Kathy's Connection
CAREER FACILITATOR TAKES TIME TO EXPLORE HER WORLD AND NETWORKED AT THE SAME TIME
This weekend I had the opportunity to go on a tour of the Columbia Gorge on the Oregon/Washington borders. Many people visit our area and miss seeing it all. This Saturday I learned that there was plenty of things I had been missing even though I had driven through it many times.
This was a joint tour of the Gorge developed by my Vancouver Rotary and the Portland Rotary. The Executive Director of the Columbia Land Trust http://www.columbialandtrust.org
and a Geologist from Portland State University provided us with insights about this marvel in our backyard that we never would have discovered on our own.
Both of these men where Rotarians who took their time to share their talents with all of us who eagerly listened as they pointed out things at 9:00 location on the horizon or told stories of how they worked with landowners to donate land so that it could be perserved for all of us.
BUSINESS COMMUNITiCATION TIP:
It is important to understand that joining service organizations have three-fold benefits: 1. You work on projects that enhance your community; 2. You learn something through developing relationships with the members 3. You often have opportunities open up that you would not have imagined--just like the tour in my own neighborhood when I took time to look and listen.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Kathy's Connection
COMMUNITY PRIDE AND NETWORKING
Saturday I was thrilled to be a witness to the opening of our new indoor, year-round Farmer's Market in in Vancouver, WA (America's Vancouver) The market evolved over a fifteen year period from 20 to 240 vendors. Now there is a permanent home where we can go all year to buy fresh local produce.
The facility was developed through the use of strong business communcations skills from everyone from the Mayor to the developer of the building to the farmers. Saturday I was standing next to the former Mayor who began the process as we watched the garage-type doors opened the market to the public. We gave each other a hug for we knew we were witnessing the results of communicaton and partnerships at their best.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP: Grand openings, ground breaking ceremonies, press conferences are all places where you can meet and talk to high-level officials. Actually, there is no better place to network,
AND they are free.
COMMUNITY PRIDE AND NETWORKING
Saturday I was thrilled to be a witness to the opening of our new indoor, year-round Farmer's Market in in Vancouver, WA (America's Vancouver) The market evolved over a fifteen year period from 20 to 240 vendors. Now there is a permanent home where we can go all year to buy fresh local produce.
The facility was developed through the use of strong business communcations skills from everyone from the Mayor to the developer of the building to the farmers. Saturday I was standing next to the former Mayor who began the process as we watched the garage-type doors opened the market to the public. We gave each other a hug for we knew we were witnessing the results of communicaton and partnerships at their best.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP: Grand openings, ground breaking ceremonies, press conferences are all places where you can meet and talk to high-level officials. Actually, there is no better place to network,
AND they are free.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Kathy's Connection
COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING IN CALIFORNIA
This week, my colleague, Paula Johnson, and I trained in Salinas,
California. We worked with people who work with people with disabilities. My role is to help them learn how to communicate with the business world.
During the morning session I helped them understand how to prepare a resume that will get Hiring Managers attention. More than one person was surprised when I said most people need a two-page resume. The point is that if you "try" to get it on a one page you have to leave out many of the great things you have accomplished during the last ten years.
(One should go out ten years only on his/her resume unless it is with the same company).
It was great, because in the afternoon we had a panel of five local business people who didn't know it; yet, they reinforced everything I had said in the June training about networking.
They shared what they were looking for in employees.....Showing up on time, honesty and enthusiasm were at the top of their list. I had told the group that not everyone wants/needs to be a team player--it so happened three of the five specifically said "We want team players."
COMMUNICATION TIP:
Do not even consider putting anything on your resume that is not totally accurate. Relationships are built on trust --- no half truths.
COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING IN CALIFORNIA
This week, my colleague, Paula Johnson, and I trained in Salinas,
California. We worked with people who work with people with disabilities. My role is to help them learn how to communicate with the business world.
During the morning session I helped them understand how to prepare a resume that will get Hiring Managers attention. More than one person was surprised when I said most people need a two-page resume. The point is that if you "try" to get it on a one page you have to leave out many of the great things you have accomplished during the last ten years.
(One should go out ten years only on his/her resume unless it is with the same company).
It was great, because in the afternoon we had a panel of five local business people who didn't know it; yet, they reinforced everything I had said in the June training about networking.
They shared what they were looking for in employees.....Showing up on time, honesty and enthusiasm were at the top of their list. I had told the group that not everyone wants/needs to be a team player--it so happened three of the five specifically said "We want team players."
COMMUNICATION TIP:
Do not even consider putting anything on your resume that is not totally accurate. Relationships are built on trust --- no half truths.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
BUSINESS NETWORKING HAPPENS EVERY WHERE
Once again, I had a terrific week spending quality time with people. One of them was Jean Rahn from the SW Medical Center Foundation. She joined my Vancouver Rotary, yet we hadn't taken time to learn about each other. Over a cup of coffee at the Java House we learned how much we had in common, including knowing people in Ft. Collins where she had moved from six months ago.
I teach all the time, take time to have a cup of coffee with people so learn about them personally. Once again, I am soooo glad I did--I'm looking forward to spending more time with Jean.
Another night met for drinks at Beaches -- got caught up with what some of my friends were up to ---- As I suspected, they too are out and about learning new things. I have never figured out how anyone can be bored living in the Northwest.
Had dinner with Karen Sheridan, own of the Money Mistique in Portland, OR. We met at her loft apartment in the Pearl and proceeded to walk to a wonderful Greek Restaurant,
Eleni's Philoxenia at 112 NW 9th Street.
Karen and I hadn't seen each other in about two years so it was great to connect again.
COMMUNICATION TIP:
Even if you have not talked to someone in five years, you can still call them up to connect or ask for advice. Think of how good you would feel if you got a call out of the blue from someone you met at conference five years ago. It is flattering to be remembered.
I'm off tonight to Vancouver, WA's new theatre --- Going to see the play "Road Rage" with a bunch of my friends.
Once again, I had a terrific week spending quality time with people. One of them was Jean Rahn from the SW Medical Center Foundation. She joined my Vancouver Rotary, yet we hadn't taken time to learn about each other. Over a cup of coffee at the Java House we learned how much we had in common, including knowing people in Ft. Collins where she had moved from six months ago.
I teach all the time, take time to have a cup of coffee with people so learn about them personally. Once again, I am soooo glad I did--I'm looking forward to spending more time with Jean.
Another night met for drinks at Beaches -- got caught up with what some of my friends were up to ---- As I suspected, they too are out and about learning new things. I have never figured out how anyone can be bored living in the Northwest.
Had dinner with Karen Sheridan, own of the Money Mistique in Portland, OR. We met at her loft apartment in the Pearl and proceeded to walk to a wonderful Greek Restaurant,
Eleni's Philoxenia at 112 NW 9th Street.
Karen and I hadn't seen each other in about two years so it was great to connect again.
COMMUNICATION TIP:
Even if you have not talked to someone in five years, you can still call them up to connect or ask for advice. Think of how good you would feel if you got a call out of the blue from someone you met at conference five years ago. It is flattering to be remembered.
I'm off tonight to Vancouver, WA's new theatre --- Going to see the play "Road Rage" with a bunch of my friends.
Monday, September 05, 2005
CAREER FACILITATOR MAKES OWN EMERGENCY PLANS
After watching an hour of news Friday night, I called my daughter, Tami, just to say "I love you." As we talked, we realized we had no emergency plans to get in touch with each other if anything major happened.
It is all the more important in my case for my family is spread all over the world. My daughter, Tami and her husband Chris, live in Olympia, Washignton and my daugher Kara her fiancee Dominique, live in Brussels, Beligum. I live in Vancouver, Washington. (America's Vancouver)
My mother and sister live in Mission, Texas -- they were 80 miles from hurricane, Emily in July. I was never so glad in my life to have them answer the phone the next morning -- I think of the thousands who were not so fortunate with this storm. Then my terrific brother, Bruce, lives in Madison, Wisconsin (My state of birth)
Tami gave me this website:
Then this morning I read in the paper that Target will donate $10 on each Emergency Kit that is bought through them to the Red Cross. They cost: $29.95
I am proud to be a member of Rotary International. Right now we members are holding back waiting to hear where we can be the most help. My guess is not only will it be welcomed funds, but also professionals who have the skills to help our fellow US citizens.
After watching an hour of news Friday night, I called my daughter, Tami, just to say "I love you." As we talked, we realized we had no emergency plans to get in touch with each other if anything major happened.
It is all the more important in my case for my family is spread all over the world. My daughter, Tami and her husband Chris, live in Olympia, Washignton and my daugher Kara her fiancee Dominique, live in Brussels, Beligum. I live in Vancouver, Washington. (America's Vancouver)
My mother and sister live in Mission, Texas -- they were 80 miles from hurricane, Emily in July. I was never so glad in my life to have them answer the phone the next morning -- I think of the thousands who were not so fortunate with this storm. Then my terrific brother, Bruce, lives in Madison, Wisconsin (My state of birth)
Tami gave me this website:
Then this morning I read in the paper that Target will donate $10 on each Emergency Kit that is bought through them to the Red Cross. They cost: $29.95
I am proud to be a member of Rotary International. Right now we members are holding back waiting to hear where we can be the most help. My guess is not only will it be welcomed funds, but also professionals who have the skills to help our fellow US citizens.
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