12-Person Exercise - Don't Exclude These People

Most people use the job boards in their job search. But they often miss out on another source that is helpful in their search.

This is an actual exercise I give to clients. It's called the 12-person exercise and it's great for professionals who aren't sure about their next career choice or are changing industries or job status (employee to entrepreneur). It's simple, free and it can be done in short period of time.

You will need a pen, paper and a list of the 12 closest people in your life. The objective of the exercise is to tell all of these people what kind of work you want to do, in a way that they can understand.

What this does is sharpen your skill in communicating your need and want for work. Because the 12-people in your life are probably different ages, with different background and different roles in your life, you will have to shape your language to fit the dialogue that is appropriate for them. Sharpening that skill of communication yields these results:

• Overcome any hesitancy you have about verbalizing your ideal job
• Reconnect with people who are close to you about a real need in your life
• Open an opportunity or connection that you might not have otherwise found

Sugarpoint Spotlight - CreationsByDiaz

“I can't wait to find out what new thing I have to come up with,” says Dorys Diaz, owner of CreationsByDiaz, a boutique decorative arts company.

“For many years,” I've been constantly told by my friends and family that I have a wonderful artistic ability,” says Diaz, who started the company as an answer to a natural calling to creativity.

Diaz founded the company after doing a favor for a close friend. “After I found out my best friend was engaged, I knew that the invitations for her engagement luncheon could not be ‘the norm.’  I wanted them to be extra special, just like her.  As soon as everyone received the invites, I heard the positive feedback.”

What started as a favor to a close friend has turned into a business. Diaz is THE artist for the company. She personally designs and produces original decorations and paper goods for each client. From invitations to souvenirs, banners and center pieces, she customizes the products according to the event, theme, celebration or milestone.

Vibrant and cheerful with a pleasant sense of humor, Diaz’ finished products exude the same richness and energy. Even though her art carries a sense of spontaneity, Diaz is actually following a creative tradition. “Creations by Diaz is the name my father chose for his jewelry store.  He is a retired jewelry designer.”

But the decorations and invitations aren’t the main course. With the alternative that her clients have to just buy invitations from a local store, Diaz admits to her commitment to “Customer service.  I live to impress and cater to my clients.  I have a nurturing heart, so I'm always looking out for the best for family and friends and do the same for my clients.  I'm very resourceful and feel that is one of my best traits.”

CreationsByDiaz can work with clients all across the U.S. and can ship their orders to clients. She can be reached via email: creationsbydiaz@yahoo.com or  mobile/text: 786-768-5286. 

For great photos of her work, visit the company’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/creationsbydiaz and on Etsy

Sugarpoint Spotlight - DuttonSanFelipe

“It’s more fun and playful, like fashion jewelry is but it’s all made with gold, sapphires, diamonds, etc.” -Shamrah San Felipe-Frazier

“Fine fashion jewelry” designed by two lovely ladies who know all about fine and fashion.

DuttonSanFelipe is a jewelry line founded and operated by two business partners who are also the best of friends. The business name is a clever combination of their last names. I got a chance to talk with one of the owners of this 2009 company.

“In Stacey I have the right partner, both creatively and business-wise. We’re also best friends and that makes it even more fun,” says Shamrah San Felipe-Frazier, an actor and native of Northern California, who moved to Los Angeles and discovered even more channels of creativity – this time with gold.

She ran her own business of special events decor and interior design. An interesting event was a client who wanted an all-white party – which meant every piece of furniture and décor had to be in white. As a cheerful conversationalist, Shamrah definitely knows how to manage creative characters.

On a similar wavelength is Stacey Dutton, who handled the hectic casting projects for inStyle network, on shows such as "Clean House." Stacey is the other brilliant half of DuttonSanFelipe.

“Yes, Stacey still casts Style Network's ‘Clean House’,” Shamrah says excitedly, and in clear support of her best friend. “AND she just won an EMMY!”  She adds, “Stacey was also the host of TLC's "Clean Sweep" which can still be seen daily (in reruns) on TLC.”

Their proud accomplishment in their first year of business was enlisting their line with Generales & Generales, "Jeweler to the Stars for 40 yrs"  and considered a reputable name in fine jewelry.

With these two style professionals, it seems to hold true what Alfred A. Montapert meant when he said, “All lasting business is built on friendship.”

View the unique designs of DuttonSanFelipe on their website: www.duttonsanfelipe.com.

5 Free and Easy Ways to Boost Your Confidence by 9AM

Confidence is really important when you get serious about meeting your goals. Here are five free and easy ways that you can boost your confidence in the morning and be ready to meet the challenges of the day.

1. Dress Well.

One of the fastest ways to think you’re successful is to dress like a professional. Take the time to look like someone should trust you to do a great job. This is called “working from the outside in.” You may not FEEL like a success. But if you LOOK like one, it relieves some of the work.People will respond better to you. You’ll be more apt to take charge and complete things. You look great and it gives you a different energy.

One client objected, “I work with these people every day. I don’t need to get dressed for them.” (You don’t need to be an eyesore either). Looking your best is not solely to please other people. It is intended to make you more comfortable so that your appearance is not a distraction, rather an A-ttraction. Give it a try.

2. Arrive Early.

Are you diving to your desk before your boss walks by? Do you walk in 3minutes before the interview time? Do you purposely come 10 minutes late to class because the instructor just talks anyway?

You are in charge of your time. So don’t squander it by thinking you can cheat a start time. By the way, start times are designed so that you START at that time. They are not “walking in times.”Get to your appointments early. This gives you time for mental calm and preparation. If the rest of your team doesn’t practice this habit, then you have permission to set the example. Your clients, your students, your employees will appreciate it.

3. Smile.

Start this immediately when you get in front of a mirror. Consider it practice for what you’ll be doing throughout the day. It is good exercise for your facial muscles, your spirit and it starts you off doing something positive.

4. Talk to Yourself – Nicely.

Rush hour commute and morning delays can really aggravate you. The day hasn’t started yet and already, several things are wrong. You must control your self-talk. Pretend that a satellite radio station will be broadcasting your every thought. How do you want it to sound? Reassure yourself that it’s going to be a good day, that you’ll get to work early, that you look good because you took the time to dress well. Tell yourself you’re doing a good job.

5. Pay someone a compliment.

Doing something nice for someone else is a great way to boost your own confidence. Compliment your kids before they go to school. Compliment your spouse before you part ways for the day.Compliment the person who serves you at Starbucks, the lobby security guard, your assistant, the baby sitter, the cleaning crew, the bank teller. Say good morning. Nice shirt. I like your hair. Nice tie. Great shoes.

Say something nice. Say something simple. Kindness is an interesting currency. We never run out of it. So pay it out.

Practice these habits for 5 consecutive days. Use them if you work at an office, work from home or looking for work. These habits are universal to men, women, even college students.

These habits only require your time and attention. Just remember that these activities are investments in your energy. You will create a pattern of excellence by injecting a shot of discipline into your day. You will treat yourself kindly and double your kindness to another person. Your hesitation will diminish and your daily regimen is more refined. You’ll be closer to your goals – all before 9AM.

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal 6:9

5 Things to Remember for a Telephone Interview

Take phone interviews seriously. A telephone interview is just as important as the in-person interview. Many companies now use the phone interview as the first step.

In many cases, your objective is to move to the next step to an in-person or onsite interview. Some companies will only do telephone interviews and can extend an offer on the spot.

Here are five things to help you prepare: 

1. Get all the call details

a.       Different time zones – clarify your time zone and if it differs from the employer’s.

b.      Phone number works – make sure that you give a phone number that doesn’t forward to another line and that it will be fully functional on the day of the interview. Get the area code of the phone number so you can expect the call and pick it up promptly.

c.       Name of the person calling you

d.      How long you can expect to be on the call

2.       2.  Designate a quiet place

a.       Where you can talk freely

b.      If taking during lunch, go to your car

c.       Minimize background  noise and interruptions

3.       3.  Speak clearly, slowly and pause

a.       Beginning of the call, ask if they can hear you.

b.   Give clear and concise answers.

c.       Don’t try to fill in the silence. Just pause when you’ve answered the question.

4.       4.  Have your resume in front of you

a.      Use the document as a reference, just in case they bring up questions about your experience or if they reference something on the document on which they want clarification.

5.       5.  Ask what the next step is

a.       The goal is to get an in-person interview

b.      Ask how and when you can follow-up

c.       Submit additional materials – you may need to send them a portfolio, writing samples, copies of certifications, etc.

d.      Start date – Some employers can make an offer and a start date over the phone. (Commonly found in projects that accept individual contributors that work remotely).