Unmasking the Fear of Success: Are You Sabotaging Your Own Potential?

In our pursuit of personal and professional growth, we often find ourselves facing various obstacles. While we often attribute our struggles to external factors, there is an insidious force that can silently hold us back: the fear of success. This article begs the question: Is this fear sabotaging your own potential? Are you allowing apprehension to hinder your path to greatness? Let’s delve into the depths of this fear, unmask its manifestations, and explore strategies to overcome it.

  1. The Paradox of Fear: Success vs. Comfort Zone
    The fear of success might seem counterintuitive. After all, isn’t success what we strive for? However, success often comes with the unknown, uncharted territories, and a shift away from our familiar comfort zones. This fear stems from various sources, such as fear of failure in maintaining success, fear of increased responsibilities, or fear of heightened expectations. Acknowledging this paradox is the first step towards understanding how it may be holding you back.
  2. Self-Sabotage: When Fear Becomes Our Worst Enemy
    Fear can manifest as self-sabotage, causing us to unconsciously hinder our progress. Procrastination, indecisiveness, imposter syndrome, and negative self-talk are just a few ways we sabotage ourselves. These behaviors create a vicious cycle that reinforces our fear and prevents us from fully embracing our potential. Recognizing these patterns is crucial to breaking free from the self-imposed limitations and regaining control over our journey.
  3. Unmasking the Root: Exploring the Origins of Fear
    To overcome the fear of success, we must delve into its origins. Often, this fear is rooted in past experiences, upbringing, or societal expectations. Understanding our fears and identifying their triggers allows us to confront them head-on. By embracing a growth mindset, we can reframe our fears as opportunities for growth and transformation.
  4. Embracing Discomfort: Stepping Into the Unknown
    Overcoming the fear of success requires embracing discomfort and taking calculated risks. It involves challenging our limiting beliefs and stepping outside our comfort zones. By reframing success as a journey rather than an end goal, we can embrace the uncertainties and learn from the inevitable failures along the way. Embracing discomfort becomes a catalyst for personal and professional growth, propelling us towards new heights.
  5. The Power of Self-Compassion: Nurturing a Supportive Mindset
    Navigating the fear of success requires self-compassion. It’s essential to be gentle with ourselves and acknowledge that fear is a natural part of the human experience. Cultivating a supportive mindset, practicing self-care, and seeking support from mentors, friends, or professionals can help us navigate the challenges. By reframing fear as an opportunity for growth and cultivating self-belief, we can break free from its grip and unleash our true potential.

As we reflect on our journey towards success, we must confront the pervasive fear that may be holding us back. Are we self-sabotaging our own potential? By unmasking the fear of success, understanding its origins, and embracing discomfort, we can break free from its constraints. Let us challenge ourselves to step into the unknown, nurture self-compassion, and embrace the limitless possibilities that await us. It’s time to silence the fear and embark on a path that leads us to the extraordinary.

Finding the Perfect Team for Your Livestream: Building a Strong Foundation for Success

When embarking on the journey of starting a livestream, one of the most crucial elements for success is assembling the right team. The individuals you choose to work with will play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional content, creating a seamless production experience, and engaging with your audience. In this article, we will explore the key considerations for finding the perfect people to work with when starting out a livestream.

1. Define Your Goals and Vision

Before seeking out potential team members, take the time to clearly define your goals and vision for the livestream. What is the purpose of your livestream? What kind of content do you want to produce? Understanding your objectives will help you identify the specific skills and expertise needed within your team.

2. Assess Technical Expertise

Livestreaming requires technical proficiency to ensure a smooth and high-quality production. Look for team members who possess the necessary technical skills, such as camera operation, audio engineering, and video editing. This expertise will contribute to the overall professionalism of your livestream and enhance the viewer experience.

3. Seek Creative Talent

Creating engaging and captivating content is essential for attracting and retaining your audience. Look for individuals who have a creative flair and can contribute innovative ideas to your livestream. This could include writers, graphic designers, or content strategists who can help shape the narrative and visual elements of your livestream.

4. Communication and Collaboration Skills

Livestreaming is a collaborative effort, so it’s crucial to find team members who excel in communication and collaboration. Look for individuals who are not only skilled in their respective roles but also possess strong interpersonal skills. Effective teamwork and open communication will ensure a cohesive and productive work environment.

5. Passion for the Subject Matter

Working on a livestream requires dedication and enthusiasm. Seek team members who share your passion for the subject matter or have a genuine interest in the content you will be producing. A team that is genuinely invested in the livestream will go the extra mile to deliver exceptional results and create an authentic connection with the audience.

6. Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills

In the fast-paced world of livestreaming, unexpected challenges can arise. Look for individuals who are adaptable and possess strong problem-solving skills. The ability to think on their feet and find quick solutions will be invaluable when faced with technical glitches or last-minute changes.

7. Test Compatibility and Collaboration

Before committing to working with a team member, consider conducting a trial period or small project to assess compatibility and collaboration. This will allow you to gauge their working style, reliability, and how well they align with your vision. It’s important to build a team that not only has the necessary skills but also works well together to achieve shared goals.

Building the right team for your livestream is a critical step towards success. By defining your goals, seeking individuals with the right technical expertise, embracing creativity, emphasizing effective communication, and ensuring a shared passion for the subject matter, you can assemble a team that will elevate your livestream to new heights. Remember, finding the perfect people to work with will not only enhance the production quality but also create a positive and collaborative environment that fosters growth and success.

Elements of Creating an Engaging Video Insert: Preparation and Pitfalls

Video inserts have become an integral part of modern communication, whether it’s for marketing, education, or entertainment purposes. These short video segments can captivate audiences and deliver impactful messages. However, creating an effective video insert requires careful preparation and consideration of potential pitfalls. In this article, we will explore the essential elements involved in crafting a compelling video insert and discuss common challenges to avoid.

1. Define Your Objective:

Before diving into the creation process, it’s crucial to establish a clear objective for your video insert. Determine what message you want to convey, who your target audience is, and what action you want viewers to take. Having a well-defined objective will guide your creative decisions and ensure the video serves its purpose.

2. Script and Storyboard:

Prepare a compelling script that aligns with your objective. A concise and engaging script will keep viewers interested and help convey information effectively. A storyboard can further enhance the planning process by visualizing each scene, camera angles, transitions, and other visual elements. This step ensures a cohesive and well-structured video.

3. Attention-Grabbing Introduction:

To capture your audience’s attention, create a strong introduction. Start with an intriguing hook or a visually appealing shot to immediately draw viewers in. The opening seconds of a video insert are crucial, as they determine whether viewers will continue watching or move on.

4. Visual and Audio Elements:

Choose relevant visuals that support your message and enhance viewer engagement. High-quality footage, animations, graphics, and effects can elevate the production value of your video insert. Additionally, consider using background music or voiceovers to enhance the emotional impact and create a memorable experience.

5. Clear and Concise Messaging:

Keep your message clear and concise throughout the video insert. Avoid overwhelming viewers with excessive information or complex concepts. Present your content in a way that is easily understandable and digestible. Remember, simplicity often leads to better viewer retention and comprehension.

6. Branding and Call-to-Action:

Incorporate your brand elements, such as logos, colors, and taglines, into the video insert to reinforce brand recognition. Additionally, include a compelling call-to-action (CTA) that prompts viewers to take the desired next step, whether it’s visiting a website, subscribing to a channel, or making a purchase. Make the CTA clear and easily actionable.

Pitfalls to Avoid:

1. Lengthy Content: Be mindful of the video’s duration. Long videos can lose viewer interest, so keep it concise and focused.

2. Poor Audio Quality: Ensure clear audio by using quality microphones and recording in a controlled environment. Muffled or distracting audio can significantly diminish the impact of your message.

3. Lack of Visual Variety: Incorporate diverse visuals, transitions, and camera angles to maintain viewer engagement. A monotonous video can lead to viewer disinterest.

4. Overlooking Mobile Optimization: With a significant portion of viewers consuming video content on mobile devices, optimize your video insert for device platforms.

Creating an impactful video insert requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of your audience and objectives. By following the essential elements discussed in this article, such as defining your objective, scripting effectively, grabbing attention from the start, utilizing visual and audio elements strategically, and incorporating branding and a compelling call-to-action, you can create a video insert that resonates with viewers and achieves your desired outcomes. Remember to avoid common pitfalls by keeping the content concise, ensuring high audio quality, maintaining visual variety, optimizing for mobile viewing, and seeking feedback throughout the process. With these considerations in mind, you can confidently create engaging video inserts that leave a lasting impression on your audience and drive the desired actions. So, go forth and harness the power of video to connect, inform, and inspire.

From Idea to Action: A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Livestream

From Idea to Action: A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Livestream

Livestreaming offers an incredible opportunity to connect with audiences in real-time and share your passions, expertise, or content. However, transitioning from the idea of starting a livestream to actually executing it can feel overwhelming. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process, from conception to realization, helping you turn your thoughts into a successful livestreaming venture.

1. Define Your Livestream’s Purpose:

a. Identify Your Passion: Determine the topic or subject you are passionate about and would like to share with others. This could be anything from gaming, cooking, fitness, or music.

b. Target Audience: Define your target audience and understand their interests, preferences, and needs. This will help you tailor your content to engage and resonate with them effectively.

c. Set Clear Goals: Establish specific goals for your livestream, whether it’s building a community, sharing knowledge, promoting a business, or simply having fun. Clear goals will guide your content creation and overall strategy.

2. Research and Planning:

a. Competitor Analysis: Research other livestreamers or content creators in your niche. Understand their strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling points to find your own differentiating factor.

b. Content Strategy: Develop a content strategy that aligns with your goals and audience preferences. Consider the format, frequency, and duration of your livestreams, as well as potential segments or themes that will keep your viewers engaged.

c. Technical Setup: Determine the necessary equipment and software for your livestream. This may include cameras, microphones, lighting, and streaming platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Live.

3. Building Your Livestream Presence:

a. Branding: Create a unique brand identity for your livestream, including a memorable name, logo, and consistent visual elements. This will help you stand out and establish recognition among your audience.

b. Channel Setup: Set up your livestreaming channel on the chosen platform. Customize your profile, add relevant information, and create an appealing layout to attract viewers.

c. Promotion: Develop a promotional strategy to raise awareness about your livestream. Leverage social media platforms, engage with communities related to your niche, and collaborate with other content creators or influencers to expand your reach.

4. Content Creation and Preparation:

a. Content Calendar: Plan your livestream schedule and create a content calendar to ensure consistency. This will help you organize your topics, guests, or segments in advance.

b. Scripting and Rehearsing: Prepare an outline or script for each livestream episode. Rehearse your content to enhance your delivery and ensure a smooth flow during the broadcast.

c. Engaging Visuals: Consider incorporating visual elements such as slideshows, graphics, or overlays to enhance your livestream’s visual appeal and provide additional value to your viewers.

5. Execution and Engagement:

a. Technical Setup: Prior to going live, test your equipment, internet connection, and streaming software to ensure a stable and high-quality livestream.

b. Engage with Viewers: Encourage viewer engagement by responding to comments, questions, and feedback during the livestream. This creates a sense of community and makes your audience feel valued.

c. Continual Improvement: Post-livestream, review your performance, gather feedback, and identify areas for improvement. This will help you refine your content, delivery, and overall livestreaming experience.

Starting a livestream may initially seem daunting, but with careful planning, research, and execution, you can successfully bring your ideas to life. By defining your purpose, conducting thorough research, building your presence, creating engaging content, and executing your livestream with confidence, you’ll be well on your way to connecting with your audience and achieving your livestreaming goals. Embrace the journey, stay persistent, and enjoy the rewarding experience of sharing your passion with the world through live-streaming.

How to Choose the Right Live-streaming Platform

Live streaming has become an increasingly popular way for people to share their content with the world. Whether you are a gamer looking to stream your gameplay, a musician wanting to perform for your fans, or a business owner looking to connect with your customers, there are many different platforms available for you to use. However, with so many different options, it can be overwhelming to decide which platform is best for your needs. In this article, we will discuss some key factors to consider when choosing a platform for your livestream.

1. Audience

The most important factor to consider when choosing a platform for your livestream is your audience. For example, if you are targeting a younger demographic, you may want to consider using platforms like Twitch or TikTok. If you are targeting a more professional audience, you may want to consider using platforms like LinkedIn or Zoom.

2. Purpose

Another important factor to consider when choosing a platform for your livestream is your purpose. Different platforms are designed for different types of content and audiences. For example, if you are streaming a gaming tournament, you may want to consider using platforms like Twitch or YouTube Gaming. If you are streaming a webinar or conference, you may want to consider using platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

3. Features

Each platform offers different features and tools to help you create and manage your livestream. Some platforms offer more advanced features like built-in chatbots, donation systems, and custom overlays. Other platforms may offer more basic features like live video and chat. It is important to consider which features are most important to you and your audience when choosing a platform.

4. Integration

If you already have a following on other social media platforms, it may be useful to choose a platform that integrates well with those platforms. For example, if you have a large following on Instagram, you may want to consider using Instagram Live to reach your audience.

5. Cost

Finally, it is important to consider the cost of the platform. Some platforms are free, while others require a monthly subscription or charge a fee for certain features. It is important to consider your budget and what features are most important to you when choosing a platform.

There are many different factors to consider when choosing a platform for your livestream. It is important to consider your audience, purpose, features, integration, and cost when making your decision. By taking these factors into account, you can choose a platform that will help you reach your audience and achieve your livestreaming goals.

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The “Why Not Attitude” Part 2

Are you struggling to balance your career and personal life? You’re not alone. The traditional methods of climbing the corporate ladder may not work for most, leaving them (you) feeling burned out and unfulfilled. But there’s a new philosophy that can help – the “Why not?” mindset.

The “Why not?” philosophy is about being open to new ideas and experiences without immediately dismissing them. It’s about approaching opportunities with curiosity and a willingness to take risks. By embracing challenges and uncertainty, you can discover new possibilities and grow as an individual. But it’s not about blindly embracing every opportunity – it’s about making informed decisions based on your values and goals.

If you’re ready to embrace the “Why not?” philosophy, here are 9 tips for success:

1. Prioritize self-care: Taking care of yourself is essential to success. When you prioritize self-care, you are able to perform at your best and avoid burnout. Self-care can include anything from exercising regularly, eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks when you need them.

2. Have SMART goals for your career: SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. When you have SMART goals, you have a clear plan of what you want to achieve and how to get there. This helps you stay focused and motivated.

3. Learn to delegate: Delegating tasks to others allows you to focus on what you do best and frees up time for other important tasks. It also helps build trust and respect among your team.

4. Build a support system: Having a support system can help you navigate challenges and provide motivation when you need it most. This can include friends, family, mentors, or colleagues.

5. Practice time management: Time management is key to success. You can prioritize your tasks, set deadlines, and plan your schedule to make the most of your time.

6. Use technology to your advantage: Technology can help you streamline tasks, communicate more efficiently, and work more effectively. From project management tools to social media, technology can be a valuable asset.

7. Seek flexibility: Flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances and take advantage of unexpected opportunities. Being open to new ideas and ways of doing things can help you stay ahead of the curve.

8. Take breaks: Taking breaks is essential to avoid burnout and maintain focus. Whether it’s a short walk outside or a vacation, taking time away from work can help you recharge and come back stronger.

9. Develop a “Why not?” attitude: A “Why not?” attitude means being open to new ideas and taking risks. It means not being afraid to fail or try something new. A “Why not?” attitude can help you overcome barriers and achieve your goals.

By following these tips, you can create the boundaries necessary for success and achieve freedom and fulfillment in both your professional and personal life. So why not give it a try? Join me with like-minded people and start thriving today.

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Digging Out of A Career Black Hole

No matter profession you’re in.  One day you might find yourself here…..But where is here?

A career is an essential aspect of one’s life. It is not only a source of livelihood but also a means of personal growth and fulfillment. However, many people find themselves in a career “black hole” at some point in their lives. This is a situation where they feel stuck in a job that does not offer any prospects for growth, development, and advancement. If you are in a career black hole, you may feel unfulfilled, demotivated, and frustrated. However, there are solutions to get out of it.

Here are some signs that you may be in a career black hole:

1. You are not growing professionally

If you are not learning or growing in your job, it could be a sign that you are in a career black hole. A good job should offer you the opportunity to learn new skills and develop professionally. If you are not getting any training, promotions, or opportunities to take on new challenges, it could be a sign that you are in a dead-end job.

2. You are not challenged

If your job is too easy or repetitive, you may not be challenged enough. A good job should offer you the opportunity to use your skills and abilities to the fullest. If you are not being challenged, you may feel bored and unfulfilled.

3. You are not happy

If you dread going to work every day, it could be a sign that you are not happy in your job. A good job should offer you some degree of job satisfaction. If you are not happy, it could affect your mental and emotional well-being.

If you identify with any of these signs, you may be in a career black hole. Here are some solutions to get out of it:

1. Evaluate your skills and interests

Start by evaluating your skills and interests. Identify the skills that you have and the ones that you would like to develop. Think about the type of work that interests you and the industries that you would like to work in. This will help you to identify the type of job that would be a good fit for you.

2. Update your resume and cover letter

Update your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and experience. Make sure that they are tailored to the type of job that you are interested in. This will increase your chances of getting a job interview.

3. Network

Networking is a great way to find job opportunities. Attend industry events, job fairs, and conferences. Connect with people on LinkedIn and other professional networks. Let people know that you are looking for a job. You never know when an opportunity may arise.

4. Consider further education

Further education can help you to develop new skills and improve your job prospects. Consider enrolling in a course or a program that is relevant to your career goals. This will not only improve your skills but also demonstrate your commitment to your career.

5. Take on new challenges

If you are not being challenged in your current job, seek opportunities to take on new challenges. Volunteer for new projects or take on additional responsibilities. This will not only help you to develop new skills but also demonstrate your initiative and commitment to your job.

Being in a career black hole can be demotivating and frustrating. However, there are solutions to get out of it. Start by evaluating your skills and interests, update your resume and cover letter, network, consider further education, and take on new challenges. With these strategies, you can break free from a career black hole and find a job that offers you growth, development, and fulfillment.

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Job Seeking in Broadcasting (this really applies to many industries)

Are you tired of seeing job postings that seem impossible to qualify for? You’re not alone. As someone who receives countless requests for help to break into the broadcasting industry, I’ve seen my fair share of job descriptions that require years of experience or advanced degrees for entry-level positions.

It’s frustrating and it doesn’t make sense. Entry-level should mean just that – a starting point for someone who is just beginning their career. These positions should be filled with individuals who are eager to learn and grow within the company. Instead, companies are expecting candidates to have years and years of experience for positions that are supposed to provide a pathway to success.

This is particularly problematic in the broadcasting industry, where there is a severe lack of crew around the world. The industry simply cannot afford to turn away talented individuals who are just starting out because they don’t have the years of experience that some job postings require. We need to be nurturing new talent, not pushing them away.

Of course, experience is important, and it’s understandable that companies want to hire individuals who have some level of expertise. But there has to be a balance. Entry-level positions should not require multiple years of experience or a master’s degree. That’s not reasonable or realistic.

Instead, we need to start thinking about entry-level positions as an opportunity to train and mentor new talent. Companies should be providing on-the-job training and investing in their employees’ professional development. This not only benefits the company, but it also benefits the industry as a whole by creating a pipeline of talented individuals who can take on more advanced roles in the future.

So, if you’re someone who is just starting out in their career and feeling discouraged by the unrealistic job postings out there, know that you’re not alone. It’s time for companies to rethink their approach to entry-level positions and start investing in the next generation of talent. And if you’re a company looking for new talent, consider taking a chance on someone who may not have years of experience, but who is eager to learn and grow with your organization. You might just be surprised at the results.

Now that we’ve identified the problem of unrealistic job postings and the need to invest in new talent, let’s take a look at some potential solutions.

1. Redefine entry-level positions: Companies need to redefine entry-level positions to better reflect what they actually are – starting points for people who are just beginning their careers. This means dropping unrealistic experience and education requirements and focusing on a candidate’s potential and willingness to learn.

2. Offer training and mentorship: Companies need to invest in their employees by offering on-the-job training and mentorship programs. This will not only help new hires develop their skills, but it will also create a supportive work environment that encourages growth and development.

3. Partner with educational institutions: Companies can partner with educational institutions to create pipelines of new talent. This can include internships, co-op programs, or apprenticeships that provide students with hands-on experience and a pathway to a career in the broadcasting industry.

4. Focus on diversity and inclusion: Companies need to focus on diversity and inclusion by actively seeking out and hiring candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. This will not only bring new perspectives and ideas to the table, but it will also help address the systemic issues that have led to a lack of diversity in the broadcasting industry.

5. Create entry-level job boards: Finally, companies can create entry-level job boards that are specifically designed for individuals who are just starting out in their careers. These job boards can help job seekers find opportunities that are more realistic and attainable, while also helping companies find new talent.

By implementing these solutions, companies can start to address the issue of unrealistic job postings and invest in the next generation of talent. This will not only benefit companies by creating a pipeline of skilled workers, but it will also benefit the broadcasting industry as a whole by creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

But wait there’s more! What can the job seeker do?

While companies have a responsibility to provide entry-level opportunities and invest in new talent, job seekers also have a role to play in their own career development. Here are some things that job seekers can do to enhance their skills and gain experience:

1. Attend local events: Job seekers can attend local events, such as industry conferences, workshops, and networking events, to meet professionals in the broadcasting industry and learn about new trends and technologies. This can also be an opportunity to ask questions and get advice from people who are already working in the industry.

2. Pursue internships or apprenticeships: Job seekers can pursue internships or apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience in the broadcasting industry. These programs provide opportunities to work alongside professionals and learn from their experiences.

3. Build a portfolio: Job seekers can build a portfolio of their work to showcase their skills and experience to potential employers. This can include samples of their writing, photography or videography work, or other projects that demonstrate their abilities.

4. Invest in their own education: Job seekers can invest in their own education by taking courses or pursuing certifications in areas related to broadcasting, such as journalism, media studies, or video production. This shows a commitment to their field and demonstrates a willingness to learn and develop new skills.

5. Seek out mentors: Job seekers can seek out mentors in the broadcasting industry who can provide guidance and advice on their career development. This can be a valuable resource for job seekers who are just starting out and looking for direction.

Ultimately, job seekers need to take an active role in their own career development. By seeking out opportunities for on-the-job training, attending local events, building a portfolio, investing in their education, and seeking out mentors, job seekers can enhance their skills and gain experience that can help them land their first job in the broadcasting industry.

New Experiences

What are your challenges?  Do you challenge yourself daily?

With over 33 years of broadcast experience, I have seen the industry evolve and change in significant ways. When I heard about the opportunity to join a large media client’s Digital Video Engineering team, I knew this was a chance to once again put my skills to the test.

As I started the contract just over a month ago, I was eager to learn and contribute to the team. The small team I joined communicates regularly to ensure we were all on the same page and working towards the same goals. I quickly learned that I had a lot to learn, but my previous experience would be an asset to the team.

I am responsible for maintaining core technologies, workflows, and systems vital to live-video and file-based digital workflows. I support the engineering solutions for video editing, transcoding, video streaming, and publishing across multiple properties. I have experience with video routers and Vantage Telestream from my previous roles, which has helped me handle these tasks.  Learning all the new systems and their acronyms has been equally challenging at times, but going with the flow and adapting are essential.

Working within an AWS cloud environment, I am tasked with setting up virtual machines and ensuring that the digital workflow deliveries are met. My experience with S3 and FSX has been crucial in managing Windows file systems that run in the cloud.

Although I have not worked extensively with Python or JSON, I am eager to learn and expand my knowledge in these areas. I have a background in edit post-production, specifically Adobe Premier, and have experience with Linux OS and file acceleration.  So, as a support person, I get to help users that are not only having editing issues, but cloud creation, and connectivity issues.

Throughout my career in broadcasting and digital streaming, I have learned the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques. I am committed to continuing to learn and grow in this field, and I am excited that this opportunity to brought some of my experience and skills into play and new skill sets to the table.

33 years of experience have provided me with the expertise to tackle any challenge that comes my way. I am confident that my skills and background make me a valuable asset to the team, and I look forward to contributing to the team’s success even more. I’m on-call this holiday weekend, which had already tested my knowledge base, and with the stellar help of my teammates I have been able / we have been able to support the news divisions, while maintaining the level of support and service they not only want, but is essential to produce the news.

I am grateful for every challenge that comes my way. I am grateful to learn and grow everyday. It keeps life and my career fresh and I’m perspective everyday.

Level Up Your Resume: Become An Achiever!

Everyone writes about networking, researching, targeting companies, identifying the position or positions you want, and you should, it’s all important and solid advice, but there is more to the job hunt than that…

It’s not a difficult twist it’s just a shift in how your approach is.

Are you Endlessly sending an updated draft of your resume out for the 50 some-teenth time to the internet void, and that isn’t working?  I have had the same experience.  

Years ago it was easy, make a phone call, or send out a resume, interview, and hired.  Today – ummm not so much.

I had been very “busy” changing up my skills, key words, etc to “match” what the resume machine algorithms have been asked to search for (and will discard if your resume isn’t at least a 70% match).  It’s true, a human will NOT EVER see your resume because there’s a program that automatically eliminates you if you haven’t included the sought after key words.  Even worse, you could be algorithm’d out for 6-12 months for a “bad” resume submission. 

I had received NO answers back aside from the automated “thank you for applying”, with decades of experience in the industry.  Incredibly frustrating!  But, I needed to change the way I worded my resume.  I was being seen as a doer.  Isn’t that good though?  Again….Not so much.  Hiring Managers need to see not only what you’ve done, but what you’ve accomplished.  

I was qualified, I could do the jobs I applied for, even better, I actually WANTED the jobs I applied for, I wasn’t just “looking for work”,  I was looking for what I wanted in my life too.  I’ve been lucky to get to an ebb and flow now.

But, I needed to change the language in my resume to show that I still take / took action and that I’m results-oriented person (an over-utilized phrase x1000 btw).  But, follow a few simple steps to level-up your resume:

1. Focus on your achievements: Instead of just listing your responsibilities, highlight your accomplishments and the results you achieved. Use action verbs to describe your achievements and quantify your accomplishments with numbers and percentages.

2. Use strong, action-oriented language in your resume. Avoid passive voice and use verbs that convey a sense of action and accomplishment.

3. Tailor your language to the job posting: Look at the job posting and use language that aligns with the job requirements. Use similar keywords and phrases that the employer is looking for to convey that you have the skills and experience they are seeking.

4. Highlight your skills and how they have contributed to your accomplishments. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have used your skills to achieve results.

5. Use bullet points to break up dense paragraphs and make your resume easier to read. Use short, punchy statements that highlight your accomplishments and results.

6. Proofread, Proofread, and Proofread again – did I mention Proofread your resume?  Oh yes I did!  Do this carefully to ensure that your language is clear, concise, and error-free. Make sure that your accomplishments and results are easy to understand and are presented in a way that is easy to read.

Overall, by focusing on your networking, your achievements, using strong language, tailoring your language to the job posting, highlighting your skills, using bullet points, and proofreading your resume, you can change the way you as a person appear to a Hiring Manager.  So make yourself human, because you are human.  Make them know you, even better make them WANT to know YOU!   You are your own business, you don’t have to sell yourself, just show the best version of You that you’ve got!  You’re worth it.

This can help you stand out to potential employers and increase your chances of getting hired.