Have you watched the waves come in?

When I watch the waves crashing onto the sand of the beach it reminds me of life itself. The waves come at different intervals, intensity and size. The same as your opportunities come into your life.
Some opportunities are larger, some more intense and some very fast. Many come fast, more intense and some very big. Sometimes we miss one and only realize too late. Just as the waves come and go there is no reason to whine and cry over the missed opportunity as more will come along. Although sometimes we don't think so.
Every opportunity is your's to act on. Whether or not that you do act on them is in your hands. I can guarantee that you'll never be able to take advantage of all the opportunities.

Spring is about to sprung-or did it?

Do you hear the Robins in the morning? Maybe other birds or sounds. As the seasons change you may also change part of your approach to your search. Nothing wrong in being spontaneous. Change with the times. Change your colors. BRIGHTEN YOUR SMILE.

Just as we see and feel the season change we can put on that new smile and approach others. People like to hear what you have to say. Don't be afraid to brag a little.

Spring your sprung.

Do you know anyone that is "down"?

We all know folks that are down, bummed out, depressed or just not up to it lately. It is not uncommon to get burned out when we have gotten an education, worked, want to work and are being told NO or that we came in second. That's just down right depressing.

How do we keep our spirits up and have a positive outlook? Much easier said than done, right? First of all remember it can always be worse, there are too many stories to tell. Second is to remember how lucky you are to be free. Thirdly is to get out of the house and see other people. Meet them, talk with them, see what you can do for them.

Get into Toastmasters. Why do I keep bringing up Toastmasters? You will find people with positive attitudes and inspirational speeches. You will learn something new every week. You will get to network with people that even become friends.

This also fits my mantra:
Have fun
Meet people
Learn something.

Passion

Do you really have a passion for that opportunity you are searching for? No! I Mean a real passion? Would I hear it in your voice, see it in your eyes. Do you think I would feel your passion if we met.

Remember that if that potential opportunity can't feel or hear your passion they won't know either.

To find your voice and passion visit a Toastmasters Club.

How long to wait before following up.

Once you have any kind of interview, informational or job, you'll always want to US mail a thank you card. This card should be hand written and hand addressed. Yes, you can still send e-mails but it isn't QUITE as personal. Up to you.

If there was a textbook answer as to how long to wait to follow up with a call one could write a script for your computer and it would all be executed perfectly. There comes a time when the human element must be relied on. Did you ask when you could call back before you left the meeting? Did you listen to the other party and were you given a clue?

Other peoples schedules vary and their way of handling them vary. Some people may be leaving for vacation or been assigned a new project. Subsequently they never get back to you. That is why it is important to determine when you may make contact next. Don't wait too long.

Are you really ready for that interview?

In your quest to find your next best opportunity have you given thought about preparation for an interview? You need to always be practicing because you don;t always know when it may occur. As well as you plan there is always that last minute one that pops up out of nowhere.

What is practice? Knowing your topic, sounding confident, being succinct and don't bloviate. Your goal is to connect honestly and learn about them. From this you will know if you are a fit or not.

Ask your friends and do the same for them by short interview questions.

How cold is it?

Looking outside at the serene white snow, in all it's beauty, I am reminded that it is also cold. As pretty as it looks to my eyes and mind the other part of my brain says to touch it might be cold.
You might find the similar paradigm when searching for those opportunities. It looks or sounds so good from the outside yet upon further inspection there is that other side, as in the cold side, that isn't what we expected or wanted. You must be cognizant of these facts as you make your determination to do what you have to do,

Intuition always plays a part in such matters so be sure and include that intuition in your decisions.