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Make It Happen Tipsheet

  • The Case for Certifications

    The Case for Certifications

    There is no question that professional certification in your area of specialization provides enduring value. (In fact, there are a number of professions where you cannot practice without it.) Becoming certified differentiates you from your competition, and signals to others that you uphold certain standards and practices. These may include [More]

  • Unqualified!

    Unqualified!

    Nobody likes the odds in a lottery, but when you apply for a new role or pitch a new opportunity, sometimes it feels like you're buying a ticket for one. When you put your name in the hat, you do so with 1000 others. Get through the screener and your [More]

  • Quantify your Impact

    Quantify your Impact

    For the best investors, each potential investment requires a prospectus or annual report. For the best business managers, each new initiative requires a business case. For the best project managers, each project requires a project charter. The purpose of these documents is to list the benefits, identify the costs, define [More]

  • Active Listening

    Active Listening

    If you are in a meeting, and the speaker seems to be repeating themselves, is it their fault... or yours? While it is true that communication is tough, could it be that they are repeating themselves because they "see" that you aren't listening? They reason - sometimes subconsciously - that [More]

  • Weasel words have no weight

    Weasel words have no weight

    Have you ever met someone who doesn't give you a straight answer? Do they have a way of saying things that leave doubt in your mind about whether they will deliver on their promises? When this happens, listen to their words carefully: they often will use conditional words to express [More]

  • One Step

    One Step

    Ask any mountain climber - the surest way to the top of the peak is a very simple recipe: put one foot in front of the other. And then do it again. This very simple formula is no different for those looking in advancing their professional success. Education: Most of [More]

  • What do I want to be known for?

    What do I want to be known for?

    If you're like most people, you'd much prefer to write your resume than your obituary. Resumes help you get that new role, while obituaries are relatively... final. Nevertheless, writing your own obituary is a great exercise: it helps you define how you will be remembered by your colleagues, friends, and [More]

  • Urgent vs. Important

    Urgent vs. Important

    When a customer calls, do you rush to meet their needs? When you check into a hotel, do you expect prompt, courteous service? When you drive your car, do you always take the shortest routes - at the fastest speeds? And when you do a great job, do you want [More]

  • Your Boss Doesn’t Care About You

    Your Boss Doesn’t Care About You

    While some might disagree, the truth is - especially when you are pitching for a role - that your boss (or the prospective client) doesn't care about you. They only care about how you can solve their problems.  In fact, the only way that you will get chosen for the [More]

  • The First Day of School

    The First Day of School

    Remember your first day at school, after a long summer holiday? You looked forward to seeing friends again, while at the same time felt sad about leaving the summer behind. However you felt back then, today many people use the summer more actively, and also to explore professional and personal [More]

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