Patron Saints

As a Catholic, patron saints have been an important part of my life. Lose something? Ask St. Anthony to find it. Selling a house? Bury a St. Joseph statue in the yard.

So when I came across an old article (November 2004) in Writer's Digest magazine about patron saints and the inspiration they can have on you as a resume writer -- and your clients -- I had to share it!

• Saint Jude is the patron saint of lost causes (the client without a four-year degree who wants a great job in pharmaceutical sales).
• Saint Joseph is also the patron saint of workers.
• Looking for that perfect word? Pray to Saint Bernadine of Siena, patron saint of advertisers, advertising, and public relations.
• Saint Cajetan is the patron saint of the unemployed (also known as the "starving artist" saint).
• Saint Agricola of Avignon is the patron saint to pray to when you wish to prevent misfortune.
• Work from home? Pray to Saint Rita of Cascia, the patron saint against loneliness.
  

General Qualifications Traits

Here are some ideas for general qualifications traits for your resumes:

• Able to adapt to fast-paced environment.
• Dependable.
• Excellent phone skills.
• 10-key experience.
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Computer experience.
• Organizational skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Conscientious, detail-oriented individual.
• Excellent communication skills.
  

Build Your Brand

How can you increase your profile and attract attention from prospective clients? Here are some ideas:

• Write articles
• Volunteer time for your networking group
• Go the extra mile in everything you do
• Provide valuable information sheets to your clients (top websites, salary research)
• Offer a free report or other valuable information to prospects.
  

The Hedgehog Principle

In looking through an old notebook, I came across this notation:

"Hedgehogs Need One Big Thing"

• What can we be the best in the world at? (What can we NOT be the best at?)
• What is the economic denominator that best drives our economic engine (profit or cash flow per 'x')
• What are our core people deeply passionate about?
  

I have no idea where it came from, but those are some good questions.