Alchemize with Lauren

An Expert in Everything??

In this era of personal “outsourcing”, we have people providing an incredible array of personal and professional services. Services that would seem impossible to believe just a few years ago. Dog Walkers. Personal Trainers. Personal Chefs. Personal concierges. Personal Drivers. Personal Errand Runners. Professional Organizers. Tutors and Coaches for just about everything. Add to those, the more traditional/conventional service-oriented people such as hairstylists, tailors, manicurists, mechanics and window washers. The list seems endless. Most people seem determined to booking their time to the minute to fill up all the available space, and, as a result, there are certainly items on the “To Do” list that fall between the cracks.

Maybe they don’t actually “fall” between those cracks but they become ‘deferred’ due to priorities or confidence in your own expertise. If you don’t actually think you’ll be able to accomplish something properly or effectively, you may tend to delay tackling the task. “It’s not like it’s an emergency” you can hear yourself saying.

The top of the list is filled with the “musts” that you want to or REALLY have to do, then the “musts” that you don’t want to do, but have to, and then further down on the list are those items that “can wait” and you’ll get to — eventually. I’ve discovered that it’s not even an issue of procrastination.

There are so many times during an initial consultation with a client I hear some sort of expression of guilt or affirmation that they “could have done the resumes themselves. Or saying that they should “just know” how to perform well in an interview situation. And that they “should be able to upgrade their image, or update their wardrobe on their own. Perhaps they are comparing the task and, in the case of a resume, thinking it’s similar to having someone else do their homework. Do they feel guilty having someone change the oil in their car?

Somewhere along the way, they have decided that this is something people do themselves and shouldn’t seek outside help. With the wardrobe and image consultations, many people are fascinated by the process and know they would benefit greatly by such a service, but want to make certain that no one else finds out what they did or where they went! I certainly understand and consider confidentiality a number one priority. I agree that a wonderful compliment is for someone to hear that they looked great – NOT someone telling them that they look great and then to ask who did it for them!

But most of us are NOT experts in everything we have to do for our cars, our businesses, our homes, our children and ourselves. That’s precisely why there are so many places for us to turn to get the job done. For whatever reason. It doesn’t matter whether the call is made because of time or money or talent constraints. Experience tells you when it’s best to “make the call” and know that by making “the call” you’ve tackled that item on the list in the best way possible!

Lauren Castle is the owner of Impress Express, a professional image firm, focusing on career development, resume preparation, presentation skills, etiquette and interview coaching. We are members of the Professional Association of Resume Writers. For help with your image, posting your resume, or preparing your internet-friendly resume, contact Lauren directly at 858-459-7400. And, as always, please forward your image and career-related questions to [email protected] for further information.