Using Key Words to Stay Focused on Goals

January is the month when we tend to set goals for the upcoming year. To not fall back into old habits, I tried something different in 2015, and it really seemed to work for me. After writing down my goals, I then came up with five key words, or “triggers,” to keep me focused on … Continue reading “Using Key Words to Stay Focused on Goals”

4 Leadership Tips from Ben Franklin

By coincidence this July 4th Weekend, I finished reading “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life” by Walter Isaacson. While I did not intend to read and complete the book within days of celebrating our nation’s independence, the coincidence is providing me with time to reflect on how our Founding Fathers (especially Franklin) lived their lives and led … Continue reading “4 Leadership Tips from Ben Franklin”

Tips on Answering “What Are Your Short and Long Term Goals?”

“How do I answer the interview question, ‘What are your short- and long-term goals?’ when I am not sure right now what I want to do for a career in business?” I wrote a blog post last year addressing this question.  I am posting again because we are still often asked the best way to … Continue reading “Tips on Answering “What Are Your Short and Long Term Goals?””

The Importance of Enthusiasm

The ability to build rapport is one of the most important elements to connecting in a business interview. In the 4th Edition of PCS to Corporate America, by Roger Cameron with Chuck Alvarez and Joel Junker, multiple examples of how to build rapport and the pitfalls in failing to so are discussed. Specifically, the book … Continue reading “The Importance of Enthusiasm”

My Personal Military to Business Transition Story and Tips

I transitioned from the military to business 16 years ago this July.  The time has flown and much has happened in 16 years in business, all with Cameron-Brooks!  I clearly remember my transition.  The military and business have changed significantly since my military to business transition but what it takes to succeed in the transition has not.  I … Continue reading “My Personal Military to Business Transition Story and Tips”

Can a JMO Prepare Too Much for Interviewing?

Interviewing has evolved since Roger Cameron first taught JMOs how to succeed in a competency-based/behavioral interview where recruiters conduct a formal interview asking a prepared list of interview questions.  Today, most interviews are conducted in a conversational style where recruiters engage in a two-way dialogue with the candidate.  Recruiters tell me they do this because … Continue reading “Can a JMO Prepare Too Much for Interviewing?”

4 Steps to Being Prepared for Your Next Meeting

Ever step into a meeting feeling prepared, yet very quickly you recognize you really aren’t?  You start to feel warm, sweat a little, and get a tingling sensation from stress.  You feel uncomfortable and start wondering, “Will the other people notice?  How do I get out of this without anyone thinking that I am completely … Continue reading “4 Steps to Being Prepared for Your Next Meeting”

“Drive” By Daniel Pink Will Change the Way You Lead and Motivate

I recently read the book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink.  Those of you who are connected with me via LinkedIn know that I am a fan of this book, as well as Pink’s book To Sell is Human. In 10 minutes this video summarizes the book. Looking over my 15 years as a … Continue reading ““Drive” By Daniel Pink Will Change the Way You Lead and Motivate”

How Selling and Improv Improve Interviewing

Interviewing is like selling.  Instead of persuading a customer to use your product or service, you are convincing a recruiter your skills, interests and interpersonal fit are right for the open position.  So, even if you will not interview for sales positions, I argue that you are selling when you are interviewing.  This is why … Continue reading “How Selling and Improv Improve Interviewing”

We Talk More and Listen Less Than We Think

I admit, I can get better at talking less and listening more.  One might think I would be close to perfect in this area since I spend most of my days asking JMOs questions about their goals and background to help them evaluate career options and make a transition to business.  While I can get … Continue reading “We Talk More and Listen Less Than We Think”