Hire Me L.A.

Why did you create it?

It's been challenging contacting recruiters as a service provider, but one day while I was planning a career fair, it hit me: "I should organize a hiring fair and invite recruiters to meet job seekers in person!" So there it is. Hire Me L.A. exists to provide jobs through recruiter/job seeker events. 

How does it work?

Companies send recruiters to man a table where job seekers introduce themselves and submit their resumes. Recruiters get a chance to hear why they should hire a potential worker and get to interact with them through a speed interview. Job seekers get an opportunity to make a first impression face-to-face which gives them an advantage over online applicants. Both recruiters and job seekers benefit from the different options (companies) and larger crowd (job seekers). Recruiters don't have to chase individual candidates. Job seekers can apply for several positions at various companies in one place. It's a win-win for both sides at this one-stop shop event.

What are the benefits of attending?

Recruiters: Instead of chasing candidates, join other companies and select the best from the crowd. What could take you a month to do you can accomplish in a day at Hire Me L.A.

Job Seekers: When else do you get the opportunity to meet recruiters from different companies in person? Most of the time your online application never makes it to HR. Increase your chances to make a lasting impression with recruiters at Hire Me L.A.

How Can I get involved?

Recruiters/Vendors/Sponsors/Volunteers: Future events are being planned, so please reach out soon to reserve your spot. We are looking for partners in other cities to launch in! Email scott@growingforward.net for more details.

Job Seekers: The latest information and how to sign up is available at Hire Me L.A.

No Solo Artists

Have you ever had an idea that you thought was so good that you didn't want to share it? Guess what, it's not. Here are 3 reasons why you need a partner:

New Perspective: Face it. Not everyone's going to love your idea, so the sooner you address objections, the better off you'll be. A partner brings fresh perspective that helps identify your "blind spots." (Yes, we all have them) It benefits you to recruit someone who thinks differently than you, so you can compliment each other. Leverage each other's strengths and you'll accomplish more.

Shared Resources: This isn't limited to finances. It extends to personal networks. Want to know the real value of serial entrepreneurs? (Hint: it's not money) Their network. More resources is better. Even if you're not looking for a partner, you still need to grow your network. No successful person has done it alone. People inherently want to help. You just have to ask. 

Structured Accountability: When you are accountable to someone, the incentive to finish the task increases tremendously. Call it pressure or motivation, but it works. That's why people hire personal trainers and coaches. Synergy is created when you work with others. Reach out and you'll be amazed at what you'll receive in return.

Don't be a lone ranger. Whether you're an entrepreneur, manager or employee you can benefit from a partnership. We are social beings at our core and need others to help us succeed. The greater the task, the greater the help needed. Who will you reach out to today?

Building Your Personal Community

We tend to view communities as plural, but what if you started to think of your network as your personal community? Maybe it would motivate you to grow it because we all desire community. Here are a few ways to do that:

Social media. The internet has removed all geographical boundaries. Connect online, but don't stop there. It's not enough to add a Facebook friend, follow someone on Twitter or connect on LinkedIn. Follow the initial contact with an email, phone call or if possible meet offline (of course use your judgment on that). Social media has enabled us to push beyond our local towns to meet people globally. Now your personal community can be worldwide. 

Find what's in common. Building your personal community doesn't need to start solely with business. What are your hobbies? What cause(s) are you passionate about? How do you enjoy spending your free time? It's much easier to meet and connect with people over similar interests. You're not selling anything, using an elevator pitch or as self-conscious. I've met some of my best connections, even business mentors in purely leisure settings. Where people are, there's always opportunities to connect.

Work together. You'd be amazed at how working on a project bonds people. Sometimes it can even happen in complete silence. There's so much energy put into team building exercises, but truthfully people relate better over a task and that experience will unite the team. Look at all the movements that start between complete strangers. We are an achievement oriented society, so accomplishing something together is fulfilling. That's how accountability works.

Be proactive. Reach out and give. Building your personal community starts one connection at a time. What are you waiting for? Start building today!

Finding Funding From Your Own Wallet

Guest Post by Daniel Milstein

If you are looking to start your own business, one thing to keep in mind is where will you get the money? Before your business takes off, you must be willing to provide your company with the money straight out of your pocket for it to be able to thrive. Always be willing to invest in yourself. 

Salespeople should view themselves as a business or a mini- corporation, rather than a loan originator, real estate agent or insurance salesman. Do whatever it takes to grow the business. Just as you’re willing to hire an assistant to help get you to the next level,
it’s also important to invest in the business in other ways. For example, salespeople shouldn’t necessarily expect their companies to provide laptops, marketing materials and other “necessities.” When we first opened the Golden Rule office, I used $3,000 of my
own money to cover various overhead expenses, and there have been a number of other instances when I invested my own income for marketing campaigns and other costs. Some management consultants have said that three percent of your annual income is a  reasonable amount to invest. Based on my own experience and conversations with other salespeople, I think it should be higher – as much as 20 percent. Of course, you can gradually increase your investment and ultimately, the amount will be what you are comfortable spending. Do your own cost/benefit analysis to ascertain how much you are able to invest to help generate a specific production level.

While it is important to work in a team and invest in others to help you rise to success, it is also equally important to invest in yourself to help your company grow off the ground.

Daniel Milstein is the bestselling author of ABC of Sales. For more information, visit: http://amzn.to/ABCARTICLES

Welcome to Your Online University

Based on results, formal education is questionable. Does it really prepare you for the working world? Here are some lower priced options that will help you reach your goals, faster:

Research. Nowadays you can Google anything. Whether it's a video, tips or stats, you can view it on your couch. You don't have to enroll in a class or pay for tuition. In fact, once you master a skill you can teach others! There's plenty of information out there, it's just a matter of funneling it down to what you actually need. Gather. Commit. Implement.

The Big 3. Post. Tweet. Ask. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are great resources to connect with people at a touch of a button. There are tons of experts online that you can learn from. Look at social media as a way of reaching out and building relationships. Have a goal in mind, otherwise it becomes purely social and a waste of time. Be willing to give as much as you receive and you'll be amazed at the progress made.

Study Success. Who are some role models or mentors that you admire? If you have access, contact them. If they have a book, read it. Understanding someone else's story can be crucial to your learning curve. See how they did it. What mistakes can you avoid? What traits can you emulate? Learning from an example can help you create your own process that works. 

My point is don't depend on formal education to learn. It helps to have a physical location and teacher for structure, but become more self-disciplined by growing on your own. Also, bring the conversation offline and in person. Informal interviews, chats over coffee and networking will further your career with a personal goal in mind. If money and time are factors, start online. If personal development is that important to you, you'll make time for it.