Making A Great First Impression

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

There’s an old saying I grew up hearing, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Within just a few seconds of meeting someone you have made a first impression. There are many factors that go into creating that initial impression. They include but are not limited to; your body language, your clothing, your grooming and your overall attitude.

Click here to read an article that expands on the idea of Making A Great First Impression.

Pardon us while we change!

By Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications

Center for Business Excellence

Most of us know change is inevitable.  It’s one of the infallible truths you can count on.  Today, our DeLand One-Stop Employment Center moved to its newest location in Orange City.

As you can see from the accompanying photo, we are in temporary quarters while the build out occurs in our new, permanent location in the same plaza (the Orange City Market Plaza more unofficially known by locals as the old K-Mart Plaza).

Our temporary location is 822-1 Saxon Blvd.  The main telephone number will remain unchanged: (386) 740-3232.  Our permanent space will be at 840-27 Saxon Blvd.

The CBE sees this as an excellent opportunity to better serve West Volusia County residents and businesses as Orange City is more centrally located.

That said, the change did create some stressful times for all involved, including customers.  By the way, everyone rose to the occasion and managed beautifully! Sure, there will be many bugs to work out, but we are poised to take them on!

How do you deal with rapid change?  Here are some tips that may help:

http://www.impactfactory.com/gate/change_management_skills_training/fungate_1649-1103-80564.html

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR WEST VOLUSIA RESIDENTS

The DeLand One-Stop Center is moving to Orange City

The relocation will take place in a two-step process. First the center will be temporarily located at: 822-1 Saxon Blvd. Orange City, FL 32763, in the Orange City Market Plaza. The second relocation will occur upon completion of renovation work to be performed at the final location: 840-27 Saxon Blvd. Orange City, FL 32763.

The first move will take place on June 25^th, 2012. The move will not disrupt services to jobseekers and businesses. The second move is expected to take place in the Fall of 2012.

The CBE sees this as an excellent opportunity to better serve West Volusia County residents and businesses as Orange City is more centrally located.

The One-Stop Center telephone number will remain unchanged: (386) 740-3232. 

Click here for the map of the new location.

Nail That Interview

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

You worked on your résumé until it was a polished, effective marketing tool. Then you sent it out to employers and now you’ve gotten an interview. The résumé did its job; it got you the interview you wanted. Now it’s time for you to do your job, nail that interview.

Click here for an article with some information to help you nail that interview to the wall.

Are you aggressive or assertive?

By Lori McMullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence

“B-E- A-G-G-  R-E-S-S-I-V-E!”   This advice might work on the football field, but it typically serves as a turnoff in the business world.

You may think your “enthusiastic” style is just what employers and clients want, but it may be translating to pushiness.

Assertiveness is much more attractive and effective. It never goes out of style, although I don’t think it will be sweeping the nation as the newest cheer!  Want to know if you have what it takes to be assertive?  Check out this link:

http://www.inc.com/articles/2000/04/18619.html

The Benefits of Vocal Variety

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

The Carolina Wren has a large repertoire of vocals. Its vocal variety makes it a welcome visitor to my backyard.

When I was a member of Toastmasters one of the early speeches we were required to give was about vocal variety. For Toastmasters it was all about holding the attention and interest of your audience. However, research has shown that using vocal variety has other benefits; it makes you sound more credible and intelligent.

To read the full article from Psychology Today click here.

Overcoming your fear of networking

By: Lori Mcmullin, APR

Director of Business Operations & Communications

Center for Business Excellence

Two weeks ago, our organization held its, “Eighth Annual Business Summit.” As always, I enjoyed spending time with area business owners, leaders, management staff and professional job seekers alike.

Every attendee had their own reason for being there.  Maybe, it was solely to obtain knowledge that would help them in their job or grow their business.  For those who also came to network, I pondered what tactics they used to “get up for the game” that morning.

What many individuals who struggle with networking don’t understand is just because someone is good at it, doesn’t mean they come by it naturally.  It is a skill that needs frequent care and feeding.

I found this link with tips on this subject.  Hope you find it useful.  If so, I’ll see you at the next “Business after Hours” event!

http://excelle.monster.com/benefits/articles/4144-6-tips-for-overcoming-your-fear-of-networking

Give Your Résumé Eye Appeal

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

Quite often information related to how to do your résumé is something that is debatable.

However, I think everyone can agree that if you’re submitting your résumé as a Word document it will look much more attractive without the red and green squiggles.

Yes, you can make them go away while you’re looking at your résumé. However, when you send it out as an attachment and someone else opens it, those red and green squiggles will pop up.

Click here to find out how to make your Word document a Read Only document so that those colored squiggles won’t be an issue.