Consultations

Using a wide range of experiences, a vast network of resources, and a talent for helping people make the most of their lives, Caroline provides one-to-one individualised consulting services for foreign women in Japan, authors, publishers, small business owners, and parents interested in sending their children to international schools in Japan.

FOR FOREIGN WOMEN: MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE IN JAPAN
Affectionately known as “Sort Your Life Out,” these consultations are suitable for any foreign woman, including an employee or an accompanying partner, whether a local or expatriate hire.  A unique questionnaire requires the individual to explore a multitude of personal and professional areas of their life. Developed and refined by Caroline, this questionnaire is the result of years of experience in understanding the wide range of issues that affect the life of a foreign woman in Japan. The individual completes the questionnaire and it is analysed prior to consultation. With the preparation completed beforehand, the entire consultation is used effectively to create a highly personalised motivational session that covers:

• practical concerns — managing money, organising the home environment, shopping;
• physical concerns — general and women-specific health issues, personal care;
• educational concerns — language or cultural needs, continuing education options;
• emotional concerns — feelings about the move, handling isolation, self-confidence, personal issues;
• professional concerns — career development while in Japan, further skill acquisition, networking; and
• interpersonal concerns — developing friendships, relationships within Japan, worrying about people “back home.”

Note that while follow-up sessions are possible, the aim of these consultations is to provide the individual with the ability to make Japan their home, and not to feel like they need ongoing support.

FOR AUTHORS
Specifically focusing on your project, Caroline can teach you the secrets of self-publishing in order to improve the chances of your own success, even if you already have a publisher! Both books and periodicals can be discussed, and digital publishing is a new area Alexandra Press has recently launched into. Topics covered depend entirely on the individual’s needs, but can cover editorial design, printing, marketing, ISBNs, distribution, and financing.

Introductions to proofreaders, translators, illustrators, photographers, designers, printers, and distribution consultants are also possible for clients using our publishing consulting services. Check the Alexandra Press website for more details.

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF A CAREER BOOST
Especially useful for those who want to avoid a gap in their resume while overseas, understand employment opportunities in their industry in Japan, or identify transferable skills and explore new options. Services available include:

• resume editing, translation, or makeover;
• design, printing, and delivery of purposeful business cards;
• training in professional networking in Japan; and
• personal introductions to potential employers.

FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
For aspiring entrepreneurs and freelancers, or anyone already managing a small business, including a home-based one, Caroline’s tailored business consultations cover a wide range of topics specifically addressing your individual needs. Essential advice from an award-winning entrepreneur, to anyone who has ever thought about, or is currently in the beginning stages of, going it alone.

FOR PARENTS CHOOSING A SCHOOL IN JAPAN
Whether you are relocating to Japan or already living here, Caroline’s professional yet friendly consultations for family’s are designed to analyse the child’s needs, include knowledgeable explanations of the education system in Japan, and recommendations of schools that best match your needs, values and, to avoid disappointment, have spaces available. Parents and children are involved right from the beginning, leaving you with more time to focus on your family, a new role at work, or an overseas move.

The service includes:

• family consultations—interviews with children and parents, questionnaire completion and analysis, school recommendations, tutoring suggestions if necessary;
• school visits—preparation before touring schools, arranging appointments with key teaching staff, analysis of visits, discussion of next steps;
• school applications—completion of application forms, compilation of relevant paperwork, interview preparation;
• application results—dealing with rejection or acceptance, acquisition of school items and necessary supplies, management of fee payments; and
• other family support—monitoring child’s progress, arranging additional educational support if necessary, arranging additional home-help.