A Spade is a Spade

This one is going to feel a bit offensive to a few of you. But I couldn’t care less. We’ve all seen the spike in MLM marketing, social selling, network marketing - look whatever you want to call it - its the pyramid scheme of our generation.

And it’s gotten out of hand.

I can’t hardly go a day without getting invited to join a team.

Thankfully, its become a bit more acceptable to cold shoulder the situation. Because what I’ve never understood is why its my job to be mindful of your feelings when you don’t understand the word no.

I get it. You’re just trying to make a living. Aren’t we all? I’d like to address some of the frustrations head on because for some reason, folks just don’t get it. I can say no, ignore messages, and still - I’m being sent the same damn messaging over and over. And over. And I’m the jerk when I say stop.

Entrepreneur

On no planet is MLM something that makes you an entrepreneur. Straight up, you paid to sell someone else’s idea. They are the entrepreneur. You are the salesperson. There is nothing original or enterprising about what you do. You are literally given a step by step guide for how to sell. Its evident in the cookie cutter messaging in my inbox.

Additionally, I have a hard time even thinking of you as a legitimate salesperson. I will caveat this by saying there are a select few of you who I’ve seen succeed and generally I have no complaints about. However - if you’re calling yourself a salesperson or network marketer, and you’ve created an environment that annoys others, that badgers them on social media, you’re not good at what you do. If I did that at my job, I wouldn’t last long. To create a good brand, you need to be mindful of how you as a person represent that brand.

Small Business

Sure fine call yourself a small business because you’re technically a business of one. But quite frankly, that’s misleading as well and you’re not fooling anyone. You are actually representing a large business. You ladder up to a company that is the brand and is generally a large company.

Can’t Work a Traditional Job

I’m understanding of everyone’s lifestyle. We all go through things. We all would prefer to work on our own time and terms. But I promise you, the rest of us go to regular jobs quite often and we make it work somehow. Women and men often work more than one “traditional” job just to barely get by. I don’t know many people who aren’t operating a “side hustle.” If you’ve chosen network marketing as your main gig, that’s great, that’s your choice. However, don’t try to tell the rest of us its somehow the only option and we are supposed to be empathetic to that. I go to my 9-5, run a blog, a consulting business, and still find ways to workout, be a good friend, partner when I want to be, and have a life. You can too.

Support your Friends

I see this often. Shop small. You buy product from celebrities, why not your friends? I do shop local. I shop at the small stores in town who sell custom pieces. I buy from friends and family who are artists and bakers and farmers and designers. I get food at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday. You, selling for a company worth millions of dollars, you’re not local. Ultimately, I’m more willing to buy a Kylie Jenner lip kit than I am the skin cream that’s sold worldwide. At least the woman created and markets her own products.

I decided to finally do a post on this because I’m tired of the way these people push the messages and pester people and we are expected to continue to be polite. I’d challenge you to understand that if we are in fact your friends and family, show us a little more respect. If we say we aren’t interested, let it go. Keep pushing your product and doing what you need to do on the socials because I can unfollow that. If you continue to message me and don't get the very clear message I’m sending you, that makes you not a very effective “small business owner.” And I’m going to go with the block button. I’d rather see everyone’s puppy posts and legitimate endeavors.

UGH - so harsh Ashley. Look, it is, and its necessary. There’s a reason we all complain about it, post memes about it, and end friendships over it. I’m not bringing you my work everyday, asking you to join my company over and over - it’s simply not professional. It’s not good business nor is it good social practice.

If it was so successful for so many people, ya’ll wouldn’t constantly be switching between products and giving up all together in 6 months. For the most part, for most people, it doesn’t work. Its even a bit insulting to your friends and family when you represent it as your great success. If it’s so successful, why are you years later still working your main job when you’ve sent those notes to me about it being the pipeline to this endless income?

Sure, it works for someone or these companies wouldn’t exist. But the stats are there and it works for so little people, otherwise we’d all be doing it. Thank you Susan in Iowa for pointing out that you make millions off this, congratulations, you’re the one person. Pardon me if I’d still like to pass.

If I offended you, you’re probably in MLM and maybe you’ll stop hounding me. Kidding, sort of. Honestly, my aim is never to offend, but it happens, and I’m willing to be that guy on this one.

Professionally Social

I've met a lot of people lately who are either not on or do not utilize LinkedIn.  They don't see the value of another form of social media or they're not sure how to be socially active professionally.  I can confidently say that LinkedIn, when used correctly, is a huge resource for networking and seeking out business opportunities you might not have otherwise found.

Let's start with the basics:

LinkedIn is NOT Facebook

While LinkedIn is in fact another form of social media, it's intended for professional use.  Treat it as such  or you risk losing respect as a professional in the world of business.  Keep your profile picture appropriate.  Limit your posts to content that has to do with work.  Skip the emojis and selfies.  If you don't want your boss or the owner of your company seeing it, don't post it.  

Don't Add Contacts Just to Add Contacts

If you don't know someone or have not done business with them, do not click add.  Should you want to connect with someone because you think they would help you grow your network in a positive way, take the time to write a note about your intentions.  Who cares if you have 5,000 connections if they're not meaningful engagements.   

LinkedIn is NOT a Dating Site

It's entirely inappropriate to utilize LinkedIn as a dating service.  Do not hit on people.  Do not send unprofessional correspondence.  I respect people and their companies less if they choose to engage with me in any way that does not respect the boundaries of a professional interaction.  I've gone so far as to report someone to their company for sexual messaging.  Leave the romance to Bumble and don't risk making yourself or your company look bad.

Be Socially Active

Take the time to keep your profile up to date.  Spend time building your profile to represent who you are as a professional.  LinkedIn is an online resume, take it as seriously as you would the resume you send to companies you're applying to.  Additionally, engage in meaningful conversation, post content relevant to your industry, and build your brand through showcasing your work.  I check LinkedIn daily and try to post a few times a week.  It's allowed me to connect with people in my industry and gain feedback into my work.

Network Network Network

LinkedIn is for networking.  Never forget that it's an opportunity to engage with other professionals in a positive way.  Put yourself out there and connect with people who can help you grow.  Also be willing to provide growth for those around you.  And never forget to be authentic in how you build relationships or you won't find much success in networking overall.  

I've made some incredible connections on LinkedIn and even been offered legitimate roles.  It's an incredibly underutilized tool that can help you grow your career and build a strong personal brand.  And in a world where it's all about who you know, why wouldn't you want to give yourself every advantage possible?

LinkedIn - The New Facebook?

Our entire lives are based in social media.  You've got Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and about 1,000 other platforms I'm blissfully unaware of.  LinkedIn has become the social media for business.  And with the importance of networking, it's a extremely useful tool for building your relationships and showcasing your work.  But recently I've noticed that the line between Facebook and LinkedIn have been crossing paths quite often.  And what used to be a really great resource for business is quickly becoming just another version of Facebook.

I like boundaries.  I strongly believe in having boundaries in the workplace and keeping personal and professional lives separate.  You don't discuss politics, relationships, or personal issues in the workplace.  For me, LinkedIn is an extension of the business world.  I utilize a professional photo, my status updated are related to my career, and when I engage with others its for business reasons. 

More and more I'm seeing questionably appropriate photos, political rants, and receiving romantically laced emails inquiring about my relationship status or complimenting my appearance. When I see people who are utilizing LinkedIn in this way, I remove them from my network.  And I sincerely hope if you respect yourself as a career person, you will too. 

I'm unsure if people feel its a safe space because they're behind a computer, but in the workplace, these things wouldn't fly.  They wouldn't be appropriate and the people engaging in this way wouldn't be people you respect in business.  LinkedIn is a space where you specifically post your resume and identify your employer.  One would then argue that you are in fact a representative of your employer while engaging in this space.  With that in mind, would you still be engaging on LinkedIn in the manner you are currently doing so? 

Personally, I disengage and I think twice before doing business with anyone who takes this space to a personal, social level.  I question their ability to be effective at their job and to be able to separate business and personal.  If I question your judgment on the internet, I certainly don't have time to risk working with you in the real world.

I really enjoy LinkedIn.  I value the networking aspect and the ability to utilize the website to learn and grow and showcase myself and my company.  I don't think its asking too much to expect reasonable adults to think before they engage in a professional networking space. But it takes accountability and choosing not to engage with people who abuse the network.  Think before you post in general, but use common sense when you're on a website specifically representing you as a career person, and don't be caught out of turn.

A Guide to Job Hunting

In the 10 years I've been working, I've held 7 jobs in 5 states.  Whether there be no room for growth, an unhealthy culture, or not what I want to be doing - if I'm unhappy at a job, I leave.  Because I spend so much time at work, I believe that I should be passionate about what I'm doing, with a company I believe in, surrounded by an environment that supports me and encourages positive teamwork.  And while not a lot of people choose the journey I do, most people can agree that being at a job you love is a lot easier than dreading going to work everyday. 

I have no interest in competing with anyone.  If I can help someone else grow and flourish, I'm going to help them do so.  When others grow, I grow, and that creates a cycle of knowledge and success for everyone.  Unless you're just a jerk, then you're on your own.

Having had so many jobs, I've spent a lot of time researching, interviewing, and discovering what works in job hunting.  While most of my experience is within the sports, entertainment, and University setting - a lot of the tips and tricks I have apply to the general process. 

Getting Started

Find your passion

Before you can work on your resume or begin to even search for jobs, you need to narrow down what it is you're looking to do.  Make a list of what you love, what you hate, where your skills lie, and what your 5 year plan is.  Keep in mind if you're early on in your career, this may be a broader spectrum but you should still have a general idea of the field you want to be in.

Perfect your Resume

As someone who's been a recruiter as well as participated in the hiring process at various organizations, I can attest to the importance of a good resume.  For most positions that are your "dream job" there are hundreds of other applicants to be sifted through.  If your resume is a dud, you will be passed over in 30 seconds.

• Create a clean and professional template that isn't boring.  If you choose to utilize a little color, make sure you're mindful to go with cool appropriate colors (blues are the best)
• #1 rule for content?  Make sure your name and contact information is clearly labeled and correct.  If it's not easy to contact you, you're not getting an interview, let alone the job
• Entry level candidates your resume should be one page.  Mid-level and above, two pages maximum.  Technical fields, this doesn't apply to you.
• Forget an objective, its a waste of space.  Your objective is to get the job, duh!
• For each position, bullet point accomplishments, skills developed, and numerically measured contributions.  Never write "I did this or that" always ensure each bullet gives value to you as a candidate.
• Be mindful of word tense.  Be consistent and use appropriate tense for each position.
• Give your resume to at least two people you trust to review for spelling, tense, and overall readability.

The Job Hunt

Job hunting needs to be strategic.  You need to do your research and actively look for positions in companies that match your career goals.  Just because you find a position that seems like a dream does not mean its culturally a good fit for you.  I can attest to the fact that a job could be your dream but if the environment isn't right, your dream becomes a nightmare.

• Create an excel sheet.  Organize the companies you've researched and that fit your checklist and put them in this document.  Include your top requirements for a good fit and use these as headers to your excel document.  Put check marks for each quality that company fits. 
• Utilize broader job search sites.  I highly recommend Indeed and Glassdoor as well as LinkedIn.  Those are the only three generic job sites I use.  For sports, Teamworkonline is the place to go.  But unless you have a contact inside the company, your chances of getting a phone call are slim.
• When finding positions you're interested in, save those jobs so that you can apply later (see the next step for why!).

Applying to the Job

Do not apply to any and every job in hopes of increasing your chances for getting a position.  You are your own brand.  If you're out there applying to jobs you aren't qualified for or have no interest in - that will come back to haunt you.  Only apply to a job you have genuine interest in and are genuinely qualified for.

• Do your research on the role.  Checkout potential salary and benefits using Glassdoor.  If you know anyone at the company, ask questions and potentially ask for a reference when appropriate.
• Before you apply, tailor your resume to fit the role.  Use some target words from the job description, research the company and incorporate words from their mission statement.  Show that you've gone the extra mile and you care about this opportunity and what the organization stands for.  Cover letters are huge.  Make them eye catching and specific to the role.  Don't ever just list your qualifications. 
• After applying to jobs, create a document to keep track of your applications.  Note the date, the company, the role, and insert the job description wherever possible.  If you do get a callback you want to be able to have all the information at your fingertips to remind yourself of the opportunity.
• Use your network.  If you have a connection to the company you're applying to, reach out to your contacts.  Be sure its appropriate to do so.  I can't tell you how many people have reached out to me for sports opportunities and I haven't spoken to them in 5 years.  Be aware and know what's appropriate to ask of your network.

The Interview

An interview is a test.  It's an opportunity to showcase yourself as a brand and its absolutely something you should study for.  I don't care if you're taking part in a 20 minute phone call or a full day interview, preparation is the key to success.

• Create a highlight reel document (sensing a trend?).  This should have information about your accomplishments in each role, facts and figures supporting achievements and include some of the standard interview questions and your answers to them.  This document serves as your basis for all interviews.
• Research the role an the organization you're interviewing for.  Crate a supplementary document specific to the role and the industry you're interviewing for. Have a one sheet with pertinent basic company information.  At any given time you should be able to comfortably talk about the company purpose and values, the CEO, and have knowledge of the product or services it represents.  Include specific questions relating to the role and industry and your answers to those questions.
• PRACTICE.  Study up all of your documents.  Get in front of people you trust and talk.  Get comfortable with the awkwardness that is an interview.  Ask for feedback.
• Remember that an interview works both ways.  Learn as much as you can and ask real (not stock) questions about the role and the culture of the organization.  Be diligent in finding the right fit.
• If you're offered a second interview, go back and add to your document and keep practicing for the second round. 
• If you are not offered a second interview, reach out and ask for feedback.  Most hiring managers are impressed by this and happy to help you in your growth. 

Post Interview

• The thank you.  I'm so sick of the standard thank you email.  If you've got the opportunity, send a note card.  But read the situation. Often times a thank you is stupid and if the process is moving quickly or its early on - expressing gratitude during the interview is enough.  If its deep in the process - create a unique thank you that showcases your excitement and why you think you're the best fit.
• Evaluate the fit.  If this is a position you're still heavily interested in, keep working for that next step.  If its not a match, don't waste your time or the time of the company.  Be thankful and gracious for the opportunity but let them know its not the best fit for you.  Do not blame the company or say anything negative about them. 
• Get back to studying if you've been offered another interview.  Talk to your network for information.  Do more research.

The Offer

• You made it!  You got an offer!  Congratulations!  Don't take the first offer.  Be comfortable negotiating until you're happy with the overall package.  If you're afraid to ask for what you deserve, you'll never get it.
• It's ok to ask for time to consider the offer.  Talk it over with the people important to you.  Make sure you're excited about the opportunity and its a company you believe in.  Taking a job is a personal and important choice.  Don't take it lightly.
• Don't be afraid to turn down an offer.  If you don't feel right, if they can't offer you what you're worth, don't settle.  I just spent 6 months looking for the right fit.  It wasn't easy but I'm so happy that I didn't accept something and get myself back in a miserable situation.
• If you choose to accept the offer, be excited.  Be proud of yourself.  Take time to celebrate. 

Certainly this guide requires a lot of work.  Job hunting is a lot of work.  I'm probably overly prepared and OCD about the process, but if you're familiar with my resume, you'll understand why.  The coveted roles I've been in are because I'm diligent and prepared.  Success is not an accident.  Success and creating a dream career is about organization, preparation and careful planning.  I can attest that although a role might be your dream job, if the culture isn't right, it will quickly become a nightmare.  Finding happiness in the workplace is not luck.  It's opportunity and hard work.  Give yourself the best chance at achieving your dreams by actively participating in the journey to making them a reality. 

Happy Hunting my Sequins!

Networking

I know what you're thinking and I apologize.  I know you've been waiting for business advice from me and I'm sorry its taken me so long.  Today, we are starting with networking.

Networking scares a lot of people.  They worry about how to approach strangers, what to talk about and why its important.  And while I understand the fear behind the experience, I love networking. 

It's all in how you look at networking.  Take business out of it.  Remove the formality.  Networking at its most basic form is relationship building.  When you realize that there's no special way to act or perfect thing to say - a lot of the pressure is taken away from the situation. 

Ashley's Steps to Networking Success:

• Be Authentic: In business I believe being authentic is the best way to build real, long lasting relationships.  Don't fake interest, don't ask a question without listening to the answer, don't pretend to be someone you're not.  You don't have to remember anything if you stick to who you are and speak the truth.
• Actively Listen: Take an interest in what people tell you.  Learn the quirks that make people different and what drives them to succeed.  Try to remember small details about people you meet and utilize them in future interactions.  Be honestly interested and engaged.  Most people can tell when you aren't listening and don't care.  It's bullshit and it's a huge turnoff.
• Always Be On: I don't mean this how traditional businessmen mean this.  I mean realize every situation is an opportunity to network.  Every happy hour, sporting event, dinner with friends is an opportunity to meet new people and build new relationships.  So continue to be your best brand.  Be you at all times and you won't ever have to worry about acting in a way that keeps you from building an important relationship.
• Put in the Effort: Realize that if you only keep in touch with people when you need something - you'll lose a lot of contacts.  You don't need to be friends with everyone but you do need to put the effort in to keep in touch with your contacts.  Shoot a quick check in email, send a birthday card, engage on LinkedIn.  Keep the relationship going and don't be the person that only reaches out when they need something.
• Be a Mentor: As you grow and become seasoned in your field, be a mentor.  Help the next generation to succeed without expecting anything in return.  I continue to mentor some of my past student workers to this day and seeing them succeed, helping in any way I can - is the most rewarding thing I've ever done.  These kids are going to change the world, and if I can help guide them, that's the best thing I'll ever achieve. 
• Ask for What You Want: Need a reference?  Looking for a mentor?  ASK.  Building a relationship is about reading cues and creating a long term engagement plan.  If you've met someone who you would love to learn from, tell them that.  Figure out a way to make it work for their schedule and your needs.  Applying for a new job and need a good reference?  Look to the people around you that you have spent the most time with and who believe in your work.  The point is - if you don't ask for it - you won't get it.

The most important thing to remember about networking is that it's not limited to an event.  It's not something you learn to turn on and off.  Networking is not what it used to be.  It's not name tags and awkward happy hours.  It's who you sit next to on the bus.  It's the guy you meet while getting your hair cut.  It's everywhere and its all times of day.  It truly never stops.  And while that can be daunting - don't let it be.  Focus on your brand, being authentic to that brand and commit yourself to realizing networking is simply engaging with people in a real way.  Networking is opportunity and opportunity is everywhere.