Saturday, May 14, 2016

Wow, time flies! I cannot believe this is my last post for the course. I fully expect to continue this blog on my own even after the course ends!

I've learned a lot from this course, specifically about other Social Media Platforms. I would've liked to have learned more about in-depth Business-Specific platforms for leadership and management, but there are so many directions Social Media can go that it's hard to cover everything.

Because of this course, I will start to utilize Twitter more and use it for business-related information and ideas for leadership. I've already started to follow and look up information on Twitter that interests me professionally and I cannot believe I underutilized it for so long!!

Overall, my brand has improved because of this course. I will continue to write and blog about my experiences when traveling for business (both professional encounters and fun!) and follow other individuals to better myself. I'm looking forward to opening the door for more opportunities thanks to Social Media! I couldn't have done it without this course and my professor and classmates.

Thanks for reading! :)

Sunday, May 1, 2016


Hi All!

Please feel free to listen to my introduction of my podcast for next week! I'm so excited and I'll be speaking with one of my former co-workers on leadership, management, and teamwork skills. Click HERE to preview next week's podcast!

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

I'm a big fan of professional growth. My co-workers even make fun of me because I'm passionate about learning and seizing all opportunities that come my way. They ask me "What are you going to do after work? Study your work?" and they laugh and laugh about it. It's funny, however it's true. When I'm on an airplane for 3 hours with no wifi or seatback TV to watch, what else is there to do than listen to music and read? Some people read books, I like to read data and journals to understand my business a little better.

I would like to not call myself a nerd and call myself "proactive". Oh well!

I recommend groups for personal and professional growth on LinkedIn. It's very easy to find a group that fits your skills and goals. My goals are to complete my PMP and Six Sigma Lean in the next 24 months. I feel with these skills, I can reach my goals and pave a path for new goals.

Some people might want to get a MBA, others might want to be typing proficient. Everyone's goals are different. LinkedIn has many groups and companies to follow and join

Please feel free to follow me on LinkedIn HERE!

I have been following upper-management employees lately to see what their leadership styles are, what credentials they have, and where I can grow to reach their level of profession.

Everyone is going to have different goals academically and professionally, and I recommend to sit down and set goals for yourself. With each goal, ask yourself: how am I going to reach this goal? Make mini goals for yourself and find groups, companies, even people to connect with to help reach your goals. BIG goals are reached with SMALL goals! :) I usually make a 6-month goal, a 1-year goal, and a 3-5 year goal. The 6-month and 1-year goals help achieve my 3-5 year goal, or long-term goal.

When I fail, it's easy to get upset! WHY didn't I reach my goal? What can I do better? What steps can I take to reach this goal? How long will it take to reach my goal? All good questions to ask when you're not able to fully reach your goals.

"If you don't try you can't fail, but you'll never know until you try!" ALWAYS try! What's the worst that can happen?

Sunday, April 17, 2016

To say last week was crazy would be putting it lightly. 5 flights, 4 client locations, 3 states, and lots of traveling was the sum of my week!

I went to Virginia Beach, VA Elizabeth City, NC, Atlanta, GA, and Fort Walton Beach, FL in 5 days. I took 5 flights from Chicago, V. Beach, Atlanta and Fort Walton! It was hectic, but I enjoy my job and wouldn't trade it for anything. Plus I get to see some beautiful places.

Fort Walton Beach, FL on a cloudy day
When I'm not working with clients, I like to have some relaxing time to myself. I'm very involved in physical activity, however some hotels you stay at don't have the state-of-the-art gym! You take these things for granted until you travel. I decided to go on a 3.5 mile walk/run on the coast of Fort Walton Beach. It was cloudy, yet stunning to look at the clouds moving fast and the beautiful blue ocean.


People always say "wow you're so lucky you get to travel!" and it's great. I work for a great company, I really like my boss, and I enjoy the work I do!

People also don't understand that at times you get to see such beautiful places and icons but you don't have anyone to share it with (sorry, going deep). I love to travel with other people; as a social person, I enjoy group settings and people management/building relationships. Unfortunately since I travel alone at times, I don't always get that treat to be with other people. It's definitely a trade-off. 

STILL, I wouldn't change it for the world! Traveling for work has given me the opportunity to be more self-sufficient, motivated, and dedicated to time-management. I would always recommend people go travel or find a job where you can travel, but realize there are things you sacrifice when being on the road.

Next week I'm going to talk about my full pat-down at the airport, TSA taking everything out of my bag because they saw a loaf of bread, and what I cannot travel without on a weekly basis. Talk to you soon!

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Vermont Sunset in Burlington, VT

Hey! Thanks for checking out my blog.

I travel every week for work, and although I do actually work during the day, I am able to experience some cool places and see many different parts of the country. Some places I would never travel to myself, and others I've been dying to go to.

Last week I was in Vermont! I have never been to Vermont until now. I didn't know how eco-friendly the state is. The airport is very eco-conscious, and they are very environmentally friendly. The picture is my hotel view of the sunset Tuesday evening over Lake Champlain.

Brunch at The Skinny Pancake - Burlington
Lake Champlain View




















I was also able to experience some of their food. It's not easy staying healthy on the road, and I will admit I did indulge in Vermont. The picture is at the restaurant The Skinny Pancake. They're known for their crepes! They're very local and strive to make the community better by purchasing local ingredients and engaging in the town.


On my last day, I took a walk from my hotel to Lake Champlain to enjoy the view. It was a high of 50 degrees, and it was perfect weather to watch the water and just relax. After a long week of work, it was definitely a treat!

Next week I will be in El Paso, TX, just at the border of Texas and Mexico. See you then!