Part one: Put your passion into your work

I had the privilege of attending the annual National Association of Broadcasters event in Las Vegas. The Rainmaker Network was in full swing at the G-Tech/Hitachi booth. I got the chance to meet lots of media and tech professionals from all over the world. Lucky me!

A lot of the professionals that I spoke to all drove one point home: Put your passion into your work. You can't drive creativity without passion. It doesn't matter if you're an accountant, designer or marine biologist: you have to find what you love to do, you'll never work a day in your life! It is important not to be swayed by trends but to tap into your real interests. Even if you don't know exactly what you want to do, start somewhere and begin exploring your options through volunteering, internships or continued education. The more proactive you are about your passions, the happier you'll be in the long run. Being fulfilled and passionate about your work is incredibly rewarding and starts with a few small steps. Stumbling is allowed as long as you continue to move forward.

Here's some inspiration and pearls of wisdom, courtesy of Troy Church, a user experience designer for Adobe. For all of our design and media Rainmakers out there, TRN will be working with G-Tech/Hitachi at the Adobe CS5 Roadshow on Thursday June 10th...stay tuned for more details!

When answering a question or conveying an idea, do you have difficulty relaying what you mean? The type of communication you hold with friends, university staff and even professors is very different from the type of speech that is most effective in the workplace.

Taking on an internship or even a volunteer experience will put you in a professional atmosphere that you may be foreign in. It's worth a moment of your time to think about how you will communicate with your co-workers and your supervisor in these situations, especially concerning stressful topics or during crisis moments.

To speak the most effectively when communicating problems or issues to a supervisor or boss, make sure that you clearly understand what the issue is and are prepared to articulate it to others. If you feel angry or intensely frustrated over the issue, take time to cool down. It is perfectly acceptable to gather your thoughts. Second, know how you would like to see the issue resolved, or at least have a suggestion at the ready on how to improve the circumstances.

Once you are ready to speak, eliminate weak language. "I" statements are the most notorious for weakening your comments. Just as your professors ban the use of "I" statements in your papers, don't include them in the professional atmosphere. Here's how to turn those sentences around:

1. I am too stressed and over-burneded to take on an additional research project.

Considering these two research projects and quantitative data that I am already working on, an additional project of this size will be too large to handle until next Wednesday.

2. I have a problem with one of the associates in our department; they are not completing their work on time and it has made all of us late in finishing this project.

Our department has been unable to complete this project on time because there is a productivity issue with one of our co-workers.

It is also important to communicate effectively in your daily office interactions. Have you responded to a co-worker or boss' statement with offhand words like "cool" or "that's great" and felt immediately that it was not the best response? Don't worry, every one of us has made this mistake. Here is an example on how to respond with a stronger and more professional comment:

1. Respond with a simple okay. Acknowledging their statement shows that you listened and can now act upon their words or are ready to move on to the next topic.

If you need further clarification on their statement, say something like this: "If I heard you correctly, __________" or, "To clarify, ______________." Make sure to repeat what they said, using the same key phrases that they used while speaking to you.


Resources on Honing Your Speech:

For more tips on managing your communication in the professional space, review these two books.

Words that Work: It's Not What You Say, It's What People Hear by Frank Luntz
Words that Work is incredibly valuable for use in the workplace even though Luntz designed the book to guide people in the political arena. One of the best pieces of advice Luntz offers is to use a few, well-thought out words to convey your meaning instead of delivering a dissertation-like comment. The longer the email, letter or discussion, the less attentive the listener.

How to Say It For Women: Communicating with Confidence and Power Using the Language of Success by Phyllis Mindell
This book is more valuable than you can imagine. It's advice comes from a seasoned professional communications expert and will guide you through handling awkward situations, from working through communication mismatches and misunderstandings to handling hot button issues with dexterity. Each chapter is simply written and easy to digest. You'll be utilizing these principals the same day you read them.

If you've landed a job or internship this summer, congratulations! If you want to be viewed as a professional, you have to be fashionably prepared. Prepping your wardrobe doesn't have to be expensive. Here are some great places to get lots of pieces that'll work for you and your budget:

• Forever 21
• Charlotte Russe
• American Apparel
• H&M
• New York & Company
• Express
• Banana Republic
• Target

Grooming gets you places.

• Keep your nails manicured. Go for clear polish or French tip.
• Too much perfume may affect people with allergies. Be mindful.
• Carry gum or mints just in case.

Coachella 2010 is officially over, but it's still on the forefront of many of our minds- with the fuss over Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano eruption, European band cancellations like The Cribs, crazy Coachella style and tons of creativity, as usual. To play at Coachella is an incredible recognition. This year, Jay-Z and Muse headlined the 3 day concert to a record attendance of 225,000 listeners. It's an emerging college band's dream.

Of course, it takes time and effort to make it to the top- so what steps can a band take to make it to the big league? Classes, papers, midterms and meager finances can all make the thought of going on tour or even producing a good- quality gig seem slim. But there's still a lot of room for college talent to shine, in local venues as well as nationally.

First, utilize the equipment and spaces that your college owns. Most likely, you have practice rooms, recording equipment, professional performance spaces and even editing software at your fingertips to hone your sound 24/7. Your campus music department will also have some talented music professors, some of whom might serve as mentors or guides. They'll know where all the best venues are, the cheapest and most reliable repair shops for your instruments and a slew of other necessary info. If you need help with figuring out how to record and edit your music, they'll know that too.

Second, you're probably not the only band on campus or in the area. If you team up with a few other bands you like and would enjoy performing with in one venue, package yourself to local restaurants or clubs as a pre-assembled night of fresh tunes from around the area. They don't have to do the leg work of finding, contacting and checking up on each and every band, and you just scored a gig!

Third, don't discount the opportunity of playing at your own campus, no matter how small. My college boasts only 600 students total, but we held over 8 big events a semester, all of which included the need for awesome music. Performing for your fellow students can earn you a lot of campus recognition, and also a guaranteed crowd at your local gigs.

Fourth, Radical Radio is here to help! It's The Rainmaker Network's newest venture, and it's all about promoting bands like yours on a national level. Radical Radio supports fresh, unsigned college artists and bands by streaming their music to over 100 campuses nationwide. Look out for the launch of our player in May- just in time for summer.

More tips to success coming soon from Will Hoback, Wells College alumni and vocalist for The Coast of Nebraska.


Rebecca, Radical Radio Correspondent

Intern season is right around the corner. As you are trying to gain real world experience during your summer vacation, whether you're in your home town or still on campus, your summer should definitely include an internship or two.

I don't need to tell you guys how it is in the job market; the news does that for you. Every industry is becoming more competitive, and you will rarely be considered even for entry level positions if you don't already have some type of background in what you're doing.

I have done 11 internships and I'm only a sophomore in college. Intern Queen Lauren Berger completed 15 by the time she graduated. Yes, I'm trying to take her crown, and I've told her that. The more background, the better.

Internships don't just give you something to do and don't just give you industry experience. They also teach you how to deal with people. Sure, being in public school all your life can do that also, but being in a real workplace will give you that experience face first.

Here are a few tips on your quest and journey during intern season. Whether you've never had one or if you've had many, I think you can benefit from these tips.

1. Apply early: Even as I'm saying this, if you're starting today, you're a little late in the game. Many companies like to get their interviews out the way, notify people if they got it, and start them right away. If you haven't already, start applying.
2. Apply for many: I have applied and interviewed for so many positions, it's ridiculous. There are so many interviews I just knew I aced, and guess what? I didn't get the position. Apply for as many as you can.
3. Don't let pay get in the way: If you've read my Recessionista Real World post, you may be thinking I'm contradicting myself but that's my particular situation. Most of my internships have been unpaid and have made up for lack of finances with lifelong connections. Many of these positions lead to full time positions in the future.
4. Meet everyone in the company: Whether it's a huge corporation like MTV or a small company with no more than 3 people not including yourself, make sure as many people as possible know your name. Everybody knows somebody that knows somebody.
5. Always be polite: There will be days where everything is going great, then there's that one grouch in the workplace who runs you over. No matter what, always be polite.
6. Don't allow people to take advantage of you: As an intern, a lot of companies (not all, but quite a few) see you as free labor. The New York Times did an article about illegal internships using interns and not giving them anything in return. I've been in this situation as well where the supervisor was using me for personal gain. If you get any kind of red flags, run it by your parents. If you all agree something isn't right, leave.
7. Communication is key: I just ended one of my internships and one of the reasons was because of lack of communication. Never assume your supervisor knows your schedule, even if it's in their Outlook calendar. Constantly remind them if you have other obligations. Treat it as if they are like Drew Barrymore in 50 First Dates; they won't remember tomorrow.
8. Punctuality goes a long way: 15 minutes early is on time. Traffic can be atrocious, especially in Los Angeles and New York. If your internship is 30 miles away, leave an hour and a half before you're scheduled to be there. If you're running late, contact your supervisor immediately.
9. Unplug: A lot of companies hate when interns are listening to their iPods, text messaging, instant messaging, on Facebook and Twitter, etc. Unless it's your job (and some positions are; a lot of my internships deal with social media) stray away from social media and your phone. Turn it on vibrate or silent and keep it out of sight.
10. What are you wearing: It's best to start stocking up on summer intern wardrobes right now. Sure, jeans and t-shirts work for some companies with the casual, laid back atmosphere, but if you want to be viewed as a professional, you have to act the part. Look for a future post on intern wear.

Not too long ago, I opened my heart and my world to you all about my recent trials and tribulations. I'm here with an update.

I wish I had fantastic news, but sadly, I'm still stuck in limbo. Today and tomorrow I'll be withdrawing from California State University Long Beach and applying for an educational leave. I'm in the process of applying for Woodbury University to pursue a BA in Organizational Leadership through a cohort program, which I think will better suit me for the moment. I have gone on multiple interviews, sent in about 200 applications/resumes (I'm not exaggerating), and have been lead on.

I finally got the call from Goodwill SOLAC, the job I was lead to believe was mine as a Development Associate, the position I thought was changing my life and therefore put me in the position to withdraw from school in the first place, only to find out I was no longer being considered for the position. Bummer is not a strong enough word. I made so many alterations to my life to make way for this position, and I did not get it. I was, and still am, frustrated, disappointed, embarrassed, and depressed about it, but all I can do is live and learn.

Shortly after that call, I got a call from the president of the Long Beach chapter of the NAACP to start working as her assistant. I started on Monday and will not return; the experience was horrific to the point where all I can do is laugh. I really thought I was on Punk'd. Feel free to read about the shenanigans I endured.

I've ended one of my internships and will be ending 2 more, as they directly relate to CSULB and won't be able to be completed if I'm no longer attending there.

I'm still actively applying and looking for something. I'm tapping into all of my resources and network connections. I've never been extremely patient, and it's really getting to me now. All I can do is sit and wait at this point, hoping something pans out. Bills still need to be paid, an education still needs to be obtained, my sanity still needs to be reinstalled.

Recessionista was initially created to help you all with tips on saving money, but it's more than that. This is also a real world account of surviving in the recession.

The recession has affected millions of Americans across the country. If it hasn't hit you directly yet, it has definitely impacted someone you know, or even someone close to you. If you're thinking "no, can't say that it has," you can retract that statement. Recessionista has been affected by the recession. I'm here to tell you how it's affected me and what I'm doing about it.

School: I chose to go to a public school for college so I can save money as opposed to choosing a private school. Initially, this was a great idea. I won several scholarships and was eligible for a CalGrant, essentially meaning I got a "free ride" to California State University Long Beach. I chose not to go to Biola University or Azusa Pacific University as to save money by avoiding student loans at all costs. Let's just say my plan has since backfired. My school has been directly hit with budget cut issues. Many classes are not being offered, tuition has increased, and I honestly believe I made a mistake in choosing my school. With over 36,000 students, I feel the campus is too large and impersonal for my education preferences. I found myself to be extremely unhappy with  my decision and felt lost & hopeless. Thankfully, I have found an alternative: Woodbury University. I plan (fingers crossed) to attend starting Fall 2010, pursuing a BA in Organizational Leadership. There's also the chance I can pursue this education for little to no cost out of pocket.

Work: I started college with a part time job working for my local city government's Parks & Recreation Department. Unfortunately, I had a family crisis which put me on little sleep and high stress. I had a class schedule starting at 8am Mondays and Wednesdays and 9:30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Being an insomniac, not being able to sleep until 2am and waking up at 6am was not cutting it. I changed my schedule to get some more sleep, requested a work transfer weekly for 5 months so I could work weekends, and was unsuccessful. I have been unemployed since August 31, 2009. I depleted my savings, maxed out my credit cards, and had to take small contract jobs to get by. Thankfully, my internship experience, even though unpaid, is finally paying off. I have lined up several interviews with companies that have positions open in my passion (social media and internet marketing), and I'm looking forward to starting a position or 2 within the next few weeks.

With just those 2 situations, the recession has given me a few hard-knock-life lessons:

1. Do not make your educational decisions strictly based on financial aid. Weigh all of your options or you will find yourself miserable.
2. Do what makes you happy.
3. Unpaid internships do pay off in the long run with invaluable experience.
4. Sometimes, you shouldn't take no for an answer.
5. Credit is not to be played with. Use responsibly.

The Rainmaker Network's Health and Wellness Expert, Heather Lounsbury will have Ed Begley Jr., star of Living with Ed on Planet Green, on her BlogTalk show Live Natural. Live Well Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 10:00am. He'll be talking about his all natural cleaning products, Begley's Best, and giving you tips on how you can get involved in healing the planet.