Tag: #takingachance

101, Career, Employment, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Success

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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101, Editing, events, Learning, Mentoring, Project & Production Management, Social Media, Technology, Training

UGC – What Is it? Why Is It Important?

What is UGC?

User-generated content (UGC): This is content that is created by users or fans of a particular brand or product, often shared on social media or other online platforms. UGC can include photos, videos, reviews, and other types of content that are created by consumers rather than professionals.

Why Is UGC Important?

UGC is a powerful tool for businesses and content creators looking to engage with their audience and create authentic content. Editing UGC can be a bit different than editing other types of footage, as the footage is often shot on a mobile device and may not be of professional quality. However, with the right approach, UGC can be edited into a compelling final product.

Here are some steps involved in the UGC editing process:

1. Gathering footage: The first step in editing UGC is to gather the footage from your audience. This could involve asking your followers to submit videos or photos that relate to a particular theme or topic.

2. Reviewing footage: Once you have gathered the footage, you will need to review it to identify the best clips to use in your final edit. This could include footage that is well-shot and on-topic, as well as footage that evokes a strong emotional response.

3. Organizing footage: Once you have identified the best clips, you will need to organize them in a way that tells a compelling story. This could involve creating a rough storyboard or timeline to map out the flow of the video.

4. Enhancing footage: Depending on the quality of the footage, you may need to enhance it to improve its visual quality. This could include color correction, noise reduction, or other techniques to improve the look of the footage.

5. Adding music and sound effects: Once you have organized and enhanced the footage, you can add music and sound effects to create a more immersive viewing experience. This could include selecting music that complements the mood and tone of the video, as well as sound effects that add texture and depth.

6. Finalizing the edit: Once the editing process is complete, the final product is reviewed and approved by the creative team. Any necessary changes are made, and the final edit is exported for distribution.

Editing UGC can be a powerful way to engage with your audience and create authentic content that resonates with viewers. By gathering, reviewing, and organizing footage, enhancing it with music and sound effects, and finalizing the edit, you can create a compelling final product that showcases the best of what your audience has to offer.

101, Career, Employment, Learning, Life Choices, Mentoring, Training

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.

Please share your experiences. It’s free!

101, Best Practices, Career, Collaboration, Employment, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Success

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.

Employment, Golf, Life Choices, Mentoring, Project & Production Management, Social Media

Broadcasting from: Baltusrol Golf Course, Springfield, NJ

The US Open golf tournament has been held at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, on seven occasions. Here is the list of years, winners, and their scores:

1. 1903 – Willie Anderson (307)
2. 1915 – Jerome Travers (297)
3. 1936 – Tony Manero (282)
4. 1954 – Ed Furgol (284)
5. 1967 – Jack Nicklaus (275)
6. 1980 – Jack Nicklaus (272)
7. 1993 – Lee Janzen (272)

ABC Network has covered several golf events at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, including the US Open and PGA Championship tournaments. Here is a list of the events, winners, and some additional details:

1. 1980 US Open: Jack Nicklaus won his fourth US Open Championship, shooting a final round of 68 to finish at 8-under-par for the tournament.

2. 1985 US Women’s Open: Kathy Baker won her only major championship, shooting a final round of 68 to finish at 4-under-par for the tournament.

3. 1993 PGA Championship: Paul Azinger won his first and only major championship, shooting a final round of 68 to finish at 8-under-par for the tournament.

4. 2005 PGA Championship: Phil Mickelson won his second major championship, shooting a final round of 72 to finish at 4-under-par for the tournament.

5. 2016 PGA Championship: Jimmy Walker won his first major championship, shooting a final round of 67 to finish at 14-under-par for the tournament.

ABC Network provided comprehensive coverage of these events, with experienced broadcasters and producers bringing the action to viewers around the world. Some of the notable names on the broadcast team included Jim McKay, Chris Schenkel, Jack Whitaker, and Mike Tirico. The production was led by ABC Sports Executive Producer Roone Arledge, and the Director of the broadcast was Craig Janoff.

Overall, these events produced some thrilling golf and unforgettable moments, making Baltusrol Golf Club a true showcase for the sport.

I was the Production & Technical Assistant for the 1993 event held at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, from August 12-15, 1993. It was an exciting event, with some of the best golfers in the world competing for the championship title.

As a Production Assistant, my role was to assist the Production & Technical Manager in various aspects of the production. This included coordinating logistics, setting up equipment, and ensuring that everything ran smoothly throughout the event.

The 1993 PGA Championship was covered by ABC Network, with a team of talented broadcasters and producers bringing the action to viewers around the world.

Paul Azinger emerged as the winner of the tournament, shooting a final round of 68 to finish at 8-under-par for the tournament. It was his first and only major championship victory, and it was a moment that I will never forget. The excitement and energy of the event were palpable, and it was a privilege to be a part of such an incredible production.

Overall, the 1993 PGA Championship was a tremendous success, and I was proud to have played a small role in making it happen.

What are you’re experiences? Please share!

101, AI, Best Practices, Cloud Editing, Collaboration, Digital Platforms, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Project & Production Management, Technology, Training

Wiki Collab

Wiki collaboration refers to a collaborative process of creating and editing content on a wiki platform. A wiki is a website or online platform that allows users to create and edit content collaboratively. Wiki collaboration can be used in a variety of contexts, including education, research, business, and community building.

Some of the benefits of wiki collaboration include:

1. Collaboration – Wikis promote collaboration among users by allowing them to work together to create and edit content.

2. Easy accessibility – Wikis can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy for users to contribute and access content.

3. Version control – Wikis typically offer version control, which allows users to track changes and revisions to the content.

4. Transparency – Wikis are transparent, meaning that all changes made to the content are visible to all users. This promotes accountability and encourages users to contribute responsibly.

5. Knowledge sharing – Wikis can be used to share knowledge and information with a community of users, which can be beneficial for education, research, and business purposes.

To collaborate on a wiki platform, users typically create an account and log in to access the content. They can then create and edit pages, add images and videos, and collaborate with other users. Some wiki platforms offer features such as discussion forums, chat rooms, and task management tools to help users collaborate more effectively.

There are various wiki platforms available, including:

1. Wikipedia – The world’s largest and most popular wiki platform, Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

2. MediaWiki – An open-source wiki platform that powers Wikipedia and many other wikis.

3. Confluence – A wiki platform designed for business and team collaboration, Confluence offers features such as task management, calendars, and chat rooms.

4. Fandom – A wiki platform for fan communities, Fandom allows users to create and edit pages related to their favorite TV shows, movies, and other interests.

5. DokuWiki – An open-source wiki platform that is easy to use and highly customizable.

Overall, wiki collaboration can be a powerful tool for promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community building. By allowing users to work together to create and edit content, wikis can facilitate the sharing of information and ideas across a wide range of contexts.

101, Agile, Career, Employment, Financial, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Project & Production Management, Social Media, Streaming, Teamwork, Technology

Turn Yourself Into a Resource (not a Commodity) that Companies Need!

Turn yourself into a resource that companies need!

1. Identify Your Unique Skill Set: First, you need to recognize and understand your unique skill set. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and consider how they might be valuable to a company.

– For instance, if you are interested in the broadcast industry, you may have skills such as live event production, video editing, scriptwriting, or on-air presenting. Identify which of these skills you excel at and enjoy doing the most.

2. Research the Market: Research the target market and identify the skills or resources that companies are looking for. This will help you tailor your skills and promote them in a way that meets company needs.

– Research the broadcast industry and identify the skills or resources that companies are looking for. For example, many broadcast companies seek individuals who are skilled in live production, video editing, and social media management.

3. Focus on Value Proposition: Craft a strong value proposition that highlights the benefits of your skills, knowledge, or experience. Explain how you can add value and solve problems for the company by using your skills.

– Craft a compelling value proposition that highlights the benefits of your skills. For instance, you could say something like: “I’m an experienced live event producer with a passion for creating engaging, high-quality content that connects with audiences. With my skills and experience, I can help your broadcasting company create engaging programming and reach a wider audience.”

4. Develop a Professional Brand: Build a professional brand that conveys your skills, professional approach, and your unique value proposition. Use social media, online portfolios, cover letters, and resumes to showcase your brand.

– Build a professional brand that conveys your skills and value proposition. Create an online portfolio that showcases your work, and use social media to share your expertise and connect with others in the broadcast industry.

5. Network: Build relationships and connect with people in your target market. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and engage with companies and their employees through social media. Establishing relationships with people can help you learn about new opportunities and make you a valuable resource in the eyes of companies.

– Build relationships and connect with people in the broadcast industry. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and engage with others in the industry through social media. This can help you learn about new opportunities and make valuable connections.

6. Demonstrate Credibility: Establish credibility by sharing your expertise through articles, presentations, or blogs. Share your knowledge, insights, and experiences related to your area of expertise, both online and offline. This will show companies that you are a credible expert and a valuable resource.

– Establish your credibility by sharing your expertise through articles, presentations, or blogs. For example, create a YouTube channel where you share live event production tips or write articles on the latest trends in video editing. This will show companies that you are knowledgeable and passionate about your craft.

7.  Be Consistent.  

You can set yourself apart in the broadcast industry, or any Industry really, and become a valuable resource that companies are eager to work with.

101, Agile, Best Practices, Career, Digital Platforms, Employment, Mentoring, Technology

Broadcast Streaming Technology 101: The Basics

Broadcast streaming technology has revolutionized the way we consume media content. It has made it possible to distribute audio and video content to a large audience across the globe in real-time. In this blog, we’ll explore the basics of broadcast streaming technology and how it works.

Broadcast streaming technology is a way of transmitting audio or video content over the internet in real-time. It allows users to access live content from anywhere in the world, using a variety of devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. In essence, broadcast streaming technology makes it possible to deliver live content to a global audience with minimal latency.

To understand how broadcast streaming technology works, we must first understand the difference between streaming and downloading. When we download a file, we save it to our local device and can access it at any time, even without an internet connection. On the other hand, when we stream content, we access it in real-time, typically through a browser or app, without downloading it to our device.

One of the broadcast streaming technologies uses a protocol called Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) to transmit live content from the source to the end-user. The RTMP protocol is a low-latency protocol, which means that it minimizes the delay between the time the content is broadcast and the time it reaches the end-user.

To broadcast content using RTMP, a video encoder is used to capture the audio and video content and convert it into a digital format. The encoded content is then sent to a streaming server, where it is stored and distributed to the end-users.

One of the key benefits of broadcast streaming technology is its ability to scale. Streaming servers can handle large amounts of traffic and distribute content to a large number of users in real-time. This makes it possible to broadcast live events, such as sports matches, concerts, and conferences, to a global audience.

Another benefit of broadcast streaming technology is its ability to personalize content. Streaming technology allows for targeted advertising, which means that advertisers can deliver ads to specific audiences based on their interests and demographics. This makes advertising more effective and helps content creators monetize their content.

In recent years, broadcast streaming technology has become more accessible to content creators and businesses of all sizes. Many streaming platforms, such as YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Twitch, offer free or low-cost streaming services that allow users to broadcast live content to their audiences. This has made it easier for small businesses, influencers, and content creators to reach a global audience.

In conclusion, broadcast streaming technology has transformed the way we consume media content. It has made it possible to broadcast live content to a global audience in real-time, making it easier for businesses and content creators to reach their target audience. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect broadcast streaming technology to become even more accessible and user-friendly, allowing for more personalized and engaging content experiences.

Career, Employment, Financial, Giving Back, Life Choices, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Social Media, Success, Teamwork

Job Hunting Tips: Say What??

You Need a Major career move, promotion, complete overhaul, change to something new altogether. Now what? Here are some steps to follow:

1. Target companies you’d like to work for. Research them, not only the bottom line, but their products (use cases), company culture, and the people who work there, especially people on the hiring team and HR. LinkedIn is a great resource for this.

2. Follow the companies AND the people at the companies, start commenting on their posts. These comments should add value to what was already said, and also tag the person who posted the information, state or reword what they’ve stated and add to it. Keep going, it’ll take time to establish a connection with people. Don’t ask for any recommendations or help, add validation to what was posted.

3. Find a unique issue that you can solve for the company. Then, begin to formulate a pitch deck for your solution. Find out what you can improve. Make your pitch about helping them, not about yourself. Find the opportunity to present your solution.

Make sure you find out what the Company’s goals and current/future initiatives are. Be the Solution /Bridge.

With your pitch deck show the value you’re adding, without making it about yourself. Add in industry data to validate your information.

5. Outline your ideas, THEN your background.

6. Send your contacts (after establishing them- see #2 above) an email asking for a chat about your idea. Have your pitch deck ready. Make sure it’s in a logical order, and succinct. Also make sure you have prepared some small talk based on what you’ve gleaned from your contacts posts and information pages. What groups do they and you belong to? Have that ready to go!

After the chat, and your contact is onboard with you – THEN the ask can come. Ask for the referral, now you have an in-house cheerleader.

What if you’ve worked with someone and lost contact over the years?

Ok, you’ve lost touch with someone. You met / were friends with someone while working and now Need to contact them regarding a job opportunity. What do you start with? “Hello” ?

Don’t over complicate it.

I’m trying to reach certain people I started out my career with, and worked alongside with for years, but that was 33 years ago too.

I did start with “Hello, it’s been a long time.” We picked up conversation like we hadn’t missed a beat, which I find a lot of in broadcasting. I loved working with and for just about every employer in my career.

Luckily, within the first conversation I was able to bring up the job opportunity, and “my person” said they’d be happy to help. You’ll find most people will, as they have or will need a similar recommendation themselves in the future.

For more information please reach out! 👍 Comment / Follow Me – it’s free!

AI, Best Practices, Career, Employment, Financial, Life Choices, Mentor, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Success, Teamwork, Technology

51 Tips to Set Yourself up for Success at Work

Where do you start? The action actually begins prior to starting your job. But, even if you’ve been working at a company for years and want to keep moving forward following are some suggested steps. These tips can apply to anyone at any stage of their career.

1. Research the company before your first day.
2. Familiarize yourself with the company culture.
3. Review the job description and requirements.
4. Understand your role and responsibilities.
5. Set clear goals and objectives.
6. Create a plan for achieving your goals.
7. Develop a positive attitude.
8. Build relationships with your colleagues.
9. Be open to feedback and constructive criticism.
10. Learn from your mistakes.
11. Build a strong work ethic.
12. Develop good time management skills.
13. Prioritize your tasks.
14. Set realistic expectations for yourself.
15. Stay organized.
16. Keep a positive outlook.
17. Take initiative.
18. Be proactive.
19. Anticipate problems and find solutions.
20. Communicate clearly and effectively.
21. Listen actively.
22. Build rapport with your boss.
23. Be flexible.
24. Adapt to changes in the workplace.
25. Be reliable and dependable.
26. Take responsibility for your actions.
27. Show respect to your colleagues.
28. Be a team player.
29. Offer assistance to others.
30. Stay focused on your priorities.
31. Keep your work area clean and organized.
32. Dress professionally.
33. Be punctual.
34. Attend meetings and training sessions.
35. Take notes to remember important details.
36. Use company resources effectively.
37. Maintain a positive work-life balance.
38. Seek out opportunities for growth and development.
39. Ask questions when you need clarification.
40. Develop strong problem-solving skills.
41. Build a network of contacts within the company.
42. Attend company events and social gatherings.
43. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and news.
44. Learn new skills and technologies.
45. Be adaptable to different work styles.
46. Be open to constructive criticism.
47. Take breaks when needed.
48. Stay positive in the face of challenges.
49. Celebrate your successes.
50. Continuously strive to improve and grow.
51. Get a mentor who has the qualities you want to adopt. You’ll learn from each other.