by Jubilee Stevens | Oct 25, 2016 | Uncategorized
Micro Branding by Peter Serff, Partner Centennial Data Group Several years ago, my dad gave me a book to listen to on my commute to work called MicroBranding by T. Scott Gross. I gave it a shot, expecting a typical marketing read with a few nuggets of value. But to my surprise, I was quickly drawn into and inspired by this book. Gross is an incredibly charismatic speaker and lays out his case through story and hyperbole that every one of us has an interest in building our personal brands. Large, successful companies like Google, Nike, Apple, & Southwest Airlines treat their brand as an integral part of their business; they understand that every time they interact with a customer, directly or indirectly, they are impressing upon or reinforcing their impression on their customers and potential customers. Gross’ premise is that we should all be just as concerned about our own personal brands. As a business professional, and especially as a consultant, we have to look at everything we do and each interaction as something that will create or strengthen our brand in others’ minds. We all understand that our resumes and LinkedIn profiles are important branding documents, but if those aren’t consistently reinforced with supporting actions, we risk creating a weak brand. Worse yet, if our interactions are consistently negative, we risk creating a strong negative brand. Rarely do we have a choice in how perceptions are made about us, which makes it paramount to deliver the impression we want every chance we get. For example, if I want to be known as a trusted adviser with outstanding...
by Jubilee Stevens | Sep 12, 2016 | Uncategorized
Tips for Interviewing with the Hiring Manager By Cynthia Stutz, Director of Recruiting Centennial Data Group Phone interviews are daunting for some candidates and a breeze for others. How do you remain memorable to the interviewing manager over the telephone? First of all, we suggest that each candidate be an active listener. Listening skills are key. Recruiters by trade are connected to the telephone daily. We can hear emotions, pauses, sighs and energy – good or bad. So, before taking the interview call, review the requirement, take a deep breath and listen closely. Tips to help improve your next interview If you have interviewing anxiety… Conduct a mock interview with a friend, family peer, whoever. Ask for feedback on the following: The pace of your responses: Speaking too slowly, too fast, long winded, abruptness Energy level: Positive? Low? Nervous? Responses to the questions asked: Clear, concise and articulate, Vague and circular Take the call in a quiet place, such as a conference room, or your own home. Make sure your connection is good. Do not interview while driving. There is nothing professional about hearing dogs barking, the television, or other voices. Take notes, (if you are able write down the questions asked of you). Keep answers short, concise and relevant to the job requirement. Prepare a five minute elevator pitch explaining your current and relevant positions. Be prepared to effectively answer “why” you are making a change. Managers may ask about achievements, regardless, prepare at least one current example such as: a) How you created a process b) Improved a process c) Saved the company money d) Made the company...
