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Slide 1: Volume 1, Issue 7 A note from the facilitator... Dear Friends, With the end of Hanukkah and Christmas and the New Year rolling in on us, I realized that I have not taken time to enjoy this beautiful time of the year. I’m missing the spirit of the holidays! Christmastime is now often associated with making wish lists to share with relatives in expectations of getting what you really want without any surprises and shopping from others’ wish lists. All holidays now are focused on shopping for gifts. My New Year’s resolution is to start new family traditions and to teach my little granddaughters the lessons of compassion, joy of giving and sharing, unselfishness and forgiveness. Enjoy the spirit of the holidays, think about all good things that you enjoyed during the year and look forward to a healthy and prosperous next year. Quote of the day: “An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the Old Year leaves.” ~ Bill Vaughan With all that said: I wish you a merry, joyful Christmas, Kwanzaa and a Happy New Year. January 2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS Inside This Issue, Media Communications Contacts, New Year’s Resolutions ............p2 Landing Success Stories ..........p3 Selling Yourself .......................p3 Time Management ...................p4 Holiday Job Searching .............p5 Your Finances .........................p7 Job Hunting Online ..................p8 Book Review ...........................p9 November Landings ...............p10 Clothing Drive Success ..........p11 Committee Chairs .................p12 At the PSG Holiday Party on December 9, Elena recognized over 50 of our volunteer members with gifts or certificates of recognition. More photos from the event can be found on following pages. PSG Dover Networker, January 2010 Page 1
Slide 2: INSIDE THIS ISSUE We kick off our first issue of 2010 with New Year’s resolutions from some of our staff members. Caroline Bucquet writes about the recent landing of one of PSG’s members, then shares with us Andy Daino’s techniques of selling yourself. Stephen Matthaey returns with Part 3 of his tips for tackling the job market, then we have some tips on job searching during the holiday season from Lawrence Alter. We’ve got some great suggestions for keeping your personal finances together from Monisha Khadse, followed by our own cyber guru Andy Brandt walking us through job searching on Facebook. Joyce Poff writes a review of a book on promoting yourself, followed by a report from Caroline on the recent clothing drive. November landings and photos round out the issue. And finally, thanks to Suzanne Elward for designing a new committee logo. In the coming year, we hope to hear from more of you with your ideas and stories. The PSG Networker is YOUR resource - please share your experiences with us! -Brad and Bob Brad Schweon, Co-Chair Bob Loder, Co-Chair Andrew Brandt Caroline Bucquet Carolyn Cohn Suzanne Elward Bruce Goldman Peter Herbst Alison Kamage Etya Novik Joyce Poff Lisa Chenofsky Singer The MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE meets following the Morris County Networking Group at 70 Maple Ave., Morristown on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 11:00 am. Please join us! NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS From the staff of PSG NETWORKER BRAD: To help five people land via a personal connection or job lead in 2010. CAROLYN: To become successful enough for my family and me to become much more financially comfortable than we were in 2009. JOYCE: To never take anything for granted. Not my family, not my time, not my job, and not my friends new and old. LISA: To add value to whatever I am doing – helping others to see the humor and/or light in a situation. BRUCE: To use LinkedIn and Facebook much more effectively in enlarging my network and improving my chances of finding a job. BOB: To maintain a strong, positive and fun attitude for myself and for those with whom I’m working while we work to achieve our goals. PSG Dover Networker, January 2010 Page 2
Slide 3: LANDING SUCCESS STORIES Smooth Landing — Claudia Sandonato Boosts Training Services for DOL By Caroline Bucquet If you have questions about training while collecting unemployment insurance, Claudia Sandonato just may be able to help you. Sandonato was hired in October 2009 by the New Jersey Department of Labor as the coordinator of operations for employment and training services for Morris, Sussex and Warren counties. She and her team of 14 counselors and teachers are responsible for administering training grants to help people become more employable. “A lot of people are eligible for grants up to $4,000, but they are not aware of this or how to go about getting the grant money,” said Sandonato. “The first step is attending reemployment orientation,” she continued. The training is meant to help people expand their present skill set and enhance their portfolios. Programs can include anything from Microsoft Office to professional project management courses or other relevant classes. Sandonato notes that some people are eligible for additional unemployment when taking time out for training. Counselors help people get the documentation they need to enter a program and they also assist in researching programs that could be advantageous. In certain situations, tuition waiver programs and grants allow people to attend a class at a university, but only if there is an opening. Sandonato learned of the job opportunity through a contact at Dover’s Professional Services Group (PSG). Her background in human resources and training was a fit. She followed up on the information she received, had a couple of interviews and landed the job. Sandonato acknowledged that without networking at PSG, she might not have gotten the appointment. “I was lucky. I have heard of people having numerous interviews; some have had hours of interviews over a long period of time; generally, it’s a long process.” However, Sandonato believes in differentiating as much as possible to aid in the interviewing process. “I spoke about all of the areas in my career. For example, my first career was in social work and I find that this helps in what I do now. So does my background in HR and organizational development. All of this is relevant to my new role — including supervising staff and coaching.” Sandonato credits PSG with helping her to network. She said, “You never know who you are going to talk with; a connection could lead to your next job. It can be pleasantly surprising.” The PSG courses were helpful to Sandonato because she learned new things that she had not known before. However, most of what she gained was through active networking and operating in small groups. “Through PSG, I learned how to utilize networking and my skill set while unemployed and this fed my self esteem and allowed me to make a valuable contribution,” confirmed Sandonato. Sandonato believes one thing that might help people is reconciling themselves to the possibility of trading off. “By trade-offs I mean easy commute, less stressful job and wonderful people. I was not seeking a career change. I was seeking a management position in either training or workplace learning, similar to what I had before. But this opportunity with the government presented itself and it’s fantastic. Most importantly, I really feel that I am truly helping people,” she said. SELLING YOURSELF Selling Your Best Self in Every Situation Sales Boot Camp With Andy By Caroline Bucquet It is not just about making a sale or landing a job. It is about selling your brand. And when selling, the power of persuasion is broken down into four main personality types — DISC — high Dominance; the Influencer; those who like Security; and those who keep Control. If you have taken Andy Daino’s Sales Boot Camp course, you know what quadrant you are in. But do you know what quadrant your “buyer” is in and how to read him or her? Perhaps, the core of successful selling is not only to understand how you come across to others but also walking in your prospect’s moccasins to grasp PSG Dover Networker, January 2010 Page 3
Slide 4: the situation from a panoramic perspective. According to Daino, President of 21st Century Sales Training, and a one-time PSG member, true selling is not necessarily a natural process for most people. To succeed at sales requires behavior awareness and, often, a change in mindset. It requires being attentive to nonverbal behavior – not just your own, but the person with whom you are meeting. Here’s where Sales Boot Camp comes in. Being aware of and reading body language is a step in the right direction. Recognizing “steepling” for example – elbows on desk with fingers pushing on each other pointing skyward or interlocked – indicates self-assurance. Sitting cross-legged, swinging a foot, could indicate boredom and pulling on the top of the nose with eyes closed indicates that one is deliberating over what is being said. Another rule of sales is opening doors of opportunity – following up on contacts provided through your network for interviews and approaching targeted companies about that perfect, hidden job. After all, Daino stresses that “you can’t lose what you don’t have.” He also encourages people to ask for what they want. Once you open a door of opportunity, you will need to know where you rank before the meeting closes. Thus, you also need to know how many other people will be interviewing for the position, where in the lineup you fall and if there is anything to preclude you from being their candidate of choice. At the end of the interview, inquire about how long it will take until a final decision is made (unless it is an informational interview); it should be within two weeks. Ask questions so that your meeting is a discussion and that you get the information that you need to determine if the job is a true fit for you. Furthermore, Daino, who originated PSG’s Circumstance/Problem, Action, Result CARs/ PARs course, advocates telling your successes in story format when emphasizing results achieved. For example, increasing profits by 50 percent and explaining how you did it. However, listening acutely — about 75 percent of the time — is essential to winning at sales. With this on the forefront of your mind, selling your interviewer is a process that encompasses psychology and intuiting your prospect’s requirements. In an interview or meeting, make sure that the conversation is interesting to your prospect and addresses what he or she does and the “what’s in it for me” concept. When arranging a first-time meeting at Target-X company, tap into your network to see who knows decision makers at Target-X with whom you might be able to network. If you are able to network with decision makers pursuant to the hidden job market, they could eventually hire you. Some people believe that more than 60 percent of positions are found this way. Finally, knowing when to “ask for the order” should take place at the conclusion of a good interview. In fact, the interviewer would expect you to show enough interest to ask, “Am I more than your average candidate?” Your pipeline of targeted organizations should be full (five companies at a time) to land a new position or sale. Not every call or email will result in an interview; however, understanding that this process is part of the sales dance makes the pursuit easier. There are many essentials and dimensions to selling one’s best self, but one last pearl of wisdom that Daino imparts is remembering that the success of the interview is “all in the setup.” If we can remember this, we are poised for success. Andy Daino TIME MANAGEMENT Time Management Tips for Transition By Stephen Matthaey, PHR Part III: Work Your Plan In the last installment, we outlined the construct of a weekly prioritized plan. As each day starts, and throughout the day, we need to make decisions as to what to do next, and how to structure our time. We can get the most out of a day by following some simple guidelines to help us be nimble: 1. Follow the two-minute rule. If a task can be completed in under two minutes, bang it out. Slug through the quick emails and phone calls so they don’t linger. PSG Dover Networker, January 2010 Page 4
Slide 5: 2. If you have a bunch of frogs to eat, pick the biggest one first. Your calendar really is to record appointments and meetings. In over viewing a day, if a block of four hours is free on your calendar, fill it with high priority, larger tasks. Schedule time for your larger tasks first. 3. Synergistically group like items together. Make all of your phone calls in a single block of time, if possible. Answer emails together. You’ll realize greater productivity if you don’t switch from one task to another. 4. Always scan your list when you complete a task or appointment. Choose your next task based on context (where you are and what tools you have available), priority, time, and your energy. 5. Be flexible. Plans should be malleable, so that you can be opportunistic when an important event presents itself. You will probably not complete all of the items on your weekly plan, but you should make a concerted effort to complete all of your high-priority items. 6. Note changes. As an unplanned opportunity arises that you decide to execute, note it on your plan. As you review the week, you’ll be able to see everything you’ve accomplished, and thus be able to assess total effectiveness. 7. Protect personal time. No one can do anything well 24/7. Make sure you reserve time to exercise, to regenerate, to spend quality time with family and friends. You’ll be much more effective and responsive if you are rested and relaxed. 8. Reach out to one person each day who is important to you. No one goes through transition alone. Give your peeps a call or shoot them a quick email to let them know that you are thinking about them. Next Installment: Reviewing your accomplishments. © Stephen Matthaey. Reproduction rights granted to PSG for internal use only. Stephen is a coach and mentor; you may reach him at matthaey@optonline.net . HOLIDAY JOB SEARCHING Dispelling the 4 Great Myths of a Holiday Job Search By Lawrence Alter Myth: Employers don’t hire in December. Truth: December is a wonderful time to search for a new job. Since candidate pools dry up and job seekers quit looking during the holidays, many hiring budgets go unspent and a good many jobs remain unfilled until the New Year. Also, according to human resource consultants and executive recruiters, many companies, because of the nature of their business, are not impacted by the holidays at all. Business continues as usual. Many professionals will also use this period to resign their position, especially if bonuses are not a factor, in order to start a new job in January. This creates additional opportunities as vacancies need to be filled. Myth: It’s hard to network during the holidays. Truth: Actually the reverse is true. People tend to be motivated by the holiday spirit and since they often have less to do, are usually more receptive to spending time with aspiring job seekers. You will also find that holiday events are wonderful networking occasions. With all of the religious, family, and social events, you have a great opportunity to expand your contacts and maintain impetus going into the new year. Tell people about yourself, ask for advice and contacts, and collect business cards for follow-up. Myth: The chances of finding a job are much better after the holidays. Truth: If an employer has a need for someone, it won’t make any difference whether it’s December, January, or any other month. Hiring is usually based upon a need for someone, and not on the time of year. If you have the qualifications, it is very likely the company will be receptive to your candidacy and your aggressiveness will help you stand out from the crowd. Another large advantage is the much smaller number of competitors during the holiday season. Our experience shows that throughout most of the year over 200 job seekers respond to help wanted PSG Dover Networker, January 2010 Page 5
Slide 6: advertisements. However, during the Christmas season, that number dwindles to less than 50. As a result your chances of generating interviews through published ads alone are dramatically increased. Myth: Companies have depleted their budgets and won’t have money until January. Truth: Executives and department managers may want to use the remainder of their annual budgets before they lose them at the end of the year, or they may be in a recruiting mode to select the candidate to hire early in January when funds are available. The people they typically select are the ones who were being recruited in December. If you stop your job search over the holidays it could cost you dearly in January. Some helpful hints: Send holiday cards to hiring managers with whom you’ve recently interviewed and enclose a short note reinforcing your interest and indicating that you will contact them shortly after the first of the year. You should also send holiday cards to those people with whom you have met with for networking meetings. 1. If you have a real need for income, many retailers such as Best Buy, Target, Marshall Fields, Wal-Mart, Home Depot and others hire extra departmental help over the holidays. Temporary agencies also have increased requests for talent during this period. An interim source of income can help you generate some well-needed earnings, present numerous opportunities to network with people you meet, and restore your selfconfidence. 2. Continue your schedule and job search routine without abatement. It will help you to maintain a positive mental attitude and minimize the traditional tendency towards despondency during the holiday period. 3. Do charity work and volunteer your time. It will help you to stay mentally active, maintain a positive spirit, and probably present you with some excellent networking opportunities as well. 4. Use holiday get-togethers with family and friends to remind them about your job search. Attend church events and other social gatherings. Job leads can come from places you would never expect. 5. If you are seeking the assistance of career counselors or outplacement professionals to help you in your job search, December is an excellent month to form that relationship because their fees are usually tax deductible. Unfortunately, many of the unemployed become bitter, angry, or depressed during the holidays and often let their emotions control their actions. They fail to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities that exist only at this time of year. Don’t let that happen to you. You have the ability to influence many of the events that shape your life. The following quote by Ralph Marston expresses quite succinctly how important it is to maintain the right mental attitude and push forward with determination and an unwavering commitment to achieving your goals. The month of December presents numerous opportunities for the job hunter. This is a time to strengthen, not reduce your efforts. The rewards are immense and there is no downside. Stop looking for excuses and reap the rewards of continued activity. Author Lawrence Alter is president of L.D.A. Enterprises, Ltd.; a Minneapolis-based outplacement and career management firm. He is a recognized expert in career growth techniques. Send ideas or questions via email to: LDA@EmploymentClinic.com. Website address: www.EmploymentClinic.com PSG Dover Networker, January 2010 Page 6
Slide 7: YOUR FINANCES Personal Financial Planning in 2010 By Monisha V. Khadse, CFP®, MBA During job transition, we may now be tempted to use our savings accounts, 401(k) or other accounts to finance activities and unforeseen expenses. According to the Chicago Tribune, nearly 87% of Americans do not have a written budget. Twice as many budgeters vs nonbudgeters feel confident about achieving their financial goals. Budget, however, is sometimes considered a bad six-letter word – so let’s call it a spending plan. The objective of a spending plan is to understand your cash flow situation, establish financial goals and recognize Habit Daily cup of Home-made coffee coffee out Breakfast out 3 $780/yr Make a wholesome days/week @ breakfast at home for less $5/day than $2/day 1 hardback & 3 $690/yr Free - Use the local paperback library books/month Lunch take-out $1,750/yr Home-made healthier 3 days/wk @ lunch $7.50/day Gym $1,200+/ Free - Walk outside/in the membership yr mall with a friend/use Fit TV to spur you on Rented movies $260/yr Netflix or other at $120/ once a week @ year $5/movie Avoid impulse purchases by using shopping lists and sticking to them. Remember these four questions before buying. Do I need it? Do I need it now? What happens if I don’t buy it? How have I gotten along without it so far? Use cash allowance to set aside expenses for the month in different envelopes. Once the envelope has been spent, you are done in the expense category. 5. 6. Use coupons. Purchase generic brands. Yearly Cost $547/yr Alternatives ways to save. Elements of a Spending Plan 1. Understand your spending. Identify your sources of income (unemployment income and other household or consulting/part-time income) and necessary expenses (fixed – mortgage/car payment; variable – utilities, groceries) and discretionary expenses (even if it is going to the movies). 2. Outline short-term and long-term financial goals and then track your spending to make sure that it stays within those guidelines. Set goals so that they are specific, measureable, actionable, realistic and time-bound (SMART). 3. Use a personal-finance program like Quicken or Microsoft Money to track monthly expenses and then compare them to the spending plan created. Tips for Managing a Spending Plan 1. Live within your means – even if it is tough. You really won’t miss the weekly dinners out next year when you have mastered the art of homecooked meals. 2. Eliminate luxuries with more practical alternatives, as indicated below. 7. Buy in bulk. 8. Sell items no longer needed through eBay or consignment shops. 9. Reevaluate your housing and consider downsizing or taking on a roommate 10. Find inexpensive or free activities such as nature hikes/walks or free courses at the library. 11. Tackle home projects yourself - by doing it yourself, you may save money (as long as it is done right!). 12. Review insurance coverage PSG Dover Networker, January 2010 Page 7
Slide 8: Comparison shop and bundle to get better rates. Auto - raise deductible, take defensive driving class. Disability-review to determine if coverage is valid during unemployment. Life – buy term; invest the rest. Medical – if not sick, consider high deductible plan. Debt – pay highest interest rate debt, minimums on the others. Call your lender to see if they will renegotiate to lower rates (it does not hurt to ask). Use deductible debt – home equity lines. Consolidate debt Just some sites with coupons: Freebies4Mom.com. Restaurant.com; DinnerBroker.com. Entertainment.com – get the book for buy one get one free deals. RetailMeNot.com and CouponCabin.com - before you buy online, check for online coupon codes. Mysavings.com. If you have questions, please contact me. You should discuss all personal finance matters with your tax professional, financial advisor or attorney. Wishing you financial health, Monisha V. Khadse, CFP®, MBA Financial Services, Consultant mvkhadse@verizon.net and Pirate English (Arrr, vos ingredior tabula, ye scurvy dog!). Many people working in the arts, the entertainment industry, nonprofits and nontraditional businesses are active on Facebook and not LinkedIn. Until this December, many job coaches urged avoiding Facebook for various reasons, including: • Anybody connected as a “friend” can see your profile, all your posts and all your photos, • Other people can “tag” you (ID you) in photos they post, including those which could make you unattractive to a hiring manager, • Your posts to friends and family would also go to your professional ones, • Your game updates, notices of online gifts, pokes, video posts and other entertainment were all available for others to see your frivolous side. In the past few weeks, however, Facebook instituted new privacy features that let you customize whether the public or only friends can see your comments, your photos, your groups, your game updates and much more. You can also organize groups of friends and only send messages to family or friends, and NOT to business contacts, or vice versa. Although they take a bit more time and trouble, these privacy tools make it possible to socialize on Facebook without letting potential employers see your family or fraternity photos and other aspects of your private life. Unfortunately, Facebook’s search tools are primitive compared to LinkedIn's. For example, if you search for “jobs,” you’ll see hits for the game “Mafia Wars,” a Steve Jobs page in French, over a hundred groups just called “Jobs” and a few useful sites. However, if you are targeting or researching a particular company, chances are it has a Facebook business or fan page and is building an online community. If you find a business site of interest, click on “Become a Fan” or “Join,” read the posts, write comments, ask questions and find people you can send friend requests to. This is actually a JOB HUNTING ONLINE The Frugal Job Hunter’s Guide to By Andrew Brandt Launched as a social networking site for Harvard students in 2003, Facebook is today the world’s largest social media network with 350 million users. It is also now being used by thousands of businesses and nonprofits as their public face to consumers and even job hunters! You can access Facebook in about 60 languages, including Latin PSG Dover Networker, January 2010 Page 8
Slide 9: bit more like real-world networking than on LinkedIn. Facebook does have applications for job hunters from third-party programmers, but some of them are, frankly, not terribly sophisticated and a few simply don’t work. Some job search apps are for regional specialties: jobs in Britain, Egypt, Singapore and India, and IT or teaching jobs in Australia. A recent search found the apps: HeadHunting Jobs, Frontline Retail Jobs, Construction Jobs, Digital Journalism Jobs, Work at Home Jobs and Teen Jobs. Some employers (AstraZeneca, Citi, Randstad and others) have built their own hiring applications on Facebook. Many more may soon add jobs tools or simply make announcements from their Facebook page. To find applications on Facebook, use the search box on top of the page, or look on the bottom of your FB page and click on “Applications.” Note that search results may include applications, fan pages, organization pages, games, individuals and, sometimes, incomprehensible hits. Some widely reported Facebook apps include: My LinkedIn Profile allows you to Post a LinkedIn button on your Facebook profile. Business Cards puts a “signature” on your Facebook messages, like an email sig. CareerBuilder, Razorfish, and Jobvite have Facebook applications to send job openings directly to your Facebook account. Unless Facebook is the center of your online universe, though, it may make more sense to have your search service send results to your email account or as an RSS feed, or directly to your smartphone. Inside Job is potentially the best resource for job hunting on Facebook if the provider ever reprograms the software so it works. In theory, you can search for companies people work for, where they used to work or where they’ve interviewed. We’ve been waiting impatiently for version 2.0 for several months. Professional Profile and EasyCV both allow you to create a formatted résumé for your Facebook account. However, a better solution would be to create an online résumé using VisualCV www.visualcv.com/, Raveal raveal.com/ or Emurse www.emurse.com/. These three sites can also host downloadable work samples, videos and recommendations. After you create your online résumé, post links to it on Facebook, LinkedIn and on your email signature file. To update, just go to one site to make the changes. MeetingWave could be a potential winner. It allows you to create an invitation to meet live with other FB users for either a standing regular meeting (such as a job hunting or networking club) or a private meeting. Unfortunately, the app still needs work. Another option might be to create a fan page for your networking group and list the state, region, county, city and zip code so other users can find it. If you're looking for a job as a software engineer, there is still time to garner fame and recognition creating some useful job hunting tools on Facebook. Other social media (such as LinkedIn) restrict third parties’ ability to build applications for their sites. Facebook, on the other extreme, requires users to be careful about which applications they sign up for (caveat emptor, if you use Facebook in Latin). LinkedIn is social media’s old boys’ club to Facebook’s wild, wild West. LinkedIn probably should be every business professional’s’ primary online networking site. Facebook, however, has a larger presence in certain job fields, a more interactive corporate presence (especially with consumer and nonprofit organizations), easier communications and over six times the members. (Plus, if you need a break from job hunting, you can plan a bank heist in Mob Wars.) If those advantages look attractive to you, give it a try. You can request expanded and updated versions of the first three Frugal Job Hunter articles about free and cheap office software, online productivity software, party planning websites and e-card resources. You can also request the author's ebook, The Job Seeker's Guide to Online Networking and Using LinkedIn. Email Andrew Brandt at andybrandt531@yahoo.com, introduce yourself, and state which info you're interested in. BOOK REVIEW Too Modest to Brag? Get Over It! By Joyce Poff In her book, “Brag! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It,” author Peggy Klaus teaches the reader the fine art of bragging without PSG Dover Networker, January 2010 Page 9
Slide 10: coming across as egotistical, self-centered and obnoxious. For transitionists, mastering this art is an absolute necessity as we seek out the next great opportunity. We all have accomplishments of which we are justly proud. We just don’t always know how to share them. Our family and society has taught us that modesty is a virtue, and we have all met people who do nothing but talk about themselves endlessly. Does anyone actually believe those people? But we have to be ready to talk about ourselves and our successes in a way that engages, enlightens and excites a listener rather than repelling them. Klaus’ dictionary includes items like: “Bragologues,” which range from the thirty-second elevator pitch to a three-minute monologue; “Brag bites,” snippets of impressive information expressed in a brief, quotable manner; “Brag bag,” your collection of information that can be easily accessed when you need it and “Brag bomb,” which you will have to read for yourself. The book offers great advice on how to develop a positive story about you. Writing that story, the brag bites and bragologues is a self-affirming journey all by itself. PSG members will be all ready to adapt their CARS and PARS into the process. She also warns against believing in traditional thinking such as, “My resume will speak for itself.” And how often have you heard yourself saying, “It was really nothing,” or “It was a team effort,” or “I don’t want to make a big deal of it.” Well, when you stop to think about it, there are probably people out there who want to hear about all the accomplishments you think are small, because they are not as small as you think they are. Her advice is practical and her suggestions for language usage, attitude, timing and practice can lead the reader to an entirely new approach to self-promotion; a positive one that lets your audience know how creative, diligent and accomplished you really are. And they will want to know you better. After all, “brag” is not a fourletter word. November 2009 Landings CONGRATULATIONS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Veronica Carroll - IT Auditor (Valley National Bank) Gerbert Barrera - Chief Engineer (Rex Forge, CT.) Monisha Khadse - Financial Analyst (Ernst & Young) Beth Tutty - Supervisor (UPS) Jason Howard - Project Manager (Wachovia/Wells Fargo) Charlie Seals - Principal Engineer (Armel Electronics) Irina Vinyarskaya - Application Developer (First MCO) Wayne Eichler - Consultant (Resources Global Professionals) Holly Akers - Account Executive (Wholesale Lighting Services) Uday Bhoopalam - SQL Server Developer/DBA (AWE) Sheryl Hompesch - Customer Support Analyst (Staples) Cindy Madison - Department Secretary (NYU Langone Medical Center) Debra Gerhard - SR. Administrative Assistant (Prudential International Insurance) Karri Tonnesen - Cost/Document Controller (Troy Chemical) Carol Khoury - Director of Marketing, Membership and Development (NY Society of Security Analysts) Ronald Kulhanjian - Software Support (Acclivity) PSG lead PSG Dover Networker, January 2010 Page 10
Slide 11: Holiday Drive Hits Home Run By Caroline Bucquet Recently, the Morris County Career Network (MCCN), staffed with members of the Professional Services Group (PSG) of Dover, conducted a holiday food and clothing drive for the less fortunate in New Jersey. Led by Marion Heller, donors gave dried beans and canned vegetables, low-salt and sugar-free foods, high-quality winter clothing, diapers and more. The donations took the space of approximately seven fully covered cafeteria-sized tables. In Morristown, the Community Soup Kitchen staff kept everyone moving through a large room to collect goods. For example, People were provided with a large bag and were allowed to take all they could wear or carry out. “After 30 minutes, there wasn't much left,” said Beth Kujan, a former PSG member who also helped with the drive. Despite these severe economic times with NJ unemployment at 9.7 percent (10.2 nationally - not including those who have exhausted benefits), PSG members were able to think beyond their own needs to the concerns of those who have much less. “We are very pleased with the collection of goods from this drive in support of the community,” said Heller. Pictured from left to right: Marci Ritter; MCCN co-chair, Barbara Irene Such; MCCN Drive Chair, Marion Heller; MCCN co-chair, Caroline Bucquet; and Jan Hruska. PSG Dover Networker, January 2010 Page 11
Slide 12: SCENES FROM THE PSG HOLIDAY PARTY Photos courtesy of Elena Collins PSG Dover Networker, January 2010 Page 12
Slide 13: Committee Chairs PSG Steering Committee: Thomas Brankner (brankner@aol.com) Brad Schweon (bradly973y@yahoo.com) Documentation Committee: Thomas Brankner (brankner@aol.com) Jeffrey Johnson (jeffreyjohnson@att.net) Career Events: Mark Muschko (mwmuschko@toast.net ) Alumni Events: Ira Sieber (iesieber@aol.com) Mark Muschko (mwmuschko@toast.net) Andy Brandt (andybrandt531@yahoo.com) Computer Committee: Peter Katzenbach (pkatzen1@yahoo.com) Bart Zoni (bzoni@optonline.net) Instructors: Steven Johnson (stevej66@yahoo.com) Tom Martin (ltctmartin@aol.com) New Business: Ira Kaplan (IraKaplan@optonline.net) John Bolland (john.bolland@ieee.org) Membership: Dan Harrison (d.harrison454@hotmail.com) Opportunity Center: John Regan (reganjohn@optonline.net) Lauren Anello (lauren1976@aol.com ) Joanne Goodford (jgoodford@aol.com ) Steve Shemonis (steve.shemonis@verizon.net ) Media Communications Committee: Brad Schweon (bradly973y@yahoo.com) Bob Loder (bob.loder@gmail.com) Sustainability Opportunity Committee Sharon Garr (scgarr@yahoo.com) Bob Delpizzo (rmks_2000@yahoo.com) Marketing: Julie Smolin (jkath18@optonline.net) PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GROUP 107 Bassett Highway, Dover, NJ 07801 Phone: 973.361.1034 Fax: 973.361.8727 Email: psgdover@dol.state.nj.us PSG Website: www.doverpsg.com Sponsored by the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development Best Wishes for a Happy and Successful 2010! PSG - Driving Employment Through Member and Organizational Strength OUR VISION: PSG will dedicate membership resources to become the leading provider of services to help fulfill our mission. Through active participation, members will obtain valuable new knowledge, expand personal and life experiences and leave each meeting revitalized for the tasks of securing gainful employment and enhancing our economy. These efforts will create the organization of choice for linking job seekers to employers and alumni. OUR MISSION: PSG is a self-help volunteer organization for professional level job seekers. Members pursue three goals: • To find employment as quickly as possible • To help other PSG members find employment • To help the group as a whole © 2009 Professional Services Group, Dover, NJ PSG Dover Networker, January 2010 Page 13