Tag Archives: business coach

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

How to Spot a Bad Boss in the Interview

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This question came in from a professional wanting to advance in his career.
How can you tell in the interview that your boss is going to be horrible?
One recommendation is to remove the idea of “a Bad Boss”.  Instead, realize that there are various management styles that you work better with.  Once you understand that it’s just a matter of management styles, write down the management style in which you excel and perform best.  Identify the traits and environments that you work best.
REPEATING Important Concept: Instead of focusing on what makes someone a “Bad Boss” – focus on what helps you work at your best.

Once you have done this self-awareness discovery session, then you can easily come up with questions that will help you decide if this is the place for you.

For example – if you realize that you are the type of person that needs lots of direction (just starting out in this industry), explicit steps, and someone to review your work, then asking questions to see if the interview is a “hands-off” manager, a “mentor/coach” manager or a micro-manager.  You can find out about their training, orientation and mentoring/buddy program.

If you are more experienced and need more autonomy, you can ask questions about opportunities for you to mentor/coach/train other people in the group.  You can ask about team lead positions, etc.

Once again – I recommend and encourage high performers to avoid focusing on what you do not want “a Bad Boss” – and focus on what you DO want.  This means that you need to do some serious self-assessment to understand what type of environment will help you perform at your best.

If you need help in identify the proper work environment for you, what do you sign up for a discovery strategy session.  That way, I can find out more about your specific situation and can give you some next step recommendations.  You can easily sign up for a complimentary session at https://www.timetrade.com/book/WFSFQ

 

How introverts can break into a manager role

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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 morel 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

 

 

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

 

 

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 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.

What kinds of jobs and careers are good for people who are detail-oriented

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Most successful careers are those that connect your skills, talents and passions.  There are many jobs that are good for people who are detail-oriented.  But to have a sustainable career, you need to align that detail-orientation to your talent and passion.  To be the best in anything – you need to be detailed oriented in that particular industry or situation (regardless of the position or job description).

1) Quality Assurance Expert is detail-oriented, and can be aligned with many fields such as Health-care, Manufacturing, Software/IT, Insurance, Banking, etc.

2) Prestigious  Head Chief is detail-oriented  — and is aligned with their passion and talents.

3) Successful Surgeon and doctor has to be detailed-oriented in regards to their craft.

4) High-quality Construction Supervisors, Architects and Designers have be to detailed oriented when building large foundations for important buildings.

5) The best Attorneys and Judges are detailed oriented when it comes to their important, high-profile cases and decisions

6) Successful Accountants and CPAs are detailed oriented when it comes to their work

7) Scientists, Researchers, Inventors, developers, testers, writers are all detailed oriented when it comes to their work
I think the question is misguided.  It’s not the specific job that is key.  It’s the desired quality, success and profile level that you want to achieve.  People that are dedicated and what to be successful in their selected craft are very driven and detailed oriented toward their success.  People that just look at their work as simply a job and are not motivated to provide the best and are not as detail oriented.

For a worksheet on how to line up your passions, talents, experiences and skills toward something that is more than a job, subscribe to the worksheet <HERE>

How to show customers they are appreciated.

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The key to client appreciation is understanding what the client values.  In Dr. Gary Chapman’s 5 Love  Languages, people respond to 5 different categories of appreciation/love: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time and Physical Touch.
A relationship (whether a personal, professional or business relationship) is composed of one or more people.  Therefore, a show of the right kind of appreciation (the one that the client would value most) in any of those venues would work.  Dr. Chapman mentions that everyone has 2 dominant categories.  For example – if you know that your client feels appreciated (loved) with words of affirmation and acts of service – you would best be served by giving them a plaque/award with some fanfare or a special “Done For You” complimentary service.   On the other hand, if your client doesn’t like to be put on stage – then giving them an award in front of people would have the opposite affect and he/she would resent being there.
Understanding the proper acts that make them feel appreciated (or loved) is the key to a successful client appreciation program.  Then selecting items that fit one of their 2 dominate profiles would win the day.

If you would like additional recommendation for your specific situation, please let me know.  I would be happy to setup a quick discovery call, so that I can better understand your unique situation and offer some next-step recommendations.

What are the best ways to ask managers for a job title transition?

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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 reporter: It’s not exactly a promotion–but you get to do more of what you want to do and maybe even take on more responsibilities to set you up for higher salary and promotion in the near future.

What are the best ways to ask managers for a job title transition?

It’s recommended that you create (and document) an Individual Development Plan in which you outline your career goals and professional path.  At your regular (recommended weekly or twice a month) one-on-one manager meetings, you frequently review your goals and IDP plans with your manager.  If you do this proactively and regularly, when a position becomes available your manager is neither surprised by your interest nor taking it personally.  They are already aware of your goals and have become a co-conspirator to your success.  But keeping your manager in the loop regarding your IDP, they can also bring those matching positions to your attention.  If you don’t include your managers in your plans, it’s just a more difficult conversation.

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.

You can schedule a 30 minute complementary consult right HERE. Do it today, what do you have to lose?ScheduleTime

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

This presentation isn’t for everyone. It’s for professionals that are ready to succeed. Since we use the time to do some real-time laser coaching around your unique situation, the seats are limited. Even though this presentation is complimentary, there is a $5.00 reserve your seat fee that is refunded when you after attend the presentation. If you register and do not attend, you forfeit the $5.00 and all materials covered in the presentation.

I also have several worksheets that help clarify your goals, your teams missions, and your performance expectations in the Professional Development Toolkit. The toolkit goes into the who, what, where, when, why and how of all of the above. It contains audios, videos, presentations, and worksheets for your use and growth. Take the next step and check the toolkit out <<HERE>>

Perks you should hold out for as you’re negotiating a position with a company

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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 reporter: What perks you should hold out for as you’re negotiating a position with a company? What perks do soon-to-be-hired people forget to ask for? What should they try to get?

 

My recommendation is to first understand what your wants and desires are, then use those as the starting point for your perks. Take everyone else out of the picture when deciding what you want.

workerswantReview this survey results on “what workers want” – and decide what you really want from your work experience.  For example if you are want your “opinion and knowledge valued” – discuss opportunities to travel and speak at various conferences in the company’s industry.  If you want to be properly recognized for work well done, discuss award schedules based on your performance. If you want the freedom to create and innovate, discuss their patent opportunities and compensations.  If career advancement is important to you, discuss the possibility of reimbursement for success or career coach fees.   If it’s important that you have the proper resources to do a better job, request administrative help to off-load so that you can focus on items only you can do.  If continuous learning is important to you, negotiate appropriate training time and reimbursements.

Once again – go back to what is important to you and then be creative in your negotiation the essence of those goals.

 

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.

You can schedule a 30 minute complementary consult right HERE.  Do it today, what do you have to lose?ScheduleTime

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

This presentation isn’t for everyone. It’s for professionals that are ready to succeed. Since we use the time to do some real-time laser coaching around your unique situation, the seats are limited. Even though this presentation is complimentary, there is a $5.00 reserve your seat fee that is refunded when you after attend the presentation. If you register and do not attend, you forfeit the $5.00 and all materials covered in the presentation.

I also have several worksheets that help clarify your goals, your teams missions, and your performance expectations in the Professional Development Toolkit.  The toolkit goes into the who, what, where, when, why and how of all of the above.  It contains audios, videos, presentations, and worksheets for your use and growth.  Take the next step and check the toolkit out <<HERE>>