress how you love and use them as your model. Look through magazines (like this one) and find what you like and don’t like and create a file or binder of all the looks you love. Use that as inspiration before you head to the mall or shop online! Don’t dress for the position you have, dress for the position that you want someday. You never know who might be watching you or whom you might run into on the elevator. Always always look professional, even on Casual Friday. I find that some days I have to give important presentations on the spot or go to meetings that weren’t planned, that is why I always keep a blazer in my office and wear outfits everyday that would be acceptable with the boss.

What is an outfit idea for casual Fridays?

I LOVE casual Fridays! I love making casual outfits look professional. I love dark jeans (still no really skinny jeans) with blazers and ballet flats. Or instead of the dark colors, on Casual Friday you can add color. I love wearing brown and khaki pants and skirts into the wardrobe, which can be done more easily on Fridays. But, refuse to roll out of bed and head straight to the office on Fridays. Instead, have fun dressing up on Fridays. I also like wearing my hair differently on Fridays and a little messier than normal. And I add a little more jewelry than normal on Fridays.

What shoes are cute and appropriate for the summer?

I love peep toe pumps for the summer even in very corporate settings you can definitely get away with them. Below pumps are from Nordstrom.

I am also a huge fan of a nude pointy toe shoe like this – it looks great with black, gray or brown pants! Also from Nordstrom.

Are flip-flops ever okay in professional work environments?

Nope, never.

Are flip-flops ever okay in creative work environments?

You probably could get away with it but I would recommend more flats that have more of a sling back to dress it up the outfit a little bit. Flip flops are too much like you are headed to the beach.

Are flats okay in professional work environments?

Ballet flats are perfectly acceptable as long as your pants are tailored for them and don’t drag on the floor! But not loafers, boat shoes or any shoes that resemble slippers!

Are flats okay in creative work environments?

Definitely OK in a fashion forward office but in a creative environment you want to go for very bright and fun colors.

Are wedges okay in super corporate offices?

Depends on the wedge – Yes to leather wedges. I do love wedges because they last longer and are more durable on streets when you walk a lot than a skinny heel. No to wedges that are raffia heels.

Are espadrilles okay in super corporate offices?

Not in super corporate office. Off limits.

What are the rules of wearing shoes to work?

You should go for comfort rather than fashion and NOT the highest heel you can find. If you are, comfortable in your shoes you will be more confident and you will be able to stand and walk better and present yourself better. You don’t want to be at an important networking event and have to sit down or take off your shoes because your feet hurt! You have got to work the room instead!! At work, you may be doing a lot of walking and presenting -You have lots of people to impress and there is no time for rest! You should think twice about wearing the same shoes to work that you would wear out dancing with your girlfriends. Shoes are also a great way to let your personality show and bring a little color to your outfit.

Is it ever OK to wear shorts to work?

No, shorts aren’t acceptable. Save it for the weekend!

Do you ever have to wear panty hose to work? If so, what are some of your favorites?

This is a question I get a lot on my blog! No, you don’t have to wear pantyhose to work these days. But if you feel more comfortable with pantyhose, they are perfectly acceptable too. But, don’t fee like you have to. Also remember that the majority of your potential employers and hiring managers may not be your age and pantyhose may be a part of their life so you may want to do your best to join the crowd and fit in the best way you can even if that involves pantyhose. When I entered the career world out of college, I thought that pantyhose were a must! I wore them to interviews and on the job. I even wore knee-highs with pants because I thought I would look more professional and mature. I realized a few months in that not only were they terribly uncomfortable but most women (of all ages) I was working with were not wearing them. Today, I very rarely see anyone wearing pantyhose so I never wear them. I think times are changing and it isn’t looked down upon anymore to NOT wear pantyhose.

If you are a die-hard pantyhoser, try out Donna Karan hosiery. Some of my favorite photos of great outfits with pantyhose are photos of Kate Middleton who is totally bringing sheer pantyhose back.

What kind of fabrics, colors and cuts do you like to wear in the summertime?

In the summertime, a button up long sleeve cotton shirt is the last thing that I want to put on. Put those shirts in the back of your closet and break out the light weight blouses with barely there sleeves, there is so much of that available now. It has to be breathable to handle the stress of the workday and the hot weather and it is great to wear from day to night and happy hour! Pencil skirts are another great thing that I love to throw on because they are comfortable and cool. Ruffle tank tops are also my favorite right now and they look great underneath jackets and cardigans. I love polka dots as well and shirts that go up to the neck for work.

I also love summer work outfits that aren’t tight to the skin. They need to breathe. I really like loose clothing for work because I am usually sitting for so long and it has to be comfortable on the body.

What are some key pieces that belong in any summer work wardrobe? What makes them appropriate and what kind of things should you look out for (I.e. not too sheer, slouchy, etc.:

A blazer will help you be more credible and make a great impression, which is why it is a must for any work wardrobe. Throw it over your favorite dress and you are out the door! You should never wear a shirt that is see through or sheer to work. Also make sure that you buy clothing that is easy to put on in the morning. Know before you buy whether you are going to have to be ironing in the morning or if you are going to be at the dry cleaners each week. Better yet, plan your outfits ahead of time and do all your ironing on the weekend so you don’t have to iron every morning! I think another must outfit is a few shirts in the closet that you don’t have to iron but look great under a blazer that you can throw on quickly and head out the door.

What are some great outfit examples (head-to-toe looks + accessories) of something appropriate for casual summer Fridays?

Outfit #1 Casual Summer Look: A light tan, yellow or cream dress, a brown cardigan or blazer and a brown belt, big long necklace in a loud color like green or blue and open toed shoes with a bow just like this outfit:

Outfit #2 Casual Summer Look: Striped tee, green blazer, bright yellow belt and dark jeans with sparkle class pump heels and bangle bracelet and earrings

Outfit #3 Casual Summer Look: I love a belt and pin on the sweater and bracelet to add a little personality to a boring work wardrobe…and messy hair is more acceptable on casual Fridays.

For photos all of these outfit ideas, make sure you check out my Pinterest page!

What’s a checklist of the top things to avoid wearing in the summer?

1) Always avoid showing cleavage, there is no excuse.

2) Tank tops and strapless shirts should only be worn with a cardigan or blazer over your shoulders.

3) Never wear a skirt that is too short and above the knees

4) Never wear tight skinny pants or jeans.

5) Don’t even think about wearing platform heels that you can’t walk or stand in.

Definitely keep your work wear separate from your weekend wear and don’t be afraid to invest a little more in your work outfits because not only will they last forever but you will end up wearing those favorite outfits everyday. Your professionalism in the office can mean more promotions in the future which will end up with you being able to buy even more work clothes with that hard earned cash!

Overall, you are wearing your clothes at work for many, many hours per day, especially if you partake in happy hour and networking events after work (which I suggest you do! . You want to look great but also be comfortable at the same time. If you pants are too tight or if you are worried about how your skirt keeps riding up, you won’t do your best work because you will be worried and you will just want to go home as soon as possible. I find that if I love my outfit, my day actually gets better AND I think I actually end up doing better in interviews and presentations. That is why I advise putting a little extra planning and money into work outfits because it will be worth it in the long run. Also, I have enough to worry about in my work as a consultant than to worry also about what I am wearing. I think a good thing to remember is that if you plan ahead and are comfortable with your work staple outfits, you shouldn’t have to worry each morning about what you are going to wear OR worry while you are at work about what you are wearing or what people will think of your outfit. You are just confident because you know you look good.

Classy Career Girl

My Birthday Gift To You: My 10 Favorite Posts!

Do you have favorite posts that you have written or read? If so, please share in the comments so that I can go check them out!!

5 Ways To Promote Yourself Using Pinterest

Have you used Pinterest to promote yourself?

The Young Professional’s Guide to Landing a Job

1. Create a work portfolio

2. Create a presence

3. Use those endorsements

4. Say hello

5. Be memorable

What do you think? What are some other ways young professionals can land their dream jobs?

How To Transform Your College Clothes into a Professional Wardrobe

1. Start with the basics.

2. Accessorize.

3. The art of tucking it in.

4. Find the bargains.

5. Don’t forget to have fun.

How did you transform your college clothes into a professional wardrobe?

Monday Motivation: Your Weekly Career Links

CCG 09 Podcast: The 3 Ingredients of Career Satisfaction

PODCAST:

SHOW TOPICS:

TRANSCRIPT

Networking Interview #14: Advice For Someone Thinking About Starting a Business

1) How you first decided to start your own business?

2) What would be your advice to someone thinking about starting her own business?

3) How do you manage your life as a career woman and a mother? You said you had twins when you first started your business.

4) What do you use to manage your time like to have to-do list or a blackberry?

5) How networking contributed to your success?

6) What is one thing you wish you had known as a young professional woman just starting out in her career?

7) Where can people find more about you online?

Why Not Have Classy Career Girl Speak At Your Next Event?!

Download my speaking information packet here for all the details!

Speaking Topics:

Recent Speaking Engagements:

Testimonials:

Training Videos:

Contact me today!

4 Ways to Leverage Your Alma Mater in Your Job Search

1. Utilize the Career Services Department

2. Reconnect with Professors and Peers

3. Extend Your Education

4. Enhance Your Resume

How have you used your alma mater in your career search?

What To Wear To Work This Summer

What is an outfit idea for profesional work environments? How bare is too bare in the summer time for your arms, stomach and legs?

What is an outfit idea for creative work environments?

What is an outfit idea for casual Fridays?

What shoes are cute and appropriate for the summer?

Are flip-flops ever okay in professional work environments?

Are flip-flops ever okay in creative work environments?

Are flats okay in professional work environments?

Are flats okay in creative work environments?

Are wedges okay in super corporate offices?

Are espadrilles okay in super corporate offices?

What are the rules of wearing shoes to work?

Is it ever OK to wear shorts to work?

Do you ever have to wear panty hose to work? If so, what are some of your favorites?

What kind of fabrics, colors and cuts do you like to wear in the summertime?

What are some key pieces that belong in any summer work wardrobe? What makes them appropriate and what kind of things should you look out for (I.e. not too sheer, slouchy, etc.:

What are some great outfit examples (head-to-toe looks + accessories) of something appropriate for casual summer Fridays?

What’s a checklist of the top things to avoid wearing in the summer?

What is your go-to work outfit for summer?

  2. Create a presence

  1. Utilize the Career Services Department

  2. Reconnect with Professors and Peers

  3. Extend Your Education

  4. Enhance Your Resume