Category Archives: Networking Tips

Overcoming Your First Mistake At A New Job

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Hello, this is Laura Lee Rose.  I am a speaker and author. I am an expert in time and project management.

I help busy professionals and entrepreneurs create effective systems so that they can comfortably delegate to others, be more profitable and have time to enjoy life even if they don’t have time to learn new technology or train their staff.  I have a knack for turning big ideas into on time and profitable projects.

At the end of the day, I give people peace of mind.

Today’s question came from a busy professional interested in freeing some time and space to advance in his career.

 

Overcoming Your First Mistake At A New Job

What advice do you have for new hires having to own up to their first big mistake on the job? Is there a professional way to apologize? What is the best way to bounce back after making a mistake?

 

First recommendation is to relax. Everyone that starts a new job is focused on making a good impression. We all want to prove that they were right to hire you. Everyone would be a little nervous about making a mistake. The good news is that everyone makes mistakes. It’s just that we feel more vulnerable at a new job, versus when we’ve been at a position for awhile. So my first recommendation is to relax.

Next is to avoid the term “mistake” and replace it with the idea that you were trying something new. Professionals makes “mistakes” when they are trying something new, experimenting, and stretching beyond their comfort zone. This is a good thing. People that never make mistakes are not growing, exploring or evolving. Every action or decision that you take merely generates more data and results. The results are either moving you closer to your goals OR giving you more data that will get you toward your goal.

The last concept is that your mistake doesn’t ruin your reputation.  It’s how you respond to your mistake that makes or breaks you in the eyes of your coworkers and employer.  By taking the initiative to correct, improve and eliminate the repetition of that same mistake is always a good step.  By creating an automated procedure, utility, better documenting the steps, or sharing the knowledge with others not only stops you from repeating the error but stops everyone that follows you.
Think like the owner of the company.  What would the business owner like to see come from this situation?

Under no circumstances would you try to cover up or blame someone else for the error. Taking responsibility for a situation isn’t taking the blame. Taking responsibility is actually being able to respond to the situation (response – able). Being able to respond to any difficult situation is a sign of a leader.

I know your situation is different. Why don’t we schedule an appointment, where I get to know more about your unique situation? And then I will be happy to make recommendations on what your best steps are moving forward. To schedule an appointment, book it HERE.

With enough notice, it would be my honor to guest-speak at no cost to your group organization.

I have a monthly presentation on “how to say YES to everything but on your own terms”. To sign up for the complimentary course, go to www.lauraleerose.com/Say-Yes

Mono-tasking Versus Multi-tasking

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Hello, this is Laura Lee Rose.  I am a speaker and author. I am an expert in time and project management.

I help busy professionals and entrepreneurs create effective systems so that they can comfortably delegate to others, be more profitable and have time to enjoy life even if they don’t have time to learn new technology or train their staff.  I have a knack for turning big ideas into on time and profitable projects.

At the end of the day, I give people peace of mind.

Today’s question came from a busy professional interested in freeing some time and space to advance in his career.

Multitasking is out, mono-tasking is in. But how do we learn to focus on just one task at a time? Looking for practical workplace tips on mono-tasking and efficiency.

One recommendation is to realize that “multi-tasking” and “mono-tasking” is really the same thing.   You can only fully focus on one thing at a time. You can only be effective on one thing at a time. Multi-tasking just means that you are churning from one task to the other – but still you are only focused on one item at a time. It’s just that you are only focused on that one item a very short amount of time. You are only fully engaged in that one task for only a few moments. In my opinion, the false encouragement of multitasking supports attention disorder. We proudly announce that we are an expert in multi-tasking – when you are trying to express that you are very organized and able to project manage various tasks. The skill is not in the switching and churning from task to task. It’s not the ability to do multiple tasks at the same time. The organizational skill is in the efficiency, accuracy and quality in which you complete your tasks on time and within budget.

Mono-tasking is merely extending the length of time that you elect to focus on a task or item. Mono-tasking, like any skill, takes practice.   The key to stay focused on a task until its appropriate conclusion is to break the task into manageable mini-tasks.

This is described in more detail in the Sprint and Buffer strategy in the Professional Development Toolkit online course. For more information on this ecourse, follow this link <Professional Development Toolkit>

Once you have your tasks split into mini, self-contained tasks (as described in the Sprint and Buffer method), the next step is to take control of your time and calendar.

Here are some additional suggestions:
1) Make proper use of your “do not disturb” signs on your office door, your instant messages and your phone.  Educate people on when they can and can not disturb them.

2) Schedule regular meetings.  Take the time to setup quick (regularly scheduled) meetings with your entourage and staff.  If people know they will be meeting with you every Tuesday for 10 minutes, they tend to hold all their issues until that date/time – eliminating interruptions.

3) Use Sprint and Buffers:  If you are having problem focusing all day on one task, split the task into mini-tasks with breaks or buffers between the mini-tasks.  Then you can switch to a different task or area in between those mini-tasks for some variety.

4) Set the timer.  If you can’t focus for a long time on something without getting distracted, set your timer for 20 or 30 minutes.  Stay focused on that task until the timer goes off. Often times when you know, in advance, how much time you have to work on something – you become more productive and focused. Often times when you set yourself a time limit to get something done, you challenge yourself to get it done before the timer. Make it a game.

5) Use the timer to distract yourself back to work.  If you take longer breaks then you intend, use the timer to bring you back to work.  For example, if you take a break with social media or internet searching – you can often allow time to get away from you.  By setting the timer for 10 or 15 minutes – the alarm will distract you back to reality.  This allows you to take those spontaneous side-tracks without getting lost in time.

6) Implement the “parking lot” method (discussed in more detail in the Professional Development Toolkit) to jot down any extraneous and spontaneous ideas that come to you while you are focused on this particular task. This allows you to keep track of your great ideas AND still stay focused on what you need to accomplish “at this moment”. After you have completed your scheduled task, then review your parking lot items to prioritize and schedule quality time for those items.

7) If you feel that you cannot us the “do not disturb” solution because your manager is a micromanage, then you need to proactively ease his/her anxiety over the status of things. If you regularly and frequently provide status reports that anticipate issues and questions – you reduce his/her need to micromanagement, reduce interruptions; and increase the trust between you and your manager.

For more tips to realistic scheduling, check out the article “12 Tips to Realistic Schedule”. Download your copy <HERE>.


 I know your situation is different. Why don’t we schedule an appointment, where I get to know more about your unique situation? And then I will be happy to make recommendations on what your best steps are moving forward. To schedule an appointment, book it HERE.

With enough notice, it would be my honor to guest-speak at no cost to your group organization.

I have a monthly presentation on “how to say YES to everything but on your own terms”. To sign up for the complimentary course, go to www.lauraleerose.com/Say-Yes

How to capitalize on your GENIUS

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Hello, this is Laura Lee Rose.  I am a speaker and author. My background is in time and project management.

I help busy professionals and entrepreneurs create effective systems so that they can comfortably delegate to others, be more profitable and have time to enjoy life even if they don’t have time to learn new technology or train their staff.  I have a knack for taking big ideas and converting them into smart, sound, and actionable ideas.

At the end of the day, I give people peace of mind.
Today’s question came from a busy professional interested in freeing some time and space to advance in his career.

I have lots of knowledge to share. What are some ways to share my knowledge and get additional exposure as an expert in my field? 

 

Can do it any number of ways – Speak it, Write it, Perform it.

JUST GET IT OUT OF YOUR HEAD!

 

Speak it: audio, webcam video

Write it: Articles, blogs, Tips, Interview

Perform it: brown bag lunches, professional organizations, Youtube it

  • Once you have it out of your head – you can productize it any number of ways.
  • Slap a graphic or slide deck to an audio, and you have a video
  • Put your speaker notes into your slide desk presentation and you have an ebook
  • Take your article and split it into digestible tips and you have your social media postings

Full list of the things you can do can be found in my Capitalizing On Your Genius Cheat Sheet at

http://eepurl.com/Vy0-n

Why should I do this? – If you’re the only one that knows how smart you are, what good are you – really?

 

Everyone already knows this stuff. It’s common sense – You’ll be surprised how uncommon, common sense is. Regardless – some people will know it, and some will not. Some people will be interested and some will not. So what? You’ll never know who will be interested in what you have to share if you never share it.

 

Others can say it better: So what? You can’t get better without practice.
I know your situation is different. Why don’t we schedule an appointment, where I get to know more about your unique situation? And then I will be happy to make recommendations on what your best steps are moving forward. To schedule an appointment, book it HERE.

With enough notice, it would be my honor to guest-speak at no cost to your group organization.

I have a monthly presentation on “how to say YES to everything but on your own terms”. To sign up for the complimentary course, go to www.lauraleerose.com/Say-Yes

How to get a good reference.

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Hello, this is Laura Lee Rose.  I am a speaker and author. I am an expert in time and project management.

I help busy professionals and entrepreneurs create effective systems so that they can comfortably delegate to others, be more profitable and have time to enjoy life even if they don’t have time to learn new technology or train their staff.  I have a knack for turning big ideas into on time and profitable projects.

At the end of the day, I give people peace of mind.
Today’s question came from a busy professional interested in freeing some time and space to advance in his career.

Is there any specific way to ask for a reference (i.e., is it more appropriate to do over email, or over the phone, or in person?) – Who should you ask for a reference? (i.e., can you only ask your boss or is it appropriate to ask a colleague or someone you worked with on a different team?) – What are some ways to gently coach your reference? – If you are let go from a job, what’s the best way to get a decent reference? – If you didn’t get along with your boss, are there any good ways to get a decent reference? – What if your past company’s policy is that HR will only verify employment? Should you ask your boss or colleagues for a reference anyway?

 Whether you are going after references or testimonials, it’s good to have at least 3-5 references that show your breathe and depth of responsibility and aptitude.

Consider having at least one reference in each of the following:

 

1) Manager or 2nd Line Manager:  doesn’t have to be your boss, any manager that knows your value and contribution to the company’s bottom line.

 

2) Co-worker – to illustrate team work, cooperation and collaboration.

 

3) Client – to illustrate quality and attentiveness to service; as well as creativity and problem solving skills.

 

If you are a business owner, consider the following categories

1)    Current client

2)    Current sponsor or investor

3)    Current vendor

 

Depending on your desired next position (or business opportunity) – select references that will highlight the traits that you want to promote. For example, if you are currently an assistant teacher and you are going after a graphics designer of training materials; highlight your presentation skills and training portfolio. Highlight the graphics you created for the training materials versus the overseeing of children during lunch.

If you are a developer and you are going after a manager of developers and testers, highlight your team leadership skills and collaboration skills with the developers, testers, sales, technical writers and managers. Highlight your on time delivery, coordination and project management skills versus the ability to program in less time and code lines than anyone else. Be selective and strategic in the skills you highlight.

One way to coach your references – is to actually supply them with a template or sample version.  This saves them time and allows you to emphasize what you want them to emphasize.  They can modify as they see fit – but you have made it easier for them to do what you want.

 As for finding reference after you have lost your job – I always recommend collecting references and testimonial every time you accomplish or achieve something significant. Collect the references throughout your career – don’t wait until you need it. This is what your Professional Career Press Kit is all about. For details on what is and how to create a Professional Career Press Kit, setup a one-on-one consult or take advantage of the eCourse The Professional Development Toolkit.

For a list of the 10 Tool to Advance Your Career, request using this link <HERE>.

I know your situation is different. Why don’t we schedule an appointment, where I get to know more about your unique situation? And then I will be happy to make recommendations on what your best steps are moving forward. To schedule an appointment, book it HERE.

With enough notice, it would be my honor to guest-speak at no cost to your group organization.

I have a monthly presentation on “how to say YES to everything but on your own terms”. To sign up for the complimentary course, go to www.lauraleerose.com/Say-Yes

When hiring, should I prioritize relevant non-startup experience, or general creativity and critical thinking?

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When hiring for my start-up: should I prioritize relevant non-startup experience, or general creativity and critical thinking?

Right now, I am interviewing potential hires for my start-up. Since my company is young, we could definitely use some fresh ideas and sharp minds to help grow our business. However, it would also be great to hire one or more individuals with industry-specific experience. Would it be a good idea to hire some employees for their expertise and some for their general creativity/skills, or should I just pursue those with the “total package”?

 

My best advice is to start with an all-star that can hit the ground running. Cash flow is king. Strategically add employees with very measured and strategically planned skill sets as you grow.

As you strategically add to your team, it will become clear what complementary skills, personalities and talents you will need to fill in the gaps.
One item that you, as the owner, need to be very clear in is describing your ideal working environment and team. Once you can clearly visualize the personalities, skills, talents and passions that you really want – the right people will start to appear. Don’t wait to “know it when you see it”. Your job is to “know it so you can recognize it”.

Visualize your team from the start.  Imagine the exact atmosphere, energy and professionalism that you want.  Be able to taste it and feel it.  Once you can do that – this particular question will become irrelevant.

How introverts can become managers

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how introverts can break into a manager role even though they aren’t the most aggressive/outspoken?
The best way to become a good manager (regardless of being an introvert or extravert) is to focus on service:  service to your employees.  Introverts and extraverts have one think in common.  They spend too much time thinking about themselves.  An introvert is fearful of what people are thinking about them.  The extravert wants people to be thinking about them.  In both cases, it’s all about “them”.

Whether you are an introvert or extravert – the recommendation is the same:

1) Illustrate that your focus is not on yourself, but for the benefit of the employee, client and company.

2) Error on service to others; what you can do for your department, your team, your executive level and your clients

3) Quantify your performance in regards to client satisfaction, increased revenue, reduced time to market and employee retention.

Spend more time on learning about others.  Focus on doing the right thing instead of doing things right.

GET out of your own head, and get into theirs.

Getting out of your own heads helps with your introvert tendencies; getting into theirs helps with your management skills.
For more tips on how to breakdown the strengths introverts usually possess that make them successful leaders and tips on helping them navigate office politics and professional opportunities that will lead to managerial promotions; why not setup an introductory success coaching session.  This way I can learn more about your unique situation and give you customized next step recommendations.

To setup an appointment, go to https://www.timetrade.com/book/WFSFQ

 

 

5 Productivity Tips for businessmen and professionals

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Hello, this is Laura Lee Rose.  I am a speaker and author. My background is in time and project management.

I help busy professionals and entrepreneurs create effective systems so that they can comfortably delegate to others, be more profitable and have time to enjoy life even if they don’t have time to learn new technology or train their staff.  I have a knack for taking big ideas and converting them into smart, sound, and actionable ideas.

At the end of the day, I give people peace of mind.
Today’s question came from a busy professional interested in freeing some time and space to advance in his career.

What productivity tips do you have for businessmen?

1) Focus on the “why” you are doing something instead of the task itself.  Then do the minimum to accomplish the “why” and move on.

2) Release early and often to stakeholders and clients.  Expect modifications and changes by your clients.  Therefore, constantly deliver early drafts for their feedback.  While they are reviewing, work on other things.

3) Make use of every minute.  Have reading materials, professional development audios, etc with you at all times.  This way when meetings start late or you find yourself waiting on someone – you continue to work on your career.

4) See every opportunity as a business networking event.  Every time you spek, it is a speaking engagement. Be prepared with your 30 second pitch, introduction, business cards, etc.

5) Set time limits on everything.  From meetings to internet search – set time limits.  Tell your co-worker how much time you have for his interruption up front, then end the conversation at that time.  Set your timer to X minutes (i.e. 15 minutes) before you start a task that tends to get away from you (like internet searches or social media correspondence).  When the time expires you move on.

I know your situation is different. Why don’t we schedule an appointment, where I get to know more about your unique situation? And then I will be happy to make recommendations on what your best steps are moving forward. To schedule an appointment, book it HERE.

With enough notice, it would be my honor to guest-speak at no cost to your group organization.

I have a monthly presentation on “how to say YES to everything but on your own terms”. To sign up for the complimentary course, go to www.lauraleerose.com/Say-Yes

How to capitalize on your GENUIS

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I have lots of knowledge to share. What are some ways to share my knowledge and get additional exposure as an expert in my field?

Can do it any number of ways – Speak it, Write it, Perform it.

JUST GET IT OUT OF YOUR HEAD!

Speak it: audio, webcam video

Write: Articles, blogs, Tips, Interview

Perform it: brown bag lunches, professional organizations, Youtube it

  • Once you have it out of your head – you can productize it any number of ways.
  • Slap a graphic or slide deck to an audio, and you have a video
  • Put your speaker notes into your slide desk presentation and you have an ebook
  • Take your article and split it into digestible tips and you have your social media postings

Full list of the things you can do can be found in my Productizing Your Genius Cheat Sheet at

http://eepurl.com/Vy0-n

How do you get someone in another department to do something you need that isn’t important to them

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How do you get someone in another department to do something you need that isn’t important to them?
Imagine you’re on a deadline that’s important to you. The
project might not qualify as “mission critical” to the rest of
the organization, but it’s certainly essential for your own
team. So far, so … ordinary.Now you run into a road block: a task wherein you need input
from someone from another department, or where you need the
other person to actively do something.  Sometimes, your request is a distraction to the other person’s business goal.
The key thing that you have already realized is that this isn’t important to them.  SO – they ARE doing you a favor.

Do not approach this as “they are the road block”.  Instead – approach them as a valued consult or mentor.  Make it easy for them to do this favor for you; and be prepared to do the work.

Approach with appreciation, admiration, and friendship.
Some recommendations:

1) Invite them to (and pay for) lunch or dinner to interview them on this topic.

2) Approach it as if you are gathering valuable information from them — AND YOU ARE NOT ASKING them to do the work.

3) Share your current situation and ask their advice on how to go about accomplishing it.  Ask them what they think your next step should be.  People often give their opinions and advice freely.  Take advantage of this human trait.
4) Be prepared to do the work, with the information and advice that they give you. (This may mean that you create the spreadsheet with their information.  Or that you do the research from the links and pointers that they give you. Or it may that you right your own recommendation and ask them to edit as they see fit.  Or that you do all the leg work and make it easy for them to sign-off.)
5) Do everything that you can possible do to reduce their effort and time.  Make it easy for them to help you. This monkey on your back is your monkey – not theirs; therefore, you are responsible for feeding your own monkey and not pass it onto someone else’ shoulders.

6) Ask permission for a follow-up  so that they could review your mid or final draft of your project.

7) If they say they can not help, emphasize how much you appreciate their time and admire their experience in this area.  Then ask them to recommend someone else that they think would be a better fit for this project.

Approach the topics with an appreciation of their time, their talent and their experience.  Treat them as special.  Realize that they are in the best at what they do and therefore are in much in demand.

End-Game:  The job isn’t done once you get what you want. It’s only just begun.

  • Don’t forget the THANK YOU:   And when they do come through for you – publicly recognize them in either a mention in your project proposal, Thank You Note to their superiors, and/or a gift of appreciation.
  • Reciprocate:  Take the time to learn about their various projects and volunteer your services in the near future.

How to handle obnoxious questions about your job search

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Today’s question came from a professional interested in freeing some time and space to advance in his career.

How to handle obnoxious questions about your job search. I’m talking specifically about how to handle questions from friends, family about how it’s going, why you don’t have a job yet.
One of the most effective ways to handle questions that annoy you is to turn the tables on those questions.  Instead of seeing those questions as annoying; take them at face value; and thank them for their interest. Then tell them exactly what you are looking for, the industry you are interested in, the position level, the role and responsibilities you are focusing on.  Share your career goals and make them a co-conspirator to your success.  Ask them if they can think of any business or network contacts that you can reach out to.  Ask to schedule some time with them to review their linkedin and facebook contacts, to see if they have anyone in their sphere that would be able to help you.  Ask for their advise on who in their circle — you should meet and ask for a warm introduction from them.Once you switch your opinion of them from an annoyance to an asset, two things will happen:

1) You will start networking with the right people

2) The wrong people will stop asking the questions.

Hi, my name is Laura Rose.  I am a speaker and author. My background is in time management, professional development and work life balance strategies.

I help busy professionals and entrepreneurs create effective systems so that they can comfortably delegate to others, be more profitable and have time to enjoy life even if they don’t have time to learn new technology or train their staff.  I have a knack for taking big ideas and converting them into smart, sound, and actionable ideas.