Great American Dream

Many people believe that the Great American Dream is to own a business and be your own boss. The reality is that being an entrepreneur isn’t for everyone. There are many people that thrive on the hard work and risk involved and others, well, it’s just not their cup of tea.

Click here to read some entrepreneur success stories.

Perhaps one of them will inspire you or you may realize that the risk involved in starting your own business is more than you’re comfortable with.

How to beat the winter blahs

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

Center for Business Excellence

I guess I’m lucky. Winter doesn’t seem to bother me that much. There’s nothing I like better than to make a pot of homemade soup, turn on some great movies and get snuggly with my dogs, Rusty and Chase. Sounds like paradise!

Okay, okay...so I live in Florida. That doesn’t mean we are immune here to shortened daylight hours and a cold breeze every now and then.

In speaking with several people lately, I learned it’s the shortened days of sunshine that really get to them. Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD) is a common issue. Symptoms may include:

· Increased appetite with weight gain –we’re not talking the holiday fare munching

· Increased sleep and daytime sleepiness

· Less energy and ability to concentrate in the afternoon

· Loss of interest in work or other activities

· Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement

· Social withdrawal

· Unhappiness and irritability

Here’s a link to an article on how to cope with the winter blahs:

http://www.thegreenestdollar.com/2010/01/7-frugal-ways-to-beat-the-winter-blahs/

Computer Practice Information

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

Frustrated with your efforts to learn to use a computer? Wish you had a computer cat that would beat up the computer mouse?

I don’t have a computer cat to lend you; however, I do have two things that are even better.

Number One, the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) has agreed to allow One-Stop computer students to use the six of the computers in the ATC lobby to practice their computer skills. The ATC is located on Williamson Blvd. just north of LPGA Blvd. The street address is 1770 Technology Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL. These computers are available beginning the Monday after Thanksgiving (November 28). The days and times they are available are as follows; Monday thru Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The procedure is simple go to the ATC and during the day sign in with Jeannie Rose and in the evenings sign in with Security.

The second thing is a video. Now you may be wondering how a video is going to help you learn to use a computer. This video is a step-by-step demonstration of the Internet Mouse Exercise, which is the first exercise in the One-Stop’s Introduction to Computers 1 workshop. To access the video click here.

For those of you that have moved into Intermediate Computer class and are having difficulty with the first exercise, there is a step-by-step video that goes over the bullets and the spacing after portion of the first exercise. You can access that video by clicking here.

How to be thankful for many aspects of your life

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

Center for Business Excellence

In this season of holiday cheer and reflection, I searched for articles on how to be thankful – just little reminders.

There are many aspects of our lives to be thankful for, but I want to reflect for a moment on my place of employment. I am extremely thankful for a caring and compassionate team that strives daily to make the lives of our community members better as they get back to work and gear up business operations.

One particular aspect I am thankful for is the addition (through some natural turnover) of CBE One-Stop Employment System staff that was in the unemployed trenches themselves not so long ago. Not only are they extremely empathetic to what our job-seeking customers are going through, they bring a fresh perspective on how we can make our services better.

With limited resources outpaced by demand, this is a constant struggle – not everyone coming through our doors will end up with exactly what they hoped. We do want them to feel their interaction with us gave them additional tools in the toolbox and that someone out there genuinely cares about them.

On that note, I say, “Thank you,” to staff as well as the customers we are privileged to serve.

Check out this article on different ways to be thankful: http://shazzmojo.hubpages.com/hub/Thanksgiving-A-Time-To-Be-Thankful

The New Way of Gift Giving

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


For those of you dreading the gift giving season because you lack the financial resources with which to buy presents; it’s time to get creative. Think about what you could do for those individuals for whom you would normally buy a present.

For example, rather than buying your significant other a new tool or something for his car, how about instead if you give him a certificate for one uninterrupted afternoon of football (or whatever his favorite sport is) or a weekend of fishing with no guilt attached? And for her, instead of wracking your brain and trying to figure out the correct size, the right style and the perfect color, give her a certificate for one weekend out of the kitchen. No cooking and no cleaning up after you’ve cooked.

These are just some ideas to get you thinking. You know the special people in your life better than anyone else. You should be able to come up with something they’ll really appreciate that will cost you nothing more than your time and effort.

Now for those of you with the financial resources to purchase gifts, I have a challenge. Buy American made products only and buy them from locally owned stores whenever possible.

I recently received an email from a friend of mine and while I will no doubt forward it on to many others I felt that this blog would be an appropriate location for the topic. I don’t know from where this email originated, however; I must say it makes sense to me. Give it a read and see if it doesn’t speak to you.

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high
gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave
your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at
your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese
lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that
China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about
US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow
their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our
communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion
groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in
your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other,
and isn't that what Christmas is about?

Why smart business leaders hire the unemployed

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

Center for Business Excellence

I was searching for some blog material on another subject entirely and came across an article aimed at businesses on the economics of why they should hire the unemployed. I thought it might also be of great interest to those looking for a job. Check it out:

http://www.jwjobblog.com/jwjobblog/2011/01/17/smart-ceos/

Veterans Day, November 11, 2011

By Mike Miller
DeLand One-Stop DEO Supervisor
Many Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. That's not quite true. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor America's war dead.
Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors ALL American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. Nov. 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free.
The brave men and women who serve and protect the U.S. come from all walks of life; they are parents, children and grandparents. They are friends, neighbors and coworkers, and an important part of their communities. Here are some facts about the current veteran population of the United States.
• 9.2 million veterans are over the age of 65.
• 1.9 million veterans are under the age of 35.
• 1.8 million veterans are women.
• 7.8 million veterans served during the Vietnam War era (1964-1975), which represents 33% of all living veterans.
• 5.2 million veterans served during the Gulf War (representing service from Aug. 2, 1990, to present).
• 2.6 million veterans served during World War II (1941-1945).
• 2.8 million veterans served during the Korean War (1950-1953).
• 6 million veterans served in peacetime.
• As of 2008, 2.9 million veterans received compensation for service-connected disabilities.
• Florida has 1.7 million veterans.
• Volusia County has 70,000 veterans – 13.7% of the population.
• Fourteen of our One-Stop Employment Center co-workers are veterans. They served their country, now they serve their community.
o Andre’ Anderson (Navy)
o Phil Pingshaw (Air Force)
o Lydia Hartley (Air Force)
o Hollie Bethany (Army)
o Brenda Brown (Air Force)
o Vicki Shannon (Army)
o Sharon Hairston (Army)
o Larry Cameron (Army)
o Eddie Stafford (Marines)
o Mike Miller (Air Force)
o Ken Torres (Army)
o Richard Cuebas (Army)
o James Alvarado (Army)
o Heidi Clarke (Navy)
Phil, Hollie, Ken and Richard are One-Stop staff members who provide services to unemployed veterans. Employ Florida Marketplace also has information and resource links that will assist veterans, veterans' families and employers in accomplishing their employment goals. The website matches job seekers with employers and other employment-related services.

Thanks to all our co-workers for the honorable service you have given to our country.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
- John F. Kennedy

For more information about Veterans Day, read this article from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Adjusting to the Time Change

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

This past weekend we changed our clocks again. We set them back an hour.

Clocks are a manmade device for tracking time and we can change them anyway we want. The reality is that our internal clocks take a bit more to adjust. Those who travel across time zones on a regular basis experience the need to adjust more than the rest of us. The rest of us only have to contend with making the adjustment twice a year.

Regardless of how often we have to make the adjustment it’s still an adjustment and our bodies aren’t particularly happy about it. Put another way; our biology hasn’t kept pace with our technology. Below is a quote from an article on dealing with the adjustment to the time change.

“Researchers in Sweden published a report in 2008 in the New England Journal of Medicine reporting that the number of heart attacks jumps during the period immediately following time changes, and that those vulnerable to sleep deprivation should be extra careful. “

To read the entire article click here.

Can unconventional tactics land you a job?

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

Center for Business Excellence

One thing is sure in this uncertain job market – job seekers need to set themselves apart from everyone else. But, how far should you go?

I once knew a woman who landed a marketing job at a five-star resort by sending a custom, multi-tasking woman made by the local chocolatier as a “thank-you” for the interview. Her tactic paid off as resort management perceived her as creative and offered her the job.

Even I tried my hand at this years ago, sending a “badge” cover letter to a girls’ organization. I did land an interview for the public relations coordinator position – didn’t get it, though.

Here’s a link to information on the pros and cons of thinking outside of the job-search box:

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2043-Job-Search-Do-Out-of-the-Box-Tactics-Really-Work/?pf=true

Turn Back Clocks Saturday Night (Or 2 a.m. Sunday Morning)

By Suzy Kridner
Career Specialist
Daylight savings time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday so don't forget to set your clocks back.
It's easy to lose track of time when you're unemployed and busy applying for jobs.
The days often run together and you don't even realize it's the weekend.
This weekend also is important as a reminder to check the batteries in your smoke detectors.
Most of us don't think about them until the smoke detector starts beeping in the middle of the night. Who wants to get up, go the garage, get a ladder and replace the batteries at 3 a.m.?
With an extra hour on Sunday, take a break from job searching and do something for yourself for an hour. Read a book, take a walk, call a friend or bake cookies.
Or you could use that hour to sleep, although many of us still wake up at the same time.
Me, I hope to get to the gym, since I always say I don't have time. Now I have an extra hour -- and no excuses.

STRESS Relief

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

We all know what helps us relax, whether it’s a walk on the beach watching the pelicans glide just above the waves, a stroll down a wooded path listening to the birds singing or sitting in your backyard watching the antics of a couple of squirrels. Knowing what helps you relax is only half the battle. You have to remember to take time for that relaxation. Stress relief should be one of your top priorities when it comes to your health.

Stress makes you susceptible to a variety of ailments and aggravates existing ailments. If you don’t believe me, Google the word stress and you will find a great deal of research has been done on the topic and how it affects your health.

Job searching is stressful, being unemployed is stressful, having financial problems…you get the idea. A new stressor is fast approaching, the holiday season. It creates its own special brand of stress.

So remember to schedule time for yourself. Time where all you do is breathe deeply and relax, clear your mind of all that’s going on in your life and just be. Stop and smell the roses, watch the birds, smell the salt air of the sea or whatever it is that helps you relieve stress.