[Think As Inc.] March 10, 2009 Newsletter/ MOTIVATIONAL TRICKS

Something to Think About: MOTIVATIONAL TRICKS

Inspirational Quote: WILL ROGERS

News and Upcoming Events: NETWORKING INTERVIEW WITH LIZ LYNCH and SIXFIGURESTART COACHING GYM

Your life is a business. You have a:

MISSION: the reasons you live your life;

BRAND: the message you project to the world;

PRODUCT LINE: the skills and qualities that are your unique assets;

BOTTOM LINE: your financial picture;

CLIENT BASE: professional, personal, and don’t forget, yourself.

Your life is YOUR business, and you are its CEO.

MOTIVATIONAL TRICKS

In the current issue of Fast Company, Dan and Chip Heath sell the benefits of smaller goals:

http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/133/made-to-stick-time-to-aim-lower.html

They talk about starting a one-minute exercise program or a five-minute decluttering project. There is definitely a place for this, and I will sometimes tell my career coaching clients to make one networking call per week or to read one business article. The idea is that you get the person started, and the momentum of the start will give them the energy to increase over time.

However, this isn’t always true. Sometimes, you just don’t see enough of the benefit from a small start and therefore you get discouraged and quit, rather than add on to what you started. The above career coaching example is good for someone who wants to start actively managing their career. It is inappropriate for an active job search because you will never get enough traction on your search with one call per week. You need to make a push and build a market presence.

In the case where you need to make a push, but you are hesitant to start (who really likes making networking calls?), I recommend another tactic inspired by Ron Popeil of informercial fame. Remember set it and forget it for his rotisserie chicken maker? Set your system and then forget it. Bunch your networking calls into one day and time block – the same day and time block every week -- and then forget about it the rest of the week. When it pops up on your calendar, you do it. But then it’s over.

I write 5-6 columns per week between my newsletter, blogs, and writing that I do for other publications. I have to write week in, week out, inspiration be damned. I know I write best in the morning. So I have my calendar set for a 6a start on the same day each week with a list of columns I have to produce for that week. When it pops up on my calendar, I write. I may edit later. I may also write at other times when an idea comes up and I have the time and I want to write. But otherwise, I’ve built a system and let the system carry the weight.

Aiming for small goals is a motivational trick. Setting a system is another motivational trick. Motivational tricks are incredibly helpful because you don’t have to always push toward the goal – you can trick yourself into it. I cover another trick in a recent CNBC.com column:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/29428298/site/14081545

Do you have any motivational tricks to share?

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE

Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there. -- Will Rogers

NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Free Coaching Call: The Gen Y Guide to Effective Job Search Networking

Wednesday, March 11, 7p EST, I will be interviewed by Liz Lynch, CEO of Networking Excellence and author of the new book Smart Networking. We’ll be talking about networking strategies for Generation Y. If you can’t make the live call, register anyway to get recording info. Here is the link with more information about what we’ll be talking about and how to register for this free call:

http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2009/03/liz-lynch-interviews-caroline.html

SixFigureStart Coaching Gym

Here is what one member has said about the SixFigureStart Coaching Gym:

I wanted to thank you for the amazing feedback you and Connie gave on [March 1] call. I must say that even with the help of books, 2 alma maters career centers and a corporate outplacement agency helping me in my job search, I still managed to learn SO much in one hour. – Columbia University Masters student, class of 2010

Last week we covered a variety of topics including:

How do I get more interviews and networking meetings?

When do I follow up after submitting my resume and how?

How can I translate my Masters in History to the corporate world?

I am losing jobs after getting to the final rounds. What could be wrong?

I’m afraid to switch jobs because I might be the first one let go if something happens at the new company. What can I do?

Do you have questions like these? Don’t miss the next call.

The SixFigureStart Coaching Gym is a 6-month group coaching program that gives you expert information, ongoing motivation, and accountability for your search:

Start with our 60-question SixFigureStart Career Assessment and 40-question SixFigureStart Life Assessment. See exactly what you are doing well and get a customized road map of where to focus;
Then get ongoing group coaching via telephone every week: if you can be on the call live, get laser coaching on the spot. Or email questions in advance, and we’ll cover it on the call. Calls are recorded with playback available so you will never miss a call. Weekly coaching calls are Sunday evenings at 7:30p EST;
Finally get additional coaching with guest interviews, including recruiters, guest coaches, and industry experts, outside of the regular weekly calls. Guest interviews will vary based on scheduling.

Remember, all calls are recorded so you can listen at your convenience and you will never miss a call.

$300 gets you a 6-month membership to the SixFigureStart Coaching Gym.

Special offer for 2009: all memberships purchased before June 30 2009 expire December 31, 2009 so the earlier you purchase the more months you get for free

Contact caroline@sixfigurestart.com or 212-372-0277 for more information and to register.

If you have friends who may want to join the distribution list, please have them visit http://home.ezezine.com/2034/ to sign up. You can also see previous newsletters at that link.