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

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

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

www.scottsdalejobnet.com

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.

SJN: 3/30 Grab Hold of Your Career in Tough Times

GRAB HOLD OF YOUR CAREER IN TOUGH TIMES
An Evening Panel Discussion--Not Just for Job Seekers

Monday, March 30, 2009

No fee. No registration necessary.

Location: Civic Center Library
3839 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 312-7323

5:30-6:30 PM – Open Networking
6:30-8:00 PM – Panel Discussion

In today's economy, just about everyone is concerned about their job or job opportunities. You may currently be looking for a job. You may suspect you'll soon be looking for a job. You may be thinking about changes in your professional life. Regardless of your situation, you're probably a little uncertain about your prospects. We have good news: opportunities present themselves every day, even in the toughest economy.

Treat yourself to an evening of lively discussion with a panel of professionals who know all about career coaching, business leadership, and professional networking. Ask them anything you want to know about managing career opportunities in today's market; you'll take home a diverse view of new ideas and perspectives!

• SJN is seeking an event sponsor. If you can help us connect with one, please contact SJN member and event coordinator: Raoul Encinas raoul.encinas@cox.net - thank you!

Panel Information

Jim O'Hara is one of the founding partners and President of Kellen James, a National Staffing Consultancy and is recognized as an authority on Human Capital Consulting. Jim is responsible for the strategic direction of the firm and management of significant consulting assignments. Jim has held executive level assignments for both national and international firms encompassing a twenty-five year corporate career. Prior to forming Kellen James, Jim served as Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing for several Divisions of a multi-national information provider serving legal, accounting, information and educational verticals. Jim earned his undergraduate degree from The Citadel and his MBA from Pepperdine University.

Lynn Moran has over 30 years of successful business experience, including five years as the President of Ethel M® Chocolates, a boutique retail and wholesale gourmet confectionary company. While President of Ethel M®, Lynn launched a literacy program titled “Feed Your Mind” that provided books to children. In 2002, she was named one of the Most Influential Businesswomen in Southern Nevada. Lynn was also the Executive VP of Sales for Russ Berrie. Lynn opened Sonoran Life Transition and Performance Coaching in 2008 where she focuses primarily on executive and business coaching/consulting. She has a BS degree in Business, a MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and is a Certified Coach.

Zach Hubbell is Co-Founder of www.pursuethepassion.com, a program of the Jobing Foundation. His work with Pursue the Passion began shortly after college when he and 3 friends set off across the country on a 16,000 mile road trip, interviewing over 200 professionals who loved their work. Currently Zach and Co-Founder Brett Farmiloe have been touring the country speaking to students and adults about their experiences. They promote a weekly video career profile and are developing a book and documentary coming out later this year.

Sara Klug, who calls herself a pre-boomer, is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) with 30 years in HR across numerous industries. As an Education Engineer with OdesseyWare in Chandler, she assists in product evaluation and design and serves as a conduit between the customer community and the software development team. Sara has a BS in Education and MA in Organizational Management. As an educator, Sara taught school in Okinawa and Germany. She also launched a branch office for a California Relocation Management company which became profitable within 15 months. Sara is an advocate of networking, volunteerism, keeping up-to-date skills, and maintaining a positive attitude during transitions, having been through 2 layoffs in 8 years. She is an alumnus of the SJN program and a supporter of SJN since its inception.

Moderator: Raoul Encinas is Vice President at Preod, a professional services firm based in Princeton, NJ. He has 20 years of experience leading large-scale organizational change, turnaround, and strategy initiatives. In this capacity, he directly hired or influenced the hiring of over 100 employees across a variety of job functions and industries. Raoul is a frequent speaker on job search topics, writes the weekly “AskSJN” column, and has directly helped hundreds of job seekers dramatically improve their results.

The Techie with the Holey Jeans

At a recent SJN meeting, one of our business supporters noticed a job seeker wearing ripped blue jeans and a loud t-shirt. The businessman commented to me was that this job seeker wasn’t coming across as serious about his search.


I thought about that for a while. I had known this job seeker for a few months and thought he had enough trust in me to hear my comments. The next day, I decided to risk annoying him and wrote under the subject line “constructive criticism.”


I explained to the job seeker that he was sending off the wrong signals with his casual attire . . . which was the opinion of people scouting for talent. I explained that networking events should be thought of as pre-interviews, because you are getting a chance to be noticed.

Fortunately, The Techie with the Holey Jeans responded to my suggestions with appreciation. He acknowledged that he knew my intention was to help him. He also explained that in his industry, jeans and casual clothes were the standard. However, despite his being financially challenged, he was going to Good Will for some decent clothes.

I am so proud of this gentleman for his openness to my unsolicited advice. He actually is stepping it up a notch and removing any doubts in the minds of potential employers--or others who might serve as contacts for him--and I wish him luck. He impressed me with his willigness to hear criticism and adjust his approach.


If any employers want to meet really high talented professional people with integrity who will be good to your organization and clients, come join us at SJN.

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.

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