The Career Coaches

Book of Wisdom:
Tips from the Empowerment Tour
The Career Coaches
Book of Wisdom:
Tips from the Empowerment Tour
Introduction 1
Advice
Adapting 2
Focus & Direction 4
Job Search 6
Networking 7
Advisor Bios
Michael Cushman 8
Ayn Fox 9
Stephanie Clark 10
Sponsors 11
The Career Coaches
Book of Wisdom:
Tips from the Empowerment Tour
Millions of Americans were caught with their guards down and found themselves
as casualties in the war of our ailing economy. You may be among the millions
of unemployed Americans seeking employment in order to sustain and maintain
your lifestyle. Or, you may be one of the millions of adults who have been
unemployed for over a year now and have gone on countless job interviews
and sent out hundreds of resumes to potential employers. Yet, the doors of new
employment opportunities have not swung open for you. Or, you may be one of
the many working adults who desire to change careers or even start your own
business. However, fear of losing your job and not generating a steady income
has halted your movement toward the career transition you truly desire.
Regardless of which of the three categories you find yourself in today, the
reality is that drastic times cause for drastic measures. Now is the time to
reassess your current situation and to reevaluate your skills and experiences.
Are you prepared to compete for that ideal job or the career of your choice
that you often daydream about? Do you possess the education required to
compete with hundreds of other candidates vying for jobs and careers you are
pursuing? Do you have a strategic plan for searching and landing your ideal
job, transitioning in your career or starting a business? If you fail to plan, t
hen
plan to fail. The choice is yours.
This is a time of reinvention for working adults who are looking for a job, desi
ring
to transition careers or start a business. A big part of your reinvention may
require additional education to equip you with the tools needed to successfully
gain that new job, advance and transition into upper management or to launch
and operate your small business. You may be thinking that you lack the time,
money and confidence to return to school. Consider online education as the
solution to these challenges.
Online education allows you more flexibility with your time and the ability to
pursue your degree online, at your convenience, in the comfort of your home.
To help people afford to go back to school and to talk through their career path
,
eLearners.com created the Career Stimulus Package Empowerment Tour. The
2009 Empowerment Tour traveled across the country to about 40 cities offering
free career coaching and the opportunity for people to apply for a full-tuition
scholarship. About $4 million in Career Stimulus Package scholarship funds was
awarded, thanks to the following accredited online schools: American Public
University, Ashworth College, Bryant & Stratton College, Capella University, Ell
is
University, Everest University, Virginia College and Western Governors Universit
y.
Once you take the first step (which is generally the hardest one to take) toward
your reinvention and register to go back to school, your confidence level will
soar and you will be well on your way to preparing and positioning yourself for
your new job, new career or new business.
To help you along the way, consider using some of the helpful tips prepared
by the Empowerment Tour coaches for getting and staying motivated on your
career reinvention journey.
Good luck!
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The Career Coaches Book of Wisdom: Tips from the Empowerment Tour
Adapting
It s not about you, it is about fit.
Every year, 15% of all jobs go away and are replaced by new ones. Companies
come and go, even industries disappear. Employers adjust to business
conditions, spending more or less, in one area or another, to keep competitive.
The number one expense in most industries is employee salary. Employers are
quick to lay off staff as the economy and business changes. It seldom matters
how good of an employee you have been, if the businesses changes, your
position might no longer be justified. It seldom is about you personally.
The same is true regarding who is hired. When jobs are scarce, employers
don t hire people because they are qualified or could do the job. They hire the
perfect fit. Employers want the most up-to-date skills, at the lowest salary, an
d
employees who are likely to stay even when the economy turns around.
If you are over qualified, then you are not a good fit. You will likely feel you
are underpaid, and you are likely to leave for a better opportunity. It wouldn t
be smart for them to hire you, even though you can do the job. It s not about
you, it s about fit. Don t take it personally. Be smart and don t waste your time
pursuing jobs where you are not the best fit.
It s not about mistakes and regret; it s about
curiosity and opportunity.
If you are human and out in the world, you have made mistakes. What is also
true is that given who you are, you made the best decisions you could with
the information you had at the time. Rather than staying in a state of shame or
self criticism, think about what you can learn from the experience, be curious
about what led to it, see how you might turn things around, be open to new
opportunities that now present themselves.
For the recent mistakes you made, see if you can correct them or apologize.
Clean it up what you can and forgive yourself. Fixing mistakes is a chance to
demonstrate your character and even deepen relationships. With your newly
acquired wisdom, you are better prepared to see new possibilities and to take
advantage of new experiences. A life without mistakes is impossible. A life
without curiosity, learning, and opportunity is unbearable.
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The Career Coaches Book of Wisdom: Tips from the Empowerment Tour
People don t like stories of woe.Turn your
story into a wow.
People get stuck telling stories of how outside circumstances caused their
problems. They blame others, circumstances, or the economy. By focusing on
what is wrong and how they have been done wrong, they can sink into feeling
self-absorbed, angry, or depressed. People tend to underestimate their ability
to cope.
In truth, the exact same set of circumstances can be the basis of a story of
challenge, growth, and triumph. By focusing on possibility, opportunity,
determination, and commitment, people can create a story that s engaging and
draws others into wanting to help. Turn a woe into a wow, and others are
compelled to become your allies.
It s not about been there, done that , it s about,
learn more, don t stop .
Industries, professions, and jobs come and go rapidly. If a degree is 10 to 15 y
ears
old, it s out of date. In modern times, people have 3 to 5 careers in a lifetime.
Education isn t something you do only when you are young. Today, retooling
yourself, earning continuing education credits, and ongoing personal
development are now a way of life. You are never too old to learn. We are all
life-time learners.
Don t become a dinosaur in your own time.
Previously, the longer people were in a position, the more valuable their
knowledge and skills. In times of constant change, knowing a lot about what no
longer matters, has almost no value and makes people sound old . Previously,
experts honored and studied the past. Now, experts focus on the predicting
and building the future.
You want to study where your industry is going; what revolutionary technologies
are coming, and how you can help make the future happen faster and better.
Otherwise, you may become a dinosaur in your own time.

Adapting
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The Career Coaches Book of Wisdom: Tips from the Empowerment Tour
If you are willing to take anything,
you ll get nothing.
When you are laid off, it is understandable that you will be fearful that you wo
n t
be able to pay the bill, support yourself and your family. After initial searche
s
don t lead to a job offer, we often hear from people, that they will take any job.
When you are feeling desperate, there is a tendency to go in circles. If you don t
have a specific focus for your search, there is a tendency to throw your resume
out to any job openings, whether they are appropriate or not for the level of
your skills and experience.
If you don t get any response, which is likely, you may even get more frantic. Thi
s
can either lead to you taking an inappropriate job where you will feel trapped,
or
you may literally become stuck and not know where to look next. Additionally,
if you don t have a focus on your resume and just list jobs and skills, no one wil
l
take the time to figure out how to make use of you. It is much more likely that
you
will be able to find a job, if you focus. Target specific companies, organizatio
ns,
and people and develop a plan to be known in your industry.
Just as happiness is an inside job,
so is finding your career.
Many people start their job search by looking at the latest list of hot jobs.
Although it s true that working in a hot field greatly increases the chances
of employment and higher income, it is also true that a bad job fit can make
someone miserable and even sick from stress.
A much better approach is to know yourself first. What is your natural genius?
What are you passionate about? If you use your natural talents every day
and pursue your passions, then you will love your job, be highly competitive,
creative and live a happier life. Once you know yourself, then look at how you
might apply your strengths to what is presently needed in our society. You will
be much happier you did.
Focus &
Direction
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The Career Coaches Book of Wisdom: Tips from the Empowerment Tour
If your dream is unrealistic, make it realistic.
When we ask people what they REALLY want to do, they often mention
something that they would love to do, but it is unrealistic. However, for every
unrealistic job there are individuals doing just that. It depends on whether
you are willing to do what it takes to make it realistic. Are you willing to: ge
t
the appropriate training, work for less money, and persist even though you are
rejected over and over.
Sometimes there may be a certain criteria for the job that you are unable
to meet: i.e. a physical or mental disability. In those cases, perhaps there is
something related to the dream that one can do. For example if one wants to
be a pilot and has challenges with their vision, perhaps they can do something
else in the airline industry. Often, there are life circumstances that will make
it
difficult (i.e family responsibilities, location). In those situations, perhaps
you
can take small steps to prepare yourself for what you want when it becomes
more viable.
Lastly if all else fails, don t fail to keep what you love in your life. A life-lo
ng
hobby can bring pleasure into your life daily, and perhaps leave you and your
family a legacy.
If you don t like your options, design a new one.
Fifty percent of the careers in place 10 years from now haven t been created
yet. New industries, degrees, careers, and jobs are inevitable, so why wait for
someone else to make and take what you want?
If you don t like your job, consider redesigning it or creating a new position tha
t
better leverages your talents. If your college doesn t have the degree you want,
why not help your school design a new program? Why not create your dream
degree or career, blaze a trail for others, and leave a legacy.

Focus
& Direction
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The Career Coaches Book of Wisdom: Tips from the Empowerment Tour
It s not about asking for a job, it s about attracting an offer.
Employers are often inundated with dozens if not hundreds of people hoping to wo
rk
for them, especially if it is a job that is particularly desirable. Often they d
on t have a
particular job available, and may just brush you off.
Rather than handing out your resume or your business card to any one who you thi
nk may
have or know of an opportunity, it is best to visibly demonstrate your competenc
ies. If you
are in a profession, write articles, create presentations, volunteer for strateg
ic committees.
If you are in a trade, volunteer for organizations where you can display your co
mpetency
and meet people in your industry. It is important to develop and maintain relati
onships.
One unusual and effective approach is to target specific companies that are a go
od
match for your interests and talents. Study their industry, competitive environm
ent, and
competencies. Write a proposal to increase their business and profitability. Mak
e hiring
you a no brainer .
If you want to increase your compensation,
increase your contribution.
Some people focus on the salary that they need to make . Focusing on the salary,
distracts people from something more important, expanding their ability to creat
e value.
The fact is that people are paid, not based on their old salary or their standar
d of living,
but based on the demand for what they do, their ability to do it well, and how e
asily
others can do it too.
The way to earn more money is to find ways to create more value. Those who creat
e
plenty of value are in greater demand and harder to replace. If you want to doub
le your
salary, double your contribution.
It s OK to take something now that isn t what you want,
as long as you are doing something else to get there.
Sometimes circumstances dictate taking an offer you want to refuse. Time is runn
ing out,
bills need to be paid. That is fine. People can tolerate a job they don t want, as
long as
they are on the path to achieving what they do want.
Take a course, join your future professional organization, and continue to look
for a job in
your field. Don t allow yourself to become distracted. Happiness is the pursuit of
a worthy
goal, and what could be more worthy than a fulfilling career?
If you know more than the boss, it s time to charge a fee.
When you are in a position longer than a boss, or when you are overqualified for
the job,
there can be some tension. It is a natural cycle for a person to start as a novi
ce and to grow
into an expert. Sometimes a person s expertise can outgrow a company s needs. You ma
y
be feeling underpaid, undervalued. The boss might feel threatened by your expert
ise.
Many experienced employees see this when applying for a job. You know that you a
re
more than qualified, but you don t get the job. This might be an opportunity for y
ou
to become a free agent or a consultant, and work on a contract basis- providing
your
expertise to several companies.

Job Search
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The Career Coaches Book of Wisdom: Tips from the Empowerment Tour
The odds that this person can hire you are
small. The odds that they know someonewho can help you are great.
First, take the awkwardness, stress, and desperation out of networking by
assuming this person probably can t help you. Second, stay sharp, engaging,
and on message with everyone you meet under any circumstances, because
although they probably can t hire you, someone they know probably can
help you. Share your dream job and your passion with everyone you meet.
Make yourself memorable, so they can easily connect you with appropriate
opportunities.
It s not about selling yourself to others; it s about
getting others to sell for you.
Employers don t want to make a mistake about hiring the wrong person for a
job. It costs a lot to hire a person, and there are often legal challenges in fi
ring an
employee. If someone they respect recommends that they consider you they
will pay attention. Your mission is to get influential people in the field or in
the
network of prospective decision makers to know you, your competencies, and
character. It is best if you do this throughout your career, even when you are
(or believe you are) securely employed. It does take some multiple interactions
to develop trust.
You can help your salesforce speak on your behalf. They need to know exactly
what you do well, who you help, and the top benefit you provide. It starts with
you being clear regarding who you are and what you want. The second step is
telling everyone you meet in clear, simple, and memorable language the same
message. In a short time, you will have others selling you.
Givers gain.
Instead of thinking about what you need, show up at events with the goal of
offering to help others make valuable connections and share resources. First, it
feels good to help others. Second, if you are unemployed, helping others takes
your mind off of your own troubles. Third, what goes around comes around.
Directly or indirectly, favors get reciprocated. Givers gain.
Networking

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The Career Coaches Book of Wisdom: Tips from the Empowerment Tour
Meet Michael Cushman
Empowerment Tour Coach
Michael Cushman s expertise includes career coaching,
learning technologies, and change leadership. He has degrees
in economics and business. Over a 30 year career, Michael
has led operational, technical, personal, and cultural change
initiatives at over 50 companies, including Verizon, BT,
Holiday Hospitality, American Red Cross, Waste Management,
Revlon, and Chevron.
In 2005, Michael started a partnership between the Denver
Coach Federation and jobing.com to provide free career
coaching sessions to job seekers. In 2008 with Paravox, Michael
launched a one-day Message Makeover program to dramatically
improve results for job seekers, service professionals, and
entrepreneurs.
Throughout his career, Michael has interviewed over 1,000
executives, entrepreneurs, and job candidates. His work in
group dynamics and nonverbal leadership is changing how
others view branding, employee engagement, and leadership.
Michael is the immediate-past president of the Denver
Coach Federation. He is a Sr. Fellow and Board Member of
the futurist think tank, The DaVinci Institute. Michael is also
a cofounder of LearnTheBook LLC, a next generation, online
learning system. He blogs about change leadership, work,
and nonverbal communications at EngagingChange.com. His
book, Searching - 1000 journeys for work and meaning, will
be published in late 2009.

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The Career Coaches Book of Wisdom: Tips from the Empowerment Tour
Meet Ayn Fox
Empowerment Tour Coach
From entrepreneurs to corporate leaders, artists to scientists,
Ayn has coached thousands of adults to create meaningful,
fulfilling work. She brings a strong understanding and
experience in whole brain creative thinking to the career
development and job search process.
Having conducted training programs and retreats at
corporations, government agencies, professional and non-
profit agencies worldwide, she is familiar with a full range of
career options. She is exceptionally skilled in working with her
clients to recognize their unique qualities, expand possibilities
and increase confidence. Her popular presentation: Take
This Job and Love It! has inspired audiences to enhance their
present positions and learn how they can use it to prepare for
future opportunities.
Ayn holds a Master s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation
Counseling, is certified as a Master Coach by the International
Coach Federation and has studied and worked with several of
the world s leading thinkers in career development and creative
thinking.

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The Career Coaches Book of Wisdom: Tips from the Empowerment Tour
Meet Stephanie Clark
Empowerment Tour Coach
Stephanie M. Clark is well versed in all aspects of business start-up and operat
ions.
Ten years ago she made the transition from employee to entrepreneur and has
started three successful businesses, one non-profit and two for-profit companies
.
She empowers, coaches and mentors women across the country by sharing her
mistakes made and lessons learned along her journey as an entrepreneur. She
offers practical strategies toward achieving success as a business owner to thos
e
seeking to start a business or to grow their business.
As a marketing communications guru and entrepreneur, Clark possesses over
20 years of developing and executing effective marketing and public relations
programs as well as producing small to large-scale special events. She holds a
Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the
University of Detroit-Mercy. She has worked in non-profit management for over
20 years and has worked with several corporations, faith-based and non-profit
organizations as a marketing communications consultant.
Clark is also President and Publisher of MDK Media, Inc. a for-profit media and
publishing company. Her debut book entitled Life as a Single Mom: It Isn t Easy
or Is It? was released on October 26, 2007. Her next title, Success Finds You
When You Have Positioned Yourself to Be Found, is scheduled for release in
February 2010. She is also writing a parent handbook for incarcerated mothers,
Life As A Single Mom Behind Bars and a character building workbook for teen
girls, Transforming Minds by Transforming Meanings (both projects scheduled
for release by April 2010).
Clark founded My Daughter s Keeper, Inc. (MDK) in July 2002. MDK is a 501(c)
(3) nonprofit organization which provides support and resources to mothers
and caregivers raising adolescent and teenage daughters as well as provide
self-development opportunities for women and girls. MDK works with mothers/
caregivers, preteen and teenage girls from all socioeconomic backgrounds
throughout the U.S. and abroad. Clark is also the National Director for Project
Single Moms, a national advocacy and empowerment movement for single
moms.
She has been featured in national media including FOX News, The Steve Harvey
Morning Show, CNN s Comcast Newsmakers, The Huffington Post, Bloomberg
Urban Report, Fox TV s The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet, NAACP s Crisis
magazine and several other local radio and television media outlets. Also, she
was featured in the August 2009 issue of Family Circle magazine.
She is a recipient of numerous awards and has presented keynote & motivational
speeches to several faith & community-based groups, professional associations,
corporations, government agencies, primary schools & colleges and has
facilitated workshops to women & youth groups throughout the country. She
currently resides in New Jersey.
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The Career Coaches Book of Wisdom: Tips from the Empowerment Tour
Presented by eLearners.com
Thanks to the following colleges and universities
for their generous sponsorship of scholarships for the Career Stimulus Package c
ampaign:

Thanks to the following companies for participating in

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