CareerJoy Conversations -Canada's Career Coaching

Joanna Track founder of SweetSpot.ca shares how she found the right mix for career success for her. Joanna shares her own journey from employee to entrepreneur, the lessons she has learned and her advice on how to find your own sweetspot!

What if you have CareerJoy, but you can longer perform that function anymore, what would you do? Everyone is going to make a transition at some point in their career. Sean Pronger played in the NHL for 10 years & was ready to retire - what's next? Sean shares his experience in identifying transferable skills, and how to land successfully in a new career. Sit back, relax and learn!

When is the right time to quit? When is too soon, or too late? Wondering if it is time to move on? This is one of the most important decisions that you will need to make in managing a successful career. This week's podcast is with Karen Burns author of The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl: Real Life Career Advice You Can Actually Use! Karen has had 59 jobs and quit 58 times (she was only fired once) she is an expert in knowing when to leave for a new role.

Are you micromanaged and feeling stressed about managing your time while at work? Do you work in an environment founded on the idea that being present = productivity? A lot has been said in recent years about finding work-life balance, about finding ways to enjoy both your career and your life. This week's podcast is with Jody Thompson, co-author of Why Work Sucks & How to Fix It. She was our recent guest on our Canadian Career Development Webinar Series

This weeks podcast is with Debbie Trenholm. Debbie came to see me when she was just about to graduate with her MBA. Debbie, while doing well at Quest Software, was really not as passionate about technology as she was with other interests in her life. Debbie wanted better. She had always planned on getting a Master's Degree so she chose to pursue the Executive MBA program at the Queen's School of Business. This allowed her to pursue an MBA while still working. At the same time, it gave her the opportunity to consider a career in another industry. Debbie founded Savvy Company – a marketing company focused on the wine, artisan cheese & craft beer industries.  Her business has been growing incredibly since she started 8 years ago.  P.S. Ever considered working in the wine business? Debbie, my friend, career coaching client and founder of Savvy Company is hosting an Importing for Pleasure or Profit seminar in Ottawa (Saturday, November 19) . Friends of CareerJoy get a $40 discount by clicking here. 

This weeks Podcast is with a Herman and Candy Zapp. They are a remarkably normal couple, who spent 3 years and 9 months of their lives driving 43,000 miles from Argentina to Alaska in a 1928 Graham-Paige Model 610 Touring car with the top speed of 60 kmh. They have written a best selling book about their journey called Spark your dream? Their story has been seen in CNN, The Globe & Mail and many other news outlet. Their story grips us, they had the courage and the action to do what many people secretly desire- To do something bigger than themselves. Sit back, relax and learn!

One of the key questions that I hear today is, where are the new opportunities? With the amount of negative news it would seem like there is very few areas of the economy with needs. Ironically, there has never been more challenges. In the world around you, professionals and organizations are always looking for the next Ipod, Google, medical miracle or oil project. This week's podcast is with Gad Shaanan. He is one of Canada's most successful industrial designers. His firm just won the equivalent of an Oscar within his field - a best of 2007 I.D. award for packaging with his work on the new WD-40 can. Gad said âevery single day, thousands of new products and companies are created in the world by professionals who are not waiting for permission from the marketâ. From reinventing what we have, to coming up with a brand new widget. The world is not a static place, which is what makes this time in our career so exciting. What are you waiting for? This week, consider what needs "fixing" in your world, who knows the opportunity could be sitting in your garage. sit back relax and learn! 33 minutes

Daniel Coyle is a contributing editor for Outside magazine and the author of three books, including the New York Times bestseller Lance Armstrong’s War. He has written for Sports Illustrated, The New York Times Magazine, and Play(including this March 2007 cover story which sparked The Talent Code), and is a two-time National Magazine Award finalist. Coyle lives with his wife, Jen, and their four children in Homer, Alaska.

This week's podcast - George Butterfield - Lawyer & Rhodes Scholar. He is the founder of Canada's leading walking & biking touring company Butterfield & Robinson. George started his career in the typical way choosing to work for a large organization however, he quickly realized that his personality was not suited for the traditional path. For over 40 years his company has helped clients see the world and themselves through walking and biking tours. Sit back, relax and learn!

This week's podcast is from a conversation that I had with Larry Winget, known as "The Pit-Bull of Self Development." Larry is author of "It's called work for a reason; your success is your own damn fault." Larry shared 4 key career success principles, not matter what the economy, job market or the trends are. Sit back, relax & learn!

Selon une étude dirigée par le « Society for Human Resource Management », plus de 90% de gestionnaires trouvent que c’est un véritable défi d’administrer les entretiens d’évaluation qui sont à la fois honnêtes, utiles et motivants. Malgré le potentiel de stress, c’est entendu que les employés désirent des retours positifs quant à leur performance de travail.  Admettons-le, comme gestionnaire, le processus d’évaluer nos employés est souvent stressant.  Bien que le temps des gestionnaires est très pris, on reconnait encore l’importance et le besoin de prendre le temps de recontrer les employés...  Mais... comment peut-on apprendre de cette experience?  Comment peut-on bien diriger un entretien d’évaluation?  Ce n’est pas seulement une question de remplir des formulaires, mais il s’agit d’une chance propice d’aider et d’encourager les employés et de discuter les points significatifs et les moyens dont ceux-ci peuvent s’améliorer. On apprendra : • les trois clés pour administrer des entretiens d’évaluation de façon efficace • des méthodes constructives à employer durant les conversations plus difficiles • la science qui explique l’audition et le traitement de feedback • les quatre approches de communication et comment utiliser le meilleur style pour l’employé • comment s’occuper des questions d’augmentations de salaire • comment encourager une discussion portée sur la carrière à long terme • comment s’assurer que l’évolution professionnelle et le développement de carrière soient les facteurs  les plus importants, peu importe l’évaluation • comment créer des plans d’action et de transformer un entretien d’évaluation en dialogue constructif de coaching Le but principal de ce séminaire en ligne est de fournir des idées directes et pratiques afin de bien utiliser les individus et l’équipe dont ils en font partie et de promouvoir leur développement. 

According to a study by The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) over 90% of managers find it challenging to administer a performance review that is both honest, helpful and motivational. Employees are desperate for constructive feedback yet find this stressful.  Let’s face it, you find this stressful as well, you as a manager are busy, yet recognize the need and importance of taking time out… but where do you “learn” how to do a review well? This is not about filling in forms, this is a terrific opportunity to help have a meaningful,encouraging and direct conversation about the things that really matter and that can be made to work better. You will learn: • 3 keys to effective performance reviews • Constructive ways to have difficult conversations. • The brain science behind hearing and processing feedback. • How to identify the challenges to learning and growth in the “traditional” performance review • 4 key communication styles and how to utilize the best style for your employee. • How to deal with the “salary increase” questions. • How to help with creating a longer term career focus as part of this conversation. • How to ensure continued career growth and development are the most important part of any review • How to create action plans and transform a performance review into an effective coaching conversation.. This interactive webinar will be focused on providing simple, practical ideas to help you learn how to effectively utilize and grow the individual and your team. 

Heads you win, tails you loose. Does it ever feel the interview process is random, like flipping a coin? What are the keys to a great interview? How do you calm your nerves? What kinds of questions stand out in an interview? This week's podcast is part 3a from The Great Canadian Job Search Webinar. Peter Harris from Workopolis and I discussed interview preparation and the keys to a successful interview. Sit back, relax and learn!

t is the night before your final interview for your dream job. Despite your excitement about landing that ideal position, you are apprehensive because you know it's time to talk about that dreaded topic - salary expectations. This week's podcast is part 3b from The Great Canadian Job Search Webinar. Peter Harris from Workopolis and I discussed salary negotiations and successfully navigating the first 90 days in your new job. Sit back, relax and learn! 34 minutes

This week's podcast is part 3 of The Great Canadian Job Search Program where we discussed the variety of ways to identify and find quality job opportunities. From the "hidden" job market, social media to dealing with recruiters & Human Resources. Sit back, relax & learn!  

The bonus Q&A from our podcast with Peter Harris from Workopolis on where to find the best opportunities. From dealing with recruiters, job boards and human resources.  Sit back, relax & learn!

How well do you know your personal brand? There are over 20 million professionals in Canada, why should an employer choose you? According to our recent CareerPoll 72% of respondents shared that their personal brand, is "under construction" This week's podcast is  from The Great Canadian Job Search Webinar - Knowing & Branding Yourself with Peter Harris Manager of content from Workopolis and myself. Sit back relax & learn!  

How do you deal with failure? This weeks podcast is with Scott Sandage author of Born Losers - A History of Failure in America. Failure is common in all of our careers, it is inherent with taking risk in our lives. Scott's book describes in an interesting way how failure has come to be viewed in our society. Sit back, relax & learn! 38 mins

Have you ever thought that you wear too many hats in your career? Are your days at work so filled with commitments, meetings, and to-do lists that time goes by in a blur? Do you feel at home in your career? This week's podcast is from our  Canadian Career Development Webinar with Sarah Susanka, author of The Not So Big series.

The bonus Q&A from our podcast with Sarah Susanka, author of The Not So Big series. Sit back, relax & learn!

Getting elected is all about being chosen. The exact same principles apply to a job search - there are many candidates but only one will ‘win’.  Will that be you? It all comes down to building a winning campaign.    Over the next four weeks you will have the opportunity of joining me for your very own campaign. Think of it as boot camp for the job hunter, and think of me as your personal campaign manager. I will lay out the same clear path that we have used with thousands of clients from Halifax to Vancouver, helping them to be the “chosen” ones.    Each week we will spend 1 hour on our free webinar sharing the effective campaign strategies. This week is part 1.  Preparing your campaign.  From assembling your team to budgeting…the importance of planning.  Sit back, relax & learn! 50 mins

When is the right time to quit? When is too soon, or too late? Wondering if it is time to move on? This is one of the most important decisions that you will need to make in managing a successful career. Thisweek's podcast is from our recent Canadian Career Development Webinar with Karen Burns author ofThe Amazing Adventures of Working Girl: Real Life Career Advice You Can Actually Use! Karen has had 59 jobs and quit 58 times (she was only fired once) she is an expert in knowing when to leave for a new role. Sit back, relax and learn! 35 mins

You can listen to the podcast from our webinar on work-life balance with Launi Skinner CEO of First Credit Union & former President of Starbucks North America, and Laura Bickle Managing Editor of Today's Parent magazine. They shared their thoughts and advice on this important topic from both an employer's and individual's perspectives. Sit back, relax & learn! 40 min

This week's podcast is with Gene Hayden the author of The Follow-Through Factor - Getting From Doubt to Done. Gene has identified a number of key reasons why we struggle with taking action, and some practical ways to deal with these challenges. 40 mins.  Sit back, relax & learn!  

Bonus Q&A from The Canadian Career Development Series with Carmine Gallo, best selling author of The Innovation Secrets of Steve Jobs. Sit back, relax and learn! 

Do you ever wonder what it takes for Steve Jobs to be successful? Do you feel stuck but unable to change your career path? Are you looking for new ways to achieve success in a competitive employment market? Join Alan Kearns as he interviews Carmine Gallo, communications and marketing coach and author of The Innovation Secrets of Steve Jobs as they discuss what Apple has to teach you about “thinking different” in your career. Sit back, relax & learn 40 mins.

Do you sometimes feel like a square peg working in a round hole? This week's podcast is with Patricia Lovett-Reid Senior Vice-President of TD Waterhouse and author of Get Real - 26 Canadian Woman share the secrets of authentic success . She interviewed 26 successful Canadian women who had found the right balance in their professional and personal lives. Sit back, relax & learn! 35 mins 

This week’s podcast is with Gary Noesner, he was Chief Hostage Negotiator for the FBI & the author of Stalling for Time. During his career he was involved in numerous crisis incidents: prison riots, right-wing militia standoffs, religious zealot sieges, terrorist embassy takeovers, aircraft hijackings and over 120 overseas kidnapping cases. Gary shared “People seem very curious about my job.“ Sit back, relax and learn! 35 min

Bonus Q&A from The Canadian Career Development Series. Gary Noesner Former Head of Hostage Negotiation for the FBI, answers specific questions about using this skill at work. Sit back, relax and learn!  20 minutes

Have you figured out your "one" thing? Join Alan Kearns as he interviews Greg Taylor, Trish Yee, and Lorna Willner of Steam Whistle Brewery. They will share their experience and wisdom on staying focussed in your career and doing “one thing really, really well.”

Q&A from The Canadian Career Development Series. Have you figured out your "one" thing? Join Alan Kearns as he interviews Greg Taylor, Trish Yee, and Lorna Willner of Steam Whistle Brewery. They will share their experience and wisdom on staying focussed in your career and doing “one thing really, really well.” 20 minutes

Q&A from our recent webinar with Eric Berlow TEDGlobal 2010 Fellow. Eric an ecologist and network scientist who specializes in not specializing. He helped found, and directs, the University of California’s first environmental research center in Yosemite National Park. Watch his TED talk here. After radio- collaring wolves in Alaska and tending bar in Paris, he got his Ph.D. in marine ecology studying the interconnectedness of species in nature. As a research scientist with the USGS he focuses on building better links between science and management of protected mountain ecosystems. Sit back, relax and learn! 20 minutes

This is a recording from our recent webinar with Eric Berlow, a TEDGlobal 2010 Fellow. Eric iss an ecologist and network scientist who specializes in not specializing. He helped found, and directs, the University of California’s first environmental research center in Yosemite National Park. Watch his TED talk here. After radio- collaring wolves in Alaska and tending bar in Paris, he got his Ph.D. in marine ecology studying the interconnectedness of species in nature. As a research scientist with the USGS he focuses on building better links between science and management of protected mountain ecosystems.  Eric is helping apply network approaches to sustainable ecotourism development in the Arctic, and is co-owner of a green café in Oakland, California. He is currently spearheading ‘ecomimetic’ approaches to corporate sustainability by visualizing and modeling energy consumption through complex, interconnected supply chains ". . . .often it is only by embracing the true complexity of a problem that core simple issues emerge. I think this point generally rings true but is very under-appreciated and under-applied." (Eric Berlow) Sit back, relax and learn! 44 minutes.  

Do you want to improve your performance at work? Do you desire less stress in your life? Want a higher probability of getting promoted? This week's podcast is with distinguished University of Chicago Professor John Cacioppo the author of Loneliness: Human nature and our need for social connection. John has done pioneering research on human nature and the need for social connection. In my opinion, we have never been more connected yet more alone. Many professionals and especially leaders think the best way is to do things on their own. John's overwhelming evidence proves that the most effective way to achieve a more fulfilling personal and professional life is by being in healthy relationships with others. As the African proverb says "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." Reach out and touch someone this week, you'll both win. Sit back,relax and learn! 38 minutes.

I interview Gail Vaz-Oxlade, personal finance guru, television host and author. Gail will discuss her new book, Never Too Late  and share her expert advice on how to make real change happen in your career and your life. Gail Vaz-Oxlade describes herself as "a mother, step-mother, grand-mama, friend, confessor, writer, TV host, money maven, teacher, artist, and ex-wife. I'm loud, large and laugh a lot. I'm passionate about learning, committed to sharing and hell-bent on getting people to take control of their money and their lives." She has written 13 books on personal finance, hundreds of articles for the financial media, published a financial magazine for women, hosted three prime-time television shows and worked with Canada’s leading financial services companies to help educate employees and clients. Gail is all about change, and believes that we can have anything we want in life…anything. It’s all a matter of deciding what’s important to us and how hard we’re prepared to bust our butts. She also believes that a well-balanced life is one of the keys to true happiness. Sit back, relax and learn! 37 mins

This is the bonus Q&A from our webinar with Gail Vaz-Oxlade about her new book, Never Too Late. How you can deal with change in your personal and professional life. Sit back, relax and learn! 15 minutes.

Do you feel stuck in your career? Why can’t it be a Freedom 35 plan? This week's podcast is with New York Times best-selling author Timothy Ferriss. His book, The 4 Hour Work Week, has been a runaway success. He shares his insight on how to define your own career path and live a balanced and successful life. In Timothy's book, he lays out in a very clear and practical way, some of the major workplace myths. The essence of the book is to distribute success and retirement throughout your life. I call this the “freedom now” plan. Sit back, relax and learn! 28 mins

  Do you believe in luck, or can luck be manufactured? What about being at the right place at the right time? This week’s podcast is from our webinar with Janice Taylor from Regina and cofounder of JustBeFriends.ca. Janice was chosen to be a part of Oprah's ultimate audience, and travel with Oprah on her 12-Day Australian adventure.   Janice shared three key ideas on our webinar;   Luck - “Luck is more about being focusing on what you want and taking actions towards your goals. The more focused I became, the luckier I got.” Timing - “My thesis was about relationships, now I see how my education, experience working in the corporate world, my failures and successes have come all together at the right place and time.” Community “No matter how much money and success you have, you need community. Your quality of life is directly related to your quality of community.”   Janice did get to spend some private time with Oprah, she was moved by the humility and authenticity that resonated deeply from her. Oprah and Janice are in completely different phases in their own journey however, they both have the courage, community and commitment to inspire others to pursue their dreams.    What are your thoughts about the role timing, luck and community have affected your career? Join the conversation, share your wisdom on my blog. Sit back, relax and learn! 33 mins  

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Last week we had a terrific event with our friends at HigherBracket. In our Q&A time with Trish Barbato, we had the "I" question. "I hear lots about networking and self-promotion, but I am an introvert." This week's podcast is with business communication coach Nancy Ancowitz author of Self-Promotion for Introverts - The quiet guide to getting ahead. I invited her on ourWebinar series to share the myths and realities of what it means to be an introvert.  If you are in introvert you are in good company. Introverts make up around 25% of the population. Some famous introverts include, Barbara Walters, Warren Buffet & Pierre Trudeau. Carl Jung defined introverts as "inward turning" and extroverts as "outward turning." Introverts are more energized alone, extroverts are energized by people. The classic myth is introverts are not as good with people, as extroverts are. We are all social beings, introverts can in many ways be better with people, they tend to be better listeners, more creative and more analytical. There are many advantages to being "inward turning" I would argue that it has never been a better time to be an introvert. With the rise of social media tools like, blogging.Linkedin, twitter and Facebook,  great platforms for the person who is more introverted by nature. Social media is an "introverts" paradise.Is it better to be an extrovert or an introvert? The answer would be yes, both have strengths and weaknesses. The powerful question is how do you manage your natural style and leverage your strengths. Don't use your style as an excuse...it won't help you. In what way has being introverted or extroverted helped your career? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on my blog. Sit back, relax and learn! 30 mins

This is the bonus Q&A from our webinar with Janice Taylor co-founder of JustBeFriends.ca and winner of Oprah's ultimate viewer adventure to Australia. Sit back, relax and learn! 15 minutes.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Last week we had a terrific event with our friends at HigherBracket. In our Q&A time with Trish Barbato, we had the "I" question. "I hear lots about networking and self-promotion, but I am an introvert." This week's podcast is with business communication coach Nancy Ancowitz author of Self-Promotion for Introverts - The quiet guide to getting ahead. I invited her on our Webinar series to share the myths and realities of what it means to be an introvert.   If you are in introvert you are in good company. Introverts make up around 25% of the population. Some famous introverts include, Barbara Walters, Warren Buffet & Pierre Trudeau. Carl Jung defined introverts as "inward turning" and extroverts as "outward turning." Introverts are more energized alone, extroverts are energized by people. The classic myth is introverts are not as good with people, as extroverts are. We are all social beings, introverts can in many ways be better with people, they tend to be better listeners, more creative and more analytical. There are many advantages to being "inward turning" I would argue that it has never been a better time to be an introvert. With the rise of social media tools like, blogging. Linkedin, twitter and Facebook,  great platforms for the person who is more introverted by nature. Social media is an "introverts" paradise.Is it better to be an extrovert or an introvert? The answer would be yes, both have strengths and weaknesses. The powerful question is how do you manage your natural style and leverage your strengths. Don't use your style as an excuse...it won't help you.   In what way has being introverted or extroverted helped your career? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on my blog. Sit back, relax and learn! 30 mins  

This is the bonus Q&A from our webinar with Nancy Ancowitz NY Times best selling author of Self-Promotion for Introverts. Sit back, relax and learn! 20 minutes.

Do you ever leave an interview wishing you had done a better job communicating your strengths? How important are presentation skills in advancing your career and building your personal brand? What makes for an engaging presentation? This weeks podcast is from The Canadian Career Development Webinar Series with Carmine Gallo author of The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs-How to be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience. Carmine Gallo was curious to discover why millions of people "tune in" when Steve Jobs presented, was it the products are research and ideas on what Steve Job's secrets are.According to Carmine, there are 3 keys that Steve Job's uses consistently to create a "wow" experience, for the audience when he presents. Act 1. Create the story; A strong story will give you the confidence and ability to win over your audience.Act 2. Deliver the experience; Turn your presentations into visually appealing and "must-have" experiences.Act 3. Refine and rehearse; Steve spends numerous hours preparing and rehearsing for his presentations. You don't have to be a billionaire or CEO to use these simple principles. Steve has been working on his skills for over 30 years, there really are no secrets, start on yours today. As the world's foremost management consultant Peter Drucker once commented "When you move one step up from the bottom, your effectiveness depends on your ability to reach others through the spoken and written word"  Sit back, relax and learn! 30 minutes

This is the bonus Q&A from our webinar with Carmine Gallo NY Times best selling author of The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs. Sit back, relax and learn! 30 minutes.

This is the bonus Q&A from our webinar with Mark Di Vincenzo NY Times best selling author of Buy Ketchup in May & Fly at Noon. He answered questions on the best time to leave your job, ask for a raise etc. Sit back, relax and learn! 20 minutes.

Welcome to 2011, what will this year hold for you? Will this be the time to make a move in your career? The new year is seen by many as the best time to make a career resolution. This week's podcast is with Mark Di Vincenzo, N.Y. Times best selling author of Buy Ketchup In May and Fly at Noon. A guide to the best time to buy this, do that and go there.     Will your resolutions be successful? According to a study commissioned by Australian drink manufacturer, Carpe Diem there were approximately 435 million New Year resolutions made in Austria, Belgium, Britain, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, and The Netherlands. Here are some interesting results on which countries population was most likely to keep their resolutions longer than 4 weeks.   1. Belgians: 53%   2. Dutch: 52%   3. Germans: 51%   4. Swiss: 46%   5. Austrians: 46%   6. Irish: 37% - Which really offended me...heck, I was born in Dublin.   7. Brits: 36% - As they say, God Save the Queen.   These results beg the question, "Why are people in Belgium more likely to keep their resolutions?" (it must be the chocolate) What kind of career resolutions have you made? Maybe it was "return all voice mails," "get your resume upgraded," or "look for a new career," "upgrade my LinkedIn profile" or "start a job search.”  Did you know you are 8 times more likely to follow through on your resolutions if you have a career coach? 2011 can be the best time in your career, it’s all up to you.     This week's workout - Take a few minutes to evaluate some areas of your career you would like to improve in 2011.    Continue the conversation on my blog; What career resolutions have you made?    Sit back, relax and learn! 30 mins

  How is your stress level been over this holiday season? Have the parking gods been kind to you? TYLENOL announced the results from this year's Canadian Holiday Pain survey. This poll focused on what creates the greatest amount of stress for Canadians at this time of year.    Survey says;   1. Finding a parking spot. (35%) 2. Managing a budget/finances. (25%) 3. Holiday shopping. (22%)   Tis the season to be a TYLENOL shareholder, especially considering all the snow, 53% of Canadians take TYLENOL for back pain from shoveling. This week's podcast is with Gail Vaz-Oxlade best-selling author, and host of the popular TV show Till Debt Do U$ Part & Princess. I have been a guest expert on both of Gail's shows, she is both direct and extremely wise (a rare combo) Gail is one of Canada's leading experts on money and the role it plays our health, relationships and career choices.   Gail shared "a majority of people work for money" This is contrasted with Ipsos-Reid poll in which money was ranked # 4 in what gave professionals career satisfaction. We all need money (& not just for presents) so how do you find the right balance between financing your lifestyle and choosing a career path? Gail empowers people with three simple elements. A smart game plan, a clear set of goals and get objective and expert support. Managing your money successfully, and your career successfully require the same 3 principles.   This week's workout - Relax and yes, do smell the coffee!    Continue the conversation on my blog; What are your thoughts on how to balance your lifestyle needs with your career?   Looking for help with choosing a career that meets your "budget"? Who's your career coach? Need help with a professional resume, job search, and interview preparation? Invest in yourself, get the edge in this competitive job market. Take a small step and book  a Getting Started session with me.   Relaxing, along the road with you!   Alan   P.S. Creating a 2011 Career Resolution? Join our Career Identity Program. We will work 1-1 with you to help you find the right career fit.   P.P.S. Looking to expand your network? Connect with me on Linkedin. You may be only 1 connection away from your next opportunity.    

The world of work has never been more competitive and yet, more interesting. You may be looking for the next step in your career and wondering how to best leverage social media to build your personal brand. What role do LinkedIn, twitter, Facebook, blogging and other social media tools today in the world of work? How can you utilize these tools to advance your internal and external brand and career? Start a discussion or share something with the group...Whether you're looking for the next step in your career and wondering how the world of social media fits, join our webinar specifically designed for students and alumni of the AU MBA. Alan Kearns, Canada's Career Coach and founder of CareerJoy.com, your exclusive career advancement partner, will lead us through this interactive webinar on managing your personal online brand. You will learn: • How to move from a selling mindset to a marketing mindset • The myths and truths of a personal brand • How to utilize LinkedIn, twitter, and blogging to build your online brand • What recruiters, HR professionals and hiring managers search for • How to use social media to have the hidden market FIND you! • How to utilize social media to build your internal brand (And why that matters more than ever As an alum of Athabasca University you are eligible for a 15% discount on our programs. You can connect with Jenny Bridle our Manager of Client Services, [email protected] and mention Athabasca in the subject line.

Are you micromanaged and feeling stressed about managing your time while at work? Do you work in an environment founded on the idea that being present = productivity? A lot has been said in recent years about finding work-life balance, about finding ways to enjoy both your career and your life. This week's podcast is with Jody Thompson, co-author of Why Work Sucks & How to Fix It. She was our recent guest on our Canadian Career Development Webinar Series. You might be saying, "Is there any other way to work?" Jody introduced a new idea, which is really an old idea. Jody shared, "In a results-only work environment', people can do whatever they want, whenever they want, as long as the work gets done. You have complete control over your life as long as your work gets done. You can go grocery shopping at ten in the morning on Tuesday. You can take a nap at two in the afternoon on Wednesday. " Ironically, what I find interesting is that if we go back to the agriculture age, that was a results only work environment. If you didn't sew your seeds, you wouldn't reap the results. This was also how you got through post-secondary education; no one managed you. How, where and when you did the work wasn't important, as long as it was quality and handed in on time.    This week's workout - What meeting should you not attend this week?    Continue the conversation on my blog; What would be different in your life if you had total control over your time and the way you worked?