Blog 36: My Podcasting Tips for Future Podcasters

 Hello Readers! 

Today I want to talk about podcasting, as it is something that has significantly grown in popularity since the pandemic. Podcasts are a great way to quickly learn new information, listen to stories, or keep up with current events. You can listen to them while working out, drawing, or other activities. If you've thought about creating your own podcast, I highly recommend it. It's a great learning experience and helps you learn more about audio editing, writing for radio, as well as story-telling in general. There are thousands of podcasts out there about all sorts of topics, so it's easy to find a place for your own ideas. 

  

 For my podcast, All's Fair in Love and Business, I focus on local female entrepreneurs to the Denver Area, interviewing them about their work and relationships with others. If you're curious to learn more, you can find my podcast on all your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and others. I've been doing this podcast for only a few months, but the women I have interviewed have incredible stories which have motivated me to continue showcasing their work and making a podcast where people can hear these stories. I always wanted to try podcasting, and finally was able to get started and find a niche that I enjoyed working in. Podcasting can seem daunting, but it's really not. Below are my podcasting tips for any future podcasters out there who may want to start their own podcast, but aren't entirely sure how. 

1. Research to make sure your podcast idea isn't already someone else's podcast 

It's important to make sure that the idea you have for your podcast, isn't already someone else's podcast. Be sure to look on Spotify or Anchor or even just search over Google to check and see if your idea has been done already. If it hasn't, then great! You can make this podcast and not step on anyone's toes 

2. Be sure to have compelling stories that hook your listener right away 

In a world of seemingly limitless podcasts, it's important to be able to hook your listener right away. Whether this is with an interesting quote from an interviewee, a catchy intro song, or an introductory scene, giving your readers something that initially grabs them will help you build your listening fanbase faster. 

3. With COVID-19, your podcast doesn't have to be perfect 

What I mean by that is that since everyone is at home, all of the recordings are being done at home, which means they won't have studio-level quality. It's okay to have noises in the background or some slip-ups. This makes your podcast more endearing and relatable to listeners. 

I hope these tips help you to push your podcast into reality. If you have any other questions or concerns, reach out to me on my social media channels. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Lifestyle Blog 15: Tips for monitoring self growth

 Hello, my Wonderful Readers! 

Today I want to talk about self-growth, as it's something that is a continual process that all of us are going through. Some people pay more attention and do more things to work on their self-growth, while others have no opinions as to whether they grow or not. I hope to inspire you to look inward and use the tips below to help monitor your own self-growth. Self-growth is beneficial as it gives us progress, and maturity, and experience. These in turn lead to wisdom, which we can use to make better decisions. Looking at your self-growth can help you determine your future goals, and work towards having a more positive life. 

 1. Self-awareness 

Being self-aware is important in monitoring your self-growth. Self-awareness is knowing your impact on others, and the effects your actions cause. Understanding how you come off to other people, can help you to look inward to find ways to come off with more respect and consideration for others. Knowing yourself and appreciating yourself are important first steps in moving towards better self-growth. 

2. Be kind 

You may not have grown as much as you wanted, or be the person you want to be right now, so it's important to be kind to yourself and allow yourself some time to mature. Self-growth is not an overnight process but takes a lifetime. Keep this in mind when looking at your own self-growth 

3. Look back on your goals 

It's important to look back on your goals and see if you reached them or not. This can help you better understand if you have achieved self-growth or not. This can also assist in developing better and more achievable goals for your future. 

I hope these tips help you to look forward to productivity and a better understanding of self-growth. Feel free to reach out to me on all my socials with questions or comments. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Lifestyle Blog 14: Tips for making your Schedule Suit your Personality

 Hello, my Wonderful Readers! 

Scheduling and working a schedule can be difficult sometimes, especially if you're a procrastinator like me. Sticking to a routine can seem hard, but it doesn't need to be. Below, I want to give tips to make your scheduling easier, by making your schedule suit your personality better. Whether you're a procrastinator or a workaholic, these tips will help you to feel more motivated and right at home within your own schedule. 

1. Make your most difficult tasks during your most productive time of day 

By this, I mean that if you're a morning person, make your hardest tasks due in the mornings when you're most awake and productive. If you're a night owl, make your hardest tasks due in the evenings, when you're more efficient. This way the tasks will be done more effectively and you'll feel better doing them. 

2. If you're a procrastinator, batch your due dates to make yourself more focused 

If you're a procrastinator, it can help to batch all your due dates together, so you're more motivated to get things done, as your deadlines are closer together. This way you also batch your tasks and get them done all at once instead of individually. You'll feel more productive in no time with this method 

3. Find what days of the week you're most productive and schedule meetings/tasks then 

I know for me personally, I can get a bit unmotivated by Fridays in particular, so I try to schedule all my serious business meetings earlier in the week when I'm more focused and motivated. It just helps me to keep better energy for my work, as well as avoid burnout. 

While there are many more tips to help schedule your life to be more productive, I hope these tips helped you. Feel free to reach out on my socials and website if you have any questions or concerns. 

Until next time! 

Katie 

Lifestyle Blog 13: How Not to be Depressed From Watching the News or Social Media

 Happy Monday readers! 

In this current political and social climate of the election, COVID-19 shutdowns, stress, and even Thanksgiving, I think that this blog topic will hopefully be relevant for most of us. It can be easy to watch the news, or scroll through your social media over and over again, and get depressed or anxious about what's happening around you. Often these anxious or depressive thoughts can be triggered by a scary event, or the lack of "likes" you might have expected on a post. The tips I give below about how not to be depressed from watching the news or social media will hopefully be practical and easy enough for you to work on in your daily routine. 

Remember that it's okay to be depressed or anxious when reading the news, or looking at your social media, and is quite common. You're not the only one going through this problem, and you can ask for help and talk to friends and family about it. If you're going through a really hard time, reach out to a therapist or expert that can give you the help you need and deserve. 

1. Understand why you're feeling anxious or depressed 

Going to the root of the problem and understanding what triggers these negative emotions is helpful in moving forward. If you're upset because you didn't get as many likes on a post, or upset because someone posted a negative post about your favorite political candidate, understand why these things upset you. This can help you modify your behavior, and change your expectations about social media. Starting here, and knowing why these things upset you will help you to understand your own motivations for being on social media, or watching the news. 

2. Limit your exposure 

Whether it's to watching the news, or being on Facebook, limiting how much time you spend on each can easily help you with your depression or anxiety. It can be difficult to do, as being on our phones and being on social media, in particular, is quite addicting and has become a norm for conversation, but it will seriously help you to not stress as much. By turning your TV off, putting your phone away, or taking a break from social media, you can allow yourself to relax and spend time with yourself. 

3. Focus on the things you CAN control 

This is specifically for news, but if you're depressed or anxious about what's going on around you, focus on what you can control to help relieve that stress. For example, sometimes I get worried about the environment, so I work on what I can control by using recyclable and compostable products and buying more eco-friendly items. These things will make me feel more in control and happier because I know I'm making a difference. 

4. Try looking for news outlets that are positive 

This can help break up the bad news cycle that might cause you some stress. Finding good news outlets are helpful in boosting your positivity and reminding you there are good people out there. These positive news outlets might be hashtags, like #goodnews #goodnewsoutlet that you may find on social media. Just remember to keep being positive, even if you're looking at negative news 

5. Distract yourself from the news and social media by doing other things 

Distracting yourself from the news and social media can help to decrease stress in your life, but also allow you to focus on things that make you happy, such as hobbies, skills, or learning something new. Take time to read, learn, or spend time with family and friends. This will also help distract you from the news or social media and make you more positive. 

There are plenty of ways to increase your positivity and not get depressed from watching the news or social media, but I hope these tips help you to decrease the stress in your life. Remember that it's okay to ask for help and that you have a support group around you. Feel free to reach out on my social media for any questions or ideas you may have. 

Until next time! 

Katie 

Blog 35: How to Resign from a Job

 Happy Friday Readers! 

Today I want to talk about the best habits to have when you're going to resign from your job. Resigning may seem like a negative step, but for many people, it can be a new beginning. People leave their jobs for many reasons, such as family, change in career, or even things like mental health. It's important however to understand the best ways to leave your current job, so you can easily ask for a reference for looking for any future jobs. Below are the tips I want to give so you can leave your current job respectfully and maintain good relationships with your former employers and coworkers. 

1. Talk to your superior before penning your resignation letter 

The best way to leave your job is to not shock your boss, or leave a gaping hole behind, but to be respectful of the company that has employed you, and give them enough time to find someone else to fill your position. This starts with speaking to your employer, telling them about your thoughts and motivations to leave. Often, they might try to help you stay, even offering some benefits. After speaking to your employer, you can then pen your resignation letter to make it official. 

2. When writing your resignation letter, give a specific time you'll be leaving

People often just write something simple such as: "I quit" for their resignation letter. Instead, make your letter personal. Talk about why you're leaving and what this job has meant to you. Make sure to post when specifically you'll be leaving, and make sure to give your job enough room for them to find someone to replace you.

3. Make sure to sort out and finish any projects you may have 

It's important to not leave your previous company in the lurch when you resign, so make sure you get all your current projects sorted out, whether you finish them, or delegate them to other people. It shows consideration for your current company. 

4. Keep up good relations after you leave 

Make sure to leave in a respectful way, so that you can continue checking in and keeping up a good relationship with your previous employers so that they can easily write you a future reference, should you need it. 

Leaving a job can be stressful, especially if you've made strong relationships with your boss and coworkers. These tips will help you to make the transition between jobs smoother and easier, saving you time and stress. Reach out on my social media or website with any questions you may have. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Lifestyle Blog 12: How to get Better Sleep at Night

 Happy Monday Readers! 

Sleep is a topic that has become more popular to research and talk about in the last decade. Getting a better night's sleep can plague all of us occasionally, and it's important to have methods on hand to help you improve your sleep. Especially in this time of COVID-19, stress has risen dramatically, and so too has sleepless nights. The tips below on how to get better sleep at night will hopefully help you to relax and recharge your batteries, ready to face the next day with new energy. 

1. No screens before bed. 

This is a common tip given for improving sleep, but one that many people ignore. It can be an easy habit to get into to look at your phone before bed, but the blue light from your phone can train your eyes and brain to feel more awake and sharp. Blue light as well can cause eye strain, so if you have to look at your screens before bed, whether it's your phone, computer, or tablet, be sure to wear blue-light blocking glasses to help give your eyes a break. It's best however if you try to avoid screens before bed, at least a half-hour before trying to fall asleep. This will help you to better relax and get comfortable. Instead, try reading a book. 

2. Drink some tea to help naturally boost sleepiness 

There are many teas that can help you to feel more relaxed and sleepy. Drinking teas such as chamomile, peppermint, lavender, or catnip before bed can help you to relax easier. Tea drinking can also provide warmth and comfort to your body, helping you to calm yourself. 

3. Don't get addicted to natural sleep aids such as melatonin 

Melatonin, and other natural sleep aids, can be helpful in aiding your sleep, but can also be easily addictive to use. Using an external sleep aid for a longer period of time trains your body to depend on these external aids to produce melatonin in your body, the protein that makes you sleepy. If you bring external melatonin to your body for long periods of time, your body reprograms itself to use this external melatonin instead of producing its own melatonin naturally. Make sure to keep your body healthy by only using these natural aids periodically, and not over sustained periods. 

I know there are plenty of more health tips out there for helping you to get better sleep at night. I hope that these tips help you to relax and recharge your energy. Reach out with any questions on my social media or website. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Blog 34: How to Fit into a New Job

 Happy Friday Readers! 

Today I want to talk about how best to fit into a new job. Having a new job can be exciting, but nerve-wracking if it's your first week and you're not sure how best to present yourself. Settling into a new job can be bumpy, especially if you're unsure exactly what you're doing, or who to report to. But don't worry, everyone has this type of start. The tips below will hopefully help you to transition smoothly into your new position, as well as give good impressions to your new coworkers and boss. 

1. Give off the right attitude 

When you're in your new job, make sure to show you're ready to work, open to suggestions, humble, and friendly. First impressions can help build those relationships with your coworkers, and it's important to get off on the right foot. 

2. Avoid Office Politics 

This can be more difficult than it seems but is crucial in standing out and being successful. Many offices can have competition, drama, or politics, which can be stressful for employees. Show that you're above these things, as a newbie, and that you don't take sides. This will help you be appreciated and respected by all your coworkers, not just a few. 

3. Communicate 

It's okay to ask for help on your first day, or the first even month even. Show that you are an effective communicator by asking clarifying questions of the tasks required of you, as well as asking for help when you're confused. This shows you can communicate effectively with others and will make a good impression. 

4. Be Yourself 

The first days on the job can be rough or make you stressed and nervous. Do yourself a favor and remind yourself to be yourself. Don't put on an act or pretend to be someone you're not. You got this job with your qualities, so be yourself and show people how successful you are! 

I hope these tips help you to better transition into a new job, and to remember to stay positive and be calm. You're going to do great! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me over social media or my website. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Blog 33: Budgeting Tips that will Save you Stress

 Happy Monday Readers! 

Today I want to talk about budgeting, as it's a key component to financial planning, and a great way to help you achieve your financial goals. When people think of budgeting, they might think of balancing a budget or having a list of things bought, but it's a lot more than that. Budgeting is a process, similar to exercise, where you will always be working at it to improve. It's not a one-and-done deal. Budgeting doesn't have to be scary or stressful, especially if you approach it with the tips I have below. Feel free to reach out to me on social media or my website for more information or any questions you may have. 

1. Try using a Financial Advisor 

Not many people think about getting a financial advisor, either because they seem too expensive or because it's too much work. Financial advisors may not be as expensive as you think, and can easily help you to see places where you can increase your savings, as well as places for investment opportunities, budgeting strategies, and new goals. Financial advisors are great to have and are worth it in the long run. They help you get a new perspective on your finances and allow you to move toward your goals. 

2. Prioritize Your Needs over Your Wants 

This can be difficult, especially if you're an emotional spender. But making your needs, such as food, gas, or rent a priority over your wants, will help you to better budget your income. It can be easy to spend on your wants, but spending on your needs allows you to save for the future, and take care of yourself financially. 

3. Budget for "extra" charges 

There may be charges that pop up unexpectedly, such as car maintenance, or an emergency. Make sure you give yourself a financial cushion and allow part of your budget to be allocated for extra expenses. These can even be things like Christmas shopping, extra charges during the holiday season. 

There are many more tips out there to help with budgeting, and feel free to contact me with any questions you have. I hope these budgeting tips save you stress in the long run, and remind you that your financial goals are possible! 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Blog 32: Financial Planning Tips You May Be Missing Out On

 Hello, My amazing Readers, and Happy Friday! 

Today I want to talk about financial planning, and some tips for financial planning that you may not have thought about. I have a few other blogs here that talk about financial planning, so if you're curious to know more about financial planning, check out my other blogs on the topic. In this blog, I want to talk about ways to help with financial planning that you may not have looked into. Not necessarily "miracle cures" for saving money, but more of things you didn't realize. Financial planning is not a one-and-done process, but rather is always changing and improving. My suggestions below on financial planning tips you may be missing out on are just other improvements you can try to make your financial planning even more focused and optimized. 

1. The 30/50/20 Budget Rule 

Budgeting is a foundation for good financial planning, but budgeting can be difficult without a guide. Use the 30/50/20 rule to outline your budget. The rule goes as follows: 30% of your income goes to wants, such as entertainment, shopping, or hobbies. 50% of your income goes to things you need, like groceries, rent/mortgage, or health care. The last 20% goes towards paying off loans or putting in savings or investments. This way you can easily parcel out your income and may sure you're not going over your budget. 

2. Know your financial enemies 

By this I mean psychological things that you can do to yourself to go over budget or ruin your financial planning. These things can be greed, impatience, fear, wanting to look cool, impressing someone, etc. Make sure you understand your psychology with your money, and how your feelings act on your spending. Knowing where your psychological triggers are on how you spend money is essential in making sure your financial plan works around these things. 

3. Taxes 

Not everyone puts taxes on their financial plan, but it is important to calculate for. Depending on the year, your taxes may vary, but keeping that in mind will help you direct your thinking to achieve your financial goals. 

There are many other financial tips I can recommend, and be sure to look at my other blogs if you're interested. Reach out via social media with any questions you may have. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Blog 31: How to be a Better Communicator

 Happy Monday everyone! 

Today I want to give a practical guide about how to be a better communicator. Communication is essential for every job, no matter what field. Being an effective communicator can give success and open up opportunities for job and life advancement. What exactly do I mean by "effective communicator?" I mean someone who can clearly and concisely speak on a subject, and adapt their message to their specific target audience. For example, an effective communicator will adapt their message of being a successful delegator from a job interview to a board meeting, because their audience changes. Being an effective communicator isn't as hard as it looks, and with the tips I give below, it'll become easier as you use these tips over time. 

1. Good Communicators know how to "read" their audience 

By "reading" an audience, I mean knowing what their audience is looking for. If you're in a board meeting, you can read your audience and know that they're looking to see your progress, the results, and the outcomes of your tasks. If you're in a job interview, you can read your audience and know they're looking for examples of previous experiences, as well as how you are as a candidate. Good communicators can read their audience and craft their messages to fit the wants and needs of their audience, allowing their message to come across clearly. 

2. Good Communicators know to put their phones down 

This should be a no-brainer, but due to our dependence on technology, particularly our phones, I have to talk about this one. Our phones have become a symbol to others that you're too busy to talk to them, or you're not listening. Either way shows disrespect towards your colleagues. Make sure to maintain eye contact and give your coworkers the respect they deserve. Putting down your phone will also minimize distractions and allow you to focus on the tasks at hand, coming away with a better idea of what your tasks are. 

3. Good Communicators avoid assumptions 

Assumptions can be beneficial, but not all the time. Don't just assume something about your coworkers because they act or say something particular. It's better to leave the assumptions be, and through effective communication, work to a result. The best way to get rid of assumptions is to ask questions. Asking lots of questions shows you're interested and that you're listening, which in turn makes your coworkers feel respected and heard. 

4. Good Communicators use body language to their advantage 

Body language is important, as it shows how something is being said. Make sure to pay attention to how your body appears to others. If you have your arms crossed, you tend to look more aggressive, and your body language negative. This can dissuade good communication, even without you realizing it. Make sure you're body language is more positive and open, with your arms open, and good eye contact. This will help you appear more positive and open to talking. 

5. Good Communications express gratitude 

Gratitude can often get overlooked in a busy work environment but is important in keeping up morale and motivation. Being an effective communicator means giving credit where it's due, and showing your appreciation to your coworkers and team members. This will help them to respect you more, and show you appreciation in return. 

6. Good Communicators are empathetic 

Empathy is a skill that is often overlooked in leadership and communication. Being able to relate to others and their problems allow you to be more considerate and helpful in working with your coworkers. It also helps you to know what is the best thing to say in a hard situation, as well as the best course of action. 

7. Good Communicators are sincere: 

The most effective communicators are sincere in their feelings. No one enjoys talking to someone pretending to be in a mood that they aren't. Be sincere with your feelings, and don't be afraid to tell someone you don't like something. It's better than wasting time and energy pretending. 

There are many more ways to be an effective communicator, but these tips will help you to increase your communication skills, and become a better leader and speaker. Reach out to me on social media or through my website with any questions or concerns. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Lifestyle Blog 11: How to be a better Writer

 Hello Readers! 

Today I want to talk about writing, as it is such an important skill to have, no matter what job you're in. Being a good writer shows you are also a good communicator, and can easily process and explain information in a new way for a different audience. Some people view writing as a scary process, especially when editing their own writing, but writing isn't actually that scary. Writing is merely a way to process and communicate information, and the better you are at it, the more successful you'll be in your job, whether you're writing a cover letter, resume, proposal, client pitch, or anything else. 

I can't proclaim to be a writing expert, but I do have a degree in English and have worked on my writing since I was younger. I want to give you some tips that I've learned over the years about how to become a better writer. If you use these tips over time and add them to your daily practice, you'll be able to see differences in your writing and communication. 

1. Read Read Read 

The best writers are often the best readers. Stephen King, in his book On Writing, illustrates this by explaining that we will often write in a similar style to the authors we read. This isn't a bad thing at all, but in fact, helps us to ease ourselves into an easier way of writing. Being an avid reader will help expand your vocabulary, and give you examples of writers to mimic in your own writing style. You'll find examples of good writing, and start to notice your own writing change the more you read. 

2. Practice your writing through exercises 

Writing is like exercising, you have to continue to work at it to keep in shape. And like exercising, writing takes work. Becoming a better writer is not easy to do, but with practice, you start to perfect your craft. Make sure to practice your writing through exercises, like creative writing prompts or journaling. The most important thing is to keep up with it, scheduling writing time every day to hone your skills. 

3. Editing is your friend 

Editing is something that many people hate to do, as it can be a difficult process. Editing is something that takes work and balance to be successful at, as it's almost too easy to let your inner critic rule your writing process. Inner critics are the best for editing, so take the self-doubt and nervousness you have about writing and channel it into your editing. This will help make your editing more productive, and your editing process not as scary as you thought. 

There are many other tips about how to become a better writer, but using these every day will help you to polish your writing skills over time. I'd also recommend reading books on writing such as Stephen King's On Writing, or Painless Writing by Jeffrey Strausser. Both of these can give you more tools for becoming a better writer. 

Reach out on social media with any questions or comments you may have about this blog! 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Blog 30: Warning signs that you might be let go

 Happy Monday Readers! 

Today I want to talk about the process of being let go, as it's something not all of us go through, but for those who have, it's hard to forget. Being let go can happen due to many reasons, a miscommunication in expectations about job responsibilities, economic downturn, downsizing, and redundancy. It's hard for anyone being let go, but sometimes the process of being let go can actually be beneficial for those looking for new opportunities or career changes. 

Sometimes you can sense when a company's culture is changing, and whether or not you will be kept on. In contrast, however, you might never see any warning signs at all. I want to give you some clear warning signs that you might be let go, specifically with the economy changing due to COVID-19. Note that these warning signs do not mean you are guaranteed to be let go, but they are important things to think about if you're worried about being let go. 

1. Specific Feedback 

Sometimes the clearest warning signs are the most correct. If you've gotten recent feedback that your job performance wasn't as good as it could have been, this can indicate that you may be let go. The best way to deal with this warning sign is to show improvement in your work ethic and be proactive in your choices, showing you can go above and beyond for the company. 

2. Behavior change

A behavior change by your boss or your coworkers can be a definite warning sign that the company is changing, and you may be let go. Pay attention to the behavior changes in coworkers and your boss, and keep in mind that it may not lead to a bad result but a good one. 

3. Economic factors 

Unfortunately, sometimes things like economic downturn or recessions can cause a lot of layoffs for jobs. It may have nothing to do with your work ethic or your qualifications, but the company may have to let you go. Pay attention to the current economic status so you can be prepared for the worst. 

Know that worrying about being let go isn't going to help you with if/when it comes. Instead focus on the things that you can control: your stress levels, energy levels, and attitude. Remember to stay positive and know if even if you are let go, you'll find somewhere else to land. 

Feel free to contact me via social media with any questions or comments you may have about this blog. Know that you're amazing no matter what happens! 

Until next time! 

Katie 

Blog 29: How to style yourself as a successful businesswoman

 Hello Readers! 

Historically, women in the business world tend to have a pretty tough time getting the same opportunities for successful results as men do. Historically women have been lagging in both salary and opportunities in the workforce. Thankfully, there are more efforts for inclusivity and equality in many places of work, which can make women feel heard, respected, and appreciated. As a woman in a leadership position, I want to talk today about how we can style ourselves as successful businesswomen. Whether that is attire, direction, or motivations, successful businesswomen get to the places they want to be. Granted, being successful doesn't come without hard work, but hopefully, my tips below will help you, ladies, out there to style yourself as a successful businesswoman, and own your successes. 

1. Own your power as a woman 

What do I mean by this? Simply, own your ability to be a woman. Women can do many things that men can't (not that either is better than the other), and using the things that make you a woman to your advantage can help you succeed in being successful. For example, women tend to be more empathetic than men and have greater emotional intelligence. You, as a woman, can use this to your advantage to relate better to clients, customers, and coworkers to become more successful and make fulfilling connections. Owning the power you have as a woman can increase your self-confidence, personal happiness, and your overall enjoyment of your work. Try it and see what you think! 

2. Know that the stakes are set against you 

Any job you're working in unless it's specifically run by women or a company for women, it's best to assume that the stakes of your success are set against you. By that, I don't mean that people will purposefully tear you down, or you'll be passed over by a man, but realize that you may have to work harder to get the success you want. Whether this is being more proactive or showing you can go above and beyond more than your coworkers, being successful in your job may require more work for you as opposed to someone else. Keep that in mind and don't let it deter you from being the amazing badass woman you are. Use it as a motivator, buckle down, and get the work done you need to be successful. 

3. Show your personality and own it! 

This is similar to point 1, but this just means to embrace who you are as a person, and not just a woman. If you're a proud night-owl, embrace it and use it to your advantage at work. If you're into fashion, show how you can use that to your success at your job. Own your personality and show your confidence in yourself. Believe me, it will turn heads and give you the reputation of success. 

Being a woman in the business world is tough, but know there are plenty of other women out there who can support you and help you in your job. Use your coworkers, friends, and family to help remind you to continue to be a successful businesswoman. Remember that you've made it this far for a reason, and if anyone is capable of succeeding, it's you! 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Blog 28: How to Gain Work Experience when You have No Work Experience

 Hello Readers! 

There are currently a lot of people looking for jobs, and if you're one of those people, I want to give you some hands-on tips for making yourself stand out and get hired. Getting a job can be difficult because you need work experience, and you don't get work experience (usually) without getting a job. It's a total catch-22. The hardest hit by this catch-22 are young people, specifically college graduates. You've learned everything, but now what? The other group of people hardest hit are those making a career change. You want to work in a different field, but have no experience in that field. Now what? 

I want to give you some pointers to help make you stand out better to a hiring manager, whether you're a young person or a career change person, or just someone looking for work. People often get overwhelmed that they don't have enough experience for a job that they don't apply in the first place. I don't think the lack of experience should stop you from trying to find your dream job, and I hope this blog encourages you to keep moving forward. I hope you find help in my pointers below on how to gain work experience when you have no work experience. 

1. Show that you're motivated and willing to gain any experience 

Many hiring managers assume that you have no work experience because you didn't chase after any. Prove them wrong by showing that you are capable of working in any situation and are motivated to chase after any opportunity to show you're worth hiring. 

2. Volunteering is work experience 

Many people write off volunteering as work experience because you don't get paid. Volunteering can still give you a lot of experience and translate the skills you learned into a job. Did you volunteer at a homeless shelter serving food? You probably gained people skills/customer service skills from doing that, even though you weren't paid and didn't sell anything. Use your previous volunteer history to your advantage. If you haven't volunteered before, I recommend starting now to gain some experience, that you can show to a hiring manager. 

Volunteering isn't the most glamorous thing to do, and it works against people who desperately need an income. Note that there are great paid volunteering positions out there as well, you just have to look carefully for them. 

3. If you went to school, use your classes as experience 

I've seen a lot of successful resumes from young people where their main source of work experience comes from their classes. Whether they're a biology major who uses their laboratory classes gave them measurement, communication, and written skills; or an English major who uses their poetry writing class to show that they've gained written and oral communication skills. All classes will give you an experience of some sort, and writing that experience in your resume will make you look like a better candidate with more work experience. 

4. You can use relevant hobbies as work experience 

I saw this with one of my employees, Kenna, who had no background in life coaching or insurance selling. In my interview process with her, she talked about how she loved marketing and podcasting. As I wanted to do a podcast for Katie Anderson Coaching, I was curious to learn more about her hobby of podcasting, and in the end, actually hired her. If your hobbies are relevant to the job you want to get, don't be shy about showcasing them. If you love drawing in your free time and are interviewing for a job that requires content creation or graphic design, bring it up! It'll make you look more well-rounded, and show your hiring manager you have a healthy work-life balance. 

There are many other ways to show experience on your resumes and cover letters, even if you have no work experience. Remember that your experience shouldn't hold you back from applying to your dream job. Shoot high and you just might make it! Feel free to reach out on my social media and website for any questions you might have. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Blog 27: 3 Tips You need for a Successful Virtual Presentation

 Hello Readers! 

Giving a presentation can be difficult, but it doesn't necessarily have to be. With virtual meetings and presentations today, things are a bit different, but it can still be intimidating to talk in front of coworkers and clients. I want to give a few tips below that might help you to feel less stressed about virtual presentations. Even though you're not in the same room as your audience, virtual presentations can be tricky and terrifying. I know I've had nightmares about my wifi going out, or leaving something weird up for people to see while I share my screen. In time I've learned a bit about how to best do a virtual presentation, and I want to share my 3 tips you need for a successful virtual presentation, so hopefully, you can not stress about your next one. 

1. Make sure to test your speakers and microphone first 

Not having a working microphone or speakers can be really frustrating during a meeting. Be sure to help yourself out and test your mic and speakers before the meeting begins. That way you know any sound problems aren't from your computer. 

2. Always ask clarifying questions 

Check-in with your audience by asking clarifying questions. Start by asking: "can everyone hear me?" which will help you to look more professional and take your audience into consideration. At the end of the presentation, make sure to ask if there is anything you need to re-explain, in case someone's wifi went out. 

3. Make sure to stop sharing your screen at the end of the presentation. 

Some people forget to stop screen-share, and it can be really annoying, as you can't see who you're talking to very easily. Make sure to stop sharing your screen at the end of your presentation, and only share again if you need to refer back to a slide or a figure. This way you can easily your audience more easily and see who is asking the question. 

Virtual presentations and meetings can be difficult at times, but hopefully, with these tips, it won't be. Reach out to me on social media and let me know what you think about my tips or if you have any questions. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Blog 26: How to easily research a subject to sound smarter

 Hello, my Amazing Readers! 

 

Sounding smart is something all of us try to do at least once in our lives. Whether it's in a virtual zoom meeting, or on a first date, or in a job interview, society has convinced us that sounding smarter will be more impressive and give positive feedback for us. Sounding smarter isn't that tricky, as most people try to sound smarter by using larger words in their vocabulary. But another way to sound smarter, which I believe is more beneficial, is to do to research on whatever subject it is you're trying to sound smart in. Whether it's an upcoming pitch with a client or a job interview, doing research beforehand can pay off in making you sound smarter, as well as give the answers to questions you might be asked. 

But what is the best way to go about doing research? You definitely don't want to go overboard and dig into stuff more than you have time for. In this blog, I want to lay out some tips for looking through information in a quick and effective way that won't waste your time, and help to make you sound smarter overall. 

1. Use "gutting" to help summarize information

This was a trick I learned back in high school. "Gutting" as I call it, is just taking the bare minimum of information you need from something. This means fully reading the introduction and the conclusion of something, whether it's an article or a blog post, and then reading the first sentence of every paragraph to get the highlights. This can help you understand the changes in your subject. 

2. Always look at the "about" section for a website 

Whether this is a company you may work with after a job interview or a potential client, the "about" page tells you a brief history of the company, as well as hopefully their styles and goals. This is essential in trying to peg down where you may fit with this company, as well as their goals and what they're style is. This way you can better understand how you might change your pitch to better fit their needs. 

3. Bullet points are your best friend 

This is helpful for especially blogs, but reading the bullet points of any article gives you an easy and quick summary of the research. If an article doesn't have bullet points, try reading the first sentence of each paragraph, and if you have time, the few sentences after that one. 

Researching information can be a time-consuming process, but hopefully, these tips help you to better condense information and allow you to use your time more effectively. If you have any questions about these tips or comments, reach out to me on social media. 

Until next time, 

Katie  

Lifestyle Blog 10-Let's define business casual for once

Hello Readers! 

In this blog, I want to fully define business casual, because it's something everyone seems to interpret differently. Let me clarify though and say that business casual is going to be different in every place you work, and it's important to have your employer define it for you. Some places will emphasize the casual over the business and vice versa. Just be aware of this wherever you're working. 

But if you need a quick business casual guide, look no further than the tips I provide below for what business casual is and isn't. 

1. Business Casual is NOT t-shirt material 

This may seem a bit self-explanatory, but business casual, no matter what setting, is not going to be where you wear a t-shirt. If the t-shirt has graphic designs on it, or lettering, it's a no go. T-shirts are casual only. Long-sleeve t-shirts should also be a no-go, as again they're more casual. Blouses, whether short sleeve or long sleeve, are fine for business casual. By blouses, I mean fancy t-shirts or long sleeves, like something with frills on it or buttons or is made of a different material than t-shirt fabric. 

2. Business casual is something you might wear to church or a job interview 

This is also pretty self-explanatory, and even if you don't go to church, imagine the outfit you would wear if you were going. Most churches are more on the casual side, but if you decide to dress up for church, this is most likely a business casual outfit. Job interviews are the same way, where you dress up to impress your interviewers. Wearing something nicer like a blazer, sweater, skirt, slacks, blouse, button-down shirt, tie, things like that all count as business casual. 

3. Business casual allows for more patterns and colors 

Business formal usually only allows for the following colors: gray, black, brown, blue, and white. Business casual, on the other hand, allows for a wider range of colors and patterns. It also allows for more casual clothes to be worn, such as flats as opposed to heels. 

4. Business casual will definitely be more comfortable

Wearing something business casual is going to be more comfortable than wearing something business formal. Whether it's a sweater, or not wearing heels, business casual allows for more freedom in your choices to dress up, and therefore allows you to express your fashion sense more. 

When in doubt when it comes to business casual, use the following general rules to help you out: 

1. Always dress more conservatively if you're unsure 

Don't show more skin, play it safe by wearing something more conservative 

2. Make sure your outfit is free of wrinkles 

This goes for all outfits, but wrinkles just spell sloppy 

3. Keep your accessories simple 

Use just a bag to hold everything or just a watch. Don't overdo it on the makeup or jewelry. 

4. Stick with solid colors or simple patterns 

Don't go overboard with colors or patterns 

5. Make sure your hair is groomed 

Messy hair looks really unprofessional 

6. Make sure there aren't any stains on your clothes 

Again, this makes you seem more unprofessional 

While business casual will always be something that is fluid in the workplace, it's good to have some general outlines of what to do and not to do in dressing to impress. If you have questions or comments, reach out on my social media channels. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Blog 25: 3 Book suggestions for personal finance

 Hello, my wonderful readers! 

In this blog, I want to give a bit more hands-on advice about personal finance, in the form of book recommendations. Personal finance, like exercising, is something you have to continually work on. It's not a one-and-done thing. I'm always looking for new and unique ways to improve my own personal finance strategies, and over the years, many friends have given me book recommendations to read to help me better educate myself on personal finance. I want to share my 3 book suggestions for personal finance below with you and hope that you can use these books to help your personal finance strategies. 

1. Why Smart People Do Stupid Things With Money: Overcoming Financial Dysfunction by Ben Whitehead 

This book is a great read as it doesn't just cover the numbers side of personal finance but also goes over the motives and decisions made in personal finance strategies. Whitehead focuses a lot of the book on psychology and helps you to better analyze your thoughts that are driving your monetary decisions. I'd highly recommend for anyone interested in the influences of psychology on finance 

2. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

While written a while ago, this book is still relevant today, as it focuses on the difference in thinking between rich people and poor people. Kiyosaki also gives his own life story, and the lessons he shares are valuable for anyone interested in personal finance. 

3. You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero 

This author might sound familiar, and she is. Jen Sincero also wrote You Are a Badass, which I recommended in another blog. This book, however, is quite humorous and gives tips on how to make money, as well as Sincero's own stories. This book focuses on self-imposed obstacles we may have that hinder us from being financially successful. 

There are many other books I could recommend for personal finance, as there are so many tips and lessons out there to be learned. However, I hope that these books help you to better analyze your own personal finance strategies, as well as work on habits and thought processes that may help you to be more financially successful in the future. 

If you have any other book recommendations or questions for me, reach out on my social media channels or website. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Lifestyle blog 9: 5 Book Recommendations for Female Empowerment

 Hello, my Amazing Readers! 

Female Empowerment is something that I personally believe in. What do I mean by female empowerment? I mean that women, and men, are encouraging other women to feel empowered and capable of succeeding in their lives. I know for me personally, I am grateful for the mentors I have had in the past that have encouraged me to continue moving forward and striving to succeed. I wouldn't be a managing partner at my company if it wasn't for them. 

I've personally felt the pressures a woman faces in this society, specifically in the job market. Being a woman in sales, especially within a corporate world, can be intimidating. I've learned through various experiences to keep moving forward and encouraging my fellow women to do the same. This blog I hope gives encouragement and empowerment to you women who need it. Whether you're selling a product or looking in the job market, being a woman is tough. One study showed that women have a "Motherhood penalty," where every child a woman has decreases her annual salary by an average of 4%. That's crazy! And clearly shows the flaws in the job market against women. 

However, women can easily fight against this flawed society by continuing to succeed and move forward. We do this by feeling strong and empowered, and knowing that we can beat the odds stacked against us. It can be hard to be encouraged to continue trying, especially as a woman in the stiff job market today, so I want to give some book recommendations below of books that I believe can help empower and encourage women. 

1. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown 

What a great read! Brene Brown is a favorite of mine anyway, but this book is amazing. She discusses how we look at our imperfections and how we can change our views. Highly recommend! 

2. We should all be Feminists by  Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

I love this author already, but this book is both inspiring and well-written. Adichie talks about what feminism means today, and what we can do to empower ourselves as women. 

3. Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit 

This book is a long, comical but bitter essay, where Solnit talks about "mansplaining" and the assumptions both men and women have about each other. It's eye-opening and slightly terrifying. 

4. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life:

by Jen Sincero 

This book is excellent not just for women, but for anyone. Written by a success coach, each chapter gives life lessons, inspiring stories, and tips you may not have thought of. 

5. The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan

This is a classic 1960s female empowerment read, and probably the first of its kind. Friedan describes the feelings of women in the 1960s, and this book is quite relevant today. 

There are obviously a great many other books I could recommend for female empowerment, but I believe that these are all different and inspiring enough to be recommended to my female readers. Reach out on my social media with your own favorite books, as well as questions you may have. 

Until next time, 

Katie 

Lifestyle Blog 8: My Tips for Self-Growth

 Hello, my Amazing Readers! 

This year feels like it's been one of self-growth for all of us, with things such as social distancing. Many of us have struggled with transitioning to our homes for work, dealing with new challenges such as our kids' schedules, our pets, and possible slow internet connections. I want to share some of the self-growth tips that I've learned in this past year, hoping that they may inspire you. When we think of self-growth, there may be this idea of enlightenment, which isn't always accurate. Self-growth comes in many forms and is always different for everyone. The tips I give below I use to help listen and judge myself and make sure I'm learning or more aware of my actions. I hope these tips benefit you as much as they do me. 

1. Take the time to journal: 

Journaling is something I enjoy, even though sometimes I'm tired and don't want to do it. Journaling allows me to listen to my thoughts and recount my actions from the day, making me more self-aware about the impacts of my actions. Journaling can help you to destress and gives you a safe place to vent and share your ideas and emotions. I'd highly recommend journaling as a way to get to know yourself better. It allows you to see how you think and what you may be thinking about certain stressful situations. 

2. Forgive yourself for your mistakes and use them as lessons: 

This tip isn't as easy as it sounds. All of us, myself included, can get caught up in the mistakes we've made in the past, from little things to big things. It's important to forgive yourself and give yourself grace for previous mistakes because you clearly can't go back and change them. Instead, use your mistakes as lessons to move forward. The cliche is true: the road to success is paved with failure. Failing forward is sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself, but in order to do that, you have to forgive yourself first and then see your failure as a lesson. 

3. Be positive about your future 

By this I mean, you shouldn't stop yourself from doing something great by worrying about your future. Your worry could be holding you back from doing some incredible things. Focusing on the positives of your future, such as finding a better job, or finding an amazing new friend, can help motivate you to keep going and to stop worrying. Believe me, being positive can be difficult to do, but know that you're the only one holding yourself back from doing great things. 

4. Take time for self-care: 

I cannot stress self-care enough, especially in our crazy COVID world. Self-care isn't just pampering yourself occasionally, it's also complimenting yourself and appreciating yourself. You work hard to be who you are, make sure to give yourself credit! You've gotten this far for a reason, make sure to acknowledge your efforts. 

There's obviously a lot more I can say about self-growth, and it's always going to be a work in progress, but I do hope these tips help you to focus more on ways to see self-growth in your own life. Feel free to reach out on social let me know what you enjoy about self-growth. 

Until next time, 

Katie