Excerpts from my new book - Introduction by Sue Courtney

Introduction

There has probably never been a time in history when help and advice was needed more in order to successfully be promoted, get a first job or succeed in business. Life is moving ever faster and it is more vital than ever to have that little bit of extra information that will nudge you ahead of the competition and improve your chances of success.

Over the last 10 years or so there has been a proliferation of coaches, all niching in different areas and all promising they have the answer to your problem - they can stop your pain and make life perfect.

Equally, there are a growing number of stylists on the scene, all promising to make you look wonderful so your life will instantly be perfect too.

Rubbish!

In your dreams.

I spent years watching programmes like “Ten Years Younger”, “How to Look Good Naked” and the programme pioneers – Trinny & Susannah with their offerings. Even Joan Collins had a go! True, the people featured did look wonderful (mostly) by the end of the programme but the transformation rarely lasted more than a few weeks – or months at most. When the programme revisited them they had always regressed back to something of their former ‘style’.

It must have been so very frustrating for the programme makers, the stylists and the people being styled. It happened time and again and still the format didn’t change.

I grew increasingly frustrated and eventually stopped watching the programmes altogether. The solution was obvious to me and I emailed some of the shows to give them the benefit of my thoughts – which were ignored. My approach probably wouldn’t make for such exciting viewing – and it is viewing figures that count, after all.

People do need help to see through the hype and the trends to what is actually going to make them look good. It all depends on your body shape and colouring – and also on your lifestyle and job, career or business. It is absolutely no use following trends if you want to be successful or if you want to look your best at all times. I sometimes think (no I think this most of the time) that designers and manufacturers are having a laugh at our expense when I see some of the styles they ‘sell’ us as the latest ‘must-haves’ each season. And we are stupid enough to buy them! Yes – I include myself in this. I have bought clothes – and worn them – knowing that they didn’t suit me. Do you know, even though I know the rules, I sometimes still buy something I know won’t work, just because I like it – and I always regret it. I’m not immune to mistakes.

This results in people dressing inappropriately for work and so, very often, being less successful than their better dressed colleagues – even if they can do the job better. In the current economic climate this is madness –nothing short of career suicide, in my opinion.

At the other end of the scale – and no less catastrophic – people are being hired because they look the part and talk the part but actually have no understanding of the job and so fail. Their attitude is wrong and their approach misguided. There has to be a better, more authentic way to approach the topic of Personal Rebranding.

In these days of economic turmoil, when jobs are disappearing in every sector and there is more competition than ever for every job, it makes sense to have as many cards as possible stacked in your favour. To know that the job or promotion that you are applying for is right for you at this moment in time, that you believe, without any doubt, that you can do the job and that you are right for the job and also know how to go about ensuring you stand out from the competition for all the right reasons.

I know that most people HAVE to work to pay bills and provide a roof over their heads. Some are fortunate enough to be able to work to provide those lovely little extras and luxuries that make life so much more fun. But wouldn’t it be great if you were so sought after that you could do both in a job you love and know that you could go anywhere and be welcomed with open arms because you are so well thought of?

It can be like that – even in a downturn. But only if you subscribe to the belief that success can be achieved by doing what Dan Bradbury advises (I believe it is a quote from Walt Disney)

“Observe the masses – and do the opposite.”

It is a principle adopted by all the most successful people throughout history – imagine where Steve Jobs would have been if he had done the same as everyone else!

So – to be the success you can undoubtedly be – do just that. Work out what you and everyone else are doing that isn’t really working and then change – do what successful people are doing and turn your life around.

Copyright C - 2014, Sue Courtney - Success & Image Ltd. All rights reserved.

 

 

Redundancy or Release

Redundancy - or Release?

In these economically uncertain times there is increasing talk about ‘redundancy’. It is a word that sends shivers of fear down the spine of many people today, but what does it really mean?

According to the dictionary, ‘redundant ‘ means “superfluous, no longer needed”. In the thesaurus, similar words are “surplus, unnecessary, unwanted”. Who wants to feel they are any of these? The word ‘redundant’ does not have positive connotations. However, truth be told, it is not the person that is redundant, it is the job – you just happen to be filling it!

If viewed positively, it could be the best thing that ever happened to you, after all ”every cloud has a silver lining” or so they say.

I think the process should be called ‘release’. This may bring to mind being released from prison, but I am sure that many of us have, at some time, felt as if our jobs imprison us and stop us doing what we would truly love to do with our lives.

So redundancy can give life to dreams and ambitions that have been buried under layers of habit, fear and procrastination for years. Redundancy is one of the biggest fears as it takes away security, regular income, status and identity. But it gives a lot as well – the opportunity to take stock and redesign your life.

Have you ever asked yourself what success means to you?

Anthony Robbins defines success in the following terms:

“Success is doing what you want, when you want, where you want, with whom you want, as much as you want”

Your definition will be as individual as you are, but I suspect that as well as a certain amount of money and security there will be a thought as to the way the money and security is gained. Few people have the opportunity to achieve success in their chosen field of endeavour because obligations of family and home take priority over an authentic life. If you are facing the threat of redundancy, or have recently experienced it then you have the perfect opportunity to reconsider your whole future and change the outcome.

It is often the case that we won’t jump voluntarily but wait until pushed. As a child I was taught to dive. It terrified me, mostly, I think, because I have an irrational fear of being upside-down. So I would stand on the side of the pool, perfectly poised to dive but not actually taking the plunge. I knew what to do but didn’t dare do it. Instead I waited until someone came along and pushed me because they couldn’t stand it any longer. Think of redundancy as the Universe giving you that push to lead a more authentic life.

Many of us suffer a sense of disappointment our whole life, not because we don’t have love and fun in our lives but because we aren’t brave enough to make changes and admit what we would truly love to do, in case it upsets the status quo. Many who have faced redundancy have the feeling that they have somehow failed, even though it is not their fault and they have done nothing wrong. Indeed they may have been the model employee.

Many who do not experience redundancy would love the opportunity to make the change and move out of jobs they hate, but are terrified to risk change despite the damage it is doing to their self esteem and inner happiness. On the outside you may appear a success but only you will know how successful you really feel.

In many cases redundancy is firmly in our panic zone and is to be avoided at all costs, but when it happens, what can be done? Firstly know that you have not failed, the universe is forcing you to take hold of a new opportunity, giving you the chance to rethink and redesign your future. It has been said that the worst thing in life isn’t failing, it’s never having tried.

A coach can guide you to a place where you can access your own inner wisdom and take charge of your future. It may be an unfamiliar feeling to have choices as to the direction you might like to take and how you would like your future to be. How fortunate you are to have this ‘problem’. It usually comes with a cash cushion to enable you to take a little time to consider your options or to simplify your life by paying off mortgage or loan. Not many have this golden time for reflection – embrace it.

Many people say they feel they have let down their family – especially their children. I have news for you – staying in a job you hate just for them is letting them down far more. Children admire parents who have the courage to make the change – they are the inspiring ones who dare to go after their dreams. By doing so they give their children permission to do the same. I wonder how many parents have told their children to find a job that makes them happy, while staying in a job they clearly hate? Children know when you aren’t walking the talk – you owe it to them. My son often tells people that he finds me the most inspiring person he knows – because I had the courage to quit a well paid job and pursue my dreams. He is now doing the same!

Ask yourself what your ideal day would be – where would you live?

 Who would you spend time with?

 What would you do with your day?

What would you eat?

 What would you wear?

Write it out in minute detail – really feel it, get passionate about it. If there is no passion, think again. Keep playing with the idea until your true desires surface – maybe kicking and screaming at the unaccustomed daylight (they have been hiding in the darkest recesses for many years, possibly your whole life) and feel the passion they unleash.

Now take each aspect of the dream and find out exactly what it is that holds the appeal for you – what makes you want it? Then ask what you need to do, or know to make it happen. Do you need to learn new skills? Taking on the services of a coach can make the process a

lot quicker and less frightening. You will be guided at your pace and will work entirely to your agenda. The coach is non-judgemental and gives you space to explore who you really are and what you really want by asking incisive questions.

Once you have some ideas you then need to make a plan of the order in which actions need to be taken. Find out about courses, ask about financial support and advice, talk to family and friends openly and honestly about the situation. To be on your side they need to know the reality of the situation – it isn’t anything to be ashamed of. It is an opportunity to celebrate – you are very fortunate.

Once you have a plan then you must take action. This is another area where a coach can be an enormous benefit. A coach will help you explore the possible barriers to action so you can work to remove them and then a coach will hold you accountable for the actions you have decided to take. You will have to explore deeply the reasons for not taking action – this often spurs people on to do what they say – so much easier!

SO, redundancy is a good thing – if you decide it is. I think there should be a new definition of the word which should be “ a golden opportunity to redesign your life and achieve your authentic goals and ambitions”. It’s much easier to do this with the support that redundancy offers than it is without it. So smile, be grateful for the shove that the Universe has given you and go get your dream life – it’s got your name on and it’s waiting for you to claim it as your own. Have a great future!

For more information go to www.freepersonalrebrandingbook.co.uk
www.successandimagecoach.co.uk
www.suecourtney.com

Get That Job or Promotion

What do you need to do differrently to get that job or promotion?

OK, so you want a promotion or new job - but what are you doing to make that outcome more likely?

Current and potential bosses generally look for

• Commitment
• Punctuality
• Professional appearance
• Ability to focus on the task/job in hand.

How do you measure up to those requirements in your current job? Because you need to display exemplary practice in the job you currently have if you want to be considered a serious contender for promotion or hope to be given a glowing reference when applying for a job in a new company.

Remember the saying that if you currently do more than you are paid to do, you will eventually be paid to do more than you  currently do.

When working with clients I often ask for confidential 360 degree feedback from colleagues as a starting point for reflection on their current position.

When writing your CV there are certain essentials, such as

• Ensure your spelling is accurate - basic but often overlooked.
• Avoid using cliched language - be original and honest about your strengths without resorting to humour or cliches.
• Demonatrate that you are making the effort to constantly update your skills and knowledge - if you aren't at the moment then you should be - start right now!
• Keep the CV short and focused - about 2 pages. If it is too long it is likely to go straight in the bin without being looked at.
• Ensure the skills you highlight are a match for the job and the company. Each CV needs to be tailored to the job. Never send out two identical CVs.
• Make sure you tell the company exactly what they need to know about you to ensure they want to call you for interview - make it compelling.
• At the top of the CV, in your Personal Statement, include your three biggest selling points - the three things that make you the perfect candidate for the job. What is your USP that sets you above your competitors?

You need to demonstrate who you are and show your passion for the role. But if you have shown no passion for the job you currently have then a prospective employer will find it challenging to believe that you will suddenly change - so think about how you show up in your current job.

Finally, if yo are finding it all a bit of a challenge, try this exercise:

• Make a list of everything you want to do, be and have in your life.
• Imagine that five years have passed and you have achieved it all.
• What sort of person would you have become in order to have achieved it?
• Write your CV as that person - the confident, happy, enthusiastic version of you.

Recently I saw James Cann (Of Dragon's Den fame) take on the services of a Personal Brand Coach to help a graduate 'rebrand' to gain job success. If James Cann uses Rebranding Coaches it shows that they work - so isn't it time you invested in yourself by working with me - by registering for information about my Personal Rebranding for Female Professionals seminars - discover for yourself the effectiveness of investing in yourself and working with your own Personal Rebranding expert - Sue Courtney of Success & Image.

For more information go to
http://www.freepersonalrebrandingbook.co.uk/
or
http://www.successandimagecoach.co.uk/
or email me directly at
sue@successandimagecoach.co.uk

I look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve the career success you deserve.