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Photo Courtesy of Pink Sherbet Photography (flickr)

In a world of constant connectivity and insatiable appetites for information, you’d assume that getting noticed should be easier than ever.  So why do you feel a strong desire for validation and why aren’t you getting noticed more often?  Lusting over validation is very common; whether it’s healthy or not is up for grabs.  Getting validated doesn’t happen nearly as often.  Assuming you’re overall objective is to get noticed, the primary method to do so is by violating expectations.  This means doing something that others won’t see coming.  You’ll have to be different, weird, and completely willing to take risks.  The best part is that once you fully master the ability to surprise and inspire others, you can apply that skill set to many aspects of your life.   (more…)

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Photo Courtesy of bradipo (flickr)

Today I have included a promotional video for an innovative new business that has recently been opened up for everyone to use.  WebbChange was started by one of my close childhood friends, Travis Russell, who has created a new way to place value on what you find online.

Disclaimer: I never promote other sites or products unless I use them myself or fully believe that they will add value to your life.  I am not a paid endorser of WebbChange.  I am promoting this site because I genuinely believe you should check it out (more…)

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Photo Courtesy of eye of einstein (flickr)

(This article is also featured as a guest post on AlieDavis.com)

Your career is your occupation, the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money.  In a nutshell, it will take up a lot of your time.  So which occupation will you choose and, more importantly, how will you make it happen?  Take a look at the list below and picture yourself living out your dream career.  Literally envision walking in the shoes of the future successful YOU.  Try it.  Then decide what actions you will take to make that ridiculous fantasy a true reality.

1. Begin with the End in Mind

Your career goal is not your next job; it is your life’s purpose.  Think long-term.  Unfortunately, many of us get caught up in the moment and (more…)

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Photo Courtesy of Rita Willaert (flickr)

I’ve worked in sales since the day I finished college. Every job I’ve had included sales of some form and nearly every company was terrible at it.  I sold Verizon business phone lines door-to-door, computers and iPods at Apple, debt at Citibank, food at various restaurants, foam shoes at Crocs, job candidates at High-Tech, and I’m preparing to sell my book on this site in the near future.  If you couldn’t already tell, I have had more jobs than the average 25 year-old.  Call me a job-hopper if you want but the experiences have been very enlightening, especially when it comes to sales tactics.  If you currently work in sales or are even considering it, take a look at the list below before you head out on your next sales call.  (more…)

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Photo Courtesy of puamelia (flickr)

Now that I’ve got your attention, let me explain why I really do want you to get silly wasted, or the equivalent in other means if you choose.  If your college experience was anything like mine it probably consisted of excessive amounts of cheap beer, late nights, few trips to the gym, and many impulsive decisions that you later regretted when the pictures where posted on Facebook.  As much fun as this lifestyle can be, it doesn’t necessarily prepare you for the intense demands of employers, spouses, or even parents.  Accomplishing your goals during life after college can seem daunting, especially if you’re thrown out on your own without a guide.  I’ve listed some of the most important actions you need to take as you head out into the real world.  Even if you’ve been graduated for years, these action steps can be a good check-up to see how you’ve been doing.

When I graduated college and moved to Boston, I had accomplished nine out of these ten steps within the first few months.  I’m not offering this advice because it sounds like a good idea.  I’m talking about this stuff because I did these things and they work.  If you’ve been struggling with finding your passion (more…)

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Photo Courtesy of JS's (flickr)

Getting fired was one of the scariest things I could imagine when I entered the job market fresh out of college.  I feared having to explain to a future employer why I sucked at my last job so badly that a security guard had to throw me off their property.  I feared having to fill out an application and check the box that asks if you’ve ever been fired or asked to resign, and then having to list the reason.  I thought getting fired would somehow put me on a public “Do-Not-Hire” list and I’d be banned from employment forever.  I imagined only being able to work as a janitor or simply giving up with no possibility of a future.  Scary stuff.  (more…)

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Photo Courtesy of Brandon Godfrey (flickr)

I’m poking my head out of hibernation to write this blog post.  Back in December I suspended my blogging to work on my book, which is chugging along.  I’ll give you a quick update.  First, writing a book is about as difficult as any other enormous goal, it’s always harder than you originally hoped.  I have, however, converted my sole proprietorship into an LLC.  I also recently opened my first business bank account and setup my account with the company that will help me self-publish the book.  Additionally, I’ve written the first 3 chapters and outlined the remaining chapters.  It’s a challenge to write a book while maintaining a full-time job, a personal life, and training for another marathon, but somehow it’s all coming together.  Patience is truly a virtue, and I haven’t mastered it yet.  (more…)