I read an article recently in Entrepreneur magazine on working from home or running a business from home, and found it interesting how this can end up being a most productive or most destructive situation.

Obviously, if you end up working 24/7 from home, you will self-destruct and, in the long run, not accomplish much at all. So, how do you make this a productive situation? Structure, organization, and discipline are the key ingredients to making this situation work for you.

First, determine if you are self-disciplined enough to work from home or run a business from your home. Ask yourself if you are organized, self-directed, a good communicator, enjoy working alone, and in a quiet place. And, be honest. If you like to collaborate with others in person, enjoy feedback and creative discussion, and the buzz of an office, you shouldn't be looking to isolate yourself at home.

If you have passed this first test, and are convinced this working arrangement is for you, then you need to get organized about setting up a home office, and putting some structure into how you work from home. Try to find a place in your home that will work for you. You don't necessarily need a separate room with a door that closes out any distractions. But it helps! Working in your kitchen can be fraught with distractions.

Next, you will need to create a system to keep you on task. Here are a couple of tips:

·      Set up scheduled hours. And, stick to them!

·      Plan in logical breaks (to stretch your legs, have lunch, etc.).

·      Keep a daily ritual (what you do before, during, and after work).

·      Manage your time well, because you won't have a boss to do this.

·      Prioritize, and then be flexible as work conditions change.

You can make working from home work for you if you are honest with yourself, organized, and flexible. Good luck!

Balancing Starting a Business Can Be Done!

Starting a business can be overwhelming in terms of time, energy, and commitment. So, is it at all possible to maintain a healthy work-life balance while you’re doing this? Well, it is possible, and, if you want your business and yourself to be healthy and prosperous, it is essential to maintain such a balance.

To accomplish this, you first need to define what a healthy work-life balance means to you before you start your business. You must decide how much time to set aside for work, and how much time to set aside for your family life and activities outside of work. You also must set your boundaries. Decide how many hours you will work each day, and then leave your work at work, and not bring it “home”—even if you’re launching your business from home.

It’s also important to define your ideal client. You must avoid clients you don’t want to work with or who will zap your energy and aren’t worth pursuing. And, you should decide where you need help that might alleviate the amount of time and energy you put into your business. Some areas to consider might be financial bookkeeping, technical support, or virtual support.

Here are a few more tips:

·      Communicate your work-life goals to your inner circle.

·      Hire great people to work with you.

·      Make your family a priority.

·      Take your scheduled time off.

·      Do something daily to help yourself relax.

·      Get a good night’s sleep.

·      Learn to say “no.”

Once you have your plan in place, your work schedule and skills will be better utilized, and your time for yourself and your family will be more consistent and enjoyable. And, this balance will help you to be better at your business, be positive about your endeavors, and be successful at work and at home. Good luck!

The start of each year marks a time of new resolutions for many of us. Losing weight, more exercise, or saving money for a trip are common vows. But, this also is the time to do something for yourself that will help you for the rest of the year.

This is the best time to take a step back and make sure you have set your career and life goals for the remainder of the year. Goal setting is a crucial exercise for career reinvention, your job search, and personal branding. Yet, many of us don’t set career or life goals.

Goal setting is important because it helps you clarify what you want, identify what distractions might be blocking your success, motivate you, and leads to success, increased income, and greater career/life happiness.

Here are 10 steps to help you set your goals:

1. Create a list of what you want to accomplish in your life.

Write down everything you want to accomplish in the next 10 years. Be sure to include goals for your career, education, professional development, community service, family activities, general health, and financial commitments.

2. Prioritize your goals by time frame.

Go back to the list you just created and break the goals into three smaller time frames—the next 12 months (short term), two to five years (medium term), and six to 10 years (longer term). This will help you focus on your most important and timely, short-term goals.

3. Rewrite your short-term goals in SMART goal format.

SMART goals are specific, stating what you are trying to accomplish and why. They are measurable, stating how you will measure progress. And, they must be attainable, relevant, realistic, and timely.

4. Put your goals in obvious places, and review them daily.

This will become a daily reminder of what you are trying to accomplish. Spend a minute every day in front of your list of goals and read them to yourself. Review your goals regularly and revise them if you reach them too easily, or if they are too difficult.

5. Identify the obstacles to achieving your goals.

What will get in the way of you achieving your goals? Often, it is a factor that is internally focused. Ask yourself: What is that limiting factor for you? And, what within yourself is holding you back?

6. Identify the knowledge, skills, and competencies you need to achieve your goals.

Identify what one skill, if you developed it, would have the greatest impact on your life or career. Begin working each day on the one skill, if you developed it and did it consistently, that would help you achieve your most important goal.

7. Identify the support team you need to achieve your goals.

To achieve big goals, you will need the help and support of many people. Identify the family members, work colleagues, and mentors you will need. You also could include your coach, an industry consultant, and professional associates.

8. Celebrate Successes.

Take the time to enjoy the satisfaction of having reached a goal. Treat yourself to something to mark the accomplishment. You do not have to spend a lot of money. Relishing your successes will help boost your confidence.

9. Organize your 12-month goals into smaller steps.

The more detailed you can be in outlining your activities, the more you will accomplish in less time. Plan the next 12 months, month by month. For each month, list two or three activities that you must accomplish that would have the most profound impact on the bigger picture.

10. Take action every day.

Lots of baby steps add up to big goals. If you are having a very busy week at work, don’t beat yourself up. Just try to do one little thing each day that will keep the momentum going and keep you moving forward.

One of the great benefits of my job, is to watch individuals as they go through the various (and sometimes painful) stages of career change and evolve into a new person. Over the last year, I have had the pleasure to work with Heather Poduska, whose previous life was as a successful opera singer in Boston, where she sang with the Boston Lyric Opera. After many months of working together, Heather has now launched a business as an image consultant where she is able to combine her skills in professional presence, creativity, marketing and helping others. Heather was kind enough to author an article for my blog.

Why is image so important in a job interview? 

Well, let me put it this way, if you walk into a hair salon and the person cutting your hair does not have an attractive, clean, hair style do you feel confident they will give you an attractive hairstyle?  They may be the most talented stylist in the salon, but you would never know by their appearance.  Perhaps they were up all night with a sick child and did not have a chance to style their hair.  Maybe their hot water heater broke suddenly and they couldn’t take a shower that morning.  But you don’t know that.  All you see is someone who is about to cut your hair and they look a mess.  The same is true in any business.  You may be the most talented lawyer, marketing executive, bio-engineer, publisher, but if you don’t look professional, the first impression may be that you are not competent.

Ok, I understand that I am supposed to look professional, but what does that mean? 

First of all, make sure that you are groomed properly!  Are you clean?  Are your clothes clean, pressed and in good condition?  Are your shoes without scuffs?   Is your hair cut maintained and in an up-to-date style?  Are your nails manicured?  Ladies, please no long nails or bright nail polish colors.  Men, are you clean shaven or is your beard and mustache groomed?  This checklist may seem obvious, but many people often neglect even basic grooming and wonder why they are not getting the response they desire.  You are kidding yourself if you think are people are not noticing your wrinkled shirt or your ragged cuticles.

After you have covered the basics, I suggest you do some research into your chosen field.  What are the dress codes that are spoken and unspoken?   If you want to work at a hip and trendy gallery and you show up in a suit, it will make just as bad an impression as if you show up to a corporate interview in a colorful, relaxed outfit.   Do you know any one working in your desired field?  Ask what people usually wear.  Better yet, do some re-con and sit outside a place of work in which you are interested and watch people come and go at lunch time.  Or, go to a busy lunch place where people in your industry eat and see how they are dressed.  You will begin to get a sense of the level of dress required.   I would suggest, however, you stick to the most conservative edge of whatever field you are in for your first interview. 

What are some things I can do to make myself stand out from the pack?  

In my opinion, the best thing you can do is to get yourself a great haircut.  Hair is probably the most dramatic tool you have for creating a specific look.  Let your hairdresser know how conservative your field is, or is not and then ask for advice on an appropriate, yet modern style.  If your field is more creative you can be more adventurous with your style.  However, even in a very conservative environment you still want to look modern and up to date.  No fuddy-duddy hair! 

I also think color and accessories are great tools for creating interest and individuality when dressing.  Even if your industry demands you wear a dark suit, you can stand out by putting a brightly colored shirt underneath.  This season plum seems to be a hot color.  A plum satin shirt under a black suit can look stunning.  If you are fair you might try a softer version like a lilac color and then add plum accents with a necklace or broach. 

Lastly, remember your cases, bags and portfolios.  You could look great head to toe and then pull out a sloppy or scuffed attache case.  Instead, use this opportunity to top off your polished look with the best quality brief case and portfolio you can afford.  If you are in a creative field you could choose an interesting color.  If you are in a conservative field make sure your bags are neutral dark colors, preferably in a high quality leather.  Make sure all bags and portfolios are in perfect condition.

Any last suggestions?

If you follow these simple steps you will be well on your way to making a great first impression at your interview.  Remember, however, that your best accessory is your smile.   Interviews are not comfortable for anyone and that includes the interviewer.  A great smile will help put everyone at ease and can only help to accentuate your great style!

Boundary Setting Helps Reduce Stress!

In my coaching with clients, I notice that many of them are overwhelmed and overworked, especially in this economy. In my own work with Sharon Teitelbaum, I have learned that one of the most powerful things time-starved, crazy-busy people can do for themselves is to strengthen their boundary-setting skills.  It offers a big bang for the buck, in my experience. 

Here are a few of Sharon’s tips for setting boundaries:

Don't be an Automatic Helper. 

§  Before jumping in or committing to help, ask yourself these questions:

o   Do I have the necessary resources available (time, money, focus, attention) to help in this situation?

§  What other commitments of mine will take a hit (be postponed or taken off the list entirely) if I take on this new one? 

§  What will I have to say "no" to in order to say "yes" to helping out here?

§  Based on your answers to these questions, make a conscious decision.

Practice saying this line out loud: "Let me think about this and get back to you." 

Feeling guilty doesn't necessarily mean you're doing anything wrong. 

§  Sometimes it means you're doing something different and that feels uncomfortable.

If you'd like to hear more ideas about how and when to set appropriate boundaries, consider attending Sharon’ teleconference on boundary setting on Thursday October 22^nd at 1:00 pm Eastern.

Registration Link:

https://ssl.webvalence.com/ecommerce/kiosk.lasso?merchant=STCoach&kiosk=teleclasses&class=Oct22TC

If you are interested in learning how to set boundaries in a way that is comfortable for you, I would suggest participating in this teleclass. I did myself last year and found it VERY helpful.

The Professional Woman's Guide to Setting Boundaries

A Teleconference, led by Sharon Teitelbaum

As a coach for professional women since 1995, I have seen a great need for coaching on how to set strong boundaries, a survival skill that is (alas) not taught in school.

This teleclass offers a framework for understanding why boundaries are a critical ingredient to your work and personal success.

We'll look at:

--> some of the classic themes and issues underlying women's often-ambivalent attitudes toward setting boundaries 

--> the ineffective behaviors that can result

We'll also explore:

--> typical situations that call for drawing a line in the sand

--> how to effectively articulate your boundaries 

--> how to deal with the guilt.

There will be time for questions, so please bring yours!

Registration Link:

https://ssl.webvalence.com/ecommerce/kiosk.lasso?merchant=STCoach&kiosk=teleclasses&class=Oct22TC

After you register, you'll receive the phone number to dial into the teleconference in a confirmation email message. US long distance charges will apply when you make the call. If you don't receive your confirmation email, please contact Sharon@stcoach.com

https://ssl.webvalence.com/ecommerce/kiosk.lasso?merchant=STCoach&kiosk=teleclasses&class=Oct22TC

New Marketing Trends Report

Let's face it -- the economy today is BRUTAL. The recession is changing the business landscape, driving many companies out of business. Competition has never been this intense. And everyone is reluctant to spend money.

If you are an entrepreneur, are exploring the possibility of starting your own business or simply are looking for a marketing job, you need an edge.

To that end, StartupNation and Website Marketing NOW have announced the publication of their new Marketing Trends Report: Recession, Bankruptcies, and the Explosion of Social Media.

Highlights:

§  The down economy has brought with it a great deal of discounting and price-centric marketing. This leads to commoditization of your products and services. Buck the trend and stand out among your peers. Focus on your differentiators and all the value-add you deliver.

§  There were 156 major bankruptcy filings in the first half of 2009, and this number is expected to be larger in the second half of the year. Monitor your competition using online tools such as Google Alerts, and capitalize on targeted advertising opportunities when competitors go under. When it's a large competitor that falls to bankruptcy, remind their customers how much more flexible and personalized your services are.

§  People don't want to be "sold to" anymore. Learn how leveraging the principles of "Authenticity" can help you grow your business.

§  Twitter usage grew by more than 1,000% over the past year. Are you there, effectively engaging with your audience?

§  Bing is Microsoft's new search engine. Are you prepared to capitalize on the opportunities that Bing will introduce?

See what you need to do next in order to grow your business!

The 29-page Marketing Trends Report is offered as a downloadable PDF file for $10 on the Website Marketing NOW website. Take action. Get the report and increase your sales.

http://www.websitemarketingnow.com/marketing-library/marketing-trends-q3-2009.html

Over the past year, and particularly in the last few months, I have coached many clients and prospects just as they were getting laid off from their jobs. What amazes me the most is how unprepared people are for this situation, despite the fact that layoffs are still continuing at an alarming pace. Getting laid off can be painful and can really set you back for a while, not matter what level you are at or industry you are in. Be patient with yourself and others.

Here are some helpful tips to consider if you are laid off, or someone close to you is.

1.    Take time to process and heal. Being made redundant, due to performance, or a difficult economy can be very upsetting emotionally. Clients are often very angry when they are laid off. Take time to process your anger and resentment, understand that these feelings are normal and don’t jump to any quick career conclusions.

2.    Evaluate your unemployment options. One of the reasons being laid off is so stressful is that you immediately begin to wonder “how am I going to pay the mortgage or pay my kid’s college tuition?”. Call you local unemployment office and request to meet with an intake counselor to determine your unemployment eligibility.

3.    Sort out your health care coverage. If you are the primary earner in your family, gather all the information you can on how to continue your health care coverage. Some states, such as Massachusetts, provide reduced-cost health care for the unemployed. If this is not possible, consider your firm’s COBRA plan. If your spouse is working, perhaps you could evaluate having him/her carry the health care costs.

4.    Sort out your finances and family budget. Figure out where you can cut back. If you have large bills to pay, call your creditors and see if you can negotiate a payment schedule.

5.    Line up your support team. Reach out to your family, friends and other coworkers, who may also have been laid off. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and networking contacts, especially in this economy where networking has proven to be THE way to find a job. If you lack job search and or career reinvention skills, then consider hiring a coach.

6.    Look forward. Remember there is not much you can do about the past. You do however; have total control over the future. Turn your anger, frustration and resentment into motivation. Take action and use this time to re-evaluate and assess what other career options might be available to you.

In June, I wrote a blog post on asking for a raise in this economy. This morning, I read an interesting article in Execunet’s Career Smart Insider again on this topic. I am summarizing below some key points from the article:

1.     Before heading to your boss’ office to ask for a raise, do your homework.  That means knowing what you are worth in the market and comparing your current salary to similar positions at other companies.

2.     Understand were your current salary compares to the mid-point of your salary range.

3.     Know your company’s schedule for performance reviews.

4.     Prepare your “success stories or accomplishments” and have proof of your results and value-add you bring to an employer.

5.     Be flexible and think of other ways your firm can compensate you, in lieu of salary-time off, telecommuting schedule etc.

Find the Right Cultural Fit

Are you a good fit for your next job? You might have all the right skills and a string of accomplishments, but you still might not be the right person. This can be especially true if you are considering a position in the nonprofit sector.

Not everyone is the right cultural fit for a nonprofit. In addition to great skills and successful business experience, you need to like people, have plenty of patience, be willing to work hard, focus on the long-term picture, and always put the organization ahead of yourself if you want to be hired by a nonprofit.

To be a successful candidate for a nonprofit position, you will need to emphasize these attributes, and show significant volunteer and teamwork experience. That’s why getting your feet wet as a nonprofit volunteer is a great first step to see if you like to work in this sector, and this experience will expand your resume and help you determine whether you possess the right cultural fit.

A recent Bridgespan study focused on cultural fit. Although the study emphasized the cultural fit for a nonprofit, the basic premise exists for any job sector. I think you’ll find this Bridgestar article about cultural fit interesting: http://www.bridgestar.org/Resources/Library/Recruit/CultureFit.aspx.

Venture Capital Investment Creates Optimism

For the first time in a year, there might be a glimmer of real hope about the economy—if new venture capital investment numbers can be believed. Both Dow Jones VentureSource and the National Venture Capital Association reported increases in venture capital investments for the second quarter, the first time this has happened in four quarters.

The increases in the last quarter appear to be more modest for New England, but experts predict that our region will continue to rebound. And, analysts reported the health-care industry moved ahead of information technology in terms of dollars invested.

What this means for us is that there are more dollars available now than last winter, and that means more jobs are being created, and more investments are being made into startups and smaller companies. The numbers also mean that if you’re starting up a company in the health-care field, you also might be in line for a shot in the arm.

For more information about these venture capital investment figures, and what it might mean for you and the economy, take a look at this masshightech.com article at http://www.masshightech.com/stories/2009/07/20/weekly10-VC-investment-numbers-bring-a-touch-of-optimism.html.

Why More Baby Boomers Are Rethinking Retirement

Once upon a time, American workers looked forward to the day they turned 65 or 62 and could retire to a quiet, simpler life.

Those days have changed. Now, as the baby boomer generation starts hitting retirement age, they are rethinking the entire retirement options. There are numerous reasons for this. First, and foremost, is financial. Many baby boomers have lost significant amounts of money in the market and in their retirement savings during the economic downturn of the last year.

Another reason has to do with their concern about “What am I going to do with myself?” when they retire. This new generation hits age 60 running, and they are much healthier and think in ways that are much younger and broader than their parents did at the same age.

I have coached several clients around the age of 60–62, who are very concerned about being completely bored during retirement. These individuals have had very successful and rewarding careers up to this point—several were lawyers, another was a very successful high-tech marketing executive.

When they retire at 62 or 65, many of them are still very interested in staying intellectually active and/or pursuing some type of career, at least on a part-time basis. If you consider that people are currently living into their 80s, that leaves a good 20 years of working professional time still available as an option.

So, what can this non-retiring generation do? With entrepreneurship on the rise, this opens many opportunities for baby boomers to open a business or to freelance. This gives them the opportunity to pursue a passion and start a business, which would allow them the flexibility and autonomy to combine work with other leisure activities, normally associated with retirement. I know a former lawyer who retired and then opened a pet-sitting business because pets were his hobby.

Nonprofit work also offers great opportunities to baby boomers when they retire. They could volunteer and work on one or several nonprofit boards. This would still keep them active professionally without tying up all of their time. The same goes for successful business people who have taken early retirement. I have a colleague who was a very successful and well-paid CFO in numerous high-tech startups. After making a lot of money, she took early retirement and now sits on the boards of five companies (She gets paid for this!), and she coaches individuals on how to get, and be successful in, board leadership roles.

If you’re approaching retirement age and pondering several options in a working or volunteer role (anything ranging from working full time in your present position to following your passion), here are five questions to ask yourself first:

1.      What are my financial requirements during retirement?

2.      What is important to me at this point in my life?

3.      What are my interests and passions?

4.      What else would I like to do with my time besides work?

5.      What types of organizations am I passionate about?

Once you have honestly answered these questions, you can determine which options are best for you, and you can start planning what to do for the next chapter of your life.

What to Do Before Starting Your Own Business

As the economy has hit the skids and more people have lost their jobs during the last year, many have started something they never thought they would have the courage to do—launching their own businesses. Tired of sending out hundreds of online resumes and cover letters without getting a nibble, many unemployed workers are asking: “What can I do on my own?”

And, the answer this year for many is to start that business they’ve always dreamed about but never had the courage to make the leap. If you are contemplating starting your own business, there may not be a better time to do it—even if the economy is shaky.

While that sounds like it might be contradictory, it isn’t. Despite the big government bailouts to big business, the economy will get back on its feet on the backs of new small businesses and new entrepreneurs. So, if you are considering being a new entrepreneur, here are five tips to consider before going out on your own:

·        Plan: Think about your financial situation. How can you best use your severance pay, buyout money, paid vacation, and your savings to get you through the initial period of establishing your business? Be realistic about your expenses, and don’t forget to plan to continue your health insurance without a break in coverage.

·        Discover: Now it’s time to find out about the type of business that might interest you. Get on Facebook, LinkedIn and other networking Web sites to make new connections and find out about how other people are running a business in your area of interest.

·        Develop: Once you’ve completed these first two steps, you can now link up with a career coach, a professional mentor, or take a couple of business development classes to sketch out a business plan for your new venture. Keying in on the advice of an experienced career counselor will help you get your business off in the right direction.

·        Research: Next, you should spend time researching the official steps you’ll need to take to get your business up and running. Registering your business name, obtaining the proper licenses and insurance, setting up a business accounting system and checking account all fall into this category. You can get this information from the Small Business Administration, and through classes and Web sites.

·        Market: Now, you need to learn how to best market yourself and your business. You can use networking, volunteering, your coach/mentor, and business classes and seminars to get this information. Writing up a marketing plan, with professional advice, aimed at the right target audience will include everything from a logo and slogan to a Web site.

Takes these steps seriously, and really plan what you want to do and how you will do it is essential. With the proper preparation, you, too, can begin that business that you always dreamed about.