Monday, August 24, 2009

Inspired to Action ~ Bad Beat on Cancer

All of the cancer-related illness that has surrounded my friends and family has inspired me to action. It's helpless to have friends and family battling for their lives and there is not much you can do besides offer support and love. So I was inspired to action.

I am now in the process of planning a charity poker tournament to raise money for the Bad Beat on Cancer and Prevent Cancer Foundation. I can't share all the details yet, but the event will take place next February and will be a great way to show support and raise money for the cause. I'm really looking forward to it and to being able to share more details here as we go through the process.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Preparing for an Interview ~ By Vanessa Gibson

~Alot of my friends, family and colleagues have been affected by the changes in the job market. I wrote this as a simple guide for those who are going through the interview process. I hope it helps.~


1. Be prepared. Research the company you are interviewing with prior to the interview. Gather information regarding the company including the following:

• Industry of the company
• Size of the company
• Number of employees
• Who you will be interviewing with
• Title of the position you are interviewing for
• Who you will be reporting to?
• Why is the position open?
• How do your skill sets match the needs of the organization?

2. Make a good impression. Find out the dress culture of the company you will be interviewing with and dress appropriately for the interview according to their environment. If the company dresses in business attire, wear business attire. If the company dresses casually, wear business casual attire to the interview.

3. Get plenty of rest the night prior to the interview so that you are energized and alert.

4. Review your resume prior to the interview and be prepared to answer questions about the following:

• Your work history
• Educational background and additional training
• Accomplishments and recognition you have received

5. Review your previous work experiences and educational training and be prepared to answer questions about your background including contributions you have made in previous companies with examples.

6. If you will be conducting a technical interview, find out information on what type of questions you will be required to answer and review the information prior to the interview.

7. Ask questions about the position and how you will best be able to contribute to the organization.

8. Ask questions to determine your career path progression with the organization.

9. Gather information about the benefits of the organization including the following:

• Annual Performance and Salary Review Process
• Annual Bonus Potential
• Amount of Annual Vacation
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Life Insurance
• STD & LTD
• 401k plan
• Gym Membership
• Other incentives and programs offered

10. Print your resume on professional resume paper. Bring at least 3 copies of your resume for distribution and a notepad with pen to take notes during the interview.

11. Use a firm handshake when greeting with your interviewer(s).

12. Stay calm and be polite during the interview. If you are well prepared, you will make a great impression!

13. Stand out from other applicants by sending a thank you letter or email to your interviewer(s) after the interview.

Friday, August 7, 2009

A Downside of Online Social Media. ~ By Vanessa Gibson

I am not thrilled that online social media sites seem to be watering down real forms of communication. Just because you know how to text or can read a status update on facebook or twitter doesn't mean real forms of communication aren't necessary or that you are getting to know a person. There is much more to life than this.

The frustration I am experiencing comes from a common misrepresentation of thoughts and ideas and experiences. People have a tendency to read small status quotes and think that they know everything about you. This misconception cannot be farther from the truth. My life, for certain, cannot be described in 140 characters or less. It can at best be only a sliver into having insight into someone’s life. I try to keep my interaction on these sites as positive as possible. In a conscientious way, I use a tool designed for social interaction. The misrepresentation comes when people assume that whatever interaction you have displayed on these media sites is a complete representation of your life or of what you may be going through at any given moment. The problem with these invalid assumptions is that with online social media, you can paint a picture of anything you like. You can lie. You can over exaggerate the truth. You can under exaggerate the truth. And don’t be naïve, I know people who do this just because they can and they think that there are no consequences to their behavior. You can make it look however you like, but people seem to assume that following one’s twitter or checking out one’s facebook/myspace page means they know you or know what your entire life status is at any given moment. I follow all the ladies on The View and @iamdiddy and @aplusk on twitter because I respect them, but I promise you, I’m very aware that I do not know them at all. I just think they have interesting things to say and use it as mindless entertainment in hope that these successful celebs may say something inspiring or motivational.

On a daily basis, I experience 1000+ emotions. I filter these messages to only include things that are inspiring, informative, helpful, playful, fun. The other side of emotions, I tend to leave behind because it is not productive, in my opinion, to use social media as a place to dump your problems onto other people. Some are not so conscientious. They dump anything on there like a bad case of the runs and expect you to sift through their crap for the truth. I’m not sure what expectation they have or what their desired intent is, but it’s an interesting playground for certain. After a recent bad experience, I was hesitant to post anything else, because of my sudden fear of the consequences of my behavior. I rationalized that if I didn’t share, then a similar situation could not happen again, therefore eliminating further potential loss. But what about future potential gain? How many people’s lives have I quietly touched by something I have written on there? How many feelings have I hurt by the things I have posted on there? And all weighed out, is it worth it? I think it is worth it as long as I post a warning sign. So here it goes…

My Rules of Engagement:

The content you are currently viewing is not indicative of my whole story, nor could it possibly ever be. Please use caution when using this information to gauge the content of my character or the themes of my life. This common misconception cannot be further than the truth. That said, my life and my story is an open book. If you want to know something about me, ask. If something I say on here offends you, please let me know so that I do not repeat what can only be described as an unintentional mistake on my part. And while I appreciate facebook, myspace, twitter, texting, etc., for what they are, it is not a complete form of communication. It’s a snip it, at best. If you really want to know who I am or what I’m about, call me on the phone, talk to me, write me, ask me for coffee or to brunch, lunch or dinner. Finally, my mother taught me that if I don’t have anything nice to say, I should say “That’s nice.” or say nothing at all. If you don’t like the statements that I make, tell me, I will not be offended. In fact I respect people who aren’t afraid to tell me their truth, agree or disagree. It’s how I learn. If you are confused or unsure about something, ask for clarification before you assume anything.

If you don’t like my rules of engagement, or if you’re not interested in what I have to say, agree or disagree, you have options as well, including deleting me as your friend. I would prefer that you communicate with me and give me a fair chance to think and respond, but deleting me or anyone else for that matter is an option. I used to be offended when someone deleted me as a friend. Now I’ve realized I’m better off and grateful that at least they had the courage to set their own boundaries. What I’ve also realized is that if you think my opinions aren’t interesting or not worthy of listening to, while you are entitled to your opinion, I can only guess that you really don’t know me at all, and I don’t need that type of negativity in my life, only love and light. I promise to offer you the same respect in return.

All that said, it’s ok to drink the “online” Kool-aid. I actually like Kool-aid. But Kool-aid is not the only drink and it’s nowhere near the best drink. It’s basically just watered down sugar. Why anyone would only want to drink that crap as their only form of hydration to the body and soul is beyond me.

So sign off of facebook, myspace and twitter, put down the blackberry or IPHONE and go live your life (if you’re not sure how or don’t know where to begin, send me an email and I’ll give you my guide to living a complete life). That my friends is the best online advice I could ever give you. :)

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Social Networking Sites: The Lists ~ By Vanessa Gibson

Social Networking Sites are becoming increasingly popular as a way to maintain contact with coworkers, classmates and friends via the internet. These online social networking sites allow you the opportunity to stay in contact with people you have interacted with in the workplace, at school as well as socially.

Throughout my extensive career focusing on hiring individuals who are highly credentialed and qualified in their area of expertise, the consistent observation I have made when working with individuals who have graduated from top-rated colleges, is that the students who graduated from schools that placed the most emphasis on maintaining effective alumni programs and encouraging alumni networking events have also been given the greatest potential of utilizing their college network to help them succeed as they progressed in their career path, whether it be an employee referral for an open position at their current employer, providing a reference for employment, as well as referring a new business development opportunity to their fellow alumni.

With the advent of online social networking sites, anyone now has the same opportunities that some of the leading schools in the country have been able to create for their students and alumni leading to additional possibility for success. These sites are user friendly, fun and have the beneficial effect of maintaining contact with the people you have built relationships with throughout your education and career as well as giving members the opportunity to also make new contacts.

Maintaining communication with your previous colleagues as well as members and alumni of schools you have attended can lead to potential career advancing opportunities. Utilizing these networking sites may lead to a referral for a new job opportunity. You can give or receive employment recommendations as well. They also have the added benefit of allowing you to easily staying in touch with people you may not otherwise have been able to maintain contact with due to various life circumstances such as relocating, changing jobs or career path, etc.

It is important to note that signing up for and maintaining interaction on these sites does not need to be time-consuming. Even dedicating 15 minutes a month to interacting on your preferred social networking site is enough time to induce positive results. As long as used responsibly, there are invaluable benefits of networking online to positively impact your career progression.

Here is a list of a few social networking sites that I would recommend. Do not feel obligated to sign up for all of them. Even utilizing one or two that are popular in your area or industry can be useful.


 LinkedIn is an online network of more than 20 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries. Visit their website at: http://www.linkedin.com.

 Facebook is an online directory that connects people through social networks at colleges. Visit their website at: http://www.facebook.com.

 Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing? Visit their website at: http://twitter.com.

 Classmates.com’s online social networking Web sites enable users to locate and interact with acquaintances from high school, college, work and the military. Visit their website at: http://www.classmates.com.

 MySpace is an international site that offers email, a forum, communities, videos and weblog space. Visit their website at: http://www.myspace.com.

 Bebo is a social media network where friends share their lives and explore great entertainment. Visit their website at: http://www.bebo.com.

For a list of additional social networking sites, Wikipedia offers an updated list of current social networking sites at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites

It is important when signing up for any of the various networking sites available, that you consider creating an effective and marketable online brand. For more information on maximizing your online brand, please see my article entitled “Maximizing Your Online Brand”.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Maximizing Your Online Brand ~ By Vanessa Gibson

Social Networking Sites are becoming increasingly popular as a way to maintain contact with coworkers, classmates and friends. It is important when signing up for any of the various networking sites available, that you consider creating an effective and marketable online brand. Recruiters and companies are relying more and more on search engines and networking sites to source candidates as well as to find relevant information about potential candidates to make corporate decisions about who they will decide to interview and ultimately hire. It is crucial that you know what your online brand says about you and that your online brand is a reflection of how you want to be perceived in the workplace. In order to effectively achieve this, there are several steps you can take to create an effective online brand. Here are a few tips and tricks when creating your online brand:

 Google your name. Be aware of what your online brand says about you.
 Sign up for relevant networking sites to your industry.
 Maximize your online potential by taking the time to write relevant information regarding yourself including the companies you have worked for, positions you have held, responsibilities you have had, as well as any awards or recognition you have received and posting the information on various sites.
 If you feel you do not have time to write different versions for several sites, create the content once and copy and paste it to the relevant sites to your industry and position.
 Be conscientious and keep it clean. Never put information online that could potentially be damaging to your reputation or career.
 Reach out and keep in contact with members of your network. Your network can help ease your way through your career path by providing future job possibilities, employee referrals as well as by providing reference checks for future employment.
 Buy your domain name and use it as an effective marketing tool.
 Create a blog. Write articles and post on forums that are relevant to your industry and experience.
 In order to maximize your search optimization potential, always use your full name whenever possible when writing articles online or as your screen name.
 Track your sites and blog. For example, Google Analytics offers a tool to track relevant information to visits your site that can be utilized for research, relevance and analysis.
 Sign up for Google Alerts using various forms of your name including any nicknames or screen names you may use as well as the names of relevant people and companies in your industry so that you always have the latest relevant information posted regarding yourself as well as information regarding your industry, peers and competition.
 Keep your information current and relevant to your career goals and ambitions.

Use technology to your advantage. For more information on relevant networking sites to research or sign up for, please see my article entitled “Social Networking Sites: The Lists”.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

So Much More Than This ~ By Vanessa Gibson

I am not defined by any one characteristic.
I am complex. I am human. I am a woman.
I am also a warrior. I battle. I fight.
I lose some. I win more. The fight is good.
It reminds me of how alive I really am.
I am a daughter, a sister, a lover, a friend.
I am a courageous leader, not a victim, nor do my circumstances make me weak.
Through these battles I grow, I prosper, I gain confidence with eyes wide open.
This strengthens my ability to fight the good fight.
Things become clearer every day as I am forced to see things through the eyes of my own mortality.
Through this experience, I have learned to treasure each moment,
to appreciate all the blessings I’ve been granted,
to take life into my own hands and do with it what I wish.
I am not scared. I am strong.
I am not fearful. I believe.
Everything happens in life for a reason.
There are no coincidences.
The path that I am on, the journey I’m taking,
Every person I’ve met along the way, every experience I’ve had,
comes from and for a greater purpose in life.
It’s easy to forget this magnificent fact.
Easy to become distracted by all the external feedback life presents us with.
Easy to lose focus and forget purpose. It happens to each of us every day.
Miracles also happen every day. I am one of them.
Hold me in your arms and feel the warmth of my breath and the softness of my relaxed external shell.
I am human just like you.
I love, I laugh and today especially, I live.
I am a winner of this battle called life.
At some point, in God’s time
We all pack up our battle gear and go home to rest
In a place higher than any of us could ever have imagined.
Today is not that day for me…
Today I battle. Today I win.
Tomorrow is a gift behind a closed door,
That none of us have yet to open.
Each of us has the same chance of making it through.
Each breath is a blessing. Each emotion is real. Each day is a gift from God.
Today I choose life.
Because… I am so much more than this.

Dedicated to all the women we love who are courageously fighting cancer.

The Purpose of A World Butterfly ~ My Inspiration

I am documenting this journey with a purpose in mind.

My personal and professional experiences can be described as similar to the metamorphosis of a butterfly: growing, learning, expanding knowledge, gaining insight and evolving in the quest for love, peace, health & prosperity.

I trust my internal compass as strong and thriving, keeping me on track to pursue challenging and rewarding life goals.

NOW is always the time to make a difference and create positive impact.

My intention is to step-by-step create change through action that can benefit many worldwide.

About Me

MY NAME IS VANESSA. WORLD IS A COMMON NAME FOR THE PLANET EARTH BUT IS ALSO OFTEN USED TO MEAN THE SUM OF HUMAN CIVILIZATION LIVING ON IT, SPECIFICALLY HUMAN EXPERIENCE, HISTORY, OR THE 'HUMAN CONDITION' IN GENERAL.[1] IN A METAPHYSICAL CONTEXT, WORLD MAY REFER TO THE UNIVERSE, EVERYTHING THAT CONSTITUTES REALITY. VANESSA HAS BEEN ADOPTED AS THE NAME OF A GENUS OF BUTTERFLY. THE ANCIENT GREEK WORD FOR "BUTTERFLY" IS ΨΥΧΉ (PSȲCHĒ), WHICH PRIMARILY MEANS "SOUL", "MIND". A BUTTERFLY IS SEEN AS THE PERSONIFICATION OF A PERSON'S SOUL; WHETHER THEY BE LIVING, DYING, OR ALREADY DEAD. IN CHINESE CULTURE TWO BUTTERFLIES FLYING TOGETHER ARE A SYMBOL OF LOVE. IN SOME OLD CULTURES, BUTTERFLIES ALSO SYMBOLIZE REBIRTH INTO A NEW LIFE AFTER BEING INSIDE A COCOON FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. THIS IS MY STORY...