Spotlight Entrepreneur: Amanda K. Haddaway

Think back to when you graduated from college. If you could go back and give yourself some sound advice that would have propelled your future professional career, what would you tell your wide-eyed self?  Over the years Amanda K. Haddaway has met and recruited many recent graduates.  What she began to discover was that there was a gap between what was being taught in the classroom and what were some soft skills that were critical to be successful on day one as a professional in the workplace.  Follow Amanda's career from Corporate America to successful writer and philanthropist.  She does it all! 

Amanda, you work full time as a Director of Human Resources, are a Corporate Trainer, freelance writer and have just published your first book. How do you successfully juggle so many aspects of your career?

I like to stay busy! I am, fortunately, one of those people that can balance a lot of projects at once. I feel very grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way, so I try to take on as many projects as possible. I will admit, though, that I require a certain amount of downtime and seven to eight hours of sleep each night is a must!

When we spoke you mentioned your mentor. What is the most fulfilling part about working with a mentor?

No one knows everything. It's good to have someone in your same career field that can answer questions and be a sounding board on various topics. The old adage about two heads being better than one is certainly true and it's good to have one or more people that you can go to for advice.

Your book, Destination Real World:Success after Graduation provides critical tips that aren't being taught in the classroom to equip grads for the real world. What are some of the missteps that graduates make in 2012?

It's a really tough job market right now, but some candidates would get further along in the job search process if they knew the basics of constructing a resume, knowing how to interview and knowing how to act in the workplace once they secure that first job. My book provides 25 tips that coach new and soon-to-be college graduates on these topics and more.

You are very passionate about philanthropy. Can you tell us a little more about the two organizations that you work with, Cocktails for a Cause and The Maryland Sheriffs' Youth Ranch, and why they are important to you? 

Cocktails for a Cause is a new organization that I co-founded with two friends a few months ago. Our mission is to assist the fundraising efforts of area non-profits by (1) promoting awareness of the organizations that serve women and children and (2) hosting social events to procure monetary and product contributions for the partnering organizations. We believe that supporting local non-profit organizations through charitable giving enhances the overall quality of life for our entire community. It's a way for people to have fun with their friends and also assist great causes.

I'm also on the board of directors at the Maryland Sheriffs' Youth Ranch and a portion of the proceeds from the book will be donated to the Ranch. The Ranch is a 24-hour foster care facility for boys between the ages of 10 and 18. Our mission is to assist these youth in becoming productive members of society.

Many of the entrepreneurs we speak with have interest in sharing their knowledge with others. What is your number one piece of advice for a woman who is interested in writing and self-publishing?

Do it! You have nothing to lose and the process will test your perseverance, strength and patience. It's also such a rewarding feeling to complete a project of this scale. It all started with an idea that I was able to put on paper. Fast forward seven months and my book was published and available on amazon.com! 

To connect with Amanda, link with her today!

www.sleeveshirtconsulting.com
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1466316829/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

Wardrobe Safety Blanket

You have one in your closet. At least one.  A go-to piece of clothing and when all else fails, it comes out to make an appearance. Maybe it appears so often that you could be featured in the weekly magazines “I love my ____” segment that they usually reserve for celebrities holding the handbag-du jour. 

I was having a little wardrobe crisis for the neighborhood egg hunt- the cool temperature took me by surprise and didn’t now mesh with my outfit choice.  What did I do? Gravitate towards my safety blanket. A 2004 GAP scalloped-edge jean jacket.

In my career I’ve been lucky to have worked for companies where corporate-casual was the accepted attire. So the jacket not only makes appearances on the weekends or in the evenings, but has been incorporated into my work wardrobe as well.  When I travel, it’s a must. Perfect for cool summer evenings, but also great for Carolina winters when layered.

I keep waiting for one of my pals to call me out on the jean jacket. “It’s done Eileen. Retire the jacket.”  I remember the Spring lunch hour in DC where I went in, tried it on, put it back on the rack, walked out and walked halfway down the block before turning around to purchase it. I paid full price for it. We have quite a thing going here.

Ready to break up with the jean jacket? I don’t want to become one of those women who hasn’t tried out new trends in years because they got stuck in their favorite year of fashion or self-body image.  Shoot! Am I already there?

If I channel Clinton Kelly I think he would say that the jackets in good shape (ok, I’ll admit to a tiny bit of fraying on the sleeves), but it is 6 years old. Might be time for an upgrade with a darker wash.  I’d also like to think that he wouldn’t make me throw it into a steel trash bin but that instead he’d strongly suggest that I start to cut down on its use.  Or mix up some additional accessories with it- like a fun flowery pin or a broach.  (Great idea Karen Naylor!)  Probably good fashion advice.

But it's my jean jacket- a hard habit to break.