“We are where we should be, doing what we should be doing. Otherwise we would be somewhere else, doing something else.” - Richard StineHow we get from Point A to Point B is directly related to what actions we take to get there. If we are out of milk we need to find and purchase milk.Many variables can come into play which could slow our progress, distract us or seemingly prevent progress from Point A to Point B. However, ho...

“There is only one thing worse in life than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” (Oscar Wilde)When searching for employment everyone wants to create the “we can’t live without this candidate!” buzz. There is always the fear your resume will go unnoticed or deleted. It’s easy to feel as though you are the opposing player in a ruthless game after sending your resume or after that first round of interviews....

I’m quite lucky, I have the profound honor of having Roy Parfitt as my father. His career was steeped in the early days of Silicon Valley in the 70’s where his ideas on how to respectfully treat employees revolutionized Human Resources. He is now retired, or as he likes to say “keeping my options open” and nowadays you can find him enjoying a hearty round of golf in Gig Harbor, WA or Sun Lakes, AZ almost any day of the week...

Considering a career change? Thinking of going for that promotion? Looking for a job? Something is motivating you to consider your options, but have you asked yourself the one question which once answered really identifies what would happen if you didn’t pursue the change? That question is simple in content yet profound in context: What do you have at stake? In other words, what do you have to lose in your life if you do NO...

What’s the size of a baseball, the weight of a grapefruit and can knock you to the ground at 50 mph? My beau, Dan, was an all-star lacrosse player in high school and college and has been playing the game since he was a kid, he still plays. One of my favorite stories he tells is also one of the best analogies to how we deal with failure, rejection or when we are confronted by something that stops us in our tracks. When...

“My intention is to meet five people at this function who I really connect with and that two of them eventually become clients.” My friend was impressed while somewhat doubtful of my declaration. My actual success that night was that I met ten people with whom I connected, but I didn’t find the opening to give all of them my business card. It’s not that I’m shy – by nature I’m quite the extrovert. But I have a stigma about...

There are many questions being asked this time of year about what is expected and/or appropriate actions towards professional peers and colleagues during the holidays. Do you give your boss a gift? Is it OK to bring baked goods to the office? Can I bring a date to the office party? How professional should I dress for the company’s holiday party? All these and the many more questions of professional etiquette during the holi...

Personal and professional branding is not limited to how well you behave during an interaction with a peer, colleague or hiring manager. Presentation is a large part of your branding identity as is consistency in your character. I’ve talked with clients who understood professional brand as being on your best behavior during an interview and/or networking event. Being on your best behavior leans toward performance rather...

I love this question because the possibilities are endless. To me not having to be concerned about money leads my imagination everywhere! I’d be a philanthropist and travel to remote places to see what projects are best funded to better the world. I’d be a National Geographic photographer. I’d row across the Atlantic. I’d work for a season at the Palmer Station in Antarctica. I’d live in Peru and study the Inca architecture...

“My intention is to meet five people at this function who I really connect with and that two of them eventually become clients.” My friend was impressed while somewhat doubtful of my declaration. My actual success that night was that I met ten people with whom I connected, but I didn’t find the opening to give all of them my business card. It’s not that I’m shy - by nature I’m quite the extrovert. But I have a stigma about...