Scottsdale Job Network Meeting Feb 3, 2009

Scottsdale Job Network Meeting

Improving Your Interviewing Skills Part 2

Scottsdale Jobs Network

Join us on MEETING: Tues, Feb 3, 2009 8:30-9:30 AM Resume Reviews, Open Networking 9:30-11:30 AM - Meeting with Guest speaker

Location: Temple Chai - 4645 East Marilyn Road Phoenix, Arizona 85032

STARTING OR WORKING IN A SMALL BUSINESS

Facilitator: Doug Bruhnke will moderate a panel of entrepreneurial business founders and owners to discuss what its like to start and work in a small business. Considering the current economy, all work options should be considered!

Panelists:

Lon Safko Lon is an award-winning entrepreneur, inventor, CEO, consultant, author and speaker www.lonsafko.com His 18 inventions and more than 30,000 papers are in the Smithsonian, and he was recently selected by the Smithsonian to represent The American Inventor at their annual conference Lon is the founder of eight successful companies, including Paper Models, Inc. His latest book The Social Media Bible by Wiley & Sons unlocks the mysteries of the hottest new Internet wave, Social Media, such as Facebook and YouTube.

Abhay Jajoo Abhay is a serial entrepreneur with growing businesses in Phoenix. One of his companies is Eupath, which provides US and Canada-based companies with software development, analytics and legal processing services to incubate and scale operations at lower cost in India while keeping their proprietary business processes in-house www.eupath.com

Lesley Gates-McCulley Lesley is the owner of Gates to HR www.gatestohr.com which she founded after leaving Phelps Dodge. She has extensive human resources management experience in diverse corporate and work site environments, including small business through Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. Throughout her career she has created HR infrastructure and led project teams aimed at starting or working in a small business.

Jeffrey Taylor After a corporate career with Citibank and Peat Marwick, Jeffrey read an issue of Entrepreneur and became one. During his successful consulting career he published two textbooks which are still used by global financial institutions. In the last couple of years he has lectured on Sarbanes-Oxley to major financial institutions, developed business plans for start-up companies, prepared companies to go public, helped companies raise both private and public capital and made independent movies. His new book, Going from W2 to 1099?, will be published this summer.

Thank you,
Bill Austin

Email: | Scottsdale Job Network | Voice Mail: Phone: (480) 513-1491

Scottsdale Job Network



Phoenix Jobs

All I Want for Christmas is a ROOT CANAL?

Well, no, that really wasn’t on my list, but Santa managed to decide that the holidays would be more interesting if I needed immediate dental attention. Fortunately, despite flying cross country (and back), the dreaded procedure was able to be postponed until next Friday.

This situation points to the fact that while we plan good things, often other stuff happens.

Unemployment is part of the stuff of life that hits people the same way—doesn’t happen at a good time and is not welcome when it’s not your choice.

So now what? If part of your year-end news was displacement from steady employment, Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) and the leaders of our group really do understand and want to help.

As a non-profit group run entirely by volunteers who have experienced many career and life transitions, we offer a program of support.

Consider joining us at Temple Chai in Phoenix, our meeting location, on the first and third Tuesday mornings of each month. See the SJN website for more information about our program. The EVENTS CALENDAR offers the meeting schedule and description of presentations planned. The next meeting is Tues, January 6, 2009 – starting 8:30 AM with networking and 9:30 AM with meeting-presentation.

You can expect to be welcomed by caring and friendly people who want to make you part of the group. You’ll be made aware of resources that benefit the job seeker—including resume reviews, a Yahoo Group with information, links, a membership list and prior presentations. You’ll hear guest speakers addressing topics to help your search and have the opportunity to network with business supporters and other job seekers.

At the Jan 6 meeting, Jobing.com Foundation’s Brett Farmiloe and Zach Hubbell will energize the audience with a presentation on Pursuing the Passion.

We hope all the job seekers we meet are back to work very soon and then able to help others still in transition.

Blessings for a great new year!


Christine Vicari-SJN
Founder-President

Who are the SJN Heroes?

It’s been a year of growth and challenge for Scottsdale Job Network (SJN). We’ve made a lot of great friends, helping many job seekers with resume reviews and job search strategy through our curriculum program. We plan to do more of the same in 2009.

There are many volunteers who are passionate supporters of SJN who offer support to unemployed and under-employed workers in our community. Some of their efforts are in the background--maintaining Yahoo Group, answering phone inquiries, coordinating volunteers, keeping the books, writing the curriculum, maintaining the website—and more! I am often amazed at the support and dedication of these wonderful people.

Do you ever wonder who these unsung heroes are? Many of you have been touched by the volunteer services of our organization.

One of the unsung heroes and most consistent and passionate supporters of our members is Communications Professional, Pat Elliott. Often contributing the latest from the media on job opportunities in the Phoenix area, Pat is tireless in her efforts to help members.

She has taken a lot of her time to support me and the SJN Board with communication strategy, pointing out opportunities for development, alliances and award opportunities.

Pat will not brag, look for a stroke or expect recognition. Other members have told me of her help and encouragement during their transition. She is a professional who aims to see SJN grow and be a resource for the Phoenix area for many years to come. This member-volunteer has been involved with SJN and also the St. Patrick’s Employment Support Ministry for more than five years.

Please join me in thanking Pat for her contribution and dedication to our members. You can reach Pat at: patelliott@earthlink.net


Chris Vicari-SJN
Founder-President

It’s Not the Economy, It’s You

It’s Not the Economy, It’s You
Written by: Jim McVeigh, SJN Member

The sun comes up most days in Arizona.

That’s something to look forward to and something to feel good about even though you’re in a job transition, according to local networking guru Dave Sherman, featured speaker at the Scottsdale Job Network meeting on Nov. 25.

Dave gave an inspirational and animated presentation full of both practical tips for job seekers and a message of encouragement. He opened by saying that we shouldn’t let the doom and gloom of economic news get to us – and that we should feel lucky that things aren’t worse. It’s all a matter of attitude and how we adjust our thinking in light of the world around us.

“The first thing you need to do is to stop talking about the bad economy,” says Dave. “The economy is not bad, it’s ‘challenging.’”

When it comes to the economy Dave’s advice is: “Turn off the news, don’t look at the stock reports … watch more sports – it focuses on success.”

Keeping a positive attitude is essential in networking and a job search. And, Dave stresses that it’s critically important to understand there are many things outside your control – like the economy – that are “not your fault” so you shouldn’t be down on yourself but focus on your career path.

“It’s taking the beautiful drive to Flagstaff – it usually takes about 2 ½ hours. But if it snows you may have to put on chains or take a detour so it may take 6 or 7 hours. There’s nothing wrong with the path, you just had to make adjustments,” Dave said.

Finding Common Grounds

Another important point of Dave’s talk centers on what he calls the most important element of networking and a job search – commonality.

“The keys to networking and getting your next job are likeability and commonality. The way people connect is finding something in common – it’s hard to connect when all you talk about is the work you do and what kind of job you’re looking for. Once you create a bond through commonality you can begin to work on the other elements of connection – likeability, trust and dependability.”

Other tips from Dave:

• When you are at the point that you feel “What do I do next?” … Do something. Don’t do nothing. Keep moving forward.
• Comb the Phoenix Business Journal – especially the Networking Calendar, People on Move section and the Events Calendar. Attend the networking events and meet people.
• Don’t let your pride get in the way of networking. If you feel embarrassed about meeting people – get over it.
• This time of the year is networking season. The holidays are the perfect time to meet and greet people and talk about more than just looking for work.

###

What’s in a HERO?

Today, I was declared a HERO by the City of Scottsdale! Honored as a recipient of the annual Frances Young Community Hero Award, my volunteer work at Scottsdale Job Network was brought to public attention with an article and photo in the Tribune, an awards breakfast presentation by the City’s Mayor, and a neat plaque and medallion (yes, like the Olympians wear—but not gold!).

When I started leading an employment support program in Scottsdale in 2002, it was post-911 and seemed a practical way to help my country through a devastating time. I didn’t know I was being called to a life purpose and true test of my commitment to helping others.

Truth be told, it is a JOY and also an HONOR to be allowed into people’s lives when they are hurting, vulnerable and need support, resources and connections to land their next job opportunity.

At a time when our neighbors, communities and country are struggling, I throw out the challenge to find a way to help those around you. Besides the gratification of making a difference, you never know how much your support means to the life and stability of your neighbor. More than ever, the difference you will make is essential.

Community Support for Tough Times

Tough times economically force workers to look for public services to support basic needs. It’s understandable that many of us who never had to ask for help feel embarrassed or humiliated to even consider asking for public assistance. Still, who is more entitled to support than those of us who have contributed to the social programs of our communities—either through our volunteer efforts, direct donations or taxes?

At the invitation of Allen Gjersvig, Executive Director of the Keogh Health Foundation, I was a presenter in a panel of community leaders offering information for the unemployed and under-employed about community resources available to Arizona citizens and legal residents.

Keogh Health Foundation assists AZ’s vulnerable population to secure affordable healthcare during times of personal crises, primarily focusing on disadvantaged women and their children participating in programs to achieve self-sufficiency.

There are other resources where you can do an online assessment to determine eligibility for services:

Arizona 211 Online
Helps you find resources from child care, jobs, health care, and insurance - to State and local emergency bulletins and alerts that are vital in times of disaster or emergency. Arizona 2-1-1 Online was developed in partnership with government, tribal, non-profit and community groups to help you find the resources and information you need.

Arizona Self Help can tell you if you might qualify for programs supporting: food and nutrition, housing and utilities, healthcare, financial benefits and senor and disabled services.

I also met with Stephen Zabilski, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul, an organization in service in Phoenix since 1946. Through home visits, shelter, food assistance, employment services, thrift stores and outreach programs, St. Vincent de Paul provides compassion and support to individuals in need, regardless of race, origin, religion or gender. They also provide hot meals regularly and there are no screenings or eligibility requirements to go there to eat. HELP LINE - If you need assistance with utility bills, a food box, or other financial assistance, call Information and Referral at 602-263-8856.

Another thing I learned was the Food Stamps program, sponsored by AZ Community Action Association, is only utilized about 50% of its capacity. Applications are available through www.arizonaselfhelp.org/ Or call the AZ Food Stamp Info Hotline: 1-800-352-8401. The National Food Stamp hotline: 1-800-221-5689.

Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) is a charitable organization of job seekers and others volunteering their time to help them in their career transitions. The group attracts career coaches and business leaders who volunteer to run the group and make presentations. SJN offers the Job Search Curriculum series of presentations on job search skills including how to develop a marketing plan, write a resume, network and interview.

Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday mornings, 9:00-11:30 A.M. We meet at and use space donated by Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032-4839. Job seekers are offered the opportunity to network, learn new job search skills, and work with people who genuinely care about them See www.scottsdalejobnet.com for meeting dates and programs scheduled.

This is by no means a complete list, and I encourage my job seekers to take care of yourselves and have faith and keep plugging—many people care, including all of us at SJN!

God bless and good wishes.

Christine Vicari-SJN
Founder-Executive Director

Chris Vicari-SJN Wins Service Award

It is my honor to share the news that I have been selected as one of the FRANCES YOUNG COMMUNITY HEROES for 2008. This award, sponsored by The City of Scottsdale, General Dynamics and The Tribune, recognizes individuals making extraordinary efforts to improve the quality of life in the community. The award ceremony will take place in Scottsdale on October 16, 2008.

Read the nomination written by Ruben M. Camacho, Job Preparation Specialist, City of Scottsdale-Vista del Camino Center and edited by Martha Rockwell, A+ Resumes and Career Coaching.

"Chris Vicari is Founder and Executive Director of the Scottsdale Job Network (SJN), a group that provides support to all individuals in career transition. Currently, this non-profit entity serves over 600 members. Working an average of 30 to 35 hours per week, Chris volunteers her time with no compensation. She oversees the Board of Directors of eight members and a list of volunteers who give their time in behalf of the group. Growing and serving Scottsdale and the entire Phoenix Metropolitan area, Temple Chai in Phoenix has donated the use of a larger building and staff services at no cost.

"Chris has worked tirelessly by providing valuable information and hope at each meeting. In addition to having local companies advertise current openings, guest speakers deliver presentations on resume writing, interviewing, networking, finance management and self esteem. Chris’ enormous commitment and SJN have made a difference in the Scottsdale community.

"Dealing with the loss of a job is a tremendous emotional experience. Affecting the job seeker, the family and community, Chris’ efforts have brought a place where support, healing and education can take place. Scottsdale Job Network offers a safe haven for the broken spirit to rejuvenate and mend."

THANKS TO ALL SJN SUPPORTERS for your dedication to this work we do helping our neighbors--and also businesses--in transition! My humble and profound THANKS to Ruben and Martha for their efforts.