I wanted a forum where I could speak less formally about the topics I love to go on about: managing a career, dealing with change, communicating better with everyone else on the planet and even how to actually like your work. 

 

I am creating this forum for my  coaching clients large and small, and for friends and colleagues both local and all over the world who may or may not have access to the advice of a career professional who's been around the block a few times. 

 

WorkMinded is a place for me to help anyone interested in working through everyday job issues in a way that's both more personal and less personal, at the same time. 

 

While I may be known in some circles as the Queen of Speaking and whip up an entertaining, informative keynote or training seminar for CEOs or engineers, this forum is a chance to relax and have more of a conversation with my audience - so I'm counting on your work questions and feedback to get this blog launched. And seriously, when has being passive ever paid off when it comes to work or life in general?

 

Here's a motivator for you...commit to one - or a series of Primm & Partners webinars and complete the recommended action items to keep your work skill sets on the cutting edge! Webinars are cost effective and set at convenient hours so you can fit them into your busy schedule. Sign up here http://www.primmandpartners.com/services-individuals.html

 

Each session content is presented as a separate topic, so you can complete one or all courses.  I lead each of the courses personally, and with a webinar, you dial into a toll-free number so you can ask questions.  You also follow a slide presentation so you can submit questions in advance as well. 

 

Following are the current P&P topics - we are adding more all the time, so stay tuned!

 

Personal Brand Building

When you think realistically about YOU, what do you have to offer to a potential employer?  What are your traits and values and skills?  What are you known for?  What motivates you? Your brand evolves over the duration of your career...design it exactly as you want it to be! Loads of self-assessments and areas to examine on a regular basis in your custom -made world of work.

 

Resume and Marketing Collateral

A resume and other communication pieces are a permanent core of any professional's toolkit.  Hey, you need be ready to talk to anyone, anywhere, any time.  Create pieces uniquely tailored to your personal brand.

 

Networking to Your Goals

You probably noticed by now that social networking is king in the professional world.  It is also the power of your professional core.  It is all about going in with the intent to support others...not about what you can "get" from others.  This session gives an in-depth plan on where, how and with whom to network.

 

Interviewing

Interviewing is sometimes a pressure situation and we look back afterward to have brilliant thoughts as to how you could'a answered the questions.  After this session, you will feel comfortable in interviews whether over the phone, impromptu or planned in advance.  Know what questions to ask and prepare for, close the sale and follow-up.

 

Negotiating at Work

In today's workforce, the talent (that's YOU) needs to know the value of their skills and who is buying them.  Negotiating for exactly what you want in a work situation (within reason, now) is expected in today's transactional work environment.  Learn what is OK to ask and what you need to steer clear of.

 

Managing Across the Generations

We have four distinct generations in today's workforce and that means lots of potential disconnects when it comes to work ethic, expectations, values, communication styles, etc.  This session gives a terrific overview that you can use to strengthen your leadership, team and personal communication skills.

 

Eight Keys to Career Success

Lots of P&P clients say that they want to take charge of their careers and just plain don't know where/how to start.  This session will provide you with a tool to assess the critical points of a balanced, proactive career.  You will learn which areas need attention and build a plan from this information.

 

 

Those who constantly learn new skills will be those who survive the continuious changes at work.  For more information or to register, email us at camille@primmandpartners.com or give us a call at 619.298.1965. 

 

Oh, and another cool thing...all webinars/career development coursework and coaching is tax deductible! 

 

Dear WorkMinded,

I heard that resumes were no longer being used and that finding a good job is all about who you know.  Do I really need to write one of these things?

Looking for a shortcut in Mira Mesa

 

Dear Looking,

I LOVE breaking the rules...OK, maybe bending them is a better description.  I suspect you might be a middle child?  At any rate, nobody, but nobody will be seriously considered for any position worth fighting for without the ticket to admission. 

 

OK, there IS one exception - when you are hired by a family member or very, very good friend.  Bottom line is, you are your own brand, and you take your skills from job to job.  Or in today's job market...from gig to gig. 

 

So, get going, write that "brochure" that is known as a resume or you will find that your options are limited.  Not many companies are advertising for mavericks.  Don't get me started.

 

 

Dear Camille,

I love my hobby, but can't seem to  make any money doing it.  I hate my job, but make money there.  What's a guy to do?

Surfer in Leucadia

 

Dear Surfer,

Well, congratulations on having a hobby you love...lots of people never get off of the couch.  I think you need to do some brainstorming.  Plenty of people make a living running surf camps, representing manufacturers who make surfing gear or working for media that captures all the excitement of the sport. 

 

If none of those work, I recommend compartmentalizing your life.  Work/play.  Try to balance it as evenly as possible and keep one eye open for work opportunities that are more aligned with your motivators.  You may just be in the wrong company culture or not challenged enough. 

 

Most of us are part of the work thing for the long haul...so keep on trying to find a better fit - it's like dating...you probably dated more people you didn't like than those you did!