Uh Oh!

Where did Summer go? School is almost to start in most of the country. What have you been doing? Doesn't really matter because that is the past. Today is here and what are you doing?

Traffic will pick-up with the commuters, kids will be back in school and you need to reset your plan and get busy. No need to cry over what you didn't do, just start from today and move forward.

Just as kids new some new school clothes and school supplies maybe you need some new books, or a laptop or smartphone etc...etc...etc.

In this time off are you volunteering, reading, helping others, connecting with new folks and making use of all this free time? Why not, you may not get this opportunity again for a while. Never overlook your current situation and make the most of it.

Man!! It's hot out there

Sometimes when the heat seems unbearable and we are cool in the house we really don't want to get out there and meet up or be productive. This is the time to push yourself because it has been found that sitting at home isn't very productive. You need to be with other people. Your brain and juices work much better in the company of other people.

Take a book, or your laptop and get out of the house. Go to where others are and get busy. Listen to the chatter around you. Pay attention, you may even be able to assist someone else.

A secret to you, there are unemployed people all over. Many don't "look" unemployed yet I've never seen the description of "unemployed.

Happy Birthday George

George happens to be my younger brother and today is his birthday. We've had many birthdays now and probably don't see them like we did as kids.We still send a card each year to celebrate the others birthday. Remembering loved ones is essential to our own being I think. We all like to be acknowledged or recognized and most of all by family.

What might this have to do with your opportunity search? You probably always send a thank you card to persons you have an interview with or an informational interview with. Mainly for their time and input. Yet it goes further than that. Acknowledgement and recognition comes into play.
Never forget that you also are contributing to the conversation just by listening and feeding back. You don't always have to share earth shattering information. Listening plays a large part in all this.

Acknowledge and recognize others.

No need to look back or ahead---

Nope, just focus on today or as the Romans might say, Carpe Diem. What are you doing today? Goal setting is good, planning is good and for the most part crying over spilt milk isn't too productive. Hopefully when we err we know it and realize that isn't the way to go next time.

An idea for you: We can always be looking for a better way to do it next time. Growth has many positive aspects and can lead us on to bigger and better outcomes. Try it sometime.

Proper questioning

The other day my wife asked a question/request at work. She got an answer back that appeared a bit ambiguous. That brought about a discussion about how could this have been done better.

This same scene happens all over everyday. When we pose the wrong question or not enough information then our answer may be lacking something.

The game is to think about our question, just a little, before spouting it. Did we give sufficient information to the other person so they can give back an intelligent answer.

So! What's with the economy and all the news pundits?

You're frustrated, befuddled, confused of what to do. First they say the economy is picking up, then it is protracted or slower than expected. What to do.

Be careful what you read and even more be careful what you believe. You can believe what you want. While you worry that there are no positions available for you others are landing a spot. That's the way it has always been. Until you make your final transition and become re-engaged in the working world you'll be troubled.

It is a process and your best way through is to work the process. Meet with others, join a support group, start a support group, attend networking functions and be sure to help others.

Where are all these networking events?

EVERYWHERE!!! Make your own, look at the calendar pages in your local newspaper, check with your local Chamber of Commerce then the adjoining cities Chambers. Check with your church, neighbors, library and friends in general. Look at bulletin boards and get ideas.

As stated above start your own group. Learn to utilize others to assist you in your search. You'll wind up helping others which will give you a feeling of joy and in turn boost your own ego.

Get out of the house folks.