Time for reflection and planning

2008 was certainly a mixed year.  It sure seemed to begin strong and then finish very weakly.  As is customary this time of the year, I wanted to reflect on the past and plan for the future.

Personally, 2008 was a great year.  I have 2 healthy boys, a loving wife and a good job.  I coach youth soccer and hope that I made some sort of impact to at least one of those boys.  Professionally, I see areas of improvement.  I am very good at feedback but did miss a few occasions to make a positive moment of truth.  I could have done better at separating my work and personal life… very difficult when you mostly work from home though.  I could have invested for my/our future better but that was a terrible economic downturn.

For 2009, there is always improvement and if you don’t feel that way then your missing one heck of an opportunity to grow.  While I feel I am a good husband and father, I definitely do not hear everything my wife says and miss some chances to play more with my boys… or I will regret this in the years to come!  I need to make lists to remember everything I tend to forget!  I need to find a better way of time management on all of the various tasks with work.  I need to stop being glued to the TV at night.  I need to figure out how my BlackBerry really works.  I need to go to the gym.  I need to go to church more regularly.

This ultimately turns out to be more of a wish list but by actually spending a few moments and thinking about these areas, whether in your personal life or professional life or both, it at least puts ideas in motion.

Happy New Year to all and I wish you nothing but the best!

The Beckham Effect

Being a football (soccer) enthusiast, I have been a fan of David Beckham for many years now.  I remember when I read about his signing with Manchester United (along with Scholes, Giggs and Neville) and when he was loaned to Preston North End.  If nothing else, he has been a model of consistency.

To watch him on TV does no justice to the player.  With Manchester United, his work ethic was second to none and often set the table for his teammates.  As his career evolved with Real Madrid and LA Galaxy, his work ethic never changed although some would argue otherwise.

Now with AC Milan, he is joining a team of superstar named players.  I look forward to this chapter in his career.  He is certainly not the player he once was but he still possesses the work ethic others can only dream to have in their career.

Watch this player as his career is in its twilight but he is far from being done.  Enjoy his play and if today’s youth can continue what he has started and model their games and ethic after Becks, they could do much worse.  He is not the flash of a CR7 or Ronaldinho but his steady play is what every successful team needs.

Social Networking Tools

OK, so I like Facebook.  It is a great social networking site but is also a great recruiting tool.  Unfortunately you have to deal with the potential computer virus’s that come with it… I learned the hard way.

It is a great resource not only to reconnect with old friends but a great way to meet new friends.  It is also a fantastic tool for recruiting.  The ability to network, post positions and get the word into the market is a valuable tool that I believe is becoming more recognized in the industry.

A lot of social networking tools are being utilized in the recruiting world today and I am just one of many who are in this arena.  The trick is getting your network used to this type of communication.

Start off soft, post positions or comment on various needs.  Put a LinkedIn or other professional tool on your page.  Put valuable information on your page about your industry and needs… but don’t forget the social side!

As the social networking world is very often “soft” connections, it is a great way to ask for referrals as many of past friends and connections maybe tied into what you are seeking.

Don’t be overzealous and be careful of the virus!