Fall in Love With Your Job

February 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment

It’s Valentine’s Day and Love is in the air… Can you feel it? I remember when I was  in school and wrapping a shoe box in red paper, gluing various heart themed items and slitting a whole in the top of it big enough to fit all types of treats, cards and notes… The anticipation of great things to come was incredible! Who could forget THE Candy?…  (Sweethearts) conversation hearts with some of my favorite sayings: Fax me, Be Good and Hope.  In most offices, Valentine’s candy still surfaces and brings back happy memories

There are few times in life when you get to feel that excitement for something that you know is coming… opening and reading the Valentine’s cards in your Valentine box at school, a first date, and your first day on the job.  I always wondered how you keep that love for your job constantly going and growing. Let’s face it, you spend more hours at your job awake than any other part of your day…

So, I wanted to share what I found out through personal experience and research to help you love the work you do…

  1. First things first – before you get out of bed, start the day thinking positive thoughts.  On an index card on your bedside table, write a positive thought to start your day.  Do you eat breakfast? As much as those powdery nuggets of donut love are delish… they leave you feeling sluggish in about an hour… No one needs to be off first thing in the morning, so take some time to eat a balanced meal.  Most people have a commute to work and you need to be as mentally alert and ready for the drive into the office.  What are you listening to on your way into work?  Have you ever tried listening to something positive?  This could  help get you motivated for the day ahead!  What about starting your day a little earlier?  This would help ensure such great things as a great parking space, a cup of coffee, some quite time before the rest of your team comes in and help get your day off to a great start be being productive.  How awful is it when you are late to work?  Don’t you feel like your whole day is off?  On the elevator ride to your office, did you greet everyone in the elevator? If you did, I bet they greeted you back!  The same theory goes first thing in the morning at work- greet your coworkers and they will greet you back!
  2. Congratulations- you made it to work safe and sound and there you are at your desk… what do you see?  Is your work space clean and organized or is does your desk look like a giant junk drawer?  What are you looking at and what is looking at you?  Do you have some pictures surrounding you of friends and family that bring you a smile.  Can you post some personal notes of work accomplishments and goals you are trying to achieve?  If you become stressed at work, take a “mental margarita break” to admire and focus on the pictures/sayings around you. If you are stressed at the desk, than write it down and throw that piece of frustration paper away!  If you work in a cubicle environment and share windows with a work neighbor, do you have something you mutually enjoy to look at?  Can you take a minute to scribble something on a post a note that makes your work neighbor smile?  I promise the favor will be returned when you need it most!
  3. Having a stressful moment at work?  Take a break and take a walk outside or on another floor. Sometimes getting away from the problem is the best way to solve the problem.  Take a step back and see if you are the cause of the problem. Can you offer an uncommon solution? Misery loves company, but only for a few minute. Being able to vent about work is helpful, but once the issue is vented, think of a solution to the problem and put it in action.
  4. In need of some work bonding?  Initiate something fun and see if you can create a committee at work to work with you.  We started an onsite Yoga class, all of us were at different levels, but all got something great out of the class.  Does your group eat lunch at the same time? Create a “no talking about work rule” at the table.  Are you a mentor to someone at work, or are you being mentored at work?  This will remind you that you have a purpose and are needed. Are you attending networking events on a regular basis?  The more you attend, the more friends you will have, and more support there waiting for you.
  5. Keep your balance.  Remember to take your vacation.  A break from the office can help you recharge you life battery.  Did you bring some small wacky souvenirs from your vacation back for your coworkers?  It helps the people who stayed behind and covered for you feel appreciated!

Now… back to work you go… and check your inbox! If you need me to send you a Valentine this year- send me an email and I will…  We all need to be reminded that we have a purpose, and  how great it is to do we what love and love what we do!

By: Elizabeth Jee – Business Development Manager at Imprimis

With fourteen years of experience in the staffing industry, Beth is passionate about making an impact on a person’s life, especially by finding a person the right job and finding a company the right person. Beth began her career in the staffing industry as a recruiter, which gives her a more in-depth perception of the industry and how important a culture-fit is to an organization. As a Business Development Manager, she takes pride in working with all levels of management, staff, and associates within an organization, and believes in giving outstanding customer service. Clients can always depend on Beth and her ability to create a relationship based on trust.  She does the extra mile to get things done in a creative way, and has a great sense of humor as an Improv comedian. To contact Beth, email ejee@imprimis.com.

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Selling on Trust and Expertise

January 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Not too long ago I adopted an interest in golf – I envisioned spending quality time with family and friends, staying in shape, and enjoying some of the most picturesque and beautiful landscapes – and then I quickly realized, I didn’t know the first thing about golf except that it is physically and mentally challenging and no round of golf is ever the same. Golf is the simplest of sports…hitting a ball with a stick.  And, at the same time one of the most frustrating, complex and exciting games undertaken.  I was going to need some help – professional help!

I called a friend who called a friend and there he was, a former professional golfer who provided private lessons and taught on the high school level.  I was hopeful this was going to work, afterall, I was on the pre-school level.

When I arrived at the driving range, we chit-chatted a little bit…how are you, I’m fine, thanks…how’s business? He said he was glad I called; things have been really slow for him. He mentioned that due to the economy his supplemental income had dropped dramatically.

He asked to see my swing, (or my rendition of a swing anyway) and quickly noticed a slight grimace on my face. Not because the ball was still in the same position before I swung, but because of the twinge in my left hip.  He then started shaking his head.

“Golf seems like a low-key sport to the casual observer.” he said.  (And I’m ready to get the ball rolling…literally!)

“I understand you’re mentally ready to learn, but physically, not so much.  Why don’t you get your hip checked out and let’s decide after that if your body is prepared for the challenge?”

And? Are you selling golfing services now? I thought to myself.

I was a bit confused, then amazed. Here was a man who was hurting for business, and he was discouraging me from using his services because he was concerned about my welfare.

I reassured him that the hip had been checked out, was healing and would be fine.  He emphasized that learning the proper posture to keep when swinging—with my back straight, feet planted shoulder-width apart, balance distributed equally on both legs–can make a difference in the amount of strain I put on my back, hips and neck and can even improve my playing results; and that would be his initial focus during our beginning sessions….once I had an opportunity to completely mend.

I was going to “shop around” for a better deal…I even planned on asking him for his “best price”.  But at that point, I trusted that he was going to give me a fair deal.  After all, he was ready to walk away without a new client.  Wow.

I’m really excited to have him as my instructor and I also trust that he has my best interest in mind.

In the staffing industry there are firms who feel they need to sell on offering the lowest mark-up. But it feels much better to sell based on trust and expertise. The buyer or end user is happy to do business with someone they trust will deliver the best service at a reasonable price as opposed to being forced to buy from the cheapest. The staffing firm is not constantly on edge about having to cut-corners just to remain competitive on pricing, which in turn, allows them to focus more on quality.

By: Shelly Broussard – Business Development Manager at Imprimis

With seven years of experience in business development, Shelly is passionate about authenticity and it shows in her management style.  What sets Shelly apart from others in her role is her emphasis on value: “If I’m not adding value, I am defeating my own purpose”.  Apart from her work, Shelly’s interests include cycling, golfing, and gardening.  After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, Shelly worked as a sales trainer and pharmaceutical sales rep before joining the Imprimis team. To contact Shelly, email sbroussard@imprimis.com.

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2012 YEARLY Resolutions or Setting DAILY Intentions?

January 9, 2012 by 1 Comment

Well, another year is here and the question of “What are your resolutions this year” seems to be coming at me from all directions.

There are always the typical, easy ones to state, though difficult, or IMPOSSIBLE, to keep such as, “I am going to never eat sugar again” or “My desk will be organized and tidy at the end of each day” (that is one I make every year and fail miserably on about day 4) or, of course, the typical and popular, “I am going to lose 10 lbs and work out for an hour ever day.”  Hmmm, for those with a determined list in hand, these seem to last about a week and then it’s straight back to a messy desk and the hidden stash of chocolate for late afternoons.

I am one of the lucky ones, in terms of fitness, that has always been an athletic and a fitness junkie addicted to endorphins.  I genuinely have sympathy for those who truly believe they are “allergic to sweat”.  However, I would like to urge my friends and colleagues who are afflicted with said physical fitness phobias that there is a plethora of good reasons for working out other than the obvious.  Exercise has been shown to improve mental clarity and memory.  Those who exercise are more productive at work (even with messy desks). Exercise increases the strength of your heart and exercise reduces stress. I am not even talking about a full blown hour a day here folks.   Why not begin with parking farther away from grocery store, or your work place, take the stairs, do a couple laps around the office (I jest here) but you get the idea.

Dr. Ronald Petersen, director of the Alzheimer’s Research Center at the Mayo Clinic, said on ABC: “Regular physical exercise is probably the best means we have of preventing Alzheimer’s disease today, better than medications, better than intellectual activity, better than supplements and diet.”  All that is required is raising your heart rate for 30 minutes several times a week.  I believe this benefit in itself is well worth the effort and time invested.

The main point I am trying to emphasize is let’s cease making those YEARLY resolutions that seem to set us up for failure and commit to making Daily resolutions.

I, for one, am going to set DAILY intentions for both my work goals and my fitness/health plan.  One day at a time and before we know it, no more hidden chocolate stash, we have more energy, we are sharper,  we are accomplishing more, and hey, not many people have to look at my messy desk anyway!

By: Bonnie Fish – Account Executive at Imprimis Group, Inc.

Bonnie is an expert in the staffing industry and offers knowledgeable and insightful solutions that impact hiring needs. She is dedicated to understanding your business and is looking forward to providing a consultative approach. To contact Bonnie, email bfish@imprimis.com.

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The Job Market is “Less Bad”

July 14, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Post Written By Valerie Freeman, CEO of Imprimis Group

In searching for positive signs in the job market, I discovered lots of “good news, bad news” articles supported by studies and statistics to confirm a good or bad point of view.  My unscientific but studied opinion is that the job market as well as the rest of the economic picture is “less bad.”

In May of this year there were 1.1 million more job openings than last year; most staffing companies are reporting increased job order activity including yours truly; yet there are 6.35 people out of work for every given job opening (Bureau of Labor Statistics) so we’ve got a long way to go for “less bad” to turn into “real good”.  I have noticed that a large number of out of work executives have turned themselves into consultants and have gotten work to sustain themselves until the next big job opportunity comes along.  They are also upping their networking activities and beefing up their online presence to brand themselves and their expertise and making it much easier for people to find them.  Job search techniques are changing rapidly in this online world – keeping up presents both a challenge and an opportunity.  The only thing that hasn’t changed is that it still takes  a lot of time to find the right job for the right person.

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