Interview with Tory Johnson of Good Morning America

I had an exciting week interviewing with Tory Johnson of GMA Job Club with Tory Johnson. The link can be found at http://abcnews.go.com/search?searchtext=100%25%20Externship%20Success%20Carol%20Silvis

I also received an author's copy of my new business trade paperback 101 Ways to Make Yourself Indispensable at Work. It will be available July 3 in bookstores.

Hope you all have a wonderful, productive week.

Summer Moods

Summer is a great time to evaluate your mood and do a little upgrading if necessary. The sunny weather makes us feel good, which in turn gives us lots of reasons to be positive. A positive outlook can improve your relationships, your work, your health, and on and on. It is far better to be positive than negative, although it might take some extra work on your part.

Collect positive sayings in a notebook or post them somewhere you can see them on a daily basis. Read uplifting, positive books that make you feel good about yourself and others. Step outside on a sunny day and drink in the sun and beauty of nature.

When you have upgraded your mood to a positive high point, spread it around!

Pennwriters Conference

I'll be heading to the annual Pennwriters Conference tomorrow. This yearly event always recharges my writing batteries and inspires me to create. Find a way to recharge your batteries that will open up your creativity and zest for life. It's a great way to "spring" into summer.

It's Spring!

Spring is in full swing. This is a great time to do some spring cleaning, not just at home, but at the office.

• Purge old files
• Toss out all those old, unread journals
• De-junk your email
• Tidy up your office.

It’s also a good time to spring clean those relationships. Make peace with coworkers, family, and old friends. And, finally, get out and enjoy the beauty spring has to offer. It's a great way to renew your spirit.

By the way, I just finished a hectic three months of writing to finish 101 Ways to Get Ahead on the Job to be published by Cengage next month. Cengage rushed this project, because people need help with jobs in this economy. Look for more information next month.

Keep Learning

In this time of economic downturn, consider going back to school if you lose your job. A layoff could be the perfect opportunity to pursue your dream career. There are many scholarships, grants, and loans available to full-time students.

If you are still working full time, you might still consider taking a refresher course, learning a new skill, or pursuing a degree. Many companies pay for job-related seminars and workshops and also have tuition reimbursement plans for employees who take college courses.

This may be the best time yet to increase your skills and knowledge in the area of your expertise.

Let's Get Along at Work

One of the biggest reasons people get fired is because they do not get along with others at work. You must get along with everyone, even if you do not like him or her. Follow these tips:

• Be easy to get along with
• Support your supervisor and coworkers
• Value customers
• Respect everyone
• Treat everyone as equals
• Be patient and kind
• Respect the fact that people are different
  

Keep That Job During the Recession

Today I am giving more job retention hints as the economy continues to lose jobs at an alarming rate.

• Take personal responsibility for all you do at work (and elsewhere).
• Be extra customer-friendly.
• Follow directions carefully and produce error-free work.
• Maintain a sense of humor.
• Be extra kind to everyone--we all need it these days.
• Pull your own weight.
• Manage stress.
• Learn something new each week.
• Be a good listener.
• Be a good communicator.
• Take on extra responsibilities cheerfully.
• Remain in control of your emotions.