Change

Change is such a big part of life. Most folks claim they embrace change yet when it comes down to making that change we become reluctant to do so.  There are numerous books written on this topic. The fact is we are not always as in favor of change as we say we are.

How do we change that? Sort of like turning an aircraft carrier, it does take a little time. It never happens as fast as we want, yet it still takes place. Think back on other events you wanted to happen, such as Christmas morning when you were six years old. It seemed it would never come yet low and behold it did and now you have many Christmas mornings that have come and gone.

Are you listening?

Sometimes it feels that many folks don't really know how to listen. I don't mean hear, but more emphatically hear. The art of listening is a skill that can be learned by us all. Most of us were never taught how to listen. As youngsters many of us were told to listen, OR ELSE. We knew what that meant.

Listening means totally listening and not preparing our next set of remarks, retorts or questions. It is truly listening to that other person, then gathering out thoughts and either giving back our best knowledge and many times just asking the next revealing question. Many times a good question can supplant our injection.

Summer is around the corner

Sometimes it seems it will never arrive for us in the Pacific Northwest. Yet sure as the sun rises every day Summer will arrive. You don't have to do a thing either.

Like Summer arriving so will your opportunities. A big difference though is you have to be doing work and making preparations so they will arrive to you. It isn't an automatic occurrence. Like most good projects there is some coordination, planning and execution that is important. Seek advice from your family and friends. You'll find very good feedback from others you meet along the way.

Never forget to be helping others as you move forward, it isn't about what is in it for you but more so how can you help others. You have plenty to offer.

Local networking events

Do you attend local networking events? Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, Optimists, Toastmasters, job fairs, Business trade shows, after hours mixers, lead groups, local philanthropic organizations and many more? If not you should, even when you get back to work. The game is to meet new people and have fun. Doing this will help you to keep yourself in the loop. Mixing with others is stimulating for your brain.

Many folks have reported back over the years suggesting they have learned they will NEVER not network again.

Listening ----again

Listening to observant hiring managers it becomes clear that some folks have an agenda they want to espouse to the potential employer. In turn the interviewer feels the question asked wasn't really addressed. Active listening requires us to clear the mind and not try to have a ready answer when the person asking stops talking. We need to listen intently, make notes if needed then compose our answer.
This is where Toastmasters can help you grow your listening skills. At least find a club and visit it, better yet visit several so you a feel for the flavor of the clubs local to you.

Excuses

OK, tax time has passed so you can't blame any inactivity on that now. It is time to gather your marbles and get busy. Actively pursuing connections to speak with. Researching potential companies so you  know what they do. Updating your LinkedIn and Facebook accounts. Finding new spots to connect with others.

Job fairs

Do you attend job fairs? What about business shows. Or, how about Chamber of Commerce shows? If not, why not? These are places with a lot of people. A place where you can meet others and even offer assistance to them sometimes. When you are out looking for yourself you also want to be open to helping others.
When you attend a job fair be sure and remember my mantra : To- Have fun, Meet people, Learn something. When you handle it in this manner it makes it easier to enjoy the experience and even learn something along the way.
Make at lease three passes at a job fair to be sure you have visited as many displays as you can. Engage in conversations with all you can including those walking the aisles with you.