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Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow

Sean Cook

Athens, GA

Life Purpose and Career Coach, Cook Coaching & Consulting Ltd.

Education

Higher Ed Career Coach

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Following (23)

Groups (7)

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Amanda Veinott I had an epiphany today. I discovered that the absolute bottom-line reason for my wanting to become an entrepreneur is to regain my sense of freedom. I was completing a values assessment and I challenged myself to think from a different perspective and I realized that freedom is an absolute must-have in my life. What values have driven you toward entrepreneurship?

61 weeks ago from Location Independent, Creating a Life You Love, Career Rocketeer, Young Entrepreneur Community and Ask A Coach 3 more

Sadya Siddiqui recommended this

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Laura: Passion for the idea drives me and that drive takes on a life of its own; everything else is secondary.
57 weeks ago

Gerald Philip MacKenzie: Amanda, I had the same exact realization.
48 weeks ago

wendy aron In my quest to reinvent myself, I took a vocational/personality test to find a suitable occupation. On the basis of this, I was told to explore being a private investigator or photographer. Since I am afraid of my shadow and never owned a camera, I got to thinking this test was really bogus. Have you ever taken a personality/vocational test? Did it help you at all?

62 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired, Career Changers, Professional Writers and Editors and What I Wish I Knew Then 2 more

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Regina Richardson: I use them as a source of laughter...the only one that's ever come CLOSE to being correct is the DISC test
55 weeks ago

Steve Tuffill: I took one not so long ago, and frankly, it told me a few things about myself. Apart from the Myers/Briggs stuff, it went into three distinct ...MoreI took one not so long ago, and frankly, it told me a few things about myself. Apart from the Myers/Briggs stuff, it went into three distinct areas and came out with the fact that....guess what? They told me I should have been writing for much longer than I have been!
54 weeks ago

La Donna Lokey What do you think about video interviewing? Do you think it's a good idea, or do you think it increases the likelihood of discrimination? A colleague pointed out that it's no different than face to face meetings where discrimination is also possible. Do you agree? Some say it's where we're all headed . . .

60 weeks ago from Breaking Into Banking, Career Changers, Career Rocketeer, Ask Penelope Trunk! and We're Hiring 3 more

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Keisha Michelle Gregory: I believe that being in a timed format such as a video interview, would help candidates prepare themselves more professional such as their 5 ...MoreI believe that being in a timed format such as a video interview, would help candidates prepare themselves more professional such as their 5 minute elevator speech when meeting someone for the first time such as a recruiter/hiring manager. It would also help better prepare us and teach us patience. Within this time frame, if it would not be enough time for me to ask questions then I may have a problem.
60 weeks ago

La Donna Lokey: @Joseph I'm not aware of any companies who would post the interviews on the internet. My understanding is that the interview could be recorded and ...More@Joseph I'm not aware of any companies who would post the interviews on the internet. My understanding is that the interview could be recorded and saved in an applicant tracking system along with your resume and application, but all of this would be private property of the company.

@Keisha As a candidate, I might be concerned that the shelf life of a bad interview would linger a lot longer than if it was just an interview you attended in person. Does that concern you? (Alternately, a good interview would also last indefinitely!)
60 weeks ago

Sean Cook I had Jamie Nacht Farrell on my BlogTalkRadio show today, talking about what public institutions can learn from for-profit models. Check it out... https://www.blogtalkradio.com/higheredlifecoach/2010/08/06/higher-ed-car...

94 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Sean Cook What Do Institutions of Higher Ed Need to Learn? http://ht.ly/2bATO #hiedoutcomes

97 weeks ago

Sean Cook If any of you would like to take a stab at the topic of helicopter parenting, and how to approach involved parenting in healthy, developmentally appropriate ways (targeted toward college students and their parents), let me know. I'm always looking for good guest posters. Reply here or to sean@higheredcareercoach.com

97 weeks ago from Helicopter Parents

Sean Cook I've been away from Brazen for a while, but was glad to see this group. I worked for 15 years in higher ed, and helicopter parents are one of the reasons I got out. One of my sites, HigherEdLifeCoach.Com, covers life & transition issues for college students and for their parents. I'm working on a model for coaching parents to come down from the helicopter and move to the perimeter to HELP, rather than "fix", problems for their kids. Core concepts Help Encourage, Love and Prepare (HELP) not hover

97 weeks ago from Helicopter Parents

Sean Cook joined the group Helicopter Parents

97 weeks ago

Vickie Elmer Greetings all, I'm developing a series of job search tips for teens, as an offshoot of my business, which hires a handful of teens in the summer and supports youth and educational charities. (It's called Mity Nice, and we sell Italian ice and other vegan "sweet treats from the streets.") What's the best piece of advice you'd give a 16- or 17-year-old who wants a summer job in a company? And what's the biggest mistake a teen can make in seeking a job? Would love to hear your best suggestions.

108 weeks ago from We're Hiring

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lynnette: Wow that would be fun to be involved with vegan sweet treats, wheres this located?
97 weeks ago

Vickie Elmer: Great advice everyone. We are working with our current staff to develop a problem solving and helpful to everyone mindsets. Our little business is ...MoreGreat advice everyone. We are working with our current staff to develop a problem solving and helpful to everyone mindsets. Our little business is in Ann Arbor, Mich., Lynette.
97 weeks ago

Justin P Williams Being an entrepreneur, I am often considered "insane" by those around me. Anybody else experience this?

101 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

Ryan Healy recommended this

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Angelo Recaman: Nice question but I would like to know what kind of "insanity" they are mentioning when complain to you? Looking forward to hear from the community
101 weeks ago

Justin P Williams: Seems I am not alone in this experience.

@Angelo as many of the others have said, the "insanity" others mention seems to really be just a ...MoreSeems I am not alone in this experience.

@Angelo as many of the others have said, the "insanity" others mention seems to really be just a difference of thinking or behavior from the norm. I agree with most here, entrepreneurs are, by nature, different.

I enjoy the paradigm explained in the book E-Myth. There are three types of people, Entrepreneurs, Managers, and Artists. Entrepreneurs, by nature, thrive on taking risk. They are afraid, just like everyone else, but they take the risk anyway.

To complete; Managers are driven by organization and systemization, and ultimately optimization at the measurable level.

Artists are driven by quality production, always striving to make it bigger, better, more, etc.

All three skills are required for a business at all times. Often one person fulfills multiple roles (e.g. I am currently the manager and entrepreneur of my company.) This is not ideal, since working outside of one's core ability leads to stress and eventually burnout.

101 weeks ago

Sean Cook Looking forward to my new "8 Weeks to August" Career Coaching program for stuck job seekers in higher ed. Info at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e2wtdf500738d4f4

102 weeks ago

Kenji Crosland I've been reading a lot about taking big career leaps and the alternative: spending one's free time exploring new career options without quitting your day job (a slash job). I've read of people who have been successful doing both and am interested in hearing about your experiences taking the leap or, or rather taking a few cautious steps out of your comfort zone. How has either choice worked for you? How has it not?

102 weeks ago from Career Changers, Career Rocketeer, Ask A Coach, Ask Penelope Trunk! and Slash Jobs 3 more

Sadya Siddiqui and Robin Mills recommended this

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Caroline Ceniza-Levine: @Kenji, I'm a good juggler b/c I prefer to juggle first before just leaping altogether. Ultimately there are times you have to pare down and ...More@Kenji, I'm a good juggler b/c I prefer to juggle first before just leaping altogether. Ultimately there are times you have to pare down and focus but when I begin something new I try not to change everything else too drastically, thereby keeping some structure for my risk-averse self!
100 weeks ago

Robin Mills: I took a leap by leaving a job within an industry (and a company) that is very stable and starting over with my current employer. While this job ...MoreI took a leap by leaving a job within an industry (and a company) that is very stable and starting over with my current employer. While this job has allowed me to pursue things that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to, I also miss the ability of having a side project. I am trying to figure out a way to introduce that back into my life again without neglecting my job now and/or ignoring the goals I have set for myself.
99 weeks ago

Robin Mills In the past, I have utilized a "brag book" of sorts while on internal and external interviews - it's a collection of complimentary e-mails, certificates/awards that I have achieved, examples of work cited on my resume, as well as excerpts of performance reviews. Any ideas on whether this actually helps? Any suggestions on how this should be presented? Thanks :)

102 weeks ago from Ask A Coach, Ask Penelope Trunk!, Career Changers, Personal Branding and Personal Development 3 more

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Elizabeth Marling: Use the brag book to remind yourself of your accomplishments, but try to keep it objective. Also, see if you can use your people skills (which, ...MoreUse the brag book to remind yourself of your accomplishments, but try to keep it objective. Also, see if you can use your people skills (which, if you have tons of positive feedback from former coworkers, I'm pretty sure you have in spades) to come up with a great list of questions to ask the interviewer. If you can engage the interviewer with your questions, your personality--it's like the 'show don't tell' concept in writing. Show the interviewer that all those brags are true by being interested in them, in the job, and just yourself.
101 weeks ago

Megan Atkinson: As far as emails and reviews, a way I've incorporated that into my interview has been right on my resume. I created a textbox bordering the left ...MoreAs far as emails and reviews, a way I've incorporated that into my interview has been right on my resume. I created a textbox bordering the left side of the resume with a muted-color background (i used a pale, muted green since I'm in a 'green' industry) and within that text box, I put a few short - but great! - excerpts as quotes. My last interview (which was for a promotion) was successful and human resources said it was a unique approach to saving his time yet tooting my horn from the words of my old bosses.
98 weeks ago

Sean Cook Also, if you are brave enough to be broadcast, you can call in to 706-352-9467. (352-WINS) and leave your thoughts there. Please tell us your name, where you are from, your position (if employed) or what positions you are seeking, and a way to get in contact with you if we have any questions. I'll do my best to edit comments for clarity before broadcast.

104 weeks ago

Sean Cook I am doing a new segment on my BTR show with fellow Life Coach Monica Moody. We'll be discussing ways to put purpose, passion and presence into your life. On our initial show , http://ht.ly/1PCsa we asked for comments on "Purpose." 1. What does purpose mean to you? 2. How do you apply your unique sense of purpose to your career? I'd love comments from Brazen members, especially if you work in my target audience-those who work in higher ed/student affairs. You can reply to comment here.

104 weeks ago

Sean Cook I introduced a new segment today on my Higher Ed Life & Careers Show on BlogTalkRadio. In the segments, titled Accidentally on Purpose, fellow Life Purpose Coach Monica Moody & I talk about putting passion, purpose & presence to work in your life & career. Please listen at http://ht.ly/1LjgT & comment at ignitepurposenow.com/blog on this week's topic, or by phone to 706-352-9467. (352-WINS) Topic: What does purpose mean to you? And how do you apply that in your career?

106 weeks ago from Online Higher Education Professionals and Blogging Ideas

Sean Cook Hello everyone, I will be hosting my BlogTalkRadio show tomorrow from 12-1 EST. Would love to have you listen and maybe even call in your comments, thoughts or questions. The HigherEdCareerCoach Show on Fri. 12-1pm EST on #BlogTalkRadio Accidents, Purpose, Careers & Twitter - http://tobtr.com/s/1051599 . If you have a comment on how social media (esp. Twitter) has affected your job search, please call in or send me a tweet @hiedcareercoach

106 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

Sean Cook Listen to HigherEdCareerCoach Show on Fri. 12-1pm EST on #BlogTalkRadioAccidents, Purpose, Careers & Twitter - http://tobtr.com/s/1051599

106 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Sean Cook How to Tell a "Who-Do" from a "Guru": Part 2 http://higheredcareercoach.com/2010/05/12/how-to-tell-a-who-do-from-a-gu...

106 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Sean Cook How to Tell a "Who-Do" from a "Guru": Part 1 http://higheredcareercoach.com/2010/05/07/how-to-tell-a-who-do-from-a-gu...

106 weeks ago

Sara Gallagher I would like to get a conversation started about credibility, and what defines it for Gen Y. Today I read a high-traffic blog by someone in their mid-20s with approximately four years of total work experience...she writes career advice. I think it is common for Gen Y to brand themselves as "experts," "gurus," or "New Media specialists" with less than a few years of work history. Should this be acceptable? Does credibility even matter in an economy driven by ideas?

107 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

Sean Cook and Kenji Crosland recommended this

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Sean Cook: Check out my latest post (inspired by this conversation):

HigherEdCareerCoach: How to tell a "Who-Do" from a Guru: Part 2
MoreCheck out my latest post (inspired by this conversation):

HigherEdCareerCoach: How to tell a "Who-Do" from a Guru: Part 2
http://higheredcareercoach.com/2010/05/12/how-to-tell-a-who-do-from-a-gu...

If you missed part 1, it is here:
http://higheredcareercoach.com/2010/05/07/how-to-tell-a-who-do-from-a-gu...

Thanks for the great conversation. Part 3 will probably be later this week.
106 weeks ago

Andy Stanczyk: The self proclaimed experts are increasing at an alarming rate. Even more alarming are those who pay, listen & trust these so called ...MoreThe self proclaimed experts are increasing at an alarming rate. Even more alarming are those who pay, listen & trust these so called "experts." Who is to blame if the information or direction is misguided? Do you blame the 20something for trying to make a name for his/her self or those who seek out & run with the provided advice without asking for proof of credibility?
106 weeks ago

Emily Patenaude A friend of mine is releasing an album on a record label this month and is looking for the best "sociaI blabbing tool" out there. Basically, he needs to say lots of things in a lot of places and would rather only have to write it out once. Any thoughts?

107 weeks ago from New Media Marketing

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Sean Cook: hootsuite can do the same thing and is also a good way to monitor what is being said out there about you...twitter mentions, etc. If he is looking ...Morehootsuite can do the same thing and is also a good way to monitor what is being said out there about you...twitter mentions, etc. If he is looking to avoid conversation, though, I'd advise against relying solely on one-way "announcement-style" releases and promos. Conversation marketing and social engagement are the way to go.
107 weeks ago

Ruben Kenig: I think you need to target more than Twitter and Facebook for a music social promotion campaign. Sites like Last.fm, Blip.fm, Bandcamp can be very ...MoreI think you need to target more than Twitter and Facebook for a music social promotion campaign. Sites like Last.fm, Blip.fm, Bandcamp can be very useful and are worth putting the time into. Unfortunately I don't know of a single tool that will easily update them all.

Your friend will probably find that he gets out of his campaign returns proportional to his input.

The tools mentioned above are both very good. I would probably favour Tweetdeck using bit.ly to track clickthroughs myself. Try them both out and see what he prefers.

Good luck.
104 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman Powerpoint is the enemy, so says the military - http://nyti.ms/9Rn3p7. The military says they have serious concerns that the program stifles discussion, critical thinking and thoughtful decision-making. I too despise Powerpoint, and think we rely far too heavily on it's "dumb-dumb bullets" for persuasion. I have two speeches next week and preparing the Powerpoints has been the worst. The war on Powerpoint is certainly something I can get behind! How about you?

108 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management, Creatively Inspired and Inspiring Leadership 1 more

Elizabeth de Bagara recommended this

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Dr. Paul D. Giammalvo: Jennifer G,
The way I use PP to ENCOURAGE discussion is to post a question on the powerpoint slide and then give each table (I NEVER use ...MoreJennifer G,
The way I use PP to ENCOURAGE discussion is to post a question on the powerpoint slide and then give each table (I NEVER use "classroom" style seating!!) the opportunity to debate/answer the question using a flip chart..... To force people to look at BOTH the pros and cons, I suggest they set the flip chart up using a Force Field Analysis.

BR,
Dr. PDG, Jakarta
http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
107 weeks ago

Virginia Merritt: When I instructed Public Speaking, powerpoint was my best friend. I embedded clips into it to help students break down complex communication ...MoreWhen I instructed Public Speaking, powerpoint was my best friend. I embedded clips into it to help students break down complex communication concepts, used great funny graphics, had the ability to do clicker polling (they look like remotes and allow for data to be gathered survey style) and to teach via example.

In the corporate world and in the DOD... UGH. I can't tell you how many times I sat through something that could have been emailed to me.

It's not powerpoint, it's the public speaker and it illustrates a huge communication incompetence. Powerpoint is a visual tool to aid in public speaking (sales pitch or whatever) but most people utilize it as their note cards. And they are worse than my 18 year old first year college student presentations. No attention getters, no transitions, reading from the aid, no gestures, too many ums, ahs, likes. ugh, ugh, ugh.

I swear, I could make a killing by selling my services on powerpoint/public speaking training to businesses and etc and make a killing. ;-)
107 weeks ago

Interests

Helping others connect with their higher purpose, and find balance in their lives and careers. Gardening. Homebrewing. Indie Rock. Folk Art. Buddhism. Writing. Social Media. My kids.

Goals

Build a sucessful coaching practice that will transform people's lives.
Support my family financially while being able to spend more time with them.
Write a book on "Putting Your Purpose to Work" and publish it by the end of 2011.
Meet Jonathan Fields, Jason Seiden, Chris Gullibeau & Jon Kabat-Zinn
Stand in the Pantheon in Rome and look up through the "eye of the world"

Favorite Quote

"Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.” --Conan O' Brien

Specialties

Career Coaching, Blogging, Life Coaching, Training and Coaching for College Students and Higher Ed professionals. Assistance with graduate applications and essays, job applications, mock interviews, resumes, cover letters. Also learning more about creating and maintaining positive social media presence, and leveraging it during the job search.

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