I spent last weekend in Washington D.C. at an ASTD Leader's Conference.  It's an inspiring place, and a great city to hold a conference for leaders. 

The opening keynote was Dr. Beverly Kaye, author of Love 'Em Or Lose 'Em, and Love It, Don't Leave It.  In this session, she asked the room of workplace learning and performance professionals (i.e., trainers), "We spend so much time developing others, what are we doing to develop ourselves?"

Dr. Kaye looked toward Generation Y, or the Millenials, for the wisdom of the emerging workforce.  More often we find these people saying: "I won't stay if there are no opportunities for me to grow here."  Dr. Kaye calls them self-powered careerists.

In this evolving workforce, Dr. Kaye sees a business world in which Enrichment is the most important aspect of a job in the coming years.  She sees that job satisfaction will come from a triumvirate of characteristics that address the employee:

Skills, which strengthen one's competence,
Values, which bolster one's commitment, and
Interests, which enhance one's enjoyment of the job. 

Dr. Kaye isn't the only one seeing the value of the self-powered careerist.  Petti Van Rekom and Ann Coil, guest speakers of ASTD-OC's Career Management Special Interest Group, ascribe to the idea that we are all "Self" employed.  That is, we are each the leaders of our lives. We are consistently representing our selves, and analyzing how we fit within an organization to which we belong.

Dr. Coil, this month's Career Management SIG guest speaker, recognizes that even as we adapt to the changing job market, we seek a constant to guide us in our career navigation. She has identified something that can serve as this guide, something that helps you maintain control of your career. Your own personal MasterWork©.

Dr. Coil developed the MasterWork© concept from 20 years of experience guiding people to change, re-direct, and manage their careers. According to Dr. Coil, we all have a MasterWork, our own personal fingerprint for attacking projects and solving problems. Defining our MasterWork© – what we do best and most enjoy doing – gives us a powerful tool for responding to changes in the workplace so we don’t get derailed, no matter who initiates the change.
 
It’s a foundation that anchors our career decisions and a beacon that points us in the right direction in all kinds of market conditions, so we can craft a satisfying and rewarding career and land on our feet when we need to.

P.S.: You can learn more about this month's Career Management Special Interest Group here.

(This post is based on some of the principles included in my new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough which I wrote with Duncan Mathison. For a free sample chapter, visit the book's official site: www.unlockthehiddenjobmarket.com )

If you’ve been following my posts, you’ll know that I’ve been writing about networking a lot lately. Or at least it seems like it. Networking, networking, networking. Maybe it’s me but don’t you think that when you say it out loud enough, it begins to sound like earwax? Okay…it’s probably just me.

Networking doesn’t have much appeal, does it? It doesn’t sound nearly as much fun as going to your local Applebee’s with some friends for a beer and some wings. Now there’s a problem with even that Applebee’s scenario. Based on the emails I’ve been getting, a lot of you are feeling that you don’t have too many friends either. And the ones you do have are getting, like, really tired of hearing you talk about your struggles to land a job. And you’re getting really tired of talking about it too. In fact, you’d just wish they’d change the subject.

I don’t think my readers are social losers. (At least I hope not, but, then again, what are you doing reading this blog post when it’s such a pretty day outside?) When you’ve been out of work for any amount o time, it’s easy to feel that you have run aground in the contacts department – especially in recent years when we’ve all been so busy taking care of our jobs and our families. We’ve let outside friendships perhaps atrophy. Maybe all your friends were work-related. And now that you’re out of work, you’re also fresh out of buddies. Or you’ve moved to a new town where you really, really don’t know anyone.

Whatever the reason for your feelings of isolation, you know you have to mix it up a little bit, well, a lot. Get some fresh meat, I mean talent, into your tight circles of relationships. Get out of the house. So I thought I’d offer some tips in that direction.

Remember that one thing leads to another. The thing about circulating is that your first dip into big world probably won’t net you a job. It’s a cumulative kind of thing. So leave that desperate, graspy, over-eager feeling at home when you head out the door. Just be open to meeting who you meet. Maybe tonight you’re destined to actually help someone else. And you’ll come home feeling just a little better about yourself.

Look for opportunities where you can become a regular. And no, I don’t mean the Applebee’s bar. When your face starts becoming familiar, you will emerge from invisibility to someone who people will be glad to see. Maybe they’ll even shout out your name, like, “Norm!” (But don’t count on it.) If you try a business mixer or worship service or volunteer opportunity, and people completely ignore you, keep going. Week after week. Introduce yourself as often as you can. And just let the cumulative effects of time work their wonders.

Stay away from solitary pursuits, even if they’re out of the house. Going to a matinee movie doesn’t count as “getting out there.” Go to local economic development or chamber of commerce meetings, receptions, mixers. Your local bookstore probably offers booksignings, author lectures or special classes. A friend of mine who is a professional coach is part of a team who gives courses at Whole Foods! Go! The home improvement stores offer free courses. Go! The American Red Cross offers courses in first aid, cpr, etc. Go!

Make job-related networking events only a small percentage of your out-of-the-house activities. First of all, you’re so much more than unemployed. And you need to nurture those other parts of who you are. At the very least, this way you’ll lead with an opener that’s so much more interesting than, “Hi, gotta job?” But most importantly is that your self-definition has a chance to stay strong and defined beyond this immediate need of landing a gig. You will also stand a better chance of meeting people other than fellow job-seekers. You know…people who already have jobs? And who would be thrilled to help you get inside their companies or organizations.

Learn something. Go to local college courses – especially the ones at night, when employed people go to school. You don’t have to matriculate and take on the expense of a formal semester. Continuing ed courses can be inexpensive. The teachers are often professionals in the community (hint: employed people!). It’s probably best if you took a course that would help you be more qualified for the kind of job you’re looking for. But even taking a non-job related course will at least remind you that there’s more to life than your daily bread (although, it’s kind of hard to make that argument right now, I know).

Teach something. Surely you know something that will benefit others. How to read, for adult literacy programs, for instance. If you have a profession or skill that’s useful in the for-profit world, surely you can introduce at least the basics to young people. Convene a panel of other experts and put on a program! (You’ll be able to find a venue. A friend of mine hosted the annual meeting of his professional association – on the premises of the company that had just laid him off. Awkward.)

Volunteer. Those same skills you can teach you can donate. It will make you feel good about being who you are and what you can do. That boost in self-esteem will give you the added confidence that will send out the signal that you’re a valuable contributor to the world.

Call old friends – even if they haven’t heard from you in a long time. This is where Facebook comes in handy. The other day I heard from a dear friend for the first time in about 8 years. We’d been looking for each other off and on over recent years but, thanks to Facebook, she found me first! And we talked on the phone for a full three hours. A lot of it was catching up. But, she was also very candid about the fact that she needed some professional advice from me. Did I see this as a cheesy ulterior motive? Heck no! First off all, I owed her a gigantic favor from 10 years ago (I mean, huge). Secondly, I love her and I know she loves me. So whatever I have is hers. (Advice, I mean.)

Ask for introductions. Unless you’re a bitter whiner who needs to blow your nose and brush your teeth (and, uhm, a little roll-on?), the friends you have should be happy to give you introductions you need to move your job search forward. If they’re reluctant to help you, find out why. Wouldn’t you want to know the truth, especially if it was something you could fix? And, if they’re possessive with or protective of their contacts to the point where they’re keeping you from helping yourself, or making you feel judged, it’s best that you should know that now. You might have just discovered a brand new opening in your group of friends to fill.

They say that once you achieve a certain age, it gets harder and harder to make new friends. Everyone is set in their habits, patterns, commuting routine, relationships. Well, one of the upshots of these economic times is that everyone is thrown higgledy-piggledy into a big pile of confusion and some flavor of disconnectedness. Now is a fantastic time to build new circles of friends and business contacts.

And vow to take better care of them in the future. Like, don’t wait 8 years before picking up the phone.

Back to School – It’s all about you.

Going back to school as an adult who has been in the work force for any length of time may seem daunting. But really, it’s all about your personal mindset.

When the topic of higher education comes up, it’s not necessarily about where you go after you graduate high school. It’s more about choosing your next path in life, whenever that opportunity arises. For some, it’s right out of high school. For others, it’s about expanding upon personal experiences—where you have been and where you want to go.

The campus experience can be a very fulfilling one, no matter what your age. There truly are no age differences when it comes to intellectual enrichment. Engaging conversation can level a playing field. For this type of inspiration, look for a school that not only offers the degrees you seek, but also a nurturing environment for personal and intellectual growth.

Smaller class sizes that focus on strong interpersonal relationships can help develop your true potential and encourage your self-confidence. Look for a school that offers small class sizes and flexible campus/online options. So you can take a course load that fits your busy life, from one or two classes to a full load of 12 hours or more. And you have the ability to study when and where it works for you via the Internet.

Another benefit to going back to school is that of expanding your network. Remember the old adage, “it’s not what you know, but who you know”? It’s true, who you know can definitely put you in touch with the right people on your chosen career path. Most of today’s university faculty are leaders in their professional fields (the fields you want to break into.) Learning from recognized professionals can give you priceless insight and connections. You will learn timely information that you can apply immediately from people who are committed to your success.

So grab your backpack and head back to school… it could prove to be the best decision you’ve made, that’s all about you, in a long time. Research more about your educational opportunities at JobbingEducation or learn more about one of our sponsored schools, Concordia University (http://losangeles.jobing.com/company_profile.asp?i=19215) with campuses in Irvine and Temecula or La Sierra University (http://losangeles.jobing.com/company_profile.asp?i=126998) in Riverside.

We're days away from The Job and Social Services Resources Fair at the campus of Los Angeles Trade Tech College on Wednesday, November 4th.  As far as employment events go, this is the Big Kahuna, The Big One (like Fred Sanford use to say).  

This is an amazing way to jumpstart your career and reinvigorate your life.  Don't let this opportunity pass you by.  Here are a list of employers are will be attending so get there early. Doors open at 9AM so don't be late and bring your smile!

Employers and Social Service Agencies scheduled to attend.

 

Agile-1                                                            

Los Angeles Police Department

Allied Barton Security Services                         

Los Angeles Probation Department

Amtrak                                                            

Los Angeles World Airports

Archdiocesan Youth Employment                     

Mid-City Exposition Light Rail

*CA Telephone Access Program/TAP              

Most Valuable Majors

Caltrans

PACE

Century Community Training Program

Para Los Ninos

Certified Forklift                                               

Penny Lane

ChildCare Careers, LLC

People’s Coordinated Services

Children Youth & Family Collaborative

Planned Parenthood

*Children’s Bureau

Pre Paid Legal Services, Inc.

Chinatown Worksource Center                        

 Primerica Financial Services

Citibank                                                     

*Public Council

City Year Los Angeles                                

 PV Jobs

Coca-Cola Enterprises                                

Ross

Comfort Keepers

Saputo Cheese

*Crystal Stairs, Inc.

*SE Comm. Prevention & Intervention

*Department of Mental Health

*Shields for Families

*Dolores Huerta Institute

Special Service for Groups/HOPICS

*El Nido

Target

Enid Meggerson Travel                              

The Coalition of Mental Health Profess.

Girls Club of Los Angeles                           

The Westin Los Angeles Airport

Hyatt Regency Hotel

Tupperware Home Parties

Jobing.com

U.S. Census Bureau

John Riordan Plumbing

U.S. Navy Recruiting District

JW Marriott

United States Army

Kelly Scientific Resources                           

University of Phoenix

LA City Fire Department                             

United Parcel Services (UPS)

*LA County Child Support Services

University of Southern CA (USC)

*LA County DPSS                                            

Van Nuys Treatment Center

LA County Fire Department

Vons Company

*LA Neighborhood Housing  

Wells Fargo

Los Angeles County Sheriff 

Workplace Hollywood 

The location for this event:

Los Angeles Trade Technical College

400 W Washington Blvd

Los Angeles , CA 90015

Sponsored by

Assembly Speaker Karen Bass

Senator Curren Price

Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Los Angeles Urban League West Adams/Baldwin Hills Worksource Center

Crenshaw Employment Development Department

Michael Dolphin, Division Chief of Workforce Services for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, California State Employment Development Division , has details on two job fairs geared towards veteran that are coming up.

On Thursday, October 29th... the State of California "Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet" Job and Resource Fair will bring together veterans seeking jobs and employers with job openings. 

The fair runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at:

Warner Center Marriott Hotel
21850 Oxnard Street
Woodland Hills

The event focuses on assisting military personnel, including National Guard members and reservists returning from active duty. All job seekers are welcome, and it is free to the public.

Government agencies and community organizations also will be on hand to provide information on employment, benefits, training, education and apprenticeships.

You can get more information about this event here .

The second event, the 3rd annual "Honor a Hero, Hire a Veteran" Career Expo and Resource Fair, takes place on Tuesday, November 10th from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at:

Los Angeles Airport Marriott
5855 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles

http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/job_shop/job_shop_job_fairs_for_veterans_20091028

 

In recent weeks I’ve been watching events unfold in Sedona  -- that whole James Arthur Ray thing and how people died in an ersatz sweat lodge.  I suppose for many people, a terrible event such as this (where people paid $9,000 for the privilege of dying a horrible death, surrounded in the gloom by their vomiting and fainting companions) is so exotic to most people that “that could never happen to me” is a thought that briefly passes through our minds.  And that would probably be true.

 

However, this whole clutch of motivation and self-help teachers has been bugging me over recent years. While a multitude of programs are offered every year that don't involve ambulances and homicide investigations, many of them are damaging in the way they take advantage of intelligent, open-minded individuals looking for a better way out of frustration and despair.  And the cumulative effect of little damages everywhere can also be very destructive indeed. And I’m worried that the general public might be even more at risk as the economy continues its stagger, stagger, crawl mode.  These are emotional frontiers we’re in, folks, and the woods are lousy with snake oil salesmen – people who promise to give you a breakthrough secret to life in a week or a weekend, for the price of a semester of college or a small car.

 I have had in my bookshelf for a couple of years now the book, SHAM, by Steven Salerno. And I’ve been really reluctant to read it. Primarily because I knew he would blow the lid off of the mechanics behind self-help gurus and their business models. And at the time I was also reading Martin Seligman (the very legitimate founder of the very legitimate positive psychology movement), and I was also dabbling in more than a little Jack Canfield, Tony Robbins, Marianne Williamson and even Joel Osteen. And, frankly, I liked the way their messages made me feel.  And while I certainly didn’t buy The Secret’s promises hook, link and sucker (I mean, sinker), having grown up in a family whose mantra was mainly, “ain’t it awful, ain’t it tragic,”  I knew there is definitely something to be said for willfully focusing on the positive side of things. If you have read my earlier postings, you’ll know that I believe that a positive attitude is more conducive to creative thinking and endurance during a time where everything seems to be hitting the fan.  At least it makes the ride a little more tolerable.

 But I also know a manipulative head-game when I see one. (At least I hope I do.) I certainly learned to recognize the signs when I’ve bought into one, much to my ever-lasting regret pretty quickly thereafter.  So, I thought I’d lay out a list of danger signs for you – with the hopes of helping you keep your money in your pocket.  (I get the fact that this could mean that I might miss out on a few sales of my own books – but at the end of this post I’m actually going to offer you my first book for free. I won’t even ask you for your email address as one of those cheesy quid pro quo gambits.)

 Avoid any course with titles containing such words as “breakthrough,” “success,” “transform,” “dream,” and whose tuition includes a comma.  Speaking from personal experience here.  These kinds of courses are mostly warmed over material drawn directly from the texts of books that you can purchase for $20 to $30.  There will be much playing of John Denver and hugging of total strangers  -- most who look like they either haven’t been hugged in decades or they’re really really really looking forward to hugging you. The break times are dedicated to urging you to sign up for the advanced course at twice the price (but today – and only today – slashed to the same amount you just paid for the basic course). My memories of those break times involve softly trance-inducing singing from the stage and a certain zombie-ness of the people moving to the back of the room where tables are conveniently set up, where staffers cheerfully accepted credit cards. Did I get anything of value from that basic week? Yes…my mastermind group is still intact after almost five years. We meet on the phone every other week and have become supportive friends. But have our circumstances changed significantly since we met that that “breakthrough” week?  Nope.  (As you can imagine, I’m usually the cranky one on our phone calls.)

 If you go to any course with a title that includes the words “spirit,” “warrior,” “vision quest,” make sure there is an EMT on call at all times before laying your money down. Most spiritual quests are flat-out scary. Who are these people to say they know the way, and will lead us there through a regimen of fasting, meditation and bodily deprivation? The way people refer to spirituality as Spirit, as if Spirit is their next door neighbor with handy cable piracy skills, is revolting. And the way white Americans romanticize the mysteries of Native American life and traditions is deeply hypocritical or willfully shallow. If they’re so enchanted by the Native American way, how about coming out to the Southwest, don't stop at the spas or casinos, and spend that week teaching Native American children to say no to crystal meth addiction and alcoholism? Share the inspiring benefits of your own education, skills and privilege, rather than trying to siphon off a few sips of mysticism from authentic traditions that you will never get anyway?

 If someone wants to teach you how to be rich (for whatever price), first find out how he got rich himself.  Look at the frequent fliers of this particular line of work, and you’ll find out that most of them got rich by sticking their hands into pockets of people just like you (and me). And they’re getting richer.  Did he ever grow a company, other than the staff of eager minions he has working for him now? Did he turn around a major corporation? Did he emerge from his own family of alcoholics and desperados to blaze his own trail by making something or contributing something useful to society (that is other than an ultra-expensive retreat)?  Is he an unimpeachable researcher who has the gift of translating esoteric, hard-to-understand information into immediately useful ideas that anyone can have for the price of a book?  That might be someone worth paying some attention to.

 When someone tells you that you’re nowhere without his secrets or gift, laugh and walk away. Need I say more? Okay, I will. I know of one so-called Buddhist guru (she’s American) who actually replaced the words “Higher Power” in the 12 Step Program with her own name.  That’s amazing. But what’s even more amazing is that hundreds of otherwise intelligent people said, “Duh, okay.”

 Just say no to any product marketed to you via email by someone you’ve never heard of but endorsed by someone you have. These people exchange mailing lists, knowing full well that purchasers of self-help products are the most likely to come back for more and more. The cynicism is mind-blowing.

 Avoid self-help books that were Number 1 on Amazon for, like, three hours one day.  Again, it’s the lists at work. These people know how to game the system and they use each others’ lists to snag that coveted spot, even for an instant. This way they can call themselves “bestselling authors.”  Big whup.

 Don’t give up your own dreams.  Life is full of true mysteries. My personal favorite one is the mystery of synchronicity. I’m a total sucker for those stories, and I have true, first-hand stories of my own that would curl your hair. But I wouldn’t bet the ranch on a synchronicity that I perceive to be an omen. (Even though, in my heart of hearts, I kind of hope it is.)

We all need fresh infusions of inspiration now and then. And  personal growth does involve keeping your mind open and venturing into uncomfortable zones now and then. But no breakthrough experience should necessitate group puking or even close bodily contact with strangers to the strains of “Sunshine On My Shoulders.”

 Keep your wallet in your pants. Or purse.

 (Now for the free offer:  I will give you a free copy of my very first book, Find Your Calling, Love Your Life. For absolutely nothing. Not even your email address.  Just go to www.unlockthehiddenjobmarket.com and click the green button that will lead you to free downloads. You can also have a free sample chapter of my new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market.  Naturally, my coauthor and I would love it if you also purchased that book. But you know what? You don’t have to.)

 

 

 

The American Health Congress and the Jobing Foundation announce the winners of new Employer of the Year Awards to be presented at the Southern California Health Care Summit on Thursday October 29th.

The "Wellness Employer of the Year" and "Disability Friendly Employer of the Year" awards  will be given at the 2009 Southern California Health Care Summit in order to recognize employer leadership in key areas promoting health within their communities.

Providing a positive and healthy work environment is crucial for the betterment of the community and economy.  These atmospheres are created by employers who are willing to take proactive initiative and interest in the welfare of their employees in a variety of ways.  Congratulations to the 2009 winner of the Wellness Employer of the Year Award, Flexsteel Industries, Inc.

Providing opportunities for those with disabilities is also crucial for the betterment of our community and economy.  These opportunities are provided by employers who are willing to overcome common misconceptions and accommodate these employees. Thank you to the Inland Empire Disability Collaborative for assisting in choosing the 2009 Disability Friendly Employer of the Year Winner, Goodwill Southern California.

Thank you to all who have played a key part in the selection process, and congratulations to all the winners for your hard work and leadership throughout the local community.  You are an exemplary model to be followed.

###

About the summit: The American Health Congress and the Southern California Health Care Summit is a  non-partisan grass roots action event committed to making our health system better by creating a climate for responsible health care reform and promote collective action at the local state and national levels.  For more information visit www.socalhealthsummit.com

About Jobing: The Jobing Foundation is committed to helping people find better jobs and career opportunities to improve their lives. They are passionate about helping prepare the current and future workforce in our local Jobing Communities by creating and supporting programs, volunteer activities and educational channels that are focused on local workforce development.  For more information visit http://jobingfoundation.org, Jobing.com or contact Katey.darling@jobing.com

Do you want to influence an individual, group or organization?  Most of us have a spouse, boss, friend, work-team or organization we would like to influence.  I’m not sure if you are familiar with VitalSmarts, the people who brought us two other excellent models:  Crucial Conversations and Crucial Confrontations, but they are a quality group which has brought us many practical tips, tools and techniques for positively influencing one-on-one relationships.  Now they have turned to influencing groups, and I, for one, am grateful.

I recently attended an hour-long presentation on VitalSmarts’ Influencer model and left excited and stimulated enough to try it myself.  At the presentation I’d heard about how a small group had eliminated a horrible disease—the Guinea Worm—from African villages by implementing a key Influencer principle: to solve intractable problems; identify 2-3vital behaviors which will produce drastic change if rigorously implemented.

My first attempt to use the model was to influence a group of friends I’d had in high school that were still loosely connected (but non-functional as a group) due to long standing challenges such as grudges, resentments, etc. to become close, harmonious and well-intentioned again.  How we succeeded is a long story (involving some other Influencertechniques), but the key was identifying just 3 behaviors to rigorously implement:  (1) Speaking to the person you have an issue with first; (2) Asking permission before talking to a third party; and (3) Thanking anyone who brings you an issue to discuss. 

I am personally very impressed with Influencer and with VitalSmarts and sincerely hope you’ll be able to attend one (or both!) of our influencer events next Wednesday:

1.     Monthly Learning Event -- 11:00 - 1:30
The Influencer Model (plus lunch, structured and unstructured networking)

2.     Low-cost Influencer Workshop  ($20) 
2:00 – 4:00 -- Create your own personalized plan to use Influencer techniques in a real situation

The event will take place at the The Turnip Rose on Flower in Orange. Follow this link to register for the event.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Anthony Harmetz, President
ASTD - Orange County
Your Learning Partner

Martha Finney's new book, Unlock the Hidden Job Market:  6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough, is available online and in bookstores everywhere. Follow her on www.twitter.com/hiddenjobmarket.

Last night I received an email from a reader who had this to say:

"What if I'm not shy? What if I'm just not good at the art of shameless self-promotion and have difficulty identifying my value proposition? Then what?"

Hmmmm. Hate networking as shameless self-promotion? AND you're having trouble identifying your value proposition?  If you had one of those two problems, I'd take you at face value. But put the two of them together, and I'm hearing code for "shy."  But, whatever, call it what you want.

I think you might have missed one of the core points of my earlier post on networking shyness.  To wit: Even though you're networking to find and land a good job, if you hate networking, don't make it about yourself. Make it about discovering how you can contribute your gifts, skills and energy out there in the big wide world.

You can set the tone of how your networking activities come off. Networking is not about shameless self-promotion (unless you're a shameless self-promoting kinda guy, which evidently you're not). If you want a real, authentic, interaction with a full calendar of people who you hope will ultimately lead you to your next job, have a real, authentic interaction. You're out there trying to figure out how and where you fit in. If anyone criticizes you for that, well, that's their problem. Move along to the next appointment on your calendar.

Moving to your next issue about not knowing what your value proposition is, that's not an issue to take lightly. It goes straight to one of the main pieces of your place in the world. And with the marketplace changing as rapidly as it is, it's practically impossible to keep up with how your place in the world changes in relation to the world itself.  I think three generations of working adults are going through a mid-life crisis at the same time, right now.

The good news here, for you especially, is that if you're struggling with "who am I" questions, you're going to come off authentically humble in networking meetings. So instead of worrying about "shamelessly" promoting a self when you don't even know who that self is (at least vis a vis your working life), approach your networking from the point of view of gathering data about how you might fit into the changed world now.

Use your early networking meetings to ask questions. And be sincerely interested in the answers. Then ask more questions. And be sincerely interested in those answers. (Remember, we're talking questions about work, not "how're the kids?")  Eventually you'll start seeing how you fit into the world as you're coming to understand it because of those questions. And your value proposition will make itself known to you.

It's about questioning, not crowing.

(There are a lot of books out there that help you discover what your value proposition is. If you'd like to read a collection of inspiring stories of people on that journey, email me and I'll send you a free copy of my book Find Your Calling, Love Your Life.)

ASTD-Orange County is thrilled to announce the launch of its Mentoring Program designed to facilitate the formation of mentor-protégé partnerships among its members.  Applications for mentors and protégés are being accepted through November 3. 

Get more information about the program, as well as target dates for events by clicking here.

Consider being a protégé  if you

• have identified a specific area in which you want to grow professionally
• need help pursuing your chosen career path
• want honest, constructive feedback

Consider being a mentor if you

• have a special expertise in the learning and development field which you would like to transmit to someone else
• have experienced the benefit of being mentored yourself
• want to strengthen your coaching and leadership skills
• want to help expand the learning and development profession’s collective body of knowledge

Apply online by clicking this link.

Pairings will be announced by November 8.  Please hold November 12 (from 6:00-8:30 p.m.) on your calendar for the kickoff event, where you’ll meet your mentoring partner and begin to create the framework and agreed on expectations for your mentoring relationship.

Get more information about the Mentoring Program on the ASTD-OC Website.

Long Beach, CA – Members and guests of The Association of Hospitality Recruiting Executives (AHRE) will gather Thursday, October 22, 2009 in Long Beach, CA, to learn and share the latest strategies and ideas on recruiting for the hospitality industry. The one-day conference will offer the opportunity to hear from industry experts on current recruiting and hiring trends, including the use of social networking, provide a moderated panel discussion with innovative industry executives, and feature roundtable sessions where attendees can share best practices and network together.  The attendees will also give back to the community, as the conference day begins with a service event at the Food Bank of Southern California.  The full agenda can be viewed at www.ahre.org.

Registration & Networking Breakfast begins at 7:00 a.m. at the Acapulco Marina Pacifica Restaurant, located at 6270 E. Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach, CA. Attendees will depart at 8:00 a.m. to volunteer at the Food Bank of Southern California (transportation provided).  The community service event allows attendees to work side-by-side with each other while helping pack and load food boxes for those in need.

The attendees will be transported back to the conference site for a catered lunch at noon followed by informative speaker and breakout sessions.

 

Conference Speakers already scheduled include:

Amanda Hite, President, Talent Revolution & AHRE Vice-President

Recruit with Web 2.0 / Social Networking

Jeff Fuchsman , Lead Counsel with BRGS

The Legal Side of Social Networking On/Off Work

 

In addition, Claire Prager, Senior Manager Talent Selection with The Cheesecake Factory Inc., will moderate a panel discussion on Employee Referral Programs with Eric Watson, Project Manager, DaVita and Jackie Barker, Contract Recruiter, Alcon Labs.

The conference will conclude with a Reception/Networking Event from 5:00 -6:00 p.m.

The cost of the conference is $150 for non members and free to AHRE members.  Register online at www.ahre.org. Deadline is October 20, 2009.
 

For more information about the conference or AHRE, please contact Kelly Sullivan at 714.432.0400 x 210 or email KSullivan@kingsseafood.com or visit www.ahre.org

Attendees who attend can also sign up to volunteer at local food bank during conference