Discover Your Mission and Vision on VoiceAmericaBusiness Radio- Live 12pm eastern Monday Dec 1st!

Many people struggle with determining what they want to be when they grow up. Join me on Monday Dec 1st at 12pm eastern/9am pacific for a special segment on Leadership Development News on Voice America Business. I'll show you how to create a personal mission and vision statement and uncover what you really want to be doing with your life and career.

The hosts of Leadership Development News include:
--Dr. Cathy Greenberg - co-founder of the renowned executive consultancy h2c (Happy Companies. Healthy People) and author of multiple bestsellers.
--Dr. Relly Nadler - CEO True North Leadership, Inc. an Executive and Organizational Development firm. He has designed and delivered many executive boot camps for high achievers in Fortune 500 companies.

Tune in live on Monday December 1st at 12pm eastern/9am pacific for my segment on Voice America Business and get clear on what you want from your career. (Rebroadcast at 12am eastern/9pm pacific. Past episodes also available on demand and podcast ready at www.Business.VoiceAmerica.com).

What did you or do you want to be when you grow up?

Believe in Your Dreams Part 3 (Guest Blogger Kim Engler)

This the last of three guest posts on Believing In Your Dreams. This one comes from Kim Engler - my friend, colleague and vocal coach. She produced my cabaret shows (click here for a clip from my recent "Follow Your Dreams" show) and is the one who helped me find my voice. By day Kim is a media consultant, presently working in the fashion industry where she produces talent everyday. Here's a Q&A from Kim to help you believe in your dreams.

Q: What are the key steps to believing in your dreams?

A:
Practical willingness: self-inquiry and action based on what is appropriate for your life in the way it is right now
Encouragement: focusing on the practical reasons why your dream is possible and valuable
Constancy: ‘showing up’ and ‘being there’ in a consistent manor
Creative Support: discovering tools that help you to help yourself~ especially cultivating resilience, positive focus, awareness and flexibility
Practical Vision: focusing on the big picture, and taking your best steps, in your way, towards manifesting your dreams


Q: If you had to summarize, what key messages do you send to those whose dreams you are helping to cultivate?

A:
Trust yourself!
Know yourself - better than anyone else (daily practice!)
Believe in yourself - and the ‘how’ will be revealed moment-to-moment
Develop your practical intuition = understand, identify and trust your ‘gut’

For more great advice and insight from Kim, look for www.KarunaMedia.com coming soon or email her at Kimberly.Engler@gmail.com.

On this Thanksgiving holiday, I am very thankful to have the support of Kim and many others to make my dreams a reality. Perhaps there are people who have supported you.

Who's helped you follow your dreams? Who might be in a position to support you in bringing your dreams closer to reality?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Finding Work-Life Balance In a Tough Economy

This week on my XM/SIRIUS radio show, Making a Living with Maggie, I focused on a topic that is hitting many of us - lack of work/life balance. To hear a replay of the show, sign-up for a free trial of SIRIUS and tune in Sunday at 6am to SIRIUS 112/XM 157.

As the economy worsens companies react by cutting back (WSJ: "Executives Shift to Survival Mode".) With layoffs, the work demands increase dramatically for those left to carry the load. Employees also feel pressured to pass on vacation time for fear of not having a job when they return. Business owners are feeling the pressure too and many are over-marketing, over-selling, and taking any client (whether a fit or not) that they can get.

The problem I see with survival mode is that it's not sustainable and it's not good business. Let me tell you what else I'm seeing. Companies who are taking care of their employees right now even more. They are still planning holiday parties, and offering perks such as an onsite-trainer. They are implementing "open book financial management" where the employees see the numbers side of the business and are educated about which numbers they can impact and how. It's a team effort. I'm also seeing entrepreneurs who are being more selective about their marketing/sales efforts and which clients they take on.

You see it's the difference between scarcity and possibility. If you believe in the work you do as an employee or business owner, you continue to see creative ways to expand your impact, even in tough times. You also continue to attract clients and customers who want to see you succeed. You take care of yourself and your employees because they are vital to the innovation and ideas you need to succeed.

Now is the time for you to focus on possibility, take care and have even more balance in your work/life. If you're feeling out of sorts, tune into my radio show this Sunday and learn how to negotiate for better work/life fit. It's better than surviving, it's thriving!

What's your work/life balance situation? Are you feeling increased work pressure and demands? Is your employer offering support? What would help you take care of yourself as an employee or business owner?

Don't Miss Out: New Webinar Tuesday November 11th at 12pm Eastern

For many, right now is the time to find your passions and explore new career paths. These challenging times can in fact be seen as an opportunity. By determining your strengths and value, you can start to map out a practical career path that not only allows you to survive but to thrive.

Join me for my new webinar on Veteran's Day to help you take action with your career and to support a great cause. For more information and to register go to: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/421225017

The online event, "Taking Action with Your Career," is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11th at 12:00PM EST and is designed to help you identify your unique talents and uncover new possibilities for your career. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Beyond Tribute, an organization that aids wounded veterans, their families and the families of the fatally wounded.

Following the 45-minute presentation about Taking Action with Your Career, I will be available for a live chat with participants to answer career questions. The webinar format is simple to participate in from any updated PC or Mac computer and is designed for people to complete at their desks during a lunch break or before the workday.

This is a great way for people to start thinking about what their next career steps might be. And it’s also a way to support a great cause this Veteran's Day.

What actions would like you to take with your career? Do you want to see opportunity in your career? Want to say thank you to all the veterans who have sacrificed for our freedom?

"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" -Maya Angelou

Taking Action with Your Career

When you take action with your career, it's amazing the results you can achieve. Whether you agree with Barack Obama's politics or not, he's someone who's succeeded in following his dream. Here's what we can learn from his approach to achieve our dreams too:

--Step One: Define your platform - If you want to change careers or land a new job, write out your ideal job description. You are 3 times more likely to achieve your goal when you write it down. If you're not sure of the best career, register for my Veteran's Day Webinar on Nov 11th at 12pm eastern. In one hour, I'll help you identify your unique talents and uncover new possibilities for your career. Part of the proceeds will benefit veterans. Reserve your webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/421225017

--Step Two: Campaign - Tell others what you are looking for and why you'd be a great fit. Develop your elevator pitch and communicate it. You are 10 times more likely to achieve your dream when you share it.

--Step Three: Get support - Surround yourself with people who are following their dreams like the guests I have on my radio show. It's truly contagious. Every Wednesday tune in to Making a Living at 4pm eastern on SIRIUS 112 and XM 103 and get the inspiration you need to go after what you want.

You have the power. You have control over what happens in your career. Just like President-elect Obama, you can do what others say can't be done. You can take action with your career.

What is the next step to move forward with your career? Do you have ideas and plans? What dream would you love to see come true? Yes you can!

Job Action Day - Who's Your Cheerleader?

This post is part of an entire day of useful career advice called Job Action Day, sponsored by Quintessential Careers.

This weekend I was part of an amazing event - The New York City Marathon. No I didn't run. I was a cheerleader. I made it a point to bundle up and go out along the marathon route and encourage runners.

Why you ask? Because everyone could benefit from a cheerleader to help them achieve a milestone.

For me, I was amazed to see the runners smile and pick up the pace when fueled by the sights and sounds of the countless fans pulling for them. Thousands cheered alongside me for everyone brave enough to make the effort. It was contagious.

That very energy made me think about the many different ways we can cheer each other on through the current economic challenges and how we need to encourage each other to continue to follow through on our dreams.

Cheerleaders have always lifted my spirits when I'm struggling. They've kept me going when I wasn't sure I could, and applauded me when I've achieved. And I do the same for my clients.

So with today designated Job Action Day maybe it is not about an action directly for you and your job situation. Maybe it's a little reminder for you to reach out to someone you know, someone you love, or even a friend you haven't met yet and encourage them to finish their "marathon". Encourage them take action with their careers.

Trust me it is contagious.

Who needs your cheerleading today? How might you help that person follow through on their dreams and take action with their careers? Believe me, your spirits will be lifted as well.