buzzwords.

Leaving my social media class today, I was trying to think of inspiration on what to blog about. Well, it hit me in class,  I want to share this article with you that I found on Twitter yesterday! LinkedIn released an article about the “10 most overused LinkedIn Buzzwords”.  After reading this article I thought to myself, "Those were great words to use, I really am all of those!" However, seeing that they are so common I have some editing to do. I am challenging myself to a word overhaul. I encourage you to evaluate your current buzzword standing is and see where some debuzzing needs to take place. Time to dust off those dictionaries and spark some wordy imagination into your LinkedIn profile!

Tips for editing your LinkedIn profile:

• -       Showcase your talent: Give future employees what they want to see. Put your best work forward and stand confidently behind it.
• -       Highlight your accomplishments: Show off what you have done in the past 4 years of college. I know everyone has achieved some goal.
• -       Avoid generic buzzwords: This is something I am still working on. I don’t want to be thrown in the same category as every other Millennial on LinkedIn. (My words list is in process now)
• -       Be yourself: Having a public profile is the easiest way for future employers to get to know you, so just be yourself.

creative.

handwritten by Stacey Meredith

I received this print for Christmas this past year, and I must say it was my absolute favorite present. Not only because it is in black  & white (my two favorite colors besides purple) but it was made by my creative mentor Stacey Meredith. What I love most about this print is how accurately it describes me as a creative person, it's almost scary how exact it is. When asked to describe myself, it usually takes me a while to come up with just the right thing to say. Well, this print does exactly that -- this is who I am. 

1. Easily bored -- I always knew even when I was little that I would have to constantly be doing something new, pushing the envelope somehow because if not, life just seemed boring to me. Even now as I am a senior in college, that is why advertising excites me. It is always evolving and always changing, how could it ever seem boring?

2. Risk takers -- If you do not ever take risks how are you going to grow as an individual. I take risks hoping there is a greater reward but sometimes I fail. If you never try you would not understand the most rewarding thing in life, which is overcoming a challenge. 

3. Color outside the lines -- Being constricted by coloring lines was such torment to me as a child. I would just ask for "white paper" so I did not have to follow the coloring books lines. Life can be seen as coloring outside the lines. I find joy in the unordinary, walking a different way to class, or making a mess out of a watercolor painting. You have to get outside the lines to really embrace new experiences. 

4. Think with their heart  -- Anyone can tell you I wear my heart on my sleeve. I care deeply for people and have infectious love I wish I could spread to all people. I know I get my big heart from the precious mom who raised me. Because of her, trusting my heart is what just feels right.

5.  Make lots of mistakes -- I am really good at making mistakes. Life’s greatest lessons are learned by how you react to those mistakes. Learning and growing from mistakes is exactly what has shaped me to be who I am today. 

6.  Hate the rules -- I do not like being told what to or abiding by someone else’s rules. Granted, if I didn’t follow any rules I would probably not be where I am today. Don’t get me wrong there is a time and place for rules, however, not when it comes to my creative thought process.

7. Work independently -- When it comes down to it, I am an independent extrovert. I do great work when in collaboration with people but I also accomplish a lot when I am on my own. I am very driven by my own desires and love to see my thought processes come to fruition. I hope to run my own Etsy shop or freelance one day.

8. Change their mind a lot -- Once I make a decision, I want to change my mind. I am an innovative thinker and do not like to settle. My mind is constantly thinking of ideas and my preferences change frequently.

9. Have a reputation for eccentricity -- I do not like to do what everyone else does. I love individuality and see it as an expression of creativity. Admiring local finds, quirky brick walls, getting lost and stumbling upon a tasty restaurant are simple quirky things I love. As Sweetwater brewery would say, “Don’t float the mainstream”

10. Dream Big -- Whether its traveling the cobble stone streets of Italy, landing a job across the country, owning tons of puppies and aspiring to be a creative. I have dreams and passions that consume me daily. I have these grand ideas and plans and everyone’s response is always… just keep dreaming. Stay tuned because one day, these dreams will become a reality. 

 

Until next time-

simply,

leah 

me.

    Well, I thought today would be a good time to share a little bit about me since I'm new to the whole "blogging" thing. I have always wanted a blog but just never got around to it. So while interning for a local school in the graphic design/communication office I began to discover what I wanted my blog to be about. I am a very organized, outgoing, strong-willed, goal oriented dreamer. I love a good designer because I have a creative eye. I can see the "big picture" of things in life. That is why this blog is called simply leah. Its not that I am a simple person by ANY means, but this blog is made of the things that make me, well me. Whether it be my latest craft, my style watch, sweet pups, or even a story, this blog is simply me.  

I dream of NYC. I would love to live there or just work there at some point of my life. Kate Spade is one of my favorite designer brands because of its classy look. It is clean but sophisticated. For a work look, Jcrew has the best affordable business wear. Can't ever have enough pencil skirts! The one thing I will splurge on is a good pair f leather  boots. They are the perfect fall essential to your wardrobe. To scale things down a bit from my big city- sophisticated dream. I am a college student and a very crafty southern belle. I love doing little projects here and there. I love my hobby lobby! Something that is near and dear to my heart is my two goldendoodles. They are my little babies and I love them so much. They always brighten my day. I go to the University of Tennessee where I am a Marketing major and minoring in Retail and Consumer Science. I would tackle any job thrown my way. Because I am such a determined, goal oriented person, I continuously have to tell myself to let go, and let God. He is the ultimate fulfiller. Always remember Proverbs 16:9 "For the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps."


- simply, leah.