There is so much you can do in order to meet quality professional people in this city.  But let’s face it folks, the problem is that when we are down, unemployed, and feeling crappy, the last thing we want to do is put on a happy face and collect cards from people we don’t even know.   Most of the time, our dismal approach to life’s difficulties will make us want to vent instead of cheerfully introducing ourselves in a positive way to a business person.  You must know this; there is no way you can make any changes in your life until you decide what you really want.  Many of us often say, “Why doesn’t anything ever go right for me?  Well, maybe what you think is right for you, really isn’t.  We are stubborn creatures and we want things the way we want them.  Change is not easy for us, and making adjustments comes hard.  We sometimes work for something so hard with no results that we then begin to see things negatively.  We cram everything into one idea, one hope and one dream.  This is fine, but sometimes life opens a different door, and we must at the very least give it a chance.  Sometimes that very door is the one that will ultimately lead us to that dream.  Don’t’ be stubborn, ask for help and be giving to yourself.  There is nothing wrong with asking for a lending hand.  Most of the great leaders call it networking.

You can make things happen, but there is one very important thing you must remember…you must want to do it.  You will never make any changes in your life until you decide that “it is the time” you need to put “headwork” into it.  The same way you sit and pout on life’s problems and ponder ideas around your head, you can put effort into finding the solution. But how do you do that?  Stop thinking so much about how, and begin doing. Make a call, send an e-mail to a contact, join a networking group.   Make a move to call ten people from the past, even ex colleagues, don’t be shy to ask for help, for advice, and for leads.  Network..Network..Network!!  

Decide today what it is you want to do.  You can decide to go to a business function or card exchange, make yourself personal cards with your name and contact information.  I once added… “Looking for a Job” on mine.  Walk the mile and drop off your resume in 10 offices. But you must make the decision.  Decide what it is you really want.  Decide, decide, decide.  Maybe you’ve even wondered about going back to school and enhancing your skills for that career you want.  If you think too much about it, nothing will happen. Make the call!

I began collecting business cards in networking events many years ago.  I still have them and call many of the people I met.  I keep my contact list very broad and network at as much as I can.  Even when there is no chance to do it in person I write e-mails to just send a “hello how are you doing”.  Listen folks, there is no excuse for not trying hard.  We get into a slump and it’s much safer to stay there. We’ve all done it.  But the truth is, you need to recognize that you can do it.  If you are having trouble, ask for help, but understand that when someone begins helping you; it’s not nagging or pushing.  They are helping you.

Many times I’ve been in the position where a person asked me for help finding a job.  Then when I begin suggesting things like;  clean up your resume, make this call, get up early, the person then begins to shut the door.  It’s almost like a “please don’t bother me so much” Then I ask…why the hell did you solicit my help then?

We all need to better ourselves, we all need help.  The problem is we don’t like it when someone is real with us, because the truth hurts.   Stop It!!  Look hard in the mirror and see who is looking back.  Don’t blame others for your mistakes and don’t blame the economy for your lack of desire.  Go out there and go get’em, Why?  Because you can!

So, with all that said here are some ways to go out there and begin meeting people.  It’s not as hard as you think.  Just decide…and Do it!!

PINK SLIP PARTY – Hosted by JobsDirectUSA
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FIRST  FIRDAYS NETWORKING PARTY
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