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Hacienda Healthcare

04/05/18 – Networking for Introverts, Extroverts and In-Between Verts

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Networking for EveryoneWritten by Connie Huber, PHR SHRM-CP

Jacqueline Smith

GCU, Executive Director Career IMPACT Center

Thanks to Jackie for opening the event by Welcoming us to Grand Canyon University with our new day of THURSDAYS!

Networking is not only reserved for your job search but should also be part of your professional day and career-related efforts. Your network will help you get hired and help you grow your career.

LinkedIn recently shared the following statistics demonstrating the value of networking:

  • 70% of job seekers in 2016 were hired at a company where they had a connection
  • 80% of professionals consider professional networking to be important to career success
  • 35% of surveyed professionals say that a casual conversation on LinkedIn Messaging has led to a new opportunity
  • 61% of professionals agree that regular online interaction with their professional network can lead to possible job opportunities

Keynote

“Networking for Introverts, Extroverts and In-Between Verts”
Abby Kohut

For most of us the word “NETWORKING” makes us shudder in fear and sends us into a panic. Fortunately, you are not alone in this perspective. Why do we react so negatively to this activity? A lot has to do with our personality and not knowing HOW to network. Abby Kohut’s alias, “Absolutely Abby”, shared her expertise with us on how to be a networking success whether we are an introvert, extrovert or in-between vert.

STEPS TO SUCCESS:
Steps leading to success include learning how to chat whenever & wherever to whomever; getting confident with structured networking and FOLLOW UP, FOLLOW UP, FOLLOW UP.

NEVER ENDING NETWORKING
Networking is not only necessary to your job search but also to your professional development. Networking should be a continuous activity whether you are employed or unemployed.

STRUCTURED NETWORKING
Thank goodness there are a number of structured networking venues available to professionals! These include associations, seminars/events, conferences and meet-ups.

PRE-EVENT STRATEGY
Planning your strategy prior to the event will make you more comfortable and prepared. It is helpful to pre-register, research attendees, brush up on current events and plan your attire.

  • YOUR PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
    In planning your attire, it is advised to dress one level above what is commonly expected. Dressing professionally will send the message you are someone important and make you stand out in the crowd. Heavy perfume/cologne needs to be avoided, as you never know when someone is allergic to the scent.
  • BRINGERS
    Abby suggested that you bring a pen; a friend, if nervous to attend the event alone; one of your listening ears and a SMILE.
  • NETWORKING CARDS
    You should take networking cards to share with those you meet at the event or during your day. Key features to share on your card include your LinkedIn address, white space, light coating, may include a list of skills you can offer and perhaps even have your picture on the card.
  • ELEVATOR PITCH
    Your “Elevator pitch” is a concise, carefully planned, well-practiced description about you that your mother should be able to understand & remember in the time it would take to ride an elevator. Components of the pitch include: stating your name, describing your profession or company, offer a success story, adding in a “zing” or interesting fact, requesting action and repeating your name. Your goal is to evoke emotion from the listener.

Abby’s 2006 Elevator Pitch:
My name is Abby Kohut and I am a Director of Recruiting and an avid ping pong player. In the past, I have caffeinated teams that hired 900 teachers in 4 months & 400 pharmaceutical sales reps in 3 months. If you are a CEO whose company is growing through the roof, I look forward to partnering with you to hire exceptional talent. On election day, vote for me Abby Kohut, the Queen of Staffing.

  • YOUR VERY OWN ZZZZZING!
    Purpose of adding your personal “zing” is to make you stand out and easily remembered. One way to do so is to have your name rhyme with a phrase that will make you standout. Examples would be “Joan can help you with a loan.” “Steve has good ideas up his sleeve.” “Ginger can spice up your project.” “Michael can help you recycle.” Other ways to add zing are to do so by using the 1st letter of your name such as “Frank Quiterio-Q is for Quality”; or your entire name such as “Tim-Technology is Me, Bob-Big Ostrich Breeder”; or by sharing your hobbies/interests such as shot glass collector/bank robber.

EVENT STRATEGY

  • JOIN CONVERSATIONS: Look for body language that invites you to join the group. If a person(s) feet are open, this is a signal they are open for conversation.
  • SCAN FOR THE UNUSUAL: Is there a ruby ducky tie, cookie monster earrings or unique phone cover being worn/used by one of professionals attending the event. The unusual is a great springboard for a conversation. It is important to remember that people hire or work with individuals they like. In addition, if someone likes you they are going to be willing to help you.
  • SPEAK LESS & ASK MORE: Ask questions! Examples include “Have you been to this event before?” “Do you live around here?” “What do you think about …?” “What has been your greatest success?” “How can I help you with …?”
  • NETWORK SURVIVAL TIPS: Avoid a fishy or weak handshake. Arrive early/stay late. Talk to the leader. Become a “Norm” like the Norm on Cheers. Volunteer. Seek out those individuals who have a deer in the headlight look. Give yourself a goal to meet 3 people; better yet make it 7! Spend 5 minutes getting to know someone.

POST EVENT STRATEGY

  • FOLLOW UP: Be the first to follow up!
  • PAY IT FORWARD: Help fellow professionals when you can.
  • MEET FOR LUNCH: Get to know your new connection.
  • VIRTUAL COFFEE: If there is a geographic challenge, do a virtual coffee.

FINAL NOTE: Networking should not be a feared or dreaded activity. After all, “you have been networking since kindergarten!”- Abby Kohut

HIRING COMPANIES

Sonora Quest
Raquel Phelps, Recruiter

Sonora Quest is a joint venture between Banner Health and Quest Diagnostics. The organization is part of the nation’s largest integrated laboratory system. There are 3,100 employees serving more than 23,000 patients every day throughout Arizona and performing more than 60 million diagnostic tests per year. Positions are open in Medical Scientists, Finance, Logistics, IT, Risk Management, Phlebotomists, and Sales and Marketing. Sonora Quest’s total rewards include dental, vision, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, medical pharmacy, employee assistance program, paid time off, retirement plans, legal plan, and pet insurance. Apply online and join the Sonora Quest team.

Hacienda Healthcare
Kent Norris, HR Recruiter

Hacienda Healthcare was started by Ilene Butler in a mobile home in Phoenix because she wanted to adopt a little girl known as Cindy in 1967. By 1970, Ilene had 19 children and 10 employees. Hacienda Healthcare has served the community for over 50 years. It serves over 2,550 infants, children, teens and adults and has over 40 programs. Services include Intermediate Care Facility, Skilled Nursing Facility, Hacienda Children’s Hospital, South Mountain Health Supply, Children’s Angel Foundation, and Group Homes for developmentally disabled. Benefits are robust with medical, dental vision, company paid life insurance, education assistance, employee assistance program, supplemental life & other voluntary benefits, subsidized bus passes, sick days, vacation, 403B company match available, and 6 paid holidays. Current openings include RN’s, LPN’s, CNA’s, Housekeeper, Dietary Aide, and Caregivers. Please visit the Hacienda Healthcare website and complete an application.

Allstate
Tom Wheeler, Field Sales Leader

Allstate was established in Chicago in 1931 and has been in business for 80 years. Allstate is #81 on the Fortune 100 list and has an employee population of 70,000 employees in the US and Canada. The SW region is composed of AZ, OK, NV, NM and UT. Allstate is one of the most recognizable brands in America and has 47 products to help serve its customers’ needs.
Available positions at the Tempe Regional Office include IT, Finance & Economics, Human Resources, Product, Claims, and Sales Management. Other opportunities are Financial Specialist, Agency Owner, and Licensed Sales Producers. The company is military friendly and offers free education to veterans and a bonus award of $500. In addition, Allstate has a $10,000 referral award. To learn more about careers, visit Allstate’s website.

RESOURCES

GOODWILL of Central & Northern AZ
Bobby Ghisolfo, Director Business &Community Development

Goodwill’s mission is to work as a positive catalyst for eliminating unemployment. Goodwill transforms gently used, donated goods into services that help thousands of Arizonans. The organization works with 600 employers and provides on-site career development where you can work with professional career counselors. Services include free resume and cover letter assistance and review, hiring events for hundreds of local hiring companies, and interview skills and tips. Go to Goodwill for employment events, talent sourcing and job boards.

WOZU
Scott Caruso, Software Development Advisor

Inspired by Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, Woz U provides a personalized approach to coding and tech education designed to get you through the curriculum faster, so you can get into the workforce quicker. Classes taught include Java, JavaScript, .NET, Ruby on Rails, Data Science, & Cyber Security. There are currently over 3400 job openings in the valley for professionals with a background in these class subjects. For more information go to Woz U’s website.

CLOSING

Jessica Pierce, Executive Director, Career Connectors, closed the meeting by thanking Grand Canyon University and the volunteers. The next Career Connectors meeting will be in Scottsdale on Thursday, April 12, 2018 and features Lauren Kutsko, as speaker for the topic “Energize Your Career Transition with DISC.” For additional information on this event and future events, please go to the Event Schedule.

6/27/17 – Boosting Your Networking Confidence – Six Tips to Increase Your Comfort and Success

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Boosting Your Networking ConfidenceWritten by Michelle Soracco

Keynote Speaker

Dave Sherman
@DaveSpeaks1

Dave is a sales and marketing guru who tells it like it is. He has worked with a number of large well-known companies over the years, and has run his own business and written three best-selling books. He has also been laid off, so he knows the feeling as many of us do. Dave is one of my favorite Career Connectors speakers.

Boosting Your Networking Confidence – Six Tips to Increase Your Comfort and Success

1. Show up early. Be the first person there, or be at least 15 minutes early. Networking is less intimidating that way.
–Meet all of the players
–Time to relax and prepare
–Become an unofficial host – greet everyone at the door, even though you’re not part of the group!

2. Fear of rejection is all in your head. Repeat out loud to yourself several times (until you believe it) before the networking event: “These people want to talk to me.” The purpose of networking is…to network! Everyone is there for the same purpose, so don’t be afraid to jump in and talk to people. Don’t wait for people to approach you, and allow others to dictate your success at the event.

3. Know how to break the ice and what you’re going to say before you get to the event.
–Smile, relax and breathe. Smiling makes you warmer, friendlier, more approachable and smarter! Don’t be the grumpy person in the room.
–Have a good S.H.E. (smile, handshake, eye contact). Shake hands vertically; don’t use two hands like a politician, make a power play, crush the other person’s hand, shake like a dead fish, or be super dainty and offer only a few fingers. Give the person enough eye contact that you can tell eye color, but not so much that you’re staring a hole through their head because that’s creepy.
–Starting comfortable conversations is a powerful tool. Here are some ice breakers:
* What’s your favorite movie?
* What do you do?
* How are you doing today?
* Ever been to this event before?
* Nice earrings, tie, pin, etc.
* What an interesting name.
* What do you do in your spare time?

4. Be interested, not just interesting. Ask good questions, expand on the answers and don’t hijack the conversation. Also, don’t interrupt–bite the tip of your tongue if you have to.

5. Bring a partner, but don’t spend all of your time talking to them. Have the partner introduce you to people they know and vice versa.

6. Give. Help other people. Ask yourself how you can help people do better. One of Dave’s favorite quotes is: “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” –Zig Ziglar

Hiring Companies

Hacienda Healthcare
Kent Norris, HR Recruiter

Hacienda Healthcare is a non-profit organization that has been caring for mentally and physically disabled children and young adults in the Valley for 50 years. According to Kent, it takes a special kind of person do this kind of work, so they are always looking for RNs, LPNs, CNAs and caregivers. New nurses, pay attention: no nursing experience required, only your state license. This is a great way to gain experience. Other positions will be opened, pending board approval of the new budget, after July 1st. Apply here. Connect with Kent on LinkedIn, as he has many connections there and is willing to help you find work, even if it’s not at Hacienda.

Asurion
Tasha Ford, Talent Acquisition Consultant @AsurionCareers

Asurion replaces smartphones and tablets that have been damaged. The employees are considered superheroes who can solve smartphone problems faster than a speeding bullet. The culture is fast-paced and fun, with Marvel comics and video games and machines for everyone to use. To learn more about Asurion’s culture, click here.  They are always looking for Customer Support Technicians who have both IT expertise and are extroverts who can break down IT concepts for non-tech people.  Apply here.

MDI Group
Shannon Volk, Managing Director
Tim Jones, Client Manager @MDIGroup

MDI Group is an IT staffing agency that places candidates in companies of all sizes. In their branch office, they are looking for a Sr. IT Recruiter; for their clients, they are looking for SQL Developers, .net, Dev Ops Engineers, project managers and BI folks. If any of these positions sounds good, please contact Shannon via LinkedIn or click here.

Vanguard
Ralph Kimbrough, Senior Recruiter @VanguardCareers

Vanguard manages $4 trillion in assets, even though they’re a relatively new company. The average crew member stays for 9 years, and they’ve never laid off a single crew member! With a 37.5 hour work week, the ability to reinvent yourself, 4% matching and a 10% contribution to their crew members’ 401Ks, it’s not hard to see why. In addition, they have on-site dry-cleaning, 18-23 days PTO, among other benefits. See the company website for open positions and more information. It’s important to get your foot in the door and move up from there.

Dignity Health
Marcos Day, Recruiter @DignityHealth

Human kindness is what Dignity Health is all about–compassionate high level care that heals both the body and the spirit. Everything they do is in house, so the positions available aren’t just nurses and doctors, but electricians and construction work, among others, as they are building new towers at Chandler Hospital and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Chandler’s new towers are scheduled to be fully built and staffed by early 2019. Right now, Dignity is looking for a Director of Cardiovascular – Cath lab. To apply online for positions, click here.

Resources

Coder Camps
Jason Jones, Admissions @CoderCamps

Coder Camps is a 3- or 6-month boot camp to learn full stack web development. Many of their students have no prior experience in this industry, which is constantly growing and changing. Because the industry is constantly changing, coders need to constantly update their skills. So once you’ve taken the boot camp, you can come back and update your skills for free. They have upcoming events you can attend to see if coding is right for you, such as Campus Tours on July 11th from 2pm – 7pm and Demo Day on July 7th.

Closing

Jessica graciously thanked all of the day’s speakers, volunteers and job seekers for participating. She encouraged job seekers to take advantage of the many Career Connector services like having your resume reviewed, a free professional portrait and visit all of the hiring companies, whether they had jobs in your field or not. She also encouraged everyone to view the career blog, which is up and running and has a lot of good career advice.

11/8/16 – Creating Your Possibilities

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 Creating Your PossibilitiesWritten by Nick Nebelsky

Creating Your Possibilities

I am the Genie of the Universe, Your wish is my Command

I must say this was an interesting speaker. Who else do you know that gets a modeling gig at her own book-signing. Joi-Ashli, is a Health Practitioner/Inspired Writer/Alignment Facilitator. She began her presentation by inviting the audience to stand up and loosen their limbs and follow her in a self-proclamation ritual that she says at least three times a day.

“I love me. I am pure, positive energy, and all possibility.” After a mixed response, she repeated louder to the audience to repeat after her:
I LOVE ME! I AM PURE POSITIVE ENERGY, AND ALL POSSIBILITY!

Joi encouraged the audience to believe in themselves before they can believe in anything. She handed out a two-page flyer that had the following questions and suggested to the audience that they fill it out.

  • Creating Possibilities during transition.
  • What does transition mean to you? Some audience members said “Change”
  • What does change mean to you? Some audience members suggested, “Opportunity”
  • What are some different transitions that we go through in life?
  • What’s the opportunity in the transition of work?  Some said, “Learning.”
  • There is some opportunity in growth.
  • Asked the group how we lost our jobs? Downsized, outsourced? Laid off?
  • What’s the big picture?

Joi said to break down all large problems into little steps to manage them better. This will allow you to make them look conceivable and acceptable. She continued to ask the entire audience the following questions and provided ways to make it happen.

  • What do you dream of Doing or Being?
  • What do you dream of Having in your life?
  • Where do you dream of Going?
  • For each of the above ask yourself:
    • Why do I want this?
    • What it do for me? Will it truly improve my quality of life? How?
    • What might it cost me, financially, time, education, dignity/integrity, identity?
    • What might stand as an obstacle and how will I overcome?
    • Will achieving this dream change who I am? How or Why?

What do you love to do that you can expand upon (with/without additional formal, informal education) and make a positive difference in your life, community , the world, and/or make a living through?

  • What steps must you take to achieve this goal?
  • What educational / vocational / experience / service steps must you take?
  • How much will it cost?
  • How will you acquire the financial backing your your goal?
  • It is not advantageous to want or ask for new things unless you are grateful of all you have and all you are able to do.
  • What are you grateful for?

The “assignment” was to take home the questions and answer them at the audience’s leisure. But to do it!

She believes that if you can visualize what you want, she believes it can really happen.

She described how she got “discovered” while at a book-signing and met water color artist, Gabriel Krekk to be the first model in a 25 portrait painting series. No longer an average American girl, she became an “American Cowgirl.”

One audience member asked, “How do you get into that zone?” She said that if you put it out there it will happen eventually. She said it helps when you meditate and clear your mind and relax. Imagine it until that time when you finally put it out there and the universe answers you. Picture yourself in that situation, Don’t put your attention on what is happening right now, make your vision your reality. Focus on what you want, where you’ll be. If you need help with finding your job, tell people what you want.

One audience member summed it up…you are what your environment is. All goals start with little steps. Starts with your environment.

Hiring Companies

Hacienda Healthcare

Kent Norris, HR Recruiter

Kent said that the majority of people still don’t know about Hacienda even though they have been around the Valley for 50 years. Kent said he was in the same boat that all of us have been in. Hacienda cares for chronically ill infants, teens, and adults. Their facility is the only one in Arizona.

They are hiring for health care positions: CNAs, RNS, and more. Right now they have 40 job postings. They’re looking for dietary aides, housekeeping, janitors, maintenance workers. Go to their web site, and view jobs. When you submit, it goes to the Hiring Manager and they will review your application. They are in constant hire mode.

Cenlar

Blanca Sandoval, HR Site Manager

Blanca said she has been in our shoes as well. The success of clients at Cenlar is a key driver of their success.  Success factors are Customer Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Initiative, Work-Life Business.

Cenlar was formed in 1958 and created by two companies. They service mortgages for clients and also manage their own portfolio as well. Their headquarters is in New Jersey and their new location is in Tempe with 500 employees. They are actively working to build relationships with local charities.

  • ESOP
  • 401K
  • Employee Stock Plan
  • Vacation
  • 10 holidays per year
  • Flexible Spending
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • with an additional 10 benefits.

Open positions: 

Functional Trainers
HR Generalist
Customer Care Associates
Loan Servicing Default Agents (Collections)
Customer Care Supervisors

Revana

Mary Ann Lopez, Recruiter

Revana is a professional inside sales organization with about 1800 employees and growing.

Clients come to them as a third party vendor and Revana helps them with account management, customer acquisition, and retention. They work with Google, IBM, Oracle, AT&T, FED EX, and many others.

Benefits:

  • Paid Training
  • 2 weeks paid vacation
  • 401K
  • Career Advancement
  • Medical and Dental
  • Competitive Base + Commission
  • Flexible Work Schedule
  • Convenient locations

Currently Looking For: Inbound Sales, Outbound Sales and Sales Managers.  They are especially looking for people with Google Adwords experience.  More information is here: Revanajobs.com.

Dynamic World Wide Training Consultants

Rodger Brubacher

Rodger thanked everyone for coming. Rodger talked about his role at Dynamic World Wide Training Consultants and the training that his company provides such as Juniper training, Cyber hacking (ethical), Digital Media, and Cisco and many others. They provide multiple platform instruction, offer onsite training, and small classroom sizes. They also offer a virtual classroom setup. Dynamic provides post-graduate assistance and Optimal resume assistance for life. Over 95% of their students pass their certification on their first time through. DWTC is licensed by the State Board for Private Post-secondary Education, Certified through Workforce Connection, Approved for Grant Programs. (WIOA), (TAA), and GI Bill.