Your Image: Don’t Be Afraid To Be Different

I’m looking for a “free thinking” freelancer to partner with on an upcoming project. After scouring a few dozen websites, one thing has become painfully obvious.

There are too many people out there afraid to be different. I’m looking for a partner that’s not afraid to think differently, to try different things until the right solution is born.  

But I did not see creativity. Instead I saw the same language used over and over again. The credentials, testimonials, solutions, work samples, it all looked the same. Now, I’m sure each of these freelancers have something that makes him/her unique, but I can’t tell from the site. And I’m not inclined to contact them for more samples, because I expect the best to be posted. 

However, there is one great thing that came from this exercise. I’m now taking stock of my own image, because I want to be sure it represents me, the true Towanda. And I encourage you to do the same.

Look at everything. Not only your website and brochures, but everything (business cards, CDs, newsletters, etc.) you use to tell people about you and your products/services.  Are your materials full of business clichés that have lost their meaning? Do they look like every other company? Are they full of industry jargon? If you answer yes to any of these, consider updating.

After all, you and/or your business is unique. So, everything about it should reflect that.  

And I’m sure there are plenty of clients out there like me, looking to work with professionals that bring something unique to the table, not “business as usual.” 

Towanda Long aka The Café Lady

Unusual Valentine’s Day Gifts, Really

Here are a few Valentine’s Day gift ideas, sans the chocolate, dinner and jewelry.  

Hug Me Pillow. Very few holidays highlight singlehood like Valentine’s Day. If you have a single girlfriend, you can further call attention to her status with this gift. Here’s the link: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Hug-Me-Pillow/1676854/product.html 

While I find the hand kind of creepy (yes, you really need to see this!), the manufacturers say it’s unique shape provides firm sleeping support. 

I Love You Video. With all of the Superbowl ad talk, why not be inspired and make your own commercial. At the minimum you’ll need a camcorder and a little imagination. And the great thing about this gift is it can include children, pets, favorite things, and/or whatever you’d like.

You can make it a private message, funny, for the entire family, or whatever you’d like. Here’s some advice on making a great home video: Home Video Advice. 

And if you’re open to others seeing it you can always post it on YouTube. You never know, you might become a celebrity… 

Personalized Gifts. From wine bottles to roses and M&M’s (www.mymms.com), almost any Valentine’s Day gift can be custom-made. One of my favorite gift sites, Red Envelope, offers a large selection of personalized items. Red Envelope Valentine’s Day   

Also at Red Envelope you’ll find cute ideas, such as the chocolate body tattoos and a variety of games.

Let me end by saying this. If you were contemplating jewelry, go with it. While everything I’ve listed above makes a great gift, you can’t go wrong with sparkle… 

Towanda Long aka The Café Lady

Thirtysomething Advice: It’s Never Too Early to Get Experience

High School and College students, this post is for you. Everyone else, please forward this to the young people in your life, and feel free to add other points in the comments.

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“How do I get work experience if no one will hire me?” is a common question from recent graduates. Here’s my answer. Don’t wait until you are looking for your first “real” job to get experience. Start early. Here are a few things you can do to grow your resume:

Offer to be an intern/apprentice. There are many small businesses that need an extra hand. Why not contact one and offer your time a few hours a week?

There are great advantages to this. For starters, you’ll likely get to do real work, not just get coffee and pick up the dry cleaning. Secondly, you’ll have a higher likelihood of being exposed to different departments (sales, accounting, marketing, etc.). And lastly, you’ll be able to answer that dreaded question, “Do you have work experience?” in the affirmative.

Let family and friends know you are looking for opportunities. Give them an idea of your interests and let them know how much time you have to offer.  Then create a fact sheet listing your contact information, extracurricular activities, volunteer experience and business skills (i.e. type 65 words a minute).

Look for summer programs. Many companies and universities have training programs specifically designed for students and recent graduates. You can find these by doing online searches, visiting your public library and/or contacting your guidance counselor/advisor.

If you are a recent grad, I would encourage you to follow this advice as well. Yes, you may have to get a “regular day job” to cover your expenses until you get that first career position, but it’s worth it.

 

Towanda Long aka The Café Lady