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Interns

February 2010

Who's life is this, anyway?

Posted by Cleon Feb 22, 2010

Be sure that you are in control of your destiny and not let others control it for you. That is one reason we talk about looking for opportunities instead of looking for jobs.

 

When we ask for a job we open ourselves up for failure, that of having the other person tell us no. That is a negative, not what you wanted to hear and you haven't accomplished your original goal of becoming re-employed.

 

We need to cultivate personal relationships and meet people. From there opportunities can be explored. When we listen we will hear of opportunities that are hidden. Remember that it is better to leave a people trail rather than a paper trail.
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What's in your toolbox?

Posted by Cleon Feb 15, 2010

Are you sharpening your tools? Looking for any new tools you can use? It's a new year so why not take this moment to check your toolbox.

 

You probably have a resume, so why not check it for accuracy and possible updates. There is always lots of debate whether to use a cronological or functional resume. Why not have both and check with friends for input on them.

 

Do you have your contact cards, calling cards or business cards. These are a small cost item that go a long way. The basics are to have your name, e-mail and phone number on them. It is so much easier to hand out cards than resumes.

 

Do you carry a pen or two with you along with a tablet or note pad. Do you keep reading material with you for those times you are early and have time to wait and read. If you are visiting someone that has authored a book it wouldn't hurt to have that with you.

 

Are your shoes in good looking shape. Whether or not if they are leather polished shoes and any of the new brands of more comfy shoes. Remember your dress should be appropriate for the company and you.

 

Do you have your calendar or daytimer? Whether it be paper or electronic.

 

Your job is to be prepared, listen well and ask useful questions for you.
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Here it comes----2010

Posted by Cleon Feb 8, 2010

Can you believe it? 2009 is over, but it just began. As you reflect back on your year you can identify all kinds of good and bad. As Robert Schuller said "Always look at what you have left. Never look at what you have lost".

 

Now is a good time to measure what you have done extremely well and worked best so far. As you begin laying your plans for the new year, new adventures, and especially new opportunities. Work hard to listen out there. As hard as it seems to do, when you are in a hurry to satisfy that need, just listen to others. Meet those friends and get out to new venues, networking opportunities and the pursuit of Happiness.

 

Many have told me that they have realized that there is actually more to life than money. There's a big statement, particularly if you have outstanding bills. I am talking about the bigger picture. You'll take care of the small stuff one way or the other. Allow that creative brain of yours get to work.

 

Go forth, lay out plans and be sure to include Having fun, Meeting people and Learning something.
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Memories of the past

Posted by Cleon Feb 1, 2010

With more and more seniority, here on earth, I find there are more and more memories from the past. Currently we have had some inclement weather, requiring chains or traction devices. That took me back to a memory, of being a child, at the mountain cabin in the High Sierras. Being at about 7,200 feet elevation at Echo Summit, California we saw lots of snow in the winter. As that child I always wanted it to snow. I learned early on that if I heard the whirring of those metal chains on vehicles it meant there was usually snow on the roads and we may have received some new snow. I can still here that clinking sound in my head.

 

So as I am driving around now most folks have cable chains or other new kinds that don't make that same noise. Yet my brain hears it.

 

Does that happen to you as you are on your quest for that next opportunity? Are you waiting to hear them say "We'd love to have you join our firm"? It sure seemed easier back then. So what has happened? Simply you have gotten older and more picky. That's not all bad though. You need to be picky. Remember what is worse than being unemployed? It is working where you are not happy.

 

So, just as I won't hear those old style chains, very often, anymore you may not hear the offer as often as you used to. The challenge to you is to keep your spirits high and trudge forward until you uncover the right one for you.
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