Little Fish in a Big Pond

It's good to be back!  We took several months off to help plan and work on the 2012 West Michigan Professionals Leadership Summit.  The Summit is done, we had a great time and learned a lot, but now it's time to get back to business.  You can learn more about the Summit at www.theprosforum.com.

 

As I sat back and watched the Summit unfold (from planning to implementation), I took a lot of notes and silently observed from the sidelines.   As the day progressed, I realized there were a lot of little fishes who have been thrown into the big pond and are swimming as fast as they can for survival.  The 'little fishes' being those who are trying to find their place in the world. More so, young professionals.  The 'big fishes' are those who are already established and have put their mark on the world.   One question kept coming to mind: "What separates a little fish from a big fish?"  Here is what I came-up with:

 

Big fishes have already invested their time, put in the hardwork and built a reputation that has brought them (and sometimes not) credibility.   They are established, educated and well spoken, but can be, at times, disconnected from the world around them. 

 

Little fishes are starting out in the professional world and working hard to find where they belong or fit-in.  Some little fishes are aggressive and fast swimmers, while others are quietly swimming by and waiting for their chance to swim with the big fishes.  

 

Big fish or little fish, we all want the same thing: to be successful, respected and to feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment.   Big fishes sometimes forget what it was like to be a little fish and do not provide the much needed leadership and mentoring to our little fishes who are going to be someday running the world.   Big fishes need to share their stories, provide guidance, advice and strong leadership to our little fishes.   It is important to remember that little fishes bring a lot to our world, they are tech savvy, educated, community minded and are politically motivated.   Big fish or little fish, we all have something to offer and swimming together, can make positive changes in the world around us.

 

Next:  Where did I Misplace my Career?

Putting the 'Bling' Into Your Career

I am always amazed when individuals seek-out my services and scoff at the price of what Vantage Career Solutions offers.   First, VCS offers awesome services for a minimal price and we do not charge by the hour, but instead we charge based on the level of services provided. Like any other service provider in the world, you get what you pay for.

I am extremely proud of the work we do here at VCS, but still cannot believe how many people think that career services should be free or provided a very minimal cost.  Why do people feel that investing in their careers should be any less important than investing in their 401-k or stocks and bonds?  Let's dig a little deeper here, A) your career determines the amount of monies you can invest in your stock portfolio and B) without a sterling resume and professional career portfolio, you are not going to earn the top dollar you need to succeed.  Still more baffling to me is how an individual can justify spending $300-$500 on a Coach bag, but cannot find the importance or value of investing $250 into their professional career.

Why the Word 'Why' is Bad!

As a Certified Career Coach (CCC), it is my job to help today's job seekers discover their career potential, gain the confidence they need to succeed and teach them how to eliminate negative behaviors and overcome those obstacles that have prevented them from having the career they want and truly deserve. One way we can do this is to first start with eliminating the word 'why' from our everyday vocabulary.   

Turning NO into a YES!

During our job search we hear the word 'NO' a lot, but it's what we do with this that really  matters.  Hearing 'NO' so many times can take a toll on you as you seek out a new career, but you can turn the negative into a positive.

Diary of a Mad Job Hunter: Entry 2

As I was in the process of creating and opening my own business (Vantage Career Solutions), I kept-up on the job search with the hopes of finding the next career of my professional life (well, at least for six-months or so).  I had no idea that this 'job search' would drag-on for over 8-months now.  It was time to bring out the heavy artillery and head into battle.

Armed with an impressive cover letter, resume and great references, I set out on my job seeking journey.  This journey has been, let's see how shall we say, a true nightmare from hell!  In the past 8-months I have sent out hundreds of resumes and filled out about the same number of online applications.  Though I have had some great interviews, it has all resulted in the same thing: "Thanks, but no thanks".  I started to question what it was about me they didn't like.  I came to the harsh reality that searching for a new career is exhausting and it takes its toll on you and your entire life.

Next: You can hear 'No' only so many times...        

Diary of a Mad Job Hunter: Entry 1

I begin this new segment of the VCS Blog by telling you about my personal journey as a Mad Job Hunter.  My journey began in April 2011, when I was let go from the nonprofit I was working at here in Grand Rapids, MI.  

Having always had great success in finding employment in the past, I had no worries and decided to take my time as I searched for a new career.  Time, I learned, is not a luxury today's job seekers can afford.  I soon discovered that the job market is not like it was even a year ago.  There are thousands looking for every one job posting.  It soon became apparent that I needed to reinvent myself and do this quickly.  It was then that I decided to open Vantage Career Solutions and put my experiences and talents to work for others. 

Next: The madness continues...

A New Year with a New Career

With the New Year in full swing and resolutions made, it may be time to look at where you are at in your professional life and do you really have the career you have visioned for yourself?   If not, now is a great time to take stock of what you like about your current career and what you do not like.  If you find that this is somewhat overwhelming, maybe you should find a great Career Coach to help you through this journey.

Seque into the part where I tell you about Vantage Career Solutions and one of the services we offer is Career Coaching.  As a Certified Career Coach,  I can help you discover your career potential, gain the confidence you need to succeed and teach you how to eliminate negative behaviors and overcome those obstacles that have prevented you from having the career you dream of and deserve.

Take control of your career and contact us today to learn more about Vantage Career Solutions and how we can provide you with affordable, creative and effective career solutions that work!  You can find us online: http://www.vantagecareersolutions.com/ or contact us directly at: (616) 446-2095.

Wishing you great success,
Tedi R. Parsons