What is the reoccurring theme in this espisode and in every Apprentice episode? Sales!

All of these candidates upon their arrival had to sell themselves. For James to say that he has never been in sales is a big mistake. You heard Donald Trump, he said sales is a must! Doesn’t James know that at the top of every law firm the top lawyers are great at sales….who do you think is bringing in the business?

In the boardroom, now it is who produced, measured results, sales…and the other part of the sales is selling your story as to who should stay and not be fired

Alex got fired because he was weak, a follower, and did not produce.

Can you learn to sell? Yes, but it takes practice and motivation. Did you know that sales is becoming so important that NovaSoutheastern University right here in Fort Lauderdale will be opening the Sales Institute on October 13!!!! it is an incredible,e facility and out of approximately 1400 business schools, only 60 have sales courses… However, Nova will have the first state of the art Sales facility.

Sales will always be a part of any company or job! As a job seeker today, you need to stand out from the rest and sell yourself. Why hire you? What do you have to offer? What are you known for? Again, measured results!

Among the competition that is clearly visible in this season, let us not forget how easy it is to turn on someone…criticism, backstabbing, disloyalty, etc. Is very visible. Is this happening in the corporate world today? Yes, with layoffs, downsizing and more…key people with valuable information have become hoarders of information for fear of others capitalizing on their knowledge.

Buckle up campers…stay tuned for next week, but practice your sales pitch and watch out for the knives!

Cheers!

Violet

The Apprentice Week 1 Recap!
By now, you know I love the Apprentice!  This show has so much value and relates to my business, that I can’t help but watch and  give my opinion.  If you are a job seeker, you will definitely gain some insight in how people work or not work together, how people react in the real world (ok I know it’s TV, but humor me), what scenarios are thrown out and how people react, what strengths and weaknesses people have, who has or does not have the power to be #1, and ultimately, what it takes to be the Apprentice.

I will be tracking the show, commenting on various aspects from the candidates interaction with each other, individually, with Mr. Trump, the tasks, and more. Being a Career Services Professional, I want to offer my expertise to what is happening on this show and what you can take away to apply to  your siutaion.
I welcome comments and feedback.  If you have questions, please feel free to ask! I will be happy to respond.

Need resume help…go to www.violetonresumes.com for a free video download and next Wednesday, September 29, at 1pm I will be doing a free teleseminar with a job seeker success story to wrap up International Update Your resume Month! I’ll blog about that tomorrow as well!
So stay tuned to the Violet Apprentice Comment Show! Below you will find my Face book comments as a recap. I’m still hoping Masha will survive, but she needs to tone it down!  Follow me and interact with me.

Have a great day!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Apprentice: wow I am in shock…men won! Congrats Gene! It will be a cat fight with the women….stand by! Nicole be prepared!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Oh my God!!! Donald!!! Sluty! Oops!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: You know I love the Apprentice by face booking then blogging later with a fever, start of a sore throat…etc. Go away cold! I need to be productive! Work, weddings and more thus weekend!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Apprentice: hey Mr. D I love you but come on…. Nicole was wishy washy …

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Apprentice: I think women won based on their design… Who’s going home …men will throw PM Gene under the bus…. Let’s see

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Apprentice: Boardroom time! The Donald “I didn’t like either space very much” should be interesting.

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Apprentice: David stepping up after realizing what’s on the line… Gene is trying to be a leader but offending others… The women… Ugh, need I say more…

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Apprentice: David, you are not the only one on this earth unemployed or struggling… Tip: yes it’s ok to be upset and breakdown, but you must get up, focus and stay positive… David you already won!!! You are on national TV with The Donald! Not to mention your five children! Chin up!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Apprentice: what is Tyana thinking with that painting?

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Just for clarification until my blog after the show… I’ll reference my comments.
Apprentice: David is out of control…I see him facing the “D”!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Ok, one major observation… The frustration of finances, no job, family etc have taken a major affect on David…I’m thinking he won’t be on long… I like Masha she takes no BS

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Anand, James, Tyana, and Masha trying to position themselves…. Already PM’s Gene and Nicole are being thrown under the bus! Where are all the others?

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: The claws come out!

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: Men vs Women on the first task…..I Octane vs Fortitude..Project Mgrs Military vs Beauty Queen…first impressions…I do like Steuart the entrepreneur… More comments later….

Violet Nikolici Lowrey: The Apprentice!!!! Here we go! Follow my blog



Wow!  I have always been a fan of Donald Trump and then when the Apprentice came along…I fell in love with the show!

This season of the Apprentice makes me very happy because I will be following the show very carefully, blogging about it every week. You see, as a Professional in Career Services…having the show focus on people that are are currently unemployed is right up my alley! I will be giving my perspective on what is happening…my favorite candidates…giving you tips and my opinion of what is going on.

I have read the profiles of the candidates and I am very impressed with all of them!  Join me on and follow my blogs posts!

Ask questions, give your comments, let’s have fun, and learn!

Violet

September is International Update Your Resume Month!

Since most careers require a resume in order to gain employment, it’s important that job seekers take a proactive approach in order to be ready for any and all opportunities that crop up. Too often people try to write a resume at the last minute, which is the worst time to prepare a document that needs to be perfect. A well-crafted, winning resume takes time and research, and Update Your Resume Month is a perfect reminder to be prepared for new opportunities.

Today, September 1, at 1pm, I will be doing a Free teleseminar to answer your pressing resume questions. Sign up at www.askvioletnow.com

I will give you tips and all month long I will do weekly teleseminars on different aspects on resumes.  If you are in the South Florida area…I will also be doing various workshops and hosting events in Broward county.  One will be Tuesday, September 14 at 6:30pm for the Hollywood Junior Chamber of Commerce! 2930 Hollywood Blvd. on the SW corner of 95 and Hollywood Blvd.  You can also learn about the Hollywood Jaycees too!

Bring your resume and a notepad. You will be able to get valuable information, network, and have your resume reviewed!

Happy International Update Your Resume Month!

Violet

Your vote does count!  If you are still looking for a job…what have you done to tell your elected officials?  Have you once ever called your local city or county commissioner to see what they are doing about job creation?  Have you ever contacted them to see if they are seeking to bring new businesses to the area?  Do you feel like you would waste your time? If you have never done any of these things, then you do not know… if you have, what was your approach?

I have voiced my opinion and volunteered my time, plenty.  I made very good connections that to this day, I have and I can call upon. I do not just sit around and complain.  Too many people have this approach and attitude…who cares!  Try something new…something different… It’s not always up to one person, but sometimes it starts with one person.

Stay positive…but get involved!  If you are out of work…there is a big election in November.  Get involved with a campaign.  Volunteer for whom you believe will get the job done.  You will have relevant experience on your resume, you will make a difference, network, and make new connections.

Happy Election Day!

Violet

Yesterday I met with a new client that I met over one year ago when I was a guest panelist for Women in Communication. We connected via facebook and she would get information from me about my teleseminars, events, and more… however, this is not the reason for this blog… this is just a bonus.

The story about ‘Keeping in Touch’ does come from this client.  At the same event I met her, she met another young lady that was looking for a job in Marketing/PR/Communications.  This young lady happened to ask me a question about looking for a job.  In my response to her, one item that I mentioned to her is to get involved in an organization or company and volunteer for them.  After the event, my client that happens to work in television, approached her, spoke with her, in essence, they networked and kept in touch.…Literally, two weeks ago… my client had a casting call for dancers.  She needed some volunteers to help with the casting and she contacted the young lady at the event that she had been in touch with.  The young lady was just working part-time and not in her field.  My client called her, gave her an opportunity to volunteer, and just this week, per my client’s recommendation, she got a job!!!

This all happened because they kept in touch.  The young lady was able to get a job in the industry she went to school for and dreamed of.  So far, everyone is happy.  A successful story! So, Keep In Touch!

Violet

I don’t know does it?  When you are putting yourself out in the job market, especially online via the social media outlets…you need to have a professional picture for your profile! Today on my complimentary teleseminar call…Are you on Linkedin? I will discuss having a professional photo for your profile.

If you are questioning how you look or the quality of the photo because you sat on your couch with your disposable camera one inch from your face with your New Kids on the Block poster in the background (I liked them too, back in the day, but we are in 2010!) , chances are the picture may not be the best to post for your profile.

Here are some tips to get a great photo:

For all tips below… Make sure you DRESS FOR SUCCESS, fix your hair, make-up, shave, and don’t over do it with jewelry.

1. The best way to have a great picture is hire a photographer.

2. Ask a friend to take your picture with a digital camera that you can look at your picture over and over until you are satisfied, then upload to your profile.

3. Seek out a Mary Kay rep… they always have Glam parties (for men too) and they usually have a photographer on hand.  Minimal charge and they do your make-up!

4. Check out local events, sometimes they offer to take pictures… I have done it at the events I have hosted for job seekers!

Just remember, you must present yourself in a professional manner.  Join me today at 1pm for my Linkedin call www.askvioletnow.com!

Violet

You think the interview went great, then you get the letter…thank you for applying, however, we have filled the position. We will keep your resume on file.

What happened?  Wouldn’t you like to know?  Sure you would!  Did you try calling the person and asking them?  You can do this…be polite and ask them if they would answer a few questions for you about the interview.  Tell them that you would like to learn how you can improve for  your next interview.

There are key things you need to be aware of in the interview, even body language.  Maybe you said too much, maybe too little…maybe you went off topic and got too comfortable in the interview.

Today, at 1pm, I will be having a Free Teleseminar to help answer your interview questions. Go to: www.askvioletnow.com to get access to the call and submit your questions!

Don’t miss the opportunity for expert help!  I will have Teri Karst on the call who is a Communications Specialist to answer questions.

See you at 1pm!

Today is National Lasagna Day!  What do lasagna and resumes have in common?  Layers….When I make a lasagna, order it, or see it somewhere, if it does not look appealing, chances are I will pass on it… On your resume, you have many sections, in this case ‘layers’, and if the information is not presented well or is appealing to the reader, chances are they will pass on it.

So what do you need to make a winning lasagna?  Great ingredients that will make you come back for more, make the recipe again, or order it again!   Your experience, qualifications, skills, and most importantly, the measured results on your resume are the ingredients.  Take the time to list all of the items that will sell you and make you stand out.  Think of yourself in a cooking contest and you are the judge… what would  you look for?  You can relate this to your job search… what will the reader, hiring manager, or recruiter look for?  Always make sure your resume is error free…just like your recipe…if  you make an error, nine times out of ten, it will not taste good or look appealing.

So let’s get cooking…put on  your chef’s hat and take charge of your resume!

1. Recipe: Get your action plan together

2. Ingredients: In a crisp, clear, and concise way, gather your experience, skills, qualifications, accomplishments (measured results), relevant information, creative items that will make you stand out like: quotes, charts, etc.

3. Once you have that all together, making sure to present the layers in an eye catching, relevant way:  Bake and serve!

You want to make sure once they see it, they will take one bite and ask for more!

Happy National Lasagna Day!

Today, one of my friends that is a franchise owner of Liberty Tax came to share with me that Liberty Tax is offering the Liberty Tax Class where you can learn how to prepare individual tax returns in a few short weeks! Next classes start in September… This is a great time to get started and ready for tax season! If you are interested contact: Susan Gingrich at 954-783-5353 or Email: pompanobeach@libertytax.com

How about working with New York Life?  They have great careers and they really focus on women. If you are interested in learning more contact: Raul De Castro Tel.  954.772.5200 Tel.  305.263.1400 Dir.  954.958.4234  or via Email: ldecastro@ft.newyorklife.com

And of course: Reminder: My Summer Series of Free Teleseminars “Putting the Sizzle back into your Summer Job search” go to: www.askvioletnow.com …. this week NURSES!!!!