"BALANCE"...everyone wants it...few have found it!

As a TRUE Libra; I have been on a lifetime quest for BALANCE. The "scales" have been representative of different parts of my life at different times - but the desire for harmony/equality have been a constant.

I find that this is a goal that I share with most people in my life and candidates I meet.

We tend to divide or compartmentalize our lives into segments we attach a title to. For me; I always saw my life in the following distinct areas:

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS/LOVE * PROFESSIONAL/MONEY
HEALTH/WELL BEING * FAMILY

In my "adult" life; I cannot recall when I felt all of the above areas were ALL equally POSITIVE. Perhaps it is naive to expect that this ever happens? I have come close...and had 3 of 4 in a "good place".

These quadrants are an oversimplification of very complex, dynamic categories. I believe that BALANCE is so difficult to obtain...in part - due to the fact that they are so connected. For example; when my professional life is thriving - I am busy...making money...etc. - I have a greater sense of WELL BEING. as a result of being "HAPPIER"...my personal relationships SEEM better. So...with all this INTERCONNECTION - BALANCE is a tremendous challenge!

Many of the people I meet have expressed the same desire to have this ILLUSIVE balance. Obviously, when I am speaking to people - the conversation centers on the PROFESSIONAL portion of their lives. While I try to provide some guidance and words of wisdom, I often learn from those I am speaking with...how to make changes in my life that will result in a stronger CHANCE for / SENSE of balance.

In addition to trying hard to focus ONLY on those things we have control over, taking advantage of all resources you have is key. If you find yourself unemployed; your job search will remain the biggest priority. However, many people I have been speaking to have been using their new found extra time to reconnect with family/friends. It sounds simple...and has nothing to do with searching for a job....but that is the whole point. By occupying yourself with pleasurable activities, you may find renewed motivation and positivity relating to your search.

Some of us obsess on "what could I have done differently?" or "what will happen if I don't land a new job in a month"? Spending time in the PAST or FUTURE...prevents us from being IN THE PRESENT. Just worry about TODAY. Try to take some enjoyment in SIMPLE things - steps you are taking - a good meal, etc. Anything that keeps you in a POSITIVE frame of mind is GOOD. So...try to have some balance! Spend a few hours searching - make a lunch date with a friend - listen to your favorite music...ALL OF THESE THINGS WILL IMPACT YOUR SENSE OF WELL BEING, BEING HAPPIER...WILL LIKELY MAKE THOSE CLOSE TO YOU HAPPIER TO BE AROUND YOU AS WELL!

Just like your diet --- try to maintain VARIETY.

FEAR AND WORRY CAN MOTIVATE SOME PEOPLE...but it usually does more to UNmotivate and cause us to focus on ALL the negative things that have happened and could happen.

I am not a Therapist...but speak to hundreds and hundreds of people every week. They have helped me to take inventory of all that I am blessed with and to understand that EVERYONE is feeling challenge and stress.

So...spend the time you are not looking for a new job (of which...few are even available...YET!) filling yourself with POSITIVITY by spending time with those you really enjoy & other activities that make you HAPPY. Ultimately, this will impact the manner in which you interact with EVERYONE...including prospective employers!

"PAIN... IS JUST FEAR LEAVING THE BODY" - US MARINE CORP SLOGAN

CHARLEY'S CRADLE - Guide to FINDING, SELECTING & PREPARING FOR A BABY NURSE

http://www.charleyscradle.com/


GUIDE TO FINDING, CHOOSING & PREPARING FOR A BABY NURSE



So…your due date is around the corner - you have set up the Nursery – your state-of-the-art stroller is in the hallway…and now you feel that you would really benefit from the help of a Baby Nurse when you come home from the hospital.

Most expectant Moms rely solely on the recommendation of their friends/relatives to connect with a Baby Nurse. If you do not have a NEW MOMMY network to tap into – you then begin GOOGLING “Baby Nurse”, “Child Care”, and “Nanny”. The internet is rich with online resources/communities specific to BABIES, EXPECTANT/NEW MOMS. These sites often have areas/discussions/advertisements dedicated to resources for newborn/infant care. In fact, many sites RATE the quality of Baby Nurses provided.

However, if you are fortunate enough to have a HEALTHY BABY; you do not need a REGISTERED NURSE. Many Nursing Agencies do provide REGISTERED BABY NURSES – but at a very high hourly rate. A healthy baby does not need a REGISTERED NURSE with significant clinical training. A Baby Nurse is most often NOT a REGISTERED NURSE…but instead the title of Baby Nurse is also known as a Newborn Care Specialist and applies to Care Providers with years of experience being a right-arm to new mothers and tending to ALL aspects of day-to-day care for baby. There is a national entity that has created a certification for Baby Nurses and offers courses both in the classroom and online.


In addition to a SINCERE LOVE OF CHILDREN, most Baby Nurses have some type of training/certification relating to BABY CARE:

Infant CPR, sterilization of bottles/breast pumps, umbilical cord care, circumcision care, feeding/breastfeeding, sleep training, set-up & maintenance of Nursery, and more.


In evaluating a service that provides Baby Nurses; you should only contract with agencies that insure their staff meet specific requirements like the ones Charley’s Cradle demands:

- A SINCERE LOVE OF CHILDREN – WARM & COMPASSIONATE PERSONALITY – TREMENDOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL
- A minimum of 5 years of current experience specific to the comprehensive care of newborns/infants
- MUST speak fluent/understandable English
- MUST provide a minimum of 3 professional references willing to be contacted by phone
- Proof of a Physical/Immunizations within the last 12 months
- Proof of all training/certifications related to newborn/infant care
- Proof of US Citizenship – legal US Work Authorization


In addition, you should ONLY contract with agencies that have all required insurances and registrations in place.


Now…you were lucky enough to be referred or to find Charley’s Cradle on your own http://www.charleyscradle.com/ and impressed by our stringent screening and selection process; you decide to contract with us to find your Baby Nurse.








Based upon your unique needs; a search is conducted to find the most suitable MATCH. When evaluating our roster to determine who to introduce; we take into account a variety of information you provide including:

- your location
- your due date or the date you would like to have your Baby Nurse begin
- the scope of responsibilities you expect this individual to handle
- the number of children who require care
- your budget
- the schedule you would like to put in place : full days/overnights, nights only, weekends only, or hourly
- whether you require the Baby Nurse to drive

The above information is only part of the criteria used to select the best Baby Nurse for your needs.


Once this information is gathered, our staff will then work quickly to present up to 3 Baby Nurses for you to choose from. If time permits; we look to schedule/coordinate in-person interviews. Once a selection is made; we will work with you to coordinate a CARE SCHEDULE and payment arrangements.

Charley’s Cradle offers the option of paying the Baby Nurse directly and being invoiced weekly for the SERVICE FEE paid to the agency or having your Baby Nurse on our payroll and having our fee built into the hourly rate.







PREPARING YOURSELF/YOUR HOME FOR A BABY NURSE


It is always a challenge when you open your home to someone that is not a relative or friend. However, there are some basic things you can put into place that will make you and your Baby Nurse comfortable. Understanding their basic expectations and accepted protocol will make this a comfortable/positive experience.

1- You are expected to provide a “private space” or room for the Baby Nurse. Even if the Baby Nurse is not staying overnight – they should have an area designated for them to store their personal effects, dress/change and make a personal call if needed.
2- If the Baby Nurse is staying overnight; you are expected to provide a bed/fold out sofa/futon for them to sleep on. If you have a Nursery – most Baby Nurses will set up shop in the there. Placing a simple air mattress in the room would suffice. If you are comfortable enough to have the baby in the Nursery; this will truly allow for MUCH NEEDED SLEEP for Mom & Dad. Especially if you are breastfeeding; this makes the DIAPER & DELIVER process easy!
3- It is also “understood” that you will provide meals for the Baby Nurse. This typically applies only in those situations where the Baby Nurse is spending the night or working an 8 hour shift or more. If you want to be VERY COURTEOUS, you can ask the Baby Nurse about any diet limitations or preferences. THIS DOES NOT MEAN FILET MIGNON & LOBSTER. Generally, they will be happy with whatever is the family is eating. Snacks/desserts/beverages are at your discretion.







4- It is very important that you make your personal preferences known as well. For example; some babies…just like adults are very sensitive to strong scents. So, it is important to request (prior to the assignment starting) to require the Baby Nurse NOT use any type of scented lotions or perfume.
It is reasonable and common to ask that the Baby Nurse have a pair of INDOOR shoes that are NOT worn outdoors (to avoid bringing dirt or unwanted “stuff” inside the house – especially in the baby’s space. Any rules that you ask visitors to your home observe should be clear to your Baby Nurse.
5- It is also possible & common to have your Baby Nurse start prior to your baby arriving – especially if you have a scheduled C-Section. This can be very valuable in assisting you with last minute preparations. In addition, it’s a great way to “date” your Baby Nurse and make sure you are VERY COMFORTABLE. If needed; would provide for some time to replace.
6- Developing “RULES OF THE HOUSE” that you make very clear to your Baby Nurse. Immediately, you should let them know what areas/rooms are OFF LIMITS, which bathroom(s) and shower(s) are designated for their use. Explaining which rooms it is OK to bring food/beverages into etc. is important. Discussing television viewing/volume – cell phone calls – cell phone RING volume (the last thing you want is for your baby to be awakened by an incoming cell phone call.
7- Don’t just be a SPECTATOR! In addition to providing much needed sleep/rest; your Baby Nurse can be a valuable educational resource. Pay attention to the way they clean/sterilize bottles & other equipment- feed/position your baby - set-up/maintain your Nursery – interact with/entertain your baby – comfort your baby/get them to sleep. There are many TRICKS OF THE TRADE that you can borrow and benefit from, especially if you are a first time parent!
8- Create a “SCHEDULE & JOB DESCRIPTION”. When contracting with Charley’s Cradle; our staff will tend to this! If you contract with a Baby Nurse on your own; it is important to have a written list of duties you want them to tend to. It is not a bad idea to ask that the START TIME be a half hour earlier than you REALLY need. This will offset inevitable delays in mass transit and “stuff” that comes up in the personal life of your Baby Nurse. If you are contracting for a week or more; it is essential to list a start time. You will discuss lunch/dinner breaks and work that out. It is important to understand when the Baby Nurse tends to sleep or nap. Most Baby Nurses will try to catch some Zs overnight when the baby sleeps. A well rested Baby Nurse is a HAPPY & ALERT Baby Nurse!








9- “CASH IS KING”!!! Most Baby Nurses prefer to be paid in CASH! If you are willing to pay the Baby Nurse cash – this could give you some leverage in negotiating rate. This is not to encourage “off the books” arrangements. Some SOPHISTACATED Baby Nurses are well-versed in working as “1099 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS” or have actually incorporated and can invoice for their services. Paying cash does not automatically translate to something “shady” or illegal. It all depends on how the Baby Nurse has structured their business. Charley’s Cradle offers the option for you to have the Baby Nurse on our payroll and be invoiced by the agency weekly or coordinate a fee structure for the agency & payment to our Baby Nurse directly…whatever works best for you.
10- BE PREPARED!!! This is extremely important for your peace of mind. If you choose to hire a Baby Nurse; it is wise to meet/select/reserve them 2-3 months before your due date. You will give yourself ample time to screen candidates & “RESERVE” them! Since Baby Nurses work on an assignment by assignment basis; they are much more comfortable knowing they have GUARANTEED work to look forward to! Once you have made a decision, it is wise to offer a DEPOSIT to insure they do NOT accept any other referrals and clear their schedule. Charley’s Cradle requires a deposit & requires their Baby Nurses to sign a contract committing to the assignment they are booked for or incur a significant FINANCIAL PENALTY. In addition, if you are contracting with a Baby Nurse directly; it is smart to know if they can provide “coverage” for themselves. Can they make sure you have help…if the baby arrives EARLY? Can they make sure you are covered if they get ill or have an emergency? Charley’s Cradle always updates its AVAILABILITY LIST and has relationships with Baby Nurses who are available in HOURS of receiving a call…for exactly these types of situations.



The above listed information is a “snapshot” of things to be aware of and consider when hiring a Baby Nurse. Every situation is unique and every parent is different. Mutual RESPECT is essential to a positive relationship. If you make a GOOD HIRE; the person entering your home will be WARM, UPBEAT & FRIENDLY - making it that much easier to have a stranger in your home caring for your baby. If the Baby Nurse feels welcome & respected; they are far more likely to honor their commitment to you.




TO GATHER MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BABY NURSES AND REFERRALS TO TERRIFIC RESOURCES; PLEASE CONTACT SEAN KOPPELMAN, PRESIDENT – CHARLEY’S CRADLE sean@charleyscradle.com

Charley's Cradle - Newborn Care Specialists...poised to be a TRUE Mother's Helper!

Over the past few months, I have been hard at work establishing the foundation for CHARLEY'S CRADLE.

One of the most rewarding things about my time in Healthcare Staffing was the fact that I was contributing to the health and well being of people everyday. The professionals I recruited were providing much needed medical care to patients in Hospitals, Clinics and Nursing Homes.

I now have the same opportunity to provide a valuable service that will truly improve the quality of life for my Clients.

Being a new Dad - I am extremely aware of the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a newborn/infant. Especially...since I am a first time parent - everything was new to me. I had to learn how to swaddle, how to properly sterilize bottles, how to EFFECTIVELY diaper my son and much, much more!

My wife and I were fortunate to have been referred to a lovely Baby Nurse. This referral came after a week of frantic searching, researching & calling to locate a Baby Nurse on my own. I found that there were Nursing Agencies that provided Baby Nurses. however, these Nurses were RNs that generally were accustomed to caring for babies that had medical issues, complications or special needs. In addition to being LUCKY enough to have a healthy baby - I had not wanted to spend the $60/hr on an RN who was overqualified for what I needed. Then, there were some Nanny & Babysitting Agencies whose roster of Care Providers just did not suit my specific needs.

I asked the hospital my wife had given birth in for a referral to a Baby Nurse...and was told repeatedly that "these folks are all acquired through word of mouth" and have their own "underground network" that manages itself and makes referrals to Baby Nurses in the network.

As a result of my own experience and having done extensive research: I felt there was a need for a service dedicated solely to providing exceptional care for Babies & Infants. I was not looking to provide Housekeepers, Nannies & BABY NURSES...but instead to assemble a roster of seasoned Care Providers dedicated to assisting new parents. The idea for Charley's Cradle was born!

Consulting with Registered Nurses, Pediatricians, OB/GYNs and experienced Mothers; I created a stringent SCREENING & SELECTION process.

This process includes - but is not limited to:

- proof of US Citizenship
- review of all Certification/training related to Baby Care
- checking of a minimum of 3 professional references
- proof of a Physical & Immunizations within the past 12 months
- a Criminal Background & Credit Check

___________________________________________________________________

Charley's Cradle will educate Clients as to what to expect from a Baby Nurse. In addition, we will provide guidelines on what is expected of them when bringing a Baby Nurse into their home.

Basically, we will manage the entire process...from scheduling interviews to creating a CARE SCHEDULE that is customized to suit their unique needs.

____________________________________________________________________

I am encouraging all EXPECTANT Mothers who have interest in booking a Baby Nurse to assist them when they come home from the hospital to begin the process now & RESERVE a Care Provider.

THE WEBSITE http://www.charleyscradle.com should be live as of MOTHER'S DAY!!!

To learn more about the services provided by Charley's Cradle; please call me

212-868-2180


With Care-


Sean Koppelman
President
Charley's Cradle
1270 Broadway - Suite 906
NY, NY 10001

THE MAGNET ALWAYS SAYS "YA CAN'T KNOCK THE HUSTLE!"

So...The Yankees have a new stadium...but get the worst beating in their history (22-4)...Obama decides that a low FLY OVER NYC of Airforce One and an F-16 Fighter Jet is a GOOD PHOTO OP...SWINE FLU has hit and reminds everyone to wash their hands frequently.

BUT WHAT HAS CHANGED IN THE JOB MARKET?

Overall...not too much has changed. Most of the leaders in BEAUTY, ADVERTISING & ENTERTAINMENT that I recruit for are still in some type of HIRING FREEZE. There have been "FLICKERS" of activity...but nothing to indicate any significant hiring will be happening.

For example...I have had searches called out to me to replace employees that "left suddenly". One expectant mother gave birth a month earlier than expected - and another spot opened as a result of an employee moving cross country because her husband received a major job offer in LA.

I am fortunate enough to be working on some CONSULTING positions for one of my biggest Beauty clients. These spots are specific to PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, BRAND MANAGEMENT & EDUCATION. At this point, it looks like my candidates are FRONT-RUNNERS in the hiring process. In addition, I have been working very hard to identify & introduce an exceptional BEVERAGE MARKETING pro. So...would love the opportunity to connect with FIELD MARKETERS coming out of companies like: PEPSI, RED BULL, SoBe, etc.

The most important thing to remember...is that this current market WILL CHANGE. This is indeed the time to keep up the "HUSTLE". Keep applying for jobs, keep networking, keep researching industry changes/events...keep up the MARKETING PROGRAM of YOU!!!

I am doing the same thing...staying in touch with those companies I have had a relationship with & "SMILING & DIALING" everyday looking to make new professional connections. This is SEED PLANTING time. Working now to perfect your PITCH & make yourself more marketable is what you should be doing. Don't throw your hands up and surrender to all the CHALLENGE...continue to let everyone you know - you are looking for a new career opportunity - expand your social & professional networks - TRY TO GET FACE TIME for an EXPLORATORY or INFORMATIONAL meeting now - so when budgets are approved - you will be fresh in the minds of decision makers.

SO...IN CLOSING...TRY TO REMEMBER...STAY POSITIVE...STAY CONNECTED...STAY COMMITTED TO YOUR SEARCH...LORD LOVES A WORKIN MAN...DON'T EAT YELLOW SNOW...AND OTHER STUFF LIKE THAT!


"MY NAME IS KNOWN - ALL OVER THE WORLD - BY ALL THE FOXY LADIES - AND THE PRETTY GIRLS" - SUGAR HILL GANG

WHO IS BAILING YOU OUT FINANCIALLY?

Banks, Insurance Giants, Automotive Manufacturers...all received tremendous sums of money to help them survive during this challenging economy.

How much money did you get to "bail you out"?

Chances are...that you got the same thing I did...NOTHING!!!

So...what is your plan to remain afloat in this sea of economic uncertainty?
What are you doing to re-invent yourself?
Who are you reaching out to?
Have you identified those skills and traits that set you apart from all those other "HIGHLY SKILLED" people competing for the same job?
Are you projecting a positive/upbeat attitude...or is the frustration, anxiety and bitterness you feel...completely visible to those you are meeting?
ARE YOU TRULY FLEXIBLE?
Are you living in REALITY or are you in denial when it comes to your job security, financial stability, and professional future?

The above questions I have posed are ones I ask everyone I interview & have attempted to answered myself...

They seem very basic in nature - but are essential to your success...in your job search, in your current job and very important things to keep in mind when speaking to EVEN your acquaintances.

You need to be broadcasting POSITIVITY, FLEXIBILITY, and an eagerness...as opposed to DESPERATION...

Beginning with social networks like: FACEBOOK.COM, LINKEDIN.COM, TWITTER...you need to capitalize on these platforms to let everyone you know - you are LOOKING for a new career opportunity - and let everyone you know what specific skills/traits make you UNIQUE...

SOCIAL NETWORKS HAVE BECOME AN AMAZING TOOL TO SHARE RESOURCES, INFORMATION & CONTACT INFORMATION.

IN THESE VERY CHALLENGING TIMES, IT IS GREAT TO SEE THAT PEOPLE TRULY WANT TO HELP OTHERS. THE ONE POSITIVE THAT HAS COME FROM THIS CRAZINESS...IS THAT WE ALL APPEAR TO BE "IN THE SAME BOAT"...AND EVERYONE APPEARS TO WANT TO HELP THEIR FELLOW MAN...

_________________________________________________________________

This posting is really just to encourage people to be more introspective & most importantly PRO-ACTIVE...

IF YOU WAIT FOR THINGS TO CHANGE...OR FOR A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO BITE YOU ON THE ASS...OPPORTUNITY WILL JUST PASS YOU BY...


BE MOTIVATED - PROJECT POSITIVITY - DESPITE FEELING WORRIED...AND LET EVERYONE YOU KNOW, YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITY...

" I'VE BEEN DAZED & CONFUSED FOR SO LONG IT'S NOT TRUE...WANTED A WOMAN...NEVER BARGAINED FOR YOU" - LED ZEPPELIN

...going back to school...leaving the industry...moving out of NY...stepping up my search...losing sleep & very worried...WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

So...are you DEPRESSED or MOTIVATED? INSPIRED or CATATONIC? HOPEFUL or DISTRESSED?

It is all about perspective...and your ability to adapt/adjust to CHANGE. You can choose to FIGHT or exist in a state of FEAR.

Can you take some comfort in knowing that "WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT"?

I am envious of those people who seem to have the ability to BELIEVE that some how...some way...things will just work out! I subscribe to the practice of focusing on those things I have control over & am trying to be PRESENT. I...like many people spend too much time focusing on what I could have done differently or worrying what will be happening in the future.

You cannot change what you already did & losing yourself IN worry about the future takes you away from focusing on what you CAN control TODAY!!! by being PRESENT...you have the ability to enjoy your day on an hour to hour basis.

We cannot control:

THE ECONOMY, CORPORATE HIRING FREEZES, TERRORISM, CONSUMER SPENDING, THE WEATHER, HOME FORECLOSURES...and so on..

So...the key is to focus and invest time in those things you can control:

TAKING ON A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, NETWORKING WITH PEOPLE WHO MAY BE IN A POSITION TO ASSIST YOU PROFESSIONALLY, CONSTANTLY RE-WORKING YOUR RESUME, MAKE CONTACT WITH HR & HIRING MANAGERS IN A CREATIVE/PERSONAL/UNIQUE WAY (thousands of people are sending BORING resumes/cover letters everyday), GETTING GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THOSE YOU ARE COMPETING AGAINST & CONVEYING THESE SKILLS?QUALITIES EFFECTIVELY , HAVING A REALISTIC IDEA OF WHAT YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO DO & WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO COMPROMISE ON, BEING IN THE MINDSET THAT IF YOU DO NOT REACH OUT TO THOSE YOU WANT TO MEET/INTERVIEW WITH...SOMEONE ELSE IS


So...what are you doing?

IT IS EASY TO BE "GOOD" WHEN TIMES ARE "GOOD"...BUT IT IS THOSE THAT FLOURISH IN THE FACE OF TREMENDOUS CHALLENGE THAT ARE TRULY SUCCESSFUL...

It is these times that can ALLOW you to APPRECIATE those BASIC things you are blessed with...could be GOOD HEALTH, A NICE VISIT WITH A FRIEND, A GOOD MEAL, A SUNNY DAY...it sounds silly - but getting some satisfaction from the SMALL things can impact your spirit/presentation/attitude in a GREAT way...ultimately assisting in bringing MORE GOOD THINGS (ie CAREER OPPORTUNITY) to you!!!


OK...that is my MOTIVATIONAL TALK OF THE DAY...now I AM GOING TO TRY VERY HARD TO FOLLOW MY OWN ADVICE



"CAN'T KNOCK THE HUSTLE" - JAY Z

"Had a great 1st interview...they called immediately to bring me back in...fantastic final interview - wait.. what the hell is an internal referral?

Does the title of this entry sound familiar?

Four times in the last month...this sceneraio has gone down...

THE DREADED "INTERNAL REFERRAL" has become the latest in a long list of reasons why companies are NOT "PULLING THE TRIGGER" and opting to save any money they can...



HERE ARE SOME "POPULAR"REASONS/EXCUSES FOR NOT HIRING YOU AFTER SEVERAL SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWS:

1- "Oh...we didn't mention that Sally in Marketing had referred her friend...who we met 2 weeks ago and loved???" (always seem to conveniently forget that info)
2- "CFO has frozen the budget..."
3- "It looks like we are going to move someone from another department..." (we don't want to spend money & we are going to give much more responsibility to some other poor sould & not pay them for it)
4- "The sales reports just came in...and we did not meet our goals..."
5- "Ultimately...there was just not a chemistry/cultural match" (in other words - you are VERY qualified...but they did not like your personality)
6- "We are restructuring the department...and going in a different direction"
7- "Loved the candidate...have not been able to get a consensus...hiring manager has been travelling...and we...(THIS GOES ON FOR MONTHS)
____________________________________________________________

Bottom line...is that these challenging times show us again & again how little control we have over the actions of others. The key to overcoming this is to focus ONLY on the things you do have control over...

- continue to aggressively search for for APPROPRIATE career opportunities
- make sure you have a resume that is reflective of the caliber of candidate you are - make sure you are SELLING what employers are BUYING
- do not give ANY hint of desperation or frustration in your communication with Hiring Managers
- tell everyone you know - everyone you meet - that you are actively looking for a new job - you never know who will hear you & be in a position to refer you to a decision maker
- take unconventional approaches to communication - social networking sites (FACEBOOK/TWITTER/LINKEDIN) - ask for INFORMATIONAL/EXPLORATORY interviews

___________________________________________________________

TRY TO UNDERSTAND...AS I DO - EVERYDAY...THAT MOST PEOPLE YOU KNOW ARE IN THE SAME BOAT - feeling concerned about money - career - health - the state of our economy - family issues, etc. - YOU ARE NOT ALONE OR UNIQUE WITH REGARD TO THE ABOVE LISTED CONCERNS

__________________________________________________________________

Keep up the effort - positive energy - do not wait for change - make change happen...ADAPT & AGGRESSIVELY PURSUE strong opportunities!!!



"BEL---IEVE ME SWEETY...I GOT ENOUGH TO FEED THE NEEDY!" - NOTORIOUS BIG