Saturday, October 31, 2009

Volunteers of the Week: SJN Marketing Innovation Council

It is a pleasure to recognize the efforts and initiative of the SJN Marketing Innovation Council (IC).

This group of professionals has committed to working on several short-term and long-term projects, including: jump-starting a PR program, updating web content, writing up award applications and re-designing the logo, marketing brochures and signage to reflect SJN’s name change, the renovated curriculum and this year’s expansion. The team continues to develop SJN’s strategic marketing plan.

Comprised of talented individuals with a variety of marketing backgrounds, SJN marketing volunteers are happy to share that several of their members have landed jobs since the Innovation Council formed.

Marketing Innovation Council Members include: Ellen DeDominico, Lori Kocmich-Stang, Paula Masiulewicz, June Meitz, Deborah Pace, Lynn Riley, Sam Rosen, Lisa Sorg-Friedman, Rhonda Wrenn, and Alex Zarazua.

Members who have landed are: Maribeth Brady, Kevin Dumcum and Jerry Kaster.

Interested in volunteering with SJN’s marketing professionals? Join them immediately after SJN North Tuesday morning meetings. In advance of the next Marketing IC meeting, you can reach out to this group via email to: info@southwestjobnet.com

MANY THANKS TO OUR MARKETERS!


For more information about SJN and to see our upcoming events offered at three locations: Phoenix, Southeast and West Valley, see our website.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST AND SUPPORT!

Christine Vicari
Founder-Executive Director

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Volunteer of the Week: Al Walsh

SJN Volunteer of the Week: AL WALSH
Events Coordinator, SJN Programs in the West Valley
alwalsh@aol.com

Meet Al Walsh, an affable guy who joined SJN as a recruiter-resource in 2007. This year, Al partnered with SJN Board Members to lead the strategic planning to launch SJN in the West Valley.

To support this expansion, Al established a relationship and formed a partnership with the Glendale Community College Director of Career Services. Working with college representatives, he coordinated room availability, equipment and other logistical tasks to execute successful events at the school.

To staff the expansion, Al recruited, trained and managed a team of 25 volunteers to provide support before, during and after events. He cross-trained volunteers to fulfill complex assignments. This ensured consistent delivery and provided for succession planning. He also coordinated with SJN Board members and other event coordinators to maintain consistent processes at all three SJN locations.

SJN is very proud of Al’s contribution—and throughout all our encounters with him he has been professional, upbeat, dedicated and committed to the success of the endeavors he undertakes and the members he serves.

Many thanks, Al.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Training Trainers to Deliver SJN Curriculum

Training sessions are planned to teach facilitators the SJN curriculum.

Have you ever wanted to share yourself with others from SJN? Want to lead the crowd? Want to get more experience with speaking in public? If the answer to any of these questions is positive, then plan on attending a Train-the-Trainer session to get the deep understanding to be able to co-lead one of the SJN Modules at one of our three valley-wide locations.

The sessions will be held at the following times at Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85032.

Monday, October 5

9 AM -12 N Emotions and Vision
1 PM -4 PM Marketing Plan and Tools

Thursday, October 8
9 AM -12 N Leads and Networking
1 AM - 4 PM Interviews and Offers

In addition to trainees, we are also looking for 2-3 people to lead the training sessions. So if you have lead a module or been through the TTT for that module and want to help out by leading, please contact me to get on the schedule.

Contact: Daniel McCrobie
daniel@righthalfmarketing.com 480.335.0927


If you have any questions for me, don't hesitate to be in touch.

Many thanks!

Christine Vicari
Founder-Executive Director
SOUTHWEST JOB NETWORK (SJN)
Chris.Vicari@southwestjobnet.com

Friday, September 18, 2009

Volunteers of the Week

As my readers know, SOUTHWEST JOB NETWORK (SJN) is an all-volunteer organization. Our volunteers are the best. Read about the contributions of two of them.

KAREN ZELLER offered to photograph SJN members and provide digital images for their profiles, blogs, etc for a $5 fee. Karen conducted the photo shoot this week at Temple Chai where we had our regular meeting. She donated her time and talent and the money she collected to SJN. This worked out very well—as Karen patiently took photos until each subject was satisfied with the results. Karen donated $130 to SJN. Thanks, Karen!

Thanks also go to the team of administrative volunteers who managed the flow of people being photographed, took the money, etc. One volunteer offered his jacket and tie to another member who came unprepared for the shoot, but took advantage of it when there was time for Karen to photograph him. That's the spirit!

The second volunteer I want to recognize is MARYANNA LEVENSON who approached Einstein Bros (where we’ve been purchasing bagels for some time) to see if they would donate the bagels to SJN. She couldn’t get anyone to return her calls.

Maryanna took the further initiative to talk to Chompie’s. While the deal isn’t “signed,” it appears that Chompie’s is willing to consider this donation, and I have just sent the required evidence of our nonprofit status along with a letter explaining what SJN does in the community. Fingers crossed!

These are two examples of members who offered to put energy behind their ideas—and each made a significant impact. THANK YOU Karen and Maryanna.

I ask members to think about KAREN and MARYANNA when you have ideas of things that SJN could do or services SJN could provide. Remembering we operate entirely on donated services. Ask yourself, “Is there something I can do with my time, talent and ideas to make an impact on the organization and my job seeker peers?” I bet you can!

Blessings and good weekend,

Chris Vicari-SJN
Founder-Executive Director

Sunday, May 24, 2009

SJN Establishes Emeritus Board

I am pleased to share a recent decision of the SJN Board of Directors to establish an SJN Emeritus Board to honor the service of past board members of our organization. As a local, grassroots nonprofit, our volunteer board has been and remains the lynchpin of our success.

We are pleased to recognize each of the Board members in our organization's history through membership in our Emeritus Board. They are:

Maria Wojtczak
Jim O’Hara
Steve Wild
Patrick Hanley
Doug Bruhnke


Congratulations! and thank you again for your service.
From time to time, vacancies occur on the board. To be considered, send a letter of interest with a resume to the SJN Nominating Committee at info@scottsdalejobnet.com
Thank you,
Christine Vicari
Founder-Executive Director

June Events at SJN

Meeting location: Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Meeting times: 8:30-9:30 AM Open Networking, Resume Reviews
Customary Meeting Donation $5

Meeting: Tues, June 2 – Temple Chai

COPING WITH THE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER OF JOB TRANSITION

SJN friend Dave Sherman joins us on June 2 to offer job seekers insights and inspiration to maintain a positive self image and attitude during job transition. Topics Dave will address:
  • Being aware of the emotional rollercoaster of change.
  • Finding many reasons to be upbeat and positive.
  • Tips and tools to help you cope with the ups and downs.
  • Exercises to develop coping strategies.
  • Options/resources when outside help is needed.

Workshop: Thurs, June 4 – Glendale Community College

SJN’S GET WIRED TO GET HIRED!

Come to this SJN seminar to understand how to make maximum use of the powerful tools available through the internet, with the understanding that the goal is to get you hired. Among other things, you will:
  • Understand how internet tools fit into each phase of SJN’s Curriculum for the Job Search Process.
  • Discover free resources that help you reach hiring decision makers.
  • Learn how to tap into the power of LinkedIn to further your job search.
REGISTRATION: This free workshop is co-sponsored with Glendale Community College. This Intermediate-level seminar is best for those with basic understanding of and familiarity with LinkedIn and other tools such as Google. For more details and to register: http://getwired-060409.eventbrite.com/.

NOTE: SJN representatives are not certified or accredited LinkedIn trainers and are not associated with LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a registered trademark of LinkedIn Corporation.


Meeting: Tues, June 16 – Temple Chai

HOW TO IMPRESS THE HR PROFESSIONAL

Bob Neckes, Corporate Director of Human Resources & Risk Management for Macayo's Mexican Kitchen & Fiesta Canning, will share the human resource manager’s perspective with job seekers. Learning what HR wants to see and hear-- in your resume, cover letter and application and during interviews--will make a difference in your application process. Bob will offer his recommendations on addressing roadblocks in your work history and encourage job seekers to be open-minded about companies, industries, and leads to organizations you may not have previously considered.


Workshop: Mon, June 22 – Jobing.com, 5-8 PM
North 22nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016

SJN’S GET WIRED TO GET HIRED—HANDS ON!

Come to this SJN seminar to understand how to make maximum use of the powerful tools available through the internet, with the understanding that the goal is to get you hired. Among other things, you will:
  • Understand how internet tools fit into each phase of SJN’s Curriculum for the Job Search Process.
  • Discover free resources that help you reach hiring decision makers.
  • Learn how to tap into the power of LinkedIn to further your job search.
REGISTRATION/FEE: $15.00
Follow link to sign up and pre-pay:
http://getwired062209.eventbrite.com/

Internet connection at the Jobing.com offices enables participants to bring a laptop and work live.

NOTE: SJN representatives are not certified or accredited LinkedIn trainers and are not associated with LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a registered trademark of LinkedIn Corporation.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Call for Volunteer Trainers, Presenters

Call for Volunteers!


Are you a Training Expert, Skilled Presenter or Public Speaker?
SJN needs you and your capabilities! As we look to increase the value and benefits we offer to job seekers in the community, one way you can help is by delivering SJN-approved content.

One of the first things we are doing is developing our “Train the Trainer” sessions so that we can equip more people to deliver the SJN curriculum.

We’re collecting information over the next few weeks and building our database. Even if you cannot volunteer right now, please submit your information so that we can keep you informed of our opportunities down the road. If you’re interested, please click this link. http://www.surveyshare.com/survey/take/?sid=87671

If you know someone who might find this an interesting volunteer opportunity, please send them this email.

THANK YOU,
Chris Vicari, Founder-Ex. Director
Scottsdale Job Network