How To Be More Productive By Developing Your Skills

Developing your skills has excellent benefits. It increases employment opportunities, career development, and personal growth. And it is possible to work on your skills at any time in your career. All you have to do is know the why you want to improve, what is going to come out of it and how are you going to do it. Are you ready to develop your skills?

I have developed a consistent habit of improving my skills. Every time I learn a new skill I get the chance to grow. It’s all about growth and increasing my knowledge in my industry. When I realized that most skills transfer into opportunities, I decided never to stop learning. When I started my journey and wanted to become a better public speaker, I joined my local Toastmasters club and discovered the benefit of investing in myself to become a better speaker.

Why do you want to develop new skills? These are some of the benefits; employers appreciate applicants who are willing to learn new skills, you’ll feel more confident at work or during interviews, you build a stronger resume. Not sure what type of skills to develop? Below is a short list of ideas to get you started, let’s explore what skills you can develop:

• Sales & Marketing
• Public Speaking
• Self Confidence
• Leadership & Management
• Attention to detail
• Decision making & problem-solving
• Analytical & research

Now we can dive deep and explore how to start developing your skills.

1. Self Assessment
It's time to analyze what skills will move you forward in your career. Are you in sales and need to give presentations? To improve your presentations skills you can look into developing your public speaking skills. Also, you can include sales techniques to help you close more deals in your sales presentations. It doesn’t matter what type of profession you are in, what matters is how well are you doing it and know when you need improvement.

2. Motivation
Do you know that feeling when your subconscious mind lights up with excitement? Did it motivate you? Then take the time to explore more opportunities to help you learn more about the subject. Don’t second guess that emotion, remember if you are motivated, you can master it.

3. Process
You will succeed when you realize that this is a lifelong process, it's not a one time deal; when you create habits to continually grow and learn new skills, you will become confident, empowered and productive in everything you decide to do.

4. Seek Training
Attend workshops, webinars and watch youtube channels that will help you. You can also build with on the job activities, take on new tasks, start shadowing individuals at work and implement job rotations. There are many ways to stay informed and learn new skills. Take action today and get started.

5. Network
Start interacting with others, find a mentor or become a mentor. Work with a coach to help you identify new skills. Attend industry-specific network events to meet new people. The possibilities are endless when you start meeting people.

In summary, make sure you are moving forward and not getting stuck. Start today developing your skills and start increasing your quality of work and productivity. Always have the goal of adding value to your organization. For a career coaching chat contact me today.

Until next week,

Coach Barb

Certified Career Coach

What would be possible in your career if you developed your skills?

How To Choose A New Career That Will Improve Your Life

Do you ever wonder why you chose your career? Many of you pick jobs as they come or you work because you just need to provide for your families. But, are you happy? You are living one life, and you should do everything possible to do what makes you happy. It is time to know how to choose the career that has the right balance; it excites you and you get to provide for your family.

I have to admit, I have always loved my career working in the staffing industry. The most significant joy I ever felt was when I helped prominent organizations identify the right employee to get the job done. And, to help the employee find the right company and hear the words, “you’re hired.” That in itself was fulfilling and gratifying. I am now doing something even more satisfying; I am providing career coaching for those that need that extra push to get to their next level in their career. I will always do what makes me happy because that’s where I find growth.

How do you know what career to choose? Below you will find what has helped me throughout my journey. Hope it helps you identify your career of choice.

1. Assessment
What do you like? The way to identify what you want is to look at your surroundings and your habits. For example, examine your past activities, your skills, classes that you have taken in the past. Make a list of things that you find fascinating. The next time you browse the internet, take note of the blogs and articles that you like to read. What are your hobbies? Everything counts, the purpose of this exercise is to get you closer to the activity that puts that burning desire into play. Make a list; it doesn’t matter how long and pick the top five.

2. Research
After taking note and choosing your top five skills, start researching each topic. Talk to different people that you know are already doing what you like. Study, practice and learn as much as you can on the desired subject. The point of this exercise is for you to start doing and thinking more about the work that you will be doing.

3. Goals
Now it’s time to set some goals. When do you want to start? Have a plan and start working towards your plan. It is important for you to start visualizing yourself doing what you are about to do. Remember it doesn’t matter what it is, what matters is that it excites you to the point of accomplishing your desired goal.

4. Action
Take the time to make it happen. Set up interviews, start your blog or start recording your videos. It’s time to take action. If it requires an interview, is your resume ready? Work on whatever task at hand. Every Time you do something, it will get you closer to your desired career.

5. Environment
Make sure you know what’s your ideal work environment. Every aspect of your career counts. Do you like working in a team environment? Do you like working on your own? Everything has to match, and everything is important. The more precise you are, the better you will feel when you start your new career.

In summary, keep on moving forward and accept the consequences, if you fail at your attempt own it and move on. Don’t be afraid to try something new, besides this is your life, might as well work where you are excited and happy. There is no need to be stressed and miserable. For a Career Transformation Chat contact me.

Until next week,
Coach Barb
Certified Career Coach



What would be possible in your life if you worked in a career that excites you?

Know How To Make Your Career Move With Confidence

Work can be overwhelming, you feel unappreciated, and you want to quit. But, is it right for you? Sometimes all you need is to shift how you are seeing things and tackle your work differently. Let’s face it; the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. However, if you have done your homework and you are ready to make a move, make sure to have all of your ducks in a row.

I took the plunge, and I resigned to explore new options. But, I can share with you that it didn’t happen overnight and I did have it all planned out before I made a move. It wasn’t that I didn’t love my job I liked dealing with people, I loved the business but something was missing, I wanted something more. And I was fortunate enough that I was able to do what I always wanted to do. Create my career as a Coach.

Are you planning on opening up your own business? Know the risks working for yourself and starting your own business, and going solo is not for everyone. But, if it’s right for you the rewards in inner satisfaction, self-esteem and autonomy can outweigh any obstacles you might encounter.

Below I will share with you what worked for me when I decided that I wanted a career change. Hopefully, it will work for you. But, always keep in mind that it if you are looking to move into a different more supportive situation, make sure you do your homework first.

The Why
Know the reason you want to make the big move. Is it financial freedom, more time on your handsor enjoying what you do every day for the rest of your life. As long as your why is clear, then you are headed in the right direction.

Have A Plan
Know your numbers. How much do you need to sustain yourself when you make the plunge? I saved and invested money in supporting myself for at least minimum three years. I just have to work towards creating and building what I started doing, and because I had a plan, things are falling into place. My vision, my passion, and my goals matched. That made it easier to create and plan.

Follow Advice
Find a mentor. Study those that have already done what you want to do. Ask questions, and make sure you have a healthy support system. Are surrounded by people that do not understand whatyou are planning on doing? Then you do not share with them any details. Think of it as behind the scenes production. Work towards your goal and make sure to follow the advice of the person that has already done what you want to do and has the best interest for you.

Imagine The Process

Visualize your end game. What does it feel like? What are you doing? These questions built inside your mind allows you to move towards your outcome. Visualizing is the part of the process that keeps you motivated, always imagine what the process looks like and you will work towards it with stamina and excitement.

Patience
It takes time. Nothing comes fast if you are willing to make a change you have to take it step by step. Always keep asking, what is my next step? And follow through, don’t give up and still keep moving forward. This is a game for life, not just for this year. Stay committed and have patience.

Secure Expenses
Like I mentioned before, you can’t do this without your financial backup. If you find yourself that you are not financially ready, then your work is to figure out a way to have your expenses secured for the following years to come.

Silent Mantra
Stay connected with your inner guide. Meditation helps with the anxiety, the feeling of being overwhelmed in your current situation. Do breathing exercises and condition your body for greatness. Silently work for your wellbeing and create your mantra that will help you stay focused on the task at hand. Something as simple as “I can do this” helps.

In summary, there is no set formula or easy answer, but if you are well balanced emotionally, spiritually and financially things will turn out better than you have ever expected. Just know that if you do decide to quit understand that this is a significant life decision. Always have a plan and don’t forget to work your plan.


Until next week,
Coach Barb
Certified Career Coach


What would be possible in your life if you work doing what you love?

How To Not Procrastinate And Accomplish More

Poor organization leads to procrastination. If you find yourself avoiding a task most probably, it is a task that you find unpleasant. “Procrastination refers to the voluntary postponement of an unpleasant task, often against one’s better judgment.” (Steel, 2007) Do you consider yourself a procrastinator? Here is some good news for you, there are ways to overcome it, let’s explore them today.

I’m guilty; I had to work extra hard to overcome procrastination. I have learned several hacks that lead me to the finish line. There is nothing that I love more than feeling accomplished, and by figuring out how to deal with unpleasant and pleasant tasks, has made a world of difference in my life.

Organized people successfully overcome it because they use prioritized to-do lists and create schedules. These tools help you to organize your tasks by priority and deadline. Even if you are organized, you can still feel overwhelmed. Ask yourself this question, why do I procrastinate? Below you will find five reasons you might be delaying.

• Absence Of Structure
• Unpleasant Task
• Timing
• Anxiety
• Weak Self Confidence

Now let’s take a look at how to take action to stop the insanity of procrastination:

1. Chunks Of Time
How are you scheduling your tasks? I have found that taking parts of time and allocating tasks together has worked well for me. For instance, after my morning routine I have my first section of tasks, and on it, I put all the must do for the day together, for example, my editing and my writing. I have a total of four sections throughout the day, and it takes me roughly the entire day to complete all of my tasks. If you prioritize and put everything in chunks things will look more manageable to you.

2. Get The Difficult Task Out Of The Way
Like I mentioned before, getting the most difficult task out of the way first makes room for other projects that pop up at the last minute. Like that you know that it's complete and you can move on with ease.

3. Small Breaks In Between
Divide your chunks into parts, for example, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Always take about ten-minute breaks in between tasks, which helps you stay focused and alert to the task at hand.

4. Stay Focused With A Whiteboard
Interruptions will come your way, and the way to stay focused is to have your tasks in front of you all day. When that phone call comes in, or your coworker comes in with a question, that will interfere with your flow, but if you have your tasks in front of you, you can quickly see where you left off and continue.

5. Reward Yourself
Celebrate both small and big wins. When you feel that you accomplished something great, celebrate it doesn’t matter what the success is, trust yourself and keep yourself happy. That allows a positive environment, and it helps with your productivity.

In summary, it doesn’t help you or your organization when you procrastinate. Take a good look at how you are dealing with all of your tasks and always make it a habit to get things done. Take action. For a free 15 minutes, Career Coaching Chat contact me today. Have a fantastic week.




What do you do to stay on track with your tasks?

5 Tips On How To Be More Proactive At Work

In business, it is essential to choose your tasks wisely. How many times do you end up doing busy work and not get ahead? It’s because you are spending your time doing things that don’t matter. Learn how to identify your next step to get to where you want to go. What is your desired outcome? Today I will share with you how you can make the right decisions to stay on track.

I remember when I would get a call from an upset client, I would listen to the complaint before it became a more significant problem. I always would find a way to get a solution. I would prepare before visiting a client, before sending out a candidate to work. The worst thing to do is to leave things for the last minute, and that's when you start reacting when situations don’t turn out the way you expected.

How can you plan for such situations? I can tell you that if you don’t figure it out, you can expect to lose customers, have low employee morale and high turnover. Why is being proactive important? Because you get a greater sense of control, you reduce crisis and have a better-controlled schedule. Below I will share with you how to get from reactive to proactive and see your return on investment.

1. Prepare
How many times have you gone to a meeting and failed to prepare? It takes work to gather documents, notes, and information for the meeting. But, if you walk in thinking that you can wing it, that’s when you will get called on and you will not know the numbers for the previous quarter. Take the time to prepare and you won't have to react to anything that comes your way.

2. Create A Weekly Plan
Know what needs to be done the following week. Who are you going to call? Why are you calling? When are you going to call? Take the time to plan out your week the week before. It helps you stay organized, and you will accomplish your goals.

3. Document Progress
Have a notebook with you at all times. Write down what’s working and what’s not working. Every Sunday I sit down and write out my analysis for the prior week. What I accomplished and what didn’t work. I continually revise and celebrate all of my wins. Try it.

4. Manage Risks
Know what needs to be adjusted so that your risks are minimal. You don’t want a disaster to happen, if you have an employee that is causing you problems, take care of it right away. Don’t think that it will get better, it never does. Manage your risks.

5. Manage Your Team Monthly
How are your employees producing? Are they meeting their goals? Make sure to meet with each team member to know how to make the following month better. Keep a dynamic team environment, and you won’t run the risk of reacting to unexpected things coming up.

In summary, a stressful environment is usually a sign that you and your team are being reactive rather than proactive. Stay on track and keep preparing to be the best leader.


Until next week,

Coach Barb

Certified Career Coach


What would be possible if your team was proactive?