Careers/Business

The Therapy of Writing

On June 30, 2010, In Careers/Business, Personal Development, by Jeff

Photo Courtesy of Markus Rodder (flickr)

Writing snuck up on me as a thing that I now do. I never considered myself a writer and I never would have guessed that I would have started a blog, be in the midst of writing a book, or actually planning a career based on new ways to connect with others through my writing. It’s a whirlwind of newness and awesomeness that I stumbled upon a few years after college. I’ve been writing all my life but always for someone else, teachers mostly. I spent years writing essays, short stories, plays, articles, and other knick knack pieces for school and work assignments.

I started a journal three different times and I’ve never maintained it for more than a couple weeks. I don’t do journals. It doesn’t work for me to simply sit and write about my life in hopes that I can garner some insight into my (more…)

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7 Ways to Get Noticed

On April 28, 2010, In Careers/Business, Personal Development, by Jeff

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…)

Tagged with: Careers/Business • Personal Development

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Should I Go to Grad School?

On April 22, 2010, In Careers/Business, by Jeff

Photo Courtesy of Adam Procter (Flickr)

To go or not to go? That is the question. Recently I made a list of my closest high school and college friends who I keep in touch with regularly. On this list I categorized everyone by their formal education to compare how their training compares to mine, just a few years out of college. Surprisingly, more than 70% of my friends are either currently in graduate school, or have recently graduated with a Master’s degree. Does this mean I have really smart friends, or that a Master’s degree is the new undergrad? Not necessarily. But, what this list does tell me is that most of my friends have made the decision to go, which means many of you are probably considering the same. So I have broken down the basic pros and cons to figure out if going to graduate school is the right thing for you. (more…)

Tagged with: Careers/Business • Education

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Adding Value to the Web: WebbChange

On April 8, 2010, In Careers/Business, by Jeff

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…)

Tagged with: Careers/Business

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How to Achieve Your Ambitious Career Goals

On March 18, 2010, In Careers/Business, Goals/Habits, by Jeff

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…)

Tagged with: Careers/Business • Goals/Habits

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Sales 101: Never Sell Ice to an Eskimo

On March 11, 2010, In Careers/Business, by Jeff

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…)

Tagged with: Careers/Business

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Why You Need to Get Really Drunk

On March 9, 2010, In Careers/Business, Goals/Habits, by Jeff

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…)

Tagged with: Careers/Business • Goals/Habits