The Career Toolbox Articles

Tongue-tied? 3 ways to make complicated ideas EASY for anyone to understand

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on May 29, 2024

Tired of explaining and explaining an idea no one seems to understand?Are people napping during your presentation? Don’t explain more. Engage better.

This 60-second fix will make your LinkedIn profile stand out instantly

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on April 10, 2024

Uh oh… You’re in a hurry. The clock is ticking to apply for that great job. Your profile is up to date, but doesn’t stand out. Here’s a 60 second change that works.

5 ways to introduce yourself perfectly in 20 words or less [TEMPLATES]

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Nov. 9, 2022

Think fast. You just got your big break and this introduction can change everything. You have 8 seconds to capture their attention. Are you really ready to answer, “What do you do?”

Make your unique advantage clear with ONE word

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Nov. 9, 2022

I know... explaining what makes you unique can seem impossible. But ONE word can change everything.

5 Career Questions Successful People Need to Ask Themselves

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Sept. 1, 2020

Are you on the rise, or have you already “made it”? Think nothing can stop you now? Think again.

3 ways to explain your unique advantage in 20 words or less [TEMPLATES]

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Dec. 27, 2019

Everyone's unique, but not many know how to explain their unique advantage. Until now. Here are 3 ways to explain your unique advantage in 20 words or less

The Self-Sabotage Signal You're Sending But Don't See

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Dec. 2, 2019

Are you tired of chasing your career? Is it your boss? Or maybe... maybe it's you. Are you sabotaging your success?

This 1 Minute LinkedIn Makeover Will Make Your Profile Instantly More Engaging

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on March 3, 2019

Uh oh… The clock is ticking to apply for that great job. Your profile is up to date, but doesn’t stand out. Be instantly more engaging with this 60 second makeover. It works.

Pitch the BIG picture in 15, 30, or 60 seconds [TEMPLATES]

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Jan. 19, 2018

The elevator pitch is the essential skill that everyone needs, but few have mastered. Your struggles are over. Here's how to give a perfect pitch in 15, 30, or 60 seconds.

How to tell your founder's story to build brand loyalty and create trust [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on July 23, 2017

5 ways to answer,"Tell me about yourself" using your passion, mission or strength [TEMPLATES]

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on March 15, 2017

Hmmm...you're about to introduce yourself, but don't want to talk about your role or title. Now what? Here's how to make a lasting impression using your values and strengths.

How to make your point perfectly clear in 6 words [TEMPLATES]

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Feb. 11, 2017

Imagine being so clear you can make your point in 6 words. Impossible? Not any more.

Entrepreneur? How to explain what you do and how you're different in 60 seconds or less

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Jan. 15, 2017

You're an entrepreneur... Your opportunities could depend on how well you answer these 2 questions. How simply and clearly can you explain what you do and how you're unique?

Be Instantly More Persuasive with this 1 Simple Tip

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on April 19, 2016

I used to wonder what the secret was to being persuasive. Then I learned, with a wave of the hand everyone can be instantly more persuasive.

How to Turn Your Pitch into a "Tell me more" Moment

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Jan. 26, 2016

Get your pitch wrong and you're arguing instead of engaging. Get it right, and you'll hear, "tell me more!" Here's how to get it right.

1 Habit that Drives Careers Off Track (and How to Fix It)

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Dec. 14, 2015

Comparison is inevitable. But is it driving your career off track?

5 Presentation Tips Your Audience Will Love

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on June 6, 2015

Are you staring at a blank screen, kicking yourself for agreeing to that presentation? Not anymore. Here are 5 tips to present any topic to any crowd.

10 Bright Ideas to Update your LinkedIn Profile [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on May 2, 2015

Are you new to LinkedIn, or is your profile ready for a refresh? Here are 10 tips to create a profile that attracts attention and generates leads.

Out Manage Your Micro-Managing Boss

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on April 26, 2015

Under your boss’ thumb? DON'T let your career be hijacked by one person. Refocus on the ways you can power your career and out manage the micro-manager.

5 Introductions that Get People to Say “Tell Me More”

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on April 12, 2015

Do you dread walking into a roomful of strangers? Do you wonder what to say and if anyone will remember you? Not anymore with these 5 introductions.

Small Talk Lessons from an Introvert

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on March 14, 2015

What can we learn about small talk from introverts? They prepare.

How to make Complicated Ideas Easy for Anyone to Understand

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Feb. 14, 2015

Tired of explaining and explaining an idea no one seems to understand?Are people napping during your presentation? Don’t explain more. Engage better.

The Dangers of Distraction

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Jan. 18, 2015

You probably know the perils of driving while distracted. When it comes to driving our careers, we're often the same way. Distracted.

How to Transform from Nervous Networker to Confident Connector in 12 months (or less)

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Jan. 11, 2015

Want to transform from nervous networker to confident connectors? Here are 12 tips to build your network momentum and open new opportunities.

How to Say Who You Are and What You Do in 20 Words or Less

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Jan. 4, 2015

Still having trouble explaining what you do? Are you sounding too memorized and not memorable? Not any more. Here's how to say who you are and what you do in 20 words or less.

10 (almost) Instant Confidence Boosters You can try TODAY

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Dec. 27, 2014

Looking for a resolution that will last more than last year's gym membership? Try this one: Be more confident.

How NOT to Present to the CEO

Written by Paul Smith on Dec. 14, 2014

The first time I presented to Procter and Gamble's then-CEO, A.G. Lafley was unforgettable. That day I learned a valuable lesson—the hard way—about how NOT to present to the CEO.

3 Ways to Give your Voice a Confidence Makeover

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Dec. 7, 2014

Are you looking for a way to project more confidence? Then start with your voice. One key to looking more confident is sounding more confident.

Is Success Making a Mess Out of Your Career

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Nov. 30, 2014

What’s your defintion of success? Could your success be killing your career?

The Unfair Career Advantage You need to Exploit NOW

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Nov. 23, 2014

Score one for the good guys. At last. Your attitude matters! Here are 4 tips to convert your attitude into a career advantage.

Is this Career Myth Costing You a Promotion?

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Nov. 16, 2014

Are you finally on the promotion track? Great. But no coasting or it can cost you. Here’s a career myth that you can’t afford to ignore.

How to Beat the "I've-Got-No-Time-to-Network" Blues

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Oct. 12, 2014

Are you singing the "No-Time-to-Network Blues"? Networking always fell from my To Do List. Until now.

The 7 Deadly Speaking Mistakes

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Oct. 5, 2014

Do you want to change how you influence your colleagues? Change your pitch, tone and volume. Here's how.

How to Design a Career that Lasts and Lasts

Written by Jim Keighley on Sept. 28, 2014

Looking to develop a career that lasts and lasts? Here's advice from popular coach Jim Keighley on building the right foundation for long term success.

WARNING: There's a WRONG Way to be RIGHT

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Sept. 21, 2014

I like to be right. I hate to be wrong. But I've learned there's a wrong way to be right.

What to do when You're (WAY) Better than Your Boss

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Sept. 14, 2014

Are you better than your boss? Great. That's just how you want it.

How to Stand Out in a Career Crowd

Written by Jim Keighley on Sept. 7, 2014

Many people mid-career feel trapped. Are you one of them?

3 Steps to Blast Out of a Maxed Out Career

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Aug. 24, 2014

Your career may be maxed out, but you don't have to be.

4 Easy Ways to Catch the Branding by Association Wave

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Aug. 17, 2014

Is your career stalling out? Maybe it's not you. Maybe it's your network.

Is Your Development at a Dead End: 5 Steps to Crowd Source Your Coaching

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Aug. 3, 2014

Your growth doesn’t have to stop just because your boss is a development dead end.

Conquer the Credibility Gap: Jump Start your First 100 Days

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on July 20, 2014

Are you new to the job? Newly transferred? Here are 8 stategies to jump start your first 100 days.

How I (Almost) Lost my Career Momentum

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on June 15, 2014

How's your career momentum these days? Are you leaning in or are you in over your head? Are you fighting to regain momentum or is it time to shift?

How I Beat my Networking Nerves

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on June 8, 2014

I learned to go with MY flow and networking changed from an awkward event to an enjoyable daily activity. Here are my 4 tips.

Career Myth BUSTED: Your Results AREN'T Speaking for You

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on June 1, 2014

I used to think my results spoke for me, but instead of getting promoted ahead of my peers, I was promoted after them. Then I started to speak for myself. And I was promoted ahead of my peers...Twice.

Don't Let Presentation Roadblocks Stop You

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on May 31, 2014

Great presenters aren't just prepared to present, they have mastered the skills of reading their audience, meeting agility and adaptability.

Tools of the Trade - Lessons Learned from Leading Lots of Change

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on May 23, 2014

It doesn't matter whether the result is technical, financial, organizational, or customer service. The tools for success are universal.

Table Manners: Confidence at the Conference Room Table

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on May 4, 2014

Be confident at the conference room table and improve your meeting effectiveness.

Say Anything - In 6 Words!

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on April 26, 2014

The concept of “in 6 words” is powerful. Can you convey the essence of something in a few words?

The World as 100 People

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on April 20, 2014

I have never been able to wrap my mind around the world's population. But I can if I change my perspective.

Rock Your Join Up

Written by Jim Keighley on April 20, 2014

We're all new at many points in our career. Your leader expects you to quickly bring something the team needs. Do you know what that is?

Do You HEAR Me? The Difference between Listening and Hearing

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on March 23, 2014

Is there a difference between listening and hearing? How many times have you said, "Are you LISTENING to me?" or "Did you HEAR what I said?"

Is your Boss a Single Point of Failure?

Written by Jim Keighley on March 23, 2014

The days of any one individual (aka "the boss") providing the best coaching and direction for everything are over!

Picture This: Audience Engagement that Works

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on March 16, 2014

Imagery is a short cut to connection.

Don't Pull This Disappearing Act

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on March 8, 2014

Don't pull a disappearing act! Come to every meeting and add value.

Who Needs Powerpoint Anyway....

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on March 7, 2014

How did we present before PowerPoint? With our voices and our message.

Selective Neglect

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Feb. 22, 2014

There is ALWAYS something more that can be done. But there are also things that can wait. Let them.

Break Free from Problem Solving Traps

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Feb. 9, 2014

Is your problem solving stuck? Are you spending more time managing the solution than solving the problem? Give yourself more "degrees of freedom."

Speak to Your Future Audience

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Jan. 4, 2014

The most compelling speakers speak to their future audience. Their message is repeated, not just by the audience sitting in front of them, but by an unseen audience who will hear the message in the future.

Your Message Farther with Fewer Words

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Dec. 22, 2013

Do you want your message to go farther? Learn from the most compelling speakers - their messages go farther with fewer words.

Imagery Without Pictures

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Dec. 15, 2013

Powerful and compelling communication is rich in imagery, but imagery does not always have to be visual. Learn to use your words!

5 Easy Ways to Use Imagery

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Nov. 16, 2013

Ready to evoke with imagery? Here are some ideas to make your communications more visual.

Evoke Emotion

Written by Rebecca Okamoto on Sept. 22, 2013

Be more compelling with fewer words. Evoke emotion.