Most people think of Labor Day as the last day of summer fun… no more white after today…last day for barbeques and outside events before winter and the holidays.

For me, of course I think of family and get togethers, but since I am in the business of helping people end their job search frustrations, Labor Day makes me think of what I can do different to help people find their next job.  So next Tuesday, I will be doing a free event in conjunction with the Hollywood Junior Chamber of Commerce.

An event to help you with your resume, interviewing, networking, and dressing for success! So, if you are in this situation, come out on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at the Hollywood Jaycee Hall 2930 Hollywood Blvd, on the SW corner of 95 and Hollywood Blvd at 1pm.  We will be doing all kinds of workshops until about 4pm.  Then at 5:30pm, join the Hollywood Jaycees for their monthly meeting and network! Find out how you can get involved!

Also, we will be doing a PROFESSIONAL CLOTHING EXCHANGE!  Yes, bring in your professional clothes that you would like to trade for something new.  All item left will be donated to Women in Distress and Broward Outreach.

Happy Labor Day!

So here it is…12:19pm…I am at my desk, haven’t eaten lunch yet and two young, energetic people come into the building promoting the company they work for with free mini sandwiches!!!! Awesome! They were very happy, cheery, and polite!  Said I am working hard at my desk and would I like a ham and cheese sandwich or turkey!  How awesome!  They gave me a flyer, said have a nice day, and they would even deliver one sandwich to the building if they had to!  So, guess what!  They have a new customer!  Because of the experience, I had to stop working and blog about it.  This is what I tell jobseekers….be different… do something out of the norm… this company, I can guarantee you will get business from the people in my building.  I am even going to call their location to tell them their employees were great!  They can list sales on their resume because of this experience, not to many many other items! They can even see how much sales have increased today or this week because of their promotion!

SO, think outside the box! This company did and now they will get business!

Yes…this is the perfect time to look for a job!  There are so many parties and get togethers during the holidays, that the meaning of networking really comes to play.

For the most part, people are in festive moods during the holidays and are in a giving spirit.  If you are looking for a new opportunity, seize the moment.  Prepare your 30 second commercial and let it out at the parties.  Be specific and targeted as to what you are looking to do and be open to all situations.  Make sure you also listen!  Everyone loves to talk about themselves, so be aware that human nature is still out there and no one cares more about you, than you.  Show interest in the conversation and offer to help the person you are speaking to even if they are employed and you are not.  Remember it’s about givers gain!

Once you have established that key person that can help you and you had a great conversation…FOLLOW UP!  Don’t leave an opportunity on the table because you did not follow up.

Oh!!!!!!  Make sure you are positive and upbeat!  Nothing brings down a party more than the grinch!  Don’t be a downer…if that is how you feel…try to cheer up, but do not attempt to go to a party, trash your last job or boss and expect people to respond in a positive way.

If you happened to have lost your job by getting fired or laid off…. put if behind you… TAKE ACTION TODAY!

Polish up your resume…get your networking hat on….put on your smile and start networking!

Happy job hunting!

I am a firm believer that everyday I learn something new either through taking a new class, seminar, workshop, attending a conference, meeting, and mostly through listening to other people.  No one knows everything and for those that think they do, disconnect from them…they will bring you down.

How about surrounding yourself with successful people?  Seek out those that you find are successful and can easily get access to.  Pick their brain, ask them questions, network with them.

This weekend, you have the opportunity to connect with many powerful and successful women in our community.  The event will be life changing for many women in attendance.  Come learn and experience what our community professional women have to offer.

The event will take place at Nova Southeastern University.  Please see link for more info.  I will be presenting a class on Saturday at 12 noon! Inspiration University presents: The Total Working Womens Weekend

Come learn and network!

http://www.inspiration-university.com/2010/09/05/register-now-for-the-total-working-womens-weekend/

Today I spoke to a job seeker and he mentioned there is a job fair tomorrow. I said the South Florida Diversity Job Expo to be held from 9am-3pm at the Sheraton Suites Plantation…he said yes!  I advised him I will be there and speaking on a panel from 9am-10:30am. He said should I go?  I said are you doing anything? He said no…. I advised him to go!  I know sometimes at job fairs the companies are not what you are looking for or you may feel like you are wasting your time, but how about if you went in with the attitude that you may meet someone that can open a door for you including another job seeker!

You must keep a open mind about networking and events.  No, they will not always pan out, but if you give up, then it is your loss.

Stay focused and positive.  Also, make sure you find out what will take place at the job fair.  For example, this job fair will have contests, speed interviewing segments, and an expert panel on recruiting and best practices. So you are also getting educated!

SO, I SAY GO!!!!!

If you go, come say hi!  I will be there from 9-10:30am!

Violet

Yesterday I met with a new client that I met over one year ago when I was a guest panelist for Women in Communication. We connected via facebook and she would get information from me about my teleseminars, events, and more… however, this is not the reason for this blog… this is just a bonus.

The story about ‘Keeping in Touch’ does come from this client.  At the same event I met her, she met another young lady that was looking for a job in Marketing/PR/Communications.  This young lady happened to ask me a question about looking for a job.  In my response to her, one item that I mentioned to her is to get involved in an organization or company and volunteer for them.  After the event, my client that happens to work in television, approached her, spoke with her, in essence, they networked and kept in touch.…Literally, two weeks ago… my client had a casting call for dancers.  She needed some volunteers to help with the casting and she contacted the young lady at the event that she had been in touch with.  The young lady was just working part-time and not in her field.  My client called her, gave her an opportunity to volunteer, and just this week, per my client’s recommendation, she got a job!!!

This all happened because they kept in touch.  The young lady was able to get a job in the industry she went to school for and dreamed of.  So far, everyone is happy.  A successful story! So, Keep In Touch!

Violet

I met Joe at my BNI networking meeting! He is a NSU student.  This is what I mean when I say network and stand out from the rest!  Go Joe!!!  Got a job for him? Call him!

Here is the article!

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/20/1739494/laid-off-but-working-hard-its.html

I recently read a book that says most people live their lives on “Someday Isle”…Someday I’ll be happy. Someday I’ll have a job. Someday etc… Life is here and now… go out and sieze it! Your challenge today… List five things you’ve been procrastinating about and plan to take action! Yes, this also means take action in your job search!

For Jobsearch….

1. Work on resume

2. List companies I want to work for

3. Narrow down position I want to apply for

4. Go to three networking events this week

5. Call three people everyday for one week to help me in my job search!

Father’s Day is upon us once again.  What are the things that come to mind that your dad did for you when you were growing up or now as an adult?  My husband always jokes around and says that dads are known for knocking out the rent… as opposed to dear old mom who does everything! Well if dad is knocking out the rent, then he has a great job, right?  How did your dad make it at his job all those years?  Have you ever asked him?  Maybe it’s time to ask dear old dad who knocked out the rent for his advice for job search.

So here’s a tip:  DAD= DECIDE | ACTION | DETERMINED

DECIDE: What you want to do, be specific

ACTION: Take action… make a plan for your job search including: resume, research companies, practice interviewing, network, and follow up

DETERMINED:   Stay focused… you are determined to find the job of your dreams….stay positive

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Tonight, I was at the Junior Achievement networking social and met many people, no surprise there… however, the reason for this email was that two different people that have a mutual friend came up to me to say thank you for getting my friend a job! I did not get him the job… I just made a connection for him and helped him with his resume… I was happy with this news, however, a few minutes later, I looked at my iphone emails and saw this….Violet, I just got a job!  I met this person at a job fair months ago…kept in touch with him, gave him some advice on his resume, he emailed me that he needed some help with meeting people specifically that are hiring paralegals, I put him in touch with a company that recently called me to ask if I knew any paralegals… he was one that I remembered, because he kept in touch…I put him in touch, and that is the email I got today!  I was so happy with all the news!  There are jobs out there…really! However, you need to be prepared. You need to be focused on what you want to do and make sure you are qualified to do the job and be able to prove it. So, make sure you stay in touch, network, be prepared professionally with your resume, presentation, and brush up on your interviewing skills. Good luck!