Laurie Swanson Blog

I received a check from a client for $21,000 this past week.At the same time, my son asked me to transfer $30.41 to his account to cover the cost of a school supply.I went online to transfer the funds to his account and in doing so I noticed...Read More

I was in the midst of prepping a candidate for an interview.Something I have done 1000’s of times in my career as a recruiter.She was telling me that: Her outfit was cleaned and ready to go She had written out her Success Stories...Read More

When I was little I would go to Marshall Field’s with my family to visit Santa and eat by the tree at the Walnut room. When I got older, my girlfriend and I would take the train in to the city and my grandma would meet us at the...Read More

A friend called me because she was in a dilemma.Spring break was coming up and she and her family had rented a beach house in North Carolina and were meeting her mom and dad there.They had the beach house from Saturday to Saturday.She...Read More

A Kindle, for those who do not know, is Amazon’s e-reader. A Kindle lets you download books in seconds.It has an online library that takes up no space on my nightstand, floor or closet.When I travel, I no longer have to weigh my...Read More

I DID NOT notice her.OK. That is not true.I did notice her.I just thought she wanted to sit on the swing by herself and read a book.It was not until years later that I learned that she, in fact, wanted something totally different.She...Read More

I was out to lunch with a friend recently who wanted my advice on her job search.She went on to tell me about her current position that she really did not like but would not have to leave if only: Her boss was more...Read More

Last week, I talked about being on a mission to close the wage gap between men and women through simple tweaks like paying your female server 10% more than you had planned or asking for 10% more than you were going to on your next...Read More

I have been listening to the BBC on Sirius radio a lot lately.This started because I am a coach for a program called INCubator (more about this program below). Think Shark Tank for high school students.The students are part of a year-long...Read More

I have spent over 20 years and worked with 1000’s of people helping them to navigate the job search and career change process.What I have learned is that in order to have a career that continues to fulfill you and a job search that is...Read More

This Friday kicks off the XXIII Olympic Winter Games.Who is not in awe of the abilities of these athletes and the commitment it takes to compete at this level?Which got me thinking about my nature.I like to think of myself as...Read More

If you know me you know that I am a die-hard optimist.I see the glass overflowing.That does not mean that I don’t have fear.I see fear as a gift. As a guide to being more optimistic and affecting positive change.As I continue to build...Read More

Laurie’s To-Do List January 22nd, 2017 Put away the holiday decorations Write my Blog Unload Dishwasher Write those thank-you notes Get my car washed Shovel Recruit Go to post office Plus, 101 other things on the never-ending list...Read More

For Christmas, my husband had asked for a new blanket for our bed.Conveniently, my mom called me to say she needed one more gift for my husband and I suggested the blanket. She said that was a great idea and she would give me that for my...Read More

Once upon a time I was in college. My group of friends did a ton of fun things like Cubs games, concerts, played Frisbee, softball and, no surprise, lots of drinking games.  Ahh…those were the days. But I digress…One late...Read More