Trailblazer Tells Reader to Design Their Own Life

By Azriela Jaffe

Jo Condrill exudes the confidence necessary to write a new book titled, “A Millennium Primer: Take Charge of Your Life.”
Some of the most pivotal moments in this personal motivator’s illustrious career happened right in this area. Condrill progressed from a part-time job in Texas as an editorial assistant for Airman magazine to supervising military officers in the Pentagon in less than 10 years.
As the Cold War was ending, the Army began a new role as world peace keeper. At the Pentagon, Condrill was involved with building the first information age Army.  She was eventually selected to become deputy to the division chief for logistics, plans and operations.
When Condrill retired, the Army presented her with its highest civilian award, the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service.
Accomplishments also include leading a group of 3,000 members of Toastmasters International in Washington to top ranking in the world. Condrill is not singularly focused on her work, either.  She’s eminently proud of the four young adults that call her “Mom.”
This alumnus of the Army War College has some fond memories of the short time she lived in Carlisle. “I applied to attend the war college in 1991 when my job in logistics, plans and operations at the Pentagon involved the ‘war fighters.’ I was a civilian and had not served in uniform. To be more effective, I wanted a deeper understanding of the military mind; to know more about the operational army.”
The war college prepares Army personnel for senior level positions. Entrance to it’s 10 month course is highly competitive. Students number more than 300, including some foreign officers, a few civilians and a few women.
Condrill retired from the Pentagon in 1997 and formed a small business, Goalminds, providing communications and leadership seminars to national associations, government agencies, city and county departments, schools and colleges.
In January 1998, her first book was published: “101 Ways to Improve Communication Skills Instantly.”  It is in its third printing and has been translated into Chinese and Spanish. “A Millennium Primer” was recently released by Goalminds. Her second book coaxes readers to dream big dreams and design the lives they wish to live.

A woman who carved out a career as a leader in the Pentagon knows something about creating a designer life.  Condrill advises: “There are no straight lines from where you are to where you want to be.  Life is not a linear process with steps following each other.  Rather, it is an intricate weaving back and forth, in and out, of dreaming, planning, rewarding, enrolling, analyzing, evaluating. ”
The most effective route I have found is reading, learning from others, and setting my sights high.  Once set upon something, commitment, determination, and persistence can take over.  The difference between success and a near miss is often knowing when to be flexible and when to stand firm.”
The military environment abhors indecisiveness.  Condrill coaches her readers to use the power of decision-making to shape and control their lives. She reminds readers: “We do not realize how powerful we are.  We blame our choices on outside influences. How many times have you heard someone say ‘I had no choice’ or ‘I couldn’t help it?’  Was it true?  Or did the person just not understand the power of his or her choices?”
Condrill has left her powerful mark on the world and on the military.
For information about Condrill’s books and seminars, call (800) 775-9293 or visit the web site www.jocondrill.com/books.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” custom_height=”10″][vc_column_text]Azriela Jaffe specializes in business and workplace issues. Responses and questions may be mailed to her at 793 Sumter Drive, Yardley, PA 19067, or e-mailed to az@azriela.com.

Copyright © Sunday Patriot News, July 2, 2000, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (with permission).

Prosperity can be whatever you deem it to be, but what is a mindset? A mindset is defined as: “a habitual or characteristic mental attitude that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations.” A prosperity mindset encourages you to take action each day to improve your life on numerous levels, such as health, wealth, love or anything else you deem important.
If you don’t already have a prosperity mindset, it might be a hard thing to imagine. There are certain ways you can chase your dreams while keeping wealth and prosperity in mind at the same time.

Study the Actions of Successful People

Perhaps this is the most important suggestion. Learn by example. Find someone successful whom you admire and do what they do. These individuals serve as proof that your dreams can come true.

* Find someone who has had the same kind of success that you desire.
* Study what they’ve done right as well as their mistakes.

It’s always easier when we have an example to follow. Find a way to ask successful people questions. You might be surprised to know that successful people love to inspire others to find success as well. They know that there’s plenty of success to go around. That’s the prosperity mindset in action!
Read or listen to audio books such as Take Charge of Your Life: Dare to Pursue Your Dreams by Jo Condrill https://goalminds.com/gmold/takecharge Use the system described in the book to get from where you are to where you want to be.
If you believe in yourself, you can achieve your dreams. The moment you think you can’t do something, you can’t. You know that negative feelings arise from time to time and that’s okay. However, you need to keep a positive image of the big picture in your mind at all times.

* Picture yourself reaching your goals and imagine how it feels.
* Surround yourself with positive people.
* Write prosperity affirmations.
* Be open-minded. Listen to well-meaning suggestions and evaluate them for yourself.

When you open up to new opportunities, you open up to prosperity. Stay motivated and don’t be afraid of change.

Setting Goals and Action Plans

You can dream all day about where you’d like your life to go, but without a goal or an action plan nothing will happen. Take time to think about the big picture and then draw in the lines of how you’re going to get there.

* Break down your goals into smaller steps.
* Set manageable and achievable goals.
* Stick to your plan whenever possible.

Don’t Give Up

You have to have the dedicated motivation and drive to tell yourself that you’ll stop at nothing before you reach success. When you talk to or study the actions of someone who is successful, they’ll likely tell you tales of their many failures. There were probably times when they felt like giving up, but they were able to push through defeat.

* Realize that everyone feels like giving up, but we can’t give in to these feelings.
* Keep the image of your goal in your mind.
* Make changes if you need to, but continue taking action toward your goal.

Get a Good Life Coach

People with prosperity mindsets are all different. They have different approaches to getting what they want and they have different definitions of what prosperity is for them.
There are certain things they do have in common though. They all have a hungry enthusiasm for life and a positive attitude that they’ll continue to use on the journey forward.
If you feel that you lack any of the core beliefs and are still unsure about whether or not you can adopt a prosperity mindset, you could always look into getting advice from a good life coach. They’ll be able to break down your problems and concerns and tailor a plan that will work for you personally.
When you implement these strategies, you’ll gain a renewed prosperity mindset that will help you on your life journey.

With the economy taking a nosedive, many people are landing in the unemployment line. If you’ve suffered the loss of your job, it’s heartening to discover that there are specific actions you can take to cope with this challenge and get back on your feet.
Keep in mind that, while it’s certainly distressing to lose your job, it has the potential to bring you an exciting new beginning. The right attitude can help you immensely in seeing this hardship through!

Here are some things you can do to minimize the damage and come out on top:

1. Openly discuss your job loss with your spouse. Since this affects both of you, be sure to make plans together and agree on implementing changes in your spending habits to lessen the impact.

• Evaluate where you stand financially. Determine how much savings you can rely on and what bills are coming due around the corner.

• Draw up a short-term financial plan to follow while you figure things out.

2. Check with your employer. Even though your job has ended, the final details are important to your financial future.

• Be sure you understand your insurance options, such as COBRA, so that you and your family can remain covered without any lapses during your search for a new job.

• Ask if you can receive a severance package. If one is available, find out every detail, such as beginning and ending dates for each of the benefits. Account for every dollar closely.

3. Apply for unemployment benefits from your state. Most states offer online applications to help expedite the process and get you enrolled quickly. Unemployment benefits can bring in some much-needed income while you’re job hunting.
4. Pull out your resume, dust it off and add your most recent information. Consider posting your resume online on job sites and Craigslist and print plenty of copies to drop off or mail.

Start your job search by looking online at job boards, forums, and classified ads, as well as applying directly to companies via their websites. The internet allows you to search the entire world right from the comfort of your own home, and can open doors of opportunity that were previously unavailable to you!

5. Develop an unflagging optimism about this opportunity you’ve been given. Offer positive, affirming thoughts to yourself and your family to keep everyone’s spirit high.

Positive thinking can make a huge difference on how quickly you find the right job. Enthusiasm will impress prospective employers much more than if you sink into a negative outlook and carry it with you unintentionally during interviews.

6. Talk about your unemployment with your kids, too. Your children should know that times are a little tougher and that you need to cut back on spending. Reassure them that things will be okay and use age-appropriate information so as not to stress or scare them.
7. Consider all options. Many times in life, what initially appears to be negative ends up being a blessing in disguise, and losing your job is no exception.

• Perhaps you weren’t completely happy with your job, but were hesitant to leave it. Now that the decision has been made for you, you finally have the opportunity to try out a new profession or company or start your own business. See http://www.jocondrill.acnibo.com

• The possibilities are endless. You can even use a layoff as an opportunity to explore a new area of the country, travel the world for a new job, or work online.

You can find success in the face of adversity. As long as you think positively and work hard, don’t be surprised if you come out of this entire experience better off than you were before!

Unfortunately, with the current state of the economy, many people are out there job hunting. They’re applying for every open position they can find, increasing the competition for available jobs. It’s important that you stand above the crowd. You have to prove to your prospective employer that hiring you would be adding an asset to their company.

These suggestions may make finding that job just a bit easier:

1. Social Networking. Internet social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are all the rage. Many people use these sites to chat with long lost friends or find old loves, but they’re also great networking places to find employment as well!

* The idea behind social networks is to build a relationship. That means that you’ll want to show-off your value before asking desperately for a job.
* It may not work overnight, but these sites have incredible word of mouth possibilities, so be diligent and keep networking and broadcasting that you’re available for work!

2. Offer services for free. Okay, I know what you’re thinking: why should you offer services for free when you don’t even have a job? Aren’t you supposed to be making money with your skills and talents? Yes, but offering your services for free for can actually work in your favor and set you apart from your competition.

* For example, are you a talented childcare professional looking to get your foot in the door of a new day care center? Are you an awesome cook who would love to work in a new restaurant in town?
* Offer to work for them for a week for free. If they’re pleased with your work, you may be hired on the spot, or at least when they have their first available opening.
* The most important thing to remember is you have to be a top notch volunteer for that week. You want them to discover what an asset you could be as a paid employee.

3. Write to prospective employers. Compose a letter to businesses that you’re seriously interested in. In the letter, highlight how you’ll boost business for the company and discuss what you’d bring to the table.

* If you can convince them that they’re better off with you than without you, then you’ve won the battle. Make sure the letter is professional, grammatically correct, and confident.
* Your goal is to make others understand why they need you as an employee, not to beg them for a job. There’s a big difference, but it’s very easy to cross that line, so use good judgment.

4. Do it the old fashioned way. In this generation of faxes and emails, your resume can easily get lost in the shuffle. Something to consider is to dress professionally and hit the pavement.

* Introduce yourself, shake hands, and hand them a well-prepared resume package.
* Building a relationship with someone is an important part in standing above the crowd. It also allows a manager to put a face to a resume rather than just pick a resume up off the fax machine or out of their email inbox.
* Though it may take a bit of footwork and perseverance, this may be your perfect way to make an impression when applying for a coveted job.

5. Place an ad in the newspaper or online. When looking for a job, the first place we all tend to go is the help wanted section in the newspaper or on a classifieds website. There we gaze over hundreds of ads and apply to as many as we possibly can.

* Maybe you can turn the tables! This is where you can think outside the box. What about placing your own ad telling prospective employers that you’re free to work for them? Highlight your strengths and what position you’ll excel at.
* Remember, you’re in control. You want prospective employers to pick up the phone and call you – not to skim your ad thinking, “There’s another desperate individual begging for work.”

Looking for a job today can be challenging, but thinking a bit differently than other job hunters may be all you need to get that position you’ve been hoping for. Stand out from your competition with these great tips, and be the one who lands the job!

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut? You wake up each morning and go to the same job, driving on the same roads, walking on the same streets, and doing the same thing day after day – and that gets pretty boring! Do you feel unappreciated at work? You may be a hard worker but never get the true recognition you deserve from your boss and colleagues. Just once you would like your boss to pat you on the back and say, “Good job,” but unfortunately that day never seems to come. If this describes you, it may be time to fire your boss and venture out on your own. Although this may seem like a completely overwhelming move, it may not be as hard as you think, especially if you start part-time while you keep the J O B to pay the bills.

Consider taking advantage of options like these:

1. Join an MLM (Multi Level Marketing) company. Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Why We Want You to Be Rich with Donald Trump, calls network marketing the business of the 21^st Century. This is not a regular job; it is a business of your own and, like other businesses, you may not make a profit right away. So the best thing to do is to begin to build this business on the side while you hold on to that J O B. If you enjoy helping people, and if you think that perhaps an MLM company is the business for you, do your research. This may be just what you’re looking for.

* Make sure the company you decide to partner with has integrity and a good track record. You can confirm this by speaking with other business owners in the company and checking the Better Business Bureau and similar websites for more information.

* Another fact you must be aware of is the sign-up fee that can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. Some companies even charge upwards of $1,000 to be a representative. ACN, for instance, charges $499.00 for new Independent Business Owners (IBOs) and they set up a very sophisticated website for you that they update daily. http://www.jocondrill.acnibo.com

*Will you have to stock and deliver products? In some companies like ACN, independent business owners are not responsible for delivering any products. Customers purchase online and products and services are delivered either by ACN or their business partners. http://www.jocondrill.acndirect.com

* Success or failure in network marketing depends mostly on individual work ethic if you are associated with a reputable company. In every case, there must be a customer. Research the details of what you’ll need to do to succeed in your chosen business and ask yourself if you can do what it takes.

* As with any business decision, it would be in your best interest to become informed about the business before you sign up.

2. Make and sell your own crafts. Are your friends envious about the beautiful things you can make with your own two hands? Then this may be the business you’re looking for! With websites such as eBay, Etsy, and Pinterest, as well as local arts and craft shows, many people are making a substantial living selling their homemade creations.

* Unique or one-of-a-kind items always sell at higher prices than the common ones.

3. Become a Life Coach. This business opens up a realm of possibilities but it requires training and, for the best pay, certification. If you have experienced successes in life and enjoy listening to people and providing advice, becoming a life coach may intrigue you. A life coach provides good, solid advice to individuals relating to a particular area in their life.

* A life coach can specialize in many different areas. For example, some coaches only deal with stay at home moms, while others help those wanting to make more money or lose weight. The options are absolutely endless.

* You can go for training and become a certified coach at your local college or online. My affiliate link. http://www.life-coaching-secrets.com/?afl=15853

* You must promote and market yourself strongly, and it may take awhile to get the business off the ground. But if this is something that you truly hold a passion for, it can turn into an extremely lucrative endeavor.

4. Become a Virtual Assistant. Being a Virtual Assistant allows you the flexibility of staying at home while managing tasks for other companies.

* This is a great option if you enjoy computer work, managing tasks, paperwork, or customer service.

* Though it may take a bit of time to get your VA business off the ground, virtual assistants can command a high price for their services, especially if they have technical skills. A quick search on the Internet will lead you to many resources for getting started.

5. Become a Caterer. Do people say that no one can cook like you do? Do you get request after request for your recipes? Do you find spending time in the kitchen relaxing? Then starting a catering business may be something you’ll want to explore further.

* As in any business, it may take a bit of patience and energy to get it started, but the benefits will be well worth the energy. Make sure to call your friends and family and tell them to spread the word about your new catering business.

* Once you can secure your first party or event, you’ll have word of mouth recommendations marketing your business for you. If cooking is your passion and you learn how to manage food costs and market your business, then you’ll have no problem succeeding in this lucrative industry.

These are just a few ways to start your own business then fire your boss. Your next step is to decide where your passion lies. Decide what you enjoy doing and go from there. Check with your local Small Business Development Center and learn about local laws and insurance needs. Beginning your own business is not easy, but with a dash of hope, dreams, patience, and hard work, you’ve just won half the battle!

So much has happened in recent years to question the credibility of information that we need to be ready to support our statements with facts. Citing the source implies that you are prepared, that you know your subject well.

• Check to be sure you are correct. Try to corroborate the information. Look for different sources and compare date. For instance, if one read an item in the New York Times, check to see what the Washington Times said about the information, if anything.
• Be precise in your statements. Say what you mean and be truthful. If you are offering an opinion, let your audience know that it is your opinion. Depending on the status you hold with the audience, your opinion may be enough proof.
• Reduce the likelihood of a challenge. Offer enough supporting data to back your comments. If you are making an oral presentation, eliminate pauses and stammering, which may lead the audience to question the depth of your knowledge on the subject.
• When providing statistical data, indicate the date as well as the source of the material.
• Update your information before each presentation or revision. Information is perishable.

Example: According to Al Smith’s 2004 study, which I found on the Internet…

Click here for request permission to reprint this article.
For a presentation or a personally autographed copy of Jo’s books, call GoalMinds at
210 595-1340, or E-mail us:GoalMindsemail-news@yahoo.com

People take it for granted that leaders have achieved some skill in public speaking. Yet anxiety persists because leaders face very challenging situations and have a great risk of embarrassment. Here are some tips for tempering those anxieties.

INTRODUCING A SPEAKER

When you introduce a speaker, answer three questions: 1) Why is this topic being addressed? 2) Why this speaker? and 3) Why now? For example, “Today the Federal Register calls for comments on proposed legislation to raise taxes on gasoline. Our guest speaker has worked in the industry for 10 years and is now legislative aide for Senator . . . .” Most professional speakers will provide an introduction for you which will answer the second question. Simply lead into it with the answers to the other questions.

READING FROM A SCRIPT

Does reading a speech from a lectern without a TelePrompTer make you feel like you are bobbing for apples? You raise your head and quickly sweep the audience with your eyes and then plunge back into the script. You know that eye contact is essential, yet you cannot risk a misstatement.
To get rid of that feeling, have your speech typed only on the top half of the page and place the page as high up on the lectern as is comfortable. That way you need only raise your eyes and not your head to look at the audience. The distance between audience and script is shorter so there is also less risk of losing your place.
Type your speech in large letters, double spaced. That way even in dim light you can easily read it. If time permits, read the speech aloud to yourself several times before you present it.

PRESENTING TO THE BOARD

Board presentations may be the most challenging public speaking you face. Usually the group is small, and you must be prepared to answer questions. You have certain advantages here:
First, you have an opportunity to prepare. You may not be the expert, but you will probably know more about the topic than the audience does.
Second, you either know the members of the board or have an opportunity to learn about them in advance by reading biographies or profiles.
Third, you know the outcome you seek. It may be a favorable decision by the board or simply a better understanding of an association or issue.
To help focus your message, define its purpose in one sentence before beginning to develop it. As you develop the content, select key points leading to the outcome you want. Anticipate questions by putting yourself in your audience’s situation. Some questions can be answered in the presentation and, therefore, will not need to be asked.
Have supporting information at your fingertips to expand on a point if requested. This will raise your comfort level and enhance your credibility with the board. It is best to know the board’s expectations before you finalize the presentation.

REHEARSING FOR SUCCESS

After the content and charts, if any, are to your satisfaction, rehearse your presentation a few times. Most charts will contain only key phrases and pictures or graphics, not complete sentences.
You may want to write a script to use during rehearsal but it is best not to read from a script during your presentation. Try mind-mapping, do an outline, or have a few notes at hand to reassure yourself.
Schedule some quiet time prior to your presentation and mentally rehearse. If you are nervous, take a few deep breaths, visualize yourself at your best, then give it all you’ve got!
There is no need to fear public speaking. Anyone can hone their skills with a little practice and mental preparation. If you prefer to hire a coach, we will be happy to provide that service. Understand your topic, learn all you can about your audience, decide what action you want your listeners to take, and motivate them to act!

Published in “Executive Update,” the magazine of the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives.

Click here for request permission to reprint this article.
For a presentation or a personally autographed copy of Jo’s books, call GoalMinds at
210 595-1340, or E-mail us:GoalMindsemail-news@yahoo.com

From “A Millennium Primer: Take Charge of Your Life”, by Jo Condrill, published by GoalMinds®

Dream Great Dreams

If you could be anything you want to be, what would you be? If you could do anything you want to do, what would you do? If you could have anything you want to have, what would you have? If you were to design the life you want to be living ten years from now, what would it be like? You can make it happen.
There is no straight line from where you are to where you want to be. Life is not a linear process with steps following each other. Rather, it is an intricate weaving back and forth, in and out, of dreaming, planning, rewarding, enrolling, analyzing, evaluating. The most effective route I have found is reading, learning from others, and setting my sights high. Once set upon something, commitment, determination, and persistence can take over. The difference between success and a near miss is often knowing when to be flexible and when to stand firm.

Make A Decision

In every single decision we make, there is power–power to shape and control our own lives. Unfortunately, most of the time we do not realize or understand how powerful we really are. Instead of pursuing our own empowerment, we sometimes blame our choices on outside influences. We speak in terms of what acted on us to cause a situation. How many times have you heard someone say, “I had no choice,” or “I couldn’t help it?” Was it true? Or did the person just not understand the power of his or her personal choices?

Exercise Your Power To Choose

Simply dreaming great dreams will not change your life; although, it is a first step in getting what you want. What do you do with these dreams? How could they possibly become reality? What would it take?
Many factors need to be considered so that you can make an informed decision whether or not to take action on these great ideas. Sift your dreams, your right brain, imaginative thinking, through the logical sieve of the left brain. That will lead you to a reasoned course of action. We form the dream in the right hemisphere of our brain, but the left hemisphere has to believe that the dream is do-able, in the realm of possibility. This allows a belief to be born and from that belief a vision is born. The subconscious mind can then help us make it happen.
Visions are internal gyroscopes, guiding us in the direction of the person we want to become. They pull us in the direction of our desired outcome while we make daily decisions. When faced with choices, instead of thinking in terms of today or tomorrow, we are more inclined to look at the future and ask ourselves what those choices will mean in the long run.

Form A Support Team And Let Them Help You

Among the people you enroll in your dream will be those who can help you reach it. Allow them to be involved. They will provide energy and “know how” that may help you persevere. Many people find it difficult to accept help. “I can do it better and faster myself.” “If I accept their help, then I’ll owe them something.” Remember, no person is an island. No one has all the answers and pay back can take many forms. Find support early in the process and your journey will be more fun and rewarding!

Keep Score

You don’t play baseball without keeping score; you don’t play golf without counting the strokes. This is the game of life. You need to keep score so you can celebrate the “wins.” Chart your progress; learn from your experiences. Keeping score helps you decide how you are going to close the gaps, the distancefrom where you are to where you want to be.

Establish A Baseline

The baseline is where you are now, your line of scrimmage.
You have a vision
You have developed a plan of action
You may have people to help you achieve your desired outcome. They jumped on board when you shared your vision with them.
You know what resources your have
You know the critical success factors, things that must occur or that you must have to succeed.
You know the first step to take.
The object is to move forward from that baseline position. If something interrupts your progress, you will need to evaluate what went wrong and perhaps make some adjustments.

KNOW WHERE THE GOAL LINE IS

The goal line is your desired outcome. It may be the long-range, strategic vision or an intermediate goal. The goal line may change over time, just as our vision of technology has changed over time. That does not mean we can’t proceed with the information we now have.

Reward Yourself

Plan on it. There will be plenty of reasons to reward yourself. It may be difficult, but it’s essential. Sure, kudos from others are rewards, but it’s also important to be good to yourself. Take some timeoff. Treat yourself to a weekend getaway – even if there may be a seminar along with it. Take that exotic cruise around the Greek Isles that you’ve dreamed about. Ski the Matterhorn, as well as the local mountains. Invite a friend to dinner. Go to a movie, the theater, or the beach. Go ahead, treat yourself!
The thrill of the game of life is charting a course, accepting problems as challenges, facing them head on, and holding someone else’s hand along the way. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Keep your eyes not on the individual battles, but on the outcome. The past is history. The future is unknown. Live to the fullest in the present moment. Make the most of it to achieve your vision – your Gold Medal of Life.

Unfortunately, with the current state of the economy, many people are out there job hunting. They’re applying for every open position they can find, increasing the competition for available jobs. It’s important that you stand above the crowd. You have to prove to your prospective employer that hiring you would be adding an asset to their company.

These suggestions may make finding that job just a bit easier:

1. Social Networking. Internet social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are all the rage. Many people use these sites to chat with long lost friends or find old loves, but they’re also great networking places to find employment as well!

* The idea behind social networks is to build a relationship. That means that you’ll want to show-off your value before asking desperately for a job.

* It may not work overnight, but these sites have incredible word of mouth possibilities, so be diligent and keep networking and broadcasting that you’re available for work!

2. Offer services for free. Okay, I know what you’re thinking: why should you offer services for free when you don’t even have a job? Aren’t you supposed to be making money with your skills and talents? Yes, but offering your services for free for can actually work in your favor and set you apart from your competition.

* For example, are you a talented childcare professional looking to get your foot in the door of a new day care center? Are you an awesome cook who would love to work in a new restaurant in town?

* Offer to work for them for a week for free. If they’re pleased with your work, you may be hired on the spot, or at least when they have their first available opening.

* The most important thing to remember is you have to be a top notch volunteer for that week. You want them to discover what an asset you could be as a paid employee.

3. Write to prospective employers. Compose a letter to businesses that you’re seriously interested in. In the letter, highlight how you’ll boost business for the company and discuss what you’d bring to the table.

* If you can convince them that they’re better off with you than without you, then you’ve won the battle. Make sure the letter is professional, grammatically correct, and confident.

* Your goal is to make others understand why they need you as an employee, not to beg them for a job. There’s a big difference, but it’s very easy to cross that line, so use good judgment.

4. Do it the old fashioned way. In this generation of faxes and emails, your resume can easily get lost in the shuffle. Something to consider is to dress professionally and hit the pavement.

* Introduce yourself, shake hands, and hand them a well-prepared resume package.

* Building a relationship with someone is an important part in standing above the crowd. It also allows a manager to put a face to a resume rather than just pick a resume up off the fax machine or out of their email inbox.

* Though it may take a bit of footwork and perseverance, this may be your perfect way to make an impression when applying for a coveted job.

5. Place an ad in the newspaper or online. When looking for a job, the first place we all tend to go is the help wanted section in the newspaper or on a classifieds website. There we gaze over hundreds of ads and apply to as many as we possibly can.

* Maybe you can turn the tables! This is where you can think outside the box. What about placing your own ad telling prospective employers that you’re free to work for them? Highlight your strengths and what position you’ll excel at.

* Remember, you’re in control. You want prospective employers to pick up the phone and call you – not to skim your ad thinking, “There’s another desperate individual begging for work.”

Looking for a job today can be challenging, but thinking a bit differently than other job hunters may be all you need to get that position you’ve been hoping for. Stand out from your competition with these great tips, and be the one who lands the job!