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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

How Do I Become a Sourcers' Apprentice

This was a question asked of me earlier in the week. The answer is simple- you can’t. Everyone who has anything to do with sales, with recruiting, with dealing in relationships between staff and customers all have their own way of achieving the end result.  For them to use my moniker, they would have to take a really long walk in my shoes, and see things through my eyes.  I am fortunate to have really good people around me who respect my opinions and are extremely open with theirs. We realize between us that a good professional is not produced overnight, but over months and months, practicing the skills needed, learning the techniques and moulding them to my format of individuality; and hopefully after all is said and done, a truly good professional will be created.

I come into this field with well over 35 years of experience in what I call the “Professional People Pleasing” industry. I cut my teeth on long hours stocking shelves, mopping floors, carrying orders out for customers, and when all the skill in that area was mastered; then moved to customer relations. This led to a long career in retail, with all its intricacies and many days where nothing was accomplished due to matters beyond anyones control, and where deadlines had to met by any means necessary. Always Be Closing became a lifestyle as well as a mantra, as I walked the fine line between my staff and what was expected of them; and our customers and what they expected from the store.  The store carries a reputation, it also carries the personal reputation of everyone working there.  If enough bad service is given/ received; the store will go out of business—Its been proven many times in the past by many of the most original concept designers in the retail trade.

Coming to this group of people, I realize I possess only a small piece of what is needed to succeed. By listening carefully and doing all the time consuming, repetitious tasks, will I learn how Slot A fits in Tab B; and what progress really means.  In the beginning of any adventure, just like going to school, or learning a new skill, silence is golden and alot of time will be spent on the small things.  When enough small pieces come together, then you have larger parts of the puzzle to work with………..and so on.

I am really privileged to be where I am, Learning new skills everyday, working with those who are the best at what they do in my eyes (Thanks Rebecca and Geoff);  and who honestly just wish to see me successful.

Sourcers’ Apprentice…..There really is and will ever be only one, and that is me. There are plenty of sourcers out there, and recruiters, but in my mind, your have to be willing to admit you know less than you do to expand your tools and your career. Enjoy the ride, the view and the people who take an honest view of your success. At the end of the day, your success will become part of their success, and the circle continues……….

 

I Am The Sourcers’ Apprentice…..Thats my view for today

©thedanieljsmith 2011


Make Peace with Yesterday, Live for Today, Dream for Tomorrow; No Fear, No Regrets; But Trust in Your Self;
Believe in Your Self; Have Faith in Your Self; and You Will Affect All Others Around You!--This is The Human Exponential.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

A Sense of Identity

Common names are a bitch. I should know as I have one, and have spent the majority of my adult life saying "I'm sorry, thats not me" or "I rented what?? I don't think so.." An interesting fact is some people look to common names as a badge of anonymity;  that the more obscure the name, the more you stand out as an individual.  This of course, can't be further from the truth. Individuality is what you make of it because its the individual who makes the mark, not the name.  How many of us have read a newspaper, or done an internet search on ourselves for fun; only to be surprised that someone with the same name either died, or the results came back with a number of references worldwide both positive and negative. Death, is one of the ones I've dealt with. It can be fun explaining how the person two towns over that passed away really wasn't you, to the relief of family or friends who are out of the loop on your current life.  References always have a way of preceding me, and the more I deny connection; the more adamant the other party is that they are right, and me (who is living the life right now), I have to be wrong. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.........Okay...???

Since I have started taking control of my life (and in turn my identity) I've been trying to find a way which would separate me from all my clones in the world; and let people which I am dealing with know that I AM the real deal, and regardless of what has been said about anyone else sharing my name, unless its on my C.V. or my legitimate web accounts, or I have in some way confirmed the information.... it weren't me folks.  The last 6 months of personal branding have been real interesting, because almost every time I try to register my name with some web account (Facebook, Twitter, Google, Wordpress, Recruiting Blogs, etc,etc) I usually find that my " identity" is being used by someone else, and I have to re-name myself someway so that the site will welcome me as a new user.  This leads me to something I have been "preaching" coming up on  years, everyone has to take positive steps to create and once created, protect your identity as it really is your personal brand in this world. 

The importance in this is shown in how many times stories start to circulate about you that are false. Think about the kids game "Telephone", one fact is given to one person, who is to pass it on, and on, and on, until it has gone around the whole group, and that information has transformed into a totally new fact; and it probably shares no relation to what it started as.  There are many courses available on "Brand Recognition" and many books are available on the topic.  Everyone needs to take control as they move forward in life to ensure they are putting the best foot forward at all times.

Applying for jobs, requesting assistance for something, making reservations, Moving and moving costs, and of course death and taxes require that the appropriate information is brought forward. The more we can do to make ourselves unique in this world then the better chance we will be hired, helped, or remembered for the good which we have done or can do; rather than the black marks placed on the identity by someone of the same name.

Each and every one of us is truly unique, and we should rejoice in our differences, rather than try to create an image of someone which we are not.  As more people get to know the "real me".. the man, the husband, the friend, the care-giver, the patient, and presently with the addition of Social Networking Guy, Executive Assistant and Sourcers' Apprentice, I really am lucky to say my identity is truly becoming mine.  Sure I would like to meet my "Other brothers of different mothers" if for no other reason than to say "thank-you" and heres hoping you have a good life too.........

Something to Think About.....

I AM Daniel J. Smith

 


Make Peace with Yesterday, Live for Today, Dream for Tomorrow; No Fear, No Regrets; But Trust in Your Self;
Believe in Your Self; Have Faith in Your Self; and You Will Affect All Others Around You!--This is The Human Exponential.