Pathfinder
A person who goes ahead and discovers or shows others a path or way
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Jessica MarventanoBusiness Etiquette
“One rarely succeeds alone in business – we need strong relationships with other people. At the foundation of those good relationships are social skills.” This month, Pathfinder Jessica Marventano of iHeartMedia shared valuable insight into the importance of business etiquette.
When we apply for a job, we’re competing with people who are usually just as smart and just as bright as we are. Your social skills can help set you apart – and above – other people who are equally as qualified as you. Learning business etiquette can help you develop a “quiet confidence that will transcend all of your business interactions.” “The common themes in my career have been a really solid personal brand, communication skills, and relationship building,” said Jessica. “Each of these things has developed and shaped every aspect of my career.” A personal brand can be defined as what others say about us when we’re not in the room. We all create one – with our words, our behavior, our actions – whether we intentionally work on it or not. So, for a career enhancing step, it’s absolutely essential for you to create a brand that you want. Jessica suggests that “doing so will make your business decisions easier, because your personal brand will be the lens through which you make your choices.” Will that action reinforce and support my brand? Or will it contrast with it? Communication is also vital to business etiquette. Jessica shared that 55% of the first impression that we make is based on body language, while 7% is based on the content of your words, and 38% is based on how you say it: your tone, your pronunciation, your grammar. Finally, relationship building, or networking, can shape your career. Good networking prevents meaningful relationships from going stale. Jessica suggests the simple practice of scheduling time during your work week to network. Simple acts such as congratulating them on their work, passing along an article of interest, or sending an email to let them know you’re thinking of them sends the message that you care. Alex EhrlichLeadership
When meeting with ThanksUSA scholars, Alex shared a few of the lessons on leadership he acquired during his 40-year career on Wall Street. If COVID has taught us anything, it’s that thinking out of the box is essential to growth. “Leadership isn’t all about work, competition and money. I’ve learned that the basic elements for success are integrity, empathy, diversity, ownership and creativity.”
“I started using Manslow’s Hierarchy of Needs,” he said, “and thinking of the pyramid to describe the behaviors that make people successful with the most basic, important behaviors at the bottom of the pyramid and then build up to the top.” ThanksUSA’s scholar participants learned how to adapt these principles into their everyday lives, building habits that will make them better students and will help them find fulfilling careers.
“When I’m looking for people to be senior leaders, I ask, ‘Are they happy?’ Happiness is a leadership trait," Alex shared. "When you’re an unhappy person, the message that you’re sending to people under you, subtly, is that you don’t care about their happiness either…you’re not thinking that happiness is how we measure success.” Deanna OkunInternational Law
As a girl from a small farming town in Idaho, Deanna Okun knows the meaning of humble beginnings and hard work. After completing her degree in political science from Utah State University, she came to Washington, DC with big dreams. She laughs remembering that her first job barely covered her rent with just a little left over for groceries.
Throughout her graduate studies and during law school, Deanna spent a lot of time surrounding herself with mentors, particularly women, and observed their keys to success. She shared three of her biggest take-aways with our Pathfinder attendees: “First, it doesn’t matter what university you go to. Second, it doesn’t matter what career you choose. Third, take what you can use and leave the rest. You can live a meaningful and successful life choosing many paths.” As a female attorney practicing International Law, Deanna has faced many up-hill battles. As she fostered professional relationships, she found allies which helped her career advance. “I had many mentors who taught me, supported me, and kept me from being pigeon-holed in a very fast-paced and dynamic field.” She always worked to start and leave a job on good terms – advice she emphasized served her well. Hard work and dedication were her keys to success. When assigned a particular case, Deanna would spend hours researching so she could be prepared to present, council or provide information. “You want to know more than the person you’re working for does which will give you credibility so your opinion will be valued.” As her career progressed, she taught her subordinates this lesson telling them, “You never know when an opportunity to help will arise – these are chances to stand out from your peers.” Whether it’s in her time practicing law, working on Capitol Hill, or raising the girls who founded ThanksUSA, Deanna attributes respect and hard work as her most important life lessons. “Find a way to give back, no matter what you do. It will make your career – and your life –fuller. Reaching a hand back to the next person is something we hope ThanksUSA inspires you to do.” |
Iris GreenReal Estate
“As military spouses, we have unique circumstances that challenge us…that’s just the way it is.” Realtor and military spouse Iris Green didn’t pull any punches at this month’s Pathfinder session. Speaking to rising agents from across the globe, she shared both practical and creative advice.
As an Army wife, Iris received her real estate license in 2012. She worked on it virtually during her husband’s deployment while juggling a full-time job and raising her two daughters. “My first listing was the home of the parents of my 1st grade daughter’s best friend. They took a chance on me and that’s all it took for me to take off.” Her practical advice was simple: “First, get a car with really good gas mileage. Second, get great cell phone coverage. Third, don’t spend money you don’t have.” She added, “It’s really tempting when you get that first $20,000 check to go out and spend it – that money doesn’t belong to you, it belongs to your business.” Instead, she advised to develop an LLC, hire an accountant, get an EIN number, and set up a bank account specific to your business. From there, develop a budget with specific earning goals to meet your needs while paying your bills and saving for your taxes. An important element in your real estate career is marketing. Iris suggested networking as an effective marketing tool as you build your reputation and your approachability. “My rule for social media marketing is, if it makes them laugh, smile, or cry, it’s worth posting as a marketing tool. If you make them laugh, they’re going to share your post which could have an exponential reach.” Iris also shared some creative advice for those who may not have the time to commit to a traditional career as a real estate agent. Referral agents – usually working through third parties such as Military Housing Network, PCS Grades, Military Home Base – receive percentages of commissions. Title agents, processors, and real estate assistants are additional careers you can do with a real estate license which require less personal time and connections. Whether you plan on being a full-time agent, or using your license for a non-traditional route, Iris ended the session with more practical advice. “When you go to real estate school, they are teaching you how to stay out of jail, not how to be successful. You will learn the rules, laws and ethics in school – but you will learn how to network, market yourself, and grow your business as you serve under a broker.” Elizabeth FrazeeEntrepreneurship
“I want to take something I enjoy doing and make it a living.”
“I want to be my own boss.” “I want to use my passion and creativity to build a business.” That’s the spirit of entrepreneurship, the topic of this month’s Pathways for Patriots Pathfinder session. Shepherded by an incomparable entrepreneur, Elizabeth Frazee, the Founder and CEO of Twin Logic Strategies, a top lobbying and strategy firm located in Washington DC, ThanksUSA scholars gathered to learn more about this venture. Entrepreneurship is a fantastic alternative to traditional employment for military families whose service requires frequent relocations, service member separations, child-care demands and limited networks. Elizabeth shared that there are specific steps that potential entrepreneurs should follow for success. “First, use your creativity to come up with a really fantastic name for your business.” Elizabeth suggests that having a name for your venture sets the stage for every other aspect including location, product, and marketing. The second step, Elizabeth recommends writing a business plan. “There’s no silver bullet when it comes to your business plan. Really it’s just a series of steps that you’re going to take to achieve your goals.” Third, she says it’s time to apply to be a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and open a bank account. “For women, it’s especially important to understand the government incentives you’re entitled to. This can benefit you as you fundraise and market your business.” The final step Elizabeth recommends is to develop a marketing plan. This can look different depending on your product. Social media is a free, far-reaching tool that can be a wonderful marketing resource. “Entrepreneurship is a challenging, fulfilling journey,” says Elizabeth. Todd CorilloCommunication
Whether you are thinking of pursuing a career in journalism, or you just want to sharpen your communication skills, this session is for you. Our guest was journalist Todd Corillo, a news anchor and military partner from Virginia Beach. Todd shared the knowledge and expertise earned in his career which all started from his love for writing, his skills in listening, and his curiosity.
“I didn’t have a formal education [in journalism], but I have relied on ‘on the job’ training as well as having a background of being curious.” As military families, we often find ourselves in communities, cultures, and countries that are foreign to us. Curiosity, Todd suggests, is a fantastic way to learn from, and adjust and contribute to our new surroundings. Todd attributes much of his success to his time spent as an intern for several organizations. In fact, his first internship was at WTKR – the CBS affiliate where he now anchors. “Any internship you get is good experience. Apply to as many as you can. Look for opportunities in those internships to maximize your experience.” He also recommends volunteering for positions or opportunities that may be less desirable – such as night shifts. Doing so will often present unique opportunities to stand out from the crowd and to learn valuable skills. When volunteering as the early morning crew during his first internship, Todd worked hands-on in both behind and on-screen settings, making him better prepared for his role as lead anchor. “Once you get your foot in the door, the most important thing is to take advantage of the opportunity. What you put into is what you’re going to get out of it.” Communication, Todd suggests, is a vital key to success. “Communication in its basest form is listening to people and understanding what they are telling you. I get to ask a lot of questions in my line of work…but equally important to that, is listening fully. The old saying is, ‘You have two ears and one mouth. Use them in that proportion’.” |
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Providing our community with the resources and support they need to be successful is the heart of ThanksUSA’s Pathways for Patriots program. Our Pathfinders are available to guide military families as they build their networks and develop their careers.
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