Spring is just around the corner

You've heard of Spring cleaning. Are you planning on any Spring cleaning? Maybe you should give some thought to it. Not just the house but your desk, files, and materials for your opportunity searching.
Clean out those old files, papers, and napkins. Make sure you have your supply of pens and pencils and a tablet or two. Clean your laptop up, both inside and out.
If you have polish shoes what about putting a coat of fresh tax on them.
Be sure your jackets and sweaters are clean and presentable and any threads hanging down are trimmed off. Sometimes it is the little things people notice and we are just used to them.

Now you can work in the yard.

Politics and political groups

Many people don't realize that politics have a direct relationship to jobs and business. Not that it is supposed to yet many political decisions will affect business, which in turn affects jobs or opportunities.

Business leaders must be involved somehow and so must those looking for the opportunities. We should all pay attention to and participate somehow.

When you are searching, you always hear that volunteering is a good way to meet people. Volunteering to help your party of choice and it's constituents is just as worthy and keeps you clued in.

The word is out...

Interviews are picking up fast. People are being hired. The stock market seems to be ascending slowly upward. Is it all better now?

Not quite yet. Some aspects of business have changed, we have to grow slower and cut faster. The swings are horrible on the down turn yet much slower on the upswing. Your job is to watch, analyze and ascertain what your skills can do for them. Whether as an employee or a contractor.
Read your local periodicals, attend seminars and networking events.
Get out there and rub elbows, have your calling cards with you and remember that you have a lot to offer besides being an employee. Sometimes you may just have some helpful info for them.

Never give up....never give up

Leadership everywhere

There are so many definitions for "leadership". However you define it there is a definite need for it. Whether in business, civic, governmental, non-profits, political ad-infinitum. As the general public becomes more aware of their surroundings, what is really happening and it has to change there is a larger demand for leaders.
One excellent leadership training availability is at your local Toastmasters clubs.

Valentine's Day

Did you almost forget? As I almost did. There is still time you know. This is a good time to share with that or those special people in your life. It is a small token yet something to be appreciated. Even if this is a late notice for you, your feelings can be transmitted in numerous way.
Make it special, make it sincere and most of all make it from the heart.

The "Touch"

I use the term "The touch" when speaking about social networking. The social networking media is a great spot to use this tool. When using these mediums you watch and see many others lives. Sometimes more than you ever wanted to.

Yet for many they reveal happenings in their lives, accomplishments, and notifications. These are opportune times to acknowledge them ( a touch) with a word or two and be on your way.

You are up to date and have spent very little time finding out what is going on. It makes you more knowledgeable. You are in communications with your resources and friends.

Give it a shot!

Volunteering

Election time will soon be upon us. As you look around for volunteer opportunities you'll find a plethora of political groups looking for volunteers to help out. Find your preference of issues and become involved. You never know who you'll run into.

Pecking order

You've heard of pecking order? Birds are a great example as are many other animals. But do we have a pecking order? As I was watching the nuthatches, great name, feed the other day it struck me that as those little birds were fighting over the available perches to eat from we sometimes do the same thing.
Sometimes it appears that some have manners and feed a bit then leave so another can have some. Then there are those that swoop down, knock others off the perch and chow down. They won't even give up the perch until they have gorged themselves or until a meaner one comes along.

When we are out searching and interviewing I like to remember to have some manners and share when possible. Of course you have to take care of you first. As you "listen" you may realize that this one isn't for you yet you may know another it fits well.

You move up the pecking order as you assist others. There will always be those that only look out for themselves and those that share. The best you can do is your very best.....do it!