Standing By, Up, and In, by Janet

Being unemployed and having more time on your hands, allows you to think. There is a sense of solitude that comes with unemployment that only those going through it can, in all honesty, relate to the feelings of isolation and loneliness. I’m a workaholic and now in my 5th week of unemployment (can you believe it) and I have been feeling this way recently. I’m use to being busy and over the last few weeks my stepdaughters have been with their mom and my husband is traveling, so the house has been empty (well, I still have Snuggles the cat, but that conversation seems to be a bit one-sided and she sleeps too much).

I spent a significant time job hunting (because that is what you do when out of work) and much of it online. The other day I was at home, and on the computer, when an overwhelming sensation of personal-disconnect happened. You might call it a “panic attack” I’m calling it a “disconnection to others bout” (I don’t like the word “attack” and appreciate the word “bout”, because it sounds short lived and that you’ll be back to “normal” soon). I decided I have spent too much time alone, looking for work, living through the computer, over cleaning, and talking to the cat, so I decided I have to do something about it.

I picked up the phone and started calling people (sounds logical, doesn’t it). I asked them if they were free for coffee, to go for a walk, to see a movie, to have a drink, or to do something of their choice to help me fill my calendar. I called my business “network” to find upcoming meetings to attend or if they needed any “free” help to keep my mind sharp and my sanity in check. I know I have to find full-time work (which I’m doing) but I also know that I need human contact. My friends, family, and business acquaintances have stepped up. My calendar is filling up and the love, willingness, and availability of people I know has changed my outlook and attitude. I am seeing, first hand, the kindness of others in my time of need.

Yesterday, as I glanced through my online calendar, I felt good. I also came across a great video (on YouTube) that I became an instant fan of and I wanted to pass along. I could relate to the video. Its part of a music documentary (Playing for Change, Peace through Music) with musicians performing the song, “Stand by Me” (a Ben E. King classic). Each individual musician performed their rendition of the song all over the world and the director connected them together. I saw an immediate correlation in the film to my life. I’m not a lone singer on the street belting out a tune. No, I’m part of a bigger group of people and when in need, people do stand by you. They stand up for you and they stand in for you giving you their strength to overcome any obstacles.

Thank you and enjoy this clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM

Going Up? Build a Smart Elevator Speech, by Janet

The other day I was in an elevator after a networking opportunity and I was heading down a few floors to my car that was parked in the garage. I don’t particularly like elevators (I’ll admit I’m a classic claustrophobic) but a ride on the elevator was an opportunity to be have a few solitary minutes with potential companies seeking people to hire. I’m not saying I was the right person for the specific jobs that they were trying to fill, but what I am saying is that I might be the right person to work for their company (they just don’t know it - yet).

I figured this was my opportunity to say something and get my foot in the door for future openings. I started with small talk in the hallway before the elevator arrived to get the conversation moving. We got in, the doors shut, my blood pressure went up slightly and one of the hiring managers asked me: “What are you looking to do?” I stumbled with a response (which is shocking, because for those who know me know that I can think on my feet and say something smart and targeted but today I was off my game). I had this trapped audience (maybe not a good word when talking about riding an elevator) and a prime opportunity to showcase who I am and I messed up. I did not have my personal, targeted elevator speech down to make a great impression.

Everyone needs an elevator speech.

An elevator speech is a 30 second speech that succinctly and memorably introduces you. It spotlights your uniqueness. If focuses on the benefits you provide and should be delivered in the time span of an elevator ride, making it short and sweet and to the point.

I did manage to say something, but I decided during my drive home that I need to work on this. When I got home I sat down and thought about my elevator speech and here is what I came up with:

Hello, my name is Janet Jerde. I help companies drive profits, deliver value for investors, grow brand, and retain and grow customers through smart, effective, and result driven advertising, Internet marketing and social networking, sales, and customer retention programs.

Peace.

Do Not Forget to Live, by Janet

As promised I’m taking today off to live a little and re-energize my soul (I need to check in with Jill to see if she is joining the “day off” plan and if so, what she is doing). Like you, I've been looking for work every day this week (networking, online searching, reviewing my resume, and following up to previous leads to get an interview) so my brain (and ego) deserve a break. If you don’t have any pressing matters, you should do the same!

I’m off to the health club to workout including some necessary sit-ups. Exercising is a good thing in life – regardless if you have a job or not - but for all of us seeking employment right now, adding the routine of daily exercise to our agenda is essential to maintaining good “mental” health. It is stressful looking for a job every day. You need to get outside and take a walk, run, attend a yoga class, get the bike out and take a spin around the neighborhood,or do something that gets you away from the computer, off the couch, or in my case, out of the refrigerator.

Once I’m done with my exercising, I’m off to do some personal errands (I will not bore you with the details of my ever so exciting life). Tonight it is an evening with Bonnie Brea pizza (yummy), fabulous wine, and a few laughs with my husband. He was in Dallas, Texas this week for work so catching up is in order.

Peace.

SWF, 47 and Never Been Kissed, by Jill

I bet you thought this was the beginning of a personal ad. Sorry kids, Janet and I are offering reading entertainment not a dating service. However this is the description of a woman of whom I had never heard, Susan Boyle. Actually no one had heard of her, with maybe the exception of her neighbors in the small town in England where she lives. Now, worldwide people know the woman who sang, “I Dreamed a Dream.”

Boyle was a contestant on “Britain’s Got Talent.” She stood up on stage before the world with fire, determination, courage and confidence. She said that wanted to be a professional singer and aspired to be as successful as Elaine Paige. Everyone baulked at her comment.

The hosts, judges, the studio audience and even the viewing audience had a pre-conceived notion of what they thought they were about to hear. People were laughing, rolling their eyes, and expressing disbelief in her ability to perform as if they were saying, “There is no way you can sing? Who do you think you are? Elaine Paige, please no way.”

Queue the music, Boyle hits her first note. The audience and judges alike gasped, brows raised, people cheered, they stood and clapped. She had changed a roomful of doubt into heartwarming inspiration. In a word, she was EXCEPTIONAL. Whether or not this genre of music happens to be in your ITunes library, there is no denying this lady can really sing. If you don't believe me, click here: Susan Boyle & Elaine Paige edit "I Dreamed a Dream"

The point to my story is this – inspiration can be found anywhere. Have confidence in yourself and don’t let others preconceived notions and judgments change how you act and feel. Keep an open mind and remain true to yourself and your dreams. Be exceptional.

Process for Finding Employment, by Janet

In an earlier blog I said stop, drop and re-think your process for finding employment. I’m taking my own recommendations (no lie) and I completed my strategy plan for work.

I wrote down the things I loved about my past jobs. I identified the projects, tasks, and responsibilities that gave me the greatest level of satisfaction. Everything boiled down to actions I took that drove positive revenue for my employers (duh, that seems obvious when writing this but there were times in my career when I have been caught in the "weeds" at work, due to limited staff or resources, and while the “weed tasks” were necessary to complete, your ability to focus on the big picture revenue actions can become tangled). Originally my list was long, so I drilled down the responsibilities to target key actions that drove company profits and, equally important, things I completely enjoyed.

I came up with: 1) the development and implementation of strategic marketing initiatives (analytics, design, program development and implementation, and processes for release and communications); 2) new product launch (brand development, market positioning, guidelines, training, measurement tools and sales analysis; 3) social network marketing (especially the Organic means of driving first-time visitors to a site and the tools to build long-term relations); and 4) media and consumer relationship marketing. I also made a list of companies I want to work for and why I want to work for them. I have 20 companies in the greater Denver area that made the list.

I merged these two lists and now I’m evaluating each company and how my talents and experience would benefit them (as I mentioned in my previous blog I’m determined to choose my path for employment. This means I have to stop sending out random resume emails as if they were ransom notes for employment).

I’m now completing my due diligence with the companies identified to see if the work culture is one that I would want to be a part of and if there are positions within the organization that match my talents. In tandem, I’m searching my social networks, talking to friends, family, church members, and other community network groups to see who people know and how I can get introduced. This will take a bit of time to uncover. If I can’t find the right contact within the organization from my discovery efforts, then I’m going to try another way to get myself in front of the right person at the right company.

Peace

Take a Day Off, by Janet

When you are unemployed and looking for work, take a day off. This might seem counter-productive but you deserve it. You need it. I just took two days off (that is why you did not see new blogs from me) and while "off" I decided I’m going to start taking every Friday off from my job search (okay, I’ve not told my husband or my co-blog writer about this change in my schedule… I’ll just let them read it).

I’m officially taking one weekday off, without guilt, and I’m going to do something else. Finding a job is a fulltime job (don’t be fooled) and you have to step away from it. Now you might be thinking “I can’t afford to do that. I need a job. I needed a job yesterday”. I can appreciate those statements (I say and think this often too), but your brain needs a rest. Your soul needs to be revitalized. You need to take a day and do something else. By giving yourself this time allows you to come back invigorated, eager, happy, and maybe (just maybe) with a new strategy or a new contact for finding work.

I took two days off because on Friday I needed a “Janet moment”. I felt compelled to do something completely mindless in efforts to grow my positive energy and spirit. On Saturday, my fabulous husband and I took a wine class. We love wine (hence the nickname Winey Janet). We had a blast learning about the components of wine and spending quality time together. Our day was filled with new and fascinating information about wines. Our Saturday wine escape led to conversations about everything BUT my job searching efforts (tends to be the dominate conversations these past few weeks). We admitted to each other that this was good for us both. I forget that my unemployment impacts him too, and for us both to step away from my job search and do something else was a break we both needed. So, my completely unprofessional advice to you is to take one day off each week. Find something else to do besides looking for work. Take a walk around a park, play games with your kids, read a book, nap, talk to your cat, go to the dollar movies (see a couple shows in one day and make it your own private film festival), write a letter, cook a great meal, or better yet, go volunteer. There are other people in our world that need your help and it’s nice to know you’re still needed.

I will take a day off each week, I promise. I will blog on my “day off” but not about seeking employment, but instead I’ll do something else with my day and write about it.

Peace

Positively Positive, by Jill

If you have ever heard of or have taken the “Strengthfinders” questionnaire then you know at least your top five strengths, if not your top 10 or potentially all 34. If you have no idea to what I am referring to, check out www.strengthfinders.com.

One of my key strengths is “positivity” (it is my fourth strength of many). At this point you might be saying, “And this helps me how, Jill?” Well I will tell you positivity has helped me through my various stages of unemployment. You see I have been a member of the RIF (reduction in force) movement three times in the past four years. Yes folks two of which were in 2008 (heavy sigh). My husband joined the ranks of the unemployed about a month ago (heavier sigh).

Every day we both see our situation as an opportunity, not an obstacle (smile). Keeping a positive attitude and humor has been my salvation and my way to get through it. Don’t misunderstand, there are days that I could stay in my pj’s all day (done that) and thought, “I don’t really need to get out of bed today” (said that). First, when you do happen to get out of bed, you may feel sorry for yourself and stew in your pity pot. Let me be the first to tell you that to have one of those days now and again is okay. However, I do emphasize only one of those days now and again.

While Janet and I do not claim to be experts, we do lean on each other to keep things positive. Following are a few things I have found helpful to keep my attitude upbeat.

Identify what inspires you. Write down a few things that inspire you or take you to your happy place. Write it in a journal, on a chalkboard, a dry erase board, or even paint it on your wall, no matter what is a person, a place, a book, a song, a pet or an object — something that helps break the cycle of sadness.

Call a friend that makes you laugh. (I have Janet and she has me). Stay away from the negative Nelly’s, the downer Debbie’s and the sad Sara’s. Trust me I can send myself into a downward spiral fast enough, I don’t need anyone’s help for that. A funny friend is sure-fire cure, as we all know laughter is the best medicine.

Limit the amount of time you watch the news daily. Don’t misunderstand it is critical to stay informed on life, local and world issues but it is essential for you to choose your attitude or your outlook yourself. Don’t be bogged down or freaked out by media phrases like — crisis, worst in history, bleak outlook, and more layoffs – you get my drift.

Practice a random act of kindness. Make someone you know (or don’t) smile. Give people compliments; pick something up when someone drops something near you; hold the door open for someone. You get the idea.

Take a moment and be grateful for something (or someone) in your life. Your friends, your home, your dog, your health, your ability to sing well in the shower, the fact that two friends have created a fantastic blog for you to read.....Practice this phrase. I am grateful for (fill in the blank). Focusing on being thankful will help refocus your energy to the positive.

Get outside. Five to 10 minutes of sun a day is all you need to get a good dose of Vitamin D – not to mention you feel better when the sun shines (Don’t forget the sunscreen).

My last tip (well at least for this entry) is to read the book, “Life is Good”. This book provides life hints for happiness and positivity. It's your daily reminder to stay positive. Remember, a smile is contagious. Optimism breeds optimism. It takes fewer muscles to smile then frown. May the sun shine on you and your day be filled with laughter and joy!

Hugs

Mapping Your Employment Process, by Janet

Finding a job in today’s economy is tough. There are lots of us (me, Jill and now Jill’s husband Ron) out there looking for work and for those companies hiring it’s an employer’s market (good for them). But if you’re on the search for a new career, don’t just run to the nearest computer to look for job postings online and then immediately start sending out hundreds of resumes to make yourself feel better (hello, Jill and I have done that). Instead stop, drop into your favorite chair, and re-think about what you really want to do with your next career move.

Regardless if you are 20, 40, or 60 years old seeking work, you need to identify what you love to do. You need to look at past jobs and identify what was the most satisfying part about them (if it was the paycheck…well, think a little harder). You need to write down every company you have ever wanted to work for and start merging this information together so that you have a focused and purpose driven effort in place to restart looking for work.

Many of you, like us, don’t have the time or money to be out of work for months. You have a mortgage to pay, college tuition to save for, a car payment due in less than 30 days, or one of a hundred other personal reasons why you needed a job yesterday. I get it. But to run around without a clear goal of what you want to do and where you want to work will only prolong your search and your ability to build accurate strategies and implement smart tactics that will help you achieve your goal of landing a new job.

Jill and I are not experts at finding jobs (hello, we’re unemployed too, remember) but we met for a brainstorming session and decided that we are going to be more strategic in our search. Today I stopped, sat down in my favorite chair (with a glass of wine), and made myself think about what I loved in my past jobs and I made a list of the organizations I believe my talents would most benefit. My next step will be to work on my strategies and tactics to get myself noticed.

Peace

The Recession Roller Coaster, by Janet

The recession just got a little personal. I was laid off recently (4 weeks and counting). My friend Jill has been out of work since December (I took that personally too). I didn’t understand what she meant by the "emotional roller coaster" that comes along with being released from your job when I called her to tell her about my situation, but after 4 weeks of not going into the office I believe the carnival has arrived and I have my e-ticket in hand. It is an emotional time to not be working but I must allow myself to enjoy the ride.

I think the “roller coaster effect" for me comes from (or who I kindly place blame on) my workaholic parents that raised me and my siblings to work. I like working. I need to work. I was told to work. I was picking beans in a bean field outside of Springfield, Oregon before I was 7 years old (Hello, what was my mother thinking! She used to load me, my brother and sisters into her 1963 Volkswagen at 5 am and we would drive to the fields and work). I’ve worked all my life, so to have this “temporary coffee break” seems unusual, a bit scary, but it's also thrilling.

For the first time in my life I’m taking a moment to figure out the next step. I’m giving myself the personal time to network, meet with friends, and become a better family, church, and community member. Yes, it is scary. There are ups, downs, times when I have felt slightly ill and times that I have found it to be very exhilarating. I'm completely okay with the idea that the search for my next career opportunity may feel like a ride on a roller coaster but I'm determined to sit in the front car, eyes wide open and I’m not holding on. If you are in the same situation, let’s sit by each other on the next ride and together we'll make it interesting!

Peace.