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How To Get Recognized At Work
It's human nature to want to please others. We also want to succeed in life. Sometimes, though, we don't get that recognition at work we're looking for.

If you're putting in the hours and the effort but not seeing results, this episode is for you!  Sometimes we try too hard and stand out for the wrong reasons.

 Your path to recognition starts on the inside with your drive and motivation. From there, you can build on the values that are most important to your company.

Find out what some of the common recognition wreckers are and how to overcome them.
Tune in now!

Chapters
[00:50]
Did you know trying too hard to get recognized can have adverse effects?

[01:51]
Sometimes we can be overwhelmed by email and misplace it as a priority in our lives.

[03:14]
When you were first hired, what were your primary responsibilities?

[04:31]
Your recognition begins with you, giving back first!

[06:00]
Don't forget about your internal energy and self-drive.

[08:50]
How to get recognized at work is about how you perceive yourself and the effort you put forth to make a solid contribution.

[10:48]
Be careful comparing yourself to your management.

[12:00]
Remember, what may be important to you may not be as important to your company.

[13:28]
What do you spend the majority of your time on at work?

[15:18]
Get help if you're overloaded by email and text!

Mentioned Links
CGME: Ep 3 - Overloaded by Email & Text
Free Download: Recover today from email overload!
Free Download: See how to add value to your job

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Being a Balcony Cheerleader with Miss Thunder
As our 100+ episode celebration continues the Career Growth Made Easy podcast welcomes Miss Thunder from Balcony Cheerleader. The positivity abounds as Miss Thunder and Craig share their BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) and how to avoid complacency and being stagnant.

If you're looking for a motivational talk, you've found it. From elevating those in high school or college all the way to professional sports players, coaching tips and advice are shared between career growth coach Craig and life coach Miss Thunder.

Get inspired today and listen in to their chat!

Chapters
[01:09]
Career Growth Made Easy welcomes Miss Thunder from the Balcony Cheerleader podcast.

[03:15]
Do you have a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)? If you believe in yourself you can accomplish anything!

[04:40]
Don't let your feeling of comfort turn into complacency.

[08:28]
Craig talks about always doing something that pulls him out of his comfort zone.

[10:01]
Miss Thunder comments, "You have a choice and you have a chance!"

[11:46]
Craig answers the question, "What does this podcast do for you?"

[14:52]
Learn more about your "SWOT": Strengths, Weaknesses...

[17:39]
Polishing strengths is important, but don't overlook improving upon your weakness.

[19:14]
Miss Thunder's book favorite is "Leave Your Ego At The Door", by Bill Herz.

[20:54]
CGME: #077: What Got You Here Won't Get You There

[23:26]
One movie character was asked, "Haven't you ever failed at anything?"

[28:43]
Craig shares about his childhood, being the underdog, and growing into a spirit of giving.

[31:43]
Don't be afraid of rejection, use it as redirection.

[36:32]
Taking "Thank you." to a whole new level.

[39:53]
Do not take it (rejection) personally.

[44:00]
No matter what you choose, Balcony Cheerleader or Career Growth Made Easy, make sure you embrace change and growth!

[48:15]
Don't water yourself down to become digestible for others!

[52:25]
Miss Thunder wraps up the episode with messaging.

[55:19]
Here's how to contact Miss Thunder.

Mentioned Links
CGME: Ep 77 What Got You Here Won't Get You There
CGME: Ep 97 How to Find Your Weak Spot - Part 1
CGME: Ep 94 It's All In Your Message
Reach out to Miss Thunder at Balcony Cheerleader

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Becoming A Business Owner with Makenzie Oliver
Don't let fear of the unknown cripple you when it comes to starting your own business. Makenzie Oliver, our guest on the Career Growth Made Easy podcast shares how she overcame and succeeded.

Makenzie transitioned from public school teacher to micro-school/homeschool teacher. Learn more about her micro-school and find out if she still has seats available for your child this fall!

Maybe you're a parent looking for a better approach to elementary education or you're a tired, burnt-out teacher - there's still hope! You can learn how to teach your own children and others, too. That way they are not isolated and gain great social skills. 

Tune in today to learn more about becoming a business owner.

Chapters
[01:37]
Career Growth Made Easy welcomes Makenzie Oliver, a former public school teacher turned business owner!

[02:16]
Find out about elementary micro-schools and how Makenzie shifted her career path.

[04:09]
Makenzie felt something stirring in her soul, telling her something was missing, possibly to do something different.

[06:58]
Craig's advice: Don't run from something, rather run to something.

[09:08]
Before Makenzie transitioned, she immersed herself in personal development.
CGME: Ep 70 - Mentors Help You Grow

[10:37]
Makenzie's inner voice "You'll never know unless you let go."
CMGE: Ep 60 - Feeling Stuck In Your Job

[15:22]
Makenzie recognized multiple avenues for learning: career, personal, professional, family, and relational growth.

[18:05]
Makenzie slowly unwraps plans for her micro-school.

[21:03]
The research began to see if other teachers have transitioned into home / micro-schools and also what it took to make it happen.

[22:57]
In many states, if you are a certified teacher and have a private tutoring business you can home school.

[24:11]
Craig acknowledges Makenzie's desire to push forward in light of multiple unknowns and challenges.

[26:10]
Makenzie embraced the fear of the pandemic and chose to set herself and her teaching styles apart from others.

[31:06]
Do you know what your BHAG is? Makenzie shares her Big Hairy Audacious Goal.

[34:39]
Reach out to Makenzie Oliver to find out more about home/micro schooling!
https://teachersletyourlightshine.com/

[38:15]
Makenzie's podcast: Teacher Let Your Light Shine.

[40:55]
Contact Makenzie if you want to grab your child's seat for next year.
https://www.lighthouselearningmicroschool.com/

Mentioned Links
CMGE: Ep 60 - Feeling Stuck In Your Job
CGME: Ep 70 - Mentors Help You Grow
Reach out to Makenzie Oliver to find out more about home/micro schooling!

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Change Your Money Mindset with Vladimir Iovu
Our 100+ episode celebration continues on Career Growth Made Easy with another guest. Please welcome Vlad Iovu, fellow podcaster and YouTuber, from Yes To Money.  One of Vlad's shows that peaked Craig's interest was "Double Your Money in 2022".

In today's second guest episode Craig talks with Vlad about how our mindsets are critical for success. Our mindsets can be affected by our peer groups. Listen to find out how your networks can help and harm you.

Finally, if you're in over your head trying to "keep up with the Jones", then tune in to find out different ways to view your situation and get unstuck today.

Chapters
[01:02]
Welcome, Vlad Iovu from the Yes To Money podcast and YouTube channel.

[02:20]
What can you do with $1000 in the United States?

[04:11]
Mentoring can really accelerate your career growth!

[05:48]
As you think, you will become.

[08:03]
If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.

[12:13]
You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.

[17:03]
The older we get, the more rigid we can become.

[19:30]
If we stay in our comfort zones, we can become complacent.

[24:12]
You have the ability to impact your next performance review and potentially increase your pay.

[29:05]
It's natural to have wants and desires, but are you willing to put the effort in to obtain those things?

[31:21]
Trying to keep up with the Jones can hurt you.

[38:00]
To get ahold of today's guest, Vlad Iovu, click the link here!

Mentioned Links
CGME: Ep 93 Multiple Your Mentorship
CGME: Ep 14 I Just Can't
CGME: Ep 88 Guide to Great Performance Reviews
Vlad Iovu: YouTube Channel - Yes To Money

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100th Episode Special with Digital Manager, Madison Ancel
This show marks 100 episodes of Career Growth Made Easy! To celebrate, I brought on my daughter and digital manager, Madison, to talk about some of her favorite moments. We talk about the real-life inspiration behind several episodes as well as what it's been like working together for nearly 2 years.

We touched on so many topics. It was such a blast to have her on the show! Let us know what you think of this week's special episode. I hope you enjoy it - and thanks for 100 episodes of CGME!

Chapters
[01:00]
Introducing our first-ever guest, my daughter, and digital manager, Madison Ancel!

[01:27]
Madison talks about her experience working with her dad

[04:32]
During the pandemic, Madison earned her bachelor's degree from UCF!

[05:22]
Madison rebranded herself and shifted career paths as a result of the pandemic
 
[06:07]
Looking back on Madison's first episode of Career Growth Made Easy, Ep 19 - Don't Start With An Apology

[07:10]
Madison points out the potential irony of the title, as this was the first episode after a long break, due to COVID-19

[09:40]
Ep 56 - Winning with Video Interviews was Madison's introduction to the concept of video interviews

[14:22]
Ep 74 - Is This Job A Trick or Treat was inspired by a real application process Madison went through. She talks about that experience and how the episode came to be

[19:30]
This episode also has a free download with examples of red flags you can look out for in job postings, Is This Job A Trick or Treat?

[20:54]
Madison noticed a lot of home and auto repairs being done on top of the usual workload. That inspired Ep 92 - Pros and Cons: Being A Jack of All Trades

[22:55]
Craig LOVES to learn. It's a blessing and a curse

[26:12]
If any of these episodes struck a chord with you, let us know! Send us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube!

[26:49]
Madison talks about her experience working as a digital manager for Craig

[28:23]
Join our email list!

[29:49]
Want Madison back for another episode? We can talk about our journey with the Resume Master Class and Cover Letter Master Class!

[32:31]
We have so many FREE resources on resumes - and more

[34:00]
Craig also offers one-on-one coaching

[35:29]
Thank you for 100 episodes of Career Growth Made Easy!

Mentioned Links
Visit Madison's website
Ep 19 - Don't Start With An Apology
Ep 56 - Winning with Video Interviews
Ep 74 - Is This Job A Trick or Treat
Ep 92 - Pros and Cons: Being A Jack of All Trades
Visit our

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10 Tips for Presenting at Work
Did you know that you are always presenting? You don't have to be in front of a large crowd with a projector. Everything you do reflects back on you. When you recognize this, with the help of this podcast, you may find ways to make better choices. These better choices can be easy to implement and help you stand out for the better!

Whether you're having an in-person conversation, communicating by phone or virtually, or presenting to an audience these 10 Tips for Presenting at Work will help you excel!  Find out how your body language may be sending different messages than your spoken word.

Finally, if you've ever gotten off a heated call or read an attacking email and just wanted to explode, then this episode is for you. Learn how to better handle these situations and put your best, professional foot forward. Start listening now.

Chapters
[01:45]
Presentations and meetings have gotten a bad rap.

[02:20]
You are always presenting, even when you're not in meetings - did you know that?

[04:00]
Being aware of your environment can really help you when approaching your manager.

[05:42]
Here's what to do if you're coming off of a "heated call" or have just read a "scathing email".

[06:21]
"You are what you report." - Your body language, word choice, and vocal tone all contribute as to how you're perceived.

[07:09]
Don't bring me problems! Bring me solutions!

[08:28]
To cool down and respond professionally try taking the emotional words out of the context.

[09:38]
Plan ahead - allow plenty of time to prepare your content.

[11:18]
In order to brainstorm and create content, you need to know your audience.

[12:48]
ALWAYS define acronyms.

[14:51]
Unclear messages can mentally disrupt your audience.

[16:05]
Keep your visual content clean and avoid overload.

[17:19]
Bonus tip: start using backup slides.

Mentioned Links
10 Tips for Presenting at Work FREE downloadable guide: craigancel.com/presentation

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How to Find Your Weak Spot - Part 2
When communicating, it's important to remember silence is a tool. If you feel uncomfortable with a pause at the end of a conversation, you may blurt out filler words and crutch words to fill that awkward gap.

There's a great quote by Stephen R. Covey, "People don't listen with the intent to understand, they listen with the intent to reply." Imagine all the new opportunities that could open up if you started listening more intently, reducing or removing your filler words, and actively participating in conversations.

 Your body language can also play a key role in your message and delivery. Subliminally, it can tell others if you're focused and engaged or shut down and distracted. Today's episode will give you several easy-to-implement strategies for spoken and written communication to immediately improve your social weaknesses.

Chapters
[00:57]
Part 1 Review: Personal & Professional Networks.

[01:57]
Part 1 Review: Recognize all the different communication platforms used today and how they are affected by our messaging.

[02:55]
Part 1 Review: What's one of your most powerful weapons?

[03:55]
Do not underestimate the powers of word choice and silence.

[05:42]
Regardless, if you are an individual contributor or in management, clean and clear communication is essential. That means you should know how to effectively use pauses in conversation.

[07:00]
Your outward communication is made up of multiple facets: body language, posture, vocal tone, and word choice.

[08:41]
You naturally write the way you talk. If you have trouble communicating verbally, you will likely have trouble with written and electronic documents (resumes, cover letters, emails, and texts).

[10:37]
Word definition challenge, what word is this: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result

[12:09]
You can turn your unemployment and job gaps from weaknesses into strengths.

[13:09]
You know what others don't!

[15:48]
The natural fear of silence can affect your written documents by creating run-on.

[18:55]
Resume help is just a key click away!

Mentioned Links
Make Your Resume an Interview Winner - Craig Ancel's Resume Master Class
Coaching with Craig
Get Rid of Um, Uh, and Filler words - CGME: Ep 55
Learn how to use Powerfully Placed Pauses - CGME: Ep 51

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How to Find Your Weak Spot - Part 1
Everyone has a weak spot; it may be difficult to find or admit it. But, we all have one. If you don't know what your weak spot is, or you're certain you don't have one, then you won't want to miss this 2 part mini-series: How to Find Your Weak Spot.

Weak spots can come from internal and external sources. Externally, your networks can play a role in lifting you up and supporting you or dragging you down. What kind of network do you have? Internal weak spots can come from a lack of confidence and poor communication skills. How well do you consider yourself a strong communicator? Don't forget, this means spoken word and written content, as well.

We're going to cover physical documents like resumes as well as electronic communication such as email and text. If you've ever had a hard time getting your point across or getting answers to questions - regardless of the format, this show is for you! Subscribe and listen to our 2 part mini-series How to Find Your Weak Spot.

Chapters
[01:38]
Every one of us has at least one weakness!

[01:56]
You can control your external and internal weaknesses.

[02:35]
Your external weaknesses can come from people, those in your network groups.

[03:32]
When you're around your network is there a particular person that always pulls the mood down?

[05:36]
What about your professional network, how healthy is it?

[7:10]
If you notice a trend or pattern of negativity with your co-workers it can cause you to distance yourself from them.

[8:08]
Internal weaknesses can come in the form of poor communication skills.

[09:01]
The choice of your words is very powerful, but so are the words you chose not to use.

[09:52]
Take control of your conversations with Craig's 3P Rule: Powerfully Placed Pauses.

[11:12]
Correcting your spoken word is critical to controlling conversations, but so is limiting your sharing.

[12:03]
Here's how to effectively recognize and use body language.

[15:02]
It's human nature to feel uncomfortable with silence, this can cause us to use filler words and lead us into run-on conversations.

Mentioned Links
Craig's 3P Rule: CGME Ep 51: Powerfully Placed Pauses
Getting Rid of Um, Ah...Filler Words: CGME Ep 55

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The Best Ways to Brainstorm
Mental burnout can negatively affect your ability to brainstorm. If you find yourself facing the same problems day after day, it may be time to find a new way to approach them. So let's brainstorm! Today, we'll talk about the different methods you can use and the benefits of each type.

Working alone on a solution can be limiting. When you can't see past yourself, your brainstorming power will suffer. This means you may not be able to come up with a new or creative answer to your problem.

In this episode, I'm giving you 3 of the best ways to brainstorm. I'll even give you a hint; disruptive and diverse thinking are keys to your success.

Chapters
[00:56]
When you run into challenging situations will you be able to identify the solution?

[01:24]
The first type of brainstorming, and one that is the most common, is self or solo brainstorming.
[02:41]
Sometimes when working on projects I can't see past myself, I can't seem to find a solution path forward.

[03:56]
Getting information from an outside source can be really helpful!

[04:47]
It sounds funny, but disruptive thinking can get you back on track.

[05:38]
While thinking differently watch out for the use of extreme words: always and never.

[06:57]
The benefits of a 2 person brainstorming team.

[08:46]
Don't underestimate the value of stepping back and taking a break. A mental refresher can do wonders for your creativity.

[09:56]
Because you're listening to and learning about brainstorming, you're likely not suffering from closed-minded thinking.

[11:21]
Find out how to benefit from group brainstorming sessions.

[12:20]
After you explain the challenge you're facing and ask for solutions just stop talking. Don't share your failed attempts.

[13:55]
With group brainstorming, you're leveraging diversity and multiplying unique idea generation.

[14:55]
Bonus show reference: Ep 40 - Becoming Aware of Your Emotional Intelligence

Mentioned Links
CGME: Ep 13: Extreme Words: Always & Never
CGME: Ep 27: That's Not My Job! Closed Minded Thinking

Bonus Link
CGME: Ep 40: Becoming Aware of Your Emotional Intelligence

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Acceptable vs. Exceptional Resumes
When it comes time to apply for your next job or potential promotion, will you be ready? Do you have a resume? Do you know where it is? When was the last time you updated it?

Just knowing you have a resume is not good enough. If you want to make the best impression and have the greatest chance of winning the interview, your resume needs that extra edge to take it from acceptable to exceptional.

As a bonus, in today's episode, I answer questions from a new listener, Sarah, who's in nursing school. She was concerned about her high school content still being on her resume and asked for some help. Tune in now!

Chapters
[01:14]
Craig received a question from a 2nd year nursing student. Should my high school content still be on my resume?

[02:07]
Do you have a resume? If so, do you know where it is?

[03:03]
When is the last time you looked at your resume? When is the last time you updated your resume?

[05:08]
As time goes on you, you naturally grow, learn, and gain experience.

[05:41]
CGME: Episode 77 - What Got You Here Won't Get You There

[06:47]
CGME: Episode 86 - How's Your Attention to Detail?

[07:36]
To represent your best self you need to transition your resume from acceptable to exceptional!

[09:21]
Winning an interview means that you've truly achieved it, you earned it, and you'll likely be better prepared for it, too.

[11:11]
Yes, resumes are all about you, but what message does your resume convey?

[12:02]
Perform this simple, yet effective test on your resume to see how it stacks up.

[14:41]
If your resume makes it through any software filters the average time a human will see it is 3-5 seconds. Make those seconds count!

[15:22]
Your resume's message needs to quickly connect with the targeted job.

[18:23]
Download your free copy of "How to Land Your Dream Job" to see how your resume stacks up.

[19:22]
Craig Ancel's Resume Master Class

[19:28]
Craig Ancel's Cover Letter Master Class

[19:30]
Coaching with Craig Ancel

Mentioned Links
Resume Freebie: Land Your Dream Job
CGME: Ep 77 What Got You Here Won't Get You There
CGME: Ep 86 How's Your Attention To Detail?
Craig Ancel's Resume Master Class
Craig Ancel's Cover Letter Master Class
Coaching with Craig

Support the show