Stress Relief

Posted by: Darlene Duncan, CWDP, JSS
Training Coordinator

Everyone of us deals with stress everyday. Some people handle it better than others. We all know someone that never seems to be bothered by stress. You know the ones, they handle crisis after crisis and never seem to be stressed by anything. The reality is that those people either have some method for coping with the stresses of life or they are suppressing that stress. Suppressing stress, living with stress and not reducing it can lead to a variety of health problems.

To check out this article on how to reduce your stress level click here.

Time for spring cleaning…does that include Facebook?

By: Lori Stone, APR, Director of Business Operations & Communications

Center for Business Excellence

It’s that time of year. Time to clean out the clutter at home or your office. Spring symbolizes a fresh start in every way. Does that include your Facebook page?

Let’s face it. Facebook has many intriguing qualities…and a few annoying ones. I personally don’t like receiving multiple invitations to your kazoo concert. And I definitely don’t want a question answered about me, a pillow thrown at me or a teddy bear! However, this doesn’t necessarily mean I should be quick to hit “Delete.”

Let’s face it. Our community, or the world for that matter, is getting more accessible through technology. We may barely know each other now, but I may be working closely with you on a project in a couple of years.

And what about the office environment? What do you do then? If you delete someone you work with, is that considered a virtual, “in your face?” In pondering all of this, I found this excellent article on Facebook etiquette:

http://peggyparks.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/facebook-etiquette-deleting-friends/

3 Tips for A Successful Memorial Day Job Search

Written by: Christopher McDonough


If you're anything like me, you woke up this past Monday to realize that this work week is ending with a three day weekend to celebrate Memorial Day. Thoughts of hot dogs & hamburgers (or their veggie alternatives, if that's your thing), swimming pools and beaches and cookouts went dancing through your head even before you clocked in to start the week! But, just because you're getting ready for the party, doesn't mean you should throw your job search on the backburner, next to the grilled zucchini that almost never gets eaten. Memorial Day cookouts and parties are perfect opportunities to do some good ol' fashioned networking and person-to-person job searching!

Not sure what I mean? Here's some tips to help make your Memorial Day fun and fruitful.

Carry along copies of your resume to cookouts and parties.
Especially if these cookouts are being thrown by your friends or they're neighborhood mixers, you're likely to run into people who may be able to tell you about jobs in their particular companies. Having your resume on-hand is a great way to get the word out about who you are to these companies without ever stepping foot into their office! Pack it into your picnic basket next to a cool fruit salad, or brownies, and you're not even going out of your way to make sure you're stlil on the job search even on a holiday!

Network, network, network.
I'm not telling you to be all-business on a holiday; in fact, you should be sure to take time out from your job search on your three-day weekend. But if you're there, and they're there, you may as well throw your name into the mix, right? Meet new people at every party you go to. Make sure to remind a few friends that you're looking for a job. Chances are they'll be able to point you out to at least one person at the cookout who is a great contact for you to add to your list!

Have fun!
Memorial Day Weekend is a great time to recharge and get your summer started. It's also a great time to get your creative juices flowing to dive back into the job search. Be sure to pack plenty of sun screen, keep hydrated and most of all - have fun! When you're happy, you're more likely to be productive. You're not a robot, so take time to relax, breathe and let good things come to you!

Life It Is a Changin' -- Always

By Suzy Kridner
CBE Administrative Assistant
We are all in transition.
It may be our family life (new spouse) or our work life (lost a job).
It can be a transition, and a crisis, because we are feeling out of control.
Small Business Expert Susan L. Reid says it’s a crisis when you feel unstable and a transition when you move from one thing to the next.
Reid says transitions are tough on everyone: yourself, your family, your friends.
But she has 10 things you can do to ease the transition. One of my favorites is No. 10: Avoid jumping into anything new too soon.
Go slowly, Reid says. When your life is disrupted by a transition – even one you initiate – it takes time to adjust to the new reality. Use that time to reflect and think about what is really best for you.
Read more in this article.

How to Handle Those Last Days

Posted by: Darlene Duncan, CWDP, JSS
Training Coordinator

There are still people out there being downsized, laid off, or whatever euphemism is being used this week to describe letting someone go because the company can’t financially afford to keep them any longer.

Should you find yourself in that position, here is something you might want to keep in mind.

Your current employer will very likely be called by potential future employers. So how you behave at work during those last weeks or days prior to your departure will have a huge impact on your future job search. You need to make sure you maintain a good attitude combined with continuing to do your job.

I’m not saying it’s easy. I am saying it’s important that you continue to do quality work and have a good attitude.

You might ask, “Isn’t it enough that I’m doing my job? I mean, after all they’re getting rid of me. Rejecting me.”

The answer is “NO!”

Let’s look at a possible scenario.

Jane Doe gets a notice of lay off. She will have a job for three more weeks. Jane gets angry. She starts coming in late and doing the bare minimum of work. For the next three weeks Jane does only what is required of her. She sulks and pouts like a spoiled child. Before the three weeks is over, the company gets a new contract and now has sufficient funds that they don’t have to eliminate Jane from the payroll.

Hmmmm. What do you think is going to happen? Will they keep Jane? Or will they still let her go? What would you do if you were the one in the position to decide?

Let’s revisit Jane.

Jane Doe gets a notice of lay off. She will have a job for three more weeks. Jane continues to do her job. She does her best to always have a good attitude and is eager to help her co-workers. Before the three weeks is over, the company gets a new contract and now has sufficient funds that they don’t have to eliminate Jane from the payroll.

Hmmmm. What do you think is going to happen? Will they keep Jane? Or will they still let her go? What would you do if you were the one in the position to decide?

There is very little in life we have control over, our attitude is the one thing we always have control over. You choose how you react to life’s obstacles. Quite often how we react will determine whether life’s everyday obstacles become mountains or remain speed bumps.

You take…you take my self control -- why making changes can wear us out

By: Lori Stone, APR, Director of Business Operations & Communications

Center for Business Excellence

Several of us on the CBE team are reading the book, “Switch…How to Change Things When Change is Hard,” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath.

Early in the book, the authors talk about how self-control is an exhaustible resource. Self control can make or break effective change. This is a very interesting concept to me and seems to make sense.

Sorry, I couldn’t resist the nod to Laura Branigan in this blog’s title! Check out this article I found on the subject:

http://sourcesofinsight.com/2010/04/22/change-is-hard-because-self-control-wears-you-out/ 

Staying on task not so easy

By Suzy Kridner
CBE Administrative Assistant
We all have problems with procrastination. Whether at home or work or on the job hunt, it’s easy to get distracted. Keep on task, as my granddaughter says.
According to one blogger, “He has half the deed done who has made a beginning.” -- Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus)
If the job seems too big, like working on a big report or cleaning the closet, set deadlines and break the task into smaller segments.
The next time you face a “job” that appears overwhelming or unpleasant, beat the temptation to postpone action by committing to work on the job for just 10 minutes, according to blogger Nagesh Belludi.
He suggests following four simple steps. To find the steps, and other tips, read his article.

The 7th Annual Business Express countdown has started and we have two late breaking announcements!

1. The Early Bird Registration Special of $50 has been extended until May 25th! (We received comments from businesses that received the notification of the event at a later time and wanted the same grace period – we are simply being easygoing.) After the 25th, registration will be $60. Click here to take advantage of this early bird rate.

2. The workshops are approved for FIVE general HRCI recertification credits! Take advantage of this awesome opportunity to stay current with your certification.
Two easy ways to register: www.centerforbusinessexcellence.net or call 386-323-7088.
We look forward to having you join us on June 1st!

The CBE team.

Remembering names a plus

By Suzy Kridner
CBE Administrative Assistant
Remembering names is a problem for many of us.
I’ve just been introduced to someone and the name goes right out of my memory, or it was never firmly implanted on my brain’s hard drive.
Despite all the articles I’ve read, and seminars I’ve attended, it’s still difficult to remember a name. And it doesn’t get easier as we age.
My husband and I have a pact. We don’t get upset when we meet someone we know but don’t introduce him or her to our spouse.
We know it’s because we can’t remember the person’s name.
I’m really appreciative of a co-worker I wanted to introduce to someone at a business function recently. When I asked her, do you know “John Smith?” she immediately said “No,” and gave her name, “Hello, I’m Mary Jones.” We all have mental blocks at times.
But for job seekers or business owners, remembering someone’s name is crucial.
The following article tells why we forget people’s names and suggestions on how to remember them. Read more here.

I Want To Be The Boss!

Posted by: Darlene Duncan, CWDP, JSS
Training Coordinator

The Great American Dream is to be your own boss. The dream is that you’ll have lots more free time, there won’t be anyone to tell you what to do, and you’ll make more money and work less.

Believe me, that description bears little, to no resemblance to reality. The truth is that if you want to have a successful business, it will consume you. You’ll spend less time with your family and work harder than if you were working for someone else. In the beginning, you’ll make less money than if you were working for someone else.

However, if you succeed you will make much more money and be happier doing it.

For a reality check on starting your own business read this article, The Seven Pitfalls of Business Failure And How to Avoid Them. It’s got some good information.

Reunion invitations received while unemployed –should you stay (at home) or should you go?

By: Lori Stone, APR, Director of Business Operations & Communications

Center for Business Excellence

For the past month, I’ve been assisting the Seabreeze High School Class of ’86 Reunion planning committee. No doubt, it’s been a blast seeing familiar faces from the past on a regular basis.

Aside from the overall conclusion that it would be a heck of a lot easier to get the word out to our classmates if Facebook existed in the 1980s, we have also been pondering what our turnout will be in this current economic climate.

We are keeping it casual and cost-conscious, but still, will people want to come if life isn’t seemingly as good as it was five years ago? We certainly hope they will come.

I found a feature article on this very subject by Marine DelCarmen, a contributor to a publication entitled, “The Bellevue Reporter.” Thought it might be an interesting read. Go Sandcrabs!

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/bel/opinion/99876969.html

Free vouchers aid in computer training

By Suzy Kridner
CBE Administrative Assistant
Margaret Brennan of Ormond-by-the-Sea recently graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in information system technology.
But to get a job in her field, she also needs Information Technology certifications such as an MCITP (Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional).
Using Digital Access Vouchers from the Center For Business Excellence (CBE) One-Stop Employment System, Brennan is able to take online IT courses at no cost. And she has a no-cost Digital Access voucher to take the MCITP certification exam in person at an area testing site when she finishes her courses.
Improving computer skills is one area that helps the unemployed in their job searches.
In addition to the Digital Access Voucher program, the CBE provides beginning and intermediate computer classes at its One-Stop Employment Centers in Daytona Beach, DeLand and Flagler/Palm Coast. Information and class schedules can be found at www.one-stops.com.
CBE, a non-profit agency, is the premier organization for employment and training solutions to businesses and workforce of Volusia and Flagler Counties.
The Digital Access Microsoft® online courses are designed to be taken at your own pace wherever you use a computer and have access to the Internet.
Microsoft Office and IT exams will need to be scheduled at one of the certified testing centers in the area. There will be an exam proctoring fee, determined by each testing center.

Digital Access vouchers are available for:
• Microsoft® Office 2007 Certification Exams for Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and Access.
• Microsoft® IT Technical online courses for server products, operating systems etc.
• Microsoft ® IT Professional Certification exams for technical courses.
No vouchers remain for Microsoft® Office 2007 online courses.

To find out if you meet eligibility requirements for Digital Access Vouchers, please send an e-mail to digitalaccess@cbe-fvc.org indicating the type of voucher you would like and your telephone number. You will be contacted with further information. For questions, call (386) 323-0004. The application deadline is June 15.

'Real' Time vs. Clock Time: What Works?

Posted by Suzy Kridner
CBE Administrative Assistant
I love to read articles about time management.
I figure eventually I'll find the perfect solution for getting everything done, both at work and at home, and not feel crunched for time.
As one article said, if I'm going to learn the traits of a conscious leader, I'll have to agressively manage my time.
But I'm not ready to get rid of my TV, which was one suggestion. How will I find out if "The Good Wife" reconciles with her husband? And will "Castle" find true love with police detective Kate Beckett?
But an hour or two of TV entertainment each night does cut into my time, whether clock time or "real" time.
Most of us live in "real" time, that's when time flies when you are having fun or drags when you're doing a boring task.
As another article says, remember that it's impossible to get everything done, regardless of what time you use.

Read more about effectively managing your time.

How To Leverage Social Media for Career Success

Posted by: Darlene Duncan, CWDP, JSS
Training Coordinator

Some people spend more time on Facebook, Twitter or writing their own blog than they spend doing anything else. Then there are those people who barely know what Facebook, Twitter and blogging are. Regardless of which category you fall into this article can help you use social media more effectively in your job search.

Click here.

I am human and I need to be loved…just like everybody else does

By: Lori Stone, APR, Director of Business Operations & Communications

Center for Business Excellence

As you can tell from this blog's title, I love 80’s “first wave” music and, of course, The Smiths. These lyrics pop in my head from time to time when I’m trying to remain strong in every aspect of my life, but wish at that moment the leaning on me wasn’t so pressing.

Not a pity party and, by all means, don’t break out the tiny violins! I’m just being honest. Sound familiar?

Dr. Leo Busgaglia once said, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” I think this applies to those on the front line as well as in leadership roles. There is no one so self-sufficient and stoic that they don’t need a little compassion every now and then – unless, perhaps, they are a robot!

I found an interesting article about compassion for coworkers, but it could really apply to family members, friends and about any other type of relationship you have with another human being. Cool? See for yourself:

http://www.yourdictionary.com/grammar/style-and-usage/encouraging-words-for-co-workers.html

Adapting to change is crucial today

Posted by Suzy Kridner
CBE Administrative Assistant

We all remember the “good old days?”
But now the dial phone has given way to the smart phone.
The roll down car window has given way to the push button window.
A watch that winds has given way to an electronic or automatic watch.
The list could go on and on.
As Bob Dylan sang, “The Times They Are a-Changin'."
Change is difficult. Change is constant. Change causes problems, and change creates opportunities, according to blogger John Mariotti, a time-shared executive advisor and columnist. He says most people agree with those statements. And yet, most people resist change.
"Ironically, their very unwillingness to change, disregards the fact that change is happening all around them, and in not changing, they are 'left behind' by that change."
Jobs also have changed and that poses real problems for employers -- and for job seekers. Most jobs today require some use of computers or computer-based equipment.
And managing people now requires change, change from the employee and from the employer.
You can either learn to change or suffer the consequences.

Learn more about dealing with change.

Update Resources for Pro-Net

We have LOTS of new materials/resources for professionals who are looking for a job.

A few titles include:

7 Secrets to a Winning Job Interview by William Rolack

Highly Effective Networking and Highly Effective Job Searc by Orville Pierson

Linked Working by Frank Agin and Lewis Howes

60 Seconds & Your Hired by Robin Ryan

and...

Coach Yourself to a New Career by Talane Miedaner.

If you would like to learn more about these resources or have questions regarding Professionals Services please send an e-mail to professionalservices@cbe-fvc.org .

A Depressing Time for Many

Posted by Suzy Kridner
CBE Administrative Assistant

Joblessness, home foreclosures, bankrupty, lack of health insurance -- any one of them can cause depression.
These are definitely trying times for many people. While job forecasts are slightly more positive, many people are still suffering the effects of the poor economy, often leading to bouts of depression. It's hard to keep a positive attitude spending hours looking for a job, with no success.
And even though you have a job, it may not be a fulfilling one and that too can cause depression.
Psychologist Jerry Kennard of York, England, says an episode of low mood/depression, whether or not technically classified as clinical depression, can last for months.
But Kennard says there are things you can do to protect yourself and possibly even shorten the time of your discomfort.
Read the following article to things to avoid or change when you are depressed. 

Surprising Jobs Women Are Taking Over

Posted by: Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC Training Coordinator

There have always been and will always be those jobs that are considered traditionally male jobs. However, the reality is that women are making serious inroads in some of those jobs. Click this link to read the details.

May you have enough…

By: Lori Stone, APR, Director of Business Operations & Communications

Center for Business Excellence

A couple of weeks ago during a strength training class at my gym, Molly, our totally cool instructor, shared with us inspirational quotes to ponder before each set . They were really amazing and I wanted to share them with you. You know, not all mushy gushy – just real. Thanks, Molly!

May you have enough:

HAPPINESS to keep you sweet
TRIALS to keep you strong
SORROW to keep you human
FAILURE to keep you humble
SUCCESS to keep you eager
FRIENDS to give you comfort
WEALTH to meet your needs
ENTHUSIASM to look forward
FAITH to banish depression
DETERMINATION to make each day better than yesterday