My Worst Travel Weekend Ever!

I had the travel experience from hell this past weekend. I was supposed to board American Airlines at National airport to Norfolk to attend the TCE Summit. I was excited in the Uber en route to DC airport when I got this cancellation email. Immediately I called the customer service and that lady was a grade A witch. She told me that she cancelled my entire reservation because I did not want to fly out of Baltimore, layover in Charlotte then fly to Norfolk. That would had taken 5 hours. I hung up on her returning home to book a Sunday American Airline plane ticket then Amtrak business ticket to Newport News. I arrived at Union Station at 5:30pm but the train was late boarding everyone at 6:15pm instead of 5:50pm meaning that I didn’t get into Newport News until 10:50pm. The only thing keeping me calm was talking with my girlfriend. My train ride was the first stop because I had to board a transfer bus from Newport News to Norfolk. Finally, I had to call Uber to my hotel arriving after midnight. What angered me the most was that I was unable to eat dinner with my father. My saving grace was that he was still up when I arrived there (and offered me a piece of chicken because I refused to pay exorbitant food rates on Amtrak).

Newport News Amtrak Station

                I spent all Saturday morning recuperating and overcoming my travel headache which I attributed to downing caffeine. My father said that he would be on the road at 6am so I drug myself out of bed, put on my business slacks and took a photo with my Dad because that was what I initially wanted on Friday night. I posted it on Facebook and Instagram ASAP. My Dad stayed an extra day to see me and that photo represented redemption. American Airlines could not hold me down! After he left, I crashed missing half of the TCE Summit.

Dad and I at the Norfolk Springhill Suites

I made it to the other session.  Then we had lunch. Afterward I was stuck at the Me/Self table which I did not understand because I took time out for myself. What I hated was this woman who complained to us about her being invisible to her husband but when I called her on it she played victim. I did not need that. Furthermore, I noticed that some reason there was always 1 crazy at my conference table. I should attract better. I took my photo, did a Periscope and returned back to my room to await my Ohio State game.

Sunday morning I was ready to fly out to DC. My flight was 10:05am and I left at 8:30am to ensure that I was there on time. Nope! American delayed my first an hour. On top of that, my original return flight ticket was honored. I tweeted the airline immediately because that meant that I bought a duplicate ticket. Things got worse because I ended up waiting 3 hours and 45 minutes for my flight to leave. That was the worst flight experience I ever had. Although I applied for my refund Sunday night, I spent Monday and Tuesday recovering from the hellish travel weekend courtesy of American. I am sticking with United and Delta after this!

Norfolk Airport outside

I’ve Decided to Grow Up Today

                I have purchased Money  magazine at the CVS this afternoon. After reading it, I buy a 2-year $20 subscription because I need to grow up and manage my money better. Now I do earn 6 figures, save 25% of my non-rent paycheck and max out my retirement savings to receive the corporate match but I just feel stuck; therefore, I have decided to better educate myself financially. I know that I am full capable of not only getting to the $1 million level but surpassing it. I know that I possess the ability to become the first wholly owned black Fortune 500 CEO company. I have grown up over $32 ($12 for 1-year Kiplinger Personal Finance and $20 for a 2-year Money magazine subscriptions). I may also consider buying Worth magazine because my goal is to prepare myself for the stratosphere. I know that my book career will take off and reading financial magazines are the ways that I’ll be prepared for positive change.

Mass Shootings Will Never Make Me Numb EVER!

                Unlike some people, I am not numb to mass shootings. Today is no exception. I can never understand the motive behind them. Like ‘what is it?’ Why shoot up everything over stupid mess. Now I have been teased throughout grade school but killing people is a big no-no. It is just plain grotesque that killing a whole bunch of people is okay. Finally, let’s start re-labeling these mass murderers as evil instead of mentally ill. 99.9% of mentally ill people aren’t blogging manifestos and killing people.

http://t.co/icHuFqknnt  (Heavy.com Oregon mass shooter article)

When Ed2Go Learning Becomes Your Second Skin: Continuing Education and Improving Myself and My Business

                I have to take stock in my accomplishments and not have tunnel vision all of the time. Today I have completed Ed2Go Creating WordPress Websites I quizzes 1 and 2. In the middle of my class, 2 things hit me: 1) I am amazed at my level of productivity when I am not stressed and 2) taking Ed2go courses constitute as self-investment. Regarding the latter, I have taken Ed2Go classes on and off for 5 years that the practice has become normalized. I have tunnel vision and don’t even consider it as self-investment; however, it is because I am paying money and devoting time and effort towards improving myself. I am now running PositivityChange.com and I need to acquire as much knowledge as possible. Tonight I have created a WordPress site independent of GoDaddy. That’s a huge accomplishment because now I can update my site independently. In addition, I can go over my site with my social media coach tomorrow afternoon. By tomorrow’s appointment, I will have completed 2 more lessons so that I will have a better grip on WordPress. Continuing education is essential towards my improving my brand and me. 

Your Links Are Live on Your Periscope Landing Page

NYC Four Seasons Restaurant Pool Room Review

This week I have attended the inaugural Periscope Summit (you can read all about it here on LinkedIn http://bit.ly/1FCbG3R ). During my downtime. I are at the New York City Four Seasons Restaurant – Pool Room. I had to dine there since I was a DC Four Seasons regular. The NYC atmosphere was totally different surprising me. It was 100% businesslike even at 8:15pm. I was astounded because DC was the more conservative town it was NYC where the men wore this standard uniform (blue suit jacket, white shirt and red tie). I was just glad to wear my Roberto Cavalli dress and Rene Caovilla sandals. The highlight was the food of course! The wait staff was wonderful. I got free ravioli and chocolate cake for my first visit. It wouldn’t be my last check out my photos!

NYC Four Seasons Restaurant Dinner Menu

Shrimp Ravioli

Grilled Snapper

Free Chocolate Cake, Apple Cinnamon Cake and Free Cotton Candy

NYC Four Seasons Restaurant Pool Room Table Setting

What I Learned from Periscope Summit

Check out my new YouTube video discussing my Blogger and LinkedIn What I Learned from Periscope Summit article. Enjoy!

Lessons from Attending the First Periscope Community Summit

This week was the inaugural Periscope Community Summit. It was held in New York City. Periscope is a livestreaming application available on iPhone and Android. I managed to score a ticket and a room at the Yotel (the conference hotel) for this event. Below were the lessons learned that I culminated while attending. These 5 tips would help maximize your conference experience.

1.       Develop a personal marketing plan

I drafted mine while on the plan because I wanted to capitalize upon the opportunity of attending the first Periscope Community Summit; and this demands focus. My marketing plan contained the 4ps: product, place, price and promotion. These four constituted the marketing mix. Here was mine for the Periscope Summit:

·         Product: me

·         Place: Periscope Summit in New York City

·         Price: varies depending on product or service

·         Promotion: My Periscope feed and YouTube channel

Periscope is only available for 24 hours so many users either subscribe to Katch or upload their videos onto YouTube. The Katch website is katch.me. You could also upload your Periscope to YouTube. YouTube would increase your search engine optimization (SEO).

2.       Attend the meetups

I had the benefit of staying at the Summit’s conference hotel where there were many meetups occurring. These allowed me to network with other scopers (people who use Periscope). Sometimes these meetups were more important than the sponsored events because you saw people in their raw element without pretense. These unofficial group settings made networking easier.

3.       Practice your elevator pitch

Your elevator pitch was indispensable towards introducing yourself especially during a livestream event. The Periscope Summit was a livestream event with many broadcasters and someone could film you. You wanted to look professional just in case your video went viral. Be known for the right reason by staying prepared and practicing your elevator pitch!

4.       Have fun and explore

Take advantage of downtime to recharge yourself. Since the conference hotel was in Times Square, I explored the area. I also traveled to Midtown and Fashion Avenue. These excursions gave me a more well-rounded experience by merging the conference with the city.

5.       Have a post-conference action plan

Though it was nice that you’ve attended the conference, created your personal media plan, practiced your elevator pitch and networked all of the events, all of those things would be for naught without implementing a post-conference action plan. Creating one is essential because once the hype and enthusiasm wore off, you don’t want to be disappointed. Follow-up with thank you letters and emails mentioning the event you both attended and you’re interested in establishing a connection in the future. The recipient would remember that simple goodwill gesture. The letter would also establish your brand as one with integrity. The post-conference action plan enabled me to never squander a conference opportunity!

Check me out on Periscope at https://www.periscope.tv/missphenom

Check me out on YouTube at http://bit.ly/1OxtUqi

My Extended Summer DC Restaurant Week Photos

                Below are my summer DC restaurant week photos. I have gone to PJ Clarke’s, Kapnos, Hay Adams hotel and Co Co Sala. My photos have been late because I have been busy but I love participating in this bi-annual event. Here are my photos by restaurants:

PJ Clarke's

Kapnos

Hay Adams Hotel

Co Co Sala

Hitting the Refresh Button: 2015 is 2/3 Over With

I have had one of those rare days from Hell. I am here in my jammies vegging out on TV when I realize that 2/3 of 2015 is over. I have to hit the refresh button tomorrow because there are 4 more months to get it right in 2015. No more sulking but a whole lot more doing.

Bouncing Back

Resilient

a :  capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture

b :  tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

— re·sil·ient·ly adverb

After having a horrific start to this week, I have bounced back towards being productive. I’m getting back to writing and photography. I’m getting back to me and I love it.

Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Destiny Book Review

                T.D. Jakes’ Destiny book is supposed to take off where Instinct left off but Destiny did more than that. Destiny supplied the blueprint towards taking full advantage of the window of opportunity is still open. My favorite part of the book is surviving the horror movie. Oftentimes in life, when you grow your former crew, they become zombies trying to repossess your soul and kill your dreams. I identify with this in my life. It can look like the Michael Jackson Thriller music video.

                Bishop Jakes also discusses what happens after the horror movie and very few people delve into this transitional period once your destiny is realized. Jakes understands that the reader needs new skills to adapt to this new environment. His book Destiny masterfully guides you through the paradigm shift towards fulfilling yours.

My 1% Improvement: Reading What Color Is Your Parachute 2016

I am reading, ‘What Color is Your Parachute for 2016’. Honestly, I was just perusing Amazon just to look at any new career books that I can read and I discovered that this book was just published this past Tuesday, August 11, 2015. It’s a classic. I honestly never read a previous edition. I know it's been around for over 20 years but I said why not go ahead read it? Give it a chance, give it a shot and more importantly from a personal career perspective I wanted to get into my second gear for the rest of 2015. As you know this is August 2015 and I believe we have in between 33 to 40% of the year remaining so why should I wait until 2016 to do something when I can get started in August 2015? Get a head start and do something productive for the remaining three and a half months. Furthermore, this time also coincides with the children's back to school. I know that a lot of my friends have children. Since this is back-to-school for them, I decided to read this book as my own personal back-to-school for personal enrichment. I will update everyone on periscope to see what I currently think of the book.

My Birthday 2015

Sage (adjective)

1

a :  wise through reflection and experience

b archaic :  grave, solemn

2

:  proceeding from or characterized by wisdom, prudence, and good judgment <sage advice>

— sage·ly adverb

— sage·ness noun

This year I turn a new leaf and a new page. I will leave all of last year’s trials and tribulations in my rearview mirror. All of these obstacles have given me sage wisdom. Now I know what not to do and how to move forward after adversity. I am looking forward towards my new year and know that this will be my best year ever!

Insight: The Day before My Birthday

Insight (noun)

1.       The power or act of seeing into a situation: penetration

2.       The act or result of apprehending the inner nature of things or of seeing intuitively

This is my last day as a 37-year-old. This year has been one with a lot of tribulations, some I’ve never experience before now. Honestly, though I’ve come out on top, I never want to ever repeat this cycle ever, ever again. What I will do in my next year of life is travel more. It’s essential to move beyond DC to grow personally and professionally. 

Many Happy Returns!

I returned to Cleveland for my high school reunion. I missed my hometown and my former classmates. It was good seeing how everyone was better now in 2015 than in 2010. People came out of the recession better off. That was all that I could ask for. Furthermore, I was happy to see my family. It had been 1 year since returning home. 

Me at my high school reunion at the Aloft Beachwood hotel lounge

Touched Down in Dallas for the Power Networking Conference

Today I’ve flown Virgin America first class from DC to Dallas to attend the Power Networking Conference. Just out my view inside and outside the cabin!

Virgin America Glass

Virgin America Lemon Sorbet and Cookies

Virgin America Pappadelle Beef

Dallas outside of my window

Dallas outside of my window

Documenting My Knowledge

A business card company offers to host my website. Although I decline the offer, the idea has gotten me thinking. I have an MBA and a PMP so I possess a wealth of insight for people. I aim to put it to great use by writing what I know. 

Tabling my PMI-PBA Certification Exam (for Now)

                I am tabling my PMI-PBA certification exam for now because I have other things going on right now. Also I admit that I haven’t scored as high (62% minimum) so I have to stop and reapply.  I am proud that I have committed myself towards studying because given 1-2 months I will be better prepared. The good news is that I am working in the profession and am always collecting requirements so I will be okay! 

My Dream Is Only for Me to Understand!

I just realize that after sharing my certification dream with a career professional, that not everyone understands your dream. Hey, I have a vision of how obtaining my current certification will help me. I understand it and that’s all that matters. This is a growth moment. 

Udemy Comes to the Rescue with my PMI-PBA Exam Prep

I am very happy that I can get my Udemy business analysis videos on my other computer. At times I hate always either typing or writing down my PMI-PBA lessons. Also video learning accentuates my current learning. I have a couple more weeks before my test and I need all of the help that I can get. 

Countdown to Taking the PMI-PBA Exam

I have made significant progress during my 1-week window by typing the PMI BA Practice Guide chapters 1-2 and 4-6. I truly want to be earn my PMI-PBA certification because it has been nearly 1 year since submitting my application. Furthermore, I am now working as a Business Analyst so obtaining certification is a huge competitive advantage. This week I have scheduled my exam for June 23rd. Since the exam is based on the practice guide, I now what’s required and will reread it twice to pass the test the first time.

Strolling Down the Street in My Stuart Weitzman Gladiators!

Some lady saw my Stuart Weitzman​ Gladiator sandals and said 'very few people could pull that look off' Very true. I chose the gold over the black because the former was a showstopper! I had garnered a whole lot of attention with these!

Managing Positive Change

                I am experiencing a whole lot of (positive) change yet it is still change so I must effectively manage it. This morning I have downloaded like three change management books to adequately prepare for it. Though I have been in DC for 9 years and have experienced a lot of change (both good and bad), right now I’ve learned to do a better job and dealing with change. Having renewed my PMP certification, I approach the latest change as a project. Hey, I’ve mastered project management why not apply my transferable skills towards change management? Once thing is for certain, I will have a process in place instead of trying to figure it out all willy-nilly.

Renewing My PMP Certification

Yesterday I renewed my PMP certification by scoring 94% on my Ed2Go High Speed Project Management final and 97% on my Ed2Go Introduction to Business Analysis and Achieving Success with Difficult People finals. Once I obtained my certificates of completion, I got Ed2Go’s REP number and entered all of my personal development units (24 apiece) and viola my PMP certification was renewed until June 2019. 

Step-by-Step Inch-by-Inch

I have completely typed PMI BA Practice Guide’s chapter. This is the biggest chapter and I am happy that I have overcome this obstacle. Tomorrow I will start typing chapter 5. My original goal is to complete chapter 5 by Saturday but starting tomorrow is even better because I’ll have a head start and will be able to take the Rita Mulachy PBA online domain exam on Saturday instead of Sunday. The online simulator is based on the BA Practice Guide so I know that my test results will mirror my actual performance. Scoring at least 75% on the simulations is my goal because it gives me significant wiggle room (61% is the minimum passage rate. The PMI-PBA exam has 200 questions just like the PMP. I know that I am more than capable of answering 150 questions correctly.). I have one month and I know that with Rita, I will pass the exam.

                I have also caught up on my Ed2Go Intro to Business Analysis course by finishing quiz 11. Quiz 12 and the final exam will be posted Friday. I will print them completing quiz 12 then highlighting the final exam. I will complete the final Saturday. Next I have completed Achieving Success with Difficult People quizzes 6 and 7. Tomorrow I will complete quizzes 8 through 12 and highlight the final. During Memorial Day weekend, I will finish these two finals putting me 2 steps closer towards renewing my PMP certification. PMI requires 60 personal development units (PDUs). Each Ed2Go course gives me 24 PDUs so when I complete these two courses, I will have 48 PDUs. High-Speed Project Management will be my only outstanding course. I will work on it after Saturday’s two finals completing my final exam on Sunday. When Memorial Day rolls around, I will have 72 PDUs completed and be able to use my PMP all the way until June 2019!

Making Inroads towards My PMP Certification Renewal

                Today I’ve made a dent into my Ed2Go Introduction to Business Analysis course completing lessons 1, 3-10. Tomorrow lesson 11 will debut and I will complete it along with my High-Speed Project Management courses. Since I’ve last written, I’ve learned that Project Management Institute will change its certification renewal process December 1^st and I want to get my renewal out of the way. PMI requires 60 personal development units over a 3-year period. I am enrolled in 3 courses at 24 personal development units apiece which squares my renewal away before June. Although I have done well academically and professionally, completing my PMP certification renewal in May is a very big accomplishment. I would have ended my first five months on a high note! 

Employing the Three Cs to Improve Your Personal Career Brand

Now more than ever it is imperative that any professional has a personal career brand. It is no longer, just do your job and update your resume. The average person will have in between 7-10 jobs in his lifetime. You must actively manage your career to find the next job; hence, the importance of creating and maintaining a stellar personal career brand. The three Cs necessary towards creating your best personal brand are clarity, consistency, and constancy. The combination of these three guarantees that you’ll attract the people and employers in your target market.

Dictionary.com defines clarity as ‘clearness or lucidity as to perception or understanding; freedom from indistinctness or ambiguity.’ It is essential that you get clear about who you are, but, more importantly, who you ARE NOT.  Clarity provides you with an opportunity to thrive as a specialist rather than merely survive as a generalist. It is better to know what you are not because you create clear boundaries. You don’t want to transmit mixed messages, thereby, diluting your brand. Clarity communicates a clear message of what you do. For example, if you are in HR, you don’t want people coming to you about sales & marketing. The next step is to identify your competitors.

Scanning the professional landscape to see what your competitors are doing, and more importantly, are not doing is critical towards how you’ll position yourself to stand out. Learn from your competitors’ mistakes and capitalize upon the areas that they aren’t already in. Being the first mover in an unsaturated area, lets you become an expert. For instance, if you’re in HR but there aren’t as many people working with newly returned war veterans, then this is a niche where you can employ your transferable skills and become an expert. Once you’ve used clarity to identify your competitors, you can then you can focus on marketing your competitive advantage to the world.

Your competitive advantage is the one thing that you do better than anyone else. Having a clear definition of this advantage will attract more people and opportunities. In HR, you do compile benefits packages in a way that new employee understand? Your ability to translate industry-specific jargon into layman’s terms without diluting its content is your competitive advantage. You can convert this into a special niche being seen as an expert. Once you’re seen as an expert, more people will come to you. The next C is consistency.

The word consistency is defined as ‘steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc.’ In order to keep current in this increasingly global and competitive landscape, you must be consistent. This means consistently communicating the same message offline and online. Take some time to review how your professional brand comes across these two sectors because it’s imperative that you are consistent in both areas.

Make sure that your resume and LinkedIn profile are the same. If you’ve attained a new certification or a promotion, list them on both your resume and LinkedIn. An outdated LinkedIn profile creates inconsistent messaging. If you’ve been promoted from HR Specialist to Senior HR Specialist, you must list this change on both documents. Recruiters who might be interested in you for one job, may not know that you have a new job or certification. It would be bad for your professional reputation if a recruiter contacts you about a specific position but learns that you’re in another position. Recruiters talk with other recruiters who work at the company that interests you. You don’t want this kind of mistake to precede you before applying for a job. Putting the most recent information on your LinkedIn page guarantees that recruiters can see if you are the best fit for a potential job. The next C is constancy.

Finally, constancy is defined as ‘uniformity or regularity, as in qualities or conditions; invariableness.’ Being highly visible online & offline to your target market is indispensable in today’s marketplace. There are many ways to increase your visibility to ensure that the right people see your talents. Offline opportunities include joining meetups, alumni chapters, and professional organizations. In addition, you can be visible through business cards and stationery. Handing out your personal business cards is an effective marketing tool generating high visibility. Furthermore, you can send thank you letters using your own stationery. Regarding online visibility opportunities, you can register for LinkedIn professional groups, follow people on Twitter or like Facebook pages of companies of which you want to work. Moreover, you can also start a blog. For HR, you can write about interviewing new applicants, dispensing benefits information, handling attrition and completing retirement packages. A great way to merge the offline and online visibility tools to achieve constancy is by creating a communications plan.

Implement a communications plan where you consistently brand your message. Your plan manages how, what, why, when, and where to deploy your offline and online strategies. For instance, you decide to post one HR-related article in your LinkedIn feed. This daily task keeps your profile active attracting employers and recruiters.  The important thing here is to stay consistent. Your communications plan ensures that you regularly do something constructive towards promoting your personal career brand. Incorporating three Cs of clarity, consistency and constancy guarantee increased demand for your personal career brand.

Making Strides Towards Renewing My PMP Certification

                I am making strides towards renewing my PMP certification by completing all 8 (that’s 4 apiece) of my Ed2Go High Speed Project Management and Achieving Success with Difficult People courses. With 12 courses, I am 1/3 of the way done which is a great feeling because I will be done by late May. 

First Step Towards Renewing My PMP Certification

        I have officially started my PMP certification renewal process through enrolling in Ed2Go’s High-Speed Project Management and Achieving Success with Difficult online courses. Combined they have 48 out of the 60 personal development units needed to renew my certification for another three years. Even though my PMP expires in 2016, I might as well get started now because I feel like it. I don’t want to wait until the deadline in order to renew the certification because something always happens. 

Certification Networking Has Paid Off

Today a fellow test taker has told the LinkedIn study group that the business analysis practice guide is the basis of the PMI-PBA certification exam. Although it is 1 ½ months later, I am glad to have confirmation about this because now I am not wasting my time. Friday morning I will start outlining chapter 4 and purchase another notebook for this endeavor. Since I have 2 ½ weeks left before starting work, I will devote time towards outlining this entire practice guide because this will prepare me for my job. Technically, for the next month, I will work solely on business analysis. This is now my livelihood. 

Moving in the Right Direction

I have scored 64% on the Watermark Learning 50-problem drill. My body isn’t cooperating enough for me to do a full 200-problem test, however, I must do something productive. Besides I have renewed my subscription so I might as well do something productive At least I am no longer scoring 52%. Thus far, I have answered 487 questions. Answering at least 1000 is my goal. I know that this is a very big goal but I know that I am more than good enough

Today I will type my third practice exam covering all of the BABOK Chapter 9 techniques’ definitions. I will also add the advantage and disadvantage because Watermark is asking this question. Monday I will take this third PMI-PBA practice exam and write down all of the 18 wrong answers. Tuesday I will take another 50-problem practice exam.

Year in Review 2014

This year has seen the greatest change since arriving in Washington, DC. I have transitioned from the public to private sector and am studying for my third project management certification. In addition, I have applied for more prestigious fellowships and positions testing me. Even through the adversity, I refuse to remain stagnant else I would die personally and professionally. Although the change has been great, I have matured emotionally to handle everything coming my way. In 2015, I see myself earning my PMI-PBA certification and most importantly, experiencing the biggest and brightest future ever!

Keeping At It Through and Through

I am thankful for enrolling in the Udemy Learn to Become a Professional Business Analyst course because it has explained all of the business concepts to me. This course perfectly follows the BABOK. Though I have read the BABOK by myself, this is the first time that everything has clicked for me.  I am 50% done and after completing the two lessons and two quizzes, I’ll be 75% done.  I make it a practice to watch the lesson video twice before taking the quiz to absorb everything that I have been learning. 

Decision-making Time

I have returned to studying PMI-PBA by outlining the BA practice guide chapter 3. Immediately afterward, I retake the Izenbridge PMI-PBA practice exam scoring 16 out of 30, 1 point less than last month. I’ve come to the conclusion that I have to stop reading the practice guide and restart reading BABOK chapter 9 (technique). I need to retain the business analysis words. Although PMI has created the PMI-PBA exam, the practice guide isn’t the basis for the test yet. It may be the right or wrong decision, but it is a decision.

The Benefits of Having Like Minds

                 I am thankful for joining the PMI-PBA certification LinkedIn groups because I’ve received a wealth of resources and study tips. Today while reading a string, I’ve learned about the January 2014 PMI Pulse on Requirements Management. Requirements are huge for business analysis so reading this 20-page booklet would increase my chances of passing the PMI-PBA. Furthermore, on the same string a person who has sit for the exam opines that the business analysis practice guide will overtake the PMI reference list (I believe this too since it is a practice guide and authored by PMI.). What has astounded me is that it has only taken this commenter 2 days to read through the entire practice guide. May I should do the same dry run and just skim through it the first time to see how much I can comprehend. I have an extra week to work with so why not? At least I can say that I have gotten through it. Who knows? If I score over 75% on my second PMI-PBA online practice exam, I just might take the PMI-PBA next week instead of early January.

Back at Studying for My PMI-PBA

                Tuesday I learned that Prometric only scheduled PMI-PBA proctored test next week and the first week of the New Year but not the week of December 29^th. That meant that I would have to delay my certification until January 2015. Normally I would be disappointed that I haven’t completed it this year but given all of the things delaying me for over one week I am happy to be given an extra week. This gives me the chance to outline the PMI’s business analysis practice guide for an additional week. It’s like I have gotten this time back. Also I have learned about the January 2014 PMI’S Pulse on Requirements Management booklet which I will read because requirements are fundamental towards business analysis. I am intent on using this weekend to restart my PMI-PBA studies because earning my certification is essential towards enhancing my competitive advantage. 

PMI-PBA: Upholding the Impeccability of My Word

After scoring only 55% November 18^th, I promised myself that I would improve my performance by addressing my weaknesses and taking a full 200-problem practice exam by November 30, 2014 to decide if I am good enough to pass the PMI-PBA exam. This promise stems from reading the Four Agreements book. Ensuring the impeccability of your word is the book’s first agreement. Regardless of what is going on in my life, I will take the full practice exam by November 30^th and see where I am at. I need a 61% to pass the PMI-PBA exam. My personal goal is to score above 75% before test date to give me sufficient wiggle room.

Well, I have scored 67% on my first PMI-PBA 200-problem practice test. This is a 12% improvement from the November 18^th 55% 100-problem drill.  Outlining PMBOK chapter 5, 8 and BABOK chapter 9 have helped me immensely. I know that I am on the right track and will now reread BABOK chapter 9 writing down every technique’s definitions and outline BABOK chapter 3 (elicitation) because there are so many problems on it. Therefore, I will do this Tuesday since Monday PMI is releasing the practice guide. I am just happy to get over the hump and face my fears. Now I know that I will pass the PMI-PBA certification exam fulfilling my 2014 end-of-year goals. 

PMI-PBA Recalibrated Studies

In my first practice exam in over one month, I have scored 55% on the 100-problem PMI-PBA quiz. This is the first time that I have taken 100 problems in one sitting. I have to increase the number to get accustomed to the standard 200-problem certification test. Even though I am still having problems with analysis and traceability & monitoring domains and am disappointed that reading the requirements management book hasn’t helped, I am proud to have written down problem 1-40 wrong answers. My schedule starts tomorrow but it is too important to start working on it tomorrow. 

Done Is Better Than Perfect

                I have completely outlined my requirements management book this afternoon. This is the second book that I have read to prepare for the PMI-PBA certification. I will review the appendix’s case study and reread the book with a highlighter. I am very committed to passing the PMI-PBA certification the first time. This’ll be my third certification and a great way to end 2014.

Almost Done

                Earlier this morning I’ve decided to start working on outlining my requirements management book instead of working on my Nanowrimo because I’ve haven’t focused on my PMI-PBA certification in one week. That’s too long. I have managed to finish outlining chapter 7 along with chapters 8 through 10. I have learned new business analysis terminology and the significant amount of overlap between business analysis and project management. I will finish chapter 11 later today and the appendix containing sample plans over this weekend. It’s great to feel like I’m seeing the finish line within sight. This bolsters my motivation to keep persevering until I finish outlining the book and passing the PMI-PBA certification.

Back at It!

                Although my body felt lethargic, I was back at outlining the requirements management book to pass the PMI-PBA exam. I am determined regardless of how I feel at the moment to earn my third certification. I’ve heard uneven routines = uneven results. This has jolted me back into action. Today I am on chapter 7 and by tonight I will be on chapter 9. I will complete the book by Monday which is an accomplishment because this is my second business analysis book that I have read. I have some significant skin in the game regarding this PMI-PBA certification. I have put in some serious work towards this. I have learned so more vocabulary words which will aid me on the exam. After finishing the first read, I will reread the book this time using my highlighter.

This week I will take the drill and the 100-problem practice exam upon completing the book. It is high time that I start regularly doing the online practice tests because the PMI-PBA is online. I have to stop fearing being wrong. I need to get as many looks as possible. I know that the more problems I solve the higher my score will be. There is still a whole lot of time left this month to earn my PMI-PBA certification.

Building PMI-PBA Test Stamina

                Having completed requirements management chapter 6, I am more than halfway done with this book. Finally, I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and fully believe that I will finish outlining all eleven chapters. I will devote the weekend towards reviewing the case study and taking a 100-problem practice exam this time. It is all about reclaiming my momentum since I’ve stopped studying during the midterm election. Now that I am back, I am ready to read the material and measure my progress. This measurement includes increasing the number of questions. Since the actual test is 200 problems, it’s time to increase the number of questions. I must build up my stamina to sit for the real exam. Next week I will take my first 200-problem practice exam to evaluate my progress. Regardless of the results (and I am hoping for a minimum score of 70%), it is important that I get started. Furthermore, I will keep taking 200-problem exams the rest of the way because it is all about getting as many looks as possible. I am thinking that the drills and practice exams come from the same test bank so at some point I will see the same question. The bigger issue for me is to see patterns. If I am struggling in a particular domain then I will consider taking a 50-problem drill in addition to the 200-problem practice exam. Starting with the 100-problem practice exam this week and building up to the 200-problem practice exam next week will give me enough ‘looks’ to determine if I am ready to sit for the exam this December. 

Franchise > Certification Studies This Week

                 I have delayed my PMI-PBA certification studies because of this midterm election. Franchise > Certification. Many people have died for my right to vote. I just want Election Day to be over with due to all of this mess going on. 

PMI-PBA and Self-Investment

                I am happy to have purchased my Watermark Learning requirements management book because I have learned so much from just two chapters. I know that I will pass the PMI-PBA exam immediately after finishing this book. It should take no longer than one week. Afterward I will retake my traceability & monitoring drill and another 50-question practice exam. In addition, today I will outline BABOK chapter 3: elicitation because I will master all of the business analysis concepts. Furthermore, I guess I am happier that I am investing in myself and my future. I will not only be able to earn my PMI-PBA certification but increase my income. 

This Week in PMI-PBA Studies

                This week I will be doing something every day towards working closer towards my PMI-PBA certification. I will continue outlining PMBOK chapter 5 and BABOK chapter 6, take the RMC chapter 5 knowledge area quiz, another Watermark Learning PMI-PBA traceability & monitoring drill after outlining BABOK chapter 6, and a 100-question practice PMI-PBA exam. Furthermore, I will look at what the PMI-PBA LinkedIn study group feedback is once PMI makes the test scores available. I will learn from their mistakes and recalibrate my studies in order to better prepare. Moreover, this is the week before PMI publishes its own Business Analysis Practice Guide which will be available online October 28^th. I am working this week on positioning myself towards improving my PMI-PBA traceability knowledge and overall score by the time this PMI publication gets released. 

Okay So I Piss Someone Off

                 A week ago I went to a graduate economics info session. I was interested in returning to earn my graduate Applied Economics program. I was disrupted twice in my pursuit and now that things were stabilizing, I decided to try it again. During the info session, I asked about transferring my credits from another school. I caught the program director off guard because he was never asked that question. The graduate economics program was founded in 2012; however, I was going to ask because it was an accredited school so it should accept transfer credit. Okay so I annoyed him. Whatever because it let me score a private telephone discussion. I submitted my graduate transcript. Although the director said that I had to retake the courses because they were Bs instead of As, I felt great to ask about transfer credit especially as a woman because society told us not to be confrontational; but, if getting out of 2 courses and saving $5500 were the end results then I’d rather piss people off to save money. It is my life and my money!

This Week in PMI-PBA Certification Study

                 I have made significant PMI-PBA progress. I have outlined BABOK chapter 4 and taken my first traceability & monitoring drill. I am glad that I have done this because the drill has forced me review BABOK chapter 4 and pay more attention to BABOK chapter 6 and PMBOK chapter 11. Having earned my PMP certification using PMBOK fourth edition instead of the fifth edition, I am unfamiliar with the new edition. I must master this PMBOK fifth edition to pass the exam. I will write down PMBOK page 61 twice a day plus write down all of the chapter 11 risk management processes.

                The next week is essential towards preparing the October 28^th Business Analysis Practice Guide publication. I will finish outlining BABOK chapter 6, PMBOK chapter 11 and take another traceability & monitoring drill plus another practice exam. When October 28^th rolls around, I will be well-positioned to incorporate the practice guide and pass the PMI-PBA exam the first time.

Pushing Ahead with my PMI-PBA Studies

                Yesterday I completely outlining my Business Analyst’s Mentor Book that I purchased from Amazon last Monday. It was a milestone because before then I would stop and start reading BABOK and my other business analysis book; however, I stuck with it. During this past week I learned more concepts and vocabulary words that would help me pass the PMI-PBA exam the first time. I also wrote down entire BABOK definitions to ensure that I fully understood everything I read. Rewriting some of these definitions down multiple times helped absorb their meanings. It wasn’t just okay that was a requirement but I understood which sequence that requirement was in. Throughout this process I developed the requisite endurance to spend 3-4 hours daily towards highlighting BABOK chapters 4 and 6 this week. Once I completely highlight them, I will take another Watermark Learning requirements traceability and monitoring practice drill and another PMI-PBA 50-question practice exam. I do feel that by the end of this week my online practice drill and exam scores will increase by 15 points and I will start reading my other business analysis book. 

PMI-PBA Self-Investment and Learning that PMI Will Publish a Business Analysis Practice Guide

                Buying the Business Analyst’s Mentor Book is my best PMI-PBA investment thus far because it deciphers all of the business analysis jargon into understandable concepts. I have read 41 pages. Even though I am resting my fingers, I do see myself completing another 41 pages tomorrow and finishing the book by Wednesday when my physical book arrives.  When I get the physical book, I will reread the book and write down anything this is new. I might even write down BABOK definitions to incorporate the formal business lexicon that is on the PMI-PBA exam.  I know that this Handbook will increase my PMI-PBA online exam score. This week when I take another 50-question practice exam, I will score over 75%.  I have to because I am working on improving my scores.

                Furthermore, I have learned through my LinkedIn PMI-PBA study group that PMI will publish its Business Analysis Practice Guide online on October 28^th.  It’ll be free. In between now and then, I will read Business Analyst’s Mentor Book, BABOK, and PMBOK chapters 5, 6, 8, 10, 13. I am will be well-read and prepared to read the PMI guide. I know that following this plan gives me a very good chance of passing the PMI-PBA exam the first time.

PMI-PBA Weekly Progress

                This week I will improve my PMI-PBA exam score by reading BABOK chapter 4 and taking two traceability and monitoring drills. I have scored 25% in this domain which is completely unacceptable. By next Sunday, my traceability and monitoring score will move up to 62% (61% is the minimum passage rate). These two drills give me more practice to see more exam-related questions. I know that I am capable of passing the PMI-PBA on the first try. I have passed the PMP the first time. I am happy to have purchased the PMI-PBA online exam simulation instead of cross-referencing the CBAP practice exam because the former has shown me my weak areas. I am no longer walking around blind anymore because I know how to address my weaknesses. That’s the one thing I don’t want to do when I walk into Prometric this fall and take the PMI-PBA exam.

                The PMI-PBA certification affords me more cross-disciplinary opportunities out there. I have received a phone interview for an adjunct position. The college combined its economics and business administration departments. This benefits me because I have economics and business administration degrees. Also the PMI-PBA can fill the void because this is a small private college which does not have anyone who can merge the two disciplines. Obtaining the PMI-PBA certification not only bridges the gap but makes me indispensable. I love teaching because I get to communicate and share ideas and information. This motivates me to earn my PMI-PBA.

My Brownies Are Finally On the Right Side of History!

                I am so happy that the Cleveland Browns have won today especially after starting 28-3. My Brownies have managed to come back from 25 down to win the game 29-28 making history in the process. This is the first time in NFL history that an away team has rallied from 25 down to win a game. Finally, my Brownies are on the right side of NFL history!

Summoning the Strength to Review My First PMI-PBA Online Exam Results

                I have summoned the strength to rise above my muscular soreness to start writing down all of my PMI-PBA online exam wrong answers. Writing them down by hand makes me reread the questions and understand the reasons behind the right answers. I also have discovered that I need to learn more of the business analysis terminology and reread PMBOK fifth edition chapters 5, 6, 8, 10 and 13. In a LinkedIn PMI-PBA preparation group most test takers say that they’ve studied chapters 5 (scope management), 8 (quality management) and 13 (stakeholder management). However, while doing the online test, I’ve noticed the importance of chapters 6 (time management) and 10 (communications management). I will also rewrite PMBOK page 61 every single morning to get back into the habit of remembering each process and their interdependencies. I am intent on scoring above 62% on my next online practice exam and over 80% on my final PMI-PBA exam.

Technical Difficulties

                I awoke hungry and jetted to the DuPont doughnut spot because Google said that it was opened until 2am. Wrong! It closed at 12am because it was Wednesday L. You meant that I walked down N street with crazy people cursing each other out for a closed restaurant? I huffed all the way to the 24-hour CVS got food and returned back home. Sheesh! 

Getting All of the Fear of Failure Out of the Way

                 I scored 72.72% (16 out of 22) on the RMC CBAP/CCBA exam prep chapter 3 today. I took it cold without reading the chapter. I just wanted a baseline to see how well I would do. There was so much overlap between project management and business analysis. Although they had different terminologies, I understood most of the concepts. Given that 61% was the PMI-PBA passage rate (I was using the CBAP exam prep book since the PMI-PBA certification exam was new and there weren’t any prep materials), I knew that I would pass the exam the first time.   I also stopped fearing failing the exam because it was unknown. I just took a stab at it and what did I know: I scored 72%! Scoring that high also helped me decide that earning my PMI-PBA first ahead of my PMI-ACP would had been a way better move. 

Cleaning My Plate and Clearing My Mind

                Internally I have been thinking about going for my PMI-ACP and PMI-PBA certifications. I am actively looking for a new opportunity but the feelings are so strong. I just want to clear my plate. Getting these two certifications free up a lot of mental space in my head. The PMI-ACP goal has been stuck in my brain since 2012 and the PMI-PBA goal has been stuck in my brain since May 2014. Earning these two certifications increase my earning potential. I need them gone right now to go onto bigger and better things. 

Staying Started

                Everyone talks about getting started but how many people stay started? It’s east to start something new. It’s hard to stay committed throughout the process. When the pursuit isn’t shiny and new, it’s hard to muster enthusiasm doing the rote, mundane tasks. I admit that at times I am guilty of this behavior. Inertia erodes things. I need to stay started instead of staying stagnant. Therefore, I am going for these three things the rest of this year: 1) finding the job that I want; 2) earning my CBAP certification; and, 3) earning my PMI-PBA certification; and, the only way to accomplish these three things are to stay started.

This Will Be a Phenomenal Week

                This week will be phenomenal. I am riding the positive momentum from last week. It feels great to be buoyed professionally. I know that I will build upon it creating something even greater. I am ready for it because I am getting closer to what I really want: more freedom to create the future that I want.

Silent No More

                Until now, I’ve remained silent and others have taken this to their advantage. People have told me to polite, courteous, and ‘to trust the process’. That stops today because I’ve reclaimed my voice. I refuse to let others and my enemies speak for me and write my story. I’m telling my story and my truth. I’m reclaiming my voice and my life. I’m giving life and voice to all of my dreams and aspirations. I have stopped fearing the future and what might happen. I am living in the present, taking each day as it comes and making the most of it. By being present and capitalizing upon all current available opportunities, I will make the future better; and, all of these things start with my declaration of not being silent any more.

A Google Doodle for My Birthday

                How cool is this? I have my own personal Google Doodle for my birthday! Check it out below.

PMI-PBA Certification Pilot Exam Update

This is the final weekend of the PMI-PBA certification pilot exam and I haven’t taken it because it has been chaotic as of lately. I do feel that I will get it done this year regardless of what has been happening to me.  What I have done in the meantime is improving my Excel 2010 and SQL programming skills. I scored 92% on the advanced Excel 2010 final exam and 86% on the Introduction to SQL final exam.  So my time hasn’t been wasted but the PMI-PBA certification has not materialized.  What I have learned is to centralize my focus and write down to do one thing every single day towards the goal.  I know that practicing this will put me farther ahead than now. 

Stop Trying to Make It Perfect

I have delayed posting new posts because I have been trying to make it perfect. Now I will stop this whole paralysis of analysis thing, I will be back soon.

Writing the End to a Story

                In 2014 I have been trying to get into a new phase in life. I have tried accumulating new skills, different industries, I mean everything but I am still stuck. I’ve listened to an empowerment coach’s podcast where the interviewer says to ‘envision the end.’ That’s it. I have been churning along but never truly define what the end (new job) would look like. There is freedom in knowing how it will end because I’ll at least have a roadmap guiding me down the road. Right now I am in the wilderness but describing in detail what the end would look like would be very helpful in me getting over this hump.