Another Week of Wisdom is here

Last spring, I scared off many potential followers to this then-new "blog" with my first "Week of Wisdom." Given that the economic environment has not improved much since then, it doesn't hurt to give it another shot.

Starting tomorrow, I will offer a week-long series of tips (5-7) people might find useful, or at least humorous, as they seek to improve and develop in the personal and professional lives. I've only got a few of them in mind to write so far, so if you have any suggestions, please pass them along by emailing me ASAP.

Also, don't forget to follow Always Achieve on Twitter, as it is the home of constant updates related to developing your personal or business capacities, online and off.

Don't "say no" to your involvement

Vanity comes in several forms. Minimalism can be just as vain and inappropriate as conspicuous consumption, especially if it exists for the purpose of signifying elitism.

I am seeing a lot of minimalism adopted in a variety of ways. Given that we are all cutting back in some shape or fashion, the trend is understandable, and in many ways commendable. However, there is a facet of the movement that really makes me angry and often question the character of others, especially some I have valued and respected.

Along with cutting back on spending, reducing their environmental impact, and shrinking their lifestyles, some are extending the "less is more" approach to their time management. Several people I know are starting to tell people that they are "cutting back" on their civic involvement, not just in terms of monetary donations (a reasonable sign of economic stress), but also on their volunteering and general socializing.

I can understand this if these same people need to sacrifice volunteering for economic reasons, such as taking a second job, substituting child care, or helping with other family needs. For some, however, they just appear to be "cutting back" on their commitments to find time for themselves.

As a supporter of personal freedom and liberty, I respect a person's desire to use their time however they want to. As an active member of my local community, however, I cannot understand the negative impact this attitude is having. The trend is not an indication that people are tired or have something "better" to do. In reality, it is a reflection of the socioeconomic malaise bombarding us at every corner.

The "tune in, turn off" mentality represents a plague of apathy and social withdraw, as individuals overcome with dread and uncertainty retreat to their homes and loved ones. As they look inward for some sense of normalcy in an environment of personal comfort, the groups and causes they supported before fall into serious disrepair. More often than not, those most likely to be victims to the withdraw phenomenon are those who are critical to success of community efforts.

This is usually not a behavior an active person develops intuitively. It is often encouraged by society, especially during times when the media promotes such ideas as "sustainability" and minimalism in a misguided fashion. These messages attack the internal confidence of active individuals, encouraging them to believe that their efforts are ineffective. They are told that the best they can do, instead of redouble their efforts, is to simply "say no" and "walk away." Even worse, they are sometimes labeled "extremists" or contributors to trouble if their passions and pursuits do not match those held as high priority by the standard bearers of conventional wisdom.

Regardless of the incredibly destructive impact such campaigns initiated by the media and our leaders can have on society, active individuals have a responsibility to themselves to recognize how their own personal development is compromised by giving in to such prophetic poison. At a time when they can truly establish themselves as reliable leaders of truth and substance, regardless of their cause or activity, they resign themselves to detachment that will later punish them with future opportunities. They may see themselves as "survivors," but those who stay behind and do the hard work when times are toughest will classify them as little more than "quitters" or "fair weather supporters."

These later labels can stick for long periods of time, for they will be held in the mind of the leaders who will assume the roles that are abdicated by those who give in. Continuing to push oneself beyond one's limits, even when the positive impact of ongoing efforts may be visible, is a necessity in our troubled present. Thomas Paine's famous quote, "These are the time that try men's souls," should inspire everyone already involved to remain focused, vigilant, and passionate about their efforts.

Vanity is always a character flaw. Persistence, even when others tell you that you should be tired and take a breather, is always in style. If necessary, find small nuggets of success in the lessons you learn along the way, finding that the struggle does not disable our ability to always achieve.

Confessions of Someone with Professional ADD

Numerous research reports on the use of Web 2.0 applications discuss how most people who use applications requiring continuous content development often lose interest over time. My lack of updates to this blog suggest that I am guilty of the same behavior. However, I content that my failure to post anything here has to do with another, less mentioned symptom; an actual side effect of my work on this blog during the first half of this past year.

You could call it "Professional ADD (P-ADD)." It is likely an issue that a select group of people deal with. Who? I am going to guess career-minded individuals whose passions are incorporated directly into their daily toils. Those who match their work and productive activities with their personal interests and strengths so well that they are always finding new opportunities. One idea leads to another, and another, and so on. Eventually, the creativity transitions them into a whirlwind of activity, quickly dissociating them from the original effort that enabled their pathway of enlightenment.

Often times, I see bloggers stop posting once they accomplish a goal or find acceptance for their unique contributions. This is the best possible result someone with P-ADD could wind up with. Otherwise, the creative explosion often leads to disorientation that serves to self-destruct any effort due to lack of sufficient focus.

Where am I? There are about 20 different ideas I could focus my time on right now. I still have a passion for sharing thoughts on career development with others and will continue to use this blog to do so. I also want to dedicate time to expanding public knowledge of government financial management and promote creative solutions for economic development. Therefore, future posts will include specific topic discussions (not too political) that may provide some ideas for those wanting to create opportunities for themselves.

I also realize that I am becoming what my wife likes to affectionately describe, a "twit." Therefore, in addition to the personal feed, you can follow Always Achieve on Twitter. A few modifications will be made to this site to better promote the material I post via Twitter, as it should lead to more pertinent and productive information sharing.

I am still open to suggestions on topics for posts. Please share them by sending an email to alwaysachieve@gmail.com, or by Twitter.

Don't let horizon limit opportunity

The biggest impediment to professional success is the limit we place on the range of our personal horizon. If we cannot see ourselves beyond a restricted comfort zone often influenced by immaturity and nostalgia, regardless of age, careers and opportunities will pass by without the slightest recognition.

In our younger years, job prospects are not available everywhere. From a personal perspective, finding a position in "middle management" in local government is almost impossible in the Southeastern United States. Most governments here do not value or abhor this particular level of bureaucracy and stick to relatively flat organizational models. Therefore, to build experience in my chosen field, I applied for and earned jobs outside my home region.

The experiences of moving, isolation from family and friends, acclimating to unfamiliar environments without the presence of equals in age or knowledge, and learning about and meeting the expectations of supervisors and citizens in a "foreign" culture are all challenging, unpredictable, and downright painful. They also prove enlightening and essential when you grow in a chosen career, enabling a broader understanding of the surrounding environments and your role as a professional within them.

Do not avoid looking beyond your hometown or home state, or even beyond your side of the Mason-Dixon Line, career opportunities. There are some factors that deserve consideration when identified openings are sought after. For instance, learn how to prepare your application and inquiry packets to mitigate the likelihood of anti-outsider bias (courtesy "Ask a Manager", h/t Courtney Miller & Kelly Giles @TarHeelsInTransit) many employers subconsciously embrace.

Moving away at the start of a career does not mean you will always be far from "home." Sometimes, the experience gained translates to better opportunities down the road in the location from which you came. Also, one can find that new surroundings grow on them and soon feel as comfortable as those they knew prior to then. Relocation also tests our commitment to a given career and its relationship to those skills and passions we value most.

Achievement requires endurance and adaptability. Embracing change in geography with the same vigor you seek transformations in culture, technology, or politics serves as a great starting point, forging an extending attitude of pursuit toward professional excellence.

Show them you want it

It is important to have proper perspective and balance with respect to wants and needs. If you focus more on your professional wants and make them personal, aligning them with inherent passions, skill strengths, and interests, then you limit your exposure to materialism and living beyond your means as you simply focus on needs with respect to lifestyle.

Of course, it is important to make sure that other people are aware of how badly you want the opportunities, wide-ranging or limited, that are out there for you in a given career. Unfortunately, too many people do not convey their desire effectively, especially during the process of finding a related job.

If you have the chance to read through a stack of applications for just about any job, you can tell that many fill them out without really thinking about what they are communicating with respect to their penmanship, use of language, and degree of thoroughness or following directions. As a result, those who make the commitment to maximize applications or "first impressions" automatically have the upper hand in the selection process.

Naturally, developing personal relationships with potential employers is the most effective means of securing an opportunity in a chosen career path, but it must be complimented by showing that you are committed to their needs and efforts. Applications, cover letter, and resumes, not to mention writing samples, portfolios, and other complimenting elements of a professional profile, all serve to characterize your level of competency and professionalism.

If you have to fill out an application, make sure it is complete and easy to read. Do not simply tell the employer to refer to your resume. Take the time to fill out all of the information requested, even if it seems duplicitous. It shows that you are willing to make whatever effort is necessary to meet the expectations of others, whether they be coworkers, supervisors, or customers.

Even if resumes and cover letters are not specifically requested, make sure you include them. Also make sure that the cover letter is written directly to the given employer and does not read like a mass produced letter one could find with a dozen different applications.

These measures require taking additional time. If you are applying for many jobs, it can significantly lengthen your time commitment if you apply it to every job. So what? If you want a certain career, isn't any investment worth it?

It is important to never believe that your passion will lead you to an opportunity on its own. Effort is everything, and the example you set when you prepare materials for the job selection process is the first step obtaining a career opportunity that will maximize opportunities for personal achievement.

Fatherhood & Achievement

Yep, it's time for a corny, manufactured holiday-inspired commentary designed to draw attention to my blog. Just remember that I am not the first to utilize this lame form of synergy, nor will I be the last.

Father's Day is not really a day of rest, relaxation, or celebration. That does not diminish its importance, but in all honesty, do many fathers actually have time to just sit back and let the day pass by?

Just like with Mother's Day, the thought is the reward, as we may enjoy a little more leisurely pace at breakfast, but will find ourselves back in the grind of a normal Sunday rather quickly, squeezing out every possible minute to take care of those things (both pleasurable or laborious) requiring our attention before the demands of our professional lives returns tomorrow. For some, real "work" is as much a part of today as any other, given the realities of our modern seven-day-workweek culture.

There is an opportunity, albeit brief, for fathers to use today to reflect on their personal progress, as parents, spouses, friends, and career-minded professionals. It is not inappropriately selfish for us to ask ourselves today, "has fatherhood made me a better person?"; or, "has fatherhood enhanced my professional life?"

Personal achievement is self-defined, but our ability to ascertain our progress or level of success is heavily dependent on external factors. Daily experiences, along with life-changing events of less frequency, alter our career path, challenge our dedication to pursuits of passions and interests, and necessitate individual decisions that either lead us closer or further from the goals we set for ourselves, for better and for worse.

Parenthood is a life-changing event. My wife and I knew it would be, never mind the dozens of coworkers, friends, and family who told us relentlessly to be prepared once we found out my wife was pregnant. Since our daughter was born last February, we have worked hard to meet the challenges her presence presents for ourselves, our time, and our desire to give her the best life possible.

Most adults possess a desire, at some level, to become parents. This natural instinct does require nurturing in order to prepare oneself for the true reality of the situation once it arrives. For some, the interest never turns into a passion close to, equal, or greater than their other pursuits. Sometimes, they counteract their lack of strong desire by expressing frustration with those who are parents.

Television shows, particularly sitcoms, feature episodes where professionals without children lament and complain about their coworkers never work late or leave early because their son or daughter has a game or recital, or how they cannot enjoy a meal in a restaurant because of some crying baby in a booth across the dining room. They may even go as far as some hair brained scheme to shame the parents among them of how selfish they are in forcing their children, indirectly, upon the lives of those who "choose" not to have them, as if being childless provides a greater benefit to society.

However, this is not an article about whether or not we have a responsibility as adults, especially if we are happily and lovingly married, to have children and accept the duty of parenthood. Regardless of how you feel now, it is likely you felt differently about it at another point in life, or will feel different about it in the future. With the exception of a few (among them, my wife, whose strongest personal passion was and is motherhood) there is little consistency in our beliefs on the issue, consistent with the dominant traits of humanity.

Therefore, what does fatherhood (or motherhood) yield that enhances our lives from a professional perspective? How do we identify the arrival of our sons and daughters, and the daily challenges they create in our pursuit of personal passions and interests that often drive our goals and visible life successes, as providing strength and benefit to our careers?

First, having children often elevates our status with those around us. Parenthood is a milestone that is perceived by society to possess additional responsibility and commitment that can add value to how others assess our character. If new parents choose to recognize this change in external perspective and respond in kind by setting the right example in raising their children, as well as in their handling of professional duties, then the circumstances only magnify our potential. If we ignore and behave unprofessionally, or hold on too much to our pre-parenthood pasts, then the bestowed stature will be lost, and our presence at the workplace or within a community will fade into irrelevance.

Next, if we choose to embrace the roles and responsibilities of parenthood, we are forced to make decisions that reduce or restructure our involvement in various pursuits. Broad career goals are often drilled down to those that apply most to the skills and interests we either have the most involvement in or tie strongest to personal passions. Choosing to carefully evaluate and improve one's focus in order to strengthen career opportunities enables us to establish ourselves as knowledgeable and experienced authorities on specific topics, subjects, or skill sets, increasing our professional value. Without this channeling, an unfocused career tends not to gain master competency of anything, weakening an individuals ability to market themselves for advancement over time.

Finally, our decision-making skills as parents set examples that can greatly influence not only our like abilities in the professional world, but also the consideration of current and future supervisors, bosses, investors, or clients. Children may not always behave properly, and at times can be downright nasty. A parent's response to these circumstances, and the manner in which it either changes their child's behavior or modifies the situation as a whole, are critical evaluations of our capabilities as mature adults in the eyes of many onlookers. Mothers and fathers who handle the situation in a manner that displays confidence and obtains a positive end result earn praise and opportunities, while those who only magnify the problem with their own antics usually receive public disapproval.

In each example, the manner in which we approach the gift of parenthood is the key to its potential impact on our ability to pursue and achieve in the professional world. Whether we want it or not, the arrival of a child does automatically identify us to everyone else as mothers and fathers. We cannot avoid these labels, and it is in our best interest, with respect to the future of our newest family members and the potential for personal career success, to embrace these new identities and display the same commitment to their responsibilities as we have to our other passions and interests.

On this Father's Day, I can reflect on the year-and-a-half of experience my daughter has provided me and recognize how she is responsible for a great deal of success in my own career. This is not the best gift she gives me today, for her presence, love, and trust are far greater blessings that cannot be compared. However, we would all be blind if we did not see just how much the lives of our children add not only to our world at home with family, but also to our success in the professional workplace.

How's your portfolio?

One of the best things I did when I started looking for work as a college graduate was to assemble a comprehensive portfolio that both listed and provided examples of my education, professional experience, and skill sets.

Whether your are employed or unemployed, novice or experienced, a career portfolio is a strong personal asset, both in hard and electronic format. Recent UNC-CH graduate and employed professional Courtney Miller provides some excellent starting tips in a guest post to Tar Heels in Transit. Along with some common-sense (and often ignored) suggestions on formatting and regular updating of information, Courtney recommends providing summaries of writing summaries so the reader/interviewer can understand the context of your submission. This is an excellent idea, and I look forward to incorporating it with my portfolio in the future.

Can friends really help you overcome setbacks?

Among the recommendations Alexandra Levit offers in her recent Wall Street Journal column on overcoming career setbacks is to rely upon friends to help deal with negativity and rejection. As suggested in the article by author Tim Ferriss, "I recommend long dinners with at least two friends... (and) Ignore naysayers unless they've specifically done what you're trying to do."

This may sound like an effective response to many. However, as much as we enjoy the positive support of those we know, we have to be careful not to let too much positive reinforcement enable or increase personal ego to an unacceptable level. Friends and family who chose to simply offer positive feedback without any critical analysis are not much better than a empty-headed "yes man" if their advice hinders your recognition of potential personal deficiencies.

Isolation is a tough environment, but it is often critical to understanding your strengths, abilities, and passions. Achievement does not stop with setbacks. In fact, it is often driven and enhanced from the lessons we learn from times of difficulty, as the Levit article also suggests. If the cloud of empty praise clouds your ability to honestly evaluate yourself, future success depends on independent self-reflection.

When it comes to your life and college, be selfish

Britney Wasserman, a student at UNC-Chapel Hill and intern at the Pope Center for High Education Policy, contributed a first-hand account of the decisions that landed her in an unpleasant predicament for the first 2 years of her collegiate experience. Initially, she started at North Florida University, after passing up an opportunity to attend Florida State (where my sister will soon start her Master's program) due to the interests of someone other than her self: her boyfriend.

It is very easy for any of us, especially in our early years, to attempt to please those whom we care about most (teachers, parents, mentors, significant others) by valuing their interests above ours. This is perfectly fine when we are thinking about where to go out to dinner, but there is no place for it when we are faced with life-changing events like going to college or choosing a career path. Advice and counsel can be welcomed, but in the end, our personal interests must take priority above all other factors, even those of loved ones, in guiding our final choices.

Britney's story had a happy ending, even with the breakup with her boyfriend. I saw this to some degree while an undergrad, given that Tennessee Tech did have a regional student body with plenty of high school couples. Unlike a weaker and disinterested North Florida, TTU is a proven institution with a strong academic tradition, respected programs, and an overachieving faculty in numerous subjects. However, regardless of the prestige of the college, if it is not the right fit for the individual student, the chances of success are minimal (as they were for many of my former temporary classmates).

Being selfish when it comes to your college (especially given the money involved), or your career, is the responsible course of action. It could even mean that the best interest of your future would be better served on a path that doesn't involve traditional higher education (though will require some form of lifelong learning, as all careers and pursuits do). Regardless the case, if you have researched and identified a prudent path to achieving through the pursuit of personal passions, do not let the interests of anyone stand in your way.

Read "Shop Class as Soulcraft"

Last week, I took the time to read the original "Shop Class as Soulcraft" essay by Matthew Crawford from the Summer 2006 issue of The New Atlantis. He recently extended the argument for the importance of industrial arts in academics and society as a whole into a book receiving strong positive reviews. If you are still uncertain of your future, or uncertain how society should address problems related to employment, personal prosperity, and encouraging self worth, this is definitely a piece worth your time.

Do not take Crawford literally in a manner that would lead you believe that he wants to turn back the clock on progress. Instead, if we consider his case for the reemergence of "craftsmanship" as a positive professional characteristic, as opposed to the current state of a culture of generalist, this links directly to the focus on personal passion with respect to dominant skills sets and talents many are encouraging as guides for future individual success. Not all craftsman may be proficient with tools, but their success lies in a skilled, physical approach to their careers. Redirecting our enthusiasm to what we can create rather than what we can consume is essential in order to diversify our individual and societal economies.

I will buy the book soon and work on an extended review of its content and application to personal career development.

Handling the "Worthless Crap" label

I knew I would eventually find one of these posts to work with that was recent and relevant. Courtesy of "Captain Capitalism" (h/t Phi Beta Cons) we have another example of perhaps the most common criticism made of many seeking career opportunities or life direction that do not "have a plan" or know where to go: they are "worthless crap."

In this case, the blogger hypothesizes that government does not work because its officials have the wrong backgrounds. Using his home state (Minnesota) legislature as an example, he argues that only 19% of its members earned college degrees in "worthy" subjects. He considers worth degrees to be those that "actually have some kind of net positive benefit to society," while the remainder majored in "'worthless freaking crap'... degrees rich spoiled kids pursue as a hobby with no real intention of ever finding a real job."

There is no need to provide his lists for each category. You know them already because your academic pursuits (past, present, or future) have likely been labeled by many people (parents, teachers, friends, and so on) as either having tangible, productive value, or simply "worthless" endeavors that will provide no benefit beyond the classroom. Captain Capitalism does argue that many business management degrees (not Accounting or Economics, but those involving procedural topics such as general management and HR) as worthless, too.

In the end, our theorist contends that the difference between worthy and worthless has to do with the presence (or lack thereof) of mathematics in the chose field of study:

"The MORE math a major has, the LESS likely these lazy slobs are to pick it as a major. Ergo, they are not majoring in a discipline or study that actually will produce something of worth to society, they choose to major in a hobby that requires little to no math simply because math is difficult."

Of course, all of this is only serving to depress many of you. Perhaps you are thinking back to your classroom days, whether it be high school or college, and are asking yourself "if I had only done my math homework" or "I should have listened to that career counselor and chosen medicine over philosophy."

Nothing will change your past. Honestly, you really do not need to. If you are not sure about your interest in such an intensive career as medicine, engineering, accounting, or another form of applied science, there is no guarantee that you would have continued on the path to completion. More than likely, you would have dropped off somewhere along the way, feeling even more disenchanted with your future. That does not mean that you can simply ignore the importance of work ethic and understanding the concept of certainty (both developed through the study of math and applied sciences) either.

The key fact to consider is that your choices are not "worthless," even if they are wrong. A former (and my only) college roommate earned his first degree in music education. I could tell he had strong analytical characteristics and impressive work ethic and personal discipline that enabled him to excel at his chosen instruments. However, less than a year after graduating, with a few months of high school music teaching under his belt, he visited our school again to look at a degree in engineering (don't know much else, but I think he is doing well regardless).

Does any of this mean his first four years of college were "worthless?" Absolutely not! Neither was my first year as an engineering major and four subsequent years earning degrees in history and political science. Our initial paths may not work out completely, but they serve to show us what our true passions are and how our skills and talents can best incorporate them into a successful career. My youngest sister may have a degree in dance, but she is by no means "worthless" when you consider that she also manages productions, teaches dance to children, sews and stitches costumes for almost everyone she knows, and builds sets.

There is, however, "worthless crap" amongst us. You cannot identify it on the basis of a credential or diploma, for these qualifiers tell us little about the person who possesses them. The key is their backgrounds, experiences, and results. For every philosophy major who "contemplates their navel" before heading off for their half-shift at the local free-trade coffee shop, there is likely one who owns a successful business that succeeded by tying their education to other interests and personal strengths.

There is also, very likely, an accounting or engineering graduate depressed about the world around them, unable to contribute because while they possess the analytical skills sets, they do not have the passion or desire to apply them. None of these people are "worthless," but in some cases, the intentions and directions they received along their path might as well be.

From a policy perspective, I can agree with the writer that government does possess a strong percentage of people who do not possess the experience and perspective to understand the impact of their decisions and policies on the public they are supposed to serve. Often times, as a professional public administrator, I question my own understanding of this critical dynamic. The point about the importance of math is also very applicable. It was a favorite school subject for my father and his parents, and I enjoyed it as well (being the only History/Political Science major to graduate that year with a full year of Calculus).

My professional success is tied directly to my analytical abilities, especially when it comes to math. However, effective perspective requires knowledge of many other subjects and disciplines. In public policy, given the requisite to achieve and maintain equity with respect to a given service or activity, one must consider the history, philosophical backgrounds, and other aspects of the public and the jurisdiction as a whole.

There is also something else lacking in Captain Capitalism's arguments that is most troubling. At no point does the writer mention the role of faith, as an element of character or component in proper decision making and work ethic. Faith is the key to uncovering passion and tying it to our natural talents and abilities. Faith is not a set process, but rather a vehicle for spiritual exploration with no certainty of timeline or limits on false starts and failures. We might want to find our way to our "chosen" futures as quickly as possible, but faith is more concerned in directing us to where we really want to go, no matter how long the trip.

Nothing that helps lead someone to a future of achievement, however we as individuals interpret it, is "worthless crap." In the end, that seems to be the most contradictory component of Captain Capitalism's argument. Capitalism succeeds best in an environment that respects individual liberty, which encourages the individual, not those around them, to prioritize the value they place on themselves above how they are considered by others. If we limit declarations of value to those with certain academic pursuits or careers and discourage them from the pursuit of their passions, then we turn against the environment that enables the greatest possible success and opportunity for all. In some ways, we have seen that for long enough already.

Follow, read, comment, link, tweet... repeat

A couple of tips I picked up yesterday from Alison Sikes (Strategy Performance) during a Business Builders meeting that are beneficial to a small business are just as applicable for personal career development. They also give me the chance to provide a great example of how you can promote your passion and enhance your career with just a few minutes' work:

1. Keep your "following" list on Twitter to those you care about. This first tip is mine. You can let everyone and their brother follow you, but keep your following list short so you can easily mine links and contacts that are of highest priority. This is a great advantage of Twitter compared to other social networking sites. My following list is rather short and usually focus on those who offer content that ties to my interests. In this case, @TalentEgg, a Canadian career advice site, sent out a tweet about a post of their providing tips for effective personal networking.
2. If the article is of interest, read and comment. Sikes talked about how businesses can grow an online presence by offering comments, suggestions, and information through the comment sections of other sites and blogs. Naturally, this can be abused, both by a business or an individual, if the comments serve more as a commercial than actual contributions of information. After I read through the article, I wrote a comment that focused 80% on the article itself and offered mention of YPN as an example, only after I provided another link that provides information about numerous young professional groups.
3. Promote the originators tweet in your own words. I go a step further than most in that I provide a shorted link directly to the article to facilitate easier access. Regardless, I do list he originator in my promotional tweet to give them the proper credit.
4. See if your process generates action. A link shortener like bit.ly enables you to count the number of times a link is followed. This is great to see if there are people out there following you on Twitter (or whatever way you distribute the link/info) who are interested in what you have to say. Within 5 minutes of my comment and tweet about the article, at least 15 people viewed the @TalentEgg article. Over the next 24 hours, I can see if they are looking at my comment by seeing if they click on the shortened links within it.

Nothing about this process will guarantee you a sale, customer, or job prospect. However, it is a great exercise for quickly analyzing information you are passionate about, developing a rational response and complimenting recommendation, then distributing it within the mediums of current media and determining if it is gaining public interest. All of these aspects, of course, will provided personal and professional dividends later on.

Thoughts Wanted: Is identity a liability for new graduates?

The discussions and focus I've seen on "personal branding", combined with the current void in available jobs for recent graduates, made me a little troubled. Thinking back to my own experiences right out of college, I just do not know if a defined identity is really what most potential employers want to see in their prospective entry-level candidates.

What has a diploma-carrying 20-something with little professional experience really done to deserve a "brand" of their own? Isn't how they adapt and meet the challenges of the real world far more important than what they say they know or can do within the protective halls of academia?

The "personal branding" concept does have relevance with those undergoing career reinvention or attempting to describe their experience-tested strengths and attributes in our modern, marketing-driven vernacular. However, I am not convinced that the same focus bodes well for those without the track record to prove their claims. Granted, there are cases where students possess achievements that solidify an identity of achievement. However, I doubt that they were not concerned about their "branding" when they focused their energies on a tangible product of benefit.

I would really like some insight on this. Please share your thoughts and answers to the questions posed in this article. Any (clean, relevant) comments are welcome.

Post-graduate learning should reflect lessons of benefit

Canadian student career site TalentEgg recently posted an introductory piece on the importance of continuing to investigate and learn about current and new topics after graduation. This really isn't a groundbreaking topic, as the most important purpose of participating in higher education is to learn how to broaden our individual appetite for knowledge and information of merit and grow an ever-expanding appreciation of those subjects we possess the greatest passion for.

The article does include some good tips, like using Google Reader to accelerate identification of online articles of interest. Such suggestions will transition a graduate's utilization of technology to professionally-beneficial avenues.

If a graduate understands the universal skills with respect to investigation, comprehension, and analysis gained throughout the classes, assignments, and projects they undertook as students, continuing the pursuit of learning should be a given. This is a goal that everyone in school (present and future) should prioritize, along with identifying formal subjects and professions that best maximize their passionate interests.

Twitter, pith, and improving practical writing skills

Over the past several months or so, I've noticed a significant change in my professional written communications. For the most part, my reports, memos, and summaries are shorter, more succinct, and easier to understand by superiors. There are a number of factors that can contribute, especially the fact that I am now experienced enough with fellow staff that I can effectively write to serve their needs. However, another personal development may make a positive impact: a healthy Twitter habit.

Most days, I do find a few minutes to go on Twitter, either by PDA or through bit.ly (a url shortener w/Twitter interface), to post updates on happenings at work and activities with local groups. I also highlight articles I find when researching work topics that could prove useful and interesting to others.

Regardless of what the subject is, the length constraints of a Twitter post challenge my ability to convey enough information to summarize the topic so a reader of my message can understand it, as well as encourage them to visit the length (if one exists). At most, I have 140 characters to work with. If I post a URL, that number drops to usually 120. Whatever I want to say, regardless, has to be about 25 words, or less.

As many posts on this blog illustrate, the effective summation of ideas and thoughts, a.k.a. pithiness, is not a big strength. One of the biggest complaints of blogs from media traditionalists is that the lack of space conventions and restrictions discourages the effectiveness of the topics presented. That is a fair criticism, one that has been modified in some ways by recent social networking developments, especially Twitter.

This past week, a struggling author and "media expert" attempted to draw some attention his way by stating in a press release that Twittering can cause brain damage. He pulled his release shortly thereafter, only once he created enough hostility that people asked questions and increased his notoriety. While he provided no scientific or medical facts either way, commenter's to the article did argue that the process of creating tweets, if utilized properly, can improve personal performance. With respect to writing, it could not come a moment too soon for most of us.

Effective tweeting is not the spontaneous "off your chest" pronouncements we see way too often (and post way too often), but rather action-directing statements and recommendations that are carefully considered, edited multiple times, and focused on achieving a desired result on the part of the reader. These are the same challenges we often face in writing for work, especially when we are in a role that we have to convey analysis and findings to gain acceptance for proposals in a manner that wins support, rather than creates additional questions.

If one wants to utilize Twitter to improve their professional writing skills, consider regular (daily, if possible) updates involving links to articles and sites of note. Again, if you link on Twitter, you need to use a url shortener site (like bit.ly). These sites can also track how many people utilize the link, an indication of your effectiveness in conveying your desired message.

Transitioning these professional writing skill improvements to regular communication, especially written letters and reports, requires an existing understanding of traditional writing and grammar rules. Just like with other abbreviated forms of communication, it is important to make sure that the conceptual and theoretical benefits of Twitter are carried forward, not the technical environment that encourages shorthand language and abbreviations.

The benefit eventually shows us in your memos and reports. They'll possess fewer words, especially the extra ones bosses never like. Potentially, skill development such as this leads to greater opportunities within a given employer or field.

If you happen to be on Twitter and want to see how I use my tweets to improve summarizing skills, you can follow me at http://twitter.com/kwhunter. If technology doesn't scare you and the quest for information and capacity for effective analysis interest you, skill development methods such as Twitter for professional writing are great, cost effective means to develop a foundation of strengths that foster better individual futures.

Do's & Don'ts for Honoring the Class of 2009

I meant to have this article done before graduations. However, I realize there are those who haven't bought gifts yet for the graduates they know, so it doesn't hurt to share. Regardless, this topic will always have relevance.

The graduation gift suggestion table at my local bookstore was a case study of the modern cliches applied to how we honor those finishing their academic pursuits and going forward into the real world. For some reason, we think that the occasion calls for canned inspiration, whether it be in a children's book, spiritual guide, or framed presentation of some iconic image.


Given the circumstances this year's graduates face, especially the uncertainty of the economy and available jobs, one would think inspiration and encouragement is what these foot soldiers of the future need. Perhaps we should send our son, daughter, or cousin out to battle with a leather-bound planner and a copy of "Oh, the places you will go," with a little inscription from us inside the cover saying how proud we are of them and how we know they will be outstanding wherever the go from here.

In reality, many of these same graduates have been encouraged and propped up most of their lives. Encouragement does not lead to motivation, since the later is an internal attitude and the the other is purely external influence. What matter now, more than anything, is an recognition by those entering the "real world" for the first time of the environment around them, the challenges magnified by circumstance, and the opportunities existing just beneath the surface.

These three factors should be the focus of a graduation gift in any year, not just a "miserable" one like 2009. Therefore, here is a quick list (by type) of "do" and "don't" buys for those who will be picking up diplomas in the coming weeks and months.

Books - Inspirational

Do: Consider books that showcase timely studies of personal perseverance and success in the face of adversity or struggle. Kelly at TarHeelsInTransit recommended The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. Titles like this that tie recognition of reality and mortality to faith, optimism, and success through passion are great for those uncertain about their futures given the lack of jobs or "visible" opportunities. When looking for an alternative title, make sure that it is about someone that the graduate can relate to in someway. They do not have to be living in the 21st century, but they should have some tie to the interests of the next generation. Possible choices include athletes, musicians, coaches, teachers, and businessmen. Try to stay away from politicians, as people often discount their works as blatant attempts at self-promotion.

Don't: Whether they are graduating high school or college, it is time for these children to grow up. That first means they need to be drawing ideas and inspiration from the works of those they want to be, not from whom they once were. The sooner our graduates stop receiving "Oh, the places you will go" or "Where the wild things are" or anything like this, the better off everyone will be. We may have positive elements of childish nature in ourselves, but we need to step up and grow up, and the way we recognize adult accomplishments serves to reinforce our expectations for their future.

Books - Instructional

Do: Works that provide insight on skills and concepts that can lead to personal and professional success are a great idea. However, the nature of the book should serve to encourage the critical mindset developed by a student during their time in academia. Granted, we must also strive to transition the idealism and fantasy and integrate it into the facts of reality. Jim Collins' Good to Great and Built to Last are great transition pieces. Collins developed basic tenants to success, backed by significant research he showcases and uses for case studies throughout his books. Not only will a reader learn how to adapt their approaches in ways that have proven to yield positive long term results, but they will also see examples of the greatest benefits a college education provides (critical thinking, research analysis, rational decision-making).

Don't: Two different types of books should be avoided. First, don't buy anything that is full of "encouragement" and empty of tangible benefit. The "Chicken Soup" books fit into this category, as do many other series' titles that in many ways only serve to who the reader that what they are experiencing, if its adversity, is not uncommon. That is not a bad thing, but if there are other ways to prove such and offer effective alternatives.

The second type is the "in your face" book. The Larry Winget collection is the best example, as are the works of the Jesus of personal finance, Dave Ramsey. Both of these authors, who draw upon their own experiences of failure and lessons learned, do provide some valuable insight. However, I am not for punching someone in the face if they do not deserve it, which these 2 authors do on a regular basis. Their books are great if you are 30 years old, out of work, and deep in debt. New graduates need to be brought down to reality, but they don't need to be kicked in the shins and spat on. If you give them a Winget or Ramsey selection, they'll probably give you a cold shoulder next holiday party.

Personal Items

Do: We have a strong desire to give graduates something they will remember and cherish for a lifetime. However, we should ask ourselves if such a choice is practical, given the present circumstances, or perhaps a means of indirectly encouraging a materialist approach to adult life. Personally, a graduate's first focus is practicality. This not only means functionality, but also appearances that reflect a mature, adult focus. Briefcases, handbags, portfolios, are great ideas, but make sure they look professional and understated. Business cards and stationery also make great gifts. If you do want to give them a keepsake, a nice pen is a great choice.

Don't: Unless you are a parent, I would avoid trying to buy a new graduate something involving technology. If you are a parent, ask your child first to make sure it is relevant. I remember being in an electronic store 2 years ago while a pair of obvious grandparents were picking out a digital pocket dictionary. They asked for my help and said it was for their granddaughter's graduation. I asked where she was graduating, and they told me "law school." They eventually could not find one they liked, which was the best possible result. Had they bought one, it would probably still be in its casing, or exchanged for an iPod gift card.

Just with technology, another don't is anything that today's graduates no longer use because of technology. Unless you know they use one, do not buy a graduate a planner. This is especially true if they have a PDA phone (Blackberry, iPhone, etc.). If you do buy one, daily pages are not necessary, as everyone now pretty much maintains their schedule using a computer program like Outlook.

Others

Do: Some great choices for anyone include gift certificates for personal coaching or skill development training. Firms like Strategy Performance provide these services to a wide cross-section of individuals and businesses. As their CEO recently told me, such programs offer a chance to "give the gift of success."

Another great idea is a gift that connects graduates to opportunities through activities and networking. Young professional organizations can be found in many cities, including Rocky Mount. Many of these programs are organized by the local Chamber of Commerce, and membership fees are almost always less than $100 per year. Through activities, workshops, and the development of personal contacts, your graduate will learn about job opportunities, potential sources for customers, and ways they can enhance their personal and professional profile in their local community. You could also give them membership in their campus alumni association, especially if they are relocating to a major city or somewhere else with a strong presence of graduates from their institution.

Finally, while they may be itching to get the heck out of school (or not), it never hurts to help them maintain a relationship with their alma mater or the organizations they spent most of their "free time" with. Making a contribution in their name to the school or their fraternity/sorority/club will serve to keep them in contact with the world they are about to leave behind. Eventually, they will want to reconnect, and it is made all the easier if there is already an existing post-graduate relationship in place through fundraising.

Don't: To put it mildly, probably less than 1% of college graduates have a reasonable workplace wardrobe before they graduate. However, this is not something that should be done as a present. Gift cards are not a bad idea, but they should be to places that provide the right mix of value with knowledgeable advice. This is especially true to men, who likely have just one suit that they look absolutely uncomfortable in. Don't buy the clothes, though, as it does need to reflect the graduate's choice, and represents them starting to take some responsibility in decision making.

Gift cards in general make a lot of sense, and they enable graduates to get some practical items that reflect their needs and interests. However, as much as to encourage responsibility as it is to avoid looking cheap, gift cards for grocery stores and similar places should be avoided.

In the end, if the graduate does not appreciate your thought and consideration, regardless of the gift, you do have the right to pull it from their hands, call them "spoiled" and force them to quickly learn the lesson of shame. My advice is meant more to help those giving gifts make decisions that will enable them to see the greatest possible benefits (i.e., value) from their generosity. The right gift ends up being any gift, so long as the recipient maintains an attitude of respect and appreciation, necessities for their growth, development, and future achievement.

You can be/know "more," not "better"

My professional background and daily grind required me to adopt a personal theme to maintain balance between my responsibilities as an employee and citizen. Looking back on it, the saying is applicable for just about anyone, especially those trying to understand how you achieve greatness or recognition without growing negative egotism.

Simply put, you can always be "more", but never "better."

Alexandra Levit offers her own take, which mostly echoes my beliefs on the matter. For those of us in public administration/bureaucracy, it is necessary to recognize that our duties not only require interpretating, upholding, and enacting stated policies, or applying skilled knowledge, but also necessitate appreciating the perspective and experiences of others who may not see eye-to-eye with our judgements. I find it extremely important, if I want to fulfill my professional obligation while making certain that a citizen or official is understanding of the decision made, to show that while I may be well versed in what I do, it does not mean that I have "the" right answer, in contrast to theirs.

This concept applies to virtually anyone, but may have specific relevance to those (like me, at times) who believe they have advantages in proficiency with technology. Recent or upcoming graduates often automatically think that they will be able to get "a step ahead" in the real world by showing off their skills with computers, electronic communications, and what not. I have found (in some cases, the hard way) that despite what we may know that more veteran coworkers don't, it does not mean that our ideas or information has any practical relevance to the situations at hand.

In any given situation, presenting your talents and abilities is always applicable. However, it is important that you do not want to insult the audience, especially if they are in a supervisory or mentoring capacity, by expressing your skill level as somehow "better" than theirs. More than likely, as I did, you'll make this mistake (more than once).

Your coworkers have made this mistake as well, but it will be important to learn quickly about cues and the role of organizational culture, especially when it comes to institutional habits that might negate some of the value possible with your advanced knowledge.

What should we get/not get for new Graduates?

I am open to suggestions for a post I will run later this week on what we should get (and not get) for those in the Class of 2009. I'm thinking primarily about books, products, and other items that you think are of most or least value to someone heading on the next step in the lifelong journeys this summer. Please post here, or if you prefer, send by email to alwaysachieve@gmail.com.

Short Tips Double Feature (Social Networking for Careers, Twitter)

Here is your 2-for-1 special for the weekend:

1. Kelly Giles (Tar Heels in Transit) put together this presentation for a campus workshop on utilizing social media for career development. The presentation also covers the concept of personal branding (while I may be skeptical about this idea, I do think she presents it well). You should also take a look at this post, which elaborates on what she discussed in session.

2. In case you haven't noticed, I have started actively twittering at a reasonable clip. So, here's my 3-step advice for effective twittering:

• Select an account name that can be easily identified (i.e., actual name or most commonly-used email address)
• Use a URL shortener for links, preferably one you can use to track what you post (I prefer http://bit.ly)
• Keep your posts relatively professional (save your family stories for Facebook)

Chris Rock puts it nicely

I am in the midst of my busiest time of the year with respect to my career. I am also not an accountant, so just because today is Tax Day does not mean that it is going to get any less busy. I should see some daylight at the office (literally, and I actually have a window) by mid-June.

Regardless, it does not matter that much. I love what I do, and while my enjoyment with regard to the line of work I'm in does not match my current workplace demeanor most days, the arrival of each new day is something I look forward to.

Chris Rock is on TV tonight, and a comment he just made during a show says what I'm dealing with right now perfectly:

"If you got a career, you ain't got enough time."

There are some pieces I've been working on I will get out very soon, and I'll do my best these next couple of weeks to come up for air and make a post or two. Until then, take a look at the articles linked to the right.