Spark A Change of Plans (and a Chat) - When I Grow Up

Spark A Change of Plans (and a Chat) - When I Grow Up I dont have the bestest of news, but I do have a way to deliver it in the most honest of ways. Because of low sign-ups, the co-founders of Spark (which I was going to speak at) decided to cancel the April retreat. They posted this to break the news, and Im just so proud of them (and to be associated with them) that I had to repost it here (with their permission, of course). Want more honesty, more vulnerability, and more integrity on the Internet? Here you are. It is with agonizing reluctance that we are announcing that we are cancelling Spark 2013. We can’t call it anything other than disappointing, and we three met this weekend to talk everything through. We had feedback: Spark, this year, was too expensive, too long, and focused in too many directions. We crunched and re-crunched numbers, imagining different scenarios where we might be able to lower the registration fees. We stepped through what we might have done differentlyâ€"and could shiftâ€"on a grand, image-of-the-event kind of scale. We strategized on how, then, to reach people who might have been thinking about Spark, but were on the fence, and to others who might not have heard of us already. But when it comes right down to it, we have less than two weeks before needing to get our final numbers and full payment to the retreat venue. And that doesn’t feel like the kind of time it takes to re-price, re-jig, re-communicate, and find another dozen (or more) of our right people. We tried. When we chose this year’s theme (or it chose us), we thought, “YEAH. Spark and Step Up.” And we did. However, where we think we missed the mark is in (what came to be) our blurry definition of “Step up.” We thought it might mean to “go big.” And we did. We chose the best leaders we could find, matching them up talent-for-talent, knowing that they were each number one, kick-ass, world-changers. We also made the retreat longer than it was last year, and while this made the retreat ‘bigger’, it did not necessarily reflect your desires and needs. To them, and to you, we apologize for not quite hitting the mark. As we dig deeper and step up into our roles as creators of this unique event, we see that what we created wasn’t exactly what we wanted. Somehow, we lost sight of you, the women who we most want to serve. It started to not feel right: we want Spark to be an authentic reflection of who we are and what we want to give others, and this piece, while originating in heart-centered goodness, became askew as we walked further down the Spark path. Because of this, we think that there was a disconnect between us, our people, and the retreat itself. We are calling off Spark in 2013. But not forever. After our discussions this weekend, our thoughts are more focused. We three are planning to meet in person this spring to really get down to the heart of Spark, including what we did last year that made it work, and what we did this year that didn’t. We need to focus, and solidify who we are and what we are all about. Unfortunately, we didn’t quite have things right on our end this year, and it is our promise to turn that around. We are sincerely grateful for all of the time, effort, and love that our leaders have put into trying to make this work. We adore each of our fans and supporters, and are ready to hear your kind feedback on where we went astray. Know that our hearts are raw and that this decision came with great reluctance. However, it feels better to be honest all around with where we are, and we know the work that we have in front of us to make Spark fly in the future. We hope that you’ll be with us along the way. With great love, gratitude, a little bit of sadness, and trust that this is the right thing to do, Tania, Deanna, and Lori. Before the announcement, I got interviewed by Deanna, and I just hafta share it here. Its too good not to!

How to Talk About Blog Article Writing on Resume

How to Talk About Blog Article Writing on ResumeIf you're looking for how to talk about blog article writing on resume, the first thing that should go through your mind is that your resume is a very important document. You wouldn't wish to waste a lot of time and money promoting something if it has not proven it's worth yet.Resume is the first thing that you should focus on when you're going to write a portfolio for yourself. Resume is your body of work. If you spend some time researching, you will be able to make sure that your resume is up to the mark.Before talking about blog article writing on resume, I would like to tell you about how to promote yourself. Nowadays, there are a lot of people who are getting jobs online and here, you have to do some good marketing to get noticed.Well, the first thing that you need to do when you want to talk about blog article writing on resume is to research about the company. Researching about the company is the most important aspect because thi s is the only way that you can find out about the company's reputation.It is also very important that you find out about the type of people that are working there. This will be one of the first things that you have to think about when you think about how to talk about blog article writing on resume.Another thing that you need to think about before you speak about blog article writing on resume is that how do you contact them. This is very important because if you send an email or a personal visit, you can easily notice that they don't care about your resume.If you want to talk about blog article writing onresume, the first thing that you should think about is that you are not a native English speaker. Because of this, your resume will have to be translated into English and that is the only way you will know if you are getting an interview.

Break Out of Your Career Rut

Break Out of Your Career Rut Sometimes, feeling not-so-great about work is a sign that it’s time to move on to something else, whether that be a different job with a new company, or an entirely new career altogether. Other times though, it’s just a sign that you’re stuck in a bit of a rut and need to find some renewed inspiration. So, if you enjoy the work you do, but feel stuck, bored, or just generally uninspired, here are some tips that could help you turn things around. 1. Get some rest. One common cause of feeling a little less than inspired is plain old-fashioned exhaustion. So, if you think you might just be feeling some of the warning signs of burnout, try taking some time to take care of yourself, and see if that doesn’t change your outlook. Take a day or two off, or even plan a vacation, if you can. At least make sure to get lots of rest, eat well, and exercise. Basically, take some time for you. By eliminating the burnout variable, you’ll be better able to understand how you’re truly feeling about your work, and then you can start making moves to do something about what’s really troubling you. No matter how deep the source of your fatigue runs, a little time away from work will help you feel refreshed and ready to move forward. Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayMuteCurrent Time  0:00/Duration  0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type  LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time  -0:00  SharePlayback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedAudio TrackFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal Dia logEnd of dialog window.PlayMuteCurrent Time  0:00/Duration  0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type  LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time  -0:00  Playback Rate1xFullscreenClose Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Read More: 5 Growing Jobs That Wouldn’t Exist Without Tim Berners-Lee 2. Change things up. After years and years of doing the same thing (or even just after a series of months, for some) it’s understandable that your work can start to feel a little stale and boring. It might be time for a change. Maybe you’d like to travel more, or less, or to different places. Perhaps you think it would be an exciting challenge to work with clients more directly. The first step is to do some soul searching. Ask yourself what exactly you’d like to change about your job â€" what would you like to do less, and what would you like to do more. The next step is advocating for yourself with your boss. Have a sincere, and level-headed conversation with someone you trust, a person who is also in a position to help you make some changes, and see if you can’t work on implementing some shifts. If you’ve been at the job for a while, and if you’re great at what you do, there is likely someone out there who is going to be willing help you make the needed changes happen. Read More: Be Really Glad You Didn’t Make These 9 Work Mistakes 3. Get moving, preferably outside. If you’re having trouble finding creative inspiration, or if you’re stuck on a problem and just can’t seem to come up with that much-needed fresh approach, try getting some exercise. Among other more obvious beneficial effects to your health and well-being, exercise helps boost your energy levels, and could help reduce your fear, stress, and anxiety. With all of that junk pushed aside, your creativity and your problem-solving abilities will have a much better chance of blazing a path to your conscious brain. When you feel good, you think better. Additionally, research has shown that exercising outdoors could do even more to heighten your creativity. So, take that into account when deciding whether to head to the gym or a local nature trail for your daily workout. Read More: Being a Good Storyteller Could Boost Your Career 4. Know that it starts with you. It’s important to keep in mind that, for the most part, we are in control of our own fate. If you want to feel better, chances are that change is going to start with you. The world often reflects back what we project onto it. That’s actually pretty logical when you really think about it. Imagine that a friend comes to you, head hung low, with a sad expression, and starts talking about everything that’s going wrong in their life right now. You aren’t going to come back to that person with a cheerful report about where you stand. Instead, you’re going to reflect that energy and that tone back to your friend. When we’re low, the world is low. When we’re having fun and feeling creative, the world reacts and responds with more of the same. So, if you want to feel more inspired, try pretending that you already are, just for a little while, and see if that doesn’t draw more of what you desire toward you. You are more powerful than you think you are.

Office Fashion Is It Time To Update Your Look - Work It Daily

Office Fashion Is It Time To Update Your Look - Work It Daily SharpHeels Style Guideline If you’re still dressing like you did in the 80’s, it’s time to retire that hair, makeup, or outfit… and instead embrace some new style inspiration. Fashion Challenge: Older professionals who don’t realize when it’s definitely time to update their look and have a major style makeover. Example: someone who is clinging to a hairstyle or fashion trend that was fashionable fifteen years ago, thinking it still looks good. SharpHeels Style Guideline Don't make an office fashion flub - know when it's time to update your look. Anything older than 10 years, unless it’s a gorgeous, classic Chanel suit, is outdated -- and it’s absolutely time to refresh your look. Good example: The classic comedy Nine to Five, released in 1980, starred Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, and tells the tale of three working women, with diverse skills and personalities, who rally together to change a dysfunctional business. While the hilarious subject matter will never get old, and this is an entertaining film that should be watched over and over again, the styles these actresses wore in this 1980’s classic are definitely outmoded, and should not be replicated today. Instead, gain inspiration from how these big stars are dressing now: Jane Fonda (age 76) â€" an amazingly beautiful woman, she always looks chic and sophisticated. We’ll share some coat and jacket dresses that cinched at the waste for a flattering silhouette. Lily Tomlin (age 74) â€" an Emmy- and Tony-winner, as well as being an Oscar-nominated actress, she always looks both professional and absolutely appropriate for the event she’s attending â€" while doing it with a casual ease. We’ll also look at some of our favorite television characters for added style inspiration: TV Inspiration: Coastal Chic - Andie McDowell (age 54) plays Olivia Lockhart, a municipal court judge in Cedar Cove (Hallmark Channel). Executive Leadership - Julia Louis-Dreyus (age 48) as Vice President Selina Meyer in HBO’s Veep. Courtroom Power - Julianna Margulies (age 46) as Alicia Florrick in CBS’s The Good Wife. Bold Sophistication - Dana Delany (56) stars as Megan Hunt in ABC’s Body of Proof Click here to view all of the style guides in this office fashion series.   Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today! Office Fashion Is It Time To Update Your Look - Work It Daily

Want to Work in a Really Cool Office These 5 Companies Are Hiring Now

Want to Work in a Really Cool Office unterstellung 5 Companies Are Hiring Now Want to Work in a Really Cool Office? These 5 Companies Are Hiring NowLanding a great job isnt just about finding a position that matches your skills and interests. Its also about finding a company with a culture and office that fits your style. Not sure where to start looking? Featuring flexible work spaces and awesome amenities, these five companies are redefining what a workplace looks like.1. DeloitteFrom collaborative workspaces to wellness programs, Deloitte has a lot to offer employees looking for a fun, flexible workplace. Best of all, because of the focus on employee well-being, the company fosters a true sense of community among its team members, building relationships and focusing on personal and professional growth.Added beigabe Many of the Deloittes offices have on-site cafes and Starbucks coffee machines and some even offer other cool perks like treadmill desks. Apply Now2. UnileverEver wonder what it would be like to get a ride to work every day and have breakfast waiting when you get there? Unilever offers just that with a free shuttle from New York City to the companys headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey and an eatery where employees can grab breakfast or a snack before heading into work.Added draufgabe Unilever also has an agile work policy that gives employees the freedom to work from any area of the office, including outdoor spaces and common areas. Apply Now3. Ogilvy MatherWant to take a yoga class before your morning meeting? How about getting a massage during your afternoon break? Ogilvy Mathers New York office offers both of those perks, as well as a lot of others including personal training and meditation classes.Added bonus The companys focus on employee wellness is designed to ensure that everyone on the team is happy and thriving. Talk about putting employees first. Apply Now4. OnDeckLove the idea of working for a company with a startup culture a nd a focus on team building? OnDeck offers exactly that with great office spaces, team activities and get-togethers.Added bonus Weekly events like in-office games and happy hours are all about helping employees bond with their teams and create the kind of community that leads to growth and innovation. Apply Now5. Under ArmourIf youre into fitness, Under Armours new Baltimore headquarters is a dream come true. Featuring a waterfront universittsgelnde overlooking the Patapsco River, numerous workout areas and restaurants, the companys main office is all about creating a fun, balanced lifestyle.Added bonus Just in case you want to take a casual stroll to a sports stadium during your lunch break, Under Armours campus has that too. In fact, its a 5,000-person stadium thats home to several dezentral events. Apply NowReady to find the workplace of your dreams? Check out our full list of jobs to find the one thats right for you.

The Definitive Approach to Resume Application

The Definitive Approach to Resume Application Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Resume Application You want to supply the employer including all the essential information for the speedy processing of your application. Ensure you highlight technical wisdom and certifications. The application will likely also request that you answer questions that will assist the employer get a bedrngnision of how youll fulfill the position. Writing a strong application is a challenging procedure and we would like to make it simpler. What the In-Crowd Wont Tell You About Resume Application The subject of information technology grows mora important each and every day. Ultimately, you are going to have printable resume that it is possible to send to a lot of job applications. When it has to do with software I typically suggest Adobe Illustrator, its the market standard for vector artwork and since you expand your company, you will not ever outgrow the computer software. Its possible to use our resume building software to create your own from scratch. Resume Application and Resume Application - The Perfect Combination So, for you, your CV may be an MS Word document, but when it must be stored, it must be extracted and reorganized in a way a machine can understand. You can set your contact details in the footer of your resume, but should you do, you need to make sure theyre also in the major body of the document. Your resume still should be very simple to read however. Employing a resume template is now an acceptable and smart practice for quite a few reasons. Someone states that resumes are dead and its important to have social media, but practice indicates that recruiters continue to find applicants resume, choose more relevant ones and just then connect with applicants. Utilizing a skills based resume format will be a whole lot more effective when moving to some other career field, since it will permit you to highlight the facets of your experience that are relate d to the job which you are applying for. Writing a resume for employment in the art industry can be difficult. There are lots of basic forms of resumes used to make an application for job openings. So you must take a look at the work description and learn precisely what they are searching for and then demonstrate your skills match their requirements. Rather than searching for a job initially and letting your own personal skills fit into the work description, do it the other way around. Taking the opportunity to work on your resume is crucial. Understanding how to tailor your resume will obviously offer you an advantage. Job seekers deserve to come across decent content quickly. Review the resume, application, find out more about the employee online, and whatever else you will need to appear at or whoever you have to speak to about the candidate before the interview. Your employment application is utilized to apply for vacancies within the particular Company Personnel Syst em that were advertised in newspaper or on the internet. Youve got to design your application in a manner it interests the employer in going through your details and theyre going to call you for the interview to go over the further particulars. The secret to a successful resume application is with the usage of a cover letter. Your application must have a cover letter. After a brief while, each of the applications, resumes, and cover letters will begin to look the exact same.

When Hiring Managers Disagree on a Candidate - Spark Hire

When Hiring Managers Disagree on a Candidate - Spark HireFinding that person perfect for the job can be a difficult task. Hiring managers and employers know that all too well. It is especially difficult if there is mora than one person in on the decision. You have to agree on what you think is most important in a candidate and whether or not any of your candidates fit that description. You might think that Candidate A is best, but your colleague might believe Candidate B is better suited. Whats even more difficult is disagreeing with a superior. Perhaps you are hiring for a marketing assistant and believe you found the best fit. Only problem? The marketing director doesnt agree with you. It can be a tough situation, but there are certain things you can do as hiring manager to help you through it.Understand the RoleSpark Hire has discussed this a lot, but thats only because it is very important. As hiring manager, it is without a doubt your responsibility to make aya you understand th e role you are hiring for. This is especially true if you are hiring for multiple departments in the company. If you come to a disagreement on a candidate, then the first thing to do is to hark back to the role itself. Sit down with the other person that is in on the decision and list all of the qualifications you both think are needed to fill the position. Once that is done- and it should be before you even start hiring- break down the candidates in question. What skills does your candidate have that match this job role? Why do you think they are best fitted for this position? Are there some things missing?The next best thing would be to take a look at the candidate your colleague thinks is the best. Do the skills match up? What does this candidate have that yours does not? Compare and contrast the candidates and try to understand why your colleague thinks Candidate B is best. If you did not personally interview this candidate yourself, it can be difficult to understand where they are coming from. Which leads us to our next tipUse Video InterviewsIn the off chance that you interviewed one candidate and your colleague or superior interviewed another, it can sometimes be difficult to understand why they appreciated one over the other. Especially since you didnt get to meet and interact with them personally. This is one big reason why video interviews are such a great tool in the hiring process. When you interview with candidates online through video interviews, the interview is recorded. Not only is it of great use to you- in case you want to go back and check their personality or communication skills again- but its a great tool to use in comparing and contrasting candidates.Company CultureAnother thing to keep in mind when disagreeing on a candidate is company culture fit. Before you make a decision, or think that your candidate is by far the best for the job, keep the company culture in mind. Your candidate might have all of the right skills and qualification s, but perhaps the candidate your colleague wants is the best company culture fit. Or vice versa. Remember that certain skills can always be learned and picked up, but company culture fit cannot be faked or learned. There can be an employee that works in a company and has all of the right skills, but if they do not fit in with the company culture it is sure to cause waves. On top of that, it will be much easier for an employee like that to jump ship as soon as another job offer rolls around.Disagreeing on a candidate can be a tough situation to tackle, but with the right tools and the right outlook- you and your colleague can certainly come to a decision. And the best decision at thatHave you ever had to compromise on a hire because you disagreed with a colleague? Let us know about it in the comments section belowIMAGE Courtesy of Flickr by raincoaster