Franklin, MA: Voter Information for Election - 2012

I prepared this for the voters in Franklin, MA

job search notes: subscription reminder

I still find some subscribers to the Job Search Notes series I was publishing here. If you have noticed that I haven't published anything in a while, that is partly true. I haven't posted anything here as part of that series. The series is being continued on the Job Search Jam Sessions website.

You get all the goodness of what I find and can share about the job search by clicking through to the Job Search Jam Sessions website. You have the same two options to subscribe via email or via RSS Feed Reader.

For example, in November I have already created the following to share:

• Pattern recognition
• Recovery - a step at at time!
• Finding your target companies
• Filtering your LinkedIn updates
• What is your ROI?
• how to deal with "I think you are overqualified"
• "Sometimes, we just need someone to cut us a break...
• Who is in your network?
• Hopkinton Networkers Group (HNG) - Friday, Nov 5
• Escape the abyss
• Just pick one and start!
• Inside #the5 Tuesday
• "work on focus, clear goals and a well-matched tar...

Stay informed with all I can share by subscribing. If you find something good that you would like to share here, please leave a comment or send me an email.

Together we are more powerful! Remember the lessons of the geese!

job search notes: yes, we are moving!

Those who listened to the podcast last week, heard that the job search notes series I have been posting here will be moving.

Where to?
Not far - just a click away at the Job Search Jam Session site
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/

I have updated the links here in the far right column so that you can subscribe to the notes via RSS or email.

I will continue to share what I learn as regularly as I can (at least once a day).

If you have questions or suggestions for me to address, please let me know. I really do want the information to be something that you can use.

So if you have subscribed to the Job Search Notes series, you can update your RSS Reader with the new feed or update your email preferences to un-subscribe. If you have any issues on how that is done, let me know (include the email address you have subscribed with and I can help).

Thanks for attending the Job Search Webinar from HBW

Chris Brogan shared the links for the recording and presentation he used for the Human Business Works (HBW) webinar last Thursday evening in this email he sent me. If you haven't listened to it, it is worth it. And be sure to catch the plug he gave for the recent Job Search Jam  Sessions. Yes, that was us he was talking about!

Hello Steve !


I wanted to thank you for signing up for the job search webinar that I gave yesterday. Some folks couldn't make it, and some folks asked me if I'd share the files from the event. In both cases, I wanted to give you some resources. 

The Slides:


Here's a link to the slides: http://www.slideshare.net/chrisbrogan/enhance-your-job-search-with-social-media


The Video:


Here's a link to the full webinar: 


WMV file for Windows - http://www.humanbusinessworks.com/mov/0930JobSearch.wmv


MOV file for Mac - http://www.humanbusinessworks.com/mov/0930JobSearch.mov




The Newsletter: 


Finally, I'd LOVE for you to consider subscribing to my newsletter. We respect your privacy and seek to keep you informed with more useful content like this webinar. If you're interested, go here to sign up: 


http://chrisbrogan.com/newsletters


Thanks so very much for signing up to this event. I hope it was worth it for you. : ) 


--Chris... 

Twitter LinkedIn


This was a one time email sent to people who subscribed to the 09/30 webinar for Job Searching. No further emails will be sent to you, unless you're subscribed to the HBW Newsletter.

List Unsubscribe

77 South Rd
Fremont, NH 03034

It is worth taking the chance

You want to go to Job Search Jam Sessions but you're waiting for the phone call for that interview.

THAT interview. You know. The one that will land you in the dream job and get you off unemployment.

But you really would like to go to Job Search Jam Session. You heard it was such a great time in May.

Folks learned about negotiating, entrepreneurship, networking, resumes and LinkedIn. Someone from the Milford Career Center came to showcase their suite of programs.

It was held in Hopkinton and those who went really liked the event. They asked for more sessions. They asked for a longer day.

Now it is coming on Friday, October 1. A full day with more sessions. And yet you are waiting for that phone call.

You know, there is a way to solve that. You can register via the link below. You can either pay via credit card or select to pay at the door. If you get the phone call you can cancel out your registration and get a full refund (if you paid via credit card).

This is an easy thing to do. All the organizers know how you feel. Torn, frustrated with waiting. But if the phone call comes, you can get a full refund. We understand. We've been there. Some of us are still there. Your interview, your job search takes priority.

We do want you to register if you think you will be able to go so we can plan for the food accordingly. This operation is running on the little income generated by the registration fees. There are no major corporate sponsors. No one is paying for this. You and I are with our contributions of time and money.

Why? Because we can and should do this. Because we are all in this together and by helping each other. By learning, sharing and networking together, we will find the position that we should. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But we will find it.

Register here to take part. If you do get the call about that interview, let us know and you'll get your full refund.




This was also posted to Job Search Jam Sessions here:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2010/09/it-is-worth-taking-chance.html

job search notes: Tuesday's insights

Tuesday, already. What have you got planned for today?

Take a few minutes to follow a link or two here.

On working with the different types of recruiters
http://blog.jobfully.com/2010/09/working-with-external-recruiters/

Tips for those leaving school
http://www.positionignition.com/blog/2010/9/27/11-top-tips-for-school-leavers.html

9 ways to avoid having the job search advice mess with your head
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2010/09/9-ways-job-search-advice-messes-with.html


The Job Search Jam Sessions is coming up Friday. We are up to 37 registrations and the pace seems to have picked up. We have ordered pizza for lunch and will be confirming the number Thursday. If you plan on attending, please register so we have a good headcount for the food.

http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2010/09/9-ways-job-search-advice-messes-with.html

We will have a special international flavor for the opening introduction to the sessions on Friday. Come on down to see and hear for yourself!

job search notes: be distinct

That is one key way to stand out from the crowd. If you have a creative instinct, you can do something like Biale.konie, an art director, you can do something like this.




How is that for distinct?


Will the Job Search Jam Sessions teach you how to juggle? No, but there will likely be something to spark an idea or two at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1.


Thanks to the Position Ignition Career Blog for the pointer to this video
http://www.positionignition.com/blog/2010/9/23/5-funny-job-search-strategies.html


Register here to take part:

job search notes: Unemployment Insurance 101

Should unemployment benefits be extended again?
Some folks say no. This should help to clarify the issue around unemployment.

I know from personal experience that these are not easy times. It took me 9 months to secure my first contract and when that expired, another 8 months to secure my second contract. Is that an improvement? Is the recession really over? If it is, we still have a long way to go.

UI_Benefits-101


With a little luck, we will be able to have a person from one of the MA Career Development Centers take part to show case the services they provide, as well as an unemployment specialist at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1.

If you are looking for work, Hopkinton is a good place to start. After all, 25,000 runner find their way their to start the Boston Marathon. You should consider starting there to help your job search.

Register here to take part:

job search notes: Free Webinar for Job Searchers

My good buddy, Chris Brogan has this new offering you should be aware of:

human business works update
JULY 6th, 2010
Free Webinar for Job Searchers Hi Steve - I'm writing to invite you to a free webinar I'm giving on Thursday September 30th at 7PM ET (and yes, it will be recorded) on the following: ENHANCE YOUR JOB SEARCH WITH SOCIAL PRESENCE. One in every 10 people in the US (on average) is out of work. Several more are "underemployed." With so many people clamoring for jobs, the traditional methods one uses to find work aren't cutting it. Join this free webinar conducted by Chris Brogan (perhaps with special guests) to help you get more out of your job search by enhancing your social presence. It's free to attend, and you're welcome to forward this message to anyone you know who's in the midst of a job search: Click HERE to register. Things are ramping up at Human Business Works. We're just about ready to launch our first learning and mentoring community (for nonprofits), and we've got much more to share with you. This is just something we wanted to share because of the way things are going. I hope to see you at the webinar. --Chris...
Explore our site Home You Communities Articles Newsletter Us Events Our company About Us Contact Us Chris Brogan © Copyright 2010 Human Business Works, LLC.. All Rights Reserved. Unsubscribe 77 South Rd Fremont, NH 03034 view in web browser forward this email

Take this poster, please!

The poster for the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions 2. This will be held in Hopkinton, MA on October 1. This is an unconference for the unemployed and under-employed.


Job Search Jam Session 2 - Poster

Yes, please download, printout and post this in as many friendly places as you can find to help spread the word.

The Organizing Team thanks you!

Those who attend will thank you!



Register here to take part:

job search notes: kindergarten series - teachable moments

Good morning, time for #the5 - Teachable Mementos http://bit.ly/cg9Hit "exploring the meaning of mementos"

Teachable moments arise all the time. Do you recognize them when they occur? Do you learn from them when they occur?

"the key difference was in their ability to engage" http://bit.ly/dccdUyjoin us in Hopkinton Oct 1 for Job Search Jam Sessions! #the5

 If you are aware of what is going on around you, you will be more likely to recognize a teachable moment. By being aware of what is going on, you are engaged in your environment. By being engaged, you are ready to go with the flow. If you have become distracted, you could tune into a conversation and be surprised at the turn it took.

Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Flickr YouTube Blogging Blah Blah Blah: Knowing Why You Use Social Media is What Counts http://bit.ly/aZCUf4 #the5

Why do you use a hammer? to set a nail. Why a screw driver? The surface is not appropriate for a nail. What tools do you have in your tool kit?

Evolution of video contest marketing at Cisco http://bit.ly/bSCGxG "collaborated to share with us the results" #the5

Becoming an expert, a master is reported to take 10,000 hours. Yes, it is not an overnight process. You just can't say "I am an expert" without putting in the time and effort to really master it.

LinkedIn Tips: A Bundle of Them! http://bit.ly/d9lFnH "a savvy user can already figure out how to do for free"#the5

LinkedIn should be in your job search tool kit. If you are still using it as a single speed bike, there is an opportunity to shift to a multi-speed bike. The 'business-as-usual' environment changed. I hope you have noticed.

What can you share today?

job search notes: kindergarten series - role play and focus

My first full week of work and hence the posting schedule adjusts accordingly, so this is late today. If you have folks in school this week, be kind to them as the week progresses; this is the first five day week of school. The effort and new routine will tax them this week.

Seven Ways to Follow-Up With New People http://bit.ly/bMtEPY"follow-up with those that you connect with" #the5

The devil is in the details and one of the key details is always concerning follow-up! Practice following up. Imagine making the phone call. It will be easier when you actually do make the call!

For 20 Minutes, Let Yourself Be Baggage Free http://bit.ly/9Mb80O"u are pretty much FUBAR until u learn 2 put aside ur baggage"#the5

In all the networking I have done in the past two years, particularly on the job hunt, one of the disturbing finds has been folks who complain about not being able to find work. Listening to them, I can say to myself, well I wonder why? Are you showing your baggage?

Share your 5 Photo Stories on Posterous! http://bit.ly/bisRJ7"simple approach to digital storytelling" me: helps to focus the message #the5

Focus is key to good writing, you need to get to the what's in it for the audience. There are many ways to force the content into focus and the 5 story concept sounds good.

Game mechanics for non-profits http://bit.ly/dpjpx0 "how a non-profit might be able to make use" #the5

Why are games so popular? Easy to use (no manual to read). Satisfaction built into them (success brings rewards). Focused on a single objective (focus again!). So why don't you approach your job hunt like a game?

Marketing Over Coffee Newsletter 6: Return to Sender Edition http://www.bsfurl.com/5g2h/13887 me: a bonus for #the5 

job search notes: Land ho!

Yes, a strange sound but true enough. Indeed, the lookout in the forward topmast has spotted land at last. I have signed up for a contract position with Modis to work on a security project at Citizens Bank, in their East Providence, RI Operations Center.


How long has it been?
It took me nine months to land my first contract position after the reduction in force at Fidelity Investments occurred in Dec 2008. That contract position last four months and it has taken another eight months to find this position. That is a trend that isn’t very good. And yet it pales in comparison to those who have exhausted their 99 weeks and are still looking.

Giganomics
I think we are into this ‘giganomics’ thing, moving from one gig to another for some time. Prior recoveries were quicker as the large Fortune 500’s were able to expand and hire thousands at a time. That doesn’t seem to be likely this time around. The growth will come from the small and medium businesses and from the entrepreneurs, hence growth and recovery will be slower.

How did I get this position?
I found this opportunity through a recruiter at Modis that I had been working with. We talked frequently about this position or that which he would find. I recall we talked about this one on a Monday, he called back that Thursday to say I had a hiring manager phone screen for that coming Monday. It went well then about a week went by before we got notified of the in-person interview the following Thursday. The in-person interview went well and I got the offer while facilitating the interview question breakout at the Hopkinton Networking Group meeting on Friday morning.



This was the first and only non-Fidelity in person interview I had encountered during my job search. I had always believed that when I got to an in-person interview I would do well, the trouble was getting through everything before that!

What can I share about my experiences on the job search?
I have shared a lot already on my blog, Steve’s 2 Cents and I will continue to share there but to summarize, I would offer the following:

1 - Live your brand
If you don’t have one, figure it out. There are so many exercises one can do to define yourself, your brand, most of those will get you to the same end point. Pick one and go with it. Once it has been defined, live it, and then refine it as you go. It doesn’t have to be perfect out of the gate.

I chose to summarize myself with seven words: Learning, sharing, and laughing about life experiences. Especially on the job search,  learning something new each day was important. Sharing something in a way that it matters to whom you share it (get to the ‘what’s in it for them’ point) is also good networking. Laughter, well, in a painful world, laughter is good medicine. and with the proper point of view, the world is a funny place.

2 - Grow your network
When I left Fidelity, I had about 200 LinkedIn connections. 90% of them were Fidelity folks. While they were good connections, realistically getting back into Fidelity wasn’t going to be likely for some time as they were still cutting positions. I needed to focus on expanding my network beyond Fidelity, beyond New England. Exactly how I did this has been covered in my LinkedIn presentations. Today, I have more than 700 connections and the Fidelity percent has been reduced to about half.

3 - Maintain appropriate data capture.
You need to keep track of your applications and contacts to report on when asked by unemployment or as part of your job search work team, or your buddy group. All are good and valid reasons for keeping some metrics on what is going on. The second key though it to periodically look that the numbers and see what they tell you.

Quick story to illustrate this point:
I had spent time redoing my resume. The original had been done years ago, was relatively a chronological listing of how and what I did where and when. It left out my outside activities (my blogging, social media explorations and my unconference organizational efforts). I worked with someone to create more of a holistic view of Steve Sherlock. It felt good. In the course of 10 days, I used my network to get the resume hand delivered via good connections to 6 hiring managers. And then got nothing from it, no follow up calls, no interviews, nothing. What was the problem? The network worked. The resume delivered must have been the problem.

I used Wordle to do some analysis on the resume and found the problem. As a project manager, the two big words that appeared were Boston and Pawtucket. But I wasn’t in real estate! What happened to project manager, or  any of the project related key words? Back to the drawing board and then back to the street. Around this time, I also changed one word in my LinkedIn headline (from “Experienced project manager, customer service advocate, socia media practitioner’ to “Savvy project manager, etc.). All of a sudden, recruiters started calling me. The one word change (from ‘experienced’ to ‘savvy’) made all the difference.

So proper data capture enables tracking, analysis and course corrections as needed  The adage, “If you don’t measure it, how can you manage it?” comes to mind.

4 - Sharpen the saw
Years ago, I became acquainted with Stephen Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Successful People”. He has fallen out of favor recently but the principals he outlined, I still find valid. Especially ‘sharpening the saw’. This I did in two ways, one by maintained my running fitness and normal health routine. And two, by occasionally taking some time off from the job search to do something different. It could be a day trip, or an event in a different subject matter, or time away with family and friends. However you choose to do it, it is absolutely necessary to remain strong enough to maintain positive spirits. You need to express a positive attitude with all you meet. If you are not positive, I don’t believe you will be successful.

What would I do differently?
IT is broad, and cuts across multiple industries,so I had chosen not to select target companies. I wanted to be open to all opportunities. I gradually realized that effectively the project work I felt most comfortable with would only occur in companies of a certain size. I’d just started becoming more focused and was in the process of developing these target companies and I found a spot. Next time (assuming there may be one), I’ll be better out of the gate!
2 - More informational interviews
As much talking and networking as I did, I would do more specific informational interviews. Only good things have come out of the ones I did. I would definitely do more.
I wish you all the best on your job search. If there is any way that I can be of help, please let me know.

If you have specific questions on my job search experiences, please feel free to reach out to me. Contact information can be found on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensherlock



I will continue to post to my series of “Job Search Notes on my blog: http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/

The Job Search Jam Sessions are scheduled for October 1. You can find out more about the event and register to attend here: http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/

If you would like to obtain a PDF version of this you may do so here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/37040813/Sherlock-Landing-Summary-100907

job search notes: kindergarten series - analysis and action

Capture the right data and then use it accordingly. It doesn't help if you capture the wrong data, or if the data you do capture you can't use.

End of Dumb Tables in Web Analytics Tools! Hello: Weighted Sortshttp://bit.ly/9FMFnc me: wonderful useful data! #the5

The entrepreneurial spirit is motivation to do the analysis on cash flow. Can I do this?

Create Your Own Job Security http://bit.ly/dhxK6W "manage risk to give yourself cash flow security" #the5

Distinction is important. You need to be distinct enough to be memorable in a positive way.

UnStuff http://bit.ly/dCvZDy "By going the opposite way of everyone else in the marketing world" @writingroads on @unmarketing #the5

A working example of the blog series is this one with the Kindergarten theme. For regular readers, you'll recall there also was a Dr Seuss themed series earlier this year. Series are good things to do.

How to Write a Blog Series http://bit.ly/byHvHF me: more good advice from @chrisbrogan #the5

You can't always do analysis, sometimes you just have to get out and do something. Take action! If you have a camera, this Saturday would be a good day to take some photos around Franklin and share them.

The shoot is this Saturday September 11, 2010 http://bit.ly/cZ1tAfme: tipped by @cc_chapman to this today, good for #the5

Bonus links for today:

Build Project Management Gantt Charts With Gantto http://bit.ly/9pnIiv

Check out 'East of Shirley' at Harvest Cafe on Sat Sep 11, 2010 - http://www.reverbnation.com/show/2988546

Up on the tight rope http://bit.ly/dD3IGs take the next step carefully with Job Search Jam Sessions Oct 1 in Hopkinton!

job search notes: What does the recession look like?

The percent of unemployed by county across the US shown as time progresses from Jan 2007 through May 2010 becomes quite the staggering picture.



You can view another version of this here
http://cohort11.americanobserver.net/latoyaegwuekwe/multimediafinal.html

Against this background, the need to network, learning and sharing what those in the job search have experienced becomes all the more important. If you are unemployed, or know someone who is, let them know that the Job Search Jam Sessions can provide help. The event will be held in Hopkinton on Friday, October 1. The cost is only $7.00. Tickets can be purchased with credit card or paid at the door. We do strongly encourage registration so that the proper amount of food for the breaks and lunch can be planned for.

What are the Job Search Jam Sessions?
Across five time slots, there will be up to eight sessions offered. You'll be able to pick and choose what you need for that moment in time on your job search. The specific sessions will be finalized on Friday, Oct 1 to meet the needs of the participants. Stay tuned into this site to keep up with what sessions will be offered.

The schedule outline has been prepared.
If you'd like to suggest a session, you can do so here.

By the end of the day, the Job Search Jam Sessions will provide you with the information, the connections and/or the inspiration to reach the end of your job search successfully.

Event management for Job Search Jam Sessions 2 powered by Eventbrite

If you want to pay at the door, please click on the "Show Other Payment Options" link to register. This will give us a good count to plan for the food.


More information about the Job Search Jam Sessions can be found here:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Steve's 2 Cents to view the document

Job Search Jam Sessions - get your tickets here

What are Job Search Jam Sessions?

Read more about them here:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/

job search notes: start in Hopkinton!

Many marathon runners are in training today to qualify for BAA Boston Marathon in April 2011 when 25,000 runners will arrive in Hopkinton to begin their journey to Boston and the finish line on Boylston St/Copley Square.

You too, can start to take the next step in your job search by beginning your journey in Hopkinton on Oct 1. The Job Search Jam Sessions use an unconference format to provide a learning and sharing experience, as well as the opportunity to add new and interesting connections to your network.

What are the Job Search Jam Sessions?
Across five time slots, there will be up to eight sessions offered. You'll be able to pick and choose what you need for that moment in time on your job search. The specific sessions will be finalized on Friday, Oct 1 to meet the needs of the participants. Stay tuned into Job Search Jam Sessions to keep up with what sessions will be offered.

The schedule outline has been prepared.
If you'd like to suggest a session, you can do so here.

By the end of the day, the Job Search Jam Sessions will provide you with the information, the connections and/or the inspiration to reach the end of your job search successfully.

Is your job search finish line in Boston? 
That is up to you, but we all will start in Hopkinton!


Note: this was also posted to the Job Search Jam Sessions website here
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2010/09/start-in-hopkinton.html

job search notes: kindergarten series - numbers

Tuesday, already! Yes, goodbye August. How do we know that? Numbers, calendars, statistics all help us keep track of stuff we do, what we do in order to improve how we do it. What do you track? What do you do with what you track? Do you review to make changes?

Introducing Blogger Stats http://bit.ly/agtocT me: condensing some analytics within Blogger, cool! #the5

If you make a change based upon statistics, you need to continue to watch the statistics to see if the change is having the anticipated effect. If you keep doing this then you have created a learning cycle.

Email overload? Try Priority Inbox http://bit.ly/dw9zih "it will get better at categorizing messages for you" a learning system #the5

All the stats on hyperlocal today, from all the experiments done and being explored are convincing. You do it for the love of it! There is no money there!

Hyperlocal: Not for the Faint of Heart http://bit.ly/9HOAxl "it’s certainly expensive in terms of how much time you spend" #the5

A case in point, MaryLynn and George are making changes to their podcast and blog.  How timely. We'll have to see how the change works for them. Have you listened to their podcast? It is great fun!

Our Blog is Holding Our Podcast Hostage http://bit.ly/cpgWGj "bring great information your way in the best format" #the5

The point of learning is to improve. If you don't improve, what is the point?

Learning from Katrina http://bit.ly/bnOpqa "actual behavior has largely remained unchanged" #the5

And from the job search perspective, do you keep stats on how much time spent on the job search? How many applications you have submitted? How many contacts you have made? What does your "sales funnel" look like? I have been reviewing mine and will share the insights here soon.

What can you share today?