Business
Getting Your Foot in the Door
Simple ways to get that job you want may be easier than you think. It is all about awareness, drive, good attitudes, perseverance, and networking.
1- Think about what you are qualified to do and/or be willing to get trained in! Bone up on your skills asap. Dress appropriately for the appointment.
2- Are you busy making friends and staying personally connected with people? I don’t mean on social media, I mean getting out there and shaking hands kind of relationships.
3- Smile, and be willing to go through the process of applying and interviews.
4- Get your resumes ready and printed. Call and ask people to be your references. Take down addresses and information the typical applications will ask you.
5- If you are on line, be sure to answer the questions you are asked appropriately and completely. Communicate complete thoughts. Don’t barge in asking for “how much” you’ll be making off the starting gate.
6- Be ready if you are refused or not replied to immediately. Keep applying and don’t wait like a lump of coal for action.
7- Don’t apply to places you are NOT QUALIFIED to hold. It is a waste of time for you and the employer.
8- Follow through with drug screening or follow-up interviews.
Put your best foot forward!
9- This sounds silly, but you are not entitled to a job. Be courteous and respectful.
10- Don’t take a job just because a friend is working there. I see this so much with young people. It isn’t to be socializing, but really committed to doing a good job. This person has jeans on, but they are not what one would wear for an interview. BEWARE!
11- If you are luck to get a job don’t start out by looking for the easy way to do it. Listen, follow instructions, and be a responsible worker.
12- Congratulations when you land the position you want. Let it be good for you and the owner.
“Delight in Living” for the opportunity to freely select your opportunities.
Where Do I Start?
Have you ever experienced that the simplest task turns out to be so hard? It can be cleaning out a drawer, responding to an email, or typing up an agreement. It is that same feeling students get when they are taking a multiple answer or True/False test. All the exceptions in our head pop up and it makes the answer harder than it needs to be!
Well we all face that every day in making decisions. Learning to be intent, concentrating on specific outcomes, and being realistic take time to develop. We need to take self-control and discipline ourselves. A major shortcut to doing this in by developing rituals, following systems, and creating new habits.
So let’s take rituals to begin with as an example in making decisions. In school, we may start our day with the Pledge of Allegiance or a song? Maybe in a parochial school, prayer begins the day. In churches, people may all rise and greet each other to start the service. At meetings, a gavel or bell may call everyone to attention. Rituals are defined as a series of actions or type of behavior regularly and invariably followed by someone. Rituals create chances for being fluid and learning easier.
Next we might create systems and follow them. Systems are step-by-step procedures created for clarity and completeness. When a system is followed well, anyone can follow and do it and the outcome should be the same. When things are deviated from a system, the results are less efficient and incomplete.
There is a simple way of creating new habits. It means however, one must create your own steps for doing something well. It may mean cutting out processed sweets and pastries with the intention of having a piece of fruit instead. It could mean answering all calls with the same greeting. Or as I have had to do in the last day, locking my car door in a different manner, so I don’t set the alarm off. Each thing requires a new habit to replace a previous one.
Setting realistic goals helps us feel accomplished and helps us discern the answer to living a wonderful and productive lifestyle. A lifestyle we are proud of and feel happy about each and every day.
Our animals learn rituals and live by them. We also teach them systems. Have you noticed they know how each person in the house responds differently toward them? My dog knows what I am about to do, before I even do, on many occasions. She lays down and waits. Opportunities for me to teach her new things are always around the bend. And habits make them eas
y to train. It makes us our lives filled with opportunities of growth too.
So think about what you want to accomplish and use these ways to make life easier. You’ll jump right into projects and get so much accomplished. Is that something your need to do? What are the things holding you back? Are these good things to consider?
Blessings for your day. Delight in Living!
Do You Ignore Signs?
A red light turned on in the vaporizer last week. It is usually green and stays light. It began to flicker and then stay on red, not green. So did we just ignore it?
Often one can find themselves in trouble if they don’t respect signs. Signs may be an indication of danger or warning of some sort. Although they can be visual and read, they may also appear in other ways. An example would be: Watch for standing water and don’t drive into it. It may have a sink hole, open sewer, or deeper than it looks. There is no written sign to tell you that, but rather common sense and perhaps knowing that from seeing something on TV! I know that because as a child, our area used to flood easily. I became aware of the danger that flooding can create.
Signs are placed around us for a purpose. When I am Podcasting, the door is closed with a sign that says THIS DOOR IS LOCKED, PLEASE RETURN LATER. People are usually respectful and don’t start pulling or knocking. A DO NOT SMOKE sign could be keeping a smoker safe from a flammable area. Or someone inside could be on OXYGEN and it would create danger for all.
Not all places are Open to Everyone.
Not everything a person does is for the world to see. We have PRIVATE as a word in our English vocabulary, because it is an important one meant to set boundaries. Can you recall the first time, you saw a sign like this? We have all seen PRIVATE signs on a television mystery shows or at a business or doctors office when I was a child. Private tells us not to enter, or to knock, or maybe even avoid.
If you are traveling, signs of warning or advice are displayed differently. It might be an icon instead of a word. Often one sees this at the intersections of streets in Chicago or other large cities. People do not always observe these and cause accidents. Prudence dictates we pay attention before learning the hard way!
What other kinds of signs must we recognize? Are the signs of illness? Signs that our car is ready to overheat or be out of gas? Signs that we need more training or understanding before we tackle a piece of dangerous equipment in the garage? Signs that our business is about to fail or the company we work with is beginning to lay people off of work? Signs from God that we have prayed for?
Knowing how to see signs and then read them correctly can save us time and trouble. It is good to teach your children to recognize the power they hold. Expand your influence by becoming a good example. In that way, you will help yourself and others to “Delight in Living!”
Are You Bent Out of Shape?
This past week I grabbed this spatula. It was “inclined” to be even more helpful then in the past because it is warped in a good direction. However, it wouldn’t help a left handed-person. I am not sure when it bent, but it took me by surprise. Things that happen by accident can be just the thing to help us move forward.
It is easy to get out of joint if we are ignored by people we do business with and have paid highly for their services. It is easy to get in a bad mental state if we are wrongly accused. Or if one is a victim and the perpetrator gets off free. When we get bad news that we might have warded off can also throw us into the doldrums. But on the other hand, somethings happen and are such a big gift. They wake us up to new opportunities and ideas.
Staying physically fit is really important, but doing it gradually and with a good balance of working out muscles is important. So too, getting ourselves out of place by not following up on our intentions or listening well can also make one grumpy. Staying mentally fit means following through with our intentions; setting good plans in place and following them. It means gradually one must be all around well balanced. It means sticking to our convictions and seeing things improve.
Going to work regularly; smiling when one has a commitment and following the action plan. Recognizing our part in a family and prioritizing their needs makes us part of that equation. Having space to mentally discern our spiritual life and pray regularly gives us a deeper identity. Giving our time and talent to our community and doing it all with the joy of giving makes our personality more complete. Earning our way and being part of the resolution is wonderfully engaging.
Warped attitudes can start when we are spoiled as little children. It can happen when someone has bullied us. Being attacked verbally can impact everyone, so did you feel attacked? Did someone model pouting as a way to draw attention? Do you feel entitled because you have money or an education? What attitude do you carry? Is it an attitude of gratitude or one of power that makes you better than others? Is it an attitude of apathy or empathy? Does your position as a leader only one of self gratification? Many good leaders have lost the humbleness of once being a good follower. So where are you?
Do you bully others because you see it was effective at some point? Do you feel unappreciated so you withdraw from all activities? Do you create a space for being physically fit, mentally free, spiritually connected, and with a commitment to earn a living? Are you called to find more education or expand your thinking in a wholesome and healthy way? Where do you want to be?
I would assume that you don’t want to be warped like this spatula? You don’t want to be hunched over and mentally broken, because you aren’t engaged in life! So jump in and start planning your days. Do it one at a time. Repeat the actions that create good habits. Learn to listen to others who are good mentors. Look at all the parts of life that make you who you are and for Pete’s sake, don’t get warped and out of shape! Enjoy your day and “Delight in Living”.
What Are You Sticking To?
We all use tape to get us through the day. Sometimes is is less obvious with scotch tape. Other times we need to have masking tape that can easily be removed without ruining something. Duct tape can fix numerous items, but it is also very obvious, so in recent years those producing it have made it look more decorative. Now there are other things we stick to that don’t require actual tape at all!
Sticking to a networking group that is totally social and not producing business may be a false sense of taking action. Sticking to a list of outdated systems may be easier than updating them. Sticking to obsolete thinking may be the lazy way to navigate through the day. Sticking to a filing system that is still effective may be the best solution. In other words, there are times when it is good to stick to our path and other times work to change things. 
Often people including myself at times stay with what works for fear of making things worse. And that is sometimes true. We change when things are working well and in updating, things turn horrible. I had a plumber tell me if something is good don’t mess with it. I had wanted to change out a water tank. I guess he was right because it lasted an additional 7 years.
The problem with not changing is that it can become an excuse not to stretch. Changes can be good and staying with the old ways can be like bad tape. It doesn’t resolve the problems or make the pieces fit well to blindly stick with what we have.
Listening, learning, and advancing helps everyone. We help ourselves and those we serve. We help set a good example for the next generation to find success. Now is the time to discern what you need to “stick with” and what you need to “separate from”.
Have a “Delight in Living” day! See what “Mini Miracles” are falling all around you to help make you a better business person.
9 Simple Ways to Be More Productive
Taking Action is one of the best ways to get motivated and be productive. Here are a few thoughts to start moving.
1- Get the top 3 things on your list done well each day. If more gets done, you’ll be ahead of the game.
Make your workplace one of beauty by adding flowers, opening the windows, or rearranging furniture.
2- Connect with one friend each week just to relax and brainstorm. Meet for breakfast, have a lunch, or take a walk together.
3- Schedule an hour free each day just to meditate or pray. It clears the mind and allows one to be more productive.
4- Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated. Your skin and organs will thank you.
5- Provide a good nights rest for yourself either by going to bed early or resting a bit longer. Turn off all electronic devices an hour ahead of time and settle down to a peaceful time either reading or just relaxing.
6- Clean your work site, cleaning up left over papers and consolidating projects.
7- Do something physical each day. It doesn’t need to be at a gym, but a good walk or workout is helpful. Take the dog out for a run or toss it a ball.
8- Make your workplace one of beauty by adding flowers, opening the windows, or rearranging furniture.
9- Ask for help to get organized or to help get odd projects completed. Delegate things to someone else if they are better at doing them.
Small habits create big gains to “Delight in Living!” Have a Productive Week.
Learning to Play Again
Somewhere along the line, we lose our ability to play. We get so involved in growing up, being productive, and doing the things on schedule that we forget to play and enjoy ourselves. We consume ourselves with work to the point of being buried. We forget to get outside and breath in the fresh air or
We consume ourselves with work to the point of being buried.
get annoyed with the dog when he/she wants to run and spend time playing keep away.
Most of us know the value of playing and feeling free from time, temptation, and stress. It is a feeling that lets us sing, dance, or not care what others think. We fantasize and enjoy the music, the scenery, or the simple things. We play with the clovers in the yard looking for the special “4 leaf one”. We make up words to the song even when we don’t know the lyrics for real.
Playing is being part of a story book and being one of the characters. One gets so absorbed in the fictional book that it becomes real and takes us away from the reality of problems or pains. Playing is something we do naturally as children when we find a box of old jewelry, nuts and bolts, or buttons.
Perhaps that is why going to flea markets and garage sales are fun. Our inquisitive spirit is alive. We look for novel things that we would not otherwise go seeking. In playing we find answers and room to grow. It is such a great place to navigate and let our innermost gifts blossom.
Perhaps the “prescription for today’s pain” is to go play. Take time for that walk through your local Garden Nursery to dream about your summer garden. Let your imagination soar with the magazine showing new fashions for your trip abroad later this summer with your spouse. Go to the Boat Show or Local Expo to find the businesses around you and enjoy the freebies that are so often given away. Now is the time to play.
Delight in Living is a philosophy that embraces the joy in learning to play. Let the many “Mini Miracles from Minor Moments” flood into your life.
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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall . . .
Well everyone of us has an image of how we see ourselves. Sometimes that image has been badly distorted by some trauma or someone that has harmed us. We don’t have to look into a mirror and ask the question to know how we feel. Feelings are not right or wrong! When one feels pain, it isn’t questioned. It is addressed by therapy, medication, or physical exercise. The same thing is true of our emotional and mental well being. People don’t have to suffer, they can process things and put them into a different perspective.
Meet Blue, who is indeed a handsome parakeet. Parakeets thrive on talking to themselves in the reflection of mirrors. They are most entertaining when they do this. It isn’t the same for people.
Our businesses also carry images. They reflect how well we treat our personnel, how kind we act in public, and if we are indeed doing our job. I find that many people are poor representations of their business. They don’t realize that every encounter is a photograph of how they do business. I recently called a business leader for what to him was a trivial matter and in his sighs and eagerness to throw out an answer was very disturbing. It will make me think twice about the way he conducts business with his clients and his employees.
I recall one man, who was a Chiropractor. He acted rather inappropriately at a large gathering by divulging a patients identity without their permission. I am not even sure he was aware of this mistake, which is even worse. Confidentiality is essential.
Confidentiality issues are important when it comes to being reputable. That was also true of a Lawyer I was at a meeting with several years back. He openly announced a clients name in public. Identities are important to each of us. They enable us to feel significant. After that event, I never referred patients to him and took his name off my referral base.
I see Blue here who is looking for a physical reflection. What kind of reflection do you seek? Is it one that is good for business? One that is just a physical image or one that is congruent with the way you conduct business?
Mini Miracles is a branch of Delight in Living and offers on line Coaching sessions on a regular basis. Feel free to contact us for help. Have a “Delight in Living” day and recognize all the mini miracles that rain down on you!
Coaching People Means Helping Them Find Success!
As a Coach, I want the VERY BEST for my CLIENTS! I want people to come to me and get clarification for themselves on how to forge ahead. I want them to feel confident and clear about reality and how to face it head on without fear. I want my clients to create their own safe boundaries!
I find that there is so much going on in everyone’s life that we often forget how to categorize what is relevant and what is not relevant. Do you find you are a juggler? You juggle family concerns, health issues, phone calls, business relationships, and you are doing really well. Any number of situations can suddenly turn your world upside down! All of a sudden, a tire goes flat and you now have to rearrange several appointments? 3 days have gone by and you have missed exercising? You lose an important account that funded your business? Something from out of nowhere throws you into a tailspin. Or you miss a deadline that was important.
Really successful people are excellent at prioritizing. Years ago, a school administrator I knew was very clear on deciding what things were important. Simplify, gather facts and prioritize. “Safety is number one and everything else falls into place.” Her words were acted out on a regular basis and it seemed to work well!
Being in business may be harder than you think. What once worked may no longer be fitting. Laws and tax regulations change that may have an effect you. You’d like to define yourself as a success, but you need help. So you turn to a coach for some direction. You ask for help and guidance to keep up to date.
It sounds too simple actually, but today I used that strategy to help myself. I was concerned about whether something was legitimate and gathered all my paperwork together and started making phone calls. I went online and checked for more information. I’d like to think this method works. It gave me a feeling of control. I feel better after taking action.
In another instance, I gathered all the facts about a situation. I got up-to-date information and a history to validate it. Along with common sense it whittled down to safety for a family. Making recommendations or referrals also is important. Knowing your own limits and what you are able to do is also important. The more people one knows, the better the chance of getting direction and information. Many of my “rolodex” files helps me help others.
Yesterday I had office help and we cleaned up all the filing here in the office. I straightened up piles according to the dates and tackled the most pressing. This person is from the “IT” world and knows so many facets of confidentiality. It is important that the people we draw into our circle are qualified in what they do. It is good for us and those we work to help.
Today, I completed projects and will not do anything new until these are done. The problems result when we are overwhelmed and have no one to help us. I recall a neighbor who was in major depression many years ago. I did not realize it at first until she called me for help.
It became crystal clear to me that there was a problem when I walked into her home. Her focus was gone. She was all over the place. She had a faucet turned on to do dishes, but the water was going down the drain. Instead of filling up a sink filled with dishes to be soaked, she had walked away to start another project. In her confusion, she never put in the detergent or did anything more. On the kitchen table were gifts to be wrapped. The television was blaring some soap opera; the radio was on in the same room. She didn’t know what to listen to and I realized she was alone. As I came into her home, she rambled on about several different things and concerns.
I began by shutting off the water. I silenced the radio and turned off the television in order to understand what was going on between her tears. Together we tackled one project and then another. We took care of the dishes. She was to focus on wrapping the gifts and labeling them. I helped her by discussing the issues. I slowed her down and helped her process the issues. By the end of my visit, we got her assistance from family members. In my own life, I try to do one thing at a time and complete that project. In a world that has condoned multi tasking, it is important to steady ourselves and take an inventory of how we operate.
Sometimes it may not seem that your problems are like this! You may not have clutter or have started many projects that are so evident. Instead you may have a mass of other things cluttering your mind. Worries may be mentally stimulating you and creating chaos in your head. The chaos turns good judgements into bad ones. Work is not completed or what is done is wrongly executed. You may have a desk, a car, or a closet full of unresolved problems.
Learning to delegate and dividing the tasks into meaningful pieces may help. Creating systems to deal with problems is also a service. My expertise is to help people do this or assist them to recognize what works best for them. We separate, clarify, and prioritize. With good repeatable guidance, things get defined. We determine the obstacles and patterns standing in the way to resolve problems. Tools and processes to take care of issues are created.
We need to slow down, make lists, prioritize, and gather help. As a coach, I may encourage others to purge on paper. I help them clean out the garbage thinking. Often people recognize the need to refocus on being productive and feeling good about themselves.
Look around you today and think about what aids are available to you. As always you can contact my office for Counseling or email me at linda@delightinliving.com for online Coaching Services. I am offering an initial 3 week insight package, with optional follow up plans. Follow up sessions also provide online contact with me, worksheets, handouts, and support.
Enjoy your week and Delight in Living!
In Search of “QUALITY”
Quality items may appear to give us good value, but not necessarily. Some people associate the price with quality, but it doesn’t always play out. If one purchases a suit, but it looks terrible on you, that isn’t a good value at all! Even if you spent several thousand dollars on it it may be quality fabric and design, but it doesn’t serve you well! So when something is expensive it is wise to decide if the value for you is there.
Furniture is a good example. Solid furniture lasts forever and it is usually heavy. This chair and table set is old from 1940. It has served for years with use in various rooms and still is solid. Although it may not be the style of 2017, it is functional. I have no idea if it was an expensive piece in its day. It is still used daily and matches the room it is in. My parents who bought it would be excited to see it is still used.
Quality thinking includes a bit of investigating too. Knowing what is needed before we put money, energy, and time into something doesn’t hurt. One needs to talk to others, see what is available, and then make healthy decisions.
I know many people who have spent thousands of dollars on a college education, but have just spend time and money on learning material they didn’t enjoy. They were either directed to go into a profession someone else pushed them into or into a school where they didn’t really fit. Although I believe education is important, sometimes learning a trade, or education by learning a hands-on skill may be a better value and use of time. We are all so different and our needs, talents, and pursuits should match.
If you ever watch Funniest Home Video’s, you’ll see people trying ridiculous pranks or stunts that end up badly. We all laugh at the mishaps and are startled by them. We don’t see the physical pain or scars from their mishaps, but I hope they heal and learn along the way. It may teach us to be more prudent in our activities.
Not only must we think more long term to have quality thinking, but we must slow down. It isn’t bad to have check points where one accesses what they are doing. Am I in a profession I love? Am I doing what someone else picked out for me? Would it be better to move to a location closer to my family? Is it the money I am making that matter more than the relationships I may be losing along the way with my spouse. Clear thinking helps us make decisions that are win, win for everyone.
Enjoy finding “quality”in your life and “delight in living” along the way.