"To get to where you want to go in your chosen field, be prepared to use all the tricks in your bag: a willingness to work harder than anyone else in the room; an openness to chance and unexpected opportunity; the ability to seize that opportunity when it presents itself. Most of all, never forget the fundamental art of being friendly, because you never know when someone you've met in an elevator, reception room, or at a movie screening will give you an essential tip or key recommendation - or appear on the other side of the desk in a job interview."

Or is it Seconded? While waiting for classes and employment to start I have been catching up on some emails and reading. My current book of choice The Joys of Much too Much by Bonnie Fuller, editorial director of American Media.

The book so far is really telling about her Fashion Freeway and I am loving it, but what I love even more is when someone who has made it to the top of the fashion industry totally agrees with something I wrote in my blog.

In chapter 2 Embrace Your Inner Canadian, there is a section titled "Keep Your Options Open at All Times and Don't Give Up Forging Connections".

Bonnie talks about how she was ready for another challenge and began contacting other Editors-in-Chief like herself to see if they knew of available opportunities in the industry. She ends the section by saying:

"It was when I started connecting with some of my peers that things started to click for me. I was viewing them as future colleagues rather than as holders of the key to the magic kingdom. "

Other notable quotables that I love and have applied to my life:

"Under no circumstances, face the facts" - this is so true. Right now my facts say that I am in no way going to make it at FIDM with no job and little financial aid, but....if I faced the facts I would be a very real stereotype in Ohio right now.

"By now you've turned your inner fear into your most potent weapon. You're afraid not to succeed, so you keep trying until you do." - enough said.

So far this book is a great read and I will keep you updated on any other notable quotables. Also look out for posts on my job and school situation, as well as how broadening your horizons helps your Freeway. Happy Travels!

That's right thanks to Craigslist, StyleCareers, and soon the career fair at FIDM. I am getting offers and it's nice to have options, but what I would like to talk about is know what you are worth.

For anyone who has been long term unemployed any job offer is a Godsend and we end up taking the first one that comes and end up miserable. That has happened to me more times than I can count and left me in a worse position than when I was unemployed. So there are three points that I want to make so you don't end up like me:

1. Know Your Worth
2. The First Offer is not Always the Best Offer
3. It's Okay to Move On (or Keep Looking)
   

Know Your Worth - read your resume to yourself out loud. Do you know how good that sounds? You are great!! You have good stories to tell and even if your previous experience is not directly related to the job you are currently applying for but that is where TRANSFERABLE SKILLS come into play. Office skills, multi-line phones, delegating, budget planning, leading staff meetings, merchandising product, all those skills can transfer to almost any position.

The First Offer is not Always the Best Offer - If you know you applied to many different places and you still have not heard back from your number one choice it's okay to wait it out. But wait smart, don't let the other interviewers know that you are looking at other places, when you are offered the job ask them how soon do they need an answer, most places are lenient but if they pressure you for an answer right away ask for 48 hours and call your first choice for an update. Tell them that you are calling "Just to touch bases and answer any further questions they (name the person that interviewed you) may have" After 48 hours feel free to accept the other job offer if you still have not heard from your first choice.

It's Okay to Move On or Keep Looking - Now what happens when you receive that job offer from your first choice after you have accepted the offer from another company? Weigh your options and be honest with yourself. If you will be in a better position to move on do so. This also applies for if you are unhappy with your current position. There is no harm in looking while still employed or taking on an unpaid internship position that will help get you to your Point B while your current job pays the bills until you can move on.

Happy Travels and feel free to share your experiences I want your opinions.

Just recently I shared with you a Minute Motivation about changing directions but still getting to your Point B. Recently I bought a GPS system for my car so that when I get to LA I am not lost. Well I have found that I have special powers and can manage to get lost even with a GPS system. But it has this cool feature that when I am going in the wrong direction not following it's instructions it will redirect my route. The system uses the streets and the area around me to still get me to where I need to go. It may take a little longer but I still make it to where I need to be, and miraculously on time! 

I know post have been pretty scarce lately and that has everything to do with the fact that I am working on getting things together for school. I am less than 5 days away from moving across country to California in a situation that looks what most would call impossible.