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Embracing Neurodiversity in the Skilled Trades

Written by Susan Fitzell

New Perspectives for the Energy Sector

Every day, we are reminded that the world is a swiftly changing place.

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4 Benefits of Virtual Networking Events

Written by Michael Goldberg

Nothing beats going to a LIVE networking event if you’re a networker. It’s so much fun shaking hands, hugging, kissing babies – but be careful!

There are still risks involved in making personal contact and being in one another’s personal space.

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A FEARLESS PURSUIT OF YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF

Written by Dr. Dorothy Martin-Neville

There is a woman I have “known” for a couple of years now, yet finally decided to pursue to see if we could become friends rather than simply acquaintances. In speaking to this wonderful new friend today, Suzanne Taylor-King, we were both caught in the excitement of such similar interests throughout our very different backgrounds that we could each relate to. Sharing our “wild girl” stories with laughter, as well as our professional development ordeals and joys made it so easy to see a kindred soul. 

How often do you risk expanding your circle? How often do you risk putting yourself out there?

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3 Ways to Make an Instant Connection

Written by Michael Goldberg

I was at the gym last week and when putting on my headset I realized that it needed to be charged. How frustrating! Not having my music at the ready almost ruined my whole workout.

I’m funny like that.

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Be Present and Focus Before You Speak

Written by Joe Curcillo

When you are preparing to speak to an audience of one, or one thousand, you will stand alone. You will not be squaring off against a visible adversary. Instead, the adversary that we face lives within us and within our audience: doubt. That hesitation that exists when we are asked for the very first time to accept the unknown is the enemy, and the enemy must be vanquished. Conquering doubt is the key to success, and we conquer it through education and preparation.

In late 2017, I watched a newbie lawyer argue a case before a judge. He had mastered his research; he knew his stuff. Unfortunately, the fear and confusion in his eyes as the judge began to question him was reminiscent of a small rabbit in the talons of an eagle.

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ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

Written by Dr. Dorothy Martin-Neville

The adventure of life is quite a thing. For me, it means ever-questioning, ever-looking within to see if I am in alignment with my values, with me, and with my purpose. 

As a businesswoman, I try to stay clear on what that purpose is. Why am I here? What good have I come here to do? Does my business reflect that? Am I actively working to make a difference in the world? Like most of us, I can question. Some days we are in the zone and we know everything is as it should be. 

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Thoughts for Closing the Deal

Written by Joe Curcillo

You walk out the door, thanking the potential client for their time, and tell them that you will stop back in later in the year to review their needs. You leave upbeat and happy, but you did not get the deal.

You poured your heart and soul into the close, but you were rejected. Well, you know you weren’t actually rejected but it still stings a little. You remind yourself, “Tomorrow is another day.”

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Do Business Cards Still Breed Business?

Written by Michael Goldberg

Is Carrying Business Cards Still Relevant?

As Billy Joel says, “Times they are a changing.” But did he ever need to carry a business card?

Virtual meetings have changed the way we network and conduct business. Conversations are often more focused, more efficient, and we can have more of them. Also, taking notes, doing “at the moment” research, and exchanging contact information is easy.

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INTEGRITY WITH YOURSELF

Written by Dr. Dorothy Martin-Neville

In speaking with two prospective clients today, I was reminded once again that what we know is irrelevant. What we believe and what we practice is what has the greatest impact on our lives.

One “knew” that she was the problem in not achieving her dreams. She has worked tirelessly yet at the same time has been treating her business as if it was a hobby. She was charging far less than she needed to if she was going to make any real profit. When I mentioned to her that one factor of a business is actually making money she just laughed. It was a ridiculous thing to say; something she knew and yet something she hadn’t really considered when looking at the costs of what she was offering compared to what she was charging.

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EMPLOYEES MAY BE TERMINATED FOR OFF-DUTY SPEECH THAT HARMS THE EMPLOYER’S INTERESTS

Written by Stephen Trimboli

Do the federal or state constitutions prevent a New Jersey business owner from terminating employees for their off-duty speech? According to a new state court decision, the answer is “no,” at least when the off-duty speech is harmful to the business owner’s interests.

McVey v. AtlantiCare Medical System Inc. involved a medical system’s Corporate Director of Customer Service. The medical system’s social media policy warned that social media activity, even outside of work, “has the potential to affect AtlantiCare employee job performance, the performance of others, AtlantiCare’s brand and/or reputation, and AtlantiCare’s business interests.” It further warned, “When you identify yourself publicly as being employed by … AtlantiCare, ensure your profile and related content is consistent with how you wish to present yourself with colleagues and clients.” The policy specifically warned employees to avoid “topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory – such as politics and religion.”

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GET to Give Bigger

Written by Machen MacDonald

We all have most likely heard things like - givers gain and it is better to give than to receive. Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar said, "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help other people get what they want." 

However, to really give you have to G.E.T.

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LEADERSHIP & HEALTH?

Written by Dr. Dorothy Martin-Neville

This week happened to be one of those weeks where I was in many conversations about what I do. My standard response is “Leadership Coach and Consultant.” I believe however like so many of us “What do you do?” could have a thesis response and it still wouldn’t fill in all the gaps...

What do I do?

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TAKE THOSE RISKS AND FOLLOW THOSE DREAMS!

Written by Dr. Dorothy Martin- Neville

Have you ever noticed that whenever you feel the least bit insecure, someone shows up to convince you, that you shouldn’t even think about taking that risk or doing that “out of the box” thing? Or, how do you become the leader of your own life when it feels as if so many others have opinions that challenge you every step of the way?

Taking risks, reaching further than ever before, or having the audacity to create a new path whether for you or your company can be frightening, exhilarating, and life-giving. It’s a calling. However, the cost frequently is being judged by those closest to you. Those who are frightened of risks, change, and growth, with the best of intentions may want to protect you but the fact is they are protecting you from their fears, not your reality.

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Learn to BREATHE with a Mentor Mindset

Written by Machen MacDonald

Leaders with a Mentor Mindset B.R.E.A.T.H.E. when the going gets tough so they can continue their progress and breakthrough. They show those they lead how to B.R.E.A.T.H.E. as well.

There will always be adversities, obstacles, and challenges on the path to success and greatness. Learning to navigate effectively through, over, and around them is what sets achievers apart from the rest.

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Get Better Results by Tapping into the Neurodiversity Talent Pool

Reframing Biases That Cause You to Get What You Expect
Written by Susan Fitzell

Everybody varies a little from the definition of the ‘standard’ human. Some of us are tall. Some of us are short. Some of us are right-handed. Some of us are left-handed (unless you are a baby boomer and went to Catholic school). Do those things really matter? Not really. It gets more complicated, however, when we factor in cultural differences and distinct ways of doing things.

Every manager or business owner knows they need to look past superficial differences and concentrate on choosing the right people for the right job.

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Thoughts on Learning, Listening, & Innovating

Written by Joe Curcillo

There are no bad ideas. Once you can accept that simple phrase, you will be open to anything that comes in your direction. When we pre-judge the things that we hear, or we listen to the skeptical opinions of others, we are no longer allowing our minds to remain open.

People are not scripted. People do not all think the same way. When someone offers a suggestion that may, to most people, sound ridiculous, hearing that suggestion or idea could be the springboard to something much greater. The converse is also true. If we do not listen to that person’s idea, we may overlook our next great opportunity.

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Reconsidering AI in Screening and Hiring

Written by Susan Fitzell

The Problems of Hidden Bias in a Neurodiverse Workplace

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Tighten Up Your Network by Caring

Written by Joe Curcillo

The pandemic taught us that we are all dealing with situations that we may not anticipate. An inability to market, and the inability to grow and develop new business. We can, however, seize opportunities to keep our network alive. The backbone of every business is its network. Your network may be your employees, your customers, your business associates, or, most likely, all three.

As we look at social media, we are confronted every day by concerns that Facebook or LinkedIn change their algorithm affecting the number of people that we see in our respective feeds. When we lose contact with our real-world network, we can’t blame Facebook. We must look inside and determine whether we have forgotten to do what we must.

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It Starts with a Vision

Written by Machen MacDonald

Having a compelling vision of your future is perhaps the most powerful ingredient to your success.

Have a vision and you are hopeful. Lack a vision and you suffer feeling hopeless.

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How Mind Mapping Can Help You Connect with Neurodivergent Employees

Written by Susan Fitzell

Oh! and all your other employees, too!

Neurodivergent employees approach work a little differently than their neurotypical colleagues. Depending on their specific challenge, whether they’re on the autism spectrum, have ADHD, or have another learning disability, certain aspects of what others would consider a “normal” workday are very challenging for them. For some, it’s a sensory issue; for others, being distracted or having their schedule changed may zero out their productivity for the day.

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