I Have The Money So...

If you were guaranteed 1.4 million dollars would you be able to live off of 60 thousand per year?  Ryan Broyles of the Detroit Lion’s signed a contract for 3.6 million dollars in 2012, but he and his wife decided to prepare for their future and made the decision to live on a strict budget of 60 thousand dollars per year.  I say strict, because when you are guaranteed 1.4 million it maybe VERY hard to ONLY live on 60 thousand dollars.  Imagine if your friends and family’s know that you have 1.4 million dollars in the bank and they have a financial issue… It would be hard for them not to ask for help and possibly harder for you to say “No.”  Imagine going shopping and seeing something you want to buy and having the discipline to say “no that is not in the budget”, when you know you could easily buy it.  His discipline is so strong that instead of buying a luxury vehicle when he signed his contract, he and his wife are driving Mazda’s. 

We all need a little help to be put on the right path and Ryan received some great information from his financial advisor that anyone starting a new job (professional athlete or not) could use:

1.      Splurge  - Take some of the money to do something or buy something you really want (within your current financial means).
2.      Budget – Devise a financial plan that you and your family can stick to that will allow you to get out of debt (if you are in debt), save and invest.
3.      Invest - Make your money work for you.  If you are not knowledgeable about investments seek out a professional that can help you invest in your future.

I am sharing this story about Ryan Broyles, because it is important that we celebrate athletes when they are making great choices, not just when they are broke or in trouble. Additionally, what I love most about Ryan’s story is that he is paying it forward.  He speaks to teens about how being financially responsible is part of being a professional athlete.   We have to start thinking not only about our future, but also about the mindset of the children who look up to us.  If our children are informed, they will hopefully make smart decisions about their finances.

Be blessed

A. Mayartis J.

Children Have Goals Too

Summer is over and it is time for your child to matriculate to their new grade, both of you are filled with fear intertwined with excitement regarding the possibilities of this 2015/16 school year. You have provided them with the required school supplies, new clothes and an attitude of excellence. You are both expecting the best grades, involvement in new activities and a few minor hiccups (what would life be without them). Each year your child matures and their exposure to new things and people helps them to define who they are and will be as adults. As an engaged parent you try to encourage your children to find something they love and pursue them. This year why not teach them how to explore some of their hidden interest by setting goals to achieve them?

 If your children are involved in a sports, acting or play an instrument you already know when they will have practice, a game or a performance, because more than likely you are their transportation. What if, this school year you work with them to write down a list of things they want to accomplish or maybe create a vision board and together as a family you try to bring these ideas to fruition? This will get them talking about some of their hidden dreams and will teach them how to create goals and put a plan together to achieve them. It may unearth a talent or skill you did not know they possessed.

 As adults we have to-do list at work and at home, we may even have a goal or bucket list, but we rarely show our children how we complete some of these lists/ goals (maybe because we haven’t completed any of our goals). Imagine if one of your children want to learn how to create a video game instead of just playing it. You know nothing about programming, but this is his/her one and only goal. What do you do?

1. Research - You can find information on almost anything on the web. Spending time showing your child how to find the information they need maybe a great tool to help them with school projects. In doing a quick search I found: Scratch: This coding platform was designed by the MIT Media Lab to   teach kids the basics of programming without needing to write code. Available as a free download: http://scratch.mit.edu/Roblox: Free gaming platform where kids build their own games, but can also play games built by others: http://www.roblox.com/

1. Plan – Now that you know where to find the tools to help your child learn how to create video games now it is time to put a mini plan together. Answer some of these questions in your plan:  Is there a cost, how will we pay for it? How much time each week will it take to learn how to code in order to really build a game? What is the timeline to make it happen?
2. Schedule - Set aside time that you will work with him/her each day/week/month to learn how to create a video game.  Create a routine that works best for the both of you.
3. Make it fun – As a reward for being diligent about their goal(s) and if it is in the budget send them to a camp to learn more about games and programming during the summer. There are even weekend events that incorporate video games and programming.

1. Tell the world - Show your child how proud you are of them for accomplishing their goals by finding a way to let friends and family know of their amazing feat (unless they are really shy and this will embarrasses them to much).

PARENTS... I am giving you a 2015/16 homework assignment (as if you do not have enough work to do) to work on with your children... Encourage your child to create a goal and help them to accomplish it.  I would love to hear some of the goals you and your children are planning to accomplish this year and even a follow-up on how you made it happen. 

Be blessed

A. Mayartis J.

The Math Adds Up

When I read the story about the 308-pound NFL player who drives a used car that cost him $9000… It put an incredibly huge smile on my face.  It was not the fact that the car was unusually small for a man that is 6 foot 3 and weighs 308-pounds.  It was not that the picture that accompanied this great story was comical.  It was because John Urschel (@mathmeetsfball), who plays on the Baltimore Ravens decided not succumb to peer pressure or run with the joneses.

What made me smile from ear to ear was how the mathematician or as he likes to call himself the “Mathlete” understood the bigger picture.  He knew, how much he was guaranteed to make, he knew that if he was hurt, he would not see any of the contractual money or as I like to call it “the promise money”, so he created a budget and stayed within his means.  I am sure he was teased by the veterans and maybe even some of the rookies (spending money they do not have), but he realized that if I buy a used car for $9000 that I like and I keep my expenses low, that I would be able to maximize this contract.  I try to instill this in the athletes I speak to on a daily bases, but it is hard when the media portrays them as successful athletes, only if they are spending thousands of dollars and driving fancy cars. It’s even harder if family, friends and even players push them to live these fictitious lives.

According to the Baltimore Sun John tries to live on $25000 a year.   He had a roommate to help manage expenses, although he supposedly made $564,000 in salary and bonuses in 2014.   However, when he signed his rookie deal last year (2.3 million through 2017), he only received the $144,000 signing bonus, which means if he were not able to play, he did not over extend himself financially, but have money to invest and create a future outside of football.

Imagine if John was not the exception, but the rule.  If all of our professional athletes decided to live well below their means until the money was in the bank.  We would hopefully have a lot less broke athletes.  I understand that some athletes may have additional expenses that they have to consider (families, previous debts), but if this was their mindset to only spend a minor percentage of what they already have in the bank… we could help them create legacy that does not include being broke.

This concept applies to EVERYONE, not just athletes.  We need to start living within our budget and start saving for our future, not spending monies before we make them.  

Hired...Your dream Job

For the last few weeks we have been discussing Parallel Career Metamorphosis (PCM) or the steps to transition from your current job to your dream job. Your last 3 steps were to Rebrand, Expose and Seek. You did such a stellar job at positioning and communicating your brand to the world, that you have been noticed and now it is time for the last three steps - Engage, Except and Exceed

Engage – The world has noticed your brand and now they really want to get to know you so they are calling to speak with you. It is time to prepare for the interview. The interview is the first time that a company will have chance to get to know if you are a perfect fit for them. Your resume has them on the hook, but now they want to know if this resume is creative rhetoric or if you can really do the job.

• Do your research - Before the interview conduct a thorough search on the company and even the person that will be interviewing you. The interviewer wants to know that you have invested time in getting to know their company and this is not just another interview for you.
• Dress the part. Know the culture of the company and make sure that the clothes you wear to the interview match that culture. When I interview for a job at Arista Records years ago… I wore a tan silk suit. It was the music industry and I did not want to be in a blue or black suit, when everyone was dressed in the latest fashion. I not only got compliments on my suit, but I was hired.
• Be Prompt – Always arrive at the meeting location at least 15 minutes before the interview.
• Be attentive – Do not only answer questions that the interviewer is asking you, but also ask questions of them to show you have done your homework and that they are respectfully being interviewed
• Thank you – Don’t just say thank you when you are leaving the interview, but send them a thank you note highlighting some of the things you discussed during the interview.

Except – Congratulations you were offered your dream job, now its time to negotiate for the complete package that you desire. Do your research! It is important that you know the going rate for the job for which you have been offered. If the salary is lower and you want to negotiate for better compensation you have to understand whom you are negotiating with (boss or HR), know the company’s constraints (is this a start up or billion dollar business), understand the big picture (are they offering you other things to make up for the lack in salary) and make sure you know what you are worth.

 Exceed – You have been hired for your dream job, now its time to excel and surpass all of their expectations.  Being the best will enrich your brand and make you more favorable to the company and other onlookers.

 Parallel Career Metamorphosis (PCM) can be a long tedious process, but it will give the opportunity to really get to know you and at the end you will be either working in the job you desired or you will be starting your own company.

Be blessed

A. Mayartis J.

Your dream job awaits… continue your Parallel Career Metamorphosis (PCM)

You have all of the details on your future job and have assessed your skills determining if you need additional education or experience. Now its time to Rebrand, Expose and Seek.

4. Rebrand - You are well known for your expertise, but if you are looking for employment outside of your current position, then you need to market yourself and attract those opportunities. First you should revise your resume, to be recognized by potential employers in the field where you may have limited knowledge. Do not highlight your current work experience, concentrate on the skills that you’ve acquired through your career that are transferable to the field or position you are seeking.

Secondly, update your profile (professional headshot and bio) on your social media sites (LinkedIn, Facebook, Zoominfo, Twitter), so that a potential employers can discover you. If you update your social media profiles, it will not only inform potential employers why they need to hire you, but it will alert friends, family and others within your circle. Many jobs are attained through people you know not just headhunters and employment sites. One of the doctors on the television show “The Doctors,” connected with the right person on LinkedIn and that helped her land that job.

 5. Expose - After you have rebranded yourself, it is time to let the world know who you are, what you can do and where you want to do it. Create a social media plan, by focusing your posts on topics and information that would attract people that can help you. Be intentional in the friends, fans and followers you include in your circle. Social media only works for you if you engage with the people with whom you are connected. Making impactful comments on industry blogs, online forums, social communities and groups on Facebook and LinkedIn, can make your presence known to the right people. The purpose of these posts are to show the world you are an expert in your field and worth listening too.

Network online is great, but you must also start attending industry events, which will give you access to possible job opportunities.

Volunteering is an awesome way to show employers your skill-set. I read about a woman that volunteered at Goodwill and ended up talking to a customer who later hired her for her dream job. Plus giving back makes you feel good and lets the world know you have experience in the field you are pursing.

6. Seek - The research you conducted to find out about your dream job is a great place to begin your employment hunt. Start by searching industry websites. If you want to work at a professional sports team check out TeamWorkOnline.com, which will connect you with employment opportunities in the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, MLS, NASCAR, LPGA, Comcast-Spectacor, IMG, ATP, WTA and so much more. This website like many others will allow you to create a profile, which will help you target the location and specific type of job you are seeking. They even have a handy tool called “Job Suggestions” that highlights jobs you maybe interested in applying for. Lastly they have events that would be a great networking opportunity for you.

Researching specific companies can give you detailed insight into your dream job. If you know the hiring manager or employees at the company, you can use LinkedIn and/or Twitter to follow their employees and/or their recruiter(s). Develop a conversation with them to learn more about the company and open positions.

Use your network to help you gain access to your dream job. The school you graduated from may have alumni that you can speak to about a job or just attain key information. I know a professional Basketball player that interviewed his alumni, which led him to several different positions (which he hated), before landing a coveted scouting job that he loves. Additionally, joining a professional association will connect you with possible opportunities.

Starting the Parallel Career Metamorphosis (PCM) process can be a very challenging but the reward at the end will be your dream job, so do not give up… it is possible.

The next post will highlight the next 3 steps in your career transition or Parallel Career Metamorphosis.

Be Blessed

A. Mayartis J.

Stop Just Dreaming about it

f you really want something you have to decide that you are going to make it happen. I remember how I would dream about being an author… I made an outline and began to write a few notes here and there, but it was not until I set a release date that my dream of becoming an author became reality. I set aside time each day to finish the book and on August 15, 2015, I became an author. I had to decide that I was going to stop dreaming about being an author and actually become one.

 A dream job is not going to happen if you do not wake up and make it reality, but how do we do that? The first three steps is to:

1.Write It Down - Writing things down helps us to remember them as well as make them clear not only to ourselves, but to those who are trying to help us. The process of writing down your dream may not happen in one sitting. Remember your dream has been building over time, so it may take a few days or weeks for you to fully write down everything this job entails.

 2.Research it - Now that you have taken the time to write down your grand idea, it is time to start thinking about what you will need to make this job a reality. Start asking yourself… Is this an existing job or are you devising a new opportunity based on things that you enjoy? What industries do you find this type of job? Who has been a leader in this position and can you have an informational interview with them? Do you know the salary for this position and will it match what you are currently making? Is this job in your current city or will you have to move to be in it. If you want to be an actress you can do that from anywhere, but you may need to move to LA or NY to take it to another level. Start considering all of the pros and cons before you move forward.

 3. Skill Assessment - If you have conducted thorough research and answered all the hard questions on this job, then you know what skill set is essential to be successful. Does your current skill-set and experience match this job or do you need to expand your knowledge base? This job may require you to go back to learn new skills, gain a certification, go back to school for a degree or maybe even do an internship. Don’t underestimate the value of volunteering. Take sometime to really investigate yourself like you did your dream job

It is time to begin your PCM (parallel Career Metamorphosis). If you are going to change careers, make sure it’s a career that you are passionate about and have a desire to work at every day. You have everything you need to get started on your new career…no excuses now – BEGIN NOW

The next post will highlight the next 3 steps in your career transition or Parallel Career Metamorphosis.

Be Blessed

A. Mayartis J.

Are you in your dream job?

How often do you day-dreamed about YOUR “perfect job”?  Fantasizing about everything that the job would contain down to the last detail.  We often push our imagination aside letting the day-to-day needs of real life dictate how we live.  But what if… you let your imagination lead you to your new career?  Don’t wait until you are downsized, laid off or fired to consider a change.

The next time you daydream about the job you would love to go to everyday write down the dream.  Write down every microscopic detail and then use what you have written as the springboard to either create the job you want or seek out the job you are imagining. In most cases it will not be a quick move, because now you have to find or develop this job.  You may even have to expand your skill set and knowledge base, but whatever changes are needed will be worth it to make your dream come true.

Do not let the unknowns stop you from thoroughly investigating this opportunity you have been dreaming about this job for what seems like a lifetime.  Let if fuel your desire to make it a reality and be open to the change.  Start your parallel Career Metamorphosis (PCM) to attain the job of your dreams today.

Blessings,

A. Mayartis J