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Show Every1Counts NEED A JOB? NETWORK WITHIN YOUR NETWORK By Cynthia Kimball Humphreys I am still amazed at how many connections we each have within our own sphere of influence or circle of friends or through a friend of a friend of a friend. So if you’re in need of a job that is exactly where you need to start. Most people would rather hire someone they know or who was referred to them. Recently I connected through Face book, one of the many social networking sites along with LinkedIn, Plaxo, Twitter, Echo Loops (if you use this one log in here http://echoloops.com/ signup.php and use this invite code BH239932) to name a few, with a former University of North Carolina colleague of mine who later went on to get his Juris Doctorate or law degree. He now is one of the owners of a large career college in the United States. So, since I am also in the education profession, if I were in need of a job, even though we hadn’t been in contact for the last 20 years, but have since reconnected our friendship from our Tar Heel days, I would first start with him. This is not to say that looking for a job via the Internet on websites such as Monster, Career Builder or Craigslist is a bad idea. The same goes with finding jobs in your local or state newspaper. It is just, rather, a known fact, that people would rather hire people they know or people their friends or associates know. So, again, start within your sphere of influence, circle of friends or through your friend of a friend of a friend. First, make a list of positions you would like. Add to that list positions you would dream to be in (i.e. jobs you think you’d like or have dreamed about, but don’t necessarily have the experience or qualifications for) since, through a connection, this may be your way into that dream job. Next make a list of all the people you know and who they know and forget the fact that you haven’t communicated in over 20 years. Underneath these names write their connection. For example, using my friend above, I’ll call him “John Doe,” I would write under his name “Vice President of Smith College” (not the actual college name) and the profession “Education.” I would continue doing this for all my contacts. Then under their names, write, if you know --and if you don’t, assert yourself and call your contact for that information; you’ll be amazed at how many people want to help-- who they know, their title, name of company and field they are in. You will soon see that you have several connections. But if you don’t, don’t despair. Recently, I conducted a networking class at an Operation Military Camp where several youth couldn’t think of any networking contacts. So I asked them what they were interested in and what they wanted to do. One said, “I want to be a doctor.” “Put my name down,” I said. With a puzzled look the Page 3 The Garfield County Insider July 23, 2009 camper said, “You name?” “Yes, my name. I do advocacy work in the cancer field and therefore know many physicians and other contacts.” “Cool,” large smile and then, “Thanks!” Actually, I told the entire class of campers, “Put my name down as I now know all of you.” More large smiles, especially for those who couldn’t think of one networking contact. You see, even if I don’t personally know someone in their field of interest, I can brainstorm with them and together we can come up with a contact even if it isn’t through a direct link. The best part, though, is by the end of the class, everyone had at least three solid networking contacts. I told them and the same with you, that the more you do this exercise, the easier it gets and the more networking contacts you will find you have. Once you have your list of contacts, you now need to contact them. It could be through email, a phone call, Face book, as in the example above, through a meeting or even snail mail. But make sure to first establish rapport and reconnect before launching into your employment needs. I must note, though, that due to the present situation of our economy, even with the best networking connections, you still may not get the job you want or the one you are qualified for because there are less jobs available and as a result, the competition for those jobs is fierce. Instead, you may have to take one, two or even three jobs you don’t necessarily want to make ends me. But only temporarily. Look, again, don’t despair. Once you get a job or two, even if it’s not what you want to be doing, be grateful that you have work and that you’ve gotten your foot in the door. And if you end up bagging groceries when you used to be an executive, so what. Be known for being the best bagger. Smile, use manners, compliment, go the extra mile in all that you do. Learn your customers’ names and get to know their families. Carry their groceries to their car. Ask them if they found everything they were looking for. Stand out from all the other baggers. Don’t be rude, just stand out. Then see how long you end up bagging. Not only will your bosses notice, but your customers who both may very well have employment opportunities lurking. Best of luck to all of you looking for employment. Don’t give up. And remember, “This [our economy] too shall pass,” and “Money grows on the tree of persistence.” For information on coaching, consulting, speaking or training contact: Cynthia Kimball Humphreys, Vice President, Every1Counts, P.O. Box 574, Hatch, UT 84735. Ph: 435.632.1489, Fax: 435.735.4222 or Email: kimball@every1counts.net. Website: www. every1counts.net. © 2008 Every1Counts, LLC. All rights reserved. MISSIONS Elder Kyle Kent Bateman Elder Kyle Kent Bateman has returned from the Georgia, Atlanta North Mission. He will be speaking on Sunday, July 26 in the Panguitch 2nd Ward. He is the Son of Richard and Cheryl Church and the late Brian Bateman and the grandson of Val and Marylou Church, Kent and Sharon Bateman and Melvin and the late Lillian Grondahl. EAGLE SCOUTS Trevor Peterson Brooks Leach Bowery Haven Resort Hours: 7 Days a Week Store: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Restaurant: 7am - 9 p.m. Prime Rib Friday and Saturday Motel - Cabin Boat Rentals Available Call for Info 435-638-1040 Trevor Peterson, son of Justin and Gina Peterson, will receive his Eagle Scout Award at a Court of Honor held July 26, 2009. Hale Art Gallery Open for season Great prices on original art. Good selection of Lynn Griffin's work Brooks Leach, son of Donny and Cyndi Leach will receive his Eagle Scout Award at a Court of Honor held July 26, 2009. COLOR COUNTRY NURSERY Summer Clearance Sale 20% Off all trees and shrubs until further notice. Come early for best selection. Closed on occasion. 378 W. Center, Panguitch Call Ahead 676-8301 or cell 616-8301 |