Erica McCurdy, PCC, CMC

Small business owners can sometimes find it impossible to compete against massive corporations. Big businesses can typically leverage millions in advertising budgets and can outsupply and outpace small businesses at every turn.

Technological advancement forms the backbone of modern society, but some could argue that too much technology has made us less productive. In business, reliance on technology has its benefits in speed, automation and allowing for communication almost anywhere. However, there is such a thing as relying too much on technology, and a business that ends up in this situation can find itself struggling to remain successful.

I’ve both attended and emceed speed networking events, which offer a fun and exciting way to meet a large number of people in a short amount of time. These events can take any number of formats, from round robin to group migration to mixer-seater. No matter what the format, the core philosophy is always to move quickly from person to person, sparking connections along the way.

You might get away with the same old boring questions the first few rounds, but the best networkers have an… Show more

I’ve both attended and emceed speed networking events, which offer a fun and exciting way to meet a large number of people in a short amount of time. These events can take any number of formats, from round robin to group migration to mixer-seater. No matter what the format, the core philosophy is always to move quickly from person to person, sparking connections along the way.

You might get away with the same old boring questions the first few rounds, but the best networkers have an arsenal of powerful questions they can use to engage others and start great conversations. You only have a few moments to make an impression at a speed networking event, so every question counts.

With that in mind, here are some questions you might want to keep in your back pocket for the next time you attend a speed networking event: Show less

Maintaining a work-life balance can be really challenging, especially in the stressful, modern, technology-obsessed world. We tend to constantly be multitasking, trying to balance work with side hustles and socializing and remembering to eat a damn vegetable once in a while.

We owe it to our children to be the best version of ourselves so they have positive role models.
Read more at https://www.beliefnet.com/love-family/parenting/galleries/10-things-every-mother-owes-her-children-after-divorce.aspx#V50bKsmTcl28a8WG.99

My four favorite words for building trust - How can I help? - Happy to share with the Forbes community!

Not all advice is good advice! Use your head and think carefully about how you approach your job transition. Happy to have contributed to this piece in Forbes.com

Is being fired the end of the world? Had a fun conversation with the folks at Bustle discussing how to pick yourself back up and rethink your life.

With thoughtful reflection, job seekers can gain the clarity needed to direct efforts toward the most promising positions.

If you’re wondering why you aren’t getting a better response from employers, it may have something to do with the fact that you are approaching your pitch from the wrong perspective.

Arming yourself with answers to likely questions and researching your potential employer goes a long way toward calming nerves before a job interview. But even the most prepared candidates can get butterflies when they actually hit the interview room.

Top business and career coaches from Forbes Coaches Council offer firsthand insights on leadership development & careers.

Money is a feminist issue — and yet, women are still reluctant to talk about it. According to a recent Bustle survey of more than 1,000 millennial women, more than 50 percent of people said they never discuss personal finances with friends, even though 28 percent reported feeling stressed out about money every single day. That’s why Bustle launched Grown-A$$ Finances, a series that gets real about what millennial women are doing with their money,

Whether you're pitching a corporate client or negotiating the price of a car, there are tips and techniques we can all use to channel the power of persuasion.

because managing your money should feel empowering, not intimidating.

Consumers are savvier than ever with their money, but one of the basics – getting the lowest price possible – can trip up even the budgetary wizards among us. Ace the art of lowering your bills with these tips.

Getting a job is harder than ever. Stand out among the crowd of candidates by blogging and advancing your personal brand.

Two-time Bachelorette runner-up (on Andi Dorfman's and Kaitlyn Bristowe's seasons) and current Bachelor in Paradise cast member Nick Viall will be the next Bachelor. And whether or not he was your first choice for the spot or you're outraged AF over the news, there's no denying his fourth attempt at love on reality TV "might be the most dramatic season ever."

Looking to start a business and refuse to be tied down to an office? Turns out you can start a company from the comfort of your own home -- or better yet, from an exotic far-flung beach -- for under $1,000.

Intrusive thoughts are normal but can be problematic if they lead to negative or maladaptive behaviors.

If you’re intrigued by thought of becoming a digital nomad, than take a look at the following list of 35 people who are currently enjoying this lifestyle. I have no doubt that you’ll discover the motivation and inspiration you need to realize that you can make a full-time living (and then some) on your own terms.

“I wanted my pre-teen and teen daughters to look up from their iPhones and learn how to engage the community”

Informational interviews give someone just starting their career the chance to learn from those who are already established in the field. Taking the time to understand the real expectations within an industry or organization will better prepare a job seeker to look for positions that best fit their skills and abilities. The information and understanding gleaned from rubbing elbows with those who are already in the industry can also give a job seeker invaluable experience that will help them… Show more

Informational interviews give someone just starting their career the chance to learn from those who are already established in the field. Taking the time to understand the real expectations within an industry or organization will better prepare a job seeker to look for positions that best fit their skills and abilities. The information and understanding gleaned from rubbing elbows with those who are already in the industry can also give a job seeker invaluable experience that will help them when it comes time for a career interview with a potential employer.

To ensure you get the most out of your next informational interview, follow these tips:
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At school, at home, and in the office, we learn the value of feedback. However, there’s one situation in particular in which feedback really matters – but we often fail to ask for it: when we have been turned down for a position or promotion.

Consider this: Asking for feedback after being rejected is one of the best ways to shift from emotional reaction to professional proaction. While feedback can be humbling to hear and difficult to process, it can also provide us with our biggest… Show more

At school, at home, and in the office, we learn the value of feedback. However, there’s one situation in particular in which feedback really matters – but we often fail to ask for it: when we have been turned down for a position or promotion.

Consider this: Asking for feedback after being rejected is one of the best ways to shift from emotional reaction to professional proaction. While feedback can be humbling to hear and difficult to process, it can also provide us with our biggest opportunities for personal and professional growth. Show less

IF YOU’RE feeling dissatisfied at your job, it can be tempting to consider changing careers altogether. Maybe the job you thought would make you happy causes you nothing but stress, and you’re dreaming of taking on a new career path.

4-minute interview with Stephan Weidner - founder of Noomii to talk about my niche practice and why I do what I do.

Children tend to reflect back in their own lives what they see and experience every day. Because of this, we owe it to them to be a role model who strives to be the very best version of ourselves that we can be.

LinkedIn operates the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 400 million members in over 200 countries and territories. But simply signing up isn’t going to land you a job. Your profile needs to stand out to entice recruiters and hiring managers. Make yours a memorable LinkedIn profile with the tips below!