…in the world is a closed mind.” Great quote that I just picked up at a conference. The source of the quote is anonymous but it is synonymous (catchy huh?) with the way we typically approach new things. Just think about all the thoughts, suggestions, ideas, and quotes you’ve dismissed in the past (and maybe today) that cost you time, money, opportunity, relationships, energy, health, and quality of life.

Yes, a closed mind. Closed to the prospect of changing the way you think and behave. Closed to the prospect of changing the way you hire staff. Closed to the prospect of organizing your time better. Closed to the prospect of learning new ways to bring in business – or the right business. How about closed to the prospect? How about closed for business?

Heck, the only thing that should be closed when you’re in the business of bringing in business is the deal. How’s that for a quote?

So what keeps your mind closed for business when it comes to change? It’s fear, man. Fear of failure. Fear of success. Fear of the unknown. Fear of what others might think and say. Fear of trying something new. Fear of trying something old. Something borrowed.  Something blue. (Sorry)

Of course, all of this pertains to the stuff in your personal lives too.

If Your Resume Doesn’t Work, Neither Will You!

Resumes have changed over the last several years. They used to reflect a biographical overview of all your work experience, as well as your education and personal interests. Remember the section on hobbies? Personal interests are rarely included. Also, the resume was never to be more than one page. Today, resumes are typically two pages with the focus on the most recent 15-20 years of professional experience. Lately, I’ve been recommending that job searchers highlight only the past 5-10 years of experience unless there is a logical reason to go a bit further back.

Remember, your resume is the first impression a future employer may have of you. It serves as your sales kit, business card, and as a friendly reminder of how you present yourself and go about your work. Always keep your resume updated and within reach. You never know where your next opportunity may come from!

In the busy day-to-day grind of work and deadlines, most people do not have the time, and in some cases the expertise to manage their careers as effectively as they could.  A career transition made while unemployed can have some significant negatives, including stress and concern about loss of income.  On the other hand, it can be seen as career opportunity in disguise.

Question … what is your clients, prospects, or associates reality? Better question … is their reality of you — reality? Best question … what are you doing to make their perception your reality? Confusing, yes I know. 

Okay, here’s an uncomfortable reality.  How many of your clients, customers, staff, or whomever do you feel are — well, let’s just say ‘bad’? How many of them feel that way about you? Best way to find out is to ask them.

This is why getting feedback from others on presentations, service, products, management style, training, hiring, and communication is so important.  Do you have a process in place that allows you to get some feedback from others? Do you take the time to ask the right questions of the right folks? Often, you will get the right answers. 

So what do you have to gain from taking time out to ask some good questions of excellent sources about the work you do? What do you have to gain by learning more about your target market and customer base — and how to serve them better? What do you stand to gain by reaching out for opinions, suggestions, feedback, and insight that is worth a fortune but is only an investment of a few minutes to you?