Abby Kohut, President and lead Staffing Consultant of Staffing Symphony LLC, has a monthly “Career Wake Up Call,” where she invites job seekers to submit a question a few days in advance and then listen to her show for the responses. Listeners may either listen to the show online, or via phone. While not every question is answered, she makes an attempt to answer questions that will benefit all, or most of the participants during the one-hour segment.

During the course of the call, Abby aka “Absolutely Abby” made a wonderful suggestion to career seekers who may be feeling stressed and isolated during the process. A paraphrased version of her advice is as follows:

Be sure to talk with people who know you well on occasion, as well as past colleagues – people who know your abilities, past achievements and potential.

Positive Validation can be a powerful thing.

So, during a time when so many are looking for new careers, seeking out business opportunities, or just doing a lot more with a lot less. Why are we waiting for these phone calls to arrive?

Why not go the extra mile and reach out during a time when so many could use a positive word and a reminder of what is possible?

I contend it’s much better to set ourselves apart from the “Let’s do lunch sometime” crowd to reach out and reaffirm. One positive interaction each day will go a long way in helping others.

When we lead the way in providing positive words of encouragement, our lives also become greatly enriched.

If you haven’t already had a chance to check out a short highly acclaimed film called “Validation,” I encourage you to do so. You will see why it has been viewed nearly 4 million times on YouTube, and has won numerous awards.

Here is some additional information:

“Validation” is a fable about the magic of free parking. Starring TJ Thyne & Vicki Davis. Writer/Director/Composer – Kurt Kuenne. Winner – Best Narrative Short, Cleveland Int’l Film Festival, Winner – Jury Award, Gen Art Chicago Film Festival, Winner – Audience Award, Hawaii Int’l Film Festival, Winner – Best Short Comedy, Breckenridge Festival of Film, Winner – Crystal Heart Award, Best Short Film & Audience Award, Heartland Film Festival, Winner – Christopher & Dana Reeve Audience Award, Williamstown Film Festival, Winner – Best Comedy, Dam Short Film Festival, Winner – Best Short Film, Sedona Int’l Film Festival.