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Terrylynn Smith

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Adapting Your Job Search Techniques for the New Normal

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Let’s start with some straight talk. If you look at the economic news and the job numbers as a gauge for whether you can find work right now, you’re likely to be discouraged. Nine months into this pandemic, businesses and families alike are still struggling, and even with the vaccine now being distributed, it will be some time before the economy comes back in full force.

But…and here’s the good news…there are still jobs out there to be had. The economy may be slow, but it hasn’t stopped. Companies still need people to do things for them, and they are still willing to pay for it. The reason it looks bad is that you’re looking through the wrong lens. Let me explain.

There’s no doubt that this pandemic has changed the landscape of the workforce. I’m not talking about unemployment numbers. I’m talking about the available jobs and the way those jobs get filled. We’re used to finding work in a certain way: employers post job openings, we send in our application and resume, we go to an interview, we get hired.

Except things are different now—and not just because of the pandemic. Employers are changing the way they post jobs and hire people. Many jobs get filled without the need ever to post an opening on LinkedIn or Indeed. And that’s not likely to change just because of the vaccine. That doesn’t mean you can’t get those jobs—it just means you’re looking in the wrong places for them. The hiring process is different, so you can’t expect to get hired using the old methods. It’s a “new normal” out there, and the key to getting hired more quickly is to adapt your mindset and your methods to this new normal.

Having said that, let’s look at a few new approaches to think about concerning your job search.

Look for Problems You Can Solve, Not Job Openings.

Here’s where you stop thinking of yourself as an employee trying to get hired and instead think of yourself as a professional with certain skills that employers need. This approach requires you to think a little bit like an entrepreneur. Instead of just scoping out job postings at places you’d like to work, do a bit of investigative work and find out what problems (or “pain points”) that company has that you could provide solutions for. Then look for a way to approach the company, send an email or make a phone call, share what you do, and offer your skills as a solution. If there is no official job listing or open position (and there very well might not be), you can often open a dialogue at the company by calling human resources, or by finding and reaching out to the head of a department where your skills might be relevant. You might also find an inroad to the company through your LinkedIn connections or someone else in your network. With a bit of creativity, you can usually find your way to the right desk even if there is no active hiring going on.

Yes, that company may be hiring fewer people right now, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have work that needs to be done. Chances are they’re contracting out that work to third-party companies or independent contractors, or even using automated services. If you can convince them it makes more sense to hire you than to use those other methods—you’ve just created a position for yourself where none existed before. Even if they hire you as a 1099 contractor or on a temp basis, you’ve now gotten your foot in the door.

Become an Expert

Another way employers are meeting their company’s needs is to look specifically for skilled professionals and experts and actively recruit them to do the work they need to be done. These job openings never get posted because the employer is taking an active role in approaching prospective new hires. The way you get in line for these jobs is to position yourself as one of those experts and let the employers find you. A lot of this stuff happens online nowadays, so whatever your skillset is, start posting content online that shows that you are a subject matter expert or a thought leader in that field. If your expertise is in creative home financing, for example, maybe start a blog about that. Post articles on LinkedIn, create some YouTube videos, share helpful tips on Instagram and Facebook. Develop a body of work that shows you know your stuff when it comes to home financing. When an employer in your network or on LinkedIn needs those kinds of skills, your stuff will eventually start coming up in their online searches. This approach takes a little time and effort, but it can pay off well because the tables are effectively turned. Instead of you being at the employer’s mercy to hire you, the employer comes to you already interested, trying to convince you to take the job. (That usually means a fatter paycheck, as well.)

Develop a Proof of Concept

This technique is about not just saying what you can do, but showing you can do it. Anyone can create a nice resume—that’s why employer’s desks are stacked full of them. To stand out as the solution that employer needs, look for a way to establish proof of concept. Create a portfolio of your work or a “look book” of successful projects you’ve completed at other companies. Save a few blog posts that you’ve written that demonstrate your expertise, and include those in your portfolio.

One method to develop your proof of concept is a common technique used in building a resume: the PAR method. (PAR stands for “Problem, Action, Result.”) Using this method, you:

  • identify a specific problem you encountered in your previous employment or activities;
  • describe what action you took to solve the problem; and
  • share the results of the action you took.

When you put together a few of these examples using the PAR method, you can share them in several places, including your portfolio, your resume, and your LinkedIn profile. The PAR method is quite effective because it helps hiring managers draw a clearer connection between what their company needs and what you can offer.

You still need a good resume, but when you send it, send a link to your portfolio as well. If you do get an interview, bring the portfolio with you or give the employer a link during your Zoom chat. Give them something to see besides just your credentials, and you’ll make a bigger impression than the best resume alone can give you.

Keep Active in Your Network

Nowadays, your professional/social network matters now more than ever when you’re looking for work. Don’t neglect your connections—keep looking for ways to stay in touch and to stay top-of-mind. Posting content as we mentioned above will help, but don’t forget to interact. Lots of job openings and referrals still happen through these channels, so while you’re working on the other things, keep tending your network.

Should you keep looking at job listings and applying for them? Of course you should. Use every possible avenue to find work. Just don’t limit yourself to the traditional methods—be aware of the changes in the work environment and start thinking creatively about how to change your approach to match those changes. I’m not saying your job search won’t still have its challenges, but just remember—the ones who succeed during times of great change are the ones who are willing to adapt, rather than resist.

Want some more specific guidance in your job search? I’m always here to help. Shoot me an email at terrylynn@giraffesconsulting.com and let’s set you up with a free 30-minute consultation.

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Mindset Is Everything and Everything Is Mindset

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There are many practical things you can do to position yourself for a new/better job or a new career—and when I work with clients as a career coach, we definitely explore those things. But I can cover the same ground with two different people, both equally talented and loaded with potential, and one will find great success while the other flounders. What’s the differentiator?

One word: Mindset.

Your mindset predicts achievement. It plays a pivotal role in what you want and whether you are able to achieve it. It is a powerful tool for success in every aspect of your life, including your business and your career. The right mindset will give you wings to soar; the wrong one will limit you and cause perpetual frustration. That’s why I devote a great deal of my practice to helping my clients develop a mindset for success, and why I’m devoting a significant chunk of my upcoming book to it. Mindset matters more than any of the other practical stuff I can teach.

Fixed Mindset versus Growth Mindset

Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychologist and the author of the insightful book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, really pioneered this understanding of the power of mindset. She discovered that the real question of success is whether you believe qualities like intelligence, talent and creativity are fixed or changeable traits. The answer determines whether you have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. Let’s talk about the differences between these mindsets so we can see how they affect our success.

People with a fixedmindset believe that intelligence, creativity and talent are inborn, fixed and unchangeable. They therefore tend to stick to activities and experiences where they believe they will be successful and avoid new experiences where they could fail. They don’t like change. This attitude limits their success and potential. 

Those with a growth mindset, on the other hand, believe that these qualities can be strengthened and expanded through experience, learning and challenge. A growth mindset makes you curious, resilient, and able to reach your goals and potential despite setbacks and disappointments.

Dweck believes that we all are capable of creating a growth mindset—and in today’s world where technology and business models are changing so rapidly, I believe embracing a growth mindset is vital for success.

Our mind is a powerful thing. The stories we tell ourselves, the things we believe about ourselves, can negatively or positively impact our potential for success. For example, if you think or say: “I am not good enough” or “I never could do that,” you probably won’t. If you think or say: “I got this,” “I can do this,” or “What is the worst thing that could happen?”, you will seek out new challenges and grow. It is entirely within our control to reframe stressful moments into positive ones. The power of positive thinking actually reduces stress and anxiety and boosts our can-do spirit.

Developing a Growth Mindset

If mindset determines our success level—and I believe it does—then mindset becomes our starting point. So how do you develop a growth mindset? Fellow career coach and Forbes writer Caroline Gastrillon offers some practical tips for doing so, which I’d like to pass along here:

  • Embrace failure. View failure as a positive rather than a negative. Every failure is a learning experience and an opportunity to grow.
  • Become a lifelong learner. Be curious about everything. Gastrillon points out that 85 percent of successful people read two or more educational/ business development or self improvement books a month.
  • Seek out challenge. Get outside your comfort zone; that’s where the magic happens.
  • Go beyond your perceived limits. We grow by pushing past what we think we can do.
  • Ask for feedback. Knowing you are responsible for you own growth, have the confidence to ask for feedback and learn from it. Creating a diversified network of contacts encourages and supports a growth mindset and is a great resource for feedback.

Don’t procrastinate. Explore the power and energy that a growth mindset can have on your career. If you want more details and assistance, I’m here to help. Shoot me an email at terrylynn@giraffesconsulting.com and let’s set up a free 30-minute consultation.

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The Best Types of Jobs for Working Remotely

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The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed our world, to put it mildly. Nowhere can we see this more clearly than in the workforce, where the entire employment landscape changed practically overnight. A lot has been said about the spike in unemployment starting with the shutdowns—but the fact is, a LOT of people who didn’t lose their jobs just began working remotely.

More than half of us, in fact.

That’s right. Before the pandemic, the number of people in the workforce working regularly from home was just over five percent. Shortly after the quarantines started, that number jumped to 62 percent, according to Gallup. What’s more, even as the economy has gradually started back up, many of these workers have never gone back to the office. More recent surveys now put the percentage of remote workers at about 40 percent. Some companies have even made remote working a permanent part of their structure!

What this means for you is that if you’re currently seeking employment but prefer to work from home, not only are you now in the majority of the population, but there are now many more industries and companies that offer telework as an option than even a few months ago. There are likely to be at least a few remote job openings that fall within your area of expertise, or at least close to it. If you’re looking for a work-from-home position, here are a few of the fields and industries (in no particular order) where you’re most likely to find job openings at this time.

Education

Remote instructors of all kinds are in high demand right now due to the sheer number of students learning virtually. From grade schools to colleges, from tutoring to a plethora of online education platforms, people who can teach, write curriculum and perform other training functions have an abundance of options. Even if you’re not credentialed, if you’re an expert in your field and have the ability to train others, you should be able to find some opportunities to put that expertise to work.

Accounting

Even before the pandemic, accountants were a growing commodity among small and large companies alike, and that trend is only likely to continue. Since accounting can easily be done from home, many companies with open accountant positions now allow for telework—not to mention the growing number of outsourced bookkeeping companies that need personnel for their client base of startups.

Developer/Technology

If you’re tech-savvy, you’ve got a lot of work-from-home options right now. Not only are major tech companies like Google and Twitter moving to mostly or completely remote work, but there’s a high demand for all forms of development, whether it’s software/game development, website development, systems administration, etc. Even a lot of IT work can be done remotely nowadays.

Digital Marketing

Online marketing was already a huge and growing sector before the pandemic hit—and now that companies need the Internet more than ever for their marketing and sales efforts, the demand for these skills is through the roof. Since digital marketing lives completely online, the transition to remote work is seamless. (Bonus points if you’re skilled in social media marketing.)

Creative Fields (e.g., Design, Writing)

In the 21st-century marketplace, content is king. If you’re skilled in creative areas like graphic design, UX/UI design, copywriting, etc., you can find a wealth of opportunities at or for companies that rely heavily on content creation, especially for branding/marketing purposes.

This is by no means an exhaustive list; there are many other sectors and companies currently hiring for remote work. And if none of these falls within your field of expertise…do a search for remote jobs available within your own industry. You might be surprised to find out what’s available, even in fields that haven’t accommodated working from home in the past.

If you’d like some help getting yourself in a more competitive position for getting hired (for remote work or otherwise), I’m always here to assist. Shoot me an email at terrylynn@giraffesconsulting.com and let’s set you up with a free 30-minute consultation.

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Free Training Sessions on Zoom to Help with Your Job Search!

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If you’ve been struggling to find gainful employment during this pandemic, I’ve just added an additional free resource that may help: a free training session via Zoom to help you sharpen your job search strategies! Let me share how this came about.

Ever since this pandemic hit, I’ve been looking for ways to be of service to those who have been affected by it job-wise. So many people became unemployed as a result of the lockdowns and the resulting hit to the economy. A couple of months later, we saw a crop of college students who had to graduate “virtually” and now find themselves struggling to land their first job in the midst of this crisis.

For myself, I’ve gone completely “remote” with my career coaching sessions, and I confer with all my clients by phone or by Zoom. Videoconferencing has actually proven to be a lifeline for many of us during these difficult times, whether we’re conducting business, attending job interviews or just connecting with family and friends. This “new reality” gave me the idea: Since we can’t do the training in person right now, why not use this medium as a resource to help people who need a boost with their job search? And why not give them relevant information they can use right now, in this year and in this economy, to improve their chances for getting hired?

The Zoom training is open to anyone, but it’s specifically designed to help those who have been recently unemployed, as well as recent college grads who might be floundering in their attempt to get hired right now. The session is free with no obligation—you just have to sign up for an open time slot. (For efficiency’s sake, I’ve set a limit on the number of people per session so we can keep the conversation going.)

What the Free Training Covers

The Zoom training session is designed to help you sharpen your skills in four key areas for a successful job search in 2020. The four keys are:

  1. A powerful resume—one that gets a second look, rather than overlooked.
  2. A compelling LinkedIn profile—learn how to use this critical platform to your best advantage.
  3. Honed networking skills—yes, you can still network in quarantine, and I’ll tell you how.
  4. A solid interviewing strategy—not just how to conduct yourself, but how to present yourself online since most interviews are happening virtually right now.

Sound like something that could help you? Just shoot me an email letting me know you’re interested, and I’ll send you a schedule so you can register for the next available time slot.

Don’t Forget These Other Free Resources…

Just as a reminder, as my schedule allows, I’m also still offering free individual coaching services for people who have been laid off due to the pandemic. (Email me for details.) And don’t forget my free webinar, “Land the Job You Want,” which you can access at any time by clicking here.

Remember, we’re all in this together. If I can be of help in any way with your job search or career change, shoot me an email at terrylynn@giraffesconsulting.com and let’s chat.

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Tips for Nailing Remote Job Interviews

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In the weeks since the pandemic caused us all to shelter-in-place, I think we’ve all learned a LOT about how much technology can help us stay connected. The ability to tele-work has helped many companies stay in business, and even job interviews are now being conducted via video platforms like Zoom and Skype. If you happen to land a remote job interview, it can be intimidating at first, especially If you don’t have a lot of experience with videoconferencing. Plus, a video interview can feel quite different than an in-person interview, and there a few additional factors to think about.

Never fear—that’s why we’re here. If a potential employer asks you to interview online, here are some steps you need to ahead of time to make sure you put your best foot forward.

Install the Video App Beforehand

The employer will typically let you know which video platform they want to use for your interview. For our purposes, we’ll say it’s either Zoom or Skype since these are the most common, but there are others, as well. Whichever app they suggest, make sure you have it installed on your computer and test it out before the day of your interview. Zoom and Skype are both free to install, and you’ll need to set up a free account if you don’t have one yet. With Zoom, the employer will usually send a link via email that opens the app and logs you into the chat room automatically—but you’ll avoid potential disaster by making sure the app works before you click the link at interview time.

Create the Right Setting

When you go into an in-person interview, the setting is predetermined for you (i.e., the employer’s office or a conference room). With video conferencing—and this is important—you set your own backdrop. You don’t just need to think about what to wear (more on that in a minute)—you need to think about where you’ll sit, what is behind you and how you’ll look on camera. These factors will now all contribute to first impressions—not just how you dress!

Pick a place in your home or apartment that is pleasant and well-lit, with a backdrop that is relatively neutral and uncluttered. Be careful sitting next to open windows as the sunlight may cast an unintended shadow across your face—and if the window is behind you, you’ll be silhouetted. Position lighting so your gorgeous smile is easy to see!

Remove Visual and Audible Distractions

When setting your backdrop, you don’t necessarily have to have a plain, white wall—bookshelves and decorations are fine—just make sure there isn’t excessive clutter or gadgets in view that might draw the interviewer’s eyes away from you. Another factor that can be distracting is sound. When it’s interview time, make sure the room is quiet, free from the noise from kids, roommates, etc. Also, if you’re in a small room with bare walls, your voice might sound like you’re in a tunnel, and that can be distracting. At the very least, hang some blankets around the room (not in the camera view) to dampen the sound of your voice.

Prepare for the Interview Itself

Once you have set the stage, so to speak, your next task is to treat the interview almost exactly as if you were doing it in person. Prepare the same as you would for any other interview—research the company, anticipate what questions you might be asked, rehearse your answers, make a list of questions you’d like to ask—all the normal prep work you’d do otherwise. Your goal here is basically to make the same type of impression on the employer as if you were in the room with the interviewer. The more you prepare in this way, the closer you’ll be to that goal, even when interviewing remotely.

Do a Test Run (or Two)

The next way to prepare, especially if this is your first video interview, is to do a trial run. Ask a friend (or coach) to join you on Zoom or Skype to do a practice run-through of the interview. Start by opening the app and hopping on the call to make sure your audio and video work properly. (Too many video interviews have been bungled simply because the applicant didn’t bother to check the technology!)

Once you’re on the call, before you start the role-playing Q&A, take a good look at yourself and your backdrop to make sure you’re well-lit and there are no unwanted distractions behind you. During the Q&A, watch yourself on screen. Try to relax and act as normally as possible, as if the computer in front of you is the other person in the room. During the Q&A, record the session if possible so you can listen back for any unwanted echoes in the room, and also to check your responses. Avoid the temptation to get intimidated or self-conscious. If you see something that annoys you about how you look/act, you’ll typically make the adjustment naturally. (That’s the great thing about watching ourselves onscreen—it shows us things we don’t know are happening in the moment and gives us a chance to fix them.)

Dress for Success

And finally…dress for the interview exactly as you would if you were going into the office. There’s a running joke about dressing only from the waist up for remote interviews—don’t do it. First, you’ll have a lot more self-confidence if you dress the part; and second, if you have to get up for any reason, the illusion will be shattered.

If you need help with your job search or prepping for remote interviews, I’m here to assist—and as I mentioned before, if you became unemployed due to the pandemic, you may be eligible for free coaching from me. Just shoot me an email at terrylynn@giraffesconsulting.com and tell me your story, and I’ll get back to you to set up a free consultation.

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Coronavirus Update: Free Help for the Recently Unemployed

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Let’s don’t beat around the bush. The unemployment numbers from the past couple of weeks haven’t been dismal; they are basically disastrous. Here in NYC, especially, a massive number of people have been forced out of work due to shutdowns related to the Coronavirus pandemic. And while this situation may be temporary, the numbers don’t tell the real story if you’re one of the ones trying to figure out how to make ends meet.

We need to pull together and help one another in times like these. If you’ve suffered the loss of a job, or if you’re a gig worker whose income has dried up due to COVID-19, I want to help. So until this crisis is over, Giraffe’s Consulting is offering the following resources at no charge.

Immediate Support: A Free Webinar

In November 2017, I conducted a webinar called “Land the Job You Want.” It’s basically a condensed version of the opening steps I take with every new client. This webinar is online and free to view, and it contains information that can help you as you retool your job search for this “new normal.” You don’t have to wait or sign up—just go watch it.

Additional Support: Free Career Coaching

You’re reading this correctly—for every person I can fit into my schedule who has recently experienced a layoff, I am offering my career coaching services at no charge. In this time of social distancing, I typically conduct one-on-one sessions by phone, but I’m also preparing to do some group sessions via Zoom. The goal here is to equip you with the tools you need to navigate a successful job search in this “new normal.”

If you are interested in signing up for free coaching, simply shoot me an email at terrylynn@giraffesconsulting.com with a brief explanation of how this pandemic has affected your employment. I’ll be back in touch with you soon to give you further instructions.

We will get through this…together.

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Job Hunting in the Time of Coronavirus

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For most of us, if not all, the world is a much different place than it was just a couple of weeks ago. It seems like the news about the Coronavirus pandemic becomes more profound, disruptive and downright scary by the day. Here in NYC, a huge percent of the workforce just got forced out of work or furloughed due to the shutdown of most restaurants, theaters and gathering places. If you’ve been recently “unemployed in the time of Coronavirus”, or if your job hunting plans have been interrupted, you might be tempted to buy into the despair—to throw up your hands and decide it’s useless.

But I’m here to tell you…don’t. Don’t despair. Don’t give up.

Don’t.

The fact is, jobs are still out there, and because this particular pandemic is happening in the digital age, we have more tools available for a job search than people did the last time something like this swept the earth. Here are some important tips to help you re-tool your job search—even if you’re sheltering-in-place.

Re-think the Job Market and Look in the Right Places

When unemployment numbers seem to be shooting up, it’s easy to assume there are just no jobs available. But that isn’t true—the work is still out there. The available jobs have simply shifted according to the nation’s current priorities, and there are plenty of companies out there who need good people now more than ever. You just need to know where to look. Some examples of industries and job sectors to investigate:

  • Delivery and order fulfillment companies. (Perfect example—as of the time of this writing, Amazon just announced it is adding 100,000 new jobs to keep up with the increased demand from people ordering from home.)
  • Logistics companies.
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies. (Especially those who deliver.)
  • Internet and tech companies. (More people will be relying on the Internet and/or have more time on their hands, and many tech jobs can be done from home.)
  • Healthcare and pharmaceutical.
  • Communications industries (e.g., cellphone, cable, streaming services).
  • Data processing.
  • Research. (Especially as it relates to Coronavirus.)
  • Any other job where you could telecommute.

Bear in mind that companies in these sectors don’t just need entry-level people; they need skilled professionals of many types, including accountants, human resources, data analysts, sales reps…pretty much any role that a company needs to fulfill its primary objectives. (In other words, don’t assume Amazon won’t hire you for anything except to pack boxes. Send your resume out!)

Move Your Job Search Online

I’ve mentioned in times past that having an online presence is important during a job search, but it shouldn’t replace in-person networking. Scratch that—for now. During times of social distancing, you’re not going to have the face-to-face opportunities you once had—either for networking or for job interviews—and it’s not really safe to go to those, anyway. So for the time being, work on ramping up your online efforts. Some quick tips:

  • Work on developing a winning LinkedIn profile—along with profiles at other job sites you use (e.g., Indeed).
  • Ramp up social media engagement. Spend more time interacting with other professionals who might refer you. Follow and engage companies you’d like to work for.
  • Practice interviewing via phone and video chat. The dynamics of online interviews are a bit different than in-person, so it helps to get used to these outlets ahead of time.

Navigating the Change

If you know me at all, you know my motto: Change happens—take control! What’s happening in our world is a huge change—but those who thrive during change are those who are willing to adapt. Yes, there are more obstacles, and yes, your job search might not be as cut-and-dried as before.  And yes, life certainly offers no guarantees. But if you’re willing to be fluid and adapt your methods with the changing times, you’ll be in a much better position to find and land work when it becomes available than the 20 other people around you who threw up their hands and gave up.

In the meantime, if you want an extra boost with your job search, I’m always here to help. Shoot me an email at terrylynn@giraffesconsulting.com.

You can do this! Don’t give up!

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Book Excerpt: “What I Learned from the Giraffes”

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The following is an excerpt from my upcoming book, What I Learned from the Giraffes, due out this spring. Just to give you a taste of what I’ve been working on. 🙂

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When I was in high school, I went out for the cheerleading squad. I was always very athletic as a kid, but growing up in Rochester, New York in the sixties, there weren’t really a lot of opportunities for girls to play school sports. Cheerleading was one of the few outlets girls had for being physically active, so it felt like a good thing for me to do.

There was stiff competition among the girls for the few slots on the team that were available. I wasn’t the prettiest girl in the class. I was thin and lanky, and I was already at my full adult height of five-foot seven, which was considered tall in those days. But being naturally athletic, I could do all the tricks and jumps very easily, so it was hard to turn me down.

I was so excited to come home and share the news with my family that I’d made the squad. But when I made the announcement at the dinner table that night, my father’s reaction stopped me cold.

In contrast to my mother’s outspokenness, my father was the other kind of person—the “strong, silent” type, stoic, a man of few words. Where my mother led with her personality, my father led by his quiet, disciplined example, having first served in the army, then following his father into the city fire department, where he eventually served as a battalion chief. He could speak volumes with the expression on his face, and by a single glance you could instantly tell if he was pleased with you or terribly disappointed.

I was accustomed to being the apple of my father’s eye. He supported almost everything I did, and most of the time I could do no wrong in his eyes. But when I shared my news about becoming a cheerleader, he looked like he’d seen a ghost. In fact, he broke his typical silence. “Terry, I don’t think that that’s appropriate behavior for you,” he said. “I don’t like the idea of you jumping around in front of a lot of people yelling and screaming. I don’t think it’s very ladylike.”

The noisy dinner conversation fell almost silent. I was shocked, crushed and deeply embarrassed.

Of course, looking back at it now, I understand why my father was upset. All he could envision in his mind was his little girl in short skirts and tight sweaters, jumping around, showing maybe more than what you should be showing to a stand full of people. But in that moment, it hadn’t even occurred to me that there would be an issue.

I pled my case, explaining how there weren’t any other sports for girls and what an achievement it was even to make the team. My mother, ever the progressive thinker, also spoke up in my defense, diplomatically pointing out how this might be a good thing for me. My father was unmoved, so rather than continue the disagreement in front of the family, Mom chose to pivot. “We’ll discuss it later,” she said, shooting a meaningful glance my way. We went on with our dinner.

I joined the cheerleading squad, and my father never brought it up again. He went to a couple of games, but that was about all the support he could muster. I could tell he remained uncomfortable with my being a cheerleader, even though he didn’t say no.

As it turned out, cheerleading couldn’t have been a better fit for me—and in fact it ended up informing almost every job I took as an adult. Cheerleading taught me how much I love working with people, interacting with them, encouraging them. It also gave me some leadership and management skills, the ability to guide people and projects. My career path eventually led me into the world of human resources—starting as a trainer, then ultimately working up to vice-president of HR for a respectable firm where I worked for years. I got to work with people on a personal, emotional level, and I got to be their advocate, their encourager.

Their cheerleader.

That was really the heart of it. Being a cheerleader revealed the heart of who I was and what I wanted to be for people—an encourager. I get such a kick out of helping people move closer to their goals. Even today, in my work as a career coach, it’s basically the same thing. I’m still a cheerleader—just in a whole different sort of way. It’s a perfect fit for me because I get to encourage, inspire and motivate people every day.

Many years later, after I had become vice-president of HR, I had a conversation with my father. “You know, Dad, after all this time, I can now say confidently that being a cheerleader was really the foundation of my professional success,” I told him.

“You’re absolutely right,” he said with a big smile.

© 2020 Terrylynn Smith. All rights reserved.

I’ll keep you updated on the book’s progress, including updates on the anticipated spring release. If you’d like to be added to my email list for further updates about the book release, shoot me an email at terrylynn@giraffesconsulting.com. More to come!

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Learning from the Giraffes: A Special Announcement for 2020

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Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed the holiday season and that you were able to sneak a little time for yourself to take a personal inventory in preparation for the upcoming year.

Along that line…I almost never use this blog space for announcements, but 2020 is shaping up to be a big one for Giraffes Consulting, for me personally, and hopefully for my clients. I’ve kept this mostly under wraps until now, but I’m close enough in the process that it’s time to let you know: My first book is nearing completion and should be ready for release in the first quarter of this year!

The book’s working title is What I Learned from the Giraffes, and it serves as part-memoir/part-inspiration. In the book, I share a bit of my own personal and professional journey, as well as some of the universal principles I’ve learned along the way that now form the foundation of Giraffes Consulting—most importantly, the principles of navigating change.

It’s been a long time coming, but it feels like the timing is perfect for this book. With all the upheaval and uncertainty so many of us are facing in our world today, we need to be reminded now more than ever that change is a gift, and when we approach change from a stance of confidence, we can take control of our future in ways we never thought possible. This is certainly the approach I take with my career coaching clients, but these principles extend far beyond finding a new job or career. If you’re facing any kind of life change, whether it’s a change in job, relationships, health or something else, I believe this book will help provide some much-needed context—and hopefully, a bit of encouragement and inspiration, as well.

In the weeks to come, I’ll be sharing a few excerpts from the book here on the blog, and we’ll be planning a much-needed facelift for this website coinciding with the book’s release. Watch for more announcements to come!

In the meantime, if you need help navigating a career change right now, you don’t have to wait for the book to come out—I’m here to help if you need it. Shoot me an at terrylynn@giraffesconsulting.com, or call me at 646-320-1126, and we’ll schedule a free 30-minute consultation.

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Personal Inventory: Setting Up for Success in the New Year (and Decade)

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The holiday season is also the end of the year, which makes it a great time to reflect—to review our progress from the past year and set ourselves up for success in the New Year. I don’t know about you, but this year-end seems especially significant to me because it’s not just the end of a year—it’s the end of a decade. For some, it’s just the turning of the calendar, but it actually provides us an opportunity to “re-set” on a major level—to think not just about what we want for 2020, but for the next ten years, and how we might pursue those goals.

So whatever your particular holiday traditions are, I’d like to encourage you to take a little time for some “personal inventory” between now and the end of the year—take stock of your situation and where you are with your own goals in preparation for the new year and decade. I call it “personal inventory” because that’s really what it’s about. It’s taking stock of where you are, what you have, and what you still want to do, so by the time the calendar turns, you’ve taken a deep breath and you’re now mentally and emotionally prepared to jump into the next season with both feet.

What does taking personal inventory look like? It might be different for everyone, but let me just share a step-by-step example of what it might look like for you.

Take Stock of Your Goals from the Past Year

Hopefully, you set at least a few goals or milestones for 2019. How did you do with them? How many of those goals did you reach? Did some of them get forgotten or fall by the wayside? This isn’t a time to self-judge, but simply to give an honest accounting of how this past year played out for you, and what you were able to achieve. Specifically, try writing down the following:

  • List your successes from the past year. (You might be surprised at how many there are when you actually count them.)
  • List your disappointments. Again, without self-judgment, list the things that perhaps didn’t go your way this year. (Remember, this is just inventory—taking stock of your own assets and liabilities, so to speak.)
  • List your unmet goals from the year. Try to recount what happened in each situation. Did something go haywire? Did you lose focus? Did you just not give yourself enough time?
  • Re-evaluate your goals. Are there any unmet goals you’d like to take into the new year? Are there any that are no longer important to you?

Put the Year to Rest

Once you’ve taken time to reflect on the past year, it’s time to close the chapter. Imagine yourself packing up all the events of the year—successes as well as failures—into an imaginary box that represents 2019. As you do, I recommend taking the following steps in your mind:

  • Take a moment to savor the successes. (Go ahead—you deserve it!)
  • Take a moment to mourn the losses (including any failures).  Give yourself permission to grieve, to feel sorry for yourself, just for a moment or two…then pack them in the box and move on. This is especially important if you’ve had a difficult year or faced some additional challenges.
  • If you identified any goals you’d like to carry over into 2020, pull those out of the box for next year.
  • Close the box, lock it and put it away.

Look to the Next Year

Now that you’ve put the past to rest, it’s time to look toward the future with a clean slate and the burdens lifted. Whatever goal-setting habits you have personally, it’s time to put those to use. (If you don’t have a goal-setting routine, check out this blog for some guidance.) Write down your goals, then set up some milestones and check points through the year to track your progress. Just as you closed the box on last year, you’re opening the box on a new one.

Establish Successful Habits

Once you’ve identified your goals, you can begin making plans for how you’re going to stay on track during the next year and beyond. If you haven’t yet started practicing my 5 Steps to a Successful Day, the New Year is a great time to hit the start button on it!

Whether you’ve had a good year or a disappointing one…regardless if you’re ending 2019 strong or if you would have preferred a different ending to the year…if you will take the time to conduct a personal inventory like I’ve described, I’m confident you can find at least a bit of internal closure so you can face the next year with hope and anticipation. If you are ending 2019 between jobs or careers and you want some help getting on track for 2020, I’m always here to help you reach those goals. Let’s have a free half-hour consultation together to take an inventory together. Email me at terrylynn@giraffesconsulting.com, or call me at 646-320-1126.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

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