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How Could You Be Misunderstood?
What I’ve learned from asking interviewee’s “what are your three biggest weaknesses?”.
What I’ve Learned From Asking Interviewees “What Are Your Biggest Weaknesses?”
I recently read an article that featured Stacey Valy Panayiotou, the senior vice president of global talent and development at Coca-Cola. She shared that her favorite interview questions were “How could you be misunderstood?” and “How can people get the wrong impression of you, and what do you do about that perception?”. I liked her alternative to the age-old interview question “What is your biggest weakness?”.
While conducting job interviews, I have asked dozens of individuals what their “three biggest weaknesses” were. I typically received one of three types of answers:
Spinning a strength into a weakness.
I’m sorry, but saying you “work too hard” is a cop-out answer.
“I can’t think of any.”
If, after sharing a weakness of my own, the interviewee still couldn’t pinpoint a weakness, I would tell them I don’t hire anyone without weaknesses. Because we ALL have weaknesses and what matters to me is that you’re aware and working on them.
An honest, articulate, self-aware answer.
This was the minority of individuals I’ve interviewed but it was always refreshing to hear. There were the few who shared startling honest weaknesses which were red flags for hiring (you can work on your theft problem elsewhere) but, for the most part, their honesty spoke to their credit.
I’ve learned that sometimes asking this question proved fruitful; however, it was often too flat and generic. So I adopted Panayiotou’s questions into my interview process as they are less intimidating for the interviewee. Her questions bring in a dualistic dynamic by accounting for not only the individual but how self-aware they are towards how their actions are perceived.
While this is technically an interview question, I think it’s good for everyone to ask themselves this question. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to wait until I’m prepping for a job interview to figure out how I could be misunderstood. Unsure where to start? Get input from those around you — family, friends, coworkers. Learning how you are perceived can reduce frustration for you and the people around you…and we all want that!
Checklist for Launching a Squarespace Website
Looking to DIY a Squarespace website? Stressed you’ll miss a step? I’ve created a simple checklist to give my clients before we start their website design and thought it would helpful to share with you!
Looking to DIY a Squarespace website? Stressed you’ll miss a step? I’ve created a simple checklist for use with my clients and thought it would helpful to share with you!
Generally, the goal for a website is to create a visually appealing and easy-to-navigate website to promote or sell your offerings, share business information + content, and grow your email list. Keep in mind your big picture goals and future user experience during every step of building your website.
Website Checklist
TECH
Sign up for Squarespace trial and choose template
Link domain name, business email, and other business information
Sign up for a e-mailing service (Flodesk, Mailchimp, Squarespace, etc.) and connect to website.
Create a Stripe, or Paypal account to process payments
Consider adding a chat box service like Pure Chat to website
SITE ORGANIZATION
Create website outline of what you want included on website
Outline user journey
Write content (i.e. about, home, services / products / work with me, blog (categories and tags), contact, careers, pick up locations, ordering, FAQ)
Gather images
Organize navigation
Build out pages
SEO
Connect Google Analytics
Write page descriptions
Turn on SSL
Turn on AMP
Check Google Page Speed insight
Install Moz Bar in Chrome
Install Google Search Console
MARKETING
Create newsletter opt-in freebie
Implement strategic newsletter sign-ups across site
Connect social media accounts
Turn on share buttons
Include trust signals (i.e. testimonials, etc)
LAUNCH
Test on mobile
Test links
Activate Squarespace subscription
Promote!
Have questions related to building a Squarespace website? Comment below and I’ll do my best to answer you!
Four Entrepreneurs Share Their Biggest Lesson in Business
I asked four entrepreneurs what their biggest lesson has been since starting their businesses. Here’s what they said.
Some of the best advice I’ve received has come not from business textbooks but from individuals or entrepreneurs who have experience under their belts. If you can learn from someone else’s journey, why not? I’ve asked a few entrepreneurs I know and respect for what is one lesson they’ve learned in business. Here’s what they said.
My advice? Surround yourself with individuals in different industries and various seasons of life who can challenge you, encourage you, and maybe even help you to not make their same mistakes!
Cheers,
Emily
What To Do Before Starting A Business, According To A Business Manager
Thinking about starting your own business? It can be overwhelming to know what your first steps should be and who you should have on your team. If there is one person who has had the biggest impact on my business it’s my bookkeeper, Crystal. I’ve been lucky enough to have her on my team since day one and she has made a world of difference for both my sanity and the health of my business. Not only does she keep my books straight, she helps me make smart business decisions and acts as a general sounding board for me. Some people think they can’t afford a bookkeeper but, for me, I can’t afford not to!
Crystal is not your average bookkeeper. She’s a full-time Business Manager with many years of experience who really understands everything that goes into making a business successful. Naturally, I thought she’d be the perfect person to give some advice to those of you who are looking to start a new business. Here’s what she said:
ATTORNEY
Talk to them about the type of entity your business should be and the cost to create that entity.
Do they have a recommendation for a bank & why?
CPA
Talk to them about how to pay yourself.
Do they know a reputable bookkeeper?
Ask what the estimated cost to prepare your annual tax return will be.
Do they have a recommendation for a bank & why?
BOOKKEEPER
Try to find someone with 5-10 years bookkeeping experience. Ask for references and take the time to check them.
What accounting software would they recommend & what are the associated costs?
What payroll company would they recommend & what are the associated costs?
How much will they charge to do your bookkeeping?
Congrats on taking the step to start your own business! Stay tuned for my next blog post on business advice from some of my favorite entrepreneurs.
Cheers,
Emily