Holiday Green - Be Energy Aware

Some friendly reminders from the Alliance to Save Energy

1. Close the flue on your chimney when not in use
2. Consider using LED (light emitting diode) instead of traditional light strands. They use 99% less energy and can last for up to 100,000 hours
3. Use a dimmer switch or timer for outdoor lighting
4. Always remember to unplug holiday lights when not in use
5. Buy toys and gifts powered by imagination rather then by batteries or electricity
6. Frost on the windows may look pleasant but it's hard on the heating bill cover single-pane windows with plastic to avoid drafts
7. Unplug video games and turn off the TV....read a book
8. Make a New Year's resolutions to get started on energy-efficient home improvement projects

For more year round tips go to Alliance to Save Energy's web site

Technology in a Job Interview

With the ever increasing uses of technology in our day to day lives it seems we need to remember when the use of said technology is acceptable and when it isn't. Ever give a speech only to be interrupted by the ring of a cell phone? Even worse the person actually takes the call and has a conversation. Distracting you and everyone around them. How about when you are in a meeting and the person across from you is working over their Treo or Blackberry like they were going to set a new word record for words per minute.

The point being you need to know when and when not to use your tech toys. If you are going to a job interview when you arrive on site do yourself a favor and turn your gadget off not to vibrate but off. For that matter the only thing you should have is your portfolio including - job description/posting, resume, cover/T letter, notepad to take notes on, pen (2 just in case) and personal business cards if you have them. Don't walk in with you ipod earbuds tucked in your jacket or carrying your Starbucks coffee. Remember first impressions are lasting. If you want the job show that you have a genuine interest.

Skills That Help Your Image.....

Before you take the plunge and go after that Law degree, MBA or Masters spend time developing those ever important job skills. With a little practice you can make a big difference. Ask yourself these questions and develop an action plan for anything you don't do well at. Ask others who you trust for their opinions. Remember the idea is to improve and get better so asking someone that is going to sugar coat the answer isn't going to help you. Have them be brutally honest. Trust me you will thank them in the long run.

1. Do you have a strong work ethic? Are you motivated by getting tasks done and dedicated to the effort? Or are you out the door before quitting time because whatever it is can wait until tomorrow?
2. Do you listen? The most important part of being a good communicator is being able to listen and understand the issues.
3. Time Management - Do you always put off that one task? Do you know how to prioritize tasks and work on several different projects at once? When conflict arises are you consulting with your Manager to get his/her guidance for prioritizing the efforts?
4. Problem Solving - Can you creatively and efficiently solve problems that arise? Does your Manager seek your input and perspective when issues come up?
5. Professional Criticism - Do you accept it for what it is learn, adjust and move forward? Or do you languish on ones comments?
6. Be Flexible.....

Ask Questions

Hard to believe but according to the Bureua of Labor Statistics, the twenty something worker will have 8 jobs before their 30th birthday. Additionally, with corporate layoffs impacting workers at various stages in their careers it is important to 'Ask Questions' when you are in your interview. Not just like, do you have a cafeteria or is there a gym on site. While that is good to know and may help you make a decision for to similar opportunities here are a few must ask questions as part of the process.

1. What are the priorities that wil need to be immediately addressed in the job?
2. Is this a new position?
3. If not how long was your predecessor there?
4. Will part of your responsibilities include continuing daily functions as part of a team?
5. What type of management style do you follow? and how do you motivate people to bring out their best?
6. Learn about what type of culture it is. Ask what types of personalities thrive at the company
7. Inquire about growth opportunities. One should ask about their career opportunities/path? and know when their review cycle is. what they will be rated on etc.

Regards,

Frank P

Reassessing you Network

Wow - It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving 2007 is a few short hours from being over. With the Holiday season fully upon us it is important to make time to reassess your existing network. The same way you evaluate your financial portfolio, make new years resolutions, etc. One should assess how your network is performing. Start by asking yourself a few basic questions.

1. Are you actively attending networking meetings?
2. Contributing to the group with insightful articles or other professional material?
3. Do you post jobs that get sent by recruiters?
4. Have you recommended TheBreakfastClubNJ to your friends or peers?
5. Have you established a profile on alternative mediums? ie facebook, myspace, linkedin, etc?
6. Is your network ready or do you need to get it ready?
7. Are you networking in one direction? (This is a huge mistake)

After you have assessed your current situation you should set goals for the upcoming year. More to come.

Regards,

Frank P

Happy Thanksgiving

To each and every member of the breakfast club,

Happy Thanksgiving

Take time to reflect on the things we have to give thanks for - whether you landed this year or made strides ahead in learning the process, building your network, what ever your personal progress.

I thank each and every one of you for being members of the group

We have done our best to build this group based on unconditional support of other members needs

Hopefully I have not failed you in this regard

My hope is that over the next year we continue to build and grow on the successes of the group

Remember to give back to the group whenever able:
1) Answer an email or request for assistance when you can
2) Refer new members as you find good networkers or those in need of help
3) Refer jobs especially known network opportunities as you become aware of them
4) Make sure that you are part of the yahoo group and breakfast club on linked in
5) Insure you link to each of the breakfast club members directly
6) Suggest speakers and help recruit those that you feel have valuable messages to share
7) Attend meetings whenever you can - keeping your network alive when you don't need it will insure it is there when you do need it!
8) After you land post landing messages including lessons learned as inspiration to others
9) Send recruiters that you trust our way and work with our website master, Frank perrone, to insure they are recognized as such for the rest of our members
10) Network IMPACTFULLY - come to meetings with elevator pitch honed, practice the principles we set forth - the stronger your network the stronger those who network with you!

God Bless and Have a GREAT, Safe, Healthy & Happy Thanksgiving

Frank K

Welcome

Welcome to www.TheBreakfastClubNJ.com blog on Networking. You have heard about the importance of location, location, location in real estate....Guess what it's really about Networking, Networking, Networking. Done right it will insure you have the best location.