Sunday, September 6, 2009

How to Get a YES!

Yes, I will hire you. Yes, I will call you back. Yes, we can have lunch. Yes, I will be your mentor. Yes, I'd be happy to give you advice. Yes, I believe in you. Yes, I will give you a chance.

Ever wonder how some people seemingly always get a YES from companies, professionals or anyone in their professional circle? If you think it's by chance, WRONG! Ok, maybe there is a slim chance that some people are just plain "lucky" but no one's entire career is built on luck. Trust me.

FAB is here to give you clues on how you can successfully get the YES you want . . . and more importantly need!

* Never say no! (If someone gives you an opportunity, don't think about it or hesitate. If it can help you, figure out the logistics later. Your only question should be, "when do you need me to be there?")

* Always be willing to help others (Obviously, the catch is, if this person deserves it. But it is always good to put good karma out in the universe. Be a tool to others, you'll also need help one day.)

* Never act "too good" (You are not too good to run an errand, grab coffee, answer the phone or complete any other menial task that is asked of you. Obviously there is a fine line between working hard and being taken advantage of, it's your job to know the difference. My point is that you have to smile at the small tasks and master those before people will trust you will larger duties.)

* Always be positive (People are drawn to others that make them feel better. So, make them feel better. Figure out how to be the light in a person's life. Trust me, they'll come back for more!)

* Be you (Let your true colors shine through. Whatever your personality strength is, share your greatness with others. Are you outgoing, funny, clever, sweet, nice, thoughtful??? Don't be shy when it's time to shine! Put on your game face and be yourself. That's what's going to make you stand out from the competition. After all, no one can be you!)

* Go above and beyond (Never turn in average work, never act average and never hang with average people. Any and everything that's in your circle should be above the Richter scale. If you're just like everyone else, why would someone want to give you a chance??)

* Be confident (Even if you are doubting yourself, have reservations that you can do the job, believe that you are not fully equipped, scared, nervous, intimidated, or whatever else emotion you are having - you MUST be an actor on the spot. You have to walk, talk and act with a sense of confidence that you can achieve any goal you put your mind to. You can always find comfort from friends and family, LATER. You can NOT show everyone your weak side. You have to be able to determine when it's okay to be scared and when it's time to put on your game face. If you don't believe in yourself, why would anyone else?!)

* Stop thinking so much (A lot of times we over analyze the details and talk ourselves out of our dreams. We think of every reason why we can't achieve a goal. I'm too young. I don't have enough experience. There are others better than me. I am not pretty. I am a bore. I don't have money. I am not confident. Blah Blah Blah. Suck it up and get over it. Whatever your weakness is, overpower it by the things you do well. Acknowledge your shortcomings and MOVE ON. As long as you believe you are capable and you have the work ethic and passion to back up your sense of confidence, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Believe it. I surely do!)

* Pray for answers (Never put your true faith in man, always find comfort in prayer. HE will send you the answers and in HIM, you will find your mission. Question is, are you willing to listen?!)

* Work hard (You can be confident, outgoing and funny but if you lack the hard-work and diligence behind the fluff, you're dead meat. You have to prove you're worthy by working hard and presenting excellence at all times!)

* Exude passion (One thing that you can not fake or replicate is a person's passion. Passion is not something you can teach, nor is it tangible but it's definitely memorable. People remember a person's passion. If you let passion be the driver of your thoughts and actions, you will achieve greatness!)

* Exploit your WOW Factor (Find your special quality and let the world see. There's a reason why your family and friends love you and it's NOT because they know you. There's something special about you. You MUST let your professional circle see that same sparkle. Don't be shy. Be you!)

FAB wants you to get the YES you need to get that job or internship or mentor or opportunity that has the potential to change your life. You may not get every YES you want, but if you follow these FAB clues, you'll get the YES you need. And that's all that matters!

Don't simply get a yes. Make sure you get a FABulous YES!!!