Fee-Splitting Cardinal Sin or Blessing in Disguise

Fee-Splitting Cardinal Sin or Blessing in Disguise Few topics in recruitment divide opinion quite as much as fee-splitting. Some believe it’s bad practice, and only serves to devalue the recruiter-client relationship. However, I personally believe there’s a lot of benefits to splitting fees. Allow me to explain. Fee-Splitting â€" The Conventional Opinion Suggest fee-splitting to some recruiters, and you’re likely to evoke a range of reactions â€" from a mild look of disbelief, to indignant outrage at the very idea. After all, why would you want to do such a thing? It takes your focus away from placements with full-fee potential, and it doesn’t benefit your relationship with the client either, does it? Call me controversial, but I’d say the opposite. Turning away the option to fee-split is essentially the same as turning away the opportunity to still make money, and also to exceed your client’s expectations. Knowing Your Specialisms I’ve worked as an independent recruiter for many years now. Fortunately, along the way, I’ve built up a great list of fantastic clients who only want to use my services, and mine alone. Very nice! However, whilst I like to think I’m very good at what I do, I’m realistic enough to know that I don’t specialise in everything. Finding an accountant for a robotics business, for example, would not be my forte. Technical engineer â€" yes absolutely! Accountant? I wouldn’t know where to start. So, what’s a recruiter to do in this position? Should I tell the client that I can’t help them, and send them packing? Or, should I let them know that I can fill the role for them, but that I’d enlist the help of a trusted and expert colleague in order to achieve the results they’re looking for, at no extra cost to them. The Benefits of Splitting Fees A split-fee program, as far as I can see, is a win-win situation. Your client is happy. They don’t have to go through the bother of trying to find another specialist recruiter to help them, and they trust you to deliver results. You’re happy too. Okay, so you might not get 100% of the fee, but you’ll still make something, and more importantly, you’ll hold on to your client. They’ll be impressed that you showed initiative, and that you’re willing to go the extra mile to get their position filled. Of course, this might not be something you can achieve for all roles, and it’s important to be realistic about your limitations. If you try to blag it, you may end up letting your client down, and that’s not a good situation to be in. However, letting your clients down when actually, you might be able to help, isn’t an attractive option either! A Tool to Add to Your Arsenal You don’t want to find yourself in a position where you’re fee-splitting too often as you won’t be focusing on your core area of expertise. Plus if you’re working as a freelance recruiter, you need to make a certain amount each month to pay the bills, and too much fee-splitting can compromise this. However, if you see it as another tool for your belt, a further service you can offer clients if necessary, then this only serves to strengthen your reputation as a recruiter. After all, you’ll be seen as the guy or gal who not only specialises in X, but can also help out with Y and Z too, if required! This makes you the ‘go-to’ recruiter â€" the one who works really hard to get results. Plus, it’s not that revolutionary an idea to work with others. Collaboration in the workplace is as old as the hills, and in the 21st century recruiters often join forces in order to offer a better service to their clients. NPA, for example, is widely recognised across the globe, and they’ve been providing a split-fee program since 1956! Boost Your Reputation Are you too busy to take on a split-fee job? If so, then lucky you… you’re obviously doing something right. But secondly, you’re absolutely right to not take on a split-fee job if you’re already working flat out. After all, recruitment is a business, and much as you may want to please your customers, you shouldn’t ever cut off your nose to spite your face. However, if you do have the time to do a few split-fee jobs, then you might find it helps boost your reputation no end. Do your homework and only work with recruiters whose ethics and business manner match your own high standard. These associations will serve to enhance your personal brand in the marketplace. As a specialist recruiter you have your own reputation to protect â€" and ultimately (especially if you’re a solo freelancer) you want the jobs that generate 100% profit for you. However, never knock the power of collaboration. You might not want to actively promote a split-fee arrangement as part of your recruiter USP-list, but in my opinion, it certainly gives you the competitive advantage. In accepting the occasional split-fee, you essentially present yourself as a ‘can-do’ recruiter, and you may find you land more business as a result. Half the Pay for Less of the Work? Split-fee arrangements can also be beneficial if you’re strapped for time. If you’ve built up a network of fellow recruiters who are all up to your high standards, then why not pass some of the work on to them? After all, filling vacancies, finding new jobs for clients and delivering a great service is highly time-consuming! If you can work with someone who is happy to take on the bulk of that work, leaving you in a position where you can still pocket a nice sum of money, why wouldn’t you want to do it? Ultimately, your client is happy, because they know you’ll get the job done. They don’t really mind how you do it, they just want you to find them the right person for the job. Your fellow recruiter is happy, because you’ve given them some work (and money) that they otherwise wouldn’t have had. And as for you? You can still make some money from the job, whilst preserving your great reputation with your client. It’s as the late, great Hot Chocolate sang… everyone’s a winner, baby! Splitting fees does not make you look like a bad recruiter. Only turning your client away and giving them the hard job of finding another specialist recruiter can do that.

Tips For Finding The Best Resume Writing Service Chicago Executives Can Find

Tips For Finding The Best Resume Writing Service Chicago Executives Can FindThe best resume writing service Chicago executives can find for the job that they are interviewing for could be simple and straightforward. Or it could be a complex and lengthy document, one that includes everything from social security numbers to major life events. Whatever the situation, the best way to find a reputable service is to take the time to examine what they offer before hiring anyone.Resumes should be prepared in a way that highlights the strengths of the candidate. This makes the document look more professional people tend to be hired over those who have only used a basic version of their skills. Chicago executives must consider the skills of potential employees when they are looking for an outsourcing company.Another tip for hiring a resume writing service Chicago executives can use is to make sure that they ask specific questions about what they need and expect from their outsourced service. A good service will have a clear understanding of what the hiring manager is looking for. This way, the service can provide the best resume for the hiring company.Resumes may also contain sections on accomplishments and skills that may be relevant to the job that they are currently working on. The hiring service can make sure that all of the information is accurate and complete. Otherwise, hiring a resume service in Chicago may not get the job done properly.The best resume writing service Chicago executives can get their hands on should include clear instructions on how to prepare the documents. The agency can provide templates and samples of their past work. By using these samples, the best resume writing service Chicago executives can find will be able to create a document that is easy to read and understand.Another tip for finding a good service is to determine whether or not the document is printed on a computer. In some cases, the best resume service Chicago executives can find will create the document directly on the computer. However, this should be tested before the job is finalized.Another thing to keep in mind when looking for a resume writing service Chicago executives can use is to make sure that the document is provided on paper or on a computer. The best services will provide a document in both formats so that they can customize a document that is tailored for the job that is being sought. Customization is important because it ensures that the documents will be up to date and ready for the hiring manager to read.Finding a service to assist with your resume writing needs is not difficult. If they do not offer customization services, this does not mean that they are not effective. All it means is that they do not specialize in creating documents that are going to stand out and be properly read by the hiring manager.

How To Succeed In The Property Investment World

How To Succeed In The Property Investment World There’s no other way to say it. The size of the US property market is enormous, and it’s one of the largest in the world. One million housing units are up for sale in this country every year â€" and with plenty of people still looking for properties, it’s showing no signs of cooling off. But while these headline statistics may make it seem like there’s property investment opportunities everywhere you turn, it actually takes a certain type of person to make it in this world. Many people are struggling to get on to the real estate ladder altogether.  But as CNN reports, others may find themselves on the ladder but aren’t quite disciplined enough to save up to build the sort of large investment portfolio that others enjoy. This article will explain  what attributes people need  in order to build their property investment empires. Be a good saver Perhaps the main barrier to getting on the property investment ladder is finding the cash to cover the upfront costs. The cost of  a mortgage down payment  can easily exceed $30,000 for an average home â€" so for those looking to purchase a rental property or a series of them, there’s a big challenge ahead. Looking for finance for this major upfront cost, then, is a good idea. If you earn well, saving up is one option. It may require sacrifice, though, and skipping vacations and treats is common â€" so you’ll need to be disciplined! Be open-minded It’s also important to think carefully about where you plan to invest your cash â€" and to be open-minded enough to know that this might not be in your home town. Sometimes, it will be: if you already own a home and are of a certain age,  an equity release program  for seniors in cities like New York â€" where the average cost of a home is around $455,000 â€" may open up much-needed investment cash. If you plan to buy a property to rent out, meanwhile, being brave enough to go national and choosing a place where rental yields are high    â€"  such as Orlando, Florida  â€" may be more prudent. As you get into property investing, youll likely run across many different purchase scenarios.   Each may require a different approach in handling the purchase and/or rehab financing. Buying foreclosures:   You may need hard money.   Thats financing based mostly on the value of the property and not your credit. Buying probate property:   Probate deals can be quite lucrative, but often the time to closing can be quite long.   Youll have to plan accordingly. Doing major rehabs:   You may need to use bridge loan lenders for temporary financing until the project is ready for permanent financing. The key is to remain flexible.   Because no two deals are alike, one time you may find yourself using traditional financing   for the purchase while the next deal requires you to tap into an expected inheritance with estate loans. So while the world of property investing isn’t easy or simple by any stretch of the imagination, there are ways to enter it and succeed. You need to select your investment destination judiciously and objectively on the basis of location and purpose, for example. And by ensuring you save well enough to have the cash to cover upfront costs, you’ll be able to give yourself a good start.

Cant do public speaking

Can’t do public speaking Does the idea of standing up to do a talk or presentation terrify you? You’re not alone, your fear even has a name, Glossophobia. According to one source up to 75% of the population suffer from  it. The good news is that you can learn to overcome your terrors. I have just heard leading linguistic specialist David Crystal talk at the Hay Festival and here are some of his top tips. Remember everyone is naturally eloquent If you’re glossphobic you’re probably not going to believe this. Crystal argues that eloquence is a broad notion, it’s not about whether you’ve got the right accent or know all the long words, it’s about the everyday. You can talk to your friends. You can talk to people you meet and engage with whenever you’re out and about. Ok, so you can talk to a larger group of people in more formal circumstances too. The difference is only around experience and getting over your nerves. The two main distinctions between everyday conversation and presentation are preparation and rehearsal. Some really famous orators have talked about the imperative of good preparation: But impromptu speakingâ€"that is what I was trying to learn. That is a difficult thing. I used to do it in this way. I used to begin about a week ahead, and write out my impromptu speech and get it by heart. Mark Twain Spontaneity is a meticulously prepared art. Oscar Wilde Perhaps this is the time for a bit of honest reflection. If your presentation terrors relate back to a time when things didn’t go according to plan, could it have been that you hadn’t rehearsed? Don’t make that mistake again. You might want to practise by watching yourself in the mirror, here’s Nowtash talking about just that in terms of interview preparation. Another alternative is to practise in front of friends, or if your presentation is part of an interview process for a job you might be able to run it through with someone in your careers department. You might even want to record yourself on your phone or tablet. Work out what would be right for you, but don’t try to wing it! Attention Span If you’re going to get up and overcome your fears you want to feel that people are actually listening to you. Watching an audience responding to what you are saying and clearly attending will help you to feel more at ease and as you relax you’ll become more fluent. The reverse is true too. If you can see nobody is listening to you, that’s going to ramp up your anxiety levels. So, be aware of how attention spans work. Nobody is listening when you first start talking. They’re fidgeting in their seats, wondering if they switched off their mobiles (or pondering if they want to switch them off). Don’t launch straight in to your presentation, talk about something else let your audience settle and start to concentrate. Attention span works on cycles. It starts very low, peaks after about 1 minute and then drops off after 5 to 10 minutes and this process is repeated throughout the duration of your talk. Try breaking what you say into those 5 -10 minute chunks and then find a way t o give your audience a rest in line with the dip in their concentration levels. Pause, have a drink of water, say something irrelevant to your talk, make a joke, try to get in rhythm with your audience. A final point to remember is that attention peaks as you start to wrap up your talk, don’t forget to recap the key points at this stage. Don’t turn your back on the audience Ok, so does this sound a bit obvious? Think again. Have you ever been tempted to turn and look at the PowerPoint you have playing behind you? Surely it’s ok, it stops you having to look at the audience. No, it’s not alright. If you are not looking at your audience you are not engaging them, and if you are just reading off the PowerPoint you might be insulting them too! You don’t need to have the text of your talk up on the screen anyway. If you use your presentation slides to enhance or underline parts of your talk you’ll be less tempted to start reading them! Avoid mannerism This one’s a bit trickier. We don’t always know what our mannerisms are, so you might need to ask someone to give you some honest comments. I talk while waving my hands about. It’s fine in conversation but when I’m presenting I keep them under control, too much movement becomes distracting. Other people struggle to keep their bodies still, rocking can mesmerise your audience and stop them listening to you altogether. Verbal tics aren’t great either. If I hear someone overusing “OK” or “Like” I have been known to start timing the number of times the word is used. I got to 57 occurrences of “like” in I minute while timing a conversation going on behind me on a train once! Had that been a presentation I wouldn’t have had a clue what it was about. Watch your speaking speed I know I can speak very fast indeed sometimes with friends and I make a conscious effort to slow up when I am presenting. Crystal offers some science on this one. Apparently we should be going for 250 syllables a minute. If you’re a nervous speaker why not count the syllables in a paragraph of text and then read it at your presentation speed and see what rate you are going at. Make sure that you don’t keep going at an absolutely constant rate though, try building in some pauses, perhaps speed a few bits up, you can make use of some hesitation noises “um” works but use it sparingly! And last, some tricks Say things in threes, people remember this. Many of you will have been taught to do this in your writing for GCSE English so it might be familiar to you. Don’t just use three adjectives though, make points in threes, or give three examples. Keep to sentences, don’t lose your verbs in a mass of words and don’t overcomplicate your language. People find it easier to process shorter words and can attend best if you keep to 5 important words per block. Make your talk modular, it’ll help to deal with the attention span cycle and will also mean that if time starts to run away with you then you can leave one or more modules out without anyone noticing. Good luck! With thanks to David Crystal and the Hay Festival.

Why Would Employers Do This?

Why Would Employers Do This?The first step in knowing how to list languages on resume knows the reasons for being bilingual. It does not mean that you should be proud of the fact that you know a dozen languages but it just means that you are capable of conversing with other people and understanding them.The next thing that you need to understand on how to list languages on resume is to know that when you are listed in a particular job vacancy that you have the chances of getting the job faster than the candidate who has never studied or been taught any other language. So, if you have the ability to understand and speak another language, then why not take advantage of it? Who knows you might even land up in a job where you will have the chance to actually travel and get to know the culture and history of the country.One of the reasons why many employers like to list languages on resume is that they believe that candidates who have learned another language are very intelligent and have a high level of analytical skills. The next step in knowing how to list languages on resume is to make sure that you apply the method to your everyday life. You should make sure that you are always ready to learn any new languages or foreign languages.Your main objective should be to increase your knowledge about other cultures and their customs. If you would be able to do this then you would be able to help the employers and the potential employees that you know some other languages or at least have some idea of the language. Besides being able to speak other languages you should also know how to speak in their native tongue. This will be beneficial for you in the job interview process as well as the hiring process.Sometimes we just can't get over our fear of talking to strangers in a foreign country. It makes us nervous or we just can't take the nervousness in the job interview process. So, if you are going to have a background of speaking and being aware of the local language th en you will be able to work and be friendly with any people that you come across.Another reason why employers and potential employees look forward to listing the languages that they know is that this will allow them to save some extra work for them. The jobs that they have that require interaction with another nationality or culture are just not very easy to complete. So, having extra knowledge of the language that you are learning would be very helpful for you in both the interview process and in the hiring process.It is very important that you learn how to speak and read the language that you are listed in. You should also be aware of the different characters and how to use them properly to complete a given task. Learning the language is not something that you should be ashamed of because it could actually make you successful.If you are one of those who are shy around people then you should not hesitate in taking an online language class and learning some of the most basic languag es that you can. After all, this will be an important tool that you will need for your job search. As long as you take this step, you will be able to use your skills to overcome any barriers that you may encounter in the job application process.

A Graphic Designers Guide to Developing a Professional Personal Brand

A Graphic Designer’s Guide to Developing a Professional Personal Brand As a graphic designer professional, you’re typically running a small business. Even if you’re the only one who’s offering the services, you could still consider yourself a business!Every business starts from the bottom and usually attempts to overstep the competition. One of the ways to establish your position in the marketplace is to make yourself known. In business terms, you must develop your personal brand awareness, and you must do it in a professional manner.evalSuccessful personal branding always brings benefits. You’ll get the chance to meet more people and you’ll be able to acquire more clients. If people know who you are, you’re automatically an authority in your field of activity.Being your own boss is most of the times great. It makes you pay more attention to your professional life, and it boosts your confidence and flexibility big time. When you have a personal brand, you are basically selling yourself and your services. And if you truly want to succeed, you must do everything properly.Your personal branding is built online. Nowadays, everyone is working and communicating with the use of digital tools and platforms, social networks, and websites.The more you focus on developing your “online resume”, the better you look to other professionals that might be looking for relationships and deals.During today’s article, we’ll take a look at some insightful tips on how to develop your professional brand as a graphic designer:1. Stand Out from the CrowdevalStanding out of the crowd could mean more things. Let’s take them separately and discuss them:a. OriginalityevalYou’re a graphic designer, and your job is to satisfy your clients with your amazing art. Considering that you’re in a field which requires creativity and innovation, you can approach the marketplace with originality. Anything that’s original sells well!b. Niche DownSo you’re a graphic designer, I understood. But what kind of graphic designer are you? Are you crea ting illustrations? Or you’re more into marketing design? Are you passionate about something particularly? Think about your best traits and qualities and select a sub-niche.c. Do Something That Others Don’tevalThis is somehow related to the originality thing, but it’s a bit different. For example, if most of your competition is doing something, take that thing and add a twist to it. That twist is often going to differentiate yourself from others and will eventually dictate your success.2. Leverage Social MediaAre you aware of the importance of social media? It’s huge! If you think about it, with few exceptions, everyone you know has at least one social profile. Most chose Facebook because…well…because it’s Facebook, but there are so much more to choose from.As a professional, you should always be looking to connect with new people. That’s exactly what social media does. It is the bridge between you and the consumer. Or, it could be the connection between you and a li ke-minded business professional.By leveraging social media, you are creating a lot of exposure. You’re firstly making your name known, and you’re also promoting your business in the meantime. Here’s a good tip: if you can afford it, take advantage of the various available advertising tools.3. Create Your Personal Graphic Design BlogIf you start a blog, everything’s going to go better for you. First of all, you’re capturing the search crawler’s attention by posting relevant pieces of content. This content contains lots of graphic design niche keywords. When people look for Google answers, your blog will be amongst the results.Besides that, starting a blog should be easy for a graphic designer like you. That means less budget spending. Concerning the content â€" if you’re not a writer yourself and you can’t deal with words, take advantage of Best Essays. They offer the custom option of ordering personalized content; I used them before, and I could really recommend!4. F ocus on Expanding Your Brand’s AwarenessMost graphic designers that don’t have a personal brand yet are doing something wrong. They focus on transactions over branding. Their efforts to get that paycheck are distracting them from creating something that lasts. After all, when you create a personal brand out of your name, you’re creating a legacy.Here are a few ways to expand your brand’s awareness:Use social media influencers within your nicheWrite SEO contentNetwork with professionals within your nicheCreate professional social media pages on more networksJoin discussions Getting in touch with like-minded individuals who share the same profession as you is a great way to boost your future opportunities. I believe that you should be looking for people that work better than you. Graphic designers that are extremely successful could be a source of inspiration, but who says you can’t get in touch with them?evalMaybe you come up with the perfect pitch, and you can establish a connection between you and someone that does exactly what you do. Networking is easy; follow people around, have the courage to initiate discussions, and focus on generating trust.6. Be Active, Always!We live in a fast-paced world. The marketplace is extremely fast-paced too, and we must keep up with the shifts. Nowadays, if a brand stops posting new content on their social media channels, it is as good as dead. We look for new things, new updates, new everything.When you come across a website and social media presence that hasn’t been updated for weeks or months, what impression do you get? Be active, always!ConclusionIf you want to reach the top of the ladder, you must do your best to create a powerful name and brand for yourself. This process takes time, and it’s never effortless. If you truly want to be one of the top graphic designers out there, personal branding is what’s going to get you there!

7 Things To Do Even After Youve Landed A Job

7 Things To Do Even After Youve Landed A Job Congratulations, youve landed a job! But dont relax just yet. There are some things youre going to want to do to help your future job searching efforts because, yes, you will have to look for a job again.   There is a lot to do once youve started a new job to ensure you are getting off on the right foot. It takes a time and effort to get accustomed to your new job responsibilities, figure out the lay of the land, new technology, and new procedures. On top of mastering all this, I want to remind you to continue to keep yourself in the job market! You never want to be caught unprepared, therefore, it is essential you continue to work on these things all the time! Join a Professional Association Your new employer may be able to sponsor your membership. Ask! But remember to clearly state the benefits to them of your joining. And, if you do join, take advantage of everything the association has to offer. Attended workshops, networking events, and maybe even take on a leadership role. Sign Up for a Class or Workshop Keeping your skills current is your responsibility. Not your employers. Be on the look out for skills and new technology to help you stay up to date, perhaps even ahead of the curve. Again, your employer may be willing to sponsor you, but be sure to let them know how these new skills will benefit the company, improve your performance or otherwise be of value. You may even volunteer to take on a special project using your new skills. Stay In Touch Do not stop networking. Continue to make an effort to meet new people and stay connected. This is not just an activity you do when you are looking for a job. It is a lifetime career strategy. I know there is a lot going on in your life. But when you stop networking, it is like stopping a workout routine and then expecting to be able to pick up where you left off (one, two or three years later)! Hopefully, youre using LinkedIn and will continue to do so. LinkedIn makes it easier for your to see status updates and news about your network. Remember, not everyone uses the site regularly or may not be a primary source for their communication. Dont forget to use regular email and the telephone. Get Involved In Your Community With the pressure to find a job gone, you now have time to focus on giving back to your community, either locally or globally. Become involved as a volunteer or perhaps a board member. Be sure the organization is one which you are proud to support, makes you feel good, and one you dont mind giving up your free time to help. Dont forget about colleges or universities, they need your help too. Host an alumni event, offer to mentor new graduates or help support an event. Seek Out Mentors Identify people inside and outside of your company who can serve as formal or informal mentors. Chose people who you can turn to for advice or whom you can learn from. Mentors are not just for those new to the workplace, even seasoned professionals can benefit from learning something new and getting fresh perspectives. If this is something you decide to pursue, respect the time your mentor carves out for you and show your appreciation. Monitor  Job Postings The easiest way to monitor job postings is to create alerts on various job boards. Before you invest time applying for a job, contact someone you know inside the company and ask for an update on the jobs status. Find out the inside scoop on why the job is available and be sure it is an opportunity worth your time to apply for. Build Your Personal Reputation Update your LinkedIn profile and other social network profiles with your new information. Begin tracking your accomplishments from day one in your new job and look for ways you can highlight these accomplishments among your networks. When you receive an email from a manager, client, or colleague thanking you for a job well-done, definitely save the recommendation in a personal file which you keep at home. You may also consider asking for a recommendation on LinkedIn as well. Other ways to build your reputation outside of your current organization might include: Contributing to an industry newsletter. Giving presentations or sitting on a panel of experts. Attending professional conferences and/or trade shows. Go Above and Beyond Every Day You want to create a well-respected and well-known reputation and have opportunities come to you. Get your name out there. There is no greater ego-boost than an unexpected job offer. Remember, it is unlikely your next job will last forever, so taking some of these steps will help you hit the ground running faster, when, not if, there is a next time. This post originally appeared on US News World Report On Careers

Dear Future Me (the 2014 edition) - When I Grow Up

Dear Future Me (the 2014 edition) - When I Grow Up Photo by Sean MacEntee and new added by me. This is the fourth time Ive written a Dear Future Me letter. You can read the others  here  and  here  and here  (and why I didnt write one last year here), and the idea behind the Dear Future Me letter from the amazeballs woman I stole it from (hi Jess LC!) right  here.   Before writing this letter, I was also struggling with my Word of the Year. Boundaries? Simplify? Efficiency? Ease? Discomfort? Growth? They all didnt click quite right with me. But from this letter, the Word of The Year became clear (and I had no fear! didya hear?): New. Hence, the photo above.   I was also surprised as to how general the letter was this year. I usually get super specific as to exactly what I do for myself and my businessbut that didnt show up this time around and thats OK. I think being more Open lends itself to sticking with New. Like past years, I decided to keep some things privatebut this is about 95% of the letter below.   January 1st, 2015 Dear Future Michelle, 2014. It feels like the year of Uncomfortable Growth, but in all the right ways. Uncomfortable to scale back on your business, on All The Things you normally aim to do, on being oh-so-aggressive with meeting your financial goals, on no longer aiming to help All The People. Uncomfortable to niche down, become smallerbut it feels expansive, even though it’s contradictory. It feels expansive because 2014 was the year of enjoyment, of energy, of simplification, of taking care, of stillness and steadiness. It was also the year of Newness. You enveloped a new way of treating yourself: by slowing down, by establishing and upholding boundaries,   by taking breaks and doing more of the things that are “just” fun, by not putting so much on your plate, by not feeling like you’re spinning your wheels, by making health and nutrition your focus, by making decisions based on relationships and connections. You enveloped a new way of running your business: by saying No with kindness to anything that wasn’t part of The Yes Bubble, by streamlining and becoming more efficient,   by not buying into things you don’t need, by taking ownership instead of relying solely on delegation, by truly trusting that the turtle wins the race, by living by Fun and Ease. You enveloped a new way of treating others: by communicating what you need (even if it’s not what you think the other person wants to hear), by upholding your integrity and honesty and kindness, by asking for help, by not leading by obligation or guilt or fear, by being fully present for all conversations, by reaching out and checking in earlier and more frequently than usual, by forgiving and releasing more easily than usual. 2014 was nothing short of a year of transformation. You can feel it now, inside. You can look around and see it, outside. New beliefs. New intentions. New strengths. New relationships (or the same relationships, in a new way). New hope. A new start. Love,  Current Michelle Did you come up with a Word of the Year and/or write a Dear Future Me letter? If ya did, dont forget to load it in to futureme.org and schedule it to be sent on the date at the top of the letter. So cool! Anyway, Id love to hear what you uncovered in the comments!