Listening

Listening has been a topic before and it arises again. It seems everything we do has a connection to listening somewhere. Whether it be parents, children, work, play and the list goes on. When we don't "listen" we easily miss key elements of and in life. Sometimes the consequences are catastrophic yet many times they aren't that bad.
No matter the consequence we need to be better listeners which in turn works to our benefit. If you really want to "learn" how to listen better then be sure and visit a local Toastmasters group.

Are you ready for Fall?

What is the difference in the seasons and your opportunity searching? We can go either way on this one. We can talk about changing weather, i.e. rain, snow, mud, cold etc. and all the reasons it may be harder now. We can also talk about a new season and a new attitude with the ability to dress differently.
In fact we can use any old excuse to either do well or not so well. Your job is to pick yourself up, smile and get busy once again. Remember to have fun, meet people and learn something. Get out there and network and see people. Help others in any way you can. Find new venues to visit and new people to meet.
You have so many possibilities that you have no excuse.
Now go out and have a wonderful day.

Where are you looking?

To begin with one can scour the Sunday paper, it is certainly and excellent way to give you ideas. Bulletin boards and companies websites are great. You can also talk to friends and people you meet while networking. One of the inherent values of networking.
An important piece here is to be sure to be forming personal relationships with folks. The more you know about the others the more help you can be to them.

Labor Day

OK...Labor Day has come and gone now. Time for you to start your labor(ing). As depressing as it may feel sometimes you still need to get out there and be productive. If you don't who will? Exactly, no one will be doing it for you and if they do/did they may not find you what you are really looking for.
Remember you want to be more than just an applicant, you need to stand out. How might you stand out? Think of the ways. It could be with a colorful outfit, crazy hairstyle, mumbling etc. Correct!!! That is not how you want to stand out. You need a compelling reason for them to hire you or even look at you.

Have you heard?

Have you heard that people are being hired and more are needed. It appears that besides the actual employers themselves hiring many of the temp agencies are hiring. For those need immediate cash flow it may of benefit to check them out. Checking out temp. agencies is no different that interviewing for an opportunity (job), so be sure you check them all out. Many have temp to hire positions.

Selling vs. networking

While watching folks network the other morning it became obvious again of how many people are doing more selling, of their attributes, than networking. Understanding the need to plug that cash flow drain I'm not sure it is as effective as pure networking first. We need to build those personal relationships first and let them muddle over your potential skills.

Through good listening skills and learning more about them they will in turn learn about you and not feel the pressure of being sold to.

Keep in mind that when attending a networking event you should be paying attention of how you might be able to assist others. When you run across what you consider possibilities for yourself then ask for another meeting.

Powerwashing

What might power washing have in common with searching for your next opportunity in your career path? As I was out cleaning the driveway, in total captivation because will come close, I find myself thinking about anything and everything. Going back and forth reminds me of the job search and putting our plan together and executing it. As I wash the driveway I find my plan is to go back and forth in perfect paths to clean. The truth is that sometimes I get a little off course and of course have to go back over my path and fix the area I missed.

That happens to you also when you don't quite execute as you should and you have to correct and maybe even go back. If life was so predictable and perfect it wouldn't be much fun nor learning. We go through life learning and making corrections all the time to get to where we are going. Why would it be any different in the opportunity searching business.