Archive for August, 2010

There’s just one more thing I’d like to say. It is put so well in today’s theme song:

Ok, I know, just yesterday I took an oath to change my ways, and not lose my temper in the wrong places. I said I wasn’t going to be a ShockTalkRadio star. I said I was going to be The Compassionate HR Woman that I am deep down inside. But that song, is today’s theme song because it aptly describes my feelings after I’ve left crappy jobs, crappy relationships, and crappy, dysfunctional situations. Today, I am taking the low road to the high road, because like most human beings, I have to work through my feelings, and process them before I take them world-wide. So, why did I post this to my HR Blog? Because, I write for my HireFriday community too. They need to let off a little steam too, every now and then.

Today’s lesson continues, HireFriday Community. I encourage you to process the F-Us in private, and put the smiles on in public. Unless you are Howard Stern, or @Animal, it’s wise to keep your facebook page free of debris. Keep your twitter page filled with links to useful industry information, and participate in linkedin groups by answering questions in discussions. You might argue, HR Margo The F U song is your theme song today, well why don’t you…It’s my theme song today to teach you a lesson. DON’T DO THIS IF YOU ARE A JOB SEEKER.

The take away from this post is to be a proactive, classy job seeker. Dig your well before you are thirsty, as the saying goes. Help others along the way, because as you help one another, you are doing good deeds while getting ahead. Continue to to network after you land that great position, and unless you are me or @Animal in the midst of a debate: don’t air your dirty laundry on social media. It’s risky. I’ve lost friends by being mouthy on twitter, and on blogtalkradio shows. Do I regret that? Yes and No. It’s complicated. With that said, I’m self employed, a blogger, a public speaker, a trained facilitator, and coach, and being an outspoken advocate is part and parcel to my brand. Do I ever step on my own two feet? You bet I do. Do I learn my lessons? Most, but not all of the time. As I always say, the best we get to be in this lifetime is human.

What I want job seekers to take away from this post is to put your best foot forward, be original, be yourself, but your best self. Remember, the world is watching. One of my HireFriday Community members @PracticalWisdom suggest we play the “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble” tune whenever somebody in our community gets #HiredFriday Woot. In her honor, I now give you a bonus two-fer theme song. Let’s Get Ready to RUMBLE your Job SEARCH

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Instead of ending my post with a daily theme song. I’m beginning with one, and here it is: Dynamite. Why: Because he sings, ” I want to live my life, and let things go.” “I want to celebrate my life,” and sometimes, that means letting things go. Yesterday, I encouraged the online community I created, HireFriday to boycott Animal’s blogtalkradio show, when in fact, today I found it most entertaining, and informative. I lifted my boycott which didn’t last 24 hours. Here’s why: This song explains it best…

Now, wasn’t that fun? Yes, that song makes me chair dance too. It’s joyful. It’s a celebration. It’s a dance, and when I’m at my best, I feeling like singing and dancing, and genuinely enjoy being helpful.

Most of you know I was raised by a very famous Olympic Boxing Team Manager, and Olympic Committee Executive, and AAU President, and 7 time Hall of Famer, so yes I will name drop. His name, of blessed memory was Rolly Schwartz. He taught me, through his example to tilt at windmills, and stand up for what I believe in, passionately and to do so with every fiber of my being.

That is how he trained Cassius Clay to rise to greatness when he was a young man living in Kentucky. That is how he trained me. He was a citizen diplomat, and world traveler. My Mother, his polar opposite was a colorful, multi-talented artist Pearl Schwartz.(do not click that link unless you want to see a photo of me as a teenager dressed up like a belly dancer+I did it for one of my Mother’s crazy costume parties–and I was her little entertainer

She was the kind of woman who would take me to the art museum dressed as if she were taking me to the Opera. She had a flare for the dramatic. I adored them both. They lived joyful, celebrated lives. Pearl’s art still hangs in 11 museums around the world. Her art was owned by Dina Shore, William Holden, and O.J.Simpson (and no I don’t know what happened to her painting after his life bit the dust. I do know this, he wasn’t gunning for it in Vegas. This gives you a little insight into my world, and why I grew up to be such a character. Through my parent’s fame and glory, they raised me to be a good, kind, and decent human being who cares about the little guy. I don’t have a $1,000 handshake, and a $10.00 handshake. My handshake is always the same. My goal in life is to help those less fortunate in a meaningful way.

What this also means is that I’m feisty, like a terrier, who acts like a pit bull in the dog fighting ring when she thinks an innocent job seeker is being attacked. I absolutely hate it when people pick on the unemployed population. It makes me ignite like a fire cracker. That’s just what I did (again) last night. I laid into Animal like bitch in heat with a bone to crush. It’s funny because right before I did, he was whining that he was bored, and the questions he was being asked were boring. Well, I put an end to hat in a heartbeat by acting out like a screaming hyena, just as he does on his blogtalkradio show.

What happened next was a woman named Barb lit into me for attacking Animal. I sliced into her like yesterday’s pastrami. I’m not proud of the fight that ensued on The RecHouseParty show. Poor Cathy didn’t know what to do, so she muted me which was the thing to do. I deserved to be muted. My behavior was over the line (even for me). I did not hang-up although I was tempted, like a tenacious terrier, I stubbornly saw the show through to its completion. I’m glad I did. It was great ShockTalkRadio, the kind of programming that makes Jerry Springer’s ratings go through the roof.

The question begs to be asked, Is that how I want to be remembered? No, that was not my shining moment. But, I wouldn’t take back one word I said to Animal. I meant everyone of them. I would apologize to Barb for challenging her to a fight offline. It’s not good for my Compassionate HR brand when I box other women about the ears so hard I leave them with nothing left to work with but a bleeding stump. I need to leave that to my childhood friends Sugar Ray Leonard, Howard Davis and Aaron Pryor. It isn’t lady like when I behave that way. My dear friend Kimberly Roden pointed out to me today that it is dangerous to go negative in social media. Even when all I’m doing is sparring with my friend Animal. It has its rewards, but it also has its risks.

One doesn’t have to look far in my history to see where this pattern has repeated itself. It isn’t good for me professionally to be a boxer in social media. That’s what I learned in the last 24 hours. I need to take off the social media boxing gloves. I need to stop threatening to vomit on people when I’m on their blogtalkradio show. That’s not lady like either. The fact is I am a lady. I am classy in real life. I’m also well educated, and should no better than to engage in broadcast fights. I’m a pundit. Truthly, I’d rather be a talking head than a screaming head, so it’s time to learn my lesson.

I doubt anything will ever take the fight out of my might. Being a fighter is part of my DNA. I must learn to channel that fight into the right places, and fight the good fight, not the stupid one. Sometimes it’s hard to determine which is which. This year, I challenge myself to do so. I must temper my passion with wisdom, and reason. Today I heard an amazing webinar, “Voices Of Your Career.” Mark Stelzner was the moderator. His guests were Miriam Salpeter, and Dawn Bugni. They were all brilliant. Their message was clear: be positive on all social media channels. Our brands are at stake. Unless you are Animal, don’t go negative. He can get away with it, but most of us can’t.

Now I leave you with another theme song. Yep, today’s a two-fer I dedicate this song to my twitter spouse, Animal. It’s called “You’re Not The Boss.” This is probably what we would have looked like had we dated in high school (falling off my chair laughing)…

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I am proud to be on the board of directors of HeartPrints. The mission of this organization is in sync with my personal values, and community vision. I want my readers to know about my passion piece: being the social media board consultant to this worthy organization. Please read this release, go to our website, and purchase our delicious coffee (for a cause). You’ll be helping others while you enjoy an amazing cup of joe. I love this organization. I hope you will too!

www.heartprints.org
hello@heartprints.org

heartprints inc. is a community driven | positive impact 501(c)(3) approved non-profit organization that improves the lives of youth, families, and our communities through the focus areas of Mentoring | Jobs | Outreach to help people live a successful life.

We partner with schools, shelters, and other organizations to provide mentoring/tutoring where it does not exist to improve education, leadership, career, economics, decision making, and opportunities.

Our Jobs (CincyJobSpace) project connects people to job leads, guidance, resources for re-employment, and general career related opportunities. The Outreach piece consists of connecting our mentoring and jobs efforts to the materials, supplies, and other items to assist with basic needs so people can “go beyond the basics” to live a life of significance.

The approach of utilize these three areas we seek to close the gaps on in the community interact to deliver positive impact for our clients, as well as Volunteer and Donor opportunities. We have also implemented some unique products to engage support, and drive awareness through our “Coffee With A Cause!” (Charity Coffee), as well as heartprints help guide.

You may support us, and well as participate in efforts to improve lives by:
• Volunteering as a Mentor/Tutor
• Donating Supplies from our “Wish List”
• Providing a monetary gift (tax deductible)
• Purchasing our “Coffee With A Cause!” (Charity Coffee)
• Sharing job opportunities through our CincyJobSpace brand
• Being an advocate by sharing our opportunities and joining our social media groups
• Engage with our initiatives by listing your efforts or non-profit in our heartprints help guide

We invite you to get involved by volunteering and or donating today, encourage you to visit www.heartprints.org, or by give us a hello@heartprints.org

With gratitude,
heartprints inc.
www.heartprints.org
participate@heartprints.org

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The Recruiting Animal On Blogtalkradio: Just Say NO!

Last week on The Recruiting Animal’s blogtalkradio show, a member of my HireFriday was put on the hot seat. What he did not know is that under that seat was white hot coals. It made my stomach turn to hear the panel tear this candidate apart like vultures on roadkill. Was this candidate making tactical mistakes, it could be argued yes; however, that did not give the panel a right to pick at this poor man’s emotional flesh. The greek root of the word “sarcasm” is sarcazo, literally translated it means to tear flesh. While everyone has the right to their own opinion, no one has the right to harm another human being.

I assert that this behavior is outlandish, and cartoonish, moreover it borders on macabre. What I would have liked to have seen instead is a dialogue of helpful redirection, and constructive criticism, rather than outright bullying. While they disagreed with his tactics, they could have held their evil tongues. Some of these bullies are my friends. I must admit that after that show, I was ashamed of them. While they made several valid points, to humiliate this man on blogtalkradio was just plain wrong.

I strongly discouraged my HireFriday Community members to not appear on The Recruiting Animal’s blogtalkradio program. Another member of my community has been scheduled to appear. I direct messaged him, and warned him not to appear. If he does, he does so at his own risk because The Recruiting Animal screams, and yells. He rants and raves. In all fairness, he warns his followers on twitter, “if you are sensitive don’t follow me.” He forewarns his guests that they will be lambasted, and put on the hot seat (not in those words of course).

Ironically, in real life, I know @Animal to be a dear old fellow. Deep down, his heart is filled with kindness. His intension behind the scenes is to be helpful. His critiques of the twitter profiles of his followers, while arguably loud, is usually spot on. All you have to do is listen to one of his shows to know the drill. He is the Howard Stern of the recruitment set. It’s no secret. On a personal note, I am extremely fond of him because he has helped me tremendously over the past year.

We enjoy debate. We fight like brothers and sisters. We do like each other, and regardless of how much fun we poke at each other, behind it all is a true fondness of spirit. With that said, I become irate whenever anyone picks on a job seeker. I tend to take it personally because I am a candidate advocate, and understand that when a person is in the midst of a job search, they are at their most vulnerable. The last thing they need is to be attacked by a pack of rabid recruiters, resume writers, and coaches. I was astounded by the lack of compassion and tolerance on last week’s show.

I am boycotting his show this week if he grills another set of job seekers. I implore you to do the same. We should never endorse, support or enable cruel behavior. Bullies have no place in our space.

You may not agree with me, but let me remind you: this is my blog, and I have a right to my own opinion!

Now for your theme song: Rendezvous and I’m Threw With YOU! –Eve 6 Inside Out compliments of youtube.com

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Strategy. Where would we be without one? Rowing rudderless down a rapid river without a paddle. If we don’t have an object, strategy, and plan our efforts are fruitless. The low rate of return is a waste of time. More importantly, if you are a recruiter, and your recruitment techniques are bad, you risk your reputation, and good standing in the recruitment community. Furthermore, you risk alienating job seekers, and clients which is just a faulty business practice. The the gold-standard recruiters, and recruitment firms this is not news. However; to job seekers it is a validation of how damaging poor recruitment practices can be.

Strategy. If you are a job seeker, and you are not both disciplined, and strategic in your job search planning, you will stall your re-employment, and sabotage your morale. In this economy, the unemployment rates can be depressing, and attitude deflating. If you subscribe to this blog, I consistently challenge job seekers to “think like a recruiter.” Likewise, I challenge recruiters to put themselves in the mindset of a candidate, and cultivate empathy for the job seeker, as well as the client. A recruiter must keep ever present in their minds that your candidate may one day be the hiring manager who will retain your services. Furthermore, the candidate you place, and even those you don’t place will be a treasure trove of referrals.

Strategy. I am a fierce candidate advocate. In addition, Compassionate HR isn’t just the name of my radio show, it is a way of life. I straddle the worlds of career development, recruitment, training and development, and organization effectiveness. First, let me define compassion. The dictionary defines compassion as follows:

“A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.”

In 2007, I was struck my deep sympathy, and grief in the loss of 2 family members, and in the loss of the family members of dear friends. Compassion, however; does not mean a measly groveling of emotionalism. Rather, it reflects the mindset of equanimity. It acknowledges the suffering all around us, and a willingness to serve to alleviate the suffering that we are able. Compassionate HR, Recruitment, and Social Media is a way of being. It is a method of outreach to my professional community. There are those who would argue too much compassion can get in the way of working with our clients. I beg to differ. Compassion is a sound business practice so long as it is matched with sound pragmatic methods.

Recently, I have noticed an over abundance of pre-scheduled job spamming in the HireFriday, Job Angels, Jobs, and Careers twitter streams. This spray and pray recruitment approach is a joke. It is a fallacy that must be exposed. It is a bad business practice that alienates job seekers, and the average business person in your twitter/facebook network. News Flash recruiters. Nobody cares about your indiscrimanent job postings. Be strategic. Find the right venues for your job postings. Search the new media venues industry relevant candidates, and engage them in a dialogue about the jobs opportunities you have to offer. If I am not a java developer do you think I care to see your java developer job posts? I don’t, neither do most job seekers.

People may wonder: why am I so adamant about keeping the HireFriday twitter stream for candidates only? It is because I was once a job seeker who was turned off by streams that did not post relevant job postings. I’d unfollow companies that posted nothing but jobs. If I want to see job opportunities, I’d follow TweetMyJobs and request industry relevant jobs only. I’d go to a job board, see who’s hiring, then leverage my linkedin contacts to make inroads into the company. I’d tweet to the executives of companies where I wanted to work, and build those relationships. I’d tweet to the recruiters who were credible, ethical, and dignified, and build those relationships. I’d network with colleagues, and take those relationship from online to a face to face meeting, if local, and a teleconference if not.

There are ways to do things. There are ways to not do things. The reason why HireFriday is a success is precisely because it features, supports, and encourages job seekers. Most job seekers might watch the #jobs stream, and run a twitter search for key words that match their job title, but will they follow and watch a stream of just plain spammy, irrelevant jobs? I argue no!. HireFriday connects people to people who can offer contacts, opportunities, and jobs. If it were to become a mixed media of jobs, and people it would lose readers, members, and the job seekers would soon scatter, and disappear. I’ve seen this countless times with other online communities.

Strategy: in order for job seekers and recruiters to be successful in the use of HireFriday, they must connect with one another offline, and find one another online. People ask: can anyone control a twitter stream? I’d argue yes. I do it all time. I do not own the HireFriday stream, our community does. I manage the stream. I watch the stream like a hawk. I consistently post guidelines for job seekers, recruiters, and companies to follow. If I see someone behaving contrary to our community values, thus destroying the integrity of our group, I redirect them, and stop with if necessary.

You see, I am a fierce advocate. I’ve been a fighter of the good fight all my life. I am part sweetheart, and part scrappy terrier nipping at the heels of the big dogs. One thing I have learned is this: if you want to run with the big dogs, you have the aim for the high bushes. I encourage recruiters, and job seekers alike to aim for the high bushes, take a quality strategic approach that will yield fruitful results, and when necessary, take the high road. I also advocate fighting for your rights, your beliefs, and your integrity. In the final analysis, no one can strip us of our dignity, our integrity, and our self respect unless we let them.

Now it’s time for today’s theme song: The Beastie Boys Anthem: “You Gotta Fight For Your Right To Party.” I selected this song for four reasons. 1) It’s fun. 2) You gotta fight for your rights. 3) I’m a rebel at heart. 4) If you want to play hard, delay gratification, be strategic, work hard, then party.

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