How Do You Process Information?

I was reading about "Learning Styles" today -- specifically, how most of us have preferred ways to perceive and process new information. When you realize that you have a preferred way to learn new information, you can be more effective in learning new things!

My interest was focused on "processing" information -- how we internalize our new experience and make it our own. Educational theorists have identified two styles of processing:

• Some people favor processing new information by actively experimenting. They like to "jump right in" and start using the new information. They immediately look for practical ways to apply what they've learned.
  

• Others favor processing new information by reflectively observing -- they prefer to watch and ponder what is going on. They understand a situation by carefully observing it.
  

I'm an "active experimenter" -- if I read about a new resume technique, I want to try it out right away.

What's your processing style?

Control Your Time

Who controls your time? It can feel like your clients control your time, or your friends, or your kids, or your spouse. When you find yourself saying you don't have enough time, you may really be saying that you are not spending the time you do have in the way that you want.

Don Orlando has a great take on managing your time that he shared in a recent issue of the Spotlight. He talked about charging clients extra for projects that require him to work evenings or weekends. His surcharge is something like $4,000 on top of his usual rates.

I do charge a rush fee (usually 20%), although I try not to encourage it. I found myself doing one yesterday though, and the client had delayed getting me his information until about 9 p.m. last night. Fortunately, I had started writing the draft without the information he was supplying, and it didn't take too long to plug in his new information. But as I was sending off his draft at 11:30 last night, I pondered increasing my rush fee even more.

Maybe I'll make it a flat $500 for 24-hour turnaround. You have to start somewhere, right Don?

Be A Fool

I read an article recently where the author said, "Most of us spend too much time and energy trying to hide our fool-hood." By this, he meant that we spend too much time pretending to be something that we're not.

That's an interesting concept. A lot of us try to be experts in our field ... and are afraid we'll look like a fool if we ask our client to clarify something that is probably basic to them. I've tried to be better about this -- by telling the client, "I know a little bit about a lot of different fields, but I'm going to rely on you to help me understand enough of what you do to create a resume that will get you interviews."

Right up front, I'm giving myself permission to look foolish to this client. And you know what? Not one client has objected. (I thought for sure one of the first ones I said this to would come back with something like, "Well, what am I paying you for then?" Nope, that was just foolish thinking on my part!)

Afraid of writing for a new field? Be willing to be a fool! Take risks, experiment with new skills ... grow! The rewards are expanded creativity, more joy ... and a potential new market.

Why Businesses Fail

In an article on the SCORE website, "12 Sure-Fire Steps to Improve Your Retail Sales," author Bob Nelson outlines five main reasons why most businesses fail. I'd like to address each of these areas and how you can position your resume writing business for success.

1. Lack of Industry Knowledge
It's not enough to just know the nuts and bolts of resume writing. You must also know how to manage clients, how to manage your time, and pricing strategies. Start by writing resumes for friends and family, and then for pay for the individuals they refer to you. Join a professional association and study what others do, and then adapt their methods and make them your own.

2. Lack of Vision
What do you want from your resume writing business? Extra income, a bridge to self-employment, or a full-time income? How are you going to get from here to there? If you want to launch a full-scale business, but don't want to invest in marketing and promoting your services, you will be sadly disappointed. I don't care if you create a full business plan, but at least think through your marketing tactics, income-and-expense projections, and pricing strategy.

3. Poor Market Strategy
Speaking of pricing strategy, what is yours? What kinds of clients will you serve? Will you be a general practitioner, or a specialist? Focus on one geographic area, or serve clients everywhere with your web presence? How will you find clients? How will you cultivate referral sources? Will the clients pay what you need to charge them?

4. Failure to Establish Goals
Where do you see your business in six months? A year? Five years? I had a five-year plan and it worked for 10 years ... but now I'm thinking I need to start all over again, and see what I need to do to prepare for the next year ... and five years from now. Set goals not just for income, but number of clients, referral sources you can cultivate, and plans for continuing education and certification.

5. Inadequate Capitalization
This is probably the thing that does most businesses in. You over-estimate your revenue, and underestimate your expenses. A crisis comes along (car breakdown, health issue) and you can't afford to be self-employed. Create a financial safety net with your savings, or by working a part-time job. Diversify your income by writing, or teaching, or subcontracting.