Setting the Pace in Indianapolis

We definitely ‘set the pace’ for the resume writing and career coaching industries with their fresh and informative speakers at this year’s conference. The time of networking and open discussion was invaluable (or as MasterCard says, “priceless”). I came home with a list of ideas and a “to do” list that will further my business and help me grow. Let me give you an overview and tell you about some conference highlights.

After an informative opening from President, Laurie Roy, the conference keynote was presented by John O’Connor. His presentation entitled, “How To Add $100,000 To Your Career Transition Business NOW,” encouraged participants to blaze your own trail; observe the masses and do the opposite. John sold us on the power and necessity of writing down our business goals and owning the business of our careers. Telling us that success is based on failure, John encouraged us to use the Try, Fail and Adjust formula for achieving success. He said that the three failure diseases are procrastination, detail-itis and excuse-itis.

After some networking and exhibition time we were treated to a presentation by author, Dr. David Noble. His presentation, “The Most Common Weaknesses in Professionally Written Cover Letters,” was a wonderful grammar refresher and confirmation of why I do what I do. David covered some of the most common grammatical mistakes made in cover letters. David reminded us of the critical importance of error-free cover letters and the cost if a hiring official detects errors. The applicant will get screened out for errors and the cost of a cover letter error can be enormous. For a $40,000 annual salary the lost wages can amount to half a million dollars including raises, benefits, bonuses and perks if the job would have been held for 10 years.

The next presentation was from an international speaker, Nicole Miller. Nicole’s presentation, “Military Trailing Spouses – Tapping an Unclaimed Market,” was full of ideas and suggestions for going after military spouses as a new market and source of revenue. Giving us practical resources to help identify and find military spouses, Nicole showed us why we should target this market and how to make our services known to them. Helping military spouses identify their skills and determine portable careers is critical for this target market.

Next on our agenda was a presentation by Freddie Cheek called, “Proven Techniques For Getting Clients and Expanding Your Business.” Freddie gave us five steps to grow our business. Providing an entire list of ideas for sources of business, Freddie gave us practical tips and proven ideas to increase our revenues.

The second day of conference began with a necessity for us all – Time Management for Busy Business Owners, presented by me, Cory Edwards. From understanding and analyzing time, to setting S.M.A.R.T. goals and prioritizing tasks, I provided practical strategies to perform filing, avoid interruptions, manage meetings and schedule time off.

The second session of the day was from Fred Coon who talked about “Interview Control – How To Achieve It and How To Use It To Eliminate Competition.” Fred showed us how to coach our clients for interview success. By telling SHARE stories candidates set themselves apart from the competition and demonstrate their value and worth to a prospective employer.

That afternoon presented two options for participants: we could either join Barbaraanne Breithaupt for an exclusive seminar, the HLS Business Training Program, or, we could help with the community outreach by providing resume critiques. Both activities were well attended and got rave reviews.

Our third day began with an exciting and hilarious presentation from author and business consultant, Tim Wright. Tim presented “The Ten Commandments for True Life Balance.” Tim’s interactive presentation took a light approach to a serious topic – life balance. He suggests that perfect equilibrium is impossible. That true life balance is recognizing the relative weight each role in our lives should have and giving each role the proper weight. There are 168 hours in each week, we cannot manage time, but we can create time by changing our attitude toward time. Tim discussed three spheres of energy – physical, mental and spiritual, then provided practical techniques for ensuring renewed energy in all three areas.

Kathryn Troutman was next presenting information on federal resumes and federal job search. This is another, often untapped, market for resume writers and career coaches. Kathryn walked us through the sometimes-complex federal application process using her new book, Ten Steps to a Federal Job. Her presentation was informative and interactive. She answered many questions from the audience and provided a depth of understanding of the federal application process. Many writers shy away from federal resumes because they can be confusing. However, there are currently two certification programs for resume writers who want to understand the process and tap into this huge market. One certification is currently sponsored by CDI – the Certified Federal Resume Writer.

Next was Grant Cooper proving a presentation on “How to Market Your Resume Writing Business & Double Your Income Using Resume Writing Assessments.” Grant’s incredible process for working job fairs using his new resume assessment software is incredible. He had his audience spellbound as they learned how to make money from job fairs and other opportunities using a professional resume assessment that takes only moments.

Finishing out the training sessions, Audrey Field entertained her audience as she provided information about “Successful Website Operations: It’s Less Technical Than You Think.” Audrey made web operations and strategies fun, easy to understand and incredibly simple. Her wonderful sense of humor kept her audience entertained and energized. I went home with an entire To Do List for my web master just from this one session!

Using my new time management skills, I will be able to implement strategies and techniques to grow and market my business, get new clients, tap into the military trailing spouse market, and improve my cover letters. I also made lots of new friends and acquired resources from other participants.

Our Awards Banquet the last night was full of good food, fellowship, entertainment and the always exciting TORI awards. Tim Wright once again entertained us with his warmth, wit and humor. Speaking about “Why Humor is a Laughing Matter,” Tim had us all laughing over dessert. Then came the moment we had all waited for – the announcements for this year’s best of the best – the TORI award presentations.

As always, it was bittersweet to be at the closing banquet. It was the wrap-up of a great conference and the time to say goodbye to so many new and not-so-new friends and colleagues. The conference was one of common causes, sharing, fellowship and recharging. The atmosphere of respect between colleagues (not competitors) allowed for the free exchange of ideas, information and resources. CDI members freely gave of themselves and in return received much more in return. As I look back on this conference, I am renewing my commitment to be at every CDI conference. No other conference provides this environment and atmosphere where I can share and learn from colleagues and make new friends. Thanks  for a great conference!

Cory Edwards