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Shary Raske |
The Pursuit of Happiness...Celebrate the 4th of July 2010 Making Your Economy Work When things are going well in the economy, we usually don’t examine what makes it work. Yet, if you are a job hunter, it’s time to learn, for this is how you can take advantage of areas that are growing and how to create opportunity where areas are shrinking. Maybe you already know that technology-related and health care fields are expanding. Yet, what would be your point of entry if you decided to pursue these areas? Perhaps you know that manufacturing is shrinking overall. Even so, there are many circumstances that pursuing a career in manufacturing is a sound idea. Pay attention to how business works. If you choose to cut your hair cut to save money, that decision not only effects one business owner, but the business owners who supply that business. If you choose to get clothes at a resale store, that buying decision impacts apparel stores. Economizing is how your business of one works. I’m not saying to change those decisions, just pay attention how your individual economy impacts the economies of others. Starting a business could be a viable solution in a sluggish economy. I was visiting a local business owner who was telling me about a woman who started charging people to run errands, provide transportation, and do odd jobs. Now her business has grown to the point that she can making a living doing that. That’s one of many examples of job hunters looking for and finding opportunity and then creating work that fills that need. If you are going to make your personal economy work, then I’d recommend learning how your regional economy works. First of all who are the leaders who impact St. Louis region? Once you find out, what is the best way to enlist them into your quest? Some of the hidden leaders are the folks at your local library. Did you know you can get for FREE the name of every single employer in town? Ask your librarian how to use Dun & Bradstreet’s Million Dollar Seller, or Reference USA. Then there are the more obvious ones: City Governments often lead the way to attracting new businesses. When Northwest Plaza tanked, who had the most to lose? The city of St. Ann and it’s citizens. They are losing a valuable tax base. They also compete to attract new businesses with other city governments. Do you know who besides the mayor is at the forefront of these efforts? Solving a tax-base issue is one source of new jobs. There are also Chambers of Commerce and the Regional Commerce and Growth Association. Study their websites to get a sense of what activities are going on to attract and retain business in this region. Start attending meetings. Some business related meetings are free. If the meetings aren’t free, ask the organizer if you can attend for free. The worse that could happen, is you’ll get a “no”. If you don't ask, you don't get. There are business association meetings and other special events that will help you learn what’s going on in the St. Louis region. Knowledge is power. Figure out where the action is and then you can figure out how to be part of it. If you find yourself saying, “This is too much work! I just want a job.”, then I would challenge you to examine how long you have to secure work and how much money you want to make. Taking the time to find out what’s going on in your region and then developing a strategy to be a solution will shorten your search and position you to negotiate a greater salary. Knowledge indeed is power. So is getting into action that gets you where you want to be. Make your personal economy work for you. Freedom from Limitation The 4th of July is just around the corner. Each of us have an opportunity to examine what makes us free. For me, I am grateful for religious freedom. A very wise woman once said to me, "Shary, when you get that God is on your side, you'll be unstoppable!" And so it is with you, too. What do you choose to believe for your life? Are you ready to embrace that God is greater than trauma, rejection, and discouragement? For some of you a concept in God is not helpful. And there are times when God seems so far away. Yet, I'd like to challenge you to choose something greater than yourself to aspire toward. It will be your life jacket, particularly in times of transition. 90% of my business comes from referrals. Thank you for the recent referrals from Beth and Gail. If you know someone who is stuck, stalled, or dissatisfied with their current work situation, please consider referring them to Courage to Change. After just one session each career changer will have a written, preliminary plan on how to move forward. Call today! (314) 560-1088. Do You Have the Life You Want? Begin by writing a Personal Mission Statement. If you are part of a business group or association, or even on a personal quest, please consider inviting me to facilitate how to create a Personal Mission Statement for greater clarity. Then you can focus on what brings you closer to having the life you really want. Shary Raske works as a career development manager for Courage to Change Enterprises. For other free helpful tips, go to www.courageouschange.net or call (314) 560-1088. She is a frequent speaker to both corporate groups, associations and job search organizations. Help get the word out that career change doesn't have to be difficult or frustrating. Please forward this email to others. Help is just a phone call away. Next Issue: Don't Try to Make the Sidewalk Move |
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Shary Raske, Career Strategist, Smarter, more effective career change! Delivered by Webvalence |