Quotes are great resources with the potential to see us through the best and the worst of days. Available to enhance or support any circumstance imaginable and freely shared. Whether we seek a moment filled with humour, motivation, inspiration, understanding, patriotism, humanity, leadership or kindness it can be found in a simple quote. The combination of a few words; words that have the potential to influence how we think, feel, work and live.

The following is one of my favourite quotes:         

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.
Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company … a church … a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.

The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude … I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you … we are in charge of our Attitudes.” ~ Charles R. Swindoll

Look to your favourite quotes to enhance your day!

Success in your life, your business or your career will be influenced by enthusiasm, confidence, connections, focus, knowledge and motivation. These ingredients for success are not always easily acquired or maintained and a conscious effort is required to stay on track. The following 3 recommendations are sure to have a positive influence, Reignite, Rejuvenate, Relate.

“ReIgnite at the McLaren” Including The Passion Test, presented by Ignite Consulting Group and facilitated by Edye St. Hill, Chief Ignite Officer is accepting registrations for March 22nd at the McLaren Art Centre, Barrie, Ontario.

Individuals or Businesses looking to ReIgnite your life, work or relationships – this is for you! Your Passions and Strengths are the clues to your ideal life. Gaining clarity on them is the first step toward…A Life and Business on Fire!  

Rejuvenate your resume! Maintaining an impressive and current resume is always in your best interest. You never know when the next opportunity will arise. Be prepared with a resume that will entice the most discriminating decision maker to call you in for a job interview. Contact a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Martin Buckland at Elite Resumes for a free critique today. Discussing your many accomplishments is sure to inspire confidence!

Relate to your peers through networking events to share ideas, different perspectives, new leads and resources. Your connections are your support system and you are theirs, in the successful pursuit of all future endeavours! Toronto ExecuNet and Senior ExecuNet is facilitated by Martin Buckland on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesday each month. Register online for one of the GTA locations convenient for you.

Another year is coming to a close and we would like to take this time to thank so many clients, associates, colleagues, new acquaintances and old. The very best of wishes are being sent your way for a wonderful holiday season and a very prosperous career! Please visit our blog and subscribe to our blog posts covering a variety of topics and career tips. If there is any information you would like to see to assist you in managing your executive career we would be pleased to welcome your suggestions, comments or questions!

We would also like to thank everyone for all of the positive feedback received from the many speaking engagements, ExecuNet networking meetings and professional career services that have been offered throughout the year. The driving force behind Elite Resumes is your career success! Please take advantage of a free resume critique from a Certified Professional Resume Writer!

Wishing you a very safe and happy holiday, the very best in the New Year and to all, a very successful career!

Elite Resumes

Martin Buckland @MartinBuckland

Barbara Mackie @BarbaraMackie

Stop and smell the roses, a change of scenery, or a series of inspiring and thought provoking quotes; whatever it takes in our busy and sometimes stressful lives, it is important to take a break and create an opportunity to look outside the box. Discover new ideas, re-visit old beliefs and perceptions, seek avenues for rejuvenation, revitalization and re-invention and inspire emotional, intellectual and physical well-being. Here are a few quotes to think about:

Some people dream of success… while others wake up and work hard at it.  ~Author Unknown

Those who have succeeded at anything and don’t mention luck are kidding themselves.  ~Larry King

Don’t be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs.  Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger.  If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves.  ~Dale Carnegie

When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.  ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

Don’t be discouraged.  It’s often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock.  ~Author Unknown

The drops of rain make a hole in the stone not by violence but by oft falling.  ~Lucretius

Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day.  ~Author Unknown

If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.  ~Mary Engelbreit

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.  ~Eleanor Roosevelt

It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.  ~Author Unknown

The only man I know who behaves sensibly is my tailor; he takes my measurements anew each time he sees me.  The rest go on with their old measurements and expect me to fit them.  ~George Bernard Shaw

Contact Elite Resumes to find out about the wide range of executive career management services available including a free resume critique from a Certified Professional Resume Writer.

Guest Post by Gary Prenevost, gprenevost@frannet.com FRANNET

Canadian athletes set a new world record for the most Gold Medals won by a host country, topping it off with the Gold in men’s hockey. This is one proud Canadian who certainly enjoyed our Olympic “cake” and then experienced the “icing on the cake”, when I stopped at Timmy’s this morning for it is day one of RRROLL UP THE RIM to WIN time and I won! ( The opportunity to play again.) Now that’s Canadian, EH!

As I enjoyed my coffee, I began to reflect on how the world’s best athletes could be the inspiration and hope for our beleaguered economy. I thought about how each athlete ventured to our host country in their quest for Olympic gold, competing, hoping and daring to believe it was theirs. I’m still recovering from the awe of what was arguably one of the 10 best, hockey games ever played, where each player demonstrated what it takes to be an Olympian with every ounce of skill and heart. We witnessed the same unwavering effort over and over again, by every athlete throughout the games even though they have no guarantee of a win.

My reflection took me to the years of preparation and sacrifice of that of an Olympian. A conscious decision to venture down the difficult path of long hours and extensive training required to be a world class athlete, knowing that for most, there will be no real gold at the end of their rainbow. In many countries, once an athlete retires, their sport’s career won’t sustain them long-term, nor does little to assist in the transition to a “normal” job or career.

I suddenly realized that the Olympic Games are a perfect microcosm of our current economic state; so many talented people competing for a limited number of employment opportunities. For some, they’re playing against a highly skilled and experienced field of competitors. For others, they possess greater skills but are up against younger talent with emerging talent. Many are lacking in experience but possess tremendous heart and are full of future promise. Some might have just won Gold (i.e. a short-term contract position) but still have to compete in other areas so they can’t rest on their laurels. Whatever the dynamics, the parallels with the current employment market are simply uncanny.

We have witnessed our Olympic athletes fuel a flame in Canadians and across the globe like never before. Hopefully we can use this flame to fan our own embers a little more brightly, because the people who are going to “win” those few coveted jobs are not necessarily the most skilled, but they will “come to the game prepared to play”, with more heart, more optimism and more belief in success than those who’ll get passed by. In order to get your next job, “go for Gold” and get out there every day and “train”! Network, hone up core skills, educate to learn new skills and open up to all possibilities including self employment. Some players will choose different “sports” to excel in but for many the competition is simply too fierce and it is a strategic move to seek a career in self employment that will leverage their talents and skills. The constant in this group of competitors is the belief in an Olympic Gold, the next successful opportunity despite the incredible adversity.

The difficulty in emerging from this crisis mode is a reality so let us draw strength from all of the Olympians, especially two of my heroes who faced incredible adversity and still achieved success; Joannie Rochette, who’s Mom suddenly passed away; our hearts and prayers are with you Joannie, and Petra Majdic, who tumbled three metres into a gully, breaking both poles, a ski tip and four ribs. Both of these athletes drew from unfathomable, internal resources to win Olympic Bronze Medals.

We may not be Olympians but we have the inspiration to draw on to dig a bit deeper and find that same “stuff” within ourselves, because we are all competitors in a game called life. Despite any adversity, there is hope and there is the opportunity for a bright future – just look at our men’s hockey team, we got to Gold but we did it the hard way, for we are Canadians!

Thank you to all of our Olympic athletes who have inspired our great nation while earning the respect of the world!  

Seth Godin’s ebook is a wealth of insight, knowledge, inspiration, facts and trends. Words of advice covering everything from social media, sustainability, self/global healing and vision, shared with compassion, empathy, wit and charm. 

Seth Godin says, “Now, more than ever, we need a different way of thinking, a useful way to focus and the energy to turn the game around”. His ebook, “WHAT MATTERS NOW”, is a truly valuable resource that will do just that! A compilation of inspiring and thought provoking material filled with quotations that will transcend generations.

“WHAT MATTERS NOW” is a literal work of art created by today’s most influential content producers. 

“It is noble to teach oneself, but still nobler to teach others.” ~ Mark Twain

“It’s not that some people have willpower and some don’t. It’s that some people are ready to change and others are not.” ~ James Gordon

“The most important thing in life is to stop saying “I wish” and start saying “I will”. Consider nothing impossible, then treat possibilities as probabilities.” ~ David Copperfield

“Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change – this is the rythm of our living.  Out of our over-confidence, fear, out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope.  And out of hope, progress.” ~ Bruce Barton

“I rate enthusiasm even above professional skill.” ~ Edward Appleton

“I get to play golf. What more can you ask for - getting paid for doing what you love.” ~ Tiger Woods

“If you listen and learn, become inspired and follow your passion, you will advance your career and enhance your personal life.” ~ BJM

“Choose your words carefully. You never know who will be influenced by them.” ~ BJM

Inspiration, motivation, determination, drive, confidence! All are necessary components of a successful job search. In today’s economy we are dealing with record high unemployment rates, a fiercely competitive job market and an average of 10 months to secure a senior executive position! It is not always easy to stay positive and sometimes all we need is a Time Out, even it’s just for a few minutes, to gain a little inspiration.

Double click on this image and enjoy a Time Out:

If you are in need of more than a “Time Out”, contact Elite Resumes to receive professional advice on managing your executive career.

There is no better job search advice than that which is provided by those who have successfully landed a job. Their experiences can provide a wealth of knowledge and encouragement for those who are still seeking a new job.

The following advice has been shared after landing a new job:

• Persistence! Persistent follow-up with prospective employers is necessary but don’t expect that it will result in all of the answers you are looking for. 
• Sometimes I found out what happened and sometimes I just never heard from the employer again despite persistent follow-up on my part. Sometimes I received the “thanks but no thanks” email months later. 
• Landed after 7 months, 229 applications and 304 new network contacts!  
• Landed after 10 months of searching as a result of an email from a member of the same networking group.
• Stay positive. With the ups and downs associated with a job search, the best way to stay motivated and not give in to discouragement is to stay positive. Believe in yourself and the value you have to offer.    
• Volunteer. The old adage, “the more you do, the more you can do” will keep up your energy and volunteering will generate new contacts and boost your self esteem. It’s a win win proposition. 
• Build your network – After 7 months of building my network, I was usually connected to someone who knew someone at most companies that I was applying to.
• The process, (job search) was at best an exciting opportunity and at worst, frustrating when it felt like my efforts weren’t paying off. After 5 months of searching I have landed a position.
• Patience! After applying for an online job posting, it took over two months before I was contacted by the potential employer for an interview. It was almost another month before I received a job offer!
• Don’t get discouraged. Before landing my job there were many ups and downs through this process. At least three times I thought I was close and then circumstances changed or a more suitable candidate was chosen.
• Through it all, I learned not to take it personally and to continue to believe that in the next hour or day, I was going to get the phone call or email that would lead to my next success. 
• Taking on speaking roles at networking meetings helped me to become known to a large audience very quickly, increasing my presence and my opportunities. I believe it helped me to land my job quicker. 
• Acceptance – Accepting that you are in transition as soon as possible is the only way you will be able to start doing the things you need to do to move to your next success. It will take time to find the right role for you.
• Thankfully, so many of the positions I applied for or interviewed for fell through, otherwise I would not have ended up with my dream job!

If you are interested in speaking to a Job and Career Transition Coach or Certified Employment Interview Professional or would like information on professional networking opportunities, contact Martin Buckland.

Yes, The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur writes, 7 Reasons Why The Recession Is Good For You. This year will certainly be remembered by some as one of economic  despair, which is why it is necessary to focus on the positive whenever possible. It is not healthy to be surrounded by the amount of negative hype that has been emanating from every feasible media outlet day after day, night after night! Check out these ”7 reasons the recession is good for you” from the TP Entrepreneur:

1.  Tough times help you monitor your cash flow like a hawk

2.  Focus on personal friendships

3.  Make better choices about spending money.

4.  Experience memorable but simple entertainment with family

5.  Forces you to cut the “fat” out of your life and business

6.  Tough economies force you to innovate

7.  Spend more time at home eating home cooked meals

Make a conscious decision to look for the positive. It’s out there and it can help you ride the waves in this stormy economy.

Are you in career transition? Contact Elite Resumes for information on the Executive Career Management Services available to elevate you above the competition.

Despite the fact that Saskatchewan had a 2.9% increase in jobs in March over the same time last year and despite the fact that it has the lowest unemployment rate in the country, the headlines still focused on the negative and reported a growing unemployment rate. It is often tough to sift through to find the good news in today’s economy but it is there.

In the early 1900′s there were those who left Ontario to pioneer in Saskatchewan. They made their mark and then returned home and so our history has continued to evolve, much the same today as it was in the past, in this vastly diversified country. Canadians have been encouraged by the many opportunities available, relocating across the country to reap the benefits offered by the oil sands of Alberta or B.C.’s forestry or Ontario’s automotive industry. And often, when those jobs begin to decline, those affected move back home. The influx of people moving back to certain areas contributed to an exaggeration in jobless rates, as the number entering the job market exceeded the number of jobs available. The good news is still an increasing availability of  jobs in some places.

Manitoba’s employment has remained steady, attributable to their well-diversified manufacturing base. Alberta and Ontario have experienced the highest job loss rates in the country but some of those jobs provided exceptional opportunities, experience and the highest of remuneration for many people over a significant number of years in a job market that has been evolving from a lifetime employee tenure to 20 or 30 years and today is approximately 2.5 years. 

Statistics Canada reports August unemployment rates at 5% in Saskatchewan, 5.7% in Manitoba and 9.4% and 7.4% respectively in Ontario and Alberta. The full impact of significant job losses across our country is still yet to be seen and there will be some devastating consequences for many. However, there will also be those who will look back on this year and attribute it to a positive change in their lives. Possibly the loss of a job that made them miserable, the opportunity to further their education, an introduction to a new career, a new city, new friends, the start of a new business or cherished memories of time spent with family that would otherwise have been consumed by work. So read beyond the bad news headlines and make a conscious effort to look for the positive.

Take advantage of a free resume critique, http://aneliteresume.com/. Keeping your resume up to date is in your best interest! 

“Leadership is the ability to articulate vision and influence others to move towards achievement.”

In today’s challenging economy our global recovery will be achieved through the actions, courage, determination and responsibility of great leaders! Here are a few inspiring quotes on Leadership: 

“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” ~ Peter F. Drucker

“A leader must have the courage to act against an expert’s advice.” ~ James Callaghan

“A leader or a man of action in a crisis almost always acts subconsciously and then thinks of the reasons for his action.” ~ Jawaharlal Nehru

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” ~ John Quincy Adams

“It is the responsibility of intellectuals to speak the truth and expose lies.” ~ Noam Chomsky

“I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” ~ Ralph Nader

“Leaders are more powerful role models when they learn than when they teach.” ~ Rosabeth Moss Kantor

“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” ~ Rosalynn Carter

“The price of greatness is responsibility.” ~ Winston Churchill

“South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu walked by a construction site on a temporary sidewalk the width of one person. A white man appeared at the other end, recognized Tutu, and said, “I don’t make way for gorillas.” At which Tutu stepped aside, made a deep sweeping gesture, and said, “Ah, yes, but I do.” ~ Walter Wink 

There has been much information shared about common resume mistakes including formatting issues, too many pages, typos, missing contact information, lack of outstanding, noteworthy accomplishments and the list goes on. Although all of these are serious issues as they may very well eliminate you as a potential candidate, this is not exactly what I wanted to share with you today. In contrast to the seriousness of resume mistakes, it is in your best interest to occasionally take a time-out and consider the lighter side, as explained in “Relieving Stress with Laughter”. The following article will provide you with a time-out to laugh or at least encourage a smile.

“150 Funniest Resume Mistakes, Blooper and Blunders Ever”, is a wonderful compilation by Jacob Share of JobMob. You just might laugh out loud as you review these hilarious resume mistakes from Careerbuilder.com, Amy Joyce, Fortune Magazine, HotJobs, Resumania and ResumePower.com, to name a few. 

Here are a few of the skills and qualifications found in resumes that are included in this article:

“I have extensive experience with foreign accents”
“being bi-lingual in three languages”
” I have a bachelorette degree in computers”
“I’m anxious to use my exiting skills”
“I’ve got a Ph.D in human feelings”

If you are still in need of more laughter, Jason includes “50 Funniest Short Job Descripitons Ever” at the end of this article including these:

“Write words that no one wants to read. – Technical Writer” 
“Spend most of the day looking out the window. – Pilot”

Job Search advice is available from a variety of mediums and many an expert but none seems as valuable or as heartfelt as the advice provided by those after they’ve landed their new job based on lessons learned!  HAPPEN is a leading Canadian Networking organization providing an excellent venue for those seeking employment to share leads, advice and eventually the celebratory events of landing the job!

Sharing experiences and supporting each other through career transition has a tendency to create strong emotional ties and those who land their jobs are unlikely to leave without giving back by sharing their job search, “lessons learned” advice with the utmost of sincerity and hope that they too, will land their next job in the very near future.

Here is some job search advice based on ”lessons learned” offered by those after landing their jobs:  

• Find your passion!
• Never turn down an opportunity and follow every job lead that comes your way.
• Attend HAPPEN meetings and meet lots of great cheerleaders, therapists, career advisers, friends, people who will give you honest feedback, a kick in the pants, a shoulder to lean on.
• Network! Network! Network!
• Never give up! Stay positive! There is something out there for all of us!
• Be open to advice but be true to yourself and your uniqueness.
• Pay it forward, give without thinking, and it will always come back to you!
• Listen to the inner voice that says “YES YOU CAN!” and tell the
  other voice to SHUT UP!!
• Help others in every little way you can.

We are pleased to have Linda Ockwell-Jenner speaking at the Toronto ExecuNet Meeting October 28th, 2009.

“To be a successful speaker is not to read from a script, but to talk from the heart. My passion is helping others understand that challenges are just a visitor in our lives.” ~ Linda Ockwell-Jenner

An International Professional Speaker, Author, Consultant, Life Expert and two-time breast cancer survivor Linda Ockwell-Jenner displays a passion for everything she does! Linda is a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS) and the International Federation for Professional Speakers (IFFPS). Linda is also a member of the Business Education Partnership of Waterloo Region.

She founded the Small Business Community Network (SBCN) to promote the tremendous value of networking. Additionally, Linda is a proud supporter of various charity organizations. 

Linda Ockwell-Jenner founded Motivational Steps™  in 2001, a leading consulting and personal development company in Ontario, Canada. Through its portfolio of inspirational products and personalized services, Motivational Steps provides companies, organizations and individuals with the tools they need to reach their goals. www.motivationalsteps.com  Phone: 519-893-1598

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from a truly inspirational and motivational professional! Linda will share her expertise on living with life’s challenges, personal development and reaching your goals. Renowned for her pure inspiration, humour and honesty, this will be a presentation that is sure to move you in a positive direction.          

Register today for October’s meeting with Linda Ockwell-Jenner!

At CNN.com John D. Sutter writes, “To find a job, ignore doom-and-gloom news, experts say”. John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a prestigious job-placement consulting organization says if you want to work, you need to block out the doom-and-gloom news about the economy, ”It’s not relevant to any one person’s (job)search”. He says to get the jobs, applicants should be flexible,  “Be open to changing industries. Be open to moving for a job if you find one. Be open to a part-time job as an audition”.  He adds, “Always focus on your core skills. You are really defined by your function, not your industry”.

Jennifer Grasz for CareerBuilder.com says applicants should market their skills to the stable industries, no matter what profession they are coming from. There are more jobs available in health care, education, government and agriculture, whereas less stable industries include banking, manufacturing and construction.

Although new job openings are down, Monster.com, another job site, said most industries added more jobs to online search lists in February than did so in January of this year.

Happen, a networking organization dedicated to helping those in career transition has seen a number of their members land jobs in the past week and one member offered the following positive advice:

• Never turn down an opportunity and follow every job lead that comes your way.
• Never give up! Stay positive! There is something out there for all of us!
• Network! Network! Network!
• Pay it forward, give without thinking, and it will always come back to you!

Despite all of the “doom-and-gloom”, there will always be those who are offering positive advice and those who are willing to share their inspiring success stories. Focus on what you need to stay positive in your job search!

We are pleased to have Brian Bassett speaking at the Toronto ExecuNet Meeting on April 22nd, 2009.

Brian Bassett, Principal of Bassett Communication Clinics, is a corporate trainer and communication coach. The topic, ”How Prepared Are You For Your Next Job Interview?”, will be a highly interactive presentation that will provide solid suggestions for making all of your responses relevant. Learn what can be done to ensure you communicate, throughout the interview, how you will benefit the employer. This is a great opportunity to personalize strategies for dealing with uncomfortable interveiw questions that can range from the difficult to the bizarre!

Brian Bassett coaches executives from all disciplines and levels of seniority to substanitally improve their ability to win job inteviews, secure buy-in at key meetings and deliver persuasive presentations. Over the past 14 years, he has been working with a number of premier consulting firms to assist outplacement clients in the area of persuasive communications skills. Brian has held management roles in sales, operations and accounting during his more than 35 years in business. Visit www.brianbassett.ca

Register today for April’s ExecuNet Meeting with Brian Bassett!

Much has been said for achieving a post secondary education and increasing your chances to be the selected candidate in your job search, especially in today’s highly competitive job market. Keppie Careers provides an informative article and some valuable advice in, “How important is a college degree for your job prospects?”, written by Miriam Salpeter, who says, “No matter how highly “qualified” you are, knowing how to market your qualifications is much more crucial. Your ability to connect your skills and accomplishments to an organization’s needs will be just as important as actually having the basic qualifications.”

Continued learning is always in your best interest and if you have the opportunity to further your education and obtain a professional degree, it could very well provide you with the edge you need to secure a new job.  However, do not count yourself out if you don’t have that degree. A clear focus, positive attitude and optimism may have just as much to do with your career success as a college or a university degree. There are many CEO’s, past and present, that have started at the bottom and worked their way to the top without a degree.    

Every job begins with an enticing resume. Have you had your resume critiqued by a professional resume writer? Contact Martin Buckland for a free resume critique.

Smart Money provides some good advice from Aleksandra Todorova in 7 Ways to Recession-Proof Your Career. Included are unemployment statistics for the U.S. since 1967 and although they are not nearly as high as they were in 1983, economists are predicting they could be close by 2010.

Details are offered for the following 7 ways to recession-proof you career:

Get personal
Be visible
Be a cheerleader
“Linkedin” to real life
Freelance
Take a pay cut
Reinvent yourself

Easily achievable, positive and effective. Great advice for everyone in today’s economy.

Current affairs are offering little inspiration these days with the media focused almost solely on the current economic melt down. Few are not directly affected by the severe market downturn and resulting job loses. For many it will be a test of perseverance unlike any they have ever known. Throughout this test of time, it is imperative to focus on the positive. Inspiration and motivation are critical elements to success.

“The future depends on what we do in the present.” - Mahatma Gandhi

The resources that are available today are infinite. All you have to do is ask. Martin Buckland at Elite Resumes thrives on the opportunity to answer any questions you may have with respect to your career. He offers free  resume critiques and is happy to provide potential leads. Another critical element to success for everyone is expanding your network, whether socially or professionally.

The following videos are  two that are sure to offer:

Inspiration – “Playing For Change: Peace through Music”
and
Motivation – “Are You Going to Finish Strong?”

Enjoy and aspire.