Where did that year go?

‘Be Brave, Be Consistent and Be Yourself’ was the title I gave to my blog post a year ago (mid-July) and I think I’ve nailed it.  Well, the ‘brave’ bit at least.  I love the notion of consistency, although for me that’s sticking with something (consistent effort) rather than wheeling out the same rhetoric or a dull CV.  I’ve always tried to be myself ever since I can remember.  I’m still hoping that when I grow up, I’ll better understand what ‘being myself’ really means for me.  That’s where my desire to ‘grow up’ ends!  Who wants to be a sensible grown-up at seventy?

I should explain that when I’m working with clients I try to be as grown-up as they need me to be!  Disrupting recruitment takes creativity and energy.  That often comes with a great big dollop of positivity and professionalism.  If you’ve found yourself without employment and you’re not keen on self-promotion, the last thing you need is a frivolous coach I get that.  But there needs to be at least some fun in learning together and building back your confidence.

I’m so pleased that feedback on my book, ‘How to Be the Best Candidate Every Single Time’ has reminded people what it’s like to be in a room with me.  My delivery is as consistent as my messaging.  It’s a tough jobs market and you’re not alone with your agonies, remember to ask for help before you need it.  And that’s exactly what I did when I made the decision to self-publish my first book.  I contacted the incredible Shelley Wilson, Writing Mentor and through the power of networking, Shelley put me in touch with Jen Parker, Editor and Designer.

Let’s talk a bit more about the ‘brave’ bit now.  This past year I’ve done a few things I’ve never done before.  I’m not sure if you know that I love making celebration cakes.  Gorgeous rich fruit cakes elaborately decorated are my granddad’s legacy to me.  He taught me to pipe royal icing and make little icing posies pre-primary school.  And about twenty years ago I resurrected the skills I’d dallied with on and off since childhood.

Last year I mastered a squidgy lemon drizzle cake iced on an extremely hot day in September and decorated it with sugar flowers I’d not tackled previously.  It was a friend’s wedding cake, and she loved proteas, so she deserved proteas.  I did the online training course and practised until I was happy to boast, “I can do that.”  And I did it.

Then in October I rediscovered my love of writing and began a scrapbook of my life (as I wanted to remember it) along with some musings and self-help ideas.  It had potential to be an extension of my blog.  At about the same time I revived the draft that had languished in my electronic folders for far too long.  The book you now know as ‘How to Be the Best Candidate Every Single Time has launched and the ‘other one’ is keeping me on my toes, while I finalise my third.  Now how’s that for a year of firsts?

If you’re lacking confidence in your ability to get a new role, need a boost to kick-start your job search or simply fancy a natter –

Let’s Chat … alternatively you can buy a copy of my book