Archive for May, 2009
Job Networking: Demonstrate Your Skills
Closed Published by Business Networking in Austin Blog May 26th, 2009 on Business Networking in Austin BlogWith our Get Hired! event coming up tomorrow I thought it only appropriate that I write a post about Job Networking. Networking isn’t just what you do at mixers and job clubs. It’s really a part of every conversation and activity you’re involved with; since you never know where that next opportunity is going to come from.
We all have certain strengths and abilities. Often times we discount the value of these abilities especially when they come really naturally and with almost no effort. They’re just part of what you do. It’s important to remember that these talents of yours have value. Frequently a lot of value. But you don’t always get to demonstrate these skills as part of your regular job searching activities. Maybe if you’re in sales, but I digress.
For so many reasons I think it’s important to somehow get involved in something you’re deeply passionate about outside of your job search. You should be doing things like this when you have a job, so why wouldn’t you do them when you’re looking for your next gig? This is easiest if you start with something you absolutely love. It might be a favorite non-profit, your church, your kids activities, a favorite sport or hobby. It really doesn’t matter as long as it’s an organization you care about. Approach one of the organizations leaders and tell them how you’d like to help. Make this easy for them. Don’t just ask to help, which creates work for them to figure out how they can use you. Instead figure out a way that you can really demonstrate some of your highly valued skills and offer to do that for them. That way they can just say yes, they don’t have to think and you get to show your stuff rather than getting stuck doing some menial task that you can’t get excited about.
So now you’re probably thinking. Why Scott? It’s really important that I find my next job, and I need to focus on that and you want me to spend 5-10 hours a week volunteering my time?
Yes! Looking for a job can be really difficult work. It sometimes leads to depression especially in our society when you may define yourself by what you do. Besides, sending off a few more blind resumes probably isn’t going to help you anyway. The psychological boost you’ll get from making a difference will be invaluable during your search. Your attitude is so important and you impact your attitude most by what you do. Why not do something really worthwhile? It also will help you develop and deepen new relationships. Don’t do this work in isolation, get out and be visible about it. Talk to people, tell them about the things you’re doing and how much you enjoy it. Let them know that this is the kind of work that you love doing, and you’re looking for your next opportunity to do it full time. Not only will you be demonstrating your skills, you’ll also be keeping them sharp. It’ll make interviewing easier as you’ll have current examples you can point to in a positive light.
I’m yet to meet anyone who’s sorry they took on this type of project. It may or may not directly lead to your next position, but it sure can’t hurt.
Usually I think most people already have some ideas of where they want to be involved and how, but if you need some additional help there are a bunch of great resources to help you find this type of work. Here are just a few:
Oh yeah, and this doesn’t have to have anything to do with a job search. If it’s a good idea when you’re looking for work isn’t it also a good idea when you’re not?
Happy Networking!
-Scott Ingram
Augustine and the Lure of Reward
Closed Published by Jonathan Dodson May 25th, 2009 on Creation ProjectHigh Calling is running a new article by yours truly on the role of praise, reward, and honor:
Nothing beats an honest day’s work, so the saying goes. In an age of unethical business schemes and get-rich-quick internet commerce delusions, an honest day’s work is harder to come by. The new saying might go something like: […]
Dollyrots, Emo’s, Tonight - May 25, 2009
Closed Published by Ed Verosky May 25th, 2009 on Music Photographer AustinThey’re on tour and making their way through Texas again. Tonight, The Dollyrots will be at Emo’s with The Action Design and The Sweethearts.
Dustin Welch, Dana Mills’ Party
Closed Published by Ed Verosky May 24th, 2009 on Music Photographer AustinThis puts you in the conversation with Dustin Welch and two photographers in the Austin music scene, John Grubbs, and myself. Shot Friday, May 22, 2009. Dustin takes the opportunity to recommend the movie, Heartworn Highways to us.
Read Good Counsel to Be the Church
Closed Published by Jonathan Dodson May 24th, 2009 on Creation ProjectHere is an excerpt from my Resurgence Series on Counseling and Mission:
Nothing like regular time with unchurched, newly believing, broken and mature, redeemed sinners–the Church–will alert you to the need for gospel-centered counseling. For years I’ve been reading the materials put out by Christian Counseling Education Foundation (CCEF). I’ll never forget the first time I […]
Here’s What I Think About Twitter
Closed Published by Jonathan Dodson May 23rd, 2009 on Creation ProjectAnd if you feel like you need to defend your twittering in the comments, just watch the video again! 
HT: CS
On Wednesday, May 20, 2009, Ralph D. Winter passed away at age 84 after a long bout with multiple myeloma. Perhaps the foremost missiologist of our time, he was the founder (in 1976) of the U.S. Center for World Mission (part of William Carey International University) in Pasadena, California; the International Society for Frontier Missiology […]
Creepy McCreeperton was at the beach today. I guess everyone needs love.
#96
Five Really Bad Pickup Lines we Listened To The Same Dude Deliver To Random Chicks
“You are rocking that fedora.”
“I texted a girlfriend that Kim Kardashian was here, I thought you were her.”
“I’m being deployed to Afghanistan.”
“Oh, LA? I’ll come up there sometime.”
“I’ll keep a lookout […]
Culitivating Obsession (or craving well)
Closed Published by Jonathan Dodson May 21st, 2009 on Creation ProjectThis is a guest blog by Steve Cota, a City Group leader at Austin City Life.
When we think of the word “obsession”, we typically think of a lust or perhaps something along the lines of the movie “Fatal Attraction”. The movie Obsessed tells the story of a woman obsessed with a co-worker, willing to go […]
No one every expects that much from me. But MK, well, he’s a boss. However, we both have been in a big fog of reconnecting, unpacking, settling, and making plans that gave us both headaches and brain lapses.
Like this weekend. It’s a holiday weekend. I figured that out YESTERDAY. We have company. But […]