Darren Carlson’s Post

Good morning, my professional network. Yep, I’m #OpenToWork starting today. For personal and professional reasons, I’ve left my previous role. I’m wide open to opportunities, both in my field (Marketing, Communications) and in other fields where I can learn and grow. I remain the same persistent and positive person, focused on creating a silver lining. Also, I’m officially pursuing a coaching certification, and launching my coaching practice (Silver Linings Coaching Strategies) this year. Watch this space for updates on that too.

I say this without fear or hesitation: No job (or class, or program, or cause) is worth hurting your mental heath. ‼️🧠💚 #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

*** Warning: Very Real Talk *** Today in the lobby of an office, waiting for a meeting, I heard two men bemoaning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts in their workplace. Specifically, they didn't like how they thought it affected hiring choices. I just couldn't help myself. I pressed them for some specifics. It got interesting. Is it disabled people? Perhaps someone is in a wheelchair, or lost a limb, or is hard of hearing. Don't they need more consideration and accommodation? "Of course," they said. They were adamant that disabilities weren't the issue. "Surely, it can't be about hiring women," I said. It's 2024. Equal pay remains an issue, but surely it's not about hiring qualified women. Is it? "Oh, of course not," they assured me. Their wives and sisters both work. "So, what *exactly* is it about DEI and hiring that bothers you?" I asked. "Please be specific, fellas." They both kind of looked at each other. Neither wanted to say it out loud. So I did it for them. "Is it the hiring of minorities and gay people? Is that what bothers you so much?" They both had red faces. At that point, it was uncomfortable. I said - "So it's just run-of-the-mill racism and homophobia. Wow. Do better." The Moral of the Story: It's not enough to just make better policy. Habits, opinions, and bias can die hard. When you see and hear wrong, you have to call it out, especially when you have the advantages I have as a middle aged white man. #DEI #Inclusiveness #Hiring

To my friends and colleagues (especially my male friends and working single parent friends, who tend to just “soldier on”)- please take action today and this week for your mental health! Burned out? Depressed? Anxious? There are steps to take for all of them. Is it a cure? No, but it’s relief from what afflicts you. See this list. Call your people. Take a walk. Journal it out. You have to do something because the cost of doing nothing is just way too high.

Are you a teacher or coach? Are you interested in a new opportunity? Springfield Platteview Community Schools is hiring in a big way. This is a high-performing school district full of great kids and families. It's Omaha adjacent while maintaining that small-town community feel we all love. There are great leaders in every building, too. Apply if you want to make a great impact with kids and a community.

In my opinion, nothing means more (professionally) than being "as advertised." What does that mean? - Be who you say you are. - Do what you said you'd do. - Make a claim? Back it up. - Offer something? Live up to expectations. - Sell someone on vision or opportunity? Demonstrate it. It's those actions that build brands and reputations. The best brands deliver with action, and then frame and spotlight it when doing so. Claim - Action - Success - Celebrate - Repeat #advertising

To say HorsePower Brands is hiring would be the understatement of 2023. We're growing and adding talented people all across the organization. Look at the jobs page I've linked here. Just in marketing we're adding: Marketing manager, Paid Social Media Manager, Social Media Specialist, Social Media Coordinator, Google Ads Strategist, and a Videographer. These are good jobs with big opportunities. Contact me for a reference.

Need writing help? I’m #OpenForBusiness and providing services on LinkedIn. Yes, I'm still employed FT and loving it. But, seeing the lack of good writing and effective content marketing causes me to remind people that I do some contract work too. Check out my services page for Copywriting, Content Strategy, Content Marketing, Digital Marketing, Advertising, Blogging, Email Marketing, Editing and Ghostwriting.

"Give something good a chance to happen." Do not give up when bad things happen. If you quit, that's all you get. When you persist, and endure difficult times or tough situations, it creates the moment for something good to happen. #FridayThoughts