Book a Demo

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  • Virginia Beach City Public Schools Pilots Danny Rubin’s “Wait, How Do I Write This Email?”

    Virginia Beach City Public Schools Pilots Danny Rubin’s “Wait, How Do I Write This Email?”

    The journey to promote by book, Wait, How Do I Write This Email?, took a big step forward today when I began a pilot program in coordination with Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS).

    VBCPS, one of most well regarded school systems in the state, took an interest in my book right away. In winter 2016, VBCPS Superintendent Aaron Spence reviewed the book and decided it best fits in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) division.

    The CTE administrators then made plans to pilot the book in two classrooms at two respective high schools in the 2016/2017 school year — Bayside High and Kempsville High. I attended Kempsville (graduated in 2002) so it’s extra special to introduce the book at my old stomping grounds.

    I hope to share updates from the classroom as the pilot program moves ahead. Here’s a photo of the teachers who will pilot the book. Thanks for your interest and participation!

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    Caroline Myers (left) and Pat Thurman will pilot “Wait, How Do I Write This Email?” within Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

    Early advocate at the high school level.

  • Whew, Here We Go: 3 National Conferences in 10 Days

    Whew, Here We Go: 3 National Conferences in 10 Days

    Road trip!

    I have worked hard to offer myself as a speaker on communication skills at relevant conferences across the country. And it just so happens three of the conferences fall within the same ten-day period.

    Whew. Here I go.

    • Sunday, October 23: PRSSA National Conference — Indianapolis, Indiana
      • Run a workshop for members of PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America)
      • Focus of the workshop will be how to write a job application employers never forget
    • October 28-29: Lead365 National Conference — Orlando, Florida
      • Appear at national leadership development conference for high school students
      • Conduct “labs” on how to network in person/via email, write winning cover letters and impress during job interviews
    • Wednesday, November 2: NAWDP Youth Symposium — Chicago, Illinois
      • Lead a writing/networking workshop for the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP)
      • Audience includes One-Stop Center staff, Youth Build grantees, Job Corps professionals, career and guidance counselors, educators, community college representatives and juvenile justice specialists

    See all of my speaking engagements (past and present).

    Lots of travel and people to meet. But I’m excited for the opportunity.

    If you plan to be at any of the three events, please stop me and say hello.

    See you on the road!

    Giddy up!

  • Sneak Peak at Danny’s New Book!

    Sneak Peak at Danny’s New Book!

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    All year, I’ve been hustling to promote my first paperback book, Wait, How Do I Write This Email?,a collection of 100+ templates for networking, the job search and LinkedIn.

    At the same time (when I could steal minutes in the day), I’ve been writing book #2, a complement to the first called Wait, How Do I Promote My Business?. It’s slated to be published in May 2017 by…me. That’s right. Another book through my own LLC and publishing company, News To Live By. Independent authors and publishers unite!

    My first book is a writing guide to network/land jobs. The second one is full of writing guides once you’re IN a job or running your own business — templates for website content, press releases, crowdfunding campaigns, outreach emails and more.

    Here’s an example of a section from the book:

    Website Content

    • Common pages
      • Mission statement
      • About us
      • Services
      • Q&As
      • Case studies
      • Staff bios
      • Photo captions
      • Calls to action
      • Meta and image descriptions

    Once again, I give you step-by-step instruction for common business writing scenarios (like a website mission statement and staff bios). And ironically, it’s much easier to write book #2 because I created a template with book #1. That’s the beauty of templates — do it once and you’re all set!

    I’ll have more information on the book throughout the fall/winter.

    The ultimate reference guide for business owners.

  • Danny’s Book to Appear at 2016 Frankfurt International Book Fair

    Danny’s Book to Appear at 2016 Frankfurt International Book Fair

    The crowds at the Frankfurt International Book Fair.
    The crowds at the Frankfurt International Book Fair.

    I’m excited to announce Wait, How Do I Write This Email?, my book of 100+ templates for networking, the job search and LinkedIn, will be on display at the Frankfurt International Book Fair.

    With over 7,000 exhibitors and 275,000 attendees, the book expo in Frankfurt is the largest event of its kind in the world.

    My book will appear at the booth for the Independent Book Publishing Association (IBPA). I am a member of the IBPA, which grants me access to participate in its Frankfurt exhibit. That’s one of many reasons why I believe it’s critical to be a member of associations relevant to your industry.

    The hope in Frankfurt is that foreign rights buyers will review my book and give it consideration. Foreign publishing is a difficult world to enter, and I’m grateful IBPA offers the chance to present independently published books on such a big stage.

    The book fair takes place October 19-23, 2016.

    Featured photo: Oliver Bildesheim (Flickr)

    On display at the world’s biggest book expo.

  • Danny Leads Workshop at 2016 AEPi Fraternity International Convention

    Danny Leads Workshop at 2016 AEPi Fraternity International Convention

    On August 10, I made the trip down to Ft. Lauderdale to lead a writing workshop for college students at the 2016 Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) International Convention.

    As part of the Leven Leadership Institute, a program track within the convention, I led over 80 rising seniors in a hands-on workshop in which we learned best practices for LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and job-search emails. The attendees came from all over — AEPi chapters in the US, Canada, Israel, UK and even Australia.

    For the workshop, the attendees used my book of writing guides, Wait, How Do I Write This Email?, as a reference. As a group, we worked on how to:

    • Write a strong LinkedIn profile summary
    • Tell a story as the intro to a cover letter
    • Email an employer even if there’s no job posted

    As an alumnus of AEPi (graduated ten years ago), it was especially cool to work with young men I consider to be “brothers.” I can tell these guys are going to do great stuff in college and beyond.

    Watch a portion of my workshop, in which I teach the group how to write a strong LinkedIn profile summary. Several people shared the profiles they wrote from their seats, and then we discussed each one together.

    First up, a college student from Baltimore who wants to work in health sciences.

    Here are some photos of the day:

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    I’m at the lecturn before we began the workshop.
    writing-workshop-communication-skills
    Talking with the 80 attendees, a group of rising college seniors from schools around the world.

    writing-workshop-communication-skills

    One of the attendees reads my book during the communications workshop.

    English skills for members of a Greek organization.

  • Danny’s Book Used in Communications Courses at Pentagon, Quantico

    Danny’s Book Used in Communications Courses at Pentagon, Quantico

    Danny's book, "Wait, How Do I Write This Email?," alongside the two other textbooks for the "Naval Correspondence" course talk to military members and contractors as several US military installations.
    My book, Wait, How Do I Write This Email?, appears alongside two other textbooks used in communications courses taught to military members and contractors at several US military installations.

    My how-to communications guide, Wait, How Do I Write This Email?, is now part of three courses taught to active duty Navy and Marine Corps personnel as well as members of the Department of Defense and civilian contractors.

    Many thanks to a team of educators from Tidewater Community College (Center for Military and Veterans Education) which uses my book in writing courses it conducts at several military bases in the Mid-Atlantic region.

    The courses:

    • “Executive Writing” — open to senior members of the Marine Corps because they correspond with executive level members of the military
    • “Naval Correspondence”— open to a wide audience within the Navy and Marine Corps
    • “Technical Writing and Grammar Improvement” — open to Navy and Marine Corps personnel who do technical writing for military commands and activities

    The classes are taught at several military installations along the Mid-Atlantic:

    • Camp LeJeune (Jacksonville, NC)
    • Marine Corps Logistics Base (Albany, GA)
    • Tidewater Community College Center for Military and Veterans Education (Virginia Beach, VA)
    • Marine Corps Base Quantico (Quantico, VA)
    • The Pentagon (Washington, DC)

    “Wait, How Do I Write This Email? is a well-written text that’s easy to understand,” said Dr. Calvin R. Scheidt, Jr., associate vice president for military programs at Tidewater Community College. “As well, the book supplements the email guidance we provide in Naval and Marine Corps correspondence manuals.”

    I hoped Wait, How Do I Write This Email? would be a versatile tool for at every level of education. Already, it’s become a resource for high school and college instructors. And now, I can add the US military to the list of “early adopters.”

    Mission accomplished!

    Mission accomplished.

  • Danny’s Book Given to Grads Who are First in Family to Attend College

    Danny’s Book Given to Grads Who are First in Family to Attend College

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    On June 7, Spartan Prep Academy, which prepares students for college and beyond in partnership with Virginia Beach City Public Schools, presented its 40 participants with copies of my book, Wait, How Do I Write This Email?. This fall, each student will be the first in their family to attend college.

    Since the release of my book, Wait, How Do I Write This Email?, a variety of audiences have incorporated the text into the work they do. A few of the settings:

    • Career service centers on several college campuses (West Virginia University)
    • Military classrooms at sites like the Pentagon and Quantico
    • Workforce development programs
    • Business incubators/startup hubs

    Now, I can add another group to the list: a high school preparatory program for students who are the first in their families to attend college. On Tuesday, June 7, 40 seniors from Virginia Beach high schools completed the Spartan Prep Academy, a partnership between the school system and Norfolk State University that “provides opportunities for participants to succeed in pre-college performance, and ultimately in higher education pursuits.”

    Many of the students will attend Norfolk State as well as schools like Old Dominion University, Clemson, Virginia Commonwealth University, Howard University, George Mason University and Virginia State University.

    “We think Wait, How Do I Write This Email? is the perfect gift for our graduates as they head off to college and beyond,” said Nikki Thornton, student support specialist with Virginia Beach City Public Schools. “We know the book will help them apply for internships and jobs with confidence. And we’re excited to see what they accomplish in their lives!”

    I love to learn about new audiences that have adopted my book. It shows the versatility of the product and allows me to impact people at various stages of their education and careers.

    Happy Friday, everyone!

    The perfect gift for life at college and beyond.

  • New Website, New Brand — Introducing DannyHRubin.com

    New Website, New Brand — Introducing DannyHRubin.com

    College speaking
    As I continued to develop my personal blog, News To Live By, I branched out into book publishing and leading workshops. That’s when it became necessary to create a new website, DannyHRubin.com.

    If you visited my website over the past four years, then you spent time on NewsToLiveBy.net.

    From summer 2012 to summer 2016, NewsToLiveBy.net served its purpose well. I used (and continue to use) my blog, News To Live By (NTLB), as a place to improve my writing skills, share career advice and provide a relevant, practical news column.

    But a funny thing happened on the way to the (web) forum…

    Month after month, year after year, I began to recognize the content people valued most from my site. They came around for step-by-step instruction on writing and networking scenarios (here’s an example). Once I started down the path to exclusively offer communication lessons, I realized I was creating a brand. And that brand now extends beyond a personal blog.

    In year four, I published a book, Wait, How Do I Write This Email?,a collection of 100+ templates for networking, the job search and LinkedIn. And as I move into year five (!) of this hobby o’ mine, I now lead workshops on communication skills for teams and colleges across the country.

    News To Live By will always be a part of who I am. But now, it’s only a part of what I do.

    Thus, I need a website to cover all my bases — books, blog, speaking. You know, the whole shabang. I tried for DannyRubin.com, but you’ll see it’s owned by another Danny Rubin with a pretty strong claim to fame. He wrote the classic comedy, “Groundhog Day.” Fortunately, DannyHRubin.com was available, and that’s my new home on the internet.

    Spend a few minutes and check out my new site, watch short videos from my workshops and wander through the 200+ blog posts within News To Live By.

    It took four years, but DannyHRubin.com has arrived. That means my personal brand as an expert on writing and networking skills has finally taken shape too.

    It’s been an incredible journey so far. Onto year five!

    The journey from personal blog to professional brand.

  • Future Farmers of America (FFA) Features Emerge Writing Techniques

    Future Farmers of America (FFA) Features Emerge Writing Techniques

    Rubin Education’s book, Wait, How Do I Write This Email?, is more than a useful writing guide for people who need to network or find a job. We hope the resource becomes an integral part of the way schools and organizations teach effective communication skills.

    That’s why this week the book scored a major victory. The educational team at Future Farmers of America (FFA), an “intercurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership,” elected to use two templates from the book in a lesson plan for FFA members. As well, the information will become a supplement in agribusiness and agriscience courses.

    The lesson plan instructs students to write an email that asks for a reference letter and then another email to thank the person for writing the reference letter (instructions on the reference letter here). In each instance, FFA includes our templates and then asks the students to practice their own e-mails based on my model.

    Bring Rubin Education to your school or organization!

    Request a 30-day preview of Emerge.

     

    Featured photo: US Department of Education

    Taking the templates into the classroom.

  • Jobseeker Uses Danny’s Book to Impress During Interview

    Jobseeker Uses Danny’s Book to Impress During Interview

    My new book, Wait, How Do I Write This Email?, is full of practical career advice you can put to use right away.

    That’s why I love to know when people employ my strategies in the job search — and then see the results right away. Recently, a college student named Rhydian emailed me with about her recent job interview. She’s close to graduation and wants a job in gaming/computer animation.

    In chapter 9 of my book (“The Power of Stories”), I include a section on the importance of storytelling in a job interview. On page 203, I write:

    “…stories demonstrate in vivid detail why you are right for the job and how you can turn a typical Q&A interview into a dynamic, memorable conversation.”

    Rhydian wanted to impress the employer in her big interview. So beforehand, she brainstormed stories of success and waited for the chance to share them. Sure enough, the opportunity presented itself.

    The employer asked: “How do you work on a team/handle conflict resolution?”

    Rhydian replied: “I told them about the time in Team Production class when I was handed the screwed up file and how I handled the guy who gave it to me. I told them I realized he was one of the guys that was full of himself—so, to solve the situation, I stroked his ego (I understand it couldn’t have possibly been your fault, but what happened exactly?) in order to calm him down long enough to find out how to fix the situation. I then found the appropriate team members to help me fix the situation, understanding that I couldn’t do it all by myself, and we worked together to turn the project in on time.”

    Excellent stuff. The “team production” story is colorful and demonstrates leadership ability. And because she sat down for the interview with the story on her mind, it was easy to recall.

    Then Rhydian told me: “When I could, instead of answering a question straight out, I gave a story that showed how I handled the situation, what I would do in a similar situation, and what I learned from the example I gave. PERFECT—as it didn’t sound like I rehearsed anything; it just sounded like talking to a few friends. It put me at ease, and after that, it was a VERY relaxing interview. Nothing to be afraid of!”

    Bingo. When you tell stories, the interview becomes a conversation. Like Rhydian said, the mood is more “relaxing” and less intimidating. Plus, stories prove your worth like nothing else.

    Good luck, Rhydian, with the rest of the job search. That boss would be a fool not to hire you!

     

    Has storytelling ever helped you during a job interview?

    Share below!

     

    Featured photo: studio tdes

    And right way, she stole the show.