May Day

Did you dance around a pole this year? May Day used to celebrate with a pole dance and not what we now see on TV and/or movies. Some of you will remember the tall poles with streamers hanging from the top. Children each taking one and dancing around the pole.

Now that we are definitely in Spring and it is a bit warmer out you should be jubilant. When not searching for that next opportunity get out and enjoy the weather. You could wind up inside again and won't see the flowers, blossom and sun.

A positive attitude is as important to your interview as are all the right answers.

Pack your pipeline

Many times people ask me how I bring in so many new members to my Toastmasters club. One way is I am always packing my pipeline. Like any salesperson I recognize that everyone isn't interested right now. So I work more on building personal relationships. Sometime they will actually come back and ask about Toastmasters. Sometimes when we meet again the topic may come up.

After attending a chartering party for a new club we started it was apparent to me that several of the folks in that club have know me for 5-10 years. When the time was right they happened to join a club.

As you continue your pursuit of your next opportunity work first to build a relationship. As you progress through life you may cross paths again. You may even become a resource for others. You all just may have another chance in life to be out there pursuing a new position again and you can stay in touch with these folks in your pipeline.

Mother's Day (5/10/09)

In about a week and a half is Mother's Day. Your mother brought you into this world and probably never thought of you working at that moment. You were her baby. Through her tutelage you grew, learned and matured, some may question the last.
Now you are on your own, probably through school and have worked. Your cash flow has been cut off and you now need to replace it. Now comes that nasty task of hunting for your next opportunity.
You have the ability to make it a nasty task or a fun filled event. Which would you rather do? Here is where talking with others, attending events and networking can assist you in making it fun.
As your Mom may have said, you can do anything you put your mind to, now get out there and just do it.

Have you ever?

Have you ever seen so many opportunities? Everywhere you look a new opportunity that never existed before. Surely you are scratching your head wondering what I am babbling about? Oh! You were looking for a big sign that maybe said "HERE" or something. In the world of the "hidden job market" there are no signs posted. Not even hints. That is what can make it so fun. For you to get out there and ferret them out. By meeting people and learning about what they do you in turn will learn more. Once you understand more of what others do you are free to contemplate a better way to do it or a more efficient way. That is how new businesses are started everyday.

While talking with a friend the other day they are and have been looking for another job. In the meantime they connected with another then another and before they knew it they had a small consortium of like minded folks. As this group has grown there are now rumblings about forming their own company to fill in the gaps for other companies needing their services but not on a full time basis. A small example of how this new evolutionary process can take place.



Remember that in a Wall Street article a few years back it stated "...80% of the people over 40 and out of work wound up in their own business." All I say is don't overlook your own business.

Whew!!! Now that's over

Another dreaded tax day here and past. Another year of surprises under the belt. How did your year go. I'll bet for most of you if you look back one year you never thought you'd be where you are today. Where might that be? In a state of turmoil, discomfort, anxiety?
The real question now is, what are you doing about it? Are you finding events to attend? I don't think I saw many of you at the last YPOP event on 3/31. Are you looking to go to Schmooze, OEN or a raft of other networking events. Remember the Portland Business Journals annual "Women in Business" Expo will be Thu. 4/23. If you are not in the Portland area just check your local papers for events. Your Chamber is always a good venue for events and happenings. Be sure and keep your ears open from people you are meeting and/or networking with.

Remember that networking is something you've actually done all your life, just never called it that. It is quite harmless and can actually add a lot of satisfaction to your life. You'll be able assist others at the same time. Networking is all about giving.

Taxes

You certainly haven't forgotten to do and pay your taxes have you? If so you do have a little time yet. Yes, they always hurt especially if we have to pay. But you have those friends tell you that the more taxes you pay the more money you made.....right?

Looking for opportunities is a little like taxes. You need to keep good records to pay only what you should and to be able to prove the facts are correct. As you are out there searching it is good to keep records of where you've been and what you learned. Journaling can be useful. Never under estimate your ability to learn from past knowledge.

From all your note taking and contacts the taxes you are paying were in your time and effort. The more time and effort you put in the more successful you will be. Don't expect any refunds though.

Spring

Spring has sprung now. Easter is tomorrow. The eggs should be boiled soon. Is your basket full? Have you filled another's basket?
Be sure and check your in baskets for outstanding mail you've lost. Respond to everyone and get a move on in your search. Get out of the house and see people. Whether it be friends or new friends. Be sure and share some candy with others and smile as you share.
Remember that just as Spring comes around every year people are finding new opportunities all the time. You job is to be aware and grasp your opportunity when it appears.

Ebb and Flow of the tides

While watching the ebb and flow of the Pacific Ocean I found how it reminded me of the job search. It goes back and forth on the sand. As the tides rise and come in further and later recede and go farther out where we can see the treasures that were covered by water. We scramble to find those new treasures only to have the tides return and cover them.
It may feel some articles were lost yet on the next ebb there will be even newer prizes to check out.
So goes your search for your next opportunity. First you see them and before you know it they are gone or so seem. Don't give up hope, for on the next cycle we never know what will appear. Your job is to keep your eyes and ears pealed for a hint. Then upon discovery do something with it. Find new places to hang out and new people to talk with. Also never forget your friends as they always appreciate your consul.

Put on your boots and spurs!

Time to put on your boots, spurs and hat for the ride. Times, they are a changin'. If you haven't noticed there are more changes taking place, more opportunities available for you. They don't look like what you are used to.
A fact you should know from the Wall Street Journal a few years back. 80% of people, over the age of 40, who are unemployed wind up in their own business. So my caution is don't over look your own business, especially if it keeps rearing it's head.
Your best bet is to learn to listen even better than you have, ask questions and be helpful.

Look into Toastmasters !

Riding the train

Have you ridden the train lately? Looking for you next opportunity can be likened to riding the train. If you don't look up once in a while you may miss the sights or "opportunities" . Although it is a nice ride, comfy and quiet I see nothing as I write on here.
You need to look around all the time while you ride your train to your next big opportunity. Then again don't be overwhelmed by all the sights you may see.