Blog Awards

12 Career Questions You Need to Ask Yourself, From a Stevie Awards Winner

Posted by Liz Dean on Thu, Aug 01, 2013 @ 11:19 AM

Career Woman, Inc., in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A., won a Gold Stevie® for Blog of the Year in the media awards categories of the 2012 Stevie Awards for Women in Business. (August 28 is the entry deadline for the 2013 awards. If you haven't already done so, you can request an entry kit here and it will be emailed to you right away.) With the dog days of August upon us, we wanted to share the following thoughts from Lisa Quast, Founder & CEO of Career Woman, Inc.

Lisa Quast, Founder, Career Woman, IncFinding a job you’re passionate about isn’t always easy. Life goes by quickly and, before you know it, you may find yourself stuck in a not-so-great job, working for a not-so-great boss, and wondering how on earth you got there. How do you find your career passion? Try taking a time out from the chaos of life and the workplace and use it for some personal reflection.

Work v. Personal Life
Shortly after I graduated from college, I struggled to figure out what kind of work I wanted to do for my long-term career. At the time, I was working in a job I hated for an insecure manager who seemed jealous of all her employees. Due to the workload, I was working long hours and my attitude, personal life, and health had all started to suffer.

One evening my sister took me out to dinner. Over dessert, she handed me a wrapped box with a bow on top. “What’s this?” I asked. “Just a little something I saw and I thought of you,” she said.

When I unwrapped the gift I found a beautiful picture frame. In it was a picture with the caption: “Find your passion.”

I thanked my sister and then sighed: “But that’s exactly my problem. I can’t seem to figure out my passion at work.”

“Maybe you’re trying too hard,” she replied. “Sometimes you just have to take a step back, relax, and try to see the bigger picture. Stop worrying about finding another job and start thinking about what makes you happy. Uncover the things you’re great at doing.”

My sister had a good point. It’s easy to get so caught up in the minutiae of work that misery becomes overwhelming and ends up being the focus. When that happens, there’s a tendency to look for a new job. But jumping from one job to another can often cause even more heartache (and headache), especially if it’s from one ill-fitting job to another.

A Walk on the Beach
I heeded my sister’s advice and took a personal time out. The next weekend I went for a relaxing walk on the beach and thought about my life and myself. Then I sat in the sand, pulled the notepad and pen out of my bag, and began answering these questions:

  1. What makes me happy?
  2. What adjectives would people who know me use to describe me?
  3. What are my core values in life?
  4. What is my definition of success?
  5. What things at work am I good at accomplishing?
  6. What things at work do I hate?
  7. What do I want to be known for?

Completing this exercise confirmed to me that I was in the wrong job. I realized there were certain jobs I was just not meant to be doing because they didn’t match with what I was really good at, what I liked doing, and what I wanted to accomplish in life.

The Next Step
My answers motivated me to take the next step of trying to clarify the type of job that would better fit my skills, values, and my passions in life. A week later (after another walk on the beach), I wrote down answers to my next set of questions:

  1. What would be the description of my “perfect job”?
  2. With what kind of people would I be working?
  3. How would my work benefit me?
  4. How would my work benefit other people?
  5. How would my work make me feel?

Answering these questions helped me begin exploring other career options. That exploration led to a career I loved in marketing and then into other areas of business, such as strategic planning. For me, finding my career passion was as much about learning to understand myself as it was about finding a job that was a better fit. And once I found a job I loved, great things began happening in my career.

Bottom Line
Being successful at whatever you choose means taking the time to find your passion. If you’re passionate about your work, it will come across to everyone around you and help you fill your life with meaning. One way to help find your career passion is to give yourself a time out for personal reflection and exploration.

About Lisa Quast
Career Woman, Inc.
founder Lisa Quast’s blog is committed to offering unique and timely insight on topics and problems that are relevant to everyday businesswomen. With thoughtful and engaging entries, interviews with successful career women from around the world, and real examples of her own experiences as a corporate executive, Lisa lends women useful advice to achieve their professional goals. As a result of the success from her blog, Lisa has solidified her position as a top women’s career expert. She’s become a regular contributor to Forbes Magazine and is frequently sought out by national publications for her workplace wisdom.

About Career Woman, Inc.
Career Woman, Inc. is a Seattle-based career coaching and consulting agency founded by women’s career expert, Lisa Quast, a certified career coach, mentor, and award-winning author. Founded in 2005, Career Woman, Inc. is a top choice for women who strive to grow professionally, maximize their job potential, develop a new career path, or need a business consultant to help develop their company.

Tags: business awards, website awards, stevie awards for women in business, blog awards, Inc., career woman, Lisa Quast

Blog Awards: Four Apps, Blogs, and Websites of Note

Posted by Liz Dean on Tue, Jul 30, 2013 @ 10:38 AM

The Stevie® Awards don't just confer business awards; we also like to highlight apps, blogs, and websites once a month in our Stevie Awards Update email newsletter that we think will help make your work day more interesting and enjoyable. Our latest "Blogs & Web Sites of Note" include:

  1. Stevie Awards RSS FeedFleksy                  
    A Finalist in The American Business Awards, Fleksy, originally developed for the visually impaired, allows people to type text without having to look. Programmed with a powerful text prediction engine, Fleksy is available for free on the iPhone, iPad, and coming soon to the Android market.

  2. GoFundMe                        
    Brought to our attention by International Business Awards judge, Peter Bush, of Swansea, UK, GoFundMe allows individuals or organizations to create an online fund-raising website.

  3. Numbeo                             
    Ever wonder how much it really costs to live in your city? Find out with Numbeo, a website with contributed data on the cost of living in cities and countries worldwide.

  4. Wendell Potter, Health Care Watchdog                
    A blog on the ramifications of new U.S. health care legislation for businesses as well as individuals.

Have a favorite app, blog, or website? Nominate it for one of our app awards, blog awards, or website awards in the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. (The entry deadline for the 2013 Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the world's premier awards for women executives, entrepreneurs, and the organizations they run, is August 28. Request an entry kit here.)

Tags: business awards, app awards, website awards, International business awards, American business awards, stevie awards for women in business, blog awards

Blog Awards: Four Apps, Blogs, and Websites of Note

Posted by Liz Dean on Wed, Jun 26, 2013 @ 03:05 PM

The Stevie® Awards don't just confer app awards, blog awards, and website awards; we also like to highlight apps, blogs, and websites once a month in our Stevie Awards Update email newsletter that we think will help make your work day more productive. Our latest "Blogs & Web Sites of Note" include:

Stevie Awards RSS FeedinDinero                              
An easy way to keep track of business cash flow and day-to-day finances, this Web app will sync your bank accounts with your credit cards to help you predict future cash flows. Prices range from $29.95 a month to $49.95 a month.

Project Tin Can
The future of e-learning is here! According to The Tin Can API website, "Tin Can API (sometimes known as the Experience API) is a brand new specification for learning technology that makes it possible to collect data about the wide range of experiences a person has (online and offline)." For more information on the API, we encourage you to visit http://scorm.com/tincan.

QuickBooks 2013                             
QuickBooks 2013 has arrived! With a clean look and a new navigation panel to improve speed and usability, the one-stop app allows users to sync items such as invoices and expenses across iOS devices and the Web. Monthly subscriptions start at $12.95 with free trials available.

Tappestry                           
A new app for the iOS and Android platforms, Tappestry allows individuals, companies, and organizations to safely share newly learned information.  Price varies based on number of users and free trials are available.

Have a favorite app, blog or website? Nominate it in The 2013 (10th Annual) International Business Awards, the world's premier business awards competition. (The final extended entry deadline is 10 July, request an entry kit here.)

Tags: business awards, app awards, website awards, International business awards, blog awards

Blog Awards: Four Apps, Blogs, and Websites of Note

Posted by Liz Dean on Thu, May 30, 2013 @ 05:09 PM

Once a month we like to highlight blogs, apps, and websites in our Stevie® Awards Update Email Newsletter to help make your day a bit more enjoyable. Here are this month's "Apps, Websites and Blogs of Note:"    

  1. Stevie Awards RSS FeedAladinia                               
    Going to Barcelona this October for The 2013 International Business Awards, the world's premier business awards competition? Check out Barcelona's Roman Baths, sky diving, or rent a Ferrari for the day. This Spanish website offers "thousands of surprising options" around Spain, according to El Pais.
  2. Inside Climate News                      
    Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting, Inside Climate News is a news blog focusing on all matters affecting climate change.
  3. Bump                   
    Hate having to enter new contact information into your phone? Download Bump, the popular smartphone app that allows you to "bump" smartphones to obtain contact info.  The free app is available for iPhones and Androids.
  4. Lumosity's Human Cognition Project                      
    Be a part of Lumosity's program to improve human cognitive training programs.The online project is a groundbreaking collaboration between researchers worldwide with more than 600,000,000 cognitive game plays.

Have a favorite app, blog, or website? Nominate it for one of our blog awards, website awards, and app awards in The 10th Annual International Business Awards. (The final entry deadline is 12 June, request your entry kit here.)

Tags: business awards, app awards, website awards, International business awards, blog awards

Blog Awards: Four Apps, Blogs, and Websites of Note

Posted by Liz Dean on Tue, Apr 30, 2013 @ 01:28 PM

The Stevie® Awards don't just confer blog awards, website awards, and app awards; we also like to highlight apps, blogs, and websites once a month in our Stevie Awards Update email newsletter that we think will help make your work day more interesting and enjoyable. Our latest "Blogs & Web Sites of Note" include:Stevie Awards RSS Feed

BagsVIP           
Time is money, so why waste time at the baggage carousel?  United Airlines is offering BagsVIP service for delivery within a 100-mile radius of selected airports. Prices from $29.95 (1 bag) to $49.95 (3 to 8 bags).

MyReviewRoom                             
ReviewRoom provides a complete solution for managing online application processes. The system organizes workflow, collects applications, has an entry evaluation system, conducts reporting, and more.

VerticalResponse Blog                  
Have marketing questions? Check out this all inclusive marketing blog featuring actionable marketing tips and how-tos.

WeTalk                
The WeTalk app allows access to very low VoIP rates, particularly for international calling, and avoids data-roaming charges. Download the app for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.

Have a favorite app, blog or website? Nominate it in The 2013 (10th Annual) International Business Awards, the world's premier business awards competition. (The entry deadline is 15 May, request your entry kit here.)

Tags: business awards, app awards, website awards, International business awards, blog awards

Blog Awards: Four Apps, Blogs, and Websites of Note

Posted by Liz Dean on Wed, Apr 03, 2013 @ 10:25 AM

Once a month in our Stevie® Awards Update email newsletter we like bring your attention to emerging technology including apps, best websites, and blogs that we think will help to make your work day a bit more interesting and productive.  Here are this month's "Apps, Blogs, and Websites of Note:"

Stevie Awards RSS FeedPaperBecause                  
Love the environment? Check out PaperBecause and learn about the sustainable use of paper in a digital world.

Puzzazz            
Keep your brain fit by downloading a new puzzle every day. Puzzazz is available for free on the iPhone, iPad, and Kindle.

American RedCrosswords                           
Another great app for keeping your brain active, American RedCrosswords allows you to download crossword puzzles to your iPhone and iPad while supporting a great cause.

Workshare                         
Workshare is a secure platform for sharing documents in a secure online environment. Create, share, and manage high-value content and ideas anywhere, on any device. Prices are based on demand.

Let us know about your favorite app, blog, or website! Nominate them for one of our blog awards, website awards, or app awards in The 2013 American Business Awards, the premier business awards program in the U.S.A. April 24 is the last day that late entries will be accepted with payment of a late fee per entry. If you haven't already done so, you can request your entry kit here and it will be emailed to you right away.

Tags: business awards, app awards, website awards, American business awards, stevie awards for women in business, blog awards, stevie awards, emerging technology

Blog Awards: Four Apps, Blogs, and Websites of Note

Posted by Liz Dean on Wed, Feb 20, 2013 @ 04:37 PM

The Stevie® Awards don't just confer app awards, blog awards, and website awards; we also like to highlight apps, blogs, and websites once a month in our Stevie Awards Update email newsletter that we think will help make your work day more interesting and enjoyable. Here are this month's "Apps, Blogs, and Websites of Note:"

Stevie Awards RSS FeedGasBuddy.com                
With fuel prices rising once again in North America, GasBuddy will find the best prices for motorists and businesses in your region.

LifeHacker                          
LifeHacker is an online blog that features tips and downloads for getting things done.

Trip Boss                             
Trip Boss is a must-have for travelers.  The all inclusive app keeps track of expenses, manages itineraries, calculates tips, converts currency, and more. You can download the app on the iPhone for $4.99.

Trip Journal        
Trip Journal is another go-to app for travelers. Track, record, document, and share your travel via your smartphone.  The app is available on the iPhone and Android markets for $2.99.

Have a favorite app, blog, or website? Nominate them for one of our blog awards, website awards, or app awards in The 2013 American Business Awards, the premier business awards program in the U.S.A. The entry deadline for the 2013 ABAs is March 27, request your entry kit here and it will be emailed to you right away.

Tags: business awards, app awards, website awards, American business awards, stevie awards for women in business, blog awards, stevie awards, emerging technology

Blog Awards: Four Blogs, Apps, and Websites of Note

Posted by Liz Dean on Thu, Jan 03, 2013 @ 04:40 PM

Once a month in our Stevie® Awards Update email newsletter we like bring your attention to emerging technology including apps, best websites, and blogs that we think will help to make your work day a bit more interesting and productive.  Here are this month's "Apps, Blogs, and Websites of Note:"

Stevie Awards RSS FeedFing                       
Fing is a Swiss army knife of networking utilities which can be used for troubleshooting and analyzing connection issues or to ferret out anything connected to your network that shouldn't be connected. Fling is available for free for Android, iPhone, iPad, and most platforms.

SeatGuru                            
For those who plan to travel in 2013, this app finds the best airline seats, in-flight amenities, and airline information.  You can download the app on your iPhone or Android for free.

WhatsUpGold                  
A business app that helps IT administrators identify the little problems before they become big ones by monitoring wired and wireless networks, systems, and applications. You can purchase the application starting from $2,195, but a free trial is also available.

Wunderlist                         
If you are using several different devices throughout the day,  Wunderlist 2 will sync your to-do lists and reminders no matter how many different devices you are using. Lists will automatically be synchronized via Wunderlist’s Cloud Sync system. You can download Wunderlist 2 is for your iPhone, Android, Windows & Mac, all for free.

Have a favorite app, blog, or website? Nominate them for one of our blog awards, website awards, or app awards in The 2013 American Business Awards, the premier business awards program in the U.S.A. The entry deadline for the 2013 ABAs is March 27, request your entry kit here and it will be emailed to you right away.

Tags: business awards, app awards, website awards, American business awards, stevie awards for women in business, blog awards, stevie awards, emerging technology

Blog Awards: Four Blogs, Apps, and Websites of Note

Posted by Liz Dean on Tue, Nov 27, 2012 @ 12:27 PM

The Stevie® Awards don't just confer app awards, blog awards, and website awards; we also like to highlight apps, blogs, and websites once a month in our Stevie Awards Update email newsletter that we think will help make your work day more interesting and enjoyable. Here are this month's "Apps, Blogs, and Websites of Note:"

RSS FeedAsana                   
This free mobile app provides a place to plan, organize, stay in sync, and share task lists with a team. You can download the free app on the iPhone and Android.

Enterasys Isaac
A Gold Stevie® Award-winning application in the 2012 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, Isaac is a social media interface that connects IT networks with social networks.

Expensify                           
Expensify is a free app that helps you keep track of expenses by scanning your receipts from anywhere. The app also features tools to help you integrate Quickbooks and automatically track auto expense and GPS mileage.

KoolSpan TrustCall          
Easy to deploy and use, TrustCall transforms regular smartphones to "secure phones" within any organization. Thanks to the chip inside the smartphone, malicious third-party adversaries can't intercept or eavesdrop on voice calls and SMS messages. Available for the Android and Blackberry (iOS coming soon), you can download the app for $119.

Know of other great apps, blogs, or websites? Nominate them for one of our blog awards, website awards, or app awards in The 2013 American Business Awards, the premier business awards program in the U.S.A.  Request your entry kit here and submit by the December 12 second early-bird deadline for discounted entry fees.

Tags: business awards, app awards, website awards, American business awards, stevie awards for women in business, blog awards, stevie awards, emerging technology

Blog Awards: Four Blogs, Apps, and Websites of Note

Posted by Liz Dean on Tue, Oct 30, 2012 @ 04:14 PM

Once a month in our Stevie® Awards Update email newsletter we like bring your attention to emerging technology including apps, best websites, and blogs that we think will help to make your work day a bit more interesting and productive.  Here are this month's recommendations:

  1. RSS FeedCareer Woman, Inc., Blog                            
    A Finalist in the 2012 Stevie Awards for Women in Business, this blog offers timely insight on topics and problems that are relevant to everyday businesswomen.
  2. FiveThirtyEight                 
    FiveThirtyEight is a NY Times blog by Nate Silver, author of The Signal and The Noise: Why So Many Predictions Fail but Some Don't. The blog provides an array of political insights for readers.
  3. MyCityWay                        
    Another 2012 Stevie Awards for Women in Business Finalist, MyCityWay is a personalized search engine providing instant access to everything that’s happening around you, in real-time. MyCityWay serves 70 global markets and connects both travelers and residents alike with their city. The search engine is free for all users on all platforms.
  4. Vemma Bod•e App                       
    This 2012 American Business Awards Gold Stevie Award-winning app makes it convenient and easy to track and mange the Vemma Bod•e plan on-the-go. The app incorporates features such as daily, weekly, and monthly program schedules, daily video tips, and weekly recipes and grocery lists.  The app also sends reminders throughout each day to keep participants motivated, engaged, and on track. Users can download the app for free on the iPhone and Android.

Know of other great apps, blogs, or websites? Nominate them for one of our blog awards, website awards, or app awards in The 2013 American Business Awards, the premier business awards program in the U.S.A.  Request your entry kit here and submit by the November 16 early-bird deadline for discounted entry fees.

Tags: business awards, app awards, website awards, American business awards, stevie awards for women in business, blog awards, stevie awards, emerging technology