What to Do When Youre Being Mommy Tracked at Work - The Muse

What to Do When Yure Being Mommy Tracked at Work - The MuseWhat to Do When Youre Being Mommy Tracked at Work Four years ago, Lucy Harris welches a creative executive at an advertising agency in New York. She put in long hours at her job, spearheading projects, leading meetings, and meeting with high-profile clients. Then she had her first child, returned from maternity leave- and found that things had changed. When I returned I wasnt asked to do any of those things, or even given the chance to, recalls Harris, who asked to use a pseudonym to protect the identity of her employer. I constantly felt that I wasnt being taken seriously and was being pushed aside because I had had a baby. Harris initially brushed it off as her own paranoia- until a major client of hers came in to the office for a meeting. I had no idea about it because the company had shifted them off to someone else, she says. I was astounded. The client wasnt particularly happy about it either. The frustrating reality fi nally hit her She was being mommy tracked.What Is the Mommy Track?The mommy track is a common term for a career path for women that can allow for greater work-life balance, thanks to reduced hours or flexible schedules, but often at the cost of career advancement. Its leid necessarily a bad thing After all, many people want to (and choose to) make their career a lower priority than family. But when your boss or team choose the mommy track for you- and its potentially holding you back at work as a result- thats a problem. The motherhood penalty is absolutely real, says Jennifer Gefsky, a labor and employment partner at Epstein Becker Green and the co-founder of Apres, a digital platform for working women who are pivoting in their careers or returning to the workforce. According to the Bright Horizons Modern Family Index 2018, while 85% of people surveyed feel (rightly) that motherhood is great preparation for facing the challenges of leading a business, 69% also say working mothers are more likely to be passed up for a new job than other employees. And 60% admit that career opportunities are given to employees who may be less skilled than the working moms who are being passed over. As if those stats arent bleak enough, the report also found that 41% of working Americans view working moms as less devoted to their jobs, with 38% judging them for needing flexible schedules.No wonder women themselves worry about the motherhood penalty, with 73% of surveyed moms believing they dont get as many career advancement opportunities as women who arent moms, and 72% of both working mothers and fathers agreeing that women are penalized in their careers for starting families. Paranoid? Not so much, as it turns out. So what do you do if you fear youre on the fast track to the mommy track? Heres what the experts say.1. Set Expectations EarlyIdeally, avoiding the mommy track starts even before you go on maternity leave, by sitting down with your manager and being clear about yo ur career and professional goals. Once youre back from leave, meet with your boss as soon as possible to review the status of your projects, figure out where (and how) you fit back into the picture, and- most importantly- reemphasize your ambition and dedication to your job. Be super-explicit Heres my expectation, heres my plan. Do you see any reason why this wont work? says Angela Smith, a career coach at The Muse. It comes down to being really specific with your supervisor. A lot of times these things are unsaid and we assume our manager knows them, but actually saying it is important. Setting that benchmark also makes it easier to go back to your boss if things arent going according to that plan.2. Find a Mentor or CoachIs there a working mother in your company whos killing it? And is she someone you want to emulate? If so, seek her out and ask her to be an informal mentor, says Gefsky. Say, Id really like to talk to you about how to handle this. A mentor can help you process you r experiences, evaluate your wertmiger zuwachs, and reaffirm your ambitions. If no one at your company comes to mind, or youd prefer to work with someone outside of the office, a maternity leave coach can be a great resource, too. This is a type of career coach who can help you with things such as transitioning your workload, navigating your leave, planning your re-entry, articulating boundaries, and advocating for yourself as a working mom. Some companies even offer maternity coaching as a perk, but if yours doesnt, a regular career coach may be able to help you strategize as well. 3. Honestly Assess Your PerformanceIf you feel like youre hitting roadblocks, its important to step back and assess your work. Are you doing the best you can do?Take your emotions out of it and look objectively, Smith says. Is there something you need to improve in your performance? For example, are you keeping expected hours, or are you regularly arriving late or leaving early without having gotten your bosss approval for a flexible schedule? This also gives you another opportunity to have a results-oriented conversation with your boss. Ask, What constructive feedback can you give me on what I could be doing better, so youll consider me for XYZ assignments in the future?The bottom line Make sure youre delivering before you bring up any mommy track concerns. You cant have these conversations and be half-assing it at work, Gefsky says.4. Talk About Your Plan- Again and AgainGood communication with your supervisor is essential, Smith says. Be clear with your ambitions and be able to back it up with actual work product. But if youve checked those boxes and still feel youre being mommy tracked, have another conversation with your boss. Unconscious bias is real, Gefsky says. Is it possible people look at a woman with a brand new baby and think she should be at home? Yes. But they might also be trying to be helpful, and think its a good thing that theyre not giving you a travel assignmen t. Remember that the best approach is to be a positive advocate for yourself. Keep emotion out of it, and let your manager know youre dedicated with measured, well thought-out, and objective conversations. Make sure your tone is non-accusatory, and focus on being as collaborative and positive as possible, says Gefsky. You can say, I would have really liked XYZ assignment, and I want to make sure you know Im going to do whatever I can to make sure you think of me next time, she says. If youre still not getting the results you want, you might directly address the issue with your manager (again, in a non-accusatory way), Gefsky says. Say, Is it possible youre not giving me this assignment because I have a young child at home? This gives you the opportunity to reassure them that you have the coverage and support at home that you need to take on high-profile, time-consuming projects or travel.5. Finally, Approach HRIf you really are intent on being successful at your company, the best wa y is to work it out directly with your supervisor, Gefsky says. Unless someone has made direct discriminatory comments to you, dont go to HR and file a complaint without serious consideration. Once HR gets involved, that takes it to another level.If you do bring your complaint to your HR department, be prepared with documentation of your conversations with your manager and specific examples of how you feel youre being mommy-tracked. Again, in your first exchange with HR, it may be best not to be accusatory but to simply raise the issue in an attempt to clear the air. HR may be able to partner with you to resolve the situation- which is what happened in Harris case, after unsuccessful attempts to raise her concerns with her supervisor. After talking with the HR manager things improved a lot, she says. They had assumed I was going to take a step back, and I was able to inform them that that wasnt the case at all. Thankfully, they heard me out, and I was able to get back into the work I was doing prior to my maternity leave.The experience helped Harris, who eventually left the company for unrelated reasons, understand the value of open, honest dialogue in the workplace. I wish I had communicated with my boss prior to my maternity leave- it probably would have saved a lot of time and frustration, she says. But after that experience, I made sure that I communicated with my boss more and in detail, so everything was understood on both sides and there was no chance of miscommunication.

Feds Are Taking Applications for Military-to-Defense Transitioners

Feds Are Taking Applications for Military-to-Defense TransitionersFeds Are Taking Applications for Military-to-Defense TransitionersFeds Are Taking Applications for Military-to-Defense TransitionersFeds Are Taking Applicationsfor Military-to-Defense TransitionersPosted byKathryn Troutman, President, www.resume-place.comApril 17, 2017When is a hiring freeze not a hiring freeze?When youre applying to one of the few federal departments such as Defense that President Trump wants to grow.Or when the president lifts the hiring freeze, as he did on April 12 almost grudgingly.Or when a department or agency continues to take applications and conduct interviews, anticipating the authority to make an actual job offer in the near future.So whats the bottom line for federal job seekers?For select groups of potential candidates such as veterans and servicemen and women preparing to separate from the military it means that now is the time to apply.Lets sample military-to-DoD vacancies recently p osted on USAJOBS.gov.SUPERVISORY DEMAND / SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYST, DLA, PhiladelphiaIts hard to imagine a more natural fit for someone with the requisite military experience than Supervisory Demand/Supply Chain Analyst with the civilian Defense Logistics Agency in Philadelphia. The position requires both military logistics skills and a understanding of business processes typically associated with experience in the private sector. The job pays $92,387 to $120,102 per year.HUMAN RESOURCE SPECIALIST Ft. Huachuca, AZNearly all organizations military or civilian require HR professionals, and the Defense Department will likely need more of them as it expands under a Republican president and congress. DoD agencies posted a vacancy for menschlich Resources Specialist for recruitment and placement in Fort Huachuca, Az., with a salary of $60,524 to $78,678. Former servicemen and women are eligible to to apply under the Veterans Recruitment Appointment or the Veterans Employment Opportunity Ac t, as are veterans with a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more.SUPERVISORY PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACT MANAGER ALVacancies for military-to-Defense transitioners can be found in every region of the country. A recent civilian posting sought a Supervisory Procurement Contract Manager for the Army Acquisition Support Center in Redstone Arsenal, Ala., at $103,842 to $158,793 per year. The successful candidate will direct, review and coordinate production of a system for the Missiles Space Lower Tier Project Office.PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM MANAGER VAThe Veterans Health Administration, which has long struggled to fill thousands of vacancies, seeks a Psychology Program Manager / Assistant Chief Medical Executive for Research Development, in North Chicago, Ill. The job, which pays $111,801 to $145,342 per year, entails giving direct patient care, providing consults on challenging cases, and training staff.INVESTIGATOR FOR WHISTLBLOWER REPRISAL VAHeres an interesting civilian job f or a military woman or man with the right credentials Investigator for Whistleblower Reprisal in the Office of Inspector General in Alexandria, Va., paying $94,796 to $123,234 annually. The person selected for this role will investigate complaints of reprisal for whistleblowing by military members, DoD civilian employees and contractors.GET HELP WITH YOUR FEDERAL RESUMETARGETED TOWARD THESE TYPES OF POSITIONSGET A FEDERAL RESUME prozentanteilThe Federal Resume Guidebook,6th Ed. is the Number 2 Best-selling resume book on Amazon and all book sellers today

Reapplying with a Company After a Job Rejection

Reapplying with a Company After a Job RejectionReapplying with a Company After a Job Rejection4Being turned down for a position with a company for which youd really love to work doesnt necessarily spell the end of employment hopes there. Consider the below three situations in which reapplying with a company after a job rejection might yield favorable results the second time around.The opening is different.If a new position arises after a job rejection for which you seem a great fit, trying to land it makes sense. While it may be a bit difficult to let go of the sting of the first rejection, realize that employers often must choose among a large number of outstanding candidates. Just because the hiring manager deemed someone else the best match in one instance does not mean the same thing will happen again. Demonstrate that you see this alternate opening as an exciting opportunity, not as a consolation prize, by constructing application material that highlights how you meet the specif ic requirements outlined in the new job posting.Youve strengthened your candidacy.What a candidate brings to the table varies throughout a career. Gaining work experience and additional education can make a previously passed-over job seeker appear more attractive at a later time. If an employer was kind enough to offer feedback after your initial encounter, showing how you acted on those comments to develop into a more qualified applicant can be especially impressive.Resist the urge to reapply, however, if neither you nor the job requirements have changed. As certified executive coach Lisa Quast, author of Secrets of a Hiring Manager Turned Career Coach A Foolproof Guide to Getting the Job You Want Every Time, notes, Remember the old definition of insanity? Its doing the same thing, but expecting different results. If you havent done anything differently since you last applied, its doubtful the outcome will be different either.Youve developed new connections.Lastly, harness the pow er of networkingafter a job rejection before submitting yourself again. People already employed at your desired workplace may be able to offer insight on how to better present yourself to get attention. And since qualified candidates can get lost among the sheer volume of resumes received, having someone who can get your material directly into appropriate hands can make a significant difference. Many positions get filled by word-of-mouth before ever being posted, so exhibiting your enthusiasm about a particular employer on a regular basis can keep your name front and center when a new opportunity does arise.Readers, have you ever applied with a company after a job rejection? Would you consider it for future opportunities? Share your experiences with us below

3 Ways to Use Experiential Learning to Boost Your Career

3 Ways to Use Experiential Learning to Boost Yur Career 3 Ways to Use Experiential Learning to Boost Your Career Article by Dan LauerMost of ushave been in the room while a boring professor drones on and on in front of dozing students. While the centuries-old lecture format can be an efficient way to transfer knowledge, it doesnt necessarily further learning.Instead, students are more likely to gain lasting understandings of new concepts when theyre asked to teach or use those concepts, according to Harvard Universitys Eric Mazur. When given the chance to practice what theyve learned, students retain 75 percent of that new information on average. Compare this to the 20 percent retention tarif average seen in lecture environments.Based on this premise, we can say that experiential learning will better prepare you for the career of your dreams and help youcultivate the entrepreneurial skills youll need for any job.Many graduates will candidly tell you that very little of their classr oom knowledge directly applies to their work. When I was in school, for instance, I memorized theories and then regurgitated those memorizations on a test to get an A. Once I had graduated and taken a management job, however, I realized the theories I learned in the classroom didnt necessarily help me motivate my employees.Later, when I started my entrepreneurial journey, I realized that though I had learned to write a business plan and make financial forecasts, I hadnt learned how to effect change, listen, act on my concerns, or galvanize others to get behind my mission.These are all important skills to possess, no matter the field you enter. A 2017 surveyfrom the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that the three strengths employers look for most in early career applicants are teamwork, problem-solving, and written communication skills.Beyond building these crucial career skills, experiential learning helps students figure out what they love. For instance, an internship opportunity can help you decide whether youd be most happy working for an established software company or an evolving startup.As Ive helped develop an entrepreneur center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), Ive seen firsthand how experiential learning can generate the insights and deeper understandings that help students cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets, which are important even for those of us who dont want to start their own businesses. An entrepreneurial mindset can hold the key to the innovative ideas, both large and small, that distinguish your career from others.College and professional courses that only talk about entrepreneurship without providing students with ways to be entrepreneurialmiss the point entirely. Students must be able to ideate, prototype, learn, iterate, reflect, and fail in order to truly develop entrepreneurial mindsets.Here are three steps you can take to seek out career-boosting experiential learning opportunities1. Be Intentio nal When Selecting CoursesTheory is critical, so you should definitely spend time in lecture halls learning it. However, you should also seek out courses that prioritize applied and experiential learning. Simulated experiences, hackathons, accelerators, and applied training sessions are just a few great ways to participate in experiential learning.Experiential learning courses offer authentic experiences during which students can practice teamwork, resiliency, and tenacity in the face of problems. They create safe environments where students can make mistakes and learn from them. These courses also teach students how to transfer what theyve learned in one context to another.A good experiential learning course prioritizes three things classroom rigor, examples from real-world practitioners and peers, and the creation of a learning ecosystem. These three things - especially the third - help you become an active player in defining how your education improves your future.At UMSL, for example, we help students establish a theoretical and practical foundation for entrepreneurship. Our Entrepreneurship Certificate course requires 18 hours of classes, some of which are dedicated to learning the theories underpinning innovation and entrepreneurship. Our capstone course requires students to build a minimum viable product and draft a business plan. Similarly, Rice University has built theLiu Idea Lab to encourage entrepreneurship in academic fields across the university.I know many students may never start their own businesses, but the cultivation of an entrepreneurial mindset - a willingness to take risks, solve problems, and take manahme - will distinguish them from the pack when theyre applying for jobs.2. Get On-the-Ground ExperienceInternships help people gain direct, real-world experience in their chosen fields. Interns often develop practical communication, self-discipline, and time-management skills - which make them more likely to secure full-time employmen t than those who do not take internships, according to an NACE report.An internship may also help you refine your career aspirations. As cited in the NACE report, a 2016 survey from Looksharp found that 81.1 percent of graduates who held three or more internships reported the internships helped them adjust their career directions. The takeaway here is that you dont need to feel boxed in when applying to internships. Getting experience outside of your major, home state, and/or target industry is a great way to mold yourself into a well-rounded professional in a competitive job market.There is no better way to grow as a person than toget outside of your comfort zone. Who knows - you may even uncover a hidden talent or passion. Use personal contacts, reach out to local businesses, and search relevant websites to find internships that align with your goals.3. Join Organizations Attuned to Your Career GoalsCareer-focused organizations help you meet like-minded individuals and enable you to apply your classroom knowledge to real-world situations. An organization with an entrepreneurial focus, for example, will expose you to people and experiences that amplify your innovative know-how.One of the many benefits of joining a career-focused organization is that doing so gives you the chance to network. Youll form valuable connections that can pay off during your job hunt. Youre also likely to gain teamwork and leadership skills - skills that, as weve established, make you much more impressive to employers.You dont have to give up career-focused organizations upon graduation. Because my own education lacked experiential learning, I decided to make up for lost time by joiningEntrepreneurs Organization, a worldwide peer-to-peer learning group. Once a month, I meet with 10-12 fellow entrepreneurs in an informal advisory board. We share our experiences and talk about how they shape us.Students must be active in the learning process rather than serving as passive receptacles for knowledge. Experiential learning allows you to master concepts without numbing your creativity or innovation. It fosters tomorrows Zuckerbergs, Musks, and Wojcickis, and it engenders an entrepreneurial mindset thats invaluable no matter what job a person chooses.A version of this article originally appeared on SUCCESS.com.Dan Lauer is the founding executive director of UMSL Accelerate, an initiative that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in- and outside the classroom and helps bring concepts from mind to market. Dan is a long-standing, successful entrepreneur who has founded multiple companies, including Lauer Toys Inc., best known for the Waterbabies line, which has enjoyed 26 years of continuous distribution and 23 million units sold. Through UMSL Accelerate, he serves as a catalyst for developing a vibrant ecosystem of students, faculty, and community to inspire innovation and advocate for entrepreneurship.

Dispatcher Resume Fundamentals Explained

Dispatcher Resume Fundamentals Explained 911 dispatcher jobs require lots of different bodily responsibilities during the day. Dispatchers spend a good deal of time at the computer. For instance, a dispatcher needs good communication skills, including the capacity to serve customers well. A great dispatcher learns the intricacies of the company and often is going to have the chance to move up within the organization. Dispatchers are at the middle of any great operation. Fantastic dispatchers should have a high degree of empathy and a dedication to great customer support. Locating a position for a flight dispatcher is dependent on your qualifications, training, and experience. Many jobs will use some of exactly the same aptitudes but some will call for extra education. Most dispatch jobs give on-the-job training. Employers search for men and women who have what is needed to hold on to this demanding job. Some employers make a fast decision about a candidate depending on the strength of the resume objective, therefore its very important to applicants to put their very best foot forward. With the info received in the appropriate moment its possible to prepare more loads. Whether this Dispatcher resume example was not sufficient for you, youre absolutely free to review a few other samples and templates from our website. The dispatchers are liable for picking along with dropping off the goods. Maintain a daily log and supply reports on the daily log in accord with department procedures. The expert dispatcher cover letter sample may give you a concept of where to start, but there are many crucial elements you should incorporate into your own. Stick as close to the work ads wording as possible to be able to score higher as soon as the program parses your resume. For example, you might make a template that has a drop-down list. Utilizing Term, you can produce your unique templates for nearly any software, like resumes. What is Actually Happening wit h Dispatcher Resume So remember, however you consider it, employing a sample resume as a reference alongside any other tool available, can only beneficial ultimately. No matter your degree of job practical understanding, your resume structure is vital to making your application stick out. Now, when you have never seen such a graph pictured below. So as to strike a great impression you should incorporate these qualifications in your Dispatcher skills list. Obviously, particularly when speaking about EMS dispatch, most employers have a tendency to employ individuals who can work under pressure and who are aware of what theyre doing. Also be sure you tailor the record to the job that youre applying for. When youre asking for employment which then relies on the talents of the person, you will require work application template you may inject a bit more personality into to make that pop. There is quite a strong awareness of urgency within this line of work. For instance, you should have the capability to calm down a caller whos in a state of panic. Your capacity to speak, listen and analyze the conversation offers you power to affect on the procedure to result in a prosperous outcome. The Dispatcher Resume Game Also, its important to be aware that, the dispatcher position is extremely competitive. A dispatcher job is frequently an intermediate job. Do you understand what things to have in your live sound engineer resume. The dispatcher also has to identify and evaluate any distinctive needs for each load. Summary Reliable Fire Alarm Technician whos ready to do installations, repair work in addition to routine maintenance. Dispatchers are located in nearly every industry like the shipping, inventory, trucking, manufacturing and maybe even retailing. Terrific dispatcher have excellent understanding of the trucking business and mind blowing intuition.

Up in Arms About How to List Writing and Research on a Resume Attorney?

Up in Arms About How to List Writing and Research on a Resume Attorney? How to List Writing and Research on a Resume Attorney Ideas Many employers search for it and its frequently a very good icebreaker at the start of the interview. Hiring managers dont always have the opportunity to read every resume except if youre ready to capture their attention from the very start. If youve printed work that you need to include as part of your resume, there are lots of means of documenting publications on a resume as a way to intrigue hiring managers. Writing publications on a resume is not among the most typical sections as its quite specific and is largely employed by academics or PR and advertising and marketing professionals. Attorneys should have strong analytical thinking abilities and extensive legal expertise, enabling them to present the ideal counsel and service to their customers. Use keywords that will interest prospective employers and which will be relevant to their requi rements. Firms prefer lawyers that are experienced in various branches like tax, labor or criminal. Reviewing attorney resume samples supplies you with some inspiration about what to include to aid you separate yourself from the remaining portion of the competition.5. Attorneys are predicted to have the essential skills to work successfully on behalf of their clientele. Its nahe daran sein and simple to use. How to List Writing and Research on a Resume Attorney - Dead or Alive? In earlier times paralegal and legal assistant meant something similar. You can receive a paralegal certification in no more than 14 weeks. It is not just hard to have a job for an attorney. Furthermore, you can look for attorney jobs on Monster. The Basic Facts of How to List Writing and Research on a Resume Attorney Also, its important you use keywords regarding the legal assistant position. After that, show you comprehend the position. When you make an application for a position at a law fir m, you wish to do what you could to stick out from the competition. If youre targeting a particular position, you might wish to compose a resume objective. What to Expect From How to List Writing and Research on a Resume Attorney? In reality, if youre a freelancer, you might not require a resume in any way, since you will be self-employed and searching for clients, not jobs. Below, you will discover examples of several attorney resumes to assist you find the best one for your circumstance. In certain situations, you might need your resume quickly. You should also have the selection of cases and tasks which were assigned to you. What the In-Crowd Wont Tell You About How to List Writing and Research on a Resume Attorney You may get ideas about what to include, and insight in the best performing formats for certain positions. Be sure all info is up-to-date. It is crucial to continue to keep your list targeted to the job which you would like. For instance, if you intend to wo rk in employment law, you should consist of info about your understanding of vital acts, such as ADA. Understanding How to List Writing and Research on a Resume Attorney There are two sorts of skills which you want to include on your attorney resume. There isnt only one right means of designing a resume.

Everythings Coming Up Goldman (But Not Quite Roses)

Everythings Coming Up Goldman (But Not Quite Roses)Everythings Coming Up Goldman (But Not Quite Roses)Yesterday, Goldman Sachs announced that it made $1.8 billionduring the first quarter, beating analysts estimates and causing many industry onlookers to pat the golden child of investment banking on the back, sticking another few stars at the top of its earnings statement and saying it could be a good sign of things to come when Goldmans competitors report their first-quarter figures in the coming week.However,today, more than a few analysts, including these dudes in an interview with CNBC, pointed out that despite making a relative killing in fixed income trading (the bond markets bounced back in the first quarter and Goldman,known for itsaggressive trading tactics, took advantage) its advisory and asset management business took severe hits (due to desert-dry deal markets), and those businesses arent going to look much better in the next few months. For Goldmans competitors, which ar e usually running a few steps behind in every banking service line,this means the bad will be worse and the good wont be as goodthat is, their advisory and asset managementunits willlikely report worse losses than Goldman, and their tradingunitswont report nearly as strong of gains.To boot, Goldman (and its fellow financial firms) have already run into some rather ornery retail sales numbers, which sent Goldmans stock price south bymore than 11 percent today.The bank did make one nice score in the past 24 hours, though. Before its stock (and the overall market) slid, it received a nice price for 40.65 1000000 of its common shares, which brought in a cool $5 billion, giving it half of the $10 billion in TARP money that it intends to give back to the U.S. government if the governments in a receiving mood.

Should freelancers share contacts A guide to protecting your work

Should freelancers share contacts A guide to protecting your workShould freelancers share contacts A guide to protecting your workIve been freelancing for nearly 15 years. Though it has ebbed and flowed, grown and changed over many seasons, Ive created a few solid rules that define my working style and lifestyle. One of those is an attitude toward networking. Whether it is the owner of a new hotel opening for a travel piece Im writing, or one of the many executives I interview for stories on this very blog, staying connected and updated is a core part of my job description. This also requires a positive dynamic with publicists who represent various brands, people and places, and beyond. And of course, last by not least, other journalists.Perhaps because wordsmith minds think alike, but Im lucky to have developed many close relationships with other writers, and we serve as each others sounding board, gurus and reality checks.Even so, one of the more complicated aspects of my gig to na vigate is referrals. Its a natural part of any industry, but one that can be tricky for freelancers since our income is all based on the clients we serve. When you share their information, you risk losing some of that steady flow of cash that deposits into your bank account each month. Even so, some moonlighters swear by the power of connection, believing it stimulates more work for both parties.Though everyone has their own philosophy, understanding what youre willing to share or trade is a fundamental part of how you operate. Personally? I have a very small list of who Im willing to discuss contacts with - especially when Im recommending another person for an opportunity. I do subscribe to the concept of bringing together good people - but I have to know wholeheartedly they are an impressive candidate before passing them along to someone I respect.Here, other freelancers share how they network while protecting their clientsBe mindful of who you are bringing togetherFreelance wri ter Isis Briones votes yes to sharing contacts since she considers herself someone who relies heavily on networking.I strongly believe in good karma. In my experience, people never forget those who help them out, she explains. Its simple if you share contacts The other person is likely to reciprocate - and maybe even with a connection you need. Plus, it never hurts to have someone owe you oneDoes that mean Briones hands out information willy-nilly? Definitely not. She stresses the importance of being mindful of who you are putting in touch. While you may want to lend an extra hand (and hope they do the saatkorn for you one day), understanding their expertise and experience will ensure you protect your reputation. To do this, keeping company with others in your same realm can be meaningful.I recommend surrounding yourself with like-minded freelancers. Without even asking, writers tend to follow my lead once I start sharing contacts. People who have been doing this a long time know t he value of community and we look out for each other, she adds.Dont give away what youre sellingPrincipal and publicist Sarah Doheny says sharing client information isnt a recommended path, depending on your industry. For public relations, it can be a tricky slope, since its vital to maintain control over your relationships with media and to foster those often delicate foundations.Many journalists do not appreciate being contacted repeatedly, and many dont even like it if you reach out via phone. Anyone in PR knows this, but the average client may not understand or respect that, she explains.Though she might be available to offer advice to budding publicists or another agency once her work with a client has passed, she urges freelancers to remember why youre being paid. If you give out the information, the services or the goods youre hired to create - they no longer need you.You took the time to sell you and your company along with your knowledge to the client, youre hired now. Why would you give away proprietary information? she continues. If you do that, you can sabotage yourself and your integrity to the industry.Trade Just dont sharePresident of NB Talent Services, Nicole Pomije, has a philosophy toward freelancing trade. While giving away an schmelzglas or making an intro with nothing in return can sometimes make you feel like youre left hanging and unsure of what will happen next. Or, if youll be given something beneficial in return, when you work with another respected freelancer to both scratch each others back, its much more comfortable.I dont think there is any harm in helping one another as long as its a two-way street. If I have a contact who I know would be interested in a friend or colleagues client I definitely share because I am helping all parties, she explains. In my experience, they have always been there to help me in exchange. Sometimes its an email introduction and other times its simply sharing an email address and they can do with it as they please.Keep track of who you knowMost importantly though, Pomije says what will help freelancers the most is managing their contacts in whatever way works for them. While she tends to be more old school with an excel sheet, apps like Circleback or Full Contact make it easier and digital.When you first meet a new contact in person, shoot them an email right away, so you are fresh on their mind and you have their information stored. You want that card on the backburner - because, you never know

Beginners Guide for Writers

Beginners Guide for WritersBeginners Guide for Writers