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