A Goal Without A Plan Is Just A Wish

Video Games: A Creative Learning Solution For the Changing, Global Marketplace

In the July 2010 article, How playing video games can boost your career, Oliver Chiang of Forbes.com advocates one of the concepts that I’ve been teaching in my Career Management for Geeks workshops since its inception, that  skills learned by playing videos are transferable and valuable in the workplace.  

Those who have participated in my Career Management for Geeks workshops have done nothing but sing its praises, however I’ve received a significant amount of disbelief from those who haven’t attended and who aren’t willing to consider that video games can have any sort of benefit to those seeking employment (and who are currently employed). Although I disagree with the belief that videos games are little more than a waste of time and entertainment, I understand where this opinion comes from and the negative stereotype placed on video games and those who play them.

If the workplace can re-evaluate video games from a new, open-minded perspective there may be a new strategy to consider in the search for creative solutions to bringing new and current employees up to speed with the changing, global marketplace.

“Will” Can Never Replace “Hard Work”, But it is a Necessary Spark

“…hard work is everything. (Just to be clear, will can never replace hard work, but it’s a necessary spark.) – Ivanka Trump, The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life

I’m currently reading The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life by Ivanka Trump and I’m finding it quite fascinating and encouraging. Throughout her life, Ivanka Trump has had more opportunities to showcase her “stuff” and be successful then most people. The thing is everyone; no matter if you’re privileged or not will have opportunities to showcase their “stuff” and do “their thing”. Some more than others. My point is that whether you have a lot of opportunities or a few, TAKE THEM.

There are other privileged young people out there, very similar to Ivanka who swatted their hands at enriching, credible career opportunities in lieu of living off of their trust fund and running in circles with the media.

For me, other ways to describe “hard work” as Ivanka puts it is simply “implementation”. I constantly tell my clients that implementation is everything. As far as “will” goes, she hits the nail right on the head. You have to have the vision, the desire, and the overpowering sense of dedication to want what it is more than anything. But even with all of that, if you don’t implement…if you don’t work hard to make it happen, then all you have is a dream. A dream is a goal with no action to back it up and make it happen.

So are you going to keep daydreaming or are you going to wake up and get to work?

How Much Do You Care?

Gary Vay Ner Chuk (business-advice/personal branding juggernaut) declares (quite passionately I might add), "I care about what everybody thinks! But ultimately not as much as I care about executing against my wants and my needs professionally!"

My question to you is: How much do you care? How much do you care what everybody else thinks? How much do you care about meeting your own needs and putting yourself and your passions first?

Click Here to watch "Execute Being You" (length 2:37)

 

Why Do Things Half You-Know-What When They Can Turn Around And Bite You In That Same You-Know-What?

So I was at a local alternative event last night, just enjoying myself and a MySpace friend of mine sat down next to me and handed me a CD. He explained that he had been in his car burning them to pass out at the event. He also mentioned that his one-man band had an event or two not long ago where he was asked to do a live show with 15 minutes preparation. He went on about how he was “not happy with how the show turned out”.  One of my contributions to this 5 minute conversation included my inquiring as to why only his musical name was written on the burned CD instead of his music website/contact info. He said that he didn’t have a lot of time and all someone had to do was Google the name on the CD and they “should” be able to find his MySpace page, website and other online media.

There was a lot I wanted to say to my friend. The intense passion he had for his dream (turning his one-man “band” into a full band and making it big) was evident from his eyes and revealed in his tone. He wanted this bad. But I could also tell from his self-described actions that his business sense was lacking.

I make a point not to do “business” when I’m out playing and having a good time. Admittedly, it’s difficult sometimes because coaching, mentoring, and consulting come so naturally to me. Yet I somehow managed to bite my tongue and promise to listen to the 3 song CD.

I did listen to it. I’m listening to it now actually. It’s an unfortunate, but common combination I noticed. A very talented musician with a not so talented business acumen. In my article How to Catch a Career in the Indie glam, Goth, Industrial and Synth rock Music Industry I highlighted the need for professionalism, but I could have emphasized the importance of business acumen as well. I also highlighted the importance of taking advantage of opportunities. Thing is, it’s actually more important to always being prepared for them (because if you’re not, it may actually be in your best interest to turn them down). For my own business, I don’t accept every invitation to “partner” and I don’t accept every invitation for a reciprocal link. Things aren’t always a good fit. In other words, don’t take an opportunity to showcase what you have if you’re not ready. Those perfectionists out there should keep in mind that you may never be 100% ready, but you can still allow yourself much more than 15 minutes. What you showcase could be the last chance you get. Manage this risk accordingly. It can leave a bad taste if you’re not careful. Why would we expect 15 minutes worth of preparation for a live show to result in success? His time may have been better served graciously asking for a rain-check and following up with the coordinator to ensure he got it.

And another thing, don’t make it hard for potential fans to find you. Put your band name and website on your CDs. What do you mean you didn’t have time? If you don’t, then truly, what’s the point? And stop with the burning CDs in your car. Manage your time better, and always be as prepared as possible. Work smarter, not harder. You and every one of you should always have time to do your best and put your best foot forward.