By Aurea Crotty

Whether you find yourself unemployed and looking for a job, or considering a switch from your current employment, stop thinking in terms of just looking for work and start working at uncovering opportunities.

What’s the difference?

Looking for work: applying for jobs that are posted, looking for doors that are already open and established- waiting for others to find you

Seeking opportunities: going out and finding or creating the job you want –crafting your own door and experience

Although there are many great job search sites and job listings out there, they are not always the best way to help you find great opportunities. Most of those elusive “great jobs” are not posted through traditional job search sites, rather they are found through your network.

By seeking opportunities you are taking a proactive stance in your life, aligning your work to who you are and what you want, versus the other way around.

Opportunity seeking strategies:

Be clear about what you want. This is the single most important factor in everything you do; the clearer you are about what you want the more likely you are to achieve it. Being clear will help make your investigation easier by allowing you to articulate your wants and needs, more specifically, it can help others help you. 

Do your research: Once you have a clearer picture of what you’re looking for, now it’s time to find out who does it.  For example, what industries should you be targeting? Which companies embody what you want?

Find your 6 degrees: Use your network to find connections to these industries / companies. 

No door? Find a window:  Don’t have any connections? – create them.  Ask yourself…”where are my contacts and what are they doing”?

Try using LinkedIn or Facebook, and make a virtual introduction.

Are there any industry associations / networking groups / specific recruiting companies you can join?

Identify decision makers and ask for an informational interview, they‘re a great way to get your foot in the door and always remember to ask for another referral.

Get the skills you need: I am consistently discouraged at the narrow-mindedness of so many organizations that fail to see the power of transferable skills.  Given the current economic climate, unfortunately for many of us, this attitude will not get better anytime soon.  Many companies want to see specific experience, and with stiff competition in the job market, it may be your only chance to be considered.

Be clear on what specific skills you will need to be considered and come up with creative ways you can gain that experience. Some suggestions: try volunteer /part-time work or come up with your own project and execute it –track your results and experience.  

Be brave, bold and creative. It is no easy feat trying to create your own opportunities, you may hear a lot of no’s along the way, but stay true to yourself and the yes’s will come. Good Luck!

Have a question on how you can start creating your own opportunities? Let us help you, post here.

By Aurea Crotty

Life is an ever evolving canvas, no stroke can be undone and with each expression our painting comes to life gradually, revealing our masterpiece. Taking time to step back from our canvas allows us to see the bigger picture, to watch our work unfold, and to make the adjustments necessary to create our greatness.

Summer is officially here, and for many of us it couldn’t have come sooner. Longer days, warmer weather and vacation schedules, now is our time to take things a little easier.

Since summer is a time to kick back, and with many companies following suit, it is a good opportunity to take some time to reflect on our life and check-in to see how we’re doing – to step back from our canvas. 

We can also look at summer as a midpoint marker to the end of the year; a great time to take a look at our progress towards achieving our goals, or, setting new targets for the end of the year.

Here are some questions to help you step back from your ‘canvas’ and see the bigger picture:

Overall how happy am I on a scale of 1-10?

You can break this question down into individual areas of your life i.e. Career, Relationships, Personal Fitness, Money etc… If you are less than 5 in any area you probably have some big shifts to make. Over 5 you may be looking at some ‘fine tuning’.  

What’s working for me and what’s not (or, what do I love doing vs not)?

I like to make a two column list outlining each, then compare them. From this question you can easily come up with…

 How can I do less of what I don’t like and more of what I do like?

Your answers may reveal a matter of re-focus or a talk with your boss to get more of those projects that you love.

What one thing would I like to achieve by the end of the year?

Since this is the half way point…are there any goals you can set to get you closer to feeling more fulfilled?

 What do I need to do to achieve my goal / bring about the change I want?

Do you need to gain a particular experience, find a certain contact, update your resume.  How can you set yourself up for success by being proactive and ensure change happens.

It is so important for us to continually take time in the quite moments to reflect on where we are and where we’re going. This is our life, our canvas, let’s not let anyone paint it for us.

Now… go find a great patio, get a drink and start painting.

I hope you all enjoyed a restful Canada Day yesterday.

I’m very excited to share with you our latest Pretty Savvy press, we were featured in Fusia Magazine – Now on sale at Chapters / Indigo across Canada.

Have a wonderful weekend.

To read the article, click on the image and click again to enlarge, if needed.

By Aurea Crotty

A referred job candidate has a 35 to 1 chance of getting hired vs. 500 to 1 for the typical candidates. -Mark Mehler from CareerXroads

Networking is a powerful tool to helping us get ahead, but for many of us it can be an intimidating and freighting experience. In my own career and business I have found that the key to moving ahead is largely a result of the network I have built and the strength of my relationships. Statistics have shown that 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking.

For me, networking is more than just handing out business cards and giving an “elevator pitch”, it is about the relationships we build with others. By focusing on building a relationship with someone we not only help alleviate the pressure and intimidation around “selling ourselves” but we create a window of opportunity for that connection to extend beyond our immediate situation -and THAT is what builds a network of qualified leads.

Here are 5 networking tips that are sure to help you at your next networking event:

1. Be real and in the moment: It is ok to have a little something rehearsed before showing up to a networking event, just make sure you deliver your message genuinely. Networking is about being authentic, building relationships and trust, and understanding how you can help others.
2. Listen more than you talk, by listening more it is easier to engage and build a strong connection…The best way to make a great first impression is to make the other person feel good about themselves.
3. Ask open-ended questions: Ask Who, What, When, Where and How. These types of questions open up the conversation and demonstrate to your listener that you are interested in them. Remember, the best way to make a great first impression is… making the other person else feel good about themselves!
4. Be able to succinctly articulate what you do, what you’re looking for, and how others can help you.
5. Follow-up. Always follow up. And take the time to foster and keep your connections.

Looking to expand your network -check out The Art of Mix & Mingle July 7th

By Aurea Crotty

Negotiation is an integral part of our personal and professional lives. At some point we will all need to negotiate a salary, buying a new home, a car, cell phone etc… Being able to negotiate successfully can make a big difference to our outcomes.

Taking time to hone your negotiating skills is time worth while.

Tips

1. Set your mind to it!

Negotiation takes work, and you have to want to do it! Talking about money is a touchy subject and can be very uncomfortable for many of us. If you are unwilling to talk about money and engage in negotiation, your reluctance will come at a price.

2. It’s not personal -never get emotionally involved -easier said than done…I KNOW!

A big mistake many of us make is to become too emotionally invested in our end goal. We allow our emotions and ego to get the better of us causing us to lose focus.

Remember, there is someone else in the picture and both of you want to feel that you are getting something out of the deal! Be friendly and patient (even if the other person is not).

3. First the worst, Second the BEST! -try not to be the first person to name a price!

By being the first to set your price, you maybe putting yourself at a disadvantage.

4. Ask for more than you expect to get -but be reasonable!
Even if the price is right ask if they can do better. Be nice, be reasonable. Remember, you never know unless you ask!

5. Create a WIN / WIN situation

When you look to create a win/win situation, everyone at the negotiating table feels they got something out of it! If someone feels cheated they may not be inclined to fulfill their end of the deal, or not want to do business with you in the future.

Have a negotiating tip or question? Post here.

By Aurea Crotty

You like nice things and you want the good stuff but it does come at a price, and it may not be a price you can afford right now!

The good news is you can have all the things you want. It’s just a matter of how. Planning, budgeting and being smart with your money are key factors to a successful and prosperous future.

Here are some practical tips to help you on your way to your fabulous shoes and a savings account you can be proud of.

1. Pay yourself first!

Most experts agree that the best money-saving tip is to SAVE! You work hard for your money, the more you can keep for yourself the better.

How much money to save is a personal decision, depending on your age, income, plans for the future etc. Whatever your situation, attempt to allocate a monthly percentage of earnings to your savings.

2. A brown bag today…makes a very big difference for tomorrow!

Find out what you’re spending, one of our biggest pitfalls is not knowing where our money is going.

Identify your habits: do you enjoy premium coffee, eating out, bottled water, après work socials? Do the math! That could be costing you as much as $30-$40 a day, over a year this could be costing you upwards of $10,000!

3. Become a Savvy Shopper…Get control of your impulse buying.

Many of our purchases are impulse buys, savvy marketers spend lots of time and money figuring our how to entice you and get you to buy their products. Don’t be a victim!

Is it a want or a need? A simple question to ask that will prove very profitable for your wallet.

Wait for sales! Everything goes on sale…I remember my aunt telling me to “never pay retail!” retail mark-up is exorbitant and name brands are even more outrageous. Know what you’re paying for.

4. Remind yourself what you’re saving for!

Create an inspiration board, make a list and write “vision notes” to remind you of what you’re saving for.

Do you have tips on how to save money? Share them with us.

By Aurea Crotty

In last week’s article we learned how to identify our body shape, a fundamental piece of learning that will save us thousands of dollars on our clothes.

Now let’s look at how to dress our body type.  Note:  This article will focus on classic principles, which many times do not apply to fashion statements, and avant-garde wear.

‘How’ we wear our clothes is far more impactful than ‘who’ we wear.  Style cannot be bought it must be earned through effort and knowhow.

There are a few key factors to what makes a great outfit, which include: how our clothes frame and flatter our body, how they complement our personality and how they align to our environment. We’ll be tackling the former today.

Our clothes frame us best when they balance our body by creating symmetry between our lower and upper half – when we achieve this symmetry we flatter our shape by accentuating our best features while minimizing our less desirable ones.  

The most balanced silhouette we want to strive for is “X”, this is not to say that “X” is the ideal body shape or a better shape, we are all beautiful. I would like us to think of an “X” when dressing in terms of top and bottom balance with a defined waist.

Our clothes help us to modify our bodies where we cannot. Typically we want to add less to our larger areas and more to our smaller ones to create that balance which shows us off in our best light.  ‘Adding less’ does not imply ‘wearing less’, it means keeping things simple.

Here are some examples:

 ‘A’ shape (top half of body is smaller than lower half): It may be difficult to modify your lower body, so what we want to do is balance your body by focusing on your top half by adding, for example, a jacket.

‘V’ shape (top half of body is bigger than lower half): Consider an understated (simple) top and perhaps a flare pant leg or skirt (consider a-line).

If you are a balanced ‘O’ or ‘H’ your style objective is to create a waist, try a belt or tapered jacket.

More Tips:

To balance our lower body we want to fit the largest part of our body first and create a straight line down from there.

Know that to achieve the best fit possible, alternations are almost always necessary.

 

Have a question about your body type, and how to dress it? Post Here!

By Aurea Crotty

One of the single most important factors to building a cost effective wearable wardrobe that will make you look and feel fabulous is to know, and shop for, your body type.

We’ve all made those impulsive purchases, wanting to adopt the latest trend only to realize it just didn’t work for us. The truth is we can wear just about any trend as long as we know how to apply and modify it to our body type.

The secret to dressing well and putting our best foot forward is to use our clothes to balance our bodies. We want to flatter our best features and minimize the limiting ones. The most flattering and balanced shape we can achieve is “X”, with our top and bottom balanced and waist defined.

My preferred method for describing body shapes is to use letters; there are six main shapes that most women fall into:

Standard:  Hips, waist and bust are proportionate

V: Lower body (hips, bottom, thighs) is narrower than upper body (bust, shoulders)

A: Lower body (hips, bottom, thighs) is wider than upper body (bust, shoulders)

X: Hourglass figure, waist is smaller than standard

H: Waist is thicker than standard

O: Waist is thicker than bust (fuller tummy)  

Identifying your shape is best done by seeing your body candidly –wear fitted clothing or just underwear and using the guidelines above, look at your body honestly and identify your shape. For example, if you have broad shoulders or a large bust and smaller hips you’re most likely a “V” body type. If you’re bigger on the bottom and smaller on top –you’re an “A”.

Another slightly more scientific way to do this is to measure – a word of caution, I have found this method may not apply to everyone. Use these calculations along with your own common sense and observant eye.

Step 1: Take your Measurements:

Hips: You want to measure around the widest part of your hips (around the fullest part of your bottom).

Waist: Put your hand on your waist and bend sideways, that fold is your waist- measure around your narrowest part.

Bust:  Measure around the fullest part of your bust.

Step 2: Calculate your measurement as a percentage of your bust.

Measurement of Waist divided by bust times 100 = % *

Measurement of Hips divided by bust times 100 = % *

Step 3: Use the charts to identify your shape

Next I’ll feature dressing for your body type…stay tuned!

*Charts and measurement calculation from Karen Brunger’s International Image Institute.

Back by Popular Demand!

Build Instant Rapport With Others

Feel More Confident

Always Look Your Best

Assemble a Designer Wardrobe on Your Budget

In these two interactive sessions you will learn the fundamentals of building rapport, style and image. This is not about the latest fashions, rather this is a customized seminar all about your body type and understanding what styles will suit you best.

Our image is our strongest form of non-verbal communication and plays a huge role in how we feel about ourselves.

This is our very own “What Not to Wear” event (sans Stacy and Clinton)!

In this interactive session you will learn:

How to build instant rapport with others

Your body type

What styles flatter you best

What to wear for all occasions

How to budget for your wardrobe

This seminar comes with your very own personalized image assessment.

When: May 12 & 19

Where: 401 Bay Street, Toronto

Agenda: 7:00pm-9:30pm

Click here to register.

By Aurea Crotty Founder of Savoir Faire Professionals

Our lives are busy, we have so much we want to do, but there never seems to be enough time in a day to get it all done.

Strong time management strategies and a cool calm attitude are essential to get you through your busy life. Staying motivated and maintaining positive energy through your tasks will ensure your success.

Here are some strategies to help you manage your time, and keep you motivated.

Define Your Priorities:

Prioritization is your friend. List all the things you need to get done and then assign a priority to each item, a method to use is the ABC method:

A = Must Do

B = Should Do

C = Nice to Do

Focus on your A list.  Re-evaluate your priorities regularly.

Set Time Limits and Stick to Them:

This strategy is very helpful in making sure you get it all done. Set a timer or block off dedicated time slots in your calendar. Be firm with your time and pay attention to tasks that take too long or are not on your priority list.    

Know Your Prime Time

We all have times during the day when we have the most energy – our “prime time”. Aim to complete the priorities requiring the most concentration and creativity during this time.

Manage Up!

Time management is as much about managing your time, as it is about managing the expectations of others. Realistically, it may not be possible to complete everything in a day or even a week and when we are accountable to others, dropping the ball without warning never fairs well. Keep your boss, friends and anyone depending on you in the loop; be proactive in managing their expectations, especially if you won’t make the deadline. 

 Do you have a good time management strategy? We’d love you to share, post here!