For You Pacific Northwest Small Business Owners

Small Business Forum
with Congressman Adam Smith
Thursday, June 3rd - 7AM

Congressman Adam Smith will be joined by representatives from over 20 federal agencies to offer information on federal programs helping small businesses work with the government, navigate federal rules and regulations or apply for federal resources. Invited agency representatives from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Washington State Employment Security, Internal Revenue Service, and the General Services Administration will also be present to answer questions about what programs and tools they offer to local small businesses.

Work from Home? Keep your Radar on High!

We see the ads on the internet each day, directing you to "legit" employment opportunities. But, how can you be certain that once you have responded, you are REALLY being considered for employment. Many things can make you question your actions, and one cannot always be one hundred percent certain they have taken the right steps. The best actions you can take to safeguard your time, and information is to be prepared. Here are a few things to keep in mind and watch for when searching for "legitimate work opportunities."

Company Name

Is the name of the company made known, or is it the blind email address that keeps you guessing? If your information is being sent to an odd email address, you may want to think carefully before doing so. Allowing personal information to get in the wrong hands can potentially mean longterm trouble.

Established Company

Is the business an established organization? If the company is recognized, research the Internet for additional details so you have a clear picture of how the business has been doing. Find out information about their revenue for the previous year, projected revenue, number of employees, turn over ratio, lawsuits... The more you can find out, the better prepared you will be.

Job Description

What does the job description say? Is it misleading? If it is too difficult to determine what the responsibilities will be, allow your radar to wonder why? A legitimate employment opportunity will inform you of the job responsibilities, so you will know what is being offered and what the company expectations are.

Customer Service

How is the customer service? Can you call and reach a human for clarification on questions you may have? If needed can you receive a return call? Answering these questions will bring a clearer picture to light.

Benefits

Legitimate employment opportunities present perks to entice individuals. Why would you want to work for this organization? Do they offer healthcare benefits? Retirement benefits, vacation leave? Established organizations often make this information available upfront.

Hiring Process

What is the hiring process? Will an interview be conducted? In person? Over the telephone? What is the hiring time frame? If you are not the chosen candidate will you receive a return call to let you know? Clarity is a bonus. One should never sit around waiting solely on one opportunity, but if you ask the questions upfront, you will have a clear understanding of what to expect in the end.

A Final Goodbye Kiss for Your Employer

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve, and soon we will take the first steps in to 2010. What an exciting time, because now we can all begin fresh- heading in the direction towards accomplishing our goals we have planned. For many of you that will mean saying goodbye to your current employer. Some will note this is a choice you have made, and for others unfortunately it may be an occurrence you have no control over. Whatever the cause, you can handle it with proper planning.

First, you must prepare to ensure your current exit is handled in a professional manner. You want to be as professional when resigning a position as you were when you were initially hired. We are all learning on a daily basis how small the world truly is, and there is always a possibility that someone in your current employment circle may end up in the same circle later. Don't let negative behavior halt potential future growth.

Though you may be preparing for your departure, ensure your appearance remains appropriate for your work environment. Don't slack off, take extended lunch breaks, uses extra sick days, become moody with co-workers... Hold your head high and proceed forward.

Continue putting your best foot forward. Remember, you still work there and your reputation is on the line. Until you have departed the premises on your final day, management is watching you and a good employer deserves the best you have to offer.

Uphold company protocol to the best of your ability: arrive on time, remain organized, behave appropriately, and represent the organization to the best of your ability.

If you desire to have your exit interview, contact Human Resources in plenty of time and make arrangements to do so. Often feedback you provide can be critical for the company, and provide an opportunity for future company changes and improvements. Choose your wording carefully. This is not the time to allow everything to shoot out full throttle. Do not damage your reputation in the process.

You are starting a new year and new opportunities will come your way. It is time to decide the role 2010 will play in your future.

Happy New Year!

The Princess/Frog-Let's Get it Hoppin in 2010!

This past weekend I had the pleasure of seeing the new Disney animated film The Princess and the Frog. I will not get off in to many specifics of the film considering it was opening weekend (and I wouldn't dare spoil a moment of it for those that plan to attend.) However, I will say several elements presented in the movie apply to life, and the adventure many of you will begin in the new year. Three that jump off the screen are: hard work pays off if you stay on the path of consistency, love makes us triumphant, and it doesn't matter if anyone else can see your vision-as long as you can. Previously we talked about beginning the employment adventure and where to look. Thank you to those that took the time to express what you wanted to hear about. Some wanted to get a quick jump start on where to look for jobs, considering the recession has hit hard. For those that are just looking for the facts I have asked my fellow brothers and sisters out in cyber land what has worked for them while looking for work and this is what they have offered as places to check. Many offer positions with local employers, as well as telecommuting-so remember to review everything carefully because you may sometimes have to weed your way through the pile to reach the gem. But, I have been told-they are there.

• http://www.careerbuilder.com/
• www.wahm.com/jobs.html
• http://www.craigslist.com/
• http://www.indeed.com/
• http://www.simplyhired.com/
• http://www.monster.com/
• http://www.hotjobs.yahoo.com/
• http://www.alljobsearch.com/
• http://www.twitterjobsearch.com/
• http://www.localjobhq.com/
• http://www.jobster.com/

Some urls highly recommended for telecommuting opportunities from readers were:

• http://www.flexjobs.com/
• http://www.freelanceswitch.com/
• http://www.mediabistro.com/
• http://www.flipdog.com/
• http://www.sologig.com/
• http://www.beyond.com/

Individuals with Disabilities looking for Telecommuting opportunities:

• http://www.nticentral.org/

An excellent way to connect with others in the business world, and network...

• http://www.linkedin.com/

Looking for the hidden jobs?

• http://www.linkup.com/

Now there is no reason not to get the job you so desire or start the business you want. You can make it happen.

Remember to email and share your successes, failures, and new discoveries.

Happy Hunting

Swannee

The Year is Almost Over-Now What???

As the end of the year quickly approaches, we find ourselves looking back at all that has happened, and all that we didn't accomplish. Many have started thinking about their New Years Resolutions, others have just given up due to frustration. Some of you have lost your jobs, some may be on the verge of losing their jobs, others have had no luck finding a new job,some are thinking about creating their own jobs, and many just don't have a clue about what to do. Here,we are going to help you figure out the direction that may be right for you. Before we do anything else we are going to grasp the mental aspect of what needs to happen as we proceed forward to begin our progress towards working from home.

• Eliminate the thoughts of doubt you have been plagued with. We are only moving forward.
• With modern technology you can now work from home with minimal start-up costs.
• What are you most happiest doing?data entry,crafts,medical coding,customer service?what skills do you have? Write down these answers.
• Basic home equipment/skills you may need:computer, printing capability,speedy internet connection,fax machine,scanner,digital camera,professional phone etiquette,fax machine,timeliness,multi-tasking abilities,typing speed averaging 40-55 WPM,you MUST be self-movtivated and have the ability to work independently.
• Make your list of your areas of interest and I am going to tell you what to do and where to look next.