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Posts Tagged ‘Leslie Sherman’

Small Steps Trigger the Momentum You Need for Job Search Success

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

This is the third in a series of guest commentaries from the presenters at our Begin With Yes Careerfest to be held on March 15th from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at White Mountains Community College in Berlin. It’s a free event, with a free lunch, but limited space – to register, please email Leslie Sherman at lsherman@dred.state.nh.us or call her at 603-271-2591.

In this piece, keynote speaker Paul Boynton uses the Q&A format found in his book “Begin With Yes” and in his popular NHBR column to address the negative feelings associated with job loss, and how the principles of “Begin With Yes” can help.

I am unemployed and have been struggling for months to find a job. I have always worked hard and never expected to find myself in this situation. People are saying that the job outlook is improving but I am not feeling it yet! I am discouraged, angry and anxious, and some days I am so discouraged that I don’t know what to do. To be honest, “Begin with Yes” sounds naive and overly simple. That said, I am open and wonder, what suggestions do you have for me and others like me?

Begin With Yes Careerfest Keynote Speaker Paul BoyntonLife does throw some unbelievable curveballs and sometimes just about everyone I know – at least those who have been around for a while – knows what it feels like to be hit in the gut by one situation or another. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming and most of us have been there; I know I have.

Unemployment, especially in this environment, is surely one of those experiences because it not only impacts us individually on so many levels including financial and emotional, but it also can create incredible stress and tension for those around us, especially those who are depending on us to keep things flowing smoothly.

Most people out of work today are there through no fault of their own and this unexpected, undeserved reality evokes all kinds of feelings including anger, resentment, fear, and a sense of powerlessness. All of those feelings are legitimate and make perfect sense. They can also slow us down and make the job search even more difficult than it already is.

This is no time for slogans or platitudes and no time for naive, head-in-the-sand optimism coming from people who aren’t or haven’t faced the challenges you are facing.  “Begin with Yes” principles are grounded in reality and they don’t try to sugarcoat or minimize the practical realities, the pain or the feelings that go along with facing those “hit in the gut” situations.

“Begin with Yes” is not a book specifically written about finding a job, and it doesn’t offer easy answers or quick solutions to complex problems.

It is, however, a book that understands being or feeling stuck or immobilized. And it does have some suggestions and strategies to get you unstuck and to help you keep moving even when you don’t have the energy.

It stresses action over attitude and encourages small – sometimes extremely small – steps that keep you moving forward, no matter how you’re feeling.  Here’s something you could try: Ask yourself, “What’s one small thing I can do today to move closer to being employed again?”

Steps might include: Getting exercise, sending a note to a friend asking them to help you network, signing up for a seminar at a local college, or brainstorming job interests that are different than your last job. It’s important to keep the steps so small you can do them in an afternoon and as you finish a step, the next step becomes clearer and easier to manage.

These small steps are so important because with each step, you’re moving forward. And when you’re moving you’re no longer stuck. Not being stuck tends to create more energy to keep moving and often your attitude and feelings will begin to shift too.  One day, hopefully sooner rather than later, the seemingly smallest of steps may be remembered as that “turning point” step that changed it all!

In addition to these action steps, remember to reach out to family and friends, consider using social media to stay engaged, don’t be afraid to ask people to help, and most importantly, surround yourself with others who will help keep you focused and hopeful.

I surely don’t have all the answers but do believe this approach will help. If you’d like a free eBook download of “Begin with Yes,” just go to my website store at www.beginwithyes.com, choose the eBook download, enter the code YESNH and update your shopping cart and complete the transaction. You will get a link that will let you download the book at no charge.

Also, you may have read about the “Begin With Yes Career Fest” at White Mountains Community College in Berlin on Tuesday, March 15th from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. It’s a free event, complimentary lunch provided. In addition to my keynote, you can also attend workshops on “Job Search – Applications, Resumes and Cover Letters,” “Effective Communication Skills in the Job Search,” “Networking – It’s Not Who You Know, But Who Knows You,” and “Social Media Basics for Job Seekers.”

To register for this event, please email Leslie Sherman at lsherman@dred.state.nh.us or call 603-271-2591. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Through a special arrangement with Manchester-based EZStream and Portsmouth-based Kinney Hill Media Partners, the entire event will also be streamed live and archived for later viewing at http://bit.ly/NoBullStream .

It’s truly a collaborative project made possible with the help of NHBR, Public Service of NH, The Department of Economic Development and Logo-Loc. I hope you can be there, in person or via the web.

Communicating Tenacity Key to an Effective Job Search

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

This is the second in a series of guest commentaries from the presenters at our Begin With Yes Careerfest to be held on March 15th from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at White Mountains Community College in Berlin. In this piece, Sojourn Partners Managing Partner Dr. Russ Ouellette demonstrates how tenacity can be key to finding and keeping the right job.

Do you have tenacity? I’m an advocate for maneuvering, being flexible and changing directions when seeking a career path or job, but are we often too quick to change our strategy when we should be focused on the prize? This March I will be presenting at the Begin with Yes Careerfest event about “Effective Communication Skills in the Job Search.” While reviewing my notes in preparation, it became clear that the primary concept I will share with unemployed people is to be tenacious.

Dr. Russ Ouellette

Dr. Russ Ouellette

It is a fact that the most rewarding assignments I have had in my career first came with rejection. In many cases I did not have the right background, skills or education. I missed on some unknown trivial attribute, was misunderstood, or just did not perform at my best on the day of the interview. But I’m stubborn, so if I really wanted it, I would just try again, show up again, and people appreciated it. On the second look, I could build a better relationship, be more authentic, direct and sincere. On the second try I had less to lose, and much more to gain, and people noticed this slight increase in confidence.

Tenacity also means being brave about what you want. Interviewers detect when someone’s heart is not in something, and when there is passion it is contagious. So if your heart is set on a particular field, role or job, you will illuminate with enthusiasm and excitement. If you are half hearted, the interviewer will know. While it is easy for me to suggest that people should only do what they want in life, that is not practical. But what is practical is that every job we have adds value to the larger arch of our career. Each professional accomplishment related or not to what we ìreallyî want to do, adds to our repertoire of skills and competencies. Each role we play takes us closer to our future. Therefore, regardless of the role for which you are interviewing you can be excited because you are moving towards what you should be doing in life.

Tenacity also communicates something that is extremely powerful to hiring managers. When my daughter was trying out for her softball team last year, the coach was not looking for skills. He was looking for coachability. Coachability means being able to get past an error, get up when you fall down, push when you have nothing else with which to push. Tenacity fueled my daughter’s ability to attentiveness and commitment. She made the team on her willingness to learn, even when there was a lot to learn.

Our hiring systems of resumes and screening, recruiters and interviews, is fraught with errors. I’m not convinced that any of these systems truly find the best jobs for people, or the best candidates for companies. However, I am convinced that our behavior once in front of people has a powerful impact and makes a difference. I have been in many post interview meetings, and the first response to the question, what do you think of the candidate is ìI liked herî. And that had nothing to do with the resume.

Dr. Russ Ouellette is the managing partner of Sojourn Partners, a Bedford-based executive leadership coaching firm. He can be reached at (603) 472-8103 or russ@sojournpartners.com. He can also be twittered @RussOuellette or Facebooked – Sojourn Partners.

The Begin With Yes Careerfest will be held at White Mountains Community College in Berlin on Tuesday, March 15th from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free and open to those who are unemployed or underemployed, the event will include four informative seminars and a keynote speech by Paul Boynton, award-winning human services CEO & author of the inspirational book, “Begin With Yes.” Space for the event is limited to the first 200 people and lunch will be served. To register, contact Leslie Sherman at lsherman@dred.state.nh.us or call 603-271-2581.

Through a special arrangement with Manchester-based EZStream, the entire event will streamed live at http://bit.ly/NoBullStream

Job Seekers Being Provided With Tools to “Begin With Yes”

Thursday, January 20th, 2011

When developing an effective job search strategy, it’s best to keep this simple theory in mind – Positive attitude plus positive action leads to a positive result.

begin-with-yesThat’s the philosophy of award-winning human services CEO and local author Paul Boynton who is working with a team of State and private sector partners to help unemployed New Hampshire citizens access the tools and resources they need to return to the workforce.

Boynton, CEO of Manchester-based social service agency The Moore Center, announced today that he will be offering free downloads of his successful “Begin With Yes” inspirational book to any unemployed New Hampshire citizen throughout 2011 via a special download from his www.beginwithyes.com Web site. In tandem with this effort, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, White Mountains Community College, Public Service of New Hampshire, Logo Loc and media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review will hold the “Begin With Yes Career Fest” at White Mountains Community College in Berlin on Tuesday, March 15th from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

“The lessons you learn in my book about the power of being positive and setting attainable goals are all good, but there needs to be a corresponding action plan to turn those good thoughts into activity,” Boynton said. “That’s why we’re not only offering free downloads to folks who are out of work, but are also providing them with the concrete set of tools they need to conduct an effective job search. It’s a two-pronged approach.”

In addition to Boynton’s keynote address, there will be four other general session workshops – “Job Search – Applications, Resumes and Cover Letters” (White Mountains Community College speaker TBD), “Effective Communication Skills in the Job Search” (Dr. Russ Ouellette, Sojourn Partners), “Networking – It’s Not Who You Know, But Who Knows You” (Kevin Shyne, North Country Tech Prep Director and Leadership North Country Executive Director) and “Social Media Basics for Job Seekers” (Allen Voivod, Epiphanies, Inc.).

“Recognizing that helping to develop a job ready workforce is a primary goal of education, White Mountains Community College is thrilled to be a part of this event,” said White Mountains Community College President Kathy Eneguess. “We look forward to lending the expertise of our staff in developing and coordinating workshops that provide valuable information to citizens looking for a fresh start backed with new ideas.”   

Through a special arrangement with Manchester-based EZStream and Portsmouth-based Kinney Hill Media Partners, the entire event will streamed live at http://bit.ly/NoBullStream .  

“Though the event is taking place in the North Country, we are definitely committed to ensuring that all citizens have access to this great information,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “Whether you’re someone who has been out of work for a long time or someone who is underemployed and is just seeking a new career direction, you’ll truly benefit from the combination of Paul’s book and the interactive workshops.”

“Public Service of New Hampshire is proud to take an active role in sponsoring and being on the coordinating committee of such a creative and proactive event in the state’s North Country,” added Public Service of New Hampshire Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott. “Helping our citizens to get back to work and build a stronger workforce and local economy is a mission that everyone embraces and we’re just happy to be able to do our part.”

Unemployed citizens can download copies of “Begin With Yes” free of charge at http://www.beginwithyes.com/purchase.html. They will need to click the “ebook” option and enter YESNH in the discount code box. Admission to the “Begin With Yes Career Fest” is also free but is limited to the first 200 people. To register, contact Leslie Sherman at lsherman@dred.state.nh.us.

15th Annual NH Economic Development Summit to Explore “Growing on Solid Ground”

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

Want to succeed in business? Try putting a smile on your face. Productivity and the power of positive thinking are inextricably linked in today’s global economy according to Paul Boynton, author of Begin With Yes, and keynote speaker at the 15th Annual NH Economic Development Summit to take place at Southern New Hampshire University on December 1st from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.   

"Begin With Yes" Author Paul Boynton

"Begin With Yes" Author Paul Boynton

“The world’s most successful entrepreneurs have all discovered that whatever you focus your attention on is what you attract into your life,” Boynton said. “Thinking happy, productive and positive thoughts leads to the type of bottom line results that make the difference between a good idea and a Fortune 500 company. It sounds simple, but those who’ve mastered this philosophy swear to its effectiveness not only in the boardroom but in life.” 

Boynton, an award-winning human services CEO who has been recognized for distinguished service and excellence in nonprofit management, published Begin With Yes last year and embraces its message, donating 10% of all book sales to non-profits. A personal coach, corporate consultant, and motivational speaker with degrees in social work and counseling, Boynton writes the column Making Good Things Happen at Work and hosts the weekly television talk show, Begin with Yes on MCTV. 

Boynton was a fitting choice for this year’s Annual NH Economic Development Summit which has set “Growing on Solid Ground” as its theme. Presented by the NH Division of Economic Development in cooperation with Public Service of NH, Sales Protocol and media sponsor NH Business Review, the Summit features three panel discussions – “Innovation and Inspiration – the New Hampshire Entrepreneur,” “Look Beyond the Label – Workplace Inclusion Makes Perfect Business Sense” and “Keeping It Young – Youth Retention in the Granite State.”    

Songwriter/Musician Jim Tyrrell

Songwriter/Musician Jim Tyrrell

“We really wanted this year’s event to demonstrate that New Hampshire’s economy remains vibrant, strong and creative,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “We are well positioned for growth both in-state and in terms of business attraction, so why not accentuate the positive and showcase some excellent programs and people?” 

“Public Service of NH is once again pleased to sponsor this summit which brings together economic development practitioners, elected officials, business professionals and educators to gain insight into the economy,” said Public Service of NH Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott who will provide an overview of the Hydro Quebec Project. “Information sharing is key to ensuring the strength of our business community and this event gives us a chance to network with and learn from some of the best and brightest entrepreneurial minds in New Hampshire.” 

For the third consecutive year, Scott Spradling of The Spradling Group will serve as the guest emcee of this daylong event that will also feature the “Commissioner’s Awards for Economic Development Excellence.” Songwriter/musician Jim Tyrrell, who recently released his third full-length album Onward to Yesterday, will perform throughout the day at the Summit. 

Admission is free but is limited to the first 200 people. To register, contact Leslie Sherman at lsherman@dred.state.nh.us.

So You Want to Sell to the Government?

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

Over 600 New Hampshire companies this year have learned that there are millions of dollars in state and federal contracts available through the New Hampshire Procurement Technical Assistance Program.  In an effort to spread the good news about this revenue generating program, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development has scheduled a free webinar titled “Selling to the Government – a Sound Business Decision” as part of the free NH BizCast series slated for Wednesday, April 28th  from noon-1 p.m.

“Learning how to navigate through the government procurement process is a true art,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “There are millions of dollars and thousands of opportunities available for local companies to sell their products and services to the government, but it’s a process that requires a lot of education and effort. We’re pleased to have this opportunity to share this valuable information to businesses through this interactive webinar.”

David N. Pease, PTAP Manager

David N. Pease, PTAP Manager

The third offering in the Division of Economic Development’s BizCast series, the April 28th webinar will feature David Pease, manager of the New Hampshire Procurement Technical Assistance Program. Prior to entering state government service, Pease was a contract Business Advisor throughout south-central New Hampshire. He began his career as an environmental scientist, and became an entrepreneur in 1983 with the founding of Resource Analysts, Inc. (RAI). Pease presided over the growth, success and 1988 acquisition of RAI by Millipore Corporation. He ran RAI as a Millipore subsidiary until 1992, when he arranged its resale to PACE, Incorporated. He later managed several businesses for PACE until 1996, when he left the environmental field to work full-time with small businesses in a private consulting practice. He worked with NH Small Business Development Center clients on a contract basis from 2002-2008.

In this presentation, Pease will discuss contracting and subcontracting opportunities with Department of Defense (DOD), other federal agencies, or state and local governments. He will provide information about online resources for companies to get registered with various federal entities and give an overview of other free services offered by the State’s Procurement team.
As is the case with all NH BizCasts, the free Webcast will be hosted live at the Comfort Inn (71 Hall Street) in Concord and will feature a live audience.

For more information and to attend the NH BizCast, visit http://www.nheconomy.com/bizcast/. Those planning on participating in the live audience at the Comfort Inn are asked to pre-register by contacting Leslie Sherman at (603) 271-2591 or leslie.sherman@dred.state.nh.us.

Leadership in the 21st Century Focus of NH BizCast

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Leadership – it’s the quality that separates high performing businesses from the rest of the pack, but how is it cultivated? Better yet, what skills will define the next generation of leaders? “Leadership in the 21st Century” is the title of the new free NH BizCast webinar slated for Wednesday, March 17th from noon-1 p.m.

“Determining the correct organizational structure can mean the difference between a company’s success or failure,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “With the rapid changes taking place in today’s economy, it’s important to not only reexamine leadership, but to look at the trends that will help us to build quality teams that are able to adapt and reinvent themselves in new and innovative ways.”

Dr. Russ Ouellette

Dr. Russ Ouellette

Offered by the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, the March 17th NH BizCast will feature Dr. Russ Ouellette, managing partner of Sojourn Partners, a Bedford-based executive coaching/leadership development firm. Ouellette is a recognized expert in high performance coaching, executive leadership and organizational development as well as a passionate speaker and advocate for contemporary open system organizational thinking.

In this presentation, Ouellette will discuss future opportunities for businesses, workers and society, what leadership will look like in just a few decades and current trends that are calling for and shaping fundamental changes in today’s workforce.

Ouellette began his professional career in finance at Raytheon Company, where he led many teams in various functions, including manufacturing, engineering, contracts, and organizational development. He has also engaged in a variety of industries, including financial services, healthcare, marketing, automotive, and the military.

Currently, Ouellette’s consulting centers on executive performance, firm strategic planning, and organizational intervention. In addition, he teaches thesis graduate students and contributes to the development of a doctorial program at New England College. He also teaches organizational leadership at the University of Phoenix and mentors many doctoral students through dissertation.

As is the case with all NH BizCasts, the free Webcast will be hosted live at the Comfort Inn (71 Hall Street) in Concord and will feature a live audience.

For more information and to attend the NH BizCast, visit http://www.nheconomy.com/bizcast/. Those planning on participating in the live audience at the Comfort Inn are asked to pre-register by contacting Leslie Sherman at (603) 271-2591 or leslie.sherman@dred.state.nh.us.

To get a taste of Dr. Ouellette’s latest blog posting, check out his “Tomorrow’s Business Advice Today” column at:
http://www.nheconomy.com/tomorrows-business-advice-today/.

NH Division of Economic Development Unveils NH BizCast

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

New Hampshire CEOs and emerging entrepreneurs no longer need to leave the comfort of their office to get the information that will help them to find success in the Granite State and beyond. Today, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development unveiled NH BizCast, a new monthly series of free business-centered Webcasts.

“With schedules becoming more and more hectic, we recognize that it was imperative for us to provide busy company owners and entrepreneurs with an easier way to access vital information,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “Now, on a monthly basis, our audience can share their lunch hour with us in an interactive, cutting edge forum that stimulates questions and promotes information sharing.”

Happy smiling businesswoman with computer at officeEach month, a business expert will present information on a topic relevant to the current economic climate. Online participants will have the ability to ask realtime questions via their computer, to be answered live by the presenter.

The first session, “Starting a Business in a Down Economy,” is slated for Wednesday, January 20th from noon-1 p.m. and will feature Deborah Osgood, President of the Exeter-based Knowledge Institute. Osgood’s presentation will include discussion of business self-assessment, formulation of business ideas, development of resource contacts, business mentorship and creation of a business plan.

“Most everything in life is about working well with and through others, and succeeding in business is no exception,” said Osgood. “The Knowledge Institute is pleased to be collaborating with the Division of Economic Development and their new Webcast series to leverage technology in introducing New Hampshire residents to a 10-step approach for assessing, planning and launching a new business venture in the Granite State.”

All Webcasts in the series will be hosted live at the Comfort Inn (71 Hall Street) in Concord and will feature a live audience.

“It’s very exciting for the Comfort Inn to be partnering with the State to provide new and exciting opportunities for the business community,” said Comfort Inn General Manager Michelle Wilson. “Our location is a perfect destination for business travelers and we’re thrilled to be able to introduce our facility to new visitors.”

Future NH BizCast Webinars will include “New Mediums, New Messages – How Social Media is Transforming Communication” featuring Epiphanies, Inc.’s Allen Voivod (2/17) and “Best Business Practices for the Next Century” featuring Sojourn Partner’s Dr. Russ Ouellette (3/17).

For more information and to attend the NH BizCast, visit www.nheconomy.com. Those planning on participating in the live audience at the Comfort Inn are asked to pre-register by contacting Leslie Sherman at (603) 271-2591 or leslie.sherman@dred.state.nh.us.

14th Annual NH Economic Development Summit to Venture “One Step Beyond”

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

In announcing plans for the 14th Annual NH Economic Development Summit to take place at the Radisson Hotel Nashua on December 15th from 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., NH Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy had a simple message to the business community – explore your creativity and be prepared to take “one step beyond.” 

“In today’s challenging economy, we all need to reexamine the way that we’ve traditionally done business and employ more creative and innovative strategies,” he said. “There has never been a better time to take chances and to pursue new ideas that might stimulate activity and lead to business growth.”

tomhayesbwFittingly enough, “One Step Beyond” is the theme of this year’s Annual NH Economic Development Summit. Presented by the NH Division of Economic Development in cooperation with Public Service of NH and media sponsor NH Business Review, the Summit will feature two keynote speakers, Tom Ticknor of Ticknor & Associates who will present “Building a Brand – Positioning Your Community for Success” and Tom Hayes, master salesman and life motivator, who will tell how he grew his Fuji Medical Systems sales territory from $200,000 to over $50M a year by building and motivating a top sales team. Selected by Showtime Networks as a “Funniest Person” award winner, Hayes lives by the motto, “If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.”

Workshops at the Summit will include “Granite Greatness – Tales of NH Entrepreneurship” featuring Laura Boucher (Hunter IdeaNeT – creator of the Snow Sleeve snow removal device), Michael McGloin (The Mountain – creator of the wildly popular “Three Wolf Moon” t-shirt) and Nancy Brown (Three Acre Kitchen – creator of outstanding balsamic based specialty foods), “New Mediums, New Messages – How Social Media is Transforming Communication” featuring Epiphanies, Inc. Owner Allen Voivod and “Mission Transmission – The Hydro Quebec Project” featuring Public Service of NH Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott and Public Service of NH Municipal Relations & External Affairs Specialist Allison McLean.  
Three Wolf Moon t-shirt image

Three Wolf Moon t-shirt image

“Public Service of NH is once again pleased to sponsor this summit which provides economic development practitioners and business owners with the latest information they need to keep New Hampshire’s economy moving forward,” said Public Service of NH Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott. “New Hampshire continues to outpace its New England neighbors in terms of business growth and we welcome the opportunity to highlight some of our emerging companies at this showcase event.”

For the second consecutive year, Scott Spradling of The Spradling Group will serve as the guest emcee of this daylong event that will also feature the “Commissioner’s Awards for Economic Development Excellence.”

Admission is free but is limited to the first 200 people. To register, contact Leslie Sherman at lsherman@dred.state.nh.us.

Few Slots Left for Free “Maximizing Your Web Presence” Workshop

Monday, September 14th, 2009

Just a quick reminder that there are a few slots left for this Thursday’s “Maximizing Your Web Presence” workshop to be held at the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, 172 Pembroke Road in Concord from 9 a.m.-noon.

glassglobeDuring this interactive workshop, Link Moser of Windhill Design will help participants develop valuable skills in keyword research, discover how their site stands now in comparison to their online competition and gain an introduction to Pay-Per-Click, local search and social media.

With 90 percent of online traffic being generated via search engines, it’s imperative for companies to ensure that their business’ names fight their way to the top of the Web pile.

To pre-register, contact Leslie Sherman at 271-2591 or lsherman@dred.state.nh.us.


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