Author Archives: Lori Franze

The Secrets To Staying Motivated On The Job Search

Searching for a job is a job within itself and if your working in your current position while looking for a new role you are doing double duty! It is an exhausting roller coaster that can make you feel on top of the world one moment and then down in the gutter the next. Staying motivated and focused on the end game can be a challenge if you’ve been searching for more than just a couple weeks.

In 5 Ways to Stay Motivated While Job Hunting Julia Corbett writes that if you focus more on what you want and make some simple changes to your approach that you can revive your motivation.

Get past your motivational slump with these tips.

You will come back refreshed and ready to tackle the next cover letter if you allow yourself some time to enjoy doing something you love that does not involve searching for job postings online and practicing interview questions.

1. Write down your goals – big and small

Putting everything you want to accomplish in the near and far future down on paper will force you to think about what you’ve already accomplished, what goals you are closing in on and those you need to work on. Don’t just look at what job you want and where you want to be at in 10 years but what you want to accomplish each day and week.

This exercise should excite you and help you start to put the plans in place on how to achieve each goal. Keep this list handy for when you need a boost!

2. Reach out to your career role models

Find people online who are doing what you want to be doing. How did they get to that role? What path did they take? Spending thirty minutes with someone who is where you want to be in 5 years, 10 years or right now is a great way to not only stay motivated but also gather intelligence on how to achieve your big goals. Continue reading →

Stepping Out From Behind Your Computer: 6 Tips for Effective Meetings

Lori Franze

The idea of a face to face meeting may terrify you in this digital era where all of us have made friends and connections with people we have never met in person but are connected on Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook. While for some it is a scary proposition, a coffee meeting can open so many doors and lead you to a dream job or project.

In 10 Tips for an Awesome Coffee Meeting author Sean Blanda shares details some great tips to almost ensure a successful coffee date. Let’s review some of that key advice.

Nothing ruins a first impression like showing up late to a meeting when someone is busy and taking the time from their day.

1. Be Clear and Be Prepared
When you set up the meeting be specific about why you want to meet with them and once you have it booked do your research on the person you are meeting. Read their Twitter, their Linkedin, check for press releases about them and then devise a list of questions you plan to ask. Go above and beyond what you can find online and tie it back to your original request.

2. Tardiness is a No-No
Now this one should be an obvious tip but needs to be stated. Nothing ruins a first impression like showing up late to a meeting when someone is busy and taking the time from their day. Leave early, check the traffic. It is better for you to be there early and waiting than for you to be late and your date sitting there waiting for you. Being late will get you started on the wrong foot!

3. Pick up the Tab
There is a value exchange happening in this meeting. The person you meet is giving you their time (and remember that their time is more valuable than money) and you are going to buy them a beverage of their choice. Ask them when you are in line and pay for the tab. It is the least you can do! Continue reading →