Inspirational Quote of the Day 8/11/11 - Powered by Famous Inspirational Quotes for Windows Phone

"Aim for the top, it's not crowded." - Richard King

I love this quote. Richard King is an accomplished lawyer, businessman, public speaker and former President of Rotary International. His more flashy background is his weekend life as a singer in Vegas, where he sang with the Rat Pack and married one of the dancers in his show. I admire him for his contributions to the seasonal events at the Oakland Temple, to local youth in the Bay Area, and to my brother Jeremie.

Now to comment on the quote. Aiming for the top requires passion. It requires one to work harder than others. It requires innovation, creativity, effectiveness, efficiency, and leadership. You must have longevity in pursuing these endeavors. Most important, you must gain the trust of others. Whether that's trust for relationships or creating a product that can be trusted to perform. People follow what they trust.

Donald Trump says to go big or go home. And trust me he's gone big and then had to go home a few times, when projects have failed. Aiming for the top is no different. It's not crowded but it's a steep climb and it's possible you will fall. Don't let the fear of failure hold you back. When we were children we would jump off anything, touch any little critter, and try anything. We were fearless. Let's return to our childhood and be fearless, passionate leaders as we aim for the top.

Inspirational Quote of the Day 8/10/11 - Powered by Famous Inspirational Quotes for Windows Phone

"Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy." - Sir Isaac Newton

There are 2 ways to perform every act. You can do it in a way that offends or you can do it in a way that befriends. If you're boss pulls you into his office and says, "you're fired because you're an idiot and I hate you," you're probably going to be offended. On the other hand, if he says, "I'm sorry we have to let you go. We love you and we wish you the best," then you will not take offense. Especially, if it's heartfelt and genuine.

Take this advise in your resume writing and interviews. Sometimes you can botch an interview because your delivery of an answer was too raw. In other words, the thought was too raw and needed to be refined or perhaps dressed up for some showmanship. Think about what you say when you talk about your career. Are you being tactful with others, including yourself?

Inspirational Quote of the Day 8/9/11 - Powered by Famous Inspirational Quotes for Windows Phone

"Don't be afraid to go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is." - H. Jackson Browne

This quote just seemed poignant. You have to put yourself out there if you want you and your family to eat; and feeding your family is the bottom line. 

Inspirational Quote of the Day 8/8/11 - Powered by Famous Inspirational Quotes for Windows Phone

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the things you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

 Whatever is keeping you from finding a job, make sure fear is not. Take some risks. Explore your passions, then do something about it.

Inspirational Quote of the Day 8/5/11 - Powered by Famous Inspirational Quotes for Windows Phone

"In the middle of a difficulty lies opportunity." - Albert Einstein

What an optimist! Good will always overcome evil in the long run. So think good thoughts. We have a power inherent to each of us as human beings. Whether you believe God gave that to you or it's a power of evolution. That power is change. Our minds are incredibly powerful and we can change how we feel through our own positive thoughts.

No one would doubt if I told them that they could spend a few minutes with Larry Bird and improve their shot. Similarly, they could effectively improve their mindset if they spent a few minutes in positive thought. Stop doubting yourself and start believing.

Inspirational Quote of the Day - Powered by Famous Inspirational Quotes for Windows Phone

    "Tough times never last, but tough people do." - Dr. Robert Schuller

Great quote! A reminder that no matter how tough things get when you're looking for a job you have to keep your head up and keep fighting. Reach out to friends, family, acquaintances, past associates, etc. If you feel discouraged, get active. That can strengthen your will and toughen you up.

When you're job hunting, how can you BEST research the company?

I came across an article on the Simply Hired Blog that gives a good Company Research 101 break down.

http://blog.simplyhired.com/2011/07/research-is-key-7-questions-to-answer-before-applying-to-any-company.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=jul12 

In addition, I believe that the MOST important step is to talk to actual employees in a neutral dialogue if possible. I've hired several folks that have mentioned that you never know about a company until you've been there for a while. I agree but I don't think we have to be the one's to "try out" the company for a couple months to see if it's a right fit. That is not feasible and I prefer not to gamble with my career like that.

So talk to employees who have already done the "try out" for you. Ask them any questions that you feel would help you to know if the company is right for you. This is one of the best ways to research a company, if you can get the employee in an open and honest dialogue.