Phil Cooke Podcast

If you've been fired after age 40 because of a lay-off or company downsizing, don't panic. You have skills, experience and talent and you can recover your career. Here's advice from Phil Cooke…

If you get fired later in your career, here's the first thing to do:

Get up to speed on the world and do it fast. Recognize that while you've been living in a work bubble at your place of employment, the world has been changing. If you get fired or laid off, get up to speed quickly on technology, changes happening in the workplace and even with your wardrobe.

Are you looking like the person you're trying to project yourself to be? Appearance does matter.

If you haven't been laid off – now is a good time to make sure you're up to speed with changes in the workplace.

Get on the phone.Look through your contacts and start making calls to people who can help you with your career. A great technique that can lead to a job is to ask for advice on where to go next in your career instead of asking for a job. It's a great technique that may open up an opportunity!

Working a great job? Take time to create a list of 10-20 people you could reach out to should things change.

Be flexible, particularly about relocating. If you don't want to move, it will cut your job possibilities down and give you a restricted field to choose from. Is a move worth it for a new job? Consider your options and don't be too locked in.

Make sure your resume, bio, or portfolio is updated and evergreen.Nobody wants to hire yesterday's genius. No matter how great your work was years ago, what have you done lately?

If you still have your job, now is the time to make sure your resume is up-to-date.

Make sure you leave your job on a good note. You may need a recommendation or reference, so always walk away as graciously as you can, no matter how difficult it may be.

Get used to it. Recognize the changing work environment. Prepare for potential layoffs, downsizing or a shift to contract labor. Be ready for it so you're not taken by surprise.

If you get fired or laid off, don't let your feelings or emotions rule the moment. It's not necessarily a terrible thing. In fact, it may be the best thing that could ever happen to you. – Phil Cooke

For more help on recovering your career, visit Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com/fired-after-40-how-to-recover/#more-13593

Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com

Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/

Visit Phil Cooke's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ

Are you able to tell your story well? Leaders and those who want to impact the lives of others should master the art of storytelling. Phil Cooke offers three critical keys to help you tell the defining story of your life more effectively.

Telling your story is important and it can have a profound effect on others. Whether it's motivating or encouraging, somebody needs to hear it. Make sure it's the most effective story with these three critical keys to telling your story well…

1. Be self-aware.Have an accurate appraisal of your gifts, talents and behavior – the essence of who you are. Take a hard look at your own life and ask people their perception of your strengths, weaknesses and shortcomings. As you become more self-aware, you'll be able to share your story with more impact.

1. Keep your story short.Condense it for an "8-second world." Stop talking before your audience stops listening!

1. Practice telling your story.Rehearse it to get it short and to the point; develop it so that it connects emotionally with the person you're sharing it with. Always be ready with a good story.

You never know when someone might ask about your life. Learn to tell your story effectively and always leave your audience asking for more. Your ability to telling a compelling story could be your key to become a better leader. – Phil Cooke

For more tips on telling your story well, visit Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com/three-critical-keys-to-telling-your-personal-story/

Get Phil's book "Unique: Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media" here: https://amzn.to/2CQG11e

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps us continue to provide free resources through my podcast and YouTube channel.)

Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com

Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/

Visit Phil Cooke's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ

Are you able to speak the language of change – or is the power of tradition holding your team or organization back? If you're surrounded by people stuck in the "we've always done it this way" mentality, Phil Cooke offers insight to overcome their objections and move them toward your change initiative.

Although there is power in tradition and traditions do matter, we need to remind ourselves that traditions are reminders, not destinations. People change, styles change, technology changes. If we don't speak the language of that change, we won't reach this generation or the next.

Wired Magazine reports that the average phone app updates every 30 days. In this digital age, our lives are in constant transition. If you're struggling with your team accepting new ideas, it's important to understand what's behind their hesitation. Knowing why people resist change is half the battle to help them embrace the new.

Leaders – here are four key reasons why people don't change.

If you can understand these, you can help bring your team or organization to a new level of effectiveness in our constantly changing world.

1. Self interest

People resist change because change imposes on their territory. If you're trying to implement change, you've got to address this question of self-interest, the question of "What's in it for me?" Address the issue of how this change impacts them personally and change will be embraced more easily.

1. Misunderstanding or lack of trust

About 77% of emails are misunderstood! A good leader will recognize this and go out of their way to help their team understand the issues at stake and why change is necessary. Explain it well for a smoother transition.

1. Differing ways of assessing

Everyone has a different vantage point, a different way of assessing change. It's worth taking the time to understand the different list of priorities guiding people in their work roles. Smart leaders ask questions and take this into consideration before making major change.

1. A lack of confidence in the decision-making process

Your team may not feel all the relevant information has been included in the change making process – or they may not trust the person in charge of implementing the change. The key here is to be sure they're involved in the process.

Help them understand the importance in the changes and get them involved early. A sense of ownership will help them more readily jump on board as new ideas are implemented.

As you lead your team or organization, it's important to recognize areas of resistance to change in your own life. What changes are you fighting in our own life? Are you stuck in a rut? Always be open to change.

Remember, change is coming whether we like it or not. The quicker you are to embrace change – and the more you know how to get other people on board with new ideas, the better you'll be in position for what's next. – Phil Cooke

Find out how to get "Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals" and "Jolt" by Phil Cooke here: https://www.philcooke.com/store/

For more tips on leadership and a free eBook on Creativity, visit Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com

Prefer audio? Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/

Visit Phil Cooke's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ

Filming interviews or short videos well is a skill every producer or filmmaker should gain. Phil Cooke offers 10 keys to shooting a good interview which can become a powerful tool to market your ministry or nonprofit organization.

How good are you at interviewing people on camera? No matter how great the camera shot or well-lit your set is, if the interview is not skillfully conducted, your overall video will not be good, and you'll miss out on gaining an emotional connection with your audience. Here are Phil's keys on how to shoot a better interview:

1. Be lean and mean with equipment.Don't intimidate your subject with an excess of equipment. Learn to shoot with as little equipment as possible so that your subject is comfortable enough to share their story with you.

1. If possible, do a pre-interview.Make sure the interviewee can express their story well before you shoot the video. Don't just show up and expect them to be a pro.

1. Keep the subject occupied or out of the room during set up.Do everything you can to keep them from getting nervous.

1. Don't cover the topic before the cameras roll.You don't want your subject to be talked out before the interview starts. This is particularly important for a dramatic interview.

1. As the interviewer, sit as close to the camera as you can.Make sure the camera is capturing both of the subject's eyes instead of just a profile shot.

1. Set the camera at eye level for the best shot.If it's set too high, it will diminish the subject; if it's set too low, it will make it look like they are looking down on the audience. Keep it eye-level for best engagement.

1. Roll the camera without the interviewee noticing.When the crew is ready, have your camera operator tap you and you can roll discretely before the subject has a chance to get distracted and nervous. Have a system with your team for this; it can lead to a great interview.

1. If a problem happens, don't let crew – or just anyone - stop the shoot. No one should stop the interview except you as the producer, director or interviewer. Let the interviewee finish a thought before stopping.If something goes wrong, have someone signal you, so you can allow the subject to finish a thought or a story so you don't interrupt them abruptly.

1. If there is a problem, don't tell the interviewee you need to "redo."Find another way to recapture what you need by asking additional questions and redirecting the interview.

1. Shoot in an interesting place.Find a location that is a visual expression of their story. Go to their environment – work, home, a public place – as long as it's safe and quiet.

Bonus: Be ready for anything.Expect the unexpected. Have a margin for "imperfections" such as noise in the background in a noisy location – if it's part of the real world that is helping tell the story. Think in terms of making it natural.

The perfect producer is the one who never lets the situation get in the way of telling a great story. Make sure you're capturing the story at its absolute best with the interviewee sharing from the heart. – Phil Cooke

For more keys on shooting a better interview, visit Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com/10-keys-to-shooting-a-great-video-interview/

Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com

Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/

Visit Phil Cooke's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ

Phil Cooke offers practical tips on producing short videos and using social media to establish your brand and gain followers in Part II of this series on branding.

What do people think of when they think of your church, business or nonprofit? Strategic branding can establish an emotional connection with the audience you are working to reach.

Here's a recap of "Branding your Church or Nonprofit Part I" points to keep in mind about branding:

• Get on the radar. Visibility is just as important as ability.
• Everything communicates.
• People are unforgiving in the digital culture. Word travels fast!
• Understand the power of a name. Your name matters.
• Understand the language of design. It's more important than most people think.

As you consider your brand persona, understand the power of short videos. It's the number one marketing tool in America. What story can you tell about your ministry or nonprofit? Stories of people whose lives have been changed are especially powerful. For example…

• More than 85% of internet users watch videos regularly.
• 46% of people said they would like to seek out more information after watching a short video. It's a powerful open door to share more about what you do.
• Mobile viewers watch videos 3x longer than those on PC or laptops. Think of creating for small screens.

You don't need an elaborate set up to shoot a short video. Use your iPhone and tell your or somebody else's story. For tips on how to produce short videos better, visit Phil's blog at https://philcooke.com.

When it comes to branding, take social media seriously.It's a powerful tool for mobilizing people. For example…

• More than 50% of the world's population is under 30.
• Social media is the #1 activity online.
• In 2009, studies show that online students are performing better than students taught in the classroom.

Facebook is the largest "country" in the world. Stop thinking in terms of geographical boundaries for evangelism. Facebook is the future of ministry and evangelism coupled with face-to face evangelism.

Tips for posting on social media:

1. Make it personal. People want to know what it's like to be you behind the scenes. Give them a glimpse of your struggles, your triumphs, what you do.
2. Offer encouragement for others.Offer inspiration for others who are doing similar things as you, whether you're a filmmaker, screenwriter or a ministry leader.
3. Share practical tips.Share every day tips to help others be more effective. (i.e Soth Godin, Tim Farris)
4. Ask questions. Ask the tough questions that get people talking.
5. Post quotes from others.

Growing your followers on social media is not about ego. It's about reaching as many people as possible with your message.

Bonus social media tip:Consider following people you respect and pay attention to what they say. Respond where appropriate from time to time. They may respond back… which means they've just showed your name to their millions of followers that follow you. It can bump up your followers! It's a powerful tool to help your social media presence.

Final thoughts…

Branding is about a niche. For example, Alison Krauss has "owned" the bluegrass awards. She became famous by being the best in that niche category – and now she can do whatever she wants because of it!

You can try to be the best director in Hollywood and compete with others like Martin Scorsese or Steven Spielberg. Or you can become the best director in a smaller niche category where you can become noticed, which can open up other categories for you down the road.

It's the same with authors and also, for example, with ministry leaders who have developed their niche and have gained followers because of staying in that category. (i.e. John Maxwell, Jack Hayford)

For Phil, his niche is the intersection of faith, media and culture: How our faith uses media to interact with culture. No matter whether you're a pastor, filmmaker or writer - choose a category and then be the best in the world in a narrow category.

Branding is important today.It's about getting your message to stand out in a cluttered culture.

Do everything you can to position yourself! Be intentional with the message God has given you. Shape your perception so more people understand who you are, what your message is and how you can impact their life. – Phil Cooke

For more insight on branding yourself, your ministry or organization, get Phil's book "Unique: Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media" available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2S9fDVF

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases which allows me to keep producing videos such as these.)

For more tips on branding, social media and shooting short videos, visit Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com

Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/

Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Visit Phil Cooke's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ

Branding your business or ministry is a way to distinguish yourself in the marketplace. Phil Cooke shares insight on church branding to position you for greater impact in today's society.

If God has called you to impact culture, then people need to know about it! If nobody knows what you're doing, you've failed.

There are two big reasons for branding:

1. Branding establishes an emotional connection with your audience – donors, members of your church, members of your community. Every great company has a brand persona. What kind of an emotional connection are you developing with the people you serve?

1. Branding cuts through the clutter of today's society.It's not about ego; it's about becoming distinctive. What do people think of when they think of you?

Steve Jobs asked his team…

• Who is Apple and where do we fit in this world?
• What drives us every day?
• What makes our heart sing?
• How do we help our customers achieve their dreams?
• What is our core value?
• What do we stand for?
• What is our place in the world?

These questions helped his company make an impact in the world. Churches, nonprofits or Christian ministries could benefit by asking similar tough questions:

• Why am I here?
• What is my purpose?
• What is our mission?
• How do we get our story out there into society in a more significant way?

What's your story? How does that story breakthrough into today's culture? Building your brand identity will help get your ideas and causes heard above the noise of our cluttered society.

What do people think of when they think of you? Why should someone come to you for help or why should they support your vision? Standing out and positioning yourself in a unique way is important.

Here are 7 things to think about concerning branding:

1. You need to get on people's radar.For churches and ministries, visibility is just as important as ability. Be intentional about getting your message heard.

1. Understand that everything communicates.In an 8-second world, first impressions matter more than ever. Your website, your reception area, the lobby of your church all communicate a message. Look at every expression of your ministry and determine those areas of first impressions that need to be fixed in order to change people's perception of you.

1. Recognize that people are unforgivingin a digital culture.Word travel fasts through social media and online platforms. Start thinking of Google as reputation management.

1. Understand the power of a name.It's the first thing people see. What's the name of your church, your project or your new book?Your name is the first way your audience or community understands who you are; it should connect with people and be unique enough to separate you from everybody else.

1. Understand and speak the language of design.Take the time to hire a professional or get a good graphic designer to do your logo. Your goal is to get people in the door. You'll never reach people with the gospel if you can't get their attention and bring them in.

1. Don't dumb down your design for an older audience. The minute we make the design more hip or more contemporary, older people love it. Everyone wants to be young.

1. Take social media seriously.The image you present really does matter. Social media is powerful for mobilizing people and getting your message out there.

Whatever your budget, goals, vision or size, your branding - how you position yourself in the marketplace and how you're perceived – is important.

Bonus thought:Don't give your audience, customers, congregation or donors what you think they want. Give them what they never dreamed possible. – Phil Cooke

For more on branding, watch for Part 2 of this series.

Get Phil's book "Unique – Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media" here: https://amzn.to/2PDViGb

(Please note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

For more tips on branding, visit Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com

Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/

Visit Phil Cooke's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ

Are you wired to freelance? The success of your career depends on making the right choice between freelancing and full-time employment. Phil Cooke offers questions to consider as you determine the best fit for yourself and your future.

While some people are wired to be a freelancer, others are better suited to be an employee. For example, fulltime employees get insurance benefits, a regular salary and the stability of knowing they have a fulltime job.

Freelancers have more freedom – but they wake up unemployed every morning. They're always hustling. To be successful, you've got to take charge of your career. It's a huge responsibility.

Neither choice is necessarily better or worse. You just have to determine: How am I wired?

Ask yourself these questions…

Do I need resources?

Do I need stability?

Do I need staff and people around me every day?

Do I need a regular work schedule?

Or… Am I more comfortable being in command of my own destiny?

Am I okay with the responsibility of having to do the sales and all the hustle?

Do I want the freedom to work when I want and when I don't want?

One of the biggest reasons people's career don't work out is because they're in the wrong place. Understand the difference between freelancing and employment and then weigh it out with how you are wired. Your future self will thank you for it. – Phil Cooke

For more career tips, visit Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com/freelancer-or-full-time-employee-which-one-is-right-for-you

Discover what you were born to do with Phil's book, "One Big Thing – Discovering What You Were Born to Do" available here: https://amzn.to/2L2cy70

(Please note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com

Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/

Visit Phil Cooke's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ

An accurate perception of your leadership skills can significantly affect your career. A lack of it can get you fired! Here are important tips from Phil Cooke on how to improve your self-awareness.

How do other people see you? Is your view of yourself and your leadership abilities, talent, behaviors and attitudes in synch with how everyone else perceives you?

An accurate self-assessment is important for your career as a leader and a team member. Most people are fired because they simply can't get along with other people in the office!

Self-awareness is something you constantly have to be thinking of and monitoring. Phil offers several ways to make sure your perception of yourself is accurate…

Ask others how you're doing.Don't ask people who report directly to you or who rely on a paycheck from you, but rather, ask peers or associates who will be brutally honest with you. Get objective opinions about your performance, your leadership style, your behavior and your attitudes. Their honesty can help you be a better leader.

Study the lives of leaders who are at a level above you.How did they get where they're at? Raise the bar in your own life by studying their lives and leadership. It will help take you to the next level in your own leadership skills.

Teach self-awareness to your team. Many people are ignorant of how others perceive them. Every employee needs to understand what self-awareness is and constantly monitor themselves and how others view them.

Do a personality test for your team. These tests can help people understand how they are wired. It can be freeing for them to let go of areas that aren't their strengths and focus on the areas they're gifted in.

An accurate personal assessment can significantly affect your career. People who are the most self-aware have an incredibly accurate understanding of what's coming down the road – and you'll be able to adjust to a changing culture and changing business realm faster than anyone else. – Phil Cooke

For more thoughts on leadership and self-awareness, visit Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com/your-lack-of-self-awarness-will-get-you-fired/

Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com

Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/

Visit Phil Cooke's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ

Church media directors know a Christmas production or Easter pageant can easily flare up into a nightmare. Here’s a checklist from Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com to help you produce a professional program that warms people’s hearts – without losing your sanity.

Time off? Make the most of your holiday weekend and increase your productivity with these tips from Phil Cooke. Bonus: Find out how an attitude of gratitude can help your work environment and impact your business and career. Everybody's busy and it's important to take a break to recharge and refocus. What do you do when you have time off? Thanksgiving, Christmas and other long weekends offer a chance to pause and gain a fresh perspective. Here are ideas to consider when you have time off… 1. Be thankful. It's not just for Thanksgiving! Use opportunities to encourage and thank your team. Companies that excel at employee recognition are 12X more likely to have strong positive business results. Encouragement helps! When you find a day off, think about who you need to thank and send them an encouraging note. 2. Do the cleanup! Do the job nobody else wants to do – on Thanksgiving day and at your workplace. Do the dirty work; tackle the hard jobs. If you look for and do the jobs that nobody wants to do, your boss and leaders will be grateful and you'll be noticed. It can ultimately be your ticket to a promotion. 3. Read a book. Be intentional about fighting the effect of the digital revolution. It's great exercise! Turn off your phone and find a book you can really enjoy. Stop – slow down – and read. 4. Stop being productivity. People mistake being busy with accomplishing something. Take time off – and get off the treadmill! Clear a space so you can focus on your creative time. 5. Reflect. Go to church, take time out… Take a day to stop, pause, pray and meditate. Holidays are a perfect time to remember what your purpose is, why you're here and where you're going. A day off can open up new ideas to you. Holiday weekend coming up? Take the time off to rest and refresh. You'll be recharged for the next week and approach it with a new attitude. – Phil Cooke Read more Thanksgiving weekend ideas here: https://www.philcooke.com/its-thanksgiving-weekend-heres-what-you-need-to-know/ For more tips on how to encourage your team, read Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com/why-leaders-are-encouragers/ Get Phil's "Unique – The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals" here: https://amzn.to/2Kj4X3y Order "The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains" byy Nicholas Carr here: https://amzn.to/2ORVSiQ (Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/ Visit Phil Cooke's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ