Professionalism

This week I received some interesting comments regarding “Professionalism”  One of my groups pointed out that my profile picture didn’t express the intention which I was trying to achieve.  I took a look at it from a neutral perspective, and I agreed.

This brings me to todays topic: Professionalism and the Workplace.  With every project I have strived to present myself as a commodity or a brand, who just happens to be on loan to my employers as a sub-contracted asset.  This meant that every decision I made during work hours, to the benefit of the company, was one which would not embarrass myself or the company, and that everything I did was for the good of the company.  This thinking led to win-win situations, as the company grew in positive reputation, and my personal stock rose by my good consideration.

I always tried to be conscious of the decisions I made and their impact on my working environment, thus I became a positive asset and people came back time and again for my insight, my suggestions and eventually after all the clients needs were met, the sale.

Now I am in a situation where I am the prime product, representing RBS Staffing Consultants; in a role where personal reputation and professionalism lends itself to many different work scenarios; where my reputation precedes me almost all the time.  I have attempted to market myself in such a way that I give our clients a sense of knowledge, of having the ability to do the job, of being open to new ideas and suggestions of how best to suit their needs.  One simple thing was keeping me from achieving these goals: My Profile Picture! Instead of conveying the image of a hard working professional, my photo was too informal, and was leading others to think that I didn’t take myself seriously or care enough for my chosen profession to add a bit of class to the business card. 

Interesting thought; after all the years (35+) of work experience, one photograph was keeping me from the path chosen to achieve my goals.  The suggestion didn’t even begin with my circle, it came from the outside.  I claim to be the total professional, and I give my all to each and every assignment, but my photo showed the opposite.  Well, as of today there is a new photo on my sites and hopefully now people will realize that I am THE Daniel J Smith, Sourcer and Social Media Maven, Professional People Person with opinions to share. A new day has dawned and I now know that to talk the talk, you first have to learn how to walk the walk.

Something to Think About……

©2011 thedanieljsmith

Join me on Awesomize.me/thedanieljsmith and About.me/thedanieljsmith

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.

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.

R.U. LinkedIn pt 2

R.U. LinkedIn pt2

Yesterday I commented on the basics of LinkedIn from the position of how best to create your profile. Later in the afternoon, I found an article that struck on many of the same issues I tried to express. Please read http://shar.es/X5tCK called How To: Optimize your LinkedIn Profile from mashable.com written by Erica Swallow.

Now back to the blog. It took me a good couple of days trying to match my information sensibly with the questions asked by the program.  If you have multi-year experience in a variety of areas; you have to be prepared to include as much of that information as possible.  This online profile will soon become as important as your c.v. and should be thought of as such. Too much information is never a bad thing if it can be made to look good.

The summary should be your welcome letter, allowing people to get to know you and a little about your thinking pattern.  It should be the 2 minute-first impression-pleased to meet you and this is a taste of me part of the page.  This is a good spot to put alternative numbers or addresses which you can be reached at; so people can find you in future and connect when they need your opinion or services. I have mine set with an introduction, my contact info, and a summary of what I bring to the table now. As Sales/Recruiting is a contact sport, I  include that my many years of experience cannot be covered by just one page.

Next comes Experience and Education.  Everything that can come to mind as what makes you a truly unique individual should be listed there.  Places of Employment and Schools/ Courses taken for your work experience should be listed in detail; just like you would on a resume.  If its possible, this is where recommendations come in.Recommendations are LinkedIns’ version of references telling people what you do well and why others should consider you when trying to find suitable contacts.

If you do good work; Let everyone know that, and nothing can do it better than when you get a good recommendation or two. Getting a variety of recommendations will do better than many people saying the same thing. Tying it all up are web-addresses where you contribute or the company which you are employed. There is an option to change these from the generic to the current.

In closing: LinkedIn is a Key Resource for the future of many industries and for searching for the next break-out employee.  Take the time and treat it as you would your resume, or a very important business meeting with a new client; You never know where it may lead

I am The Recruiters’ Assistant wishing all of you: Happy Holidays!!!

Have Yourself a Fantastic Day!

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.

R. U. LinkedIn? pt 1

R. U. LinkedIn ???

One of the first things I did after setting up my desk and my computer was to start an important task in my new venture- Commence with the social networking.  That meant to me exposing myself in a grander nature on the internet than I had been comfortable with.  To me: Twitter, Facebook, even Linked In was inviting unwanted attention.  Imagine if you can, someone who had gone until now as a virtual ghost on the internet and was proud of it.  Even better, does anyone know anybody in recruiting who doesn’t wish some kind of attention.  Attention has pretty much the same importance as a business card or an advertising campaign for your business.

After setting up the standard accounts, and blog sites, I was asked to register anywhere I thought recruiters would be, or the sites where I could be noticed as a “Professional People Person” or the “Mindful Motivator” I had become known as.

This led me to an amazing program for any professionals looking to set up a network of valuable contacts, all in one place; that program being LinkedIn.  I decided that the best way to learn about this program would be to find a tutorial, or some form of instruction which would guide me to setting up an account which would give me the most exposure and allow me to create my all-important network. As a Salesperson, my day-planner and business card file was key, the emphasis is on ‘was’.  In this new world, you have to have a presence on the internet to succeed.  I found a book which would answer all my questions about LinkedIn called “Using linkedin” by Patrice-Anne Rutledge.

The first thing I started with was to edit my profile and the basics of my past work history, most of  which came from my resume; and create an identity which would set me apart from all the others in my business. Then came the contact information; meaning how could people get a hold of me should they need my services. Company website was listed, along with e-mail address, Twitter and Facebook feed, and my blog sites (Something to Think About; and The Recruiters’ Assistant- both on WordPress and assorted other blog-sites over the Internet; check them out and challenge my point of view).  As per my instructions I used the summary section as the place where I would list ALL my CONTACT INFORMATION.  Its amazing how many people are satisfied with just the bare essentials of information.  I want to be  found if my services are needed; less information would lead to problems with people being able to reach me. Please look at my information and feel free to add me to your professional network, as any assistance I can give is available for the asking. (http://ca.linkedin.com/in/thedanieljsmith).

As I have learned: Linked In is a KEY resource for many industries, so feel free to establish the maximum exposure of YOUR brand, which in turn is as successful as the person in control wishes to be.

To be Continued……

 

Have Yourself a Fantastic Day!

Daniel J Smith
Executive Assistant
RBS Staffing Consultant
(905) 627-5060

Aspire for Greatness; and Inspire Greatness in Others

Happy, Happy, Happy...

This is the time of the year best spent reflecting on the year passed, On our various successes, on our family, on our chosen career, and to re-commit to the coming year, thankful that for us there will be a tomorrow and a second chance to make the all important first-impression.
Personally, I’m happy that I made it through this transitional year no worse for wear. I’ve had many challenges over the course of the last 12 months, from “finding myself” and my place in this new world, to helping out those people who just need a friendly ear to listen, to embarking on a strange new journey in the world of recruiting.  Anyone who has read any of my passed blogs, will know that I come from a sales background, being relatively successful for many years before an illness forced me to step back and re-evaluate a lot of my beliefs, and especially my goals when it comes to work and family; and how much time and effort would be spent on each.  I actually found a happy place and believe me when I say that that spot is mine and I intend to treasure it.
New people came into my life, each one bringing with them a new layer for the collage.  These people were key in providing a sense of direction and a different view on life and career.  Being involved in the Mental Health circles helped to show me what it means to really live, as it is the truly simple things which bring them awe. (thanks Calvin).  They have given me a reason to believe that strong effort doesn’t always achieve the goal, and that sometimes you look too hard for the answer staring you in the face.  We put too much effort and worry on things that are beyond our control, and not enough time and effort on the truly simple things and trying to enjoy the journey with all the bumps and bruises, rather than rushing to the endzone and scoring the winning touchdown.  For every journey we rush through and not pay attention  we miss the real goal and the real reason for the trip to begin with.
In the coming year, I hope to build on the successes of 2010, forgive those who didn’t always agree with my opinion, and try to pay attention to the big picture, as the various textures and hues are what makes any piece of art- a masterpiece.  To all my new friends: Thank you and may you all find what you deserve, and know I’ll be lurking in the background ready to help at a moments notice.  To all those I’ve met in my new vocation, I look forward to the lessons as we move forward, so I can achieve all the potential that you saw in me when the opportunity evolved.  To all those I have yet to meet- “Hello” from my corner of the universe, I look forward to connecting with you, to reaching out on common goals as there is much good we can do together.
May everyone enjoy the holiday season, regardless of your denomination or beliefs, and you enjoy all that is around you.  2011 is just around the corner and I feel it will be one heck of a ride.  Please join me!!

The Daniel J. Smith
Aspire for Greatness; and Inspire Greatness in others

May Your Season be Bright...And Sensible

Every year around this time I am reminded on how commercial the Christmas Holidays have become.  Having spent over 35 years in the retail trade, you would think I became accustomed to all the hustle and bustle, and the screaming and crying, but you would be very, very, wrong.  Ever since I was an undertall individual,  Christmas was a time for family and friends, visiting and eating.
Unfortunately, as the years have gone by, things have gotten more and more commercial, with the accent on how much I should spend on a particular person, rather than giving from the heart.  Homemade gifts used to be really awesome to give and receive because they required time and thought to be placed behind them.  However; that was then…..
Now people in the retail field are looking at the season with Scrooge demeanor; as they see shortages in the popular products, time off/ days off cancelled because the retail machine for some reason won’t function right without that particular associate, and really, really bad hours as stores seem to feel longer days mean more money, which in turn should mean more profits.  That is the key word: PROFIT!!
Anyone in the business who says they are not in it for money or personal gain would be lying; Yet every year they trudge on, singing the company mantra, but secretly counting the days until the madness is over for another year.  At this time it seems most retail personel work on automatic, with the settings being Eat, Sleep, Work; yet occasionally the settings for eat and sleep malfunction at the worst of times; as the days get closer and closer to C-day; and management expects more and more coming from less and less.  This is the worst time for stress to develop, as many people re-evaluate their career choice, knowing full well that when January 3 comes around; they did survive and will stick it out for another year; unless some fantastic opportunity should fall from the heavens and land right at their feet.
I think  most consumers forget a couple of key points:
1.  Retail Employees are Human too; and should be treated as such
2. The insane hours are dictated by the consumer and not the shopkeeper; If people kept their shopping to a sensible time, then the stores would be able to run at normal hours, and it would make everyone just that much happier.
3. Sunday shopping does nothing for the overall profitability of a store.  Seriously, am I to believe that stores make more money going 7 days a week then what they made in the past in 6? I’m not sure about anyone else but my paycheque never increased because of and extra day of being open, my shifts were just moved around to accomadate the new demands.
4.  Anyone who says that the retail employee has the right to look elsewhere is absolutely correct; provided they remember that not everyone is cut out to be a doctor or a lawyer.  I know many people who worked in retail to get through school, that had not really chosen it as a  career path, and were all the better at finding something better at the first improved opportunity to present itself.
5.  BOXING DAY!!! Is there any real reason why stores have to open at all on December 26th?  I always enjoyed the extra day of rest, especially after working the previous 23 days straight (yes it is legal if you are paid weekly)  The prices are only better on seasonal goodies left over; and crap that some person got real cheap to move real fast.  There really are no major bargains to be had.
The old family days of Christmas are gone, and all that is left is the memories of gathering the clan over a well cooked turkey/tofurkey as the world spins on faster and faster, and personal time becomes less and less (like it was in the older days).
I am glad to have moved on; and even more glad to have spent that time in the trenches, as it makes me appreciate how much harder the world of retail truly has become.
For all concerned, that gives you Something to Think About…
(thanks for the rant time….this has been a long time in the making- djs-:)