Focus on "them"

Networking has always been around. We just never called it that or haven't paid attention to the fact of how often we do it. Today it is definitely more prevalent than ever, talked about more and being utilized by more people than ever.

One big problem is how to do it properly and get results. All those concepts are open to conjecture. There is no "one" way to do it. How do we measure it. More details on that later.

A very good friend tells the story of his beginning days in Toastmasters. All he knew was that he couldn't wait for his speech to be done as he was a nervous wreck. His goal was to finish fast then sit down.
A Life changing event happened when his evaluator mentioned to him "If you will focus on the audience instead of yourself you will eliminate your fear" How profound that statement is. It even works while out networking.

What's in your Easter Basket?

Have you filled your Easter Basket with goodies yet? If not you may want to get busy. Remember that April 4 is Easter this year.

But why wait till Easter, once a year. You should be filling your basket every day. You need to be putting goodies in all the time, not just once a year. As you continue your search for your next opportunity you need to also be planning for the one after that. It's not that this next one won't be the best and last forever. It is more in staying in the loop as to what is going on. When you are searching for that next opportunity you continue to learn about new ideas, new technology, new services, new businesses etc. Why would you not do that during the best of times.

The more you know, can do and care about may just help stave off being blind sided with an unexpected layoff.

You shall overcome

Listening to the attendees, at the Job Finders Group, it is apparent there are many individual feelings about how the economy is going. Some see it dead, nothing on the horizons and others feeling much more positive, even though no position yet.

One matter that shines through to me though is being around more positive people than negative folks. There is nothing wrong in being with some negativity as you may be able to help them see good through the maze. We all need that extra boost once in a while.

What do know from history is we always come back. I have no doubts we will once again turn this around and hit some new highs. Now just get out there and have some fun.

Off into the wild blue yonder

IT is March now and from time to time we have some strong winds. As irritating as wind is to me, I also find that the skies are very clear on those windy days. The mountains are clear as a bell and almost look close enough to reach out and touch.

The clarity is magnificent and a joy to view. Yet when I step into the wind I remember how uncomfortable I am. Now I also know some folks like the wind.

Just as the wind may affect some of us so does the hunt for your next opportunity. Your job is to make it less uncomfortable and an enjoyable experience. One way might be to remember you have an opportunity to meet someone new, learn something during the interview and maybe even get a referral to another opportunity.

Go out and soar like an eagle.

People Trails

A wise man once told be that it better to leave a "people trail than a paper trail". As we build in our social networks it becomes more obvious what he meant. It is simpler to make paperwork, categorize it and file it. What lasts though are those personal relationships we build with people. Our brains can do much more than we give it credit for. Oddly we are able to meet with someone, one on one, and talk and learn and our brain will make attachments for future use.

Never underestimate your brainpower. Meet with people with no more in mind than to learn more about them. In turn you may become a resource for them and sometimes they may be able to reciprocate.

Happy Birthday to my wonderful wife

Today happens to be my wife's birthday. It seemed appropriate to pen something to her today in recognition.

Birthdays represent many ideas to many folks. Depends on your perspective and how you are or are not affected by it.

My dearest Wife:
As each birthday rotates around it becomes apparent to me of the time we have spent together.
We have had rough times yet we tend to remember the better times.
We've camped together, drank wine from a brown paper bag before.
Broken down in the middle of nowhere in Idaho.
Slept in the van in zero degree temp.
Viewed the Grand Canyon as the sun arose.
You've come home to find the garage door open and me no where to be found.
We enjoyed Ralphie for 20 years.
You've tried to steady a tree I was cutting down.
We have eaten at the top of the B of A building in SF.
You have put up with me and Toastmasters.
You've put up with me.
You look more beautiful every year to me and my love for you grows far deeper than I ever imagined it could.
Sometimes I could just eat you up I love you so much. Then other times I wish I had eaten you up.
Happy Birthday my love and may you have many more.

Love you,
Cleon

Calling Cards

Time to revisit this topic. Yes, you need cards!

Money can be an issue yet remember this is an investment in "you". People retain business cards and they are easy to carry around. Keep a supply in the car, your jacket pockets, purse, wallet. Never leave home without them.

Having a card is good and having a good card is better. You might try sitting with Karen Lewis and discussing the values of a card that fits you. Remember that people look at cards later and the question would be does it leave a lasting impression for future reference?

In like a lion out like a lamb

That is the old adage about March. It either comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb or vice versa. Either way your March can be beneficial to you.
As March is a harbinger to Spring you should be sprucing up the resume, ask others their thoughts about it. Look for new contacts and new ways to find them.

Maybe you should come into March like a lion and exit like a lion, nothing says you can't.