Resource Friday

January 30, 2009

Written by Karen D. Swim

Happy Friday everyone! The first month of 2009 is coming to a close. I don’t know about you, but it went fast for me. This month found many people making transitions or enhancements in their career or business. So on this last day of the month, I’d like to share a few resources that will help you keep the momentum going.

If you are considering (or have) a freelancer career, grab a copy of the new book by James Chartrand and Mason Hipp, The Ultimate Freelancer. The book is packed with advice and tips from two men who are passionately committed to helping freelancers realize their dreams.

For freelancers or solopreneurs who need one-on-one coaching to breakthrough to six figure success, Trish Lambert offers laser coaching sessions and live workshops. Don’t miss out on the free copy of the Success in Sweatpants Manifesto, if you’re on the list you’ll also be notified of upcoming teleseminars and workshops.

If starting a blog was on your 2009 list, The Audacious Guide to Starting a Blog by writing coach Joanna Young is a must read. Joanna also offers a variety of programs to help you become a better writer, including a feedback service for blog writers.

One of my favorite professional networking tools is LinkedIn. To get more out of your Linkedn experience, read Jason Alba’s helpful guide, I’m On Linked In, Now What? Jason’s book is a tremendous resource that will show you how to maximize your LinkedIn experience. If you are in the midst of a job search, I also highy recommend Jason’s career management site, Jibber Jobber.

Do you need to update or write a brand new resume and you’re not quite sure where to begin? I have written a short e-guide, Write Your Own Resume that explains the “why” behind the science of resume writing. I also offer a range of services from resume critiques to pre-interview video coaching.

For other resources, check out our Bookstore and Business Tools Page. Both pages are periodically updated with new resources.

All of the resources listed are from people and sources that I know, use, and trust and I am confident in recommending them to you.

Thanks for reading Words For Hire. If you would like to suggest a topic for a future post, drop me a line in the comments or by email at karenswim at gmail dot com. I welcome your feedback and suggestions. If you enjoy reading Words For Hire, please tell a friend.

Thank you so much for reading! Subscribe to keep up with the latest posts and feel free to spread the word!Get free updates via RSS or email.

Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Business and Career | 6 Comments

The One About Trains, Tweets & Lying Down In Public

January 29, 2009

Written by Karen D. Swim

Image by Ben Harris-Roxas via Flickr

Have you ever felt like you were straddling the top of a runaway train, hanging on for dear life? Okay, well maybe that’s just me but stay with me. One of the hazards of virtual workers is the pace at which we receive information. It seems that every two seconds there is something new – an application, a plug-in, an analytical tool, or marketing technique. When information is being filtered in from every direction you can feel as if the world is moving too fast to keep up.

My friends behind the corporate firewall, in contrast, feel no pressure to know all the latest tips to grow their blog or twitter community. They could care less about RSS numbers and feedburner stats. Their egos do not live and die by SocialToo or Alexa rankings. These wonderful people who many would claim are languishing in ignorance, remind me that while my world feels like it is moving at 30 Mbps, the larger community is not as concerned with the same things.

Online communities are rife with Type-A people, who are always on the go. They are still tweeting, streaming and skyping when I am fast asleep. By the time I turn on my computer for the day, the Type A’s have read everything and are linking the way for the rest of us 8 am slackers. Add in the various time zones and it can leave you feeling like you’re spending all your time catching up.

The truth is we do not have to know everything and be everywhere. Yes, you will miss out on some things but you will regain a sense of balance and sanity. I was reminded of that in two posts written by Sanyika Calloway Boyce. She wrote of not approaching your day and resources like an open checkbook, and presented a list of tips to help you realign your purpose.

You do not have to be a master of all things, contrary to what you may hear. Instead, write down what’s truly important to you and pick one or two things that will help you accomplish your purpose. Master them and ignore the rest. You can always add to your toolbox later so don’t pressure yourself to know it all or do it all now.

Learning to let go may become the new competitive advantage. You may even find yourself following Tim Ferris’ advice to just lie down in public, simply because you can (and it’s funny).

Do you ever suffer from social media fatigue? How do you keep your sense of balance?

Thank you so much for reading! Subscribe to keep up with the latest posts and feel free to spread the word!Get free updates via RSS or email.

Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Social Media | 13 Comments

The Lens of Possibility

January 27, 2009

: Image via Wikipedia

Written by Karen D. Swim

I have one green eye and one brown eye. The green eye sees truth, but the brown eye sees much, much more. The green eye sees only what is there but the brown eye casts a wider lens to what is possible. The green eye reflects the images of my world as they appear but the brown sees the intricate and sometimes magical detail that comprises the whole.

The first two sentences of the above paragraph were from a writing exercise in the book, Writing Magic: Creating Stories that Fly by Gail Carson Levine. From the list of writing prompts, this one caught my attention as it reveals the dichotomy of our lives. We have the power to imagine while remaining grounded in reality. We see what is there but believe in what seems impossible.

Our eyes may be the same color but our minds allow our vision to shift. Our lens can open wide and broaden our perspective. Just as easily, we can narrow our field of vision and focus on a single infinitesimal detail.

What do your eyes see today – what is there or what is possible?

Thank you so much for reading! Subscribe to keep up with the latest posts and feel free to spread the word!Get free updates via RSS or email.

Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Insights, Inspiration | 4 Comments

5 Common Problems of Ailing Businesses

January 26, 2009

: Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Written by Karen D. Swim

I am not a fan of reality shows but I have become addicted to Peter Perfect. In the show, stylist, Peter Ishkans, visits struggling small business owners in the U.S. In the shows that I have watched the businesses are typically family owned, single location retail stores.

Peter assesses the store’s layout, operations and the image and makes over both store and owners. He delivers the verdict in a straightforward but pleasant way. The business owners cringe only a little because it’s so much easier to hear that your business is a disaster when delivered in a non-American accent.

In a recent episode the business owners listed the problems and Peter looked baffled as he asked, “If you knew all this why didn’t you do something about it?” Ouch. So often we really do understand the problems but fail to take the next step of fixing them. Listed below are a few of the common problems I have noted since watching the show.

Unwilling to give up control. Are you so emotionally invested in your business that you view any criticism or suggestion as a personal rejection of you? Many of these business owners had family members who were partners. The family members had good ideas but the primary business owner was unwilling to give up control.

Business lacked a clear image / brand. When customers see your store front or website, is it immediately clear what you offer? What image does your business project? In every episode the business owners had failed to develop a clear brand. It was not the business idea that was bad but its presentation.

Failure to consider your target market. I recently worked with a client on a website redesign as part of an overall re-branding effort. The site did not at all reflect his target market. He knew that the site was not working but when asked about the choices he remarked, “I chose stuff that I like.” The problem however is that the colors and images he liked were completely out of sync with his target market.

No Marketing. Retail shop owners had failed to engage even their local communities. Do not assume that your market knows you exist and will find you. Whether you have a brick and mortar business or virtual store, you must market. If marketing is not your strength hire expert help. Buy consulting time to assess your needs and develop a plan, but do something or your business will die.

You lack a clear image. Are you reflecting confidence in your own business? Have you made the transition from hobbyist to business owner? Does your appearance and demeanor reflect the image you want to project? Step up to your role and own it.

To run a successful business you don’t have to have all the answers but you do need to be willing to seek them out. Technology has made it easier than ever to tap into expert knowledge and resources. With a little help you can move your business to the next level.

Do any of these issues resonate with you? If you’re a business owner what have you done to work through your roadblocks? For non-business owners, what do you wish businesses would do differently or better?

Thank you so much for reading! Subscribe to keep up with the latest posts and feel free to spread the word!Get free updates via RSS or email.

Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Inspiration for Business, Marketing | 9 Comments

At Last

January 21, 2009

: Image via Wikipedia

Written by Karen D. Swim

Last night, U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama danced their first dance to the song At Last (originally recorded by Etta James). The song was recorded in 1961, four years before the National Voting Rights act was signed. Nearly a century later it has a new place in our history, marking yet another milestone in our country.

I have always loved this song but as I listened to it this morning I wondered, how many woke up this morning in anticipation of their own “At Last?” How many are still in the struggle for what sometimes may seem a far off battle? How many desperately want to celebrate their own At Last?

President Obama symbolized the culmination of a long fought battle for many Americans but as he pointed out the sacrifices of generations paved the way to that moment. As he stood in the national spotlight yesterday, he did it standing on the shoulders of so many who struggled, fought, sacrificed and most importantly believed there would be an “At Last.”

Your own moment may not be 50 years in the making but I urge you today to proudly stand upon the shoulders of those that have gone before you, and to link arms with those around you who will help you make it to your moment in the sun. It begins with belief and continues with action and yes, often sacrifice but this song can be your anthem too.

Are you working toward your own “At Last?” What keeps you motivated not to give up? Have you already arrived, and if so, have any tips to share?

Resources:

Voting Rights Act

Etta James Video

Thank you so much for reading! Subscribe to keep up with the latest posts and feel free to spread the word!Get free updates via RSS or email.

Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Inspiration for Business, Inspiration for Life | 10 Comments

This Day In History

January 20, 2009

: Image by BL1961 via Flickr

Written by Karen D. Swim

Today in the United States we will swear in our 44th President, and the first African American to hold the job. Whatever your political beliefs, this historical moment will be part of our shared history.

In a country with an ugly history of racism, we have crossed yet another milestone that distances us from our segregated past. We remain a country with flaws and divisions but today there is hope that there is no wound too large to heal.

This is also the first Presidential Inauguration where social media will have a starring role. As tweets are typed and photos are shared we are putting aside our differences for the day to share in this moment of celebration.

In my own family, there has been excitement mixed with moments of silent awe. Yes, we have come this far.

I am thankful for those who dared to hope and worked to make those hopes a reality. My own hope is that we will continue to have audacious hope and work together to attain things we thought never possible.

How do you feel about this day? Will you be watching the Inauguration live or via television?

Resources

Thank you so much for reading! Subscribe to keep up with the latest posts and feel free to spread the word!Get free updates via RSS or email.

Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Insights | 15 Comments

The Myth of Magic Fairies

January 19, 2009

: Image via Wikipedia

Written by Karen D. Swim
If you do nothing, nothing will happen. It is such a simple truth yet one that we persist in trying to prove wrong. We whine about our jobs, but will not do anything to change our situation. We want more from our business but do nothing to make it happen. I suppose magic fairies could make all our dreams come true but is that really the life strategy you want to employ?

I get it, I really do. Doing is sometimes scary (ask me about the nausea I felt at releasing my first info product) but doing nothing should have you quaking in your boots.

You see the funny thing about doing something is that sometimes magic does happen but it favors the prepared. What’s the purpose of faith if you never put it in action. What good are dreams when you never make plans to make them happen?

There have been many times in my own life when I’ve needed a little nudge (or heave) to take that first step. Today, it’s your turn. Do something, you may be surprised at how much better it feels than doing nothing at all.

Thank you so much for reading! Subscribe to keep up with the latest posts and feel free to spread the word!Get free updates via RSS or email.

Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Insights, Inspiration | 16 Comments

What I Learned From Crying on My Blog

January 16, 2009

: Image by Cayusa via Flickr

Written by Karen D. Swim

I pierced the veil of secrecy and shame daring to reveal a heart filled with pain
Silencing voices in my head, moving past fear and dread
Like a swiftly moving current support rolled in, as I was enveloped in a cocoon of love by my friends.

Yes Virginia, there is a person behind the avatar. A beating heart, a living being that will respond when you reveal that you too are human. On Tuesday, I was joyfully reminded that technology is not a barrier to connection but a conduit that allows us to create friendships and communities in spite of the miles.

With the potential we possess to truly develop relationships and build communities, I wonder why there persists a tendency to do the opposite. We have a bevy of social media tools that invite conversation and sharing yet many dehumanize the process with a focus on metrics and statistics. In fact, just today Steve Woodruff thoughtfully remarked in a tweet:

“How I built a Twitter network of __ in _ days.” Sheesh. How about, how to build relationships and add value over the long-term??

To that I say, Amen! I read articles, posts and tweets on how to build subscriber numbers, how to drive traffic to your website and how to build an empire on a social media network, but are we missing the true value of developing relationships with real people?

Tuesday reinforced my own personal belief that doing business on the internet does not have to be impersonal. Your friendship and support not only made the difference in a tough week but validated my stand that authenticity and transparency are more than trendy buzzwords of the day.

When you focus on humanity, on connecting honestly and openly it is not detrimental to your professional brand or business but an opportunity to truly build long term value and have deeper engagements with people.

As a human being, I am thankful that no matter where I am I can reach out to a community courtesy of the interwebs. As a marketer, I am excited at forming and teaching others to go beyond one-way marketing messages and develop relationships with the people who are at the other end of that connection.

It is time to shed the decades old corporate assertion that doing business is “swimming with sharks.” We do business with people, not numbers to be manipulated into clicking our junk and buying our stuff. Instead of screaming to be heard, quietly listen and allow those human beings to tell you what they want and need. You may be pleasantly surprised at just how pleasant business becomes when you make it personal.

What are your thoughts? Feel free to share in the comments, discussion is gratefully welcomed here!

Thank you so much for reading! Subscribe to keep up with the latest posts and feel free to spread the word!Get free updates via RSS or email.

Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Marketing, Social Media | 25 Comments

Blue Days

January 13, 2009

: Image by santacrewsgirl via Flickr

Written by Karen D. Swim

I am sad today. Even as I type that I wonder if this post will get published. After all, I could simply skip posting today and no one would be the wiser, right? I’m not big on public confessions or pity parties. I like to work through it and move on. So, I could be silent as I normally am, but I know myself too well, this will get published in it’s rambling, unedited honesty. I would feel like a fake and liar if I did not share with you this moment when I have so willingly shared so many others.

The sadness washed over me with the morning light. My legs felt heavier when I rose from the bed. It was expected in a way but so completely unexpected that I was not quite prepared for it. Then again, can you really prepare for sadness? You see today would have been my husband’s 51st birthday. There have been many birthdays since his passing but for some reason on this one I am melancholy.

Perhaps it is my own 45th birthday 4 days away that has made me vulnerable to reflective moments. I don’t know and I’m not even sure that I want to analyze it or figure it out. I do know that grief is a funny thing. It is not something that you start and finish. Like the tide it flows out and may be gone for years and then one day it rises and you may find yourself pulled under by its force. It may last a moment or a day and then as quickly as it came it is gone.

At first I did not realize why I was sad. I thought I was tired or just needed water. But as the grey fog persisted, I knew. My secret is out, I’m human. I hate being confronted with that reality but it’s true.

I have been here before and I know that it’s possible by the time this is published, I’ll be okay again. But then again, I may not be and that is okay too. And because I always like to have a point, I guess my point today is “feel what you need to feel when you need to feel it.” Okay, so it’s not an eloquent point but it is a point. Seriously, these blue moments remind me of my capacity to love another human being. The grey makes me appreciate the sunshine. Even as I shed a tear over what is lost, my heart sings in gratitude for all that I have now and all that is to come.

Sometimes the only way to get through is by acknowledging where you are in this moment. I could allow shame to prevent me from admitting a weakness but I’d much rather be true to you and myself and admit, today I need a little help.

Thank you so much for reading! Subscribe to keep up with the latest posts and feel free to spread the word!Get free updates via RSS or email.

Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Inspiration for Life | 40 Comments

Close Encounters with the Dark and Scary

January 12, 2009

: Image by monsieurlam via Flickr

Written by Karen D. Swim

For the past week I have been working on a low cost information product for job seekers. I have ghostwritten two books and a manual on career marketing and management for clients, in addition to my own work in the field. I have spent four years successfuly helping job seekers search for and obtain new positions. I have coached clients on interviewing and salary negotiation and have written hundreds of high impact resumes and bios. Yet, with 65% of my product complete, I was gripped with doubt.

I was sitting at my desk working away. It was Saturday and I had chosen to work because I was excited about the product. I had it on my 2008 list and kept pushing it aside but here I was finally doing it. It was snowing outside and the perfect day to write. The peaceful silence was interrupted by an old familiar voice, “What if this is a big flop?” My stomach quivered as I considered the question. “Oh god, what if it is a flop, I’ll be a total failure and everyone will know, what am I thinking, I’m not as smart as…”My thoughts raced ahead to me being the BIG FAT LAUGHING STOCK of the internet. People would tweet about my failure and the virtual tomatoes would fly in my direction.

The voice taunted me, telling me I wasn’t smart enough, good enough or ready enough to complete this project. My shoulders began to sag as the joy dissipated from my heart. It was then another voice, softer but bolder declared, “And?’ One word but the meaning was crystal clear, “and so what?” I straightened my shoulders and listened to that voice.

I could try and possibly fail or never try and fail for sure.

We are all vulnerable to moments of self doubt. In less than 10 minutes I had gone from a happy, reasonably confident woman to a quivering mass of insecurity. This time I had stared fear in the face but I am ashamed to admit that at other times fear has been the victor.

If you are 100% comfortable and confident you are probably not taking a risk. Taking on new challenges, stepping outside of our “tried and true” is scary. Too often we allow fear to direct our footsteps. Yes, there are times that danger is ahead, but that voice is a confident voice of warning not a voice of self-doubt and negative self talk.

Instead of waiting for fear to leave, invite it on the journey. Let faith drive the car and shove fear in the back seat, or better yet, leave it by the side of the road.

As for me, I am scared but I am also excited. I might blow it big time but there’s also the chance that I might get it right. Of course there are people who know more than me, but if I wait to be the smartest, fastest, or best I’ll die never having tried, and I have decided that would be a far greater tragedy than failing.

How do you overcome fear? Have you ever allowed fear to prevent you from doing something you really wanted?