tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36160309367623337492024-03-13T02:19:31.376-07:00Reclaiming My Life in 8 Months-Barista to Boss StoryJessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-79272273875350428992015-05-10T11:05:00.000-07:002015-05-10T19:03:32.322-07:00How To Get The Job: 3 First Questions Probably on The Script<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqdlSoSvUFZ5OX0T_WP17kS8SSxtW6ApCpEFtRzoEw5mIFvbYYHZtBu8LpyV94ILEx6itdYH7mzBdQYXEWIN13BAWPE-TCVk_Wqj4Y7-3RVr3GfaAsKvArC7zSA8L2C4K0T54X6DjU1o/s1600/men+talking+smoking+fireplace.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqdlSoSvUFZ5OX0T_WP17kS8SSxtW6ApCpEFtRzoEw5mIFvbYYHZtBu8LpyV94ILEx6itdYH7mzBdQYXEWIN13BAWPE-TCVk_Wqj4Y7-3RVr3GfaAsKvArC7zSA8L2C4K0T54X6DjU1o/s320/men+talking+smoking+fireplace.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>This series was inspired from my
seven years experience listening to the good, the bad and the truly
hideous interview. About half the applicants I turn away could have
done the job and done it well. This guide will lead qualified
candidates to avoiding major pitfalls in how they are presenting
themselves during the interview process. </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Previously:</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-to-get-job-part-1-trying-get.html">Earning the Phone Interview</a></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-to-get-job-dreaded-phone-interview.html">Defeating the Dreaded Phone Interviewer</a></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-to-get-job-dress-to-impress.html">Dressing to Impress</a></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-to-get-job-few-questions-you-should.html">Questions That Shouldn't be Asked inAn Interview </a></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Be Prepared To Start from Scratch
Establishing Who You Are: </b></u> Your interviewer <i>does not
know you</i>. Most likely they have not seen or remember your
resume. <i><b>Until someone called them down to the office they
didn’t even know they were interviewing anyone.</b></i> There's a
50/50 flip the interviewer will take a minute to scan your
application, but odds are they won't know you're education, previous
experience, how many hours you want to work, or anything else
relevant.</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Your interviewer was pulled away
from a time sensitive task. Value the interviewer's time. <b>Be
direct and brief in your answers. </b>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Your interviewer is following a
script to create the most uniform experience. Whatever you said
before got you to this point, you have to say it again. It is all
new to this interviewer.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u> <b>Have NO more than three traits
about yourself that make you perfect for this job and always use one
of these traits in every answer you are asked.</b></u>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Be<b> truthful</b> regarding your
personality traits.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Make sure your positive traits
<b>align with the job & the company you're applying for.</b>
For example being friendly could be a great trait in a cashier if
the company prioritizes guest experience. If the company
prioritizes the bottom line, being efficient or being vigilant
against price inconsistencies may be more important traits
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
.</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Have tangible examples to back
up your traits</b>. For example if you're friendly have examples of
times you've welcomed new people to clubs/school/groups or show some
interactions where you commonly go the extra mile. If you like to
meet new people provide examples of positive experiences where that
happened. If you're efficient explain how you completed tasks
faster than expected or times you changed a process to make it
faster for everyone to complete.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>3 Questions on Nearly Every
Interview:</b></u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Why do you want to work for
this company?</b></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Name 1-2 things you like about
this company.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Talk about how you like the
experience with the company as a guest but <i><b>only</b></i> if
you can work in how <i><b>as an employee you'd be excited to
facilitate that experience in these ways.</b></i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Match your skill set to the
company's goals.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you know anything about the
company's pay and benefits from your phone interview or from a
friend <b>now is a time to talk about how the company meets your
needs in these ways too. </b>Companies like mutually beneficial
fits. It suggests that you'll be satisfied with the work and stay
with the company long enough for them to make their training
dollars back.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you are looking for a career,
now is the time to <b>talk about how the company may fit into your
career aspirations. </b> You're starting at position X but you have
these skills and would really like to see yourself move into these
other positions with a great company</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Service Industry groups accept
that we're often transition jobs for college students, high
schoolers, and stay at home parents. If applicable, now is the
time to speak to how this job ties to the other part of your life.
Once a stay at home mom discussed how my company's charity work
had helped her family/community and she wanted to work for a
company with values active in her community. A student explained
that the consistency of work schedule we provided vs competition
could allow him to schedule classes while providing him school
funds.</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="2">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What is your relevant experience?
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don't care if you've had a job
or not <b>YOU HAVE RELEVANT EXPERIENCE </b>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Go back to the job requirements
and relate them to part of your life. Maybe you've run or helped
to run events before where you greeted people, helped people find
something, made a suggestion to another person, prepared food for a
group bigger than 8, introduced a new person to a school or club.
The list is literally endless. <b>Think about it a little before
you go in to the interview and have relevant experience ready.</b>
The interviewer will be impressed with your effort, ingenuity, and
creativity. Also making deep connections into your life will show
that you really “<i>get</i>” and “<i>live</i>” the
philosophy—which will make you easier to train.</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="3">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If the interviewer spoke to a
teacher, coach, previous boss, or peer name 2 strengths and 1
weakness they would say you have.
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>DO NOT</b> say you have “no
weaknesses”. It's arrogant and it's not true. Those “no
weakness” people almost always remain unemployed.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Diminish your weakness by
framing it and showing how you try to solve it. </b>For instance,
if you get overwhelmed when “too much” is going on, you could
first elaborate what that really means. Is it 2 things or 10?
Show how you have a strategy for overcoming this. Maybe, you take
a moment to review what needs to be done and prioritize it as a
list. Maybe you call for assistance with the tasks. <b>Almost any
weakness sounds reasonable with the right framing.</b></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>You can try to pick a
non-applicable weakness like “I'm bad at geography”but DON’T.
</b> Based off of that non-answer, I can think of several more
realistic answers like: “I don't take important tasks seriously”,
“I don't value other's time”, “I get very nervous in
stressful situations and react inappropriately”, and “I have no
concept of how inane I sound right now”.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.77in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.77in;">
If everything is
amazing in your interview, than you may get away with a flip
non-answer but this type of response may make you seem cocky. If your
interview is mixed, a joke answer might be a nail in the coffin.
They'll remember you, but it might not be a good thing.
</div>
<ol>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Make sure your strengths
relate to the job, it's best to actually talk about how you see
them helping you in the job</b>. Reliability, dependability, and
honesty are traits necessary for all jobs. Examples showing these
are always winners. In service related jobs caring, empathy, and
desire to please are traits that get high marks. Certain companies
appreciate integrity, an eye for visual display, and a knowledge
base of technology/apps/social media.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</ol>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That's the first third of your
interview. Smile, you're not quite half done! Next time we'll cover
the “tell me about a time when” questions and all the best
scenarios you could choose to stand out while being exactly what the
hiring manager is looking for. </div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-62429366783764051522015-05-07T04:52:00.000-07:002015-05-10T11:08:03.389-07:00How To Get The Job: A Few Questions You Should NOT Be Asked in an Interview<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjgC26nx9IPerTr8mMQlPyzWH7HWY5qu7IXE2ExW8wRFufZF9Ny8-Pwo_kcvgENwCW_TpabP2XD2w5zdqSMBr-dlcbFribos0fpc6YRCOz35KZ4SbC856bpgMvUYYo2Xu-WLgoAOHQMY/s1600/red+x.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjgC26nx9IPerTr8mMQlPyzWH7HWY5qu7IXE2ExW8wRFufZF9Ny8-Pwo_kcvgENwCW_TpabP2XD2w5zdqSMBr-dlcbFribos0fpc6YRCOz35KZ4SbC856bpgMvUYYo2Xu-WLgoAOHQMY/s320/red+x.png" width="319" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>This series was inspired from my
seven years experience listening to the good, the bad and the truly
hideous interview. About half the applicants I turn away could have
done the job and done it well. This guide will lead qualified
candidates to avoiding major pitfalls in how they are presenting
themselves during the interview process. </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Previously we Covered:</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-to-get-job-part-1-trying-get.html"> Getting the Phone Interview</a> </i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-to-get-job-dreaded-phone-interview.html">How to GetThrough the Phone Interview</a></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-to-get-job-dress-to-impress.html"> What to Wear to In Person</a></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We're going to very briefly talk about questions which are illegal to
asking in the USA.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's never in your favor to answer these questions or to offer this
information voluntarily.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Most articles list 7 separate categories interviews shouldn't touch
on they include: age, race, national origin, gender, marital status,
and sexual orientation. Below, I've listed the top illegal questions
I've seen others ask in interviewing workshops, role play interviews,
or on occasion when I've been interviewing for a position.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u> <b>Questions
You Should NEVER Be Asked and SHOULD NOT ANSWER in an Interview:</b></u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Any question about your race or ethnicity: These include What is
your nationality/are you a US citizen/what's your native
language/how long have you lived here?
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Any question regarding your religious beliefs? What's your religious
faith/which religious holidays do you observe? “I belong to ???
church which one do you belong to?”</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Any
question regarding your age: How old are you? What years did you
graduate High School? <b>THERE
IS ONE EXCEPTION TO THIS</b>:
If you need to be a minimum age to perform the job’s duties.
For instance, the minimum age to use a deli slicer is 16.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Any question concerning your family situation Do you have kids/ is
your babysitter reliable/ can you get a babysitter short notice? Do
you have a husband/wife/significant other?</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Though
there are questions similar to these that an interviewer MAY ask,
ones that get too specific regarding age, gender, sexual orientation,
religion, and disability are illegal in the USA. If you're asked
these questions you should remain calm and friendly <b>but
politely decline to answer them. </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You can try re-framing the situation
with “<i>Why do you ask?</i>”. It may give both you a chance to
gracefully backtrack into job related queries. Perhaps the
interviewer just wants to know if you're open to working Christmas or
Easter. This allows you to respond appropriately to their
concerns.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes
the interviewer is just trying to make some small talk and has no
reason they are asking the question. Just like this might be one of
the first times you are interviewing, this might be one of the first
times this person is the interviewer. Allow them the opportunity to
back away from a question that seems not relevant to the job.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If
necessary redirect them by asking them “<i>What
are the 3 main skills you are looking for?</i>”
or “<i>What
traits do you feel are important for a person to have who is doing
this job?</i>”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If
these tactics don't work, chances are your interview is not going
well. <b>It
may be time to get up and leave the interview. </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Remember, once you have the job, you have to work for these people.
As much as an interview is about whether you're the right fit for a
company, a company should also be putting it's best face forward.
Don't stay in an interview that makes you uncomfortable or in an
interview where you learn you do not want the job on offer.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do you need more information on this topic? May I recommend reading:
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
11 Interview Questions that are Actually Illegal</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/11-illegal-interview-questions-2013-7"><span style="text-decoration: none;">http://www.businessinsider.com/11-illegal-interview-questions-2013-7</span></a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
30
Interview Questions you Can't ask and 30 Sneaky Alternatives to Get
the Same Info
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="http://www.hrworld.com/features/30-interview-questions-111507/"><span style="text-decoration: none;">http://www.hrworld.com/features/30-interview-questions-111507/</span></a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h2 class="western">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="wacCenterStage_lblTitle"></a><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><span style="color: #545447;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">5
Job Interview Questions that Are Illegal to Ask</span></span></span></span></span></span></h2>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><a href="http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-questions/illegal-interview-questions/article.aspx">http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-questions/illegal-interview-questions/article.aspx</a>
</span></span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>Ready for more? The next part of my Series is Up</i></b> <a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-to-get-job-3-first-questions.html">The First 3 Questions in the Interview</a></div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-9279812695301890952015-04-28T09:12:00.000-07:002015-04-28T09:12:28.183-07:008 Points Poetry Can Strengthen Writers and 2 Place Poetry Can Take Your Writing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIU34GGZ8ItLLVERiPubfkQVpJ54dg-RJEhf47HjRtqoAyC4nj-cqp6nKZ4hPn_2iWV301eB6ommDDPKIqbmjRo_xIPmuV9HcbNCQtF44sInWZOPy24mE0ka5wHSNqyipGFpwffv0QNVQ/s1600/skull+and+book.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIU34GGZ8ItLLVERiPubfkQVpJ54dg-RJEhf47HjRtqoAyC4nj-cqp6nKZ4hPn_2iWV301eB6ommDDPKIqbmjRo_xIPmuV9HcbNCQtF44sInWZOPy24mE0ka5wHSNqyipGFpwffv0QNVQ/s1600/skull+and+book.png" height="151" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>How to respect the rules</b></u>
Sonnets, haiku, and vienelles are very structured. Next time you're
struggling to write a five paragraph essay try adding iambic
pentameter with an ABAB rhyme scheme and see if it gets easier.
Sure, you might think in poetry the rules don't apply but they do.
Each poem has its own unique rules and structure. You might create
those rules but there are rules.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<ol start="2">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>How to break the rules</b></u>
Poetry is the chill middle school kid of writing. It welcomes you
in with a “Hey, what's up? <i>I have these three rules: follow
them unless they don't apply, in that case, please make up your own
that work better.</i>”
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAk3KaCMXq6JxhXpbsAKbGJJy9Do3TjCh1YBOXzbe9xOA13M7vJxi1UvDxPV52ER349Guwi1A6cy7mFuNxrZiZrlIru0zfY8MWflt3d2rBtLksQGNFgQj0gNnRTjedUvXzP7Nhnnd5r8/s1600/dragon+conquered+by+sword.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAk3KaCMXq6JxhXpbsAKbGJJy9Do3TjCh1YBOXzbe9xOA13M7vJxi1UvDxPV52ER349Guwi1A6cy7mFuNxrZiZrlIru0zfY8MWflt3d2rBtLksQGNFgQj0gNnRTjedUvXzP7Nhnnd5r8/s1600/dragon+conquered+by+sword.png" height="267" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.52in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.52in;">
</div>
<ol start="3">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>How to cut through crap </b></u>
Poetry doesn't need set up, a summary or a transition. Poems are
the easiest way to make a point. You can't render personal,
political, or social truth any more directly than through poetic
form.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0itInC7pcaPWirsBmpwUDnBduLskRTUu_NkNbaiZLbSfnyzY5xSSMWXZlgG02QR51IfFujl2TC_9BBhcdAco2lrAcCVfJQ29clwNQNCq4uj-9gle7WKKM2jXMbxCYsZyLO4kcxhu32-c/s1600/star+explosion.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0itInC7pcaPWirsBmpwUDnBduLskRTUu_NkNbaiZLbSfnyzY5xSSMWXZlgG02QR51IfFujl2TC_9BBhcdAco2lrAcCVfJQ29clwNQNCq4uj-9gle7WKKM2jXMbxCYsZyLO4kcxhu32-c/s1600/star+explosion.png" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol start="4">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Punctuation, punctuation,
punctuation</b></u>! There are so many rules in traditional formats
regarding when and how to use a semicolon vs. colon. In poetry,
there is just <b>Punctuation for emphasis.</b> It's fun to see how
you can change meaning with a well placed period or a dash.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
While poetry won't
teach you the proper grammar rules for other forms of writing, it
might make you more confident to experiment. After all, who cares if
it's a semi colon or colon as long as the reader gets the meaning?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol start="5">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>The importance of a visually
appealing work</b></u> <b>Readers want an indication of
readability. </b> Lists, quotes, punctuation, and short paragraphs
can all indicate readability. Short paragraphs indicate to the
reader a minimal commitment of time.<b> </b>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.38in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol start="6">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Honesty and fearlessness in
writing</b></u> Poetry is NEVER the time to hold back. What have
you been holding back or rationalizing? Let it out in poetry!
There is no better confessional, rant platform, or happy jig than a
well worded poem.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol start="7">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Your writing style and
preferences </b></u> Poetry can be short and quick to cook up, so
you can amass a collection very quickly. By reviewing your work,
you'll be able to evaluate your strengths, weaknesses and preferred
topics. You'll get a strong sense of who you are as a writer and
what kind of writing is going to work best for you.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ol start="8">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Who is your primal self </b></u>
Poetry is both a raw and gilded. Expression does not get bogged
down in semantics. You create in a natural and intuitive sense.
Reviews of your work might lead you to “I didn't know I had that
in me,” or “I didn't know how strongly I felt.”</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It will take you no time at all to
relate these top 8 lessons to other works. Poetry will bleed into
standard prose, and your work will be more interesting and compelling
for it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I do have 2 more thoughts on what
poetry will teach you, but they are more practiced skills. Only for
the ambitious and determined writer.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxVTFFS3D1_e2-rVXeDtFmEo1X-qLIGScLj3BFqaaBwZmDSe-Zq9v6qIOJ4b-fyBuqZOYkUVjTIaGpa1tI_axESZecdVsB1UDMvogVMNEmL92M1MTVExB0J7NigLszcUR2vswuC9ASYE/s1600/lady+thinking.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxVTFFS3D1_e2-rVXeDtFmEo1X-qLIGScLj3BFqaaBwZmDSe-Zq9v6qIOJ4b-fyBuqZOYkUVjTIaGpa1tI_axESZecdVsB1UDMvogVMNEmL92M1MTVExB0J7NigLszcUR2vswuC9ASYE/s1600/lady+thinking.png" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>How to show and not tell</b></u>
Writers take the short cut of telling all the time. What
sounds better “the dawn way beautiful,” or “the dawn broke
luminous and large in the eastern horizon. Where the pall of
darkness festered, warm rays stabbed onto the land. They destroyed
all the night's terrors with the warm joyful gift of sight.”
Poetics nurtures and encourages this kind of showing.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol start="2">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Introducing more senses</b></u>.
Writing descriptive sounds, smells and touches further engages a
reader. Using all four senses to describe when something smells
bad is difficult. A smell is subjective with less common
experience for the writer to refer to. Often in describing a smell
writers will work a back story to lay common ground for the
reader to experience the smell. Sounds, smells, and touches will
make your fictional world visceral to a reader . Poetry wrings
every drop of sensatory experience using the words themselves to
create sounds, smells, and touches.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Poetry is not for everyone.</b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Still, you should create a poem or two.
Remember, a quality poem isn't always the goal. Some of the best
writing lessons come from works where everything else fails
spectacularly! <b> </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Is your writing stale? Are you having
trouble finding your voice? Do you lack inspiration? <b>Follow a
poetic prompt to get your mojo back. </b> Even if your work is a
train wreck with chemical spilling out everywhere and an explosion on
the horizon, you will have gained valuable insight because the nature
of poetic form and creation. </div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-5282920419969397122015-04-27T04:34:00.000-07:002015-05-07T04:57:32.584-07:00How To Get the Job: Dress to Impress!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheS9NwTZ4c5ItOR4w78RAFvSe_YpxZhRijDSbJoIrPybKn74dkd3V_O4FAseB4jyTWRG3WLVDn-oDm7uWzaThOrg59iVnAqIA1B-nCrKJJDhyhnC_B4w_HdVvRtOTmhIuxbxhzEbXnNTA/s1600/lady+makeup+mirror.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheS9NwTZ4c5ItOR4w78RAFvSe_YpxZhRijDSbJoIrPybKn74dkd3V_O4FAseB4jyTWRG3WLVDn-oDm7uWzaThOrg59iVnAqIA1B-nCrKJJDhyhnC_B4w_HdVvRtOTmhIuxbxhzEbXnNTA/s1600/lady+makeup+mirror.png" width="238" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>This
series was inspired from my seven years experience listening to the
good, the bad and the truly hideous interview. About half the
applicants I turn away could have done the job and done it well.
This guide will lead qualified candidates to avoiding
major pitfalls in how they are presenting themselves during the
interview process.</i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>If
you missed it, here is:</i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-to-get-job-part-1-trying-get.html">Preparing for the Phone Interview</a></i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-to-get-job-dreaded-phone-interview.html">Dealing with the Phone Interview </a> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dress
For the Job you want, not the job you are Applying for.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
Cliche but true! When I see someone in ripped jeans or a
mussed t shirt, all I can think is that they didn't really care about
this job. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The
price of admission are clean khakis and a polo or button up
shirt.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
I won't be impressed with this outfit. I won't think of fast
tracking you. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>You
will merely be an acceptable.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I
write down what kind of effort the applicant put into their
appearance on the application. Effort counts a lot. Remember
even if this is “just a job” for you, the interviewer and hiring
manager think of this as a career. They really care and they
don't want to hire you if you don't match their intensity.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The
Outfit: </span></span>
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Wear
dress pants or a knee length professional skirt/dress. </span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Suit
or sports jacket is preferred</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">All
apparel should be clean and in good condition. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>No
buttons missing, no hems hanging, no frayed cuffs, no holes.</b></span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Pressed</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">All
apparel should be well fitting. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Not
too large or too tight. Too long or too short.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Shoes
clean and </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>no
athletic shoes </b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">or
sandals especially flip flops</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.17in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 100%;">This
outfit will make your interviewer happy and start you on the right
foot. The EXCEPTION: high end dining,
entertainment, and hospitality demands higher standards of dress.
You're going to have to be comfortable rocking a full suit to
dress at one level above the job you're applying for.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Once
the outfit is in place here are some additional grooming points
everyone should be aware of.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerwOznR2GlqV1G1rjsG8XGlVHlixmcgaYvsFdUzETQsyxHPG56-CG8foPnObY-lAtb_CIwEyksmpbHHD4JBQ7Eg_qTJuQvdk4P1Znqwg6aeJRZtB8JCTlnJcEtEHbobm-Ed1TtmKN6Oo/s1600/kids+dress+up.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerwOznR2GlqV1G1rjsG8XGlVHlixmcgaYvsFdUzETQsyxHPG56-CG8foPnObY-lAtb_CIwEyksmpbHHD4JBQ7Eg_qTJuQvdk4P1Znqwg6aeJRZtB8JCTlnJcEtEHbobm-Ed1TtmKN6Oo/s1600/kids+dress+up.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>For
Men</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">:
I want to see a button up shirt and tie. This is preferred just not
by me but most hiring managers.</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Traditional
plaids, even though the shirt technically buttons up, are NOT
acceptable. Gingham, gentle plaid, and windowpane are all styles
that hold some similarities to traditional flannel plaid, but may
be appropriate for an interview with the correct accents. Please
check out this <a href="http://attireclub.org/2014/04/13/classic-patterns/">guide</a> if you need examples of the pattern styles </span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Some
people are going to tell you ties are optional: they aren't. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>If
I expect women to pick out appropriate jewelry and make up you
better be 100% certain I'm looking for ties on men!</b></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
I'm not alone here, most of the male managers I've worked
with want ties, and while we hire people without ties, every owner
or manager I've worked for </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Notices</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
and </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Laments
</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">over
a lack of tie.</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've
seen some awesome bow ties recently, and I love how neat and
stylish it's made candidates appear. If you want to stand out
a little and your outfit allows, a bow tie could be just the thing.
</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Some
hiring managers may be put off by this so it is a risk.</i></span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">For
the Ladies: </span></span>
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Wear
a blouse or button up shirt. </span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Avoid
showing cleavage </span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Don't
let your bra show</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Don't
wear anything too sheer, </span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">DO
NOT go sleeveless without a jacket. </span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Absolutely
no mid-drift. </span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">If
needed discreetly pin closed any gaps that may show your bra</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">A
suit jacket is a positive addition with a dress although a simple
cardigan can complete an interview outfit.</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.17in;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Take
it from the Top</b></u></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>:
</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Faces
and Hands Are KEY.</b></i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Everyone:
</b></span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Neat
Hair: </b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Your
hair should be neat. The messy bed head look is a style, but </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>we
can tell if there's gel in your hair and it's intentional or if
you're just too lazy to put some water on it to flatten it.</i></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
If you have long hair please take the time to style it. Wash
it, pull it back, or take the time and product to make it look nice
when it's down. I can promise </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>you
won't work a service area I'm in if your hair is a greasy mess when
you come to interview</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">.
</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>For
Ladies: </b></span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Please</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>,
</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">no</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
messy buns. Natural hair might be best if you pull it back into a
neat pony tail )prevents weather from effecting your hair before an
interview) or spray the fly aways down. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Curly
haired ladies:</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
you have a choice to either flatten you hair or really refine the
curls for the interview. In very conservative interviews curly hair
is a risk. I have had hiring managers ask me “you accepted
her/him with hair like that?!” when it was perfectly styled because
they just don't get how curly hair works. C</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>onsider
very carefully the kind of place you're interviewing for, how often
you may be in the public eye, and if you can go to the physical
building and see how other employees look. </b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Remember,
they have the job and can look less than perfect, but there may still
be one or two uniform preferred looks. Not matter what type of hair
you have it should be neatly and conservatively styled.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Men
with LONG Hair: </b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Do
not wear it down.</b></u></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">If
you have shoulder length hair pull it back in a neat ponytail or bun
for the interview.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.17in;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Be
Rested: </b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Get
a good night's sleep before the interview if you can. I don't
let bags under the eyes or a haggard look count against a person, but
it doesn't really help either. Likewise:</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>
take care of your teeth.</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
Again I've hired folks with dental problems, but I know a lot
of people find this a turn off.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Tattoos:
Know both corporate and Franchise policy on tattoos! </span></span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">If
ink is not allowed, go on and cover it up before the interview. If
you need make up, bandaids, or clothing with sleeves, wear it. It's
better for the hiring manager never be aware of a tattoo, as they
will start to discount you as soon as they know it could be a
problem.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Groomed
Nails and Hands: </b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Your
hands should also be clean and nails should be short and of even
length. Applicants whose pinkie and
ring finger nails are a lot longer than the rest of their nails
suggests either a drug habit or a lack of attention to detail. I
don't want either in my work force. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Beware
if you are applying for a job in food service Federal Government
regulations require clean unpolished nails. No artificial
nails at all. </b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Wearing
them to an interview is fine, but you will be asked if you are
prepared to remove them before any hiring process can move forward.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Clean
faces: </b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> Make
sure your face is clean. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>For
Men</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">,
if you have facial hair make sure it's trimmed and neat. Clean
shaven gentlemen: please make sure you have a fresh shave. Some jobs
will require you to be clean shaven. While it's easier to maintain
food safety with a fresh shave, it's usually a styl-istic choice on
the part of management. The hiring manager will inform you at the
interview and want a positive response so be ready.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> For
Women:</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
Your face should be clean and neat. You should wear light
make up. It's safest to go with neutral natural highlights.
Remember you want the interviewer to see you not your
makeup. Now is not the time to experiment with a new cosmetics.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Additionally
for Women: Jewelry</b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
should be simple. If you wear earrings studs are best but
small dangles are also acceptable. Likewise, only wear
discreet necklaces. Make sure your necklace doesn't fight with
your neckline. It should fall either well about the neckline
and settle closely around the neck, or well below the neckline and
showcase the shirt.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>For
Men Jewelry </b></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">should
be limited to a watch and a ring. Bracelets, chains, and
earrings are not appropriate for most interviews.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.17in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">So
now you look like the perfect hire! Next time, we'll start
discussing how to put your strengths forward in a way that will carry
the most meaning to your interviewer.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Let
Me Know:</b></u></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">-Anything
you felt I missed or glossed over? </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">-Was
my advice helpful? </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">-Do
you have further questions or concerns?</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Was
this guide helpful?</b></i></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>
Help a friend and help a friend: share it please and thank you!</b></span></span></span></div>
<br />
See the next Part of this series: <a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-to-get-job-few-questions-you-should.html">Questions An Interviewer Should Not Ask</a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-87712138661971979562015-04-14T04:16:00.000-07:002015-04-27T04:38:56.239-07:00How To Get The Job: The Dreaded Phone Interview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRda6LyvQyy7a-G9G6gTxQJF6IqTlsr405KjTcP9kAbFD9EoD3HBRIAcXk2a1RJXd-HH8JqU5HKsWDdzwR3eoC2D5-5HA3DeF3ow3xCr2XhKGm5yNvY39g7uaFStfPIogYjryfArY_XVc/s1600/dragon+attacks+kids+and+bull+defends.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRda6LyvQyy7a-G9G6gTxQJF6IqTlsr405KjTcP9kAbFD9EoD3HBRIAcXk2a1RJXd-HH8JqU5HKsWDdzwR3eoC2D5-5HA3DeF3ow3xCr2XhKGm5yNvY39g7uaFStfPIogYjryfArY_XVc/s1600/dragon+attacks+kids+and+bull+defends.png" height="320" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>This series is inspired from my
seven years experience listening to the good, the bad and the truly
hideous interview. About half the applicants I turn away could have
done the job and done it well. This guide will lead qualified
candidates to avoiding major pitfalls on how to navigate the
interview process.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>If you haven't, feel free to check out <a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-to-get-job-part-1-trying-get.html">part 1</a> of the series.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>You got the call now what???</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>The Phone Interview: </b></u>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
First, congrats! You filled out the
application correctly. You are a “YES” or a “MAYBE.” The
stack of “No” is way larger than the stack of “Yes” and
“Maybe” combined, so this IS an accomplishment, even if it
doesn't feel like it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Some Advice for the Phone Interview:</b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Know How to Sell Yourself</b>.
You may be truly qualified in every way to work at this position.
That's awesome and we want you to have a chance to show it! <b> The
phone interview is NOT the time to be too diverse. </b>
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Pick 1 Amazing trait that gels
with the job </b>You will overwhelm the note taker on the other end
if you say to many different things. He or she might not record
the right parts of your sales pitch.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>This is a Gate Keeper: </b>The
person calling you for this first pass is not the decision maker.
It's possible they are 100% in tune with what the boss wants, but
it's just as likely they are guessing. A clear message takes all
the guess work out of it.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Make sure your Connection is
Good: </b>Your actual connection could be bad. Repeating the same
message over and over gives it the best chance of being heard.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Pause and Wait for the
Questions: </b>Give your interviewer space between answers! They
are writing down what you said, so give them time to do it. BE
COMFORTABLE WITH SILENCE. You will be prompted if they want more
information.</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Keep it Simple: </b>Too much
talking muddies your message and you risk the interviewer writing
down the wrong thing</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Rambling is when people get
into trouble</b></i><b>.</b> I was about to offer a person a job.
I was just finishing writing my notes, but the person wasn't
comfortable with silence while I wrote and said something negative
about management at their last job—<i>Huge Mistake. </i>Sometimes
less is more.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Silence shows confidence and
control in stressful situations. The single BEST non-verbal</b>
que you can give that you are right for the job on a phone
interview is wait to be prompted. It shows patience and a
willingness to take direction.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Know Something about the
Company. </b>Know about the company you're applying to and how they
like to run business. Are they most proud of efficiency,
friendliness, quality product? Their web presence will give you a
clue.</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Be Positive about the job
“</b>Don't say anything along the lines of “it's a service job,
they're all really the same” or “anyone could do the job” or
“what you want is simple/easy”. If you do this you probably
won't get brought in for a face to face.</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Be prepared for situational
questions over the phone</b>. A few years ago we used to only ask
generic questions, but present day we'll dive into the open ended
“Tell me about a time X happened to you”</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The answer doesn't have to be
amazing but <b>you DO need an answer</b></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Feel free to use “off the top
of my head” and other phrases that will allow time for you think
of an answer.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Also feel free to say things like
“give me a moment” or “I'm thinking” don't rush into an
answer if you think you can do better.</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Have some questions ready</b>.
They might include:</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What does the interview and
hiring process look like?</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
How many positions are open?
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What is your ideal candidate’s
availability?
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I got the impression that quality
x was most important to you is that correct?</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do this in the phone interview and
Congrats, you'll get to move on to the in person interview. Feel
free to celebrate! Next time We'll Talk about What to Wear for the
best possible first impression.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Let Me Know:</b></u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Anything you felt I missed or glossed
over?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Share a story of a memorable phone
interview!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Was my advice helpful?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Do you have further questions or
concerns?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Was this guide helpful?</b></i><b>
Help a friend and help a friend: share it please and thank you!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Update! The Next Part of my Series Dress to Impress is now up, please follow <a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-to-get-job-dress-to-impress.html">here</a> to read further.</b></div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-25598255004746344122015-04-10T05:10:00.000-07:002015-04-14T04:20:33.527-07:00How To Get The Job: Part 1 Trying Get A Dreaded Phone Interview <div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>This series is inspired from my
seven years experience listening to the good, the bad and the truly
hideous interview. About half the applicants I turn away could have
done the job and done it well. This guide will lead qualified
candidates to avoiding major pitfalls on how to navigate the
interview process.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0uJiq1IuTMUVYst4-o0AF7-j9N6ymYjR95GVObJGElN3wDAlf8by4I_LGQR-ECFT4P0uzrrkHMgqu5G_cMIbi9Vo8xJsK-SOFXDHmJQdUhffbEcENcZWqXqKg2xVnWaeTPJdR9bNryM/s1600/phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0uJiq1IuTMUVYst4-o0AF7-j9N6ymYjR95GVObJGElN3wDAlf8by4I_LGQR-ECFT4P0uzrrkHMgqu5G_cMIbi9Vo8xJsK-SOFXDHmJQdUhffbEcENcZWqXqKg2xVnWaeTPJdR9bNryM/s1600/phone.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Getting Started: How to get a Phone Interviews: </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Applications are read and sorted into
three piles, “Yes, No, or Maybe”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>An application falls into the “Yes”
pile if there is:</b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Open availability</b>—in the
service industry this is the BIGGEST impact to whether we consider
you.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Relevant experience</b>.
Corporate/franchises see candidates will little to no experience as
a risky investment. Labor/training is the most expensive factor in
running a business. Managers want to minimize this major
“controllable” cost. A Candidate with no experience might apply
at a “Mom and Pop” store where managers are more willing to
train an inexperienced candidate.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>The Position is Open</b>. If
the openings are for sales and you apply for HR assistant even if
you are qualified for sales you go to the “No” pile.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Versatility and Flexibility: </b>
Demonstrating on your resume willingness to do more than one job
shows you are eager. We want eager people and applying for more
than one job position shows you're eager. It also says you’re
versatile and able to handle more than one thing—all good traits
in high demand.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KbiHwxTBlL_834TLLV0J_8WQBYWy-3d_H6xxjn-0jiNHTe6PvFSJ5SeoYfD1DnSGF3P05DiPXEZsPo4KsiRBZwLMjxl-5luREaDqtdl9DUx2gx4dEwTq0OMBlK5OkHa5066O59RVCxA/s1600/approved.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KbiHwxTBlL_834TLLV0J_8WQBYWy-3d_H6xxjn-0jiNHTe6PvFSJ5SeoYfD1DnSGF3P05DiPXEZsPo4KsiRBZwLMjxl-5luREaDqtdl9DUx2gx4dEwTq0OMBlK5OkHa5066O59RVCxA/s1600/approved.png" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If the resume outlines these traits,
<b>congrats, you're hire-able.</b> The human resources gate keeper
will call you with a few follow up questions and a quick phone
interview. T<u><b>he yes pile is not a sure thing</b></u>.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>You might get a phone call because
you are in The Maybe Pile</b>:
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You got to the “Maybe” file
because:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Your availability happened to be
the time slots needed to be filled.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You have no experience but there
are no experienced candidates available so we will train.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Your experience, while not
directly related was in seasonal work of some sort or was some kind
of part time school work related gig. <i><b>Finding this
information out takes more time on the reviewer's part and since he
or she is usually skimming</b></i>, you're lucky they caught this
tidbit.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You didn't apply for an available
position but for some reason our applicant pool is low and we
decided you might fit the job available. <i><b>If you fall into
this category you put A LOT of faith in the the gate keeper and
honestly, most of them are not very thorough so you are really
really lucky. </b></i>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<div>
Those are the factors in getting your first phone interview. Seems pretty simple right? It's not, the "no" pile is far larger than the "yes" and "maybe" combined! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next time, I'll cover the phone interview plan. For now let's hear from you! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Let Me Know:</b></u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Anything you felt I missed or glossed
over?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Share a story of a memorable phone
interview!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Was my advice helpful?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Do you have further questions or
concerns?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Was this guide helpful?</b></i><b>
Help a friend and help a friend: share it please and thank you!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Please check out the next part of the series <a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-to-get-job-dreaded-phone-interview.html">here</a>.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-80437538874801582202015-04-06T04:16:00.003-07:002015-04-06T04:16:41.085-07:003 Things Baristas, Don't Want to Discuss & 9 Brighter Topics of Conversation: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVCM1tJfR9hIUDqO0YSQg_LDBAw32WE8R1O8Q8OuOQG6eiEl9QaRY9v-6audNVkIj9Sh6OXiN0cDGtinBZaRNglSPZAdG3uU1YusV5CnolNY3yjeP09Dim1qP0g9EISfPcpAfm6nZqtw/s1600/coffe+cup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVCM1tJfR9hIUDqO0YSQg_LDBAw32WE8R1O8Q8OuOQG6eiEl9QaRY9v-6audNVkIj9Sh6OXiN0cDGtinBZaRNglSPZAdG3uU1YusV5CnolNY3yjeP09Dim1qP0g9EISfPcpAfm6nZqtw/s1600/coffe+cup.png" height="320" width="285" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When I'm on the clock, it's all about
the job. Who I am, what I think and believe,has to fall away. I need
to provide a premiere experience for my guest. Of course, there
are topics my guests should know are off limits. These things
include:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Saying hateful things about other
races, religions, or sexual identities. I'll try not to be a jerk,
but silence is tacit agreement.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol start="2">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Trying to convert me to another
faith. There is literally no polite way to tell someone “No”.
Even if I personally appreciated the injection of faith into my work
day, I'm responsible for other employees who may be
uncomfortable with this.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
.
</div>
<ol start="3">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Trying to sell makeup, jewelry, or
any direct sales item to me or my co-workers. Why are you
pressuring someone who has to be nice to you to buy something they
probably can’t afford?
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Friendly reminder: please avoid the
above three subjects with hospitality, food service, and retail
staff.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now you know,<b> we don't want to hear
about controversial subjects particularly when our jobs prohibit us
from contributing to the conversation</b>. Some suggestions I have
when you want to make conversation with your serving staff:
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIBEv12QM-1bG58zXCWbb2AmeVh4PM_GKJ7ruvjmp0-60Qibq8Zyfvc_DalnFW3kZ-NoCaiG3kzKnS8dMUuRgIMHoJ6njHbBn2rEHDu2ePYPbLPxs5d8uu0r8kF3pMpQ1OFzmwaXPBKw/s1600/lady+hostess+offering+platter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIBEv12QM-1bG58zXCWbb2AmeVh4PM_GKJ7ruvjmp0-60Qibq8Zyfvc_DalnFW3kZ-NoCaiG3kzKnS8dMUuRgIMHoJ6njHbBn2rEHDu2ePYPbLPxs5d8uu0r8kF3pMpQ1OFzmwaXPBKw/s1600/lady+hostess+offering+platter.png" height="320" width="258" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Keep it light and breezy with
some smooth weather conversation.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<ol start="2">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Talk about you. I like hearing
about your kids/grand kids/ nephews or nieces /pets. I like
hearing you have a promotion or that your friend is visiting .</div>
</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<ol start="3">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tell me about a trip you took.
This is especially popular if you did something on a thrifty
budget I might be able to mimic.</div>
</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ol>
<ol start="4">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tell me about your new diet,
sugar substitute, milk substitute, or update me on how your
pursuit of gluten free is going. Personally, I know a lot about
healthy eating and different dieting techniques, but more
generally, service people are always running into special diets
and allergies. Most of us are interested in hearing more about
why we're making drinks a special way. <b> If it's a diet we want
to know if it was effective</b>. Hearing about your allergies or
struggles can help us deliver a safer allergy free food to you.</div>
</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<ol start="5">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Talk about a food or product you
like. I'm in retail/food service. Stuff like that is kind of my
wheel house.</div>
</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ol>
<ol start="6">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tell me about a book, movie, or
TV show. We're all watching popular media, chances are good I've
seen it or heard of it. Even if I don't know it, you might be
introducing me to something new I could be enjoying.</div>
</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<ol start="7">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tell me about something local
that's going on. There's always a farmer's market, fair, play, or
some other local flavor I'd like to know more about.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<ol start="8">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Feel free to talk about your
holiday plans. <b>This is a way to positively share your faith
and include us in a way that doesn't pressure us to make any
statements about our faith.</b> We all want to hear about a fun
party! Graduations, weddings, and birthday parties are fun
celebrations we also like hearing about.</div>
</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<ol start="9">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Give us a complement. I love
recommending my hair stylist (Cost Cutters all the way!), telling
you where I got my $1.50 eyeliner, or how I like my brand of
khaki pants. My one caveat is to <b>be careful NOT to slide into
hitting on us</b>. Personally, I've never enjoyed this kind of
attention, though the jury is out on whether this is generally
welcome in the industry.</div>
</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Finally, please look for your best
opportunity to speak with us. There's quite a few regulars I enjoy
talking to, but no matter how curious I am about their trip to Alaska
or how long it's been since I've seen them, I'm way too stressed/busy
to chat with them if there is a line. When traffic is heavy please
refrain from starting a conversation with us. If you're enjoying a
chat but new guests arrive: please understand if we have to cut you
short. It's not you, it's the job.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Join the Conversation: </b></u>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Has someone ever said something
inappropriate to you while you were working and what did you do?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Are there any places you visit
regularly to say “Hi” to the team? What did they do that created
that feeling of connection for you?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Did I miss another fun light topic you
like to bring up with service workers?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Enjoy this post and want to read more like it? Try: <a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-dumbest-question-you-could-ask-your.html">The Dumbest Question You Could Ask Your Barista</a></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-1119894732658941302015-03-31T09:35:00.000-07:002015-03-31T09:35:21.250-07:00March in Review and Plans For April<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've been running this blog since March
7<sup>th</sup>. In that time I've published 10 posts and had a
little over 300 website hits. That's about 10 hits a day or 30 hits
per post. Both seem respectable for the first month running. First
month is more a baseline to build on than a useable metric.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuyLEiuVedf5qiQkbmKnVbsYRyBphEaY61bayFKe0wSL5k1O5WH6YevzKsw9rc-fvug9G55HB6rMm6G19gjwTvA2fMpMhi2ZzY6_oQxmzzJUF0rFS0N_YFYZO5EBQ3E1oEGUOr5WsNDA/s1600/girl+reading+books.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuyLEiuVedf5qiQkbmKnVbsYRyBphEaY61bayFKe0wSL5k1O5WH6YevzKsw9rc-fvug9G55HB6rMm6G19gjwTvA2fMpMhi2ZzY6_oQxmzzJUF0rFS0N_YFYZO5EBQ3E1oEGUOr5WsNDA/s1600/girl+reading+books.png" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I got the most hits on March 25<sup>th</sup>
. On that particular day I re-tweeted an older post AND I added a
new post to my blog. I only got 15 page views total. Moving
forward, it's clear I need to continue to increase my online presence
and push for higher visibility. Some things I'm implementing:
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u>Based off these Successes in April I
will:</u></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Increase participation in
twitter.</i> I don't know how useful twitter is. There is a
learning curve in how to best use this tool and I;m very much
still learning. The limited of 140 word and applications that
allow for easy post scheduling make it stupid not to further
explore this tool.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Reaching out to some google +
communities. I've been reading and responding to some blogging
communities, <i>but I haven't been promoting my own blog in
community as I should. </i>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Pictures.</b></i> Online
readers are looking for more visuals in the media they are
consuming. Adding two or three visuals to my work is like twenty
minutes more work, but people say it increases conversion ten
fold. I'm going to test it out.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Maintaining a presence in the
community. </i> I've only been here a month, and I'm already
establishing connections with others through commenting,
re-sharing, and participating in conversations happening.
Hopefully I'm building something positive that will continue to
steadily grow.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>My most popular posts this month:</b>
“<a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/03/does-your-kid-or-teen-have-caffeine-bug.html">Does Your Kid Have the Caffeine Bug?</a>” “<a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/03/6-steps-to-slim-down-white-moacha.html">6 Steps to Slim DownYou White Mocha Without Ruining the Experience</a>” and “<a href="http://baristatoboss.blogspot.com/2015/03/networking-would-doing-it-any-other-way.html">Area toFocus in and Becoming a Niche Writer—Come Again?</a>”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>The biggest things to note</b></i>:
these articles are not actually my three best written, most
informative, or most tagged with keywords. What they have in common:
<i><b>all three were commented on by a blogger more established than
me</b></i>. <span style="color: #1c1c1c;">So
thanks <a href="https://plus.google.com/+ChristianTouchet1/posts">Christian Touchet</a>, <a href="https://plus.google.com/+LunaDarcy/posts">Luna Darcy</a>,<a href="https://plus.google.com/+AlishaTBookReviewer/posts"> Alisha Trost</a>, and <a href="https://plus.google.com/+KellieAnnRussell/posts">Kellie-AnnRussell</a> for increasing my visibility! </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u>Things that are working for me
writing wise: </u>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-List style writing. It seems more
popular to write a list and have a title TELLING the reader there's
only X level of investment you need to get through this piece.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Quick Turn around. I have a back log
of potential posts for my blog. I have six posts on deck. And
countless other ideas to implement and try.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u>Stuff I Need to Work On: </u>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Too many words per post.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Creating more links both outside the
blog and within it. References helps to build overall quality of
work—even if it takes more time to write. </div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-90643155129499806652015-03-28T15:57:00.001-07:002015-03-28T15:57:51.906-07:008 Secrets I Wish I knew About Writing While I Was In High School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPKLGElNGDDoUsCD64SgREUikgl5R7AxZrZMfycvn-LpfNbbGVzkGQ3tuDNx7T99jvNwBBNGH1roY5OalGdK85RIp8-mRbKagoWQYE-P5hAizFn2rZaNtJivG2OqOUGn4PaEuYoADyaI/s1600/9424176826_067a2dd696_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPKLGElNGDDoUsCD64SgREUikgl5R7AxZrZMfycvn-LpfNbbGVzkGQ3tuDNx7T99jvNwBBNGH1roY5OalGdK85RIp8-mRbKagoWQYE-P5hAizFn2rZaNtJivG2OqOUGn4PaEuYoADyaI/s1600/9424176826_067a2dd696_z.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/">flick</a>r <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/">Creative Common License</a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/amnestyuk/9424176826">thanks </a></span></div>
<br /></b><ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Keep writing!</b> Writing is
more of a compulsion than a passion. Don't bog yourself down by
holding it in. The more you write the better you will get.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<ol start="2">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Your writing is not perfect
especially if no one else has had a chance to critique it</b>. In
my teens, I'd spend all my time writing ignoring school, friends,
and family For the record, this is not a healthy way to live.
While you should definitely carve out time for writing in your life,
doing it at the exclusion of all else is going to close off
experiences and knowledge. In retrospect, it set me up to feel like
my writing had to be at a certain level just because of all the
other stuff I moved to the side. No one needs that kind of
pressure. Trust me, first attempts are going to flop don’t give
up a good Algebra grade for it.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
Don’t be more
interested in arguing how good what you wrote is than listening to
constructive feedback. The person reading your work is only
providing input because they see something worth refining. Critiques
signal that the reviewer found value in your work. Get out of your
own way and be open to what people were suggesting.<b> </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.36in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.36in;">
<b>The first copy
you show people, no matter how polished, is STILL A DRAFT.</b>
Entering with that mind set is going to be unspeakably helpful to
receiving critique and to improving your work.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.36in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol start="3">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Remember all writing is
collaborative</b>. I was and am really into Emily Dickenson and
she was a hermit! She never had to speak to or be
reviewed/corrected by a single soul, surely I could expect the
same. Here are a few things to keep in mind:</div>
</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ms. Dickenson wrote solely for
herself. <b>She never had any intention of publishing</b>, it was
only after her death that her family wanted that for her writing.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When her work was first published
<b>someone else edited the living heck out of it</b> so it would
conform to poetic standards of the time. We read the original
today, but for a long time a stranger, with no input from the
author, decided what was meant by the work and how best to present
it.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ms. Dickenson wasn't around to see
her work thrive.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.48in;">
<i>Dive into the
community by:</i></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
J<b>oining a local writers' group</b>.
This will give you a group of objective people to critique your
work. It will also give you a chance to be the critic. You may be
more able to avoid common writing traps now that you've seen it in
others' writing.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Get a Blog</b>. This creates a
potentially worldwide presence that establishes you as a writer with
experience in X style. Weekly posts will show others your
discipline and commitment to your craft.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ol start="4">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Start building a portfolio.
</b>Any peer reviewed, relevant final work can go into a portfolio,
but it will carry more weight as a high graded paper, a contest
winning work, or a published work. This will increase your community
engagement, prepare you to apply for work, and help build your
confidence.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Submit a piece for publication</b>.
Check out if you school has publication opportunities. Look into
magazine submissions and online posting opportunities. It is never
too early to be published or to learn about the submission process.
DO NOT let fear hold you back. Life will go on with either a “yes”
or a “no” and there is a lot to learn from both answers.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">Submit your work to writing
contests.</b> Do a little research and make a splash in the
writer's community by becoming a contest winning author!</li>
</ul>
<ol start="5">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Get some references/testimonials.
Talk to your English teacher, writing coach, or even a peer and have
them write a review for your work. Even if you are not a contest
winner ,<b> a reference from a creditable person about your talent
can go a long way in helping you get what you want.</b></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
It's great practice
telling people what your goals are and asking them for help in
getting what you want.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol start="6">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Don't let “no” scare you
off.</b> I expected everyone to just acknowledge my literary
genius. Really? It was conceited. I expected all the doors to be
open. Hearing “no” was particularly crushing in this context.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.48in;">
There are going
to be a million “No's” to your writing<b> BUT</b> it's not a
rejection of you or your talent. <b> “No” is a business decision</b>
for that group at that time. It could mean their budget was cut, it
could mean your work is right for five or six future things but not
this one thing right now, or it could just mean competition was
fierce and there's more work for you to do. <b>Nobody automatically
thinks an actor, dancer, or singer is bad when the hiring team says
“no” to them, writing is very much the same way.</b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.48in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.48in;">
I've found going
in and expecting “no” helpful. It makes me look for reasons
people would say no and build arguments against it. It also makes
hearing “yes” amazing while making “no” just so much
background noise.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.48in;">
</div>
<ol start="7">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Be open to a lot of directions
with your writing career. </b> Career day showcases a lot of
traditional career paths. How to be a police officer or a small
business owner is a pretty clear to most people. Even how to be an
actor, musician, singer, or novelist, while a hard path, is pretty
well understood by the general populace. The options as a writer
are a little more obscure.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<b>Freelance work
is really a broad and varied world</b>. Do you want to run a blog,
do you want to be a technical writer, do you want to pitch creative
ads and marketing techniques, do you want to professionally write
reviews, do you want to run e-courses and coaching sessions for other
writers, or do you want to do something else? There are a lot of
options for creative innovative aspiring writers and the formula to
get there is pretty fluid.</div>
<ol start="8">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Consider community college</b>.
I'm not going to say college is a waste to the aspiring writer,
because it's not. I made my greatest improvements to my writing
style in college. If I'd had a greater sense of purpose, I would
have made some amazing networking connection in college. I'm
pretty sure I have my day job because I hold a degree. College
DOES earn you some things. However, what I got out of the
experience does not validate the price tag for my four year degree.
If I could do it all over again, I would have gone to community
college and worked. <b>I would have had less debt and would have
taken advantage of more opportunities while I was there.</b> I
would have had more time and experience to learn what I needed to do
to get the most from a four year degree program.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
There is a lot of pressure to go to college and get a traditional 4
year away from home experience. I know the college “experience”
has been elevated to an almost mythical status through our cultural
narrative. Although the opportunity for education and growth may
still be unparalleled by a traditional 4 year college, you have to
know and take full advantage of almost every opportunity presented to
you to make up for the cost.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.02in; text-indent: 0.01in;">
Does your opinion differ from mine? Did I leave something out or put
something horrible in the list? Leave your own advice and feedback to
would be writers below!</div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-66405368357695068642015-03-25T07:11:00.000-07:002015-03-25T07:11:24.107-07:00The Dumbest Question You Could Ask Your Barista<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you've ever asked a barista, waiter,
bartender, or cashier if they “like their job”, you may be
stressing your server out for no real reason. Exactly how do you
want your service person to answer the question and what do you
really want to know</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Yes” is probably a lie. I've
never met someone who's fulfilled by working the bottom tier service
industry. In a roundabout way the job might make them happy. It
might provide the schedule to do something creative/educational in
the background. Maybe, it’s an opportunity to make connections that
they are hoping to leverage into a better career or a better living
space.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“No” is a whole other dangerous
can of worms. What if your boss overhears you? It sounds dumb. The
boss shouldn't care if you're happy so long as you do your job, but
they care. Every guest complaint is your fault because you're giving
out the vibe you're not happy here. And you need to be more grateful
you have a job and are getting paid.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you're a manager, it's even more
deadly to tell a guest you don't like your job. All your employees
will hear you and think to themselves “Well my boss doesn't even
like this job, so this place is just terrible and I should leave”
or “My boss doesn't even care so I don't have to do a good job.”
Yeah, being happy and caring about a job are not the same thing, but
you'd be surprised how often the two are confused.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Saying “no, I don't like this job”
could be seen as a backhanded expression of “no I don't like
serving you”. A guest might be offended, ascend offending a guest
is about the worse thing you can do.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why do you care if we like our jobs?
Are you going to leave your career and join the minimum wage service
industry?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Honestly, do people come to where you
work and randomly ask you if you like your job? How would you feel
if a random stranger entered your work space, had you do a bunch of
tasks which you did as cheerfully and effectively as you could and
mid way through asked “do you like working here?” Does it sound
mildly like a threat to your security no matter the inflection?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Next time, ask what you really
want to know</b></u> like “is it fun to work the espresso machine”
or “it must be nice to know so much about wine pairing” or
whatever the heck it is that you thought made this job fun/cool.
It's kind of nice to be reminded of the sweet parts of the gig and
it's always makes my day to hear that someone else has an
appreciation for the way I handle part of my job.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If <u>you're looking for work for your
teen</u>, then just open with that. Most people will let you know
the minimum hiring age for their store and are often TOO open about
whether or not it's realistic for a teen to work their job. There is
a lot to consider when hiring teens, but I do find that often my
employees will chase away possible candidates based off what THEY do
on the job that a teen legally couldn't do. As a manager, I'd make
space for a teen to work a shift. The right teenager brings a bubbly
enthusiasm, speed and friendliness to guest service that can
rejuvenate the rest of the staff and can be hard to find in a more
seasoned worker.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For the record, I hesitate to hire
teens whose parents or family are job hunting for them. It signals
to me that the teen doesn't really want the job or the teen isn't
competent enough to handle the job.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you're using “do you like your
job” as a segway to <u>offer us a job, just present the
opportunity</u>. Don't play games with us about whether or not this
is all we see ourselves doing with our lives. Remember, everyone in
the service industry is underemployed. We all have skills and
talents that go way beyond filling your order, taking your money,
making wine suggestions, or scanning items. Give us the credit that
you would a chimp and acknowledge we're at minimum bored and
frustrated. Just like you wouldn't bang on the glass in the monkey
house, don't waste our time with a stupid invasive question.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Opening Up the Conversation: </b></u>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Have you asked people in the service
industry if they like their jobs and if so why?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Have you ever seen a skill in a
service person that made you think, this person could do more than
this?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Have you ever offered a job to or
hired someone who was serving you?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-If you work in the service industry,
have you ever been asked if you like your job and how did you handle
it?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-If you don't work in the service
industry, has anyone asked you if you like your job and what was the
context?
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Do you love your job or industry and
if so what do you do? </div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-77633237688429164942015-03-19T15:22:00.001-07:002015-03-21T11:18:26.056-07:00Does Your Kid or Teen Have the Caffeine Bug?<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.livescience.com/48615-how-much-caffeine-should-kids-have.html">Caffeine is not good for your child</a>.
Side effects include trouble sleeping, stomach aches, too much
energy, and loss focus. While caffeine does not stunt growth,
a prime reason I wasn't allowed to have caffeine as a child, it can
bring with it some very empty calories and an empty pocket as well.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Your child on caffeine is bad for you!
I see kids running around like a little Tasmanian devils, touching
everything in reach and knocking it down , firing a million questions
a minute in a voice that definitely doesn't belong inside all while
pushing strangers and pulling hair. <i>THIS is the kid you want to
give coffee to?!</i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Saying “No” to any coffee shop
drink for a child would be best</b>. There are so many healthier
still delicious things they could be doing with those calories and
sugars. The <a href="http://www.helpingyoucare.com/15012/sodas-and-lattes-more-calories-than-you-think-cdc-reports">CDC reported </a>in 2011 that what we drink can effect our
diets to an alarming degree.
Your kid might not need to watch their weight now but please think
beyond the present. You could be building bad food habits which will
bite them in the future. Limiting empty sugar calories now can teach
a child better habits for life.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
If you do want to treat the kid:<b> the variety of caffeine free
drinks is nearly endless</b>. Almost anything hot or cold can be
made without any coffee. When you choose flavors remember decaf
coffee and chocolate still have lower levels of caffeine in them.
For a complete table of foods and drinks that may have caffeine
please look<a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/foods-000131000000000000000-1.html"> here</a>. For a list of <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/281076-a-list-of-foods-that-contain-caffeine/">shocking places you'd find caffeine</a> check out this Sara
Collins article. I had no idea oatmeal and beef jerky could have
caffeine!<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Your kid can have a steamed milk with
thousands of different flavor combinations in it and a dollop of
whipped cream on top. Lots of stores have apple juice that can be
steamed to create a fun cinnamon or caramel themed apple drink.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Be wary, caffeine free drinks don't
mean good for them. <b><a href="http://www.drmichellecook.com/entries/weight-loss/is-your-starbucks-habit-making-you-fat-">A coke the same size has less sugar andcalories than steamed milk with syrup</a></b>.
There is good news though! The milk in this drink still has all its
nutrients including an excellent dose of calcium.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Older
children present a whole different conundrum in the coffee shop<b>.</b>
Teens want to be cool and drinking coffee is in vogue. I get that
teens roam the stores without an adult often.<b> You can discourage
them from ordering coffee.</b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When you're out with your teen, don't
offer to buy them a coffee. Or offer a coffee but limit how much
sugar can go in. <b>No one needs a latte with extra syrup and extra
drizzle.</b> Don't let a beginning coffee drinker make this a
standard order! <b> Encourage them to drink coffee with fewer
additives. </b> Suggest things that complement coffee's natural
flavors like chocolate, cinnamon, or one of the nut flavors. Avoid
making the coffee a candy bar with berry flavors, caramel,
peppermint, coconut, or more than one syrup flavor.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Finally, you might point out the
calories in the “treat”. <a href="http://www.healthassist.net/calories/">Health Assist</a> allows you to enter a weight and how many calories you want to
work off and will literally tell you how long it will be to “run
them off.” A lot of young ladies who think drinking a coffee will
help them lose weight may be rudely awakened.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A coffee might seem like a weird place
to take a stand, but it's not. Consider that your kid could be
buying this regularly for the rest of his or her life. How often do
you buy a coffee or drink while out? Once a month, once a week,
more? Do you know how much money that is over the course of a
natural human life span? <b>Once a week at $2 each for 52 weeks is
$104 in just one year.</b> Lattes and frozen beverages, kids
preferred coffee drinks run $4-$7 each, this more than doubles
projected costs!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Does your teen realize how much money
they are spending on coffee? A potentially eye opening exercise is
to have your teen keep each coffee order receipt for a month. At the
end of the month, add up all the money spent in the coffee shop. Ask
your teen what else they could have bought with the money. Was being
the cool kid who drinks coffee the best option?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you must introduce kids to coffee,
why not do it at home where you can control what goes in the coffee
along with how much they have? Most kids aren't going to like
straight coffee with a little milk and sugar. It might squelch any
interest in getting a coffee from the shop when they know they don't
like the home brew.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Thats' My Two Cents, I Want To
Hear From You: </b></u>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Am I making too big a deal out of
children drinking a coffee?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-What other suggestions would you offer
to keep a kid from wanting coffee?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Would you ever allow your child to
drink a latte of some kind? Why or Why not?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Is there a way for a barista to offer
a coffee free alternative to a parent ordering a mocha for a kid
without seeming rude or obnoxious?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-If you were in the coffee line and
heard a parent buying a kid a coffee, would you speak up? Why or why
not?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-Do you interpret the same order
differently based on whether it's for a child, tween, teen, or adult?
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
-When are we old enough for caffeine?</div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-11041348315794683372015-03-15T08:42:00.000-07:002015-03-18T07:33:43.009-07:006 Steps to Slim Down White Mocha Without Ruining the Experience<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A medium white mocha made to recipe is
470 calories hot, 450 calories iced, and 440 calories blended. For
reference, there are <a href="http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/food/meal_bundles/favoritesunder400.html)">36 items on McDonald's menu</a> you can enjoy for under 400 calories. These include a hamburger for
240 calories, cheeseburger for 290 calories, 6 piece chicken nuggets
for 280 calories, or a medium fry for 340 calories.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Obviously, anyone is entitled to have a
treat once in a while. If you're enjoying a white mocha less than
once a week or if you are very physically active, then these calorie
counts probably don't matter one whit.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you're indulging in a white mocha a
little too often, don't despair! I have 6 barista secrets that can
help slim down your white mocha and still leave you feeling
satisfied.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Hold the whip cream. </b> I
know, the little kid in some of us is crying at losing the whipped
topping. Who didn't eat so much of this stuff they got sick at
some point in childhood? Seriously though, super simple and <b>saves
70 calories.</b></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Use Nonfat aka Skim Milk
</b>instead of the standard 2%. I honestly can't taste the
difference in most hot beverages between the skim milk and the 2%.
For most people, this is the most palatable of changes, though it
only <b>cuts 50 calories.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Get a smaller size drink.</b>
The difference in which size you order can be as
great as 120 calories or as little as 80 calories<b>.</b>
<b>Going from a medium to small on average saves 90 calories.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Put less pumps of the syrup in
the drink</b>. Finding out how much each pump of syrup costs you is
a little tricky. Sure the most logical thought is to see what the
calorie difference between each drink size. There is one additional
pump per each cup size in the recipe, so the difference in calories
between sizes should tell us how much calories are in one pump of
syrup.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in; page-break-before: auto;">
The problem is the proportion of coffee to milk is not uniform, which
plays some havoc with learning how many calories are in a pump. Best
guess is that <b>each pump of white mocha averages 97 calories. </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<b>It's probably
best to reduce the syrup levels of the drink just one less pump at a
time. </b>Since there is both milk
and sugar in the white mocha syrup, reducing the amount of syrup too
quickly is going to make a huge difference in the taste of your
drink. If you reduce the syrup pumps over time, it gives you time to
adjust and feel satisfied with less sugar.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
Sugar
is a tricky ingredient because it effects taste and also the brain.
<a href="http://www.livescience.com/40749-addiction-drugs-sugar.html">There are studies</a> that
show our bodies react to sugar in alarming ways. For example: our
brains release dopamine, a chemical that makes us feel happy, in
response to sugar which can lead to us craving it. Also, our <a href="http://authoritynutrition.com/10-similarities-between-junk-foods-and-drugs">bodies develop a tolerance for sugar</a>, so we need more to get the same
effects.
While science seems very clear that sugar and fatty foods are not
drugs, it can still trigger some alarming tendencies that make it
best to reduce our consumption slowly.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="5">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Stir your drink.</b>
None of the drinks are stirred unless you ask for them stirred (and
even then no guarantee anyone is actually stirring like you asked).
This means a lot of the sweet taste in the drink is just collecting
at the bottom of the cup. This is VERY true for thick syrups that
include white mocha, regular mocha, pumpkin spice, and caramel
brulee. You might be surprised how more balanced your drink tastes
stirred.<b> Stirring your drink does not reduce calories</b>
but a lot of people find that the drink is sweet enough when stirred
they can more easily reduce the amount of syrup in the drink.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Don't make all these changes at
once. </b>The number one mistake
people make on the way to a healthier life is to try to change too
many things about their lifestyle too quickly. If you want to
health up your white mocha pick one of the above suggestions (the
one you hate the least) and follow it. Get used to the ordering
your white mocha that way, and after as week or two pick a second
suggestion and add it to the one you're doing. It could take you a
few months to be comfortable with your drink optimized for both
taste and health. This step doesn't reduce calories, but it might
help you keeping your drink slim and satisfying in the long run.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do you have a
coffee monkey on your back but it's not a white mocha? Don't fret!
All fancy coffee drink calories can be reduced following these 6
steps! If you drink vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, cinnamon dolce,
peppermint, or mocha you may be able to reduce calories further by
asking for sugar free syrup. Just be aware that the sugar free
syrups have sucralose in them currently has a 'caution' rating on it
due to some studies where rats developed leukemia while consuming it.
Also, the artificial sweetener taste is different and tends to leave
a terrible after taste. I don't personally recommend sugar free
syrup, but if you like diet soda then you may also like sugar free
coffee drinks.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Above all else:
enjoy your coffee! If it wasn't fancy and fun, you could just be
drinking coffee at home.</div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-38551560786114421372015-03-11T09:40:00.000-07:002015-03-11T09:40:35.372-07:005 Ways Better Than the Coffee Line to Pay it Forward<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Locally there is a growing movement to
“pay it forward”. For those not familiar, “Paying it Forward”
is performing a random/spontaneous act of kindness for someone else
with the goal to make this at minimum a weekly practice. While I
like the slogan, there is a growing practice I see in the coffee
shops related to “paying it forward” that concerns me.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
People are giving between $5-$20 to a
barista and telling her they want her to use the money to “pay for
the next few guests' coffee.” I know there's good intentions.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My primary concern is that no one
buying a $5 coffee really needs more money. I know everyone has his
or her own struggles. Most people in this world could use more
kindness. Money is not the best way to create community or provide
kindness.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My second concern is more practical.
The donor is giving money to a minimum wage employee to pay for
another person's luxury goods. It seems cruel to hand someone who is
most likely financially struggling money and tell them “this is not
for you, this is for other people like me with disposable income”.
I am certain no person offering to pay for someone's coffee means it
like this. Still, the act of “paying forward” goes from being an
act of reaching out and creating bridges to one that reinforces
wealth barriers.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So what's a kind generous person to do? Someone might have the money but not the
time or the time but not the money. Fear not! I present you 5
simple ways to pay it forward on a budget.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1.<b>Strike up a meaningful
conversation with a stranger. </b> People feel isolated. Next time
you're shopping or milling about with other people get off the phone
and talk to one of them! It can be as simple as opening a discussion
on the weather. You might have observed some piece of clothing or
product that you have in common with them or are curious about.
Perhaps the person looks distressed and you can show concern for
them from the start just by asking “Is everything ok, you look
upset”.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You will be surprised how quickly the
conversation may turn personal. This person may just need an
objective perspective and who knows, you might have some applicable
meaningful advice. Ask yourself this how many times could you have
used no strings attached listener or even a friendly compliment? I
know there are plenty of days I could use a kind word.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What's great about this idea is that
it takes ZERO research and NO money. All you need is to have a few
minutes to spare.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>2. Spend a half hour to an hour a
week organizing part of your home and donate the clothes, food, or
other items to charity. </b>This
is the ultimate win win situation. I have so much stuff that I'm not
using and probably never going to use.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On a
related note, offer to help someone you know sort through stuff. Its
more fun when there is someone to talk to while cleaning. Plus, I
find I give away more things because a second person will say things
like “I've never seen this before” or “when will you use this?”
These questions when asked neutrally help me realize that no, I'm not
using something and I'm not going to use said thing. So far, I've
never regretting donating a single item, and I've always enjoyed the
extra space.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This
suggestion takes some research, donating items means there has to be
a local charity that will take them. I've had great results googling
for good places. There are also a ton of facebook yard sale and give
away groups. Just take pictures, say it's free stuff, and set times
for people to pick it up. You'll have a clean house and your items
will have a second life with someone who needed them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
3.
<b>Follow a more hands on route and go to a local nursing home
or a soup kitchen Sign up to work with underprivileged kids, sign up
to help at the local unemployment office, offer to help at the local
Veteran Administration, or offer to help at an animal shelter.</b>
This suggestion is by far the most labor intensive. First you would
have to look up local programs, second you'd have to make contact to
see what kind of help the group needed , and then you would have to
show up. This kind of volunteering is not for everyone. Still, if
you have a target group you want to help or a target skill you want
to offer a little research will show you the best way to give back.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
4.
<b>Give that money to charity. </b>My
favorites include <a href="http://www.kiva.org/">Kiva</a>, <a href="http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/about-us">Doctors Without Borders</a>, and <a href="http://www.teachforamerica.org/">Teach forAmerica.</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I
like <a href="http://www.kiva.org/">Kiva</a> because<b> </b>it
only takes $25 to help someone create a business that should sustain
themselves. The best part about Kiva is that the $25 is a loan/
When I get it back, I can invest it again. It feels amazing helping
people become independent. I know by helping that one person, I'm
helping a family and community too.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I
like<a href="http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/about-us"> Doctors Without Borders</a> because they provide relief to those in
immediate need. They are often first responders to world disasters.
They risk their physical safety, their quality of life, and go to
some of the most desperate places in the world to help elevate the
quality of life for the local people.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.teachforamerica.org/">Teachfor America</a> is dedicated to giving our most vulnerable students a
lasting and meaningful education. This is an institution that
changes lives. It gives kids both the skills to find their own
opportunities and a path to a better quality of living. Children are
some of our most exposed members of society. The best thing we can
do to help them is provide the tools they need to learn and make
informed decisions in the future.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Of
course there are thousands of amazing charities and worthy causes
your money could go to. This is a very easy way to make a difference
and it can be as global or local as the charity you choose.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
5. <b>Put half the money you are
offering in free coffees in the tip jar. </b>I
admit, this is my least inspired idea, but if you're really attached
to buying someone's coffee as a random act of kindness then helping
the minimum wage person by making an equally large tip is probably
the best compromise. It doesn't solve the division between minimum
wage and disposable income but it's a reasonable start.</div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-84876438340955754132015-03-10T09:19:00.000-07:002015-03-11T09:32:07.075-07:00What On Earth is That Barista Doing Instead Of Talking To ME?!<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've
recently had feedback from my manager through my boss that some
guests are unhappy with my service because I always seem </span><span style="font-size: small;">preoccupied</span><span style="font-size: small;">
and I always seem to be doing more than one thing at once. First I
was outraged: of course I was </span><span style="font-size: small;">preoccupied</span><span style="font-size: small;">,
there is a never ending laundry list of cleaning, food preparation,
restocking, and learning company updates. Now, I realize how clouded
my own vision is. I have six years in food service, and eight years
under the retail/hospitality banner. My main volunteer platform as a
kid was planning and preparing events—I have a wealth of experience
in what else someone might have to do to to be prepared for a guest
that a lot of the world doesn't have.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If
you have ever wondered why your barista is so busy when there are no
guests or why she seems distracted, stressed, or overwhelmed when you
just wanted to know what is in the samples, then this is your
article! </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">First
let's talk physical numbers. The Corporate owned otherwise known as
Freestanding stores require that at least two baristas work together
(which means there are always three so that someone can cover
breaks). Corporate does this so someone can be ready to talk you a
guest through an order, make small talk, or answer questions. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">However,
in contract stores like mine, there is often only one barista. When
I work, I am both the barista and the acting manager. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Whether
there are a million people or ten people coming through the shop
there is a base level of work that needs to be completed so the
station is clean, stocked, and ready to receive guests. One person
is barely able to do that base level of work on his or her own. That
one person is even less able to do this work when guests come in and
not only want something but also want to chat. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Of
course the barista is graded and reviewed based of his or her ability
to “amaze and connect with” guests. This means that he or she is
going to try to give you that personal experience even if it is
wildly difficult. Attempting to give you the same experience you'd
get in a store with three to five people catering to you is actually
the first stress I want to bring up. Most baristas know whether or
not he or she is failing to give you the service you want and even if
he or she doesn't know how to fix it he or she feels pressured to
try.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">He
or she may truly want to talk to you. A random conversation is a
great way to relieve the monotony of work, but with the sink water
running, the oven humming, and possibly an espresso machine steaming,
it might be legitimately hard to hear you. Two of my baristas have a
hearing difficulty. They often have to ask the guest to speak up or
repeat something and I've seen guests get frustrated.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Of
note as opening lines go “How are you or how is your day” are bad
conversation starters for most food service people. I can promise
you that working in food service is dirty sticky work. Your barista
is minimally physically uncomfortable. There are at least three and
upwards of seven timers running ready to constantly beep and scatter
the barista's attention. If you've placed more than one drink order
or if you have more than two adjustments to a regular drink, your
barista is mentally preoccupied trying to remember it all and order
it for maximum efficiency. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Also
your barista is required to be perky and cheerful with you, which is
probably the opposite of how things are really going, asking “how
are you” and having to lie about it to maintain the illusion of
perky joy the company wants can be exhausting and taxing. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">While
it's not your fault, he or she may have interrupted a delicate
cleaning procedure where proper timing makes the difference between a
clean shiny area or a dull chemical mess that needs to be cleaned and
redone. Cleaning steaming pitchers, sinks, and floor drains for
example often takes a noxious chemical compound at a very high
temperature and a lot of scrubbing. As soon as the chemical goes
from near boiling to unpleasantly hot, it significantly decreases in
effectiveness, which means more scrubbing and more time.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Also
remember, the whole time the barista is working with this cleaner
there is the potential for splashing that may burn since the water is
hot, or slowly be destroying his or her skin because the chemical is
caustic. He or she is wearing gloves for protection, but each guest
is another time to take the gloves on and off that risks fluid in the
gloves or fluid from the gloves splashing onto exposed skin.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There
are a lot of products with 24 or 48hr shelf lives. The barista has
to go through make sure he or she has enough for the day, all of
which has to be done are the right time. Too late and her or she
will run out, too soon and he or she will throw the work away. So a
guest coming in or deciding on a drink five minutes earlier or later
will play a big role in the barista's life. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
can't speak for all stores, but mine has a storage at the right place
problem. For example, I have a walk in fridge that has milks for
drinks. I need to restock those milks from the back, which happens a
least once a day. The goal is to restock just once a day after
closing because there is only one team member working and it takes
10mins to get the milks and put them in the fridge. If a barista has
to make a run while open, they have the added stress of knowing with
certainty there will be at least one upset guest. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There
is a lot going on before a single guest steps on the scene. Your
barista appreciates that you want an A+ experience and they really
want to provide that. Assuming the person behind the counter is
doing something else when you step up to place an order and assuming
she never actually insults you, maybe you could find it in your heart
to be more understanding if she's flustered or clearly stressed. </span></span>
</div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-91162982878923473932015-03-09T12:22:00.000-07:002015-03-09T12:22:12.339-07:00Area to Focus in and Becoming a Niche Writer—Come Again? <div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm impetuous and often fling myself
head first with passionate abandon. I rarely let the full framework
of idea fall into place. I dove into blogging like a salmon does the
steam of it's birth to spawn. Three days in to my plan and now I
worry that like a spawning salmon, I'm only heading enthusiastically
to my own demise.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Writing is so natural for me. It feels
like returning home. In a world where there are countless books and
web posts about how to find your voice, how to keep the ideas
flowing, and how to stay passionate in writing. All these posts are
alien to my experience as a writer. I've never been 'out of ideas'
or lacked a clear strong personality in my work. I don't lack the
ability to spin imagery or metaphor. '<i>Surely</i>', I thought, '<i>if
these are the main struggles to keeping a blog, then it should be
simple for me.' </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
From there I build a basic plan on what
to call the blog, what to write, and how to market me. It felt good,
like popping a pimple. All the bitter puss runs through the page,
leaving oily ink stains. My problem is: destroying the pimple
doesn't get rid of the underlying skin condition and creating a blog
doesn't mean that I have contacts, clients, readers, or focus for my
writing.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My blog right now is like the Jersey
Shore Reality TV show. We're following me around my daily life and
hoping that I create some TV gold. It's strange that I hate this
premise of almost all reality TV, but still enjoy reading/writing
blogs of the same premise. Is this proof positive that everything
has more depth in writing vs video?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
To me, I have a focus: my career
status. I'm sharing what I currently do and some secrets of the food
service industry I've picked up. I have a lot to share about guests
I've served over the years, bosses and hierarchy structures,
co-workers with their messy lives, and what my training tells me
regarding how other establishments are functioning. Hospitality and
retail industries are multi-billion dollar markets. I have seen the
cogs as they turn smoothly, but I've also been present as they break
down. I have very strong opinions on how is best to run a business,
how to treat the staff, and how ideally client customer interactions
should go.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My second focus, the less bitter one,
follows me looking into the prospects of becoming a freelance writer.
This side of writing is more open ended. It provides me an
opportunity to discuss what I'm trying and how my experiences go. I
can talk about my own skills and what I've learned.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While I'm new to freelancing, I'm not
a new writer and I'm familiar with many varied styles. Specifically
in my networking focuses I want to find other aspiring writers whom I
can give tips to make amazing ideas read cleanly and compellingly. I
love digging into others writing, after all, who doesn't like being a
critic? Unlike a lot of critics not only can I tell someone the very
moment my interest was piqued or lost, I can say why and I can offer
feedback to build on that bit. Editting and critiquing is one of
the few areas where a skill like that can be helpful instead of
exhausting or annoying.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Writing about my freelance writing
adventures also gives me a platform to discuss what suggestions other
writers have made. This whole conversation for example, is inspired
by this post on <a href="http://innovativeink.ca/blog/how-to-use-your-blog-to-land-clients/">how to land clients with a blog</a> by Elna. She suggests that the best way to get clients through
blogging is to “focus on your niche”.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was concerned that perhaps my blog
and writing doesn't meet the niche requirements. Perhaps in my
enthusiasm, I had made my blog's reach too broad or too narrow. Does
my writing fit into a category, and if so what? I panicked. It won't
be the first or the last time. I'm impetuous after all and will back
slide into my fearful, insecure self as naturally as I draw breathe.
If only I could push it out of my brain on the next exhale. </div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-12225206851161638442015-03-08T14:50:00.000-07:002015-03-08T14:50:20.842-07:00Networking: Would doing it Any Other Way Seem Less Desperate?<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #404040;">I
spent the first half hour of my morning writing session looking to
network. I know zero people (I am literally a social hermit) so
“social networking” involves desperately searching for people who
may have common interests online. Worse thing about networking is
that finding people is supposed to be the easy part. After all,
there are hundreds of freelance writing groups, blogging groups, and
writer support groups. I just click the join button and allow the
influx of media to wash over me. This has not previously been a
successful strategy for me. Maybe I pick too many groups. Maybe
they aren't the right groups. Whatever the reason, any serious attempts at
networking usually result in me completely unplugging from net for
months at a time.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #404040;">I've
done the blogging thing before. First I wrote a personal journal on
livejournal.com and in the wake of the livejournal vs fanfiction /
mass deleting of accounts, I left that platform and moved over to
insanejournal. Doing this was awesome for my personal blog because
it forced me to act and talk with the larger livejournal community
and the eventual insanejournal community. For the better part of a
year I had fifteen or so internet friends. The insanejournal gig
couldn't last. People swapped over to dreamwidth(?) or lost interest
in writing/blogging. I suppose that's around the time facebook,
youtube and other new forms of social media started becoming more
mainstream. I think a lot of them left or refocused their energy on
these newer models. After all why write with friends when you could
face to face talk? My own account slowly went dark as all the people
I used to speak to winked out and I could write in a vacuum on my own
pc without ever publishing. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />I very briefly tried
a photography business and a blog with zero success. I have some
natural talent in composing shots, and my ability to edit is
respectable. I have very little in the way of technical terminology
or logistic advice. While my pictures are lovely and I have quite a
few amazing shots, writing wise I have nothing to offer this
community. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I ran a Mary Kay blog
when I was trying to sell it. I wrote (and never published) more
posts about how the promotion techniques were troubling, the product
was limited, or how terribly these women treated other women. My
puff pieces that made it on to the blog were acceptable but lacking
in real heart. Also, they were way too long, instead of trying to
appeal to one group, I worked on appealing to all groups in one long
post—not a smart strategy. What's most surprising to me is that my
three page posts somehow garnered 69 page views. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My most successful blog
was a personal religious one I wrote. This one has/had a lot of
potential. My networking roots were good. I was knowledgeable and
passionate about the material. I wanted to reach out and participate
in the community and I had some people reaching back and
participating with me. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The first problem here is
that I am too verbose. I wrote 5-10 page posts, and these final
posts were edited down from 20-30pages all single spaced mostly a
wall of text. It takes a lot commitment to write that kind of work
and even more to read and respond to it. I was posting, but by the
time I was getting my thoughts out, they were no longer timely. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I started to get the
impression that a lot of the people I was working with were there to
increase subscription and page ratings and not to discuss or actually
dig into our faith. Once that thought blossomed, I could see how the
language in a lot of the posts was intentionally inflammatory to
force response. Even people in the scene who were bridge builders
and unity champions, had posts which seemed to be there just to
generate greater page hits. I might have struggled on writing my
mini-novel posts, but I was too disheartened by the nature of the
conversation along with the length of time it took me to respond to
push on. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So present day what have
I learned from previous blogging forays? </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Keep it short 500-1000
words. This is a HUGE challenge for me.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Keep it current and
regularly updated. I have updated daily in some of my past blog
projects and they were hands down the most successful at reaching
out. While I am one person and I don't want to over produce as that
can be annoying on someone's feed, I also don't want to be bumped
off the page views either.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Controversy will happen
naturally. I don't need to troll internet rage to be seen, and if I
do, I probably don't have anything worthwhile to say. </span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Be authentic, people
have always seemed to respond well to me, and I need to trust in
that. </span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Network, Network,
Network! What I need is a support group of people, reading,
commenting, and possibly connecting me to work. I have skills that
make me a great friend to have. I'm a good editor. I'm very
passionate about projects I take on, and I have diverse interests/
knowledge base to work from.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My base is very limited
but it might be time to reach out to friends and family.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0.19in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What about you? Are
there any tips on how is best to network? Are there any thoughts on
the best way to make friends/contacts? How do you like to reach out?
What was your most successful networking experience? </span>
</div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-23580938580123026382015-03-07T18:06:00.000-08:002015-03-07T18:06:11.558-08:00Guests I Wouldn't Invite Back: This Fellow is Nominated for Either Most Oblivious or Most Self Centered Guest<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Scene: <i>Busy Saturday filled with
bustling people coming and going. There is one Barista working the
coffee shop where there is a constant line of people waiting to place
orders and receive drinks.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Hello Ma'am I'd like a small Green
Tea Frappicinno,”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Sure, will that be all?”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Yes that's all,”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“You're total is $4.85”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Barista turns around to make the
drink. With the sink running and the blender whirring she hears
muffled noises. She looks to see the male Guest's mouth moving. She
moves towards the counter. </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“What was that
sir?”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“I just saw the
Oprah brewed tea. Is that new, I've never seen it. You know what, I
want that. Yeah, get me an Oprah brewed tea.”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Do you want the
tea and the Frappiccinno?”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Yes, I'll have a
small Oprah tea.”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Ok the total
will be $6.43”
</div>
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<br />
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“Ok well I gave
you $5 so I just need to give you another $2”
</div>
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<i>Barista looks on the register top.
She looks to the side of the register. She looks on the cup holders,
and sees no money. Man is currently fumbling with cash. He looks up
and sees the barista's confused face. He hands her 4 crumpled $1
that are hiding UNDERNEATH the credit card self swipe. Barista
turns and fixes tea while man continues to search for the money. </i>
</div>
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<br />
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“You know I don't
have enough, I'm going to run to my car to get the rest of the
change.”
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Man turns and leaves without waiting
for response. Sighs can be heard from the long line of waiting
guests. Barista forces a smile. She knows the only thing harder
than closing and opening a transaction so she can serve other guests
while waiting for this one to come back will be having to work his
cash transaction and beverage hand off in after she's started moving
the line. </i>
</div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616030936762333749.post-61749017707078670802015-03-07T14:22:00.001-08:002015-03-07T14:22:52.842-08:00Day 1 Month 1 Wake Up and Write! Other Progress Report Stuff<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So far the whole “writing is my
passion so I'm going to make time for it” idea is going.
Yesterday, I revamped my email, twitter, and blog to reflect this new
project. The email I pulled was a less cluttered rarely used one
originally set up for Mary Kay. I should have known when I was so
desperate Mary Kay seemed plausible for escape that it was time to
change venue. I'm so used to just surrendering. Regarding career, I
say to myself: “This is it. This is all there is. You will never
be happy at work, you will never be able to combine the esoteric
frivolous things you love with any concept of something that makes
money.” I've tried to be stern with myself saying being sad about
something like that is what teenagers do. I'm too old to not face
the truth and I've known that I don't fit with the more prolific
culture for over a decade—it's too long to still be in mourning. I
don't know why it's taken me this long to try something new and
unconventional. Maybe if instead of being sad and frustrated, I'd
been brave and stubborn—but being stubborn has never yielded
positive results. There is no reason to think being stubborn will be
successful in this venture either. I feel so crappy and miserable
about my job prospects and what I'll be doing for the next fifty
years of my life there's nothing left to lose in trying something
else. If being stubborn is another failure, there will literal be no
harm done.</div>
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I wrote one and a half blog posts
yesterday. Neither is up yet. I am already struggling with my first
pledge to keep my writing 500-1000 words. My first “completed
post” stands at 1134 words, and that's after significant editing.
It's been a long time since I wrote for anyone, and brevity was never
my forte. Needless to say, I spend more time editing than writing.
Words might fall out, but it's hard to cull them once they've been
born.
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Both my works are bitter and angry.
One of them is on a heavy and highly controversial subject. I am
going to post, I just didn't want to start with material that is
possibly off putting. Let the readers get to know me a little and
see me as human with a range, and then “bam” depth has been
added.
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There is definitely a huge market of
hospitality staff that share in my secret knowledge. I've decided
need to build a more diverse base than a bunch of very sensitive
misanthropes who put on the fake pep rally face for work and come
home to find some kind of cathartic release. Working in the service
industry is bleak. Not just because the public treats you badly, but
because everyone around you is at least as hopeless sometimes more so
than you are. All these good people who have skills and so much
inherent worth have been discarded. It hurts me to see people so
young already defeated.</div>
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The fiancee came home and 6:30pm to
find me writing. That's about six solid hours. He very reasonably
wanted me to cook. He offered to make instant pizza and let me work,
but I refused. We have meat in the fridge that is going to go out of
date if not used and I need the discipline. It's hard when I'm in a
groove to leave the work, and I know that if I try to come back at
7:30, 8pm the parts of my brain that pump out the magic will be fried
for the day. Cooking in some ways is a death sentence to my creative
career.
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However, not pulling my weight in house
work and in my partnership with my fiancee is a death sentence to our
life together. It can be hard when I'm so unhappy with one part of
my life to remember how good another part it. I feel disjointed
laughing and teasing him. Poking fun about this person or that
person, playing with our dog, discussing which movies if any we'd
like to see and carefully avoiding work and fiancees.
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He loves his job and makes so much
money. I live a magically blessed life I've done very little to
deserve. I have tried so many and failed at so many different career
things just since we've been together. He's always been so tolerant
and loving about it. I can't keep abusing him like this. Failure
after failure, new attempt, and another—hoping he'll still
understand.
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He did the whole career success thing
on the first try. He has a skill in technology that will start a
bidding war to have him. I admit my fiancee doesn't have a creative
bone in his body, he can't tell where a plot is going to save his
life, he doesn't care a second glance at art or good landscaping, and
he lacks even the smallest drop of empathy. But he's an amazing
worker: dedicated, smart, thoughtful, and full of effort. He's very
ambitious and demands high standards in himself and those around him.
He loves me very much somehow and I really don't know how since all
of my most endearing qualities are ones that he presumably doesn't
care about and rarely recognizes.
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After dinner I worked on compiling my
already written poems. I think I have enough of high enough caliber
that I can put them together for an e-book. I do not expect this to
be an huge money maker, but I love my work and other people love it
too. I honestly just want a platform to put that work out into the
world. Also, rereading my old poems helps to remind me of what I've
done, where my writing was, and what I can do.
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I also have been able to go back
through my life via the poetic works and look at past relationships.
I have all this beautiful body of work about an abusive relationship
I had and about a man I thought would be the love of my life.
Reading those works reminds me of why I had such a hard time moving
on, because I can remember how true they are.
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It occurred to me while reading and
making the occasional edit, that part of me felt unfaithful to my
current fiancee reading the work. Like admitting I had these
thoughts and feelings for someone else and knowing I don't feel that
way for him was some kind of betrayal. I was struck by this
desperate need to write poetry about our relationship and our life
and was hit with a block. I haven't written a single poem in three
years. There is very little in my life I would consider fodder for
my poetic process. I always thought the kind of relationships I had
with men would be inherently poetic. I don't think my relationship
with the fiancee has an ounce of poetry to it. We point out where
the other lacks and help them, but we never are intentionally cruel.
We never go back and forth in rounds that could be stanzas.</div>
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The bottom line is that I write poems
to release emotion either anger, joy, or hurt. When he hurts me I
tell him. When I'm happy I want to share it with him. When I'm mad
at him I confront him, even when it's stupid or little. We hash it
out. When I'm not satisfied, which is rare, I go for a walk. It
burns calories, anger, and lets him KNOW we still need to talk to
work things out but only after I have space to think and maybe he has
space to think. Maybe because I'm not in college and I work 40hrs a
week, I don't have the excess time or energy to produce emotion like
I did. Maybe I leak it all out on him and none left to write on. </div>
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That's all my progress for today. I'm still reading advice on how to best freelance write from home, with some mixed advice. I'm browsing some social media options and search engine stuff. I feel a bit overwhelmed, but I feel the most important thing through it all is write and focus on my ideas. I can build portfolios and how to make offers and all the details from there, so long as I have the writing. </div>
Jessica Doneganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04882937901061641882noreply@blogger.com0