Work Smarter Not Harder: Katie Niemiec

If you are new to Cedar & Rush, Work Smarter, Not Harder (WSNH) is a weekly column showcasing Chicago’s leading ladies – think CEO’s, entrepreneurs, and everyday women making a difference – and how they work smarter, not harder. I decided upon Monday so we can kick off the week as productive and as motivated as possible. If you love a particular piece of advice or have any tips of your own, please share by tagging #WSNH2015 on Instagram and Twitter.

Thanks again for welcoming my little personal love story last Monday. It personally made me smile but I have been anxious to get back on track with Monday’s Work Smarter, Not Harder series.

Today’s feature showcases one talented young lady, Katie Niemiec, who is currently searching for her dream job. We all know looking for a career is a job in itself, so I love having Katie’s perspective of getting sh*t done, on top of her every day blogging and graphic design shop! And speaking of her design store, Katie just launched her new blogger collaboration today which just happens to feature Chicago blogger’s favorite quotes. And you guessed it, Work Smarter, Not Harder made the cut! So be sure to check it out after reading her interview below.

Katie, walk us through your current job and any other networks and projects you’re involved in. I am currently the writer behind my blog, Little Black Blog. However, I am also doing graphic design work from prints in my new Etsy shop to brand identity while I am in the process of finding a full time job as a publicist at an agency in Chicago. I’ve had experience at multiple agencies in Chicago with fashion, beauty, lifestyle and hospitality clients. As much as I love blogging, I also really love the PR world too much to do anything else just yet!

What time do you typically get up in the morning? I am typically up by 8 AM but that can change if I plan to head in to the city for the day for interviews or coffee meetings and eventually full time work.

How do you take your coffee and what do you typically eat for breakfast? I love a good Starbucks non-fat mocha, but if I’m making it from home I add a little peppermint mocha creamer to black coffee. For breakfast, I usually eat something light like a bowl of Cheerios or Greek yogurt with granola and strawberries, next to a cup of coffee.

Quickly walk us through your morning routine: First, I do my best to make my bed every morning- Ha! Then, once I’m up and I’ll start to get ready and try my hardest to leave my phone out of sight, until I’m headed out the door. Many times I take the train downtown so I have about an hour ride to sit and get a few things done on my computer or phone. Then, I grab a bite to eat and either take my coffee to go or grab a cup on the way.

What is the best way to get your foot in the door of your dream job? While I certainly haven’t gotten to my dream job yet, I definitely think it’s key to network. Networking has been a huge part of my job search. I think it plays a key role in understanding the career path you want first hand and hear about it out of an office environment.

It’s important to genuinely be interested in the people you meet with and not just set up coffee dates to get somewhere or make a new “connection.”  Many of the people I’ve met have become great friends or mentors that continue to offer advice at the most needed times.

What resources do you use to stay organized and remember tasks? I use several planners and a desk calendar. I don’t often use my computer calendar. So I do it the old fashion way – by writing it all out in my planners (yes, I have 2 I’m currently using). I also color code to differentiate my meetings, interviews and tasks.

What mistake do you see people constantly make that they should be aware of? As a blogger and even entry level professional, I see many women playing the comparison game all to often. Whether it is comparing social media followers, to who is wearing what, to what company someone works for – everyone is always worried about what others are doing. I’ve learned how important it is to believe in my content, interests and self. Then share these with others. Sure, it’s easier said than done. But, if I’m fully satisfied with what I put on my blog, what company I work for and what images I post to social media. This way I genuinely know I don’t need to compare myself to others, as I am happy doing what makes me, me.

How do you conquer your inbox? I check my email right in the morning and then frequently answer them through out the day. I take about a half hour around 5:30 pm to grab any other emails that flooded my inbox and don’t respond after 6 pm (unless it’s urgent). I’m currently reading Lara Casey’s book, Make It Happen, where I learned this tip about emails. She brings up the idea that if people see my emails coming in late at night or early in the morning, they will continue to converse at those times thinking I will always be available. Stopping at a certain point in the night definitely helps alleviate the unbalanced feeling that can bring.

How do you format your emails? I always begin with a warm greeting and keep them fairly short and sweet. I like to add a little sentence or two about a recent topic I may have discussed with the recipient to keep the email more personal.

Also, I just downloaded the Gmail app, Streak. It tracks your emails and lets you know if the recipient has seen or opened it yet. This is the best thing since sliced bread, people. You can bet when someone doesn’t respond and I know they saw it – I definitely follow up!

 

How do you make time for working out and staying healthy? Currently in the suburbs, I’m looking for a new gym or class to take. Last summer I fell in love with the ClassPass program and hope to join it again soon. It is a great option to mix in variety and motivating to do with other friends! The main way I stay healthy is set realistic goals. I’m a sucker for desserts, so completely cutting that out would be silly. By treating myself to sweets or social drinks, it also reminds me that I deserve to live a little when I put in all the hard work through out each day/week.

What are your favorite tips for keeping an organized workspace? I’ve recently revamped and decluttered my desk space. There were a lot of unnecessary things on my desktop and shelves. This has helped a ton! Plus, shopping for pretty, eye catching accessories is fun and makes for an even more organized workspace. It makes me want to be at my desk more!

What other pieces of advice/tips can you share? I think the biggest saying I’ve taken away from my experiences thus far, is everything happens for a reason. We might not understand it in the moment, but there is always a reason and a way that will make us more satisfied in the end.

Favorites:
* Favorite Apps: Instagram, Afterlight and Popular Pays
* Favorite Books: Currently, Make it Happen by Lara Casey
* Favorite Programs: Photoshop and Streak
* Favorite Websites: The Everygirl, The Daily Skimm and lots of bloggers!
* Favorite Gadgets: My DSLR camera and iPhone

Katie, thank you so much for guesting on Cedar & Rush today. For someone so young, you are wise and talented beyond your years! For a chic work space of your own, be sure to check out Katie’s online design shop – think monthly planners, framed prints and more! They are incredible.