Long Island Small Business Owner Magazine

One of my core beliefs is that you can achieve anything that is important to you if you will focus on the little things that matter. So if getting a new job is important to you, simply look for the little things that will help you land that job. I must admit that I am turned off when people complain about not having a job but don't do the things required to get one. I feel the same way when people whine about their current job but don't take the necessary steps to get a better one. This is America! And although the economy has presented significant challenges I am convinced that you can get whatever job you want if you are willing to push yourself outside your comfort zone and do some basic things that other job applicants are unwilling to do. If you are in the market for a new job, here are my recommendations: 1. Determine your greatest value-Assuming you want the highest paying job for your skill set, make a list of your most valuable talents and abilities. Then rank them based on their value to the market. As an example, if you are an administrative assistant, your skills may range from answering the phone to creating business plans. In this example, your value could range from $15 an hour on the low end of your skill set to $75 an hour on the high end. Your job search should then be focused on maximizing your greatest value, which is in writing business plans. 2. Identify Potential Positions-Your next step is to consider positions that allow you to capitalize on your talents. Using the same example, identify the types of companies and positions within those companies where your primary responsibility would be writing business plans. 3. Create a Targeted Resume-Once the type of position is identified, create a custom resume that highlights the specific skill set. Make sure to mention it in the job objective and previous experience section as well as the cover letter. Make sure your resume presents you in a manner consistent with the wage you are seeking. If you were applying for a $75 an hour job, then your resume should present you as someone worthy of earning $75 an hour. 4. Identify Potential Employers-Make a list of the employers who offer the type of position you are seeking. You may have to confine yourself to a specific geographic region although many employers allow and often encourage you to work from home. You may even want to consider buying a list of companies who meet your criteria from a list broker. 5. Pick Up the Phone-Here is where we

separate the winners from the complainers. This is the biggest take-a-way from today's lesson. If you want to land the ideal job, then you must push yourself outside your comfort zone and call your prospective employers. The complainers are those who sit at home and look for job postings and allow themselves to compete with 100 other people for the same position. The winners do online research about potential employers and then pick up the phone to make initial contact. My friends in human resources tell me that VERY few people proactively call them and if someone takes the time to do so, they are impressed! When you do the things that impress others you have the advantage. It's that simple. 6. Follow Up-Assuming the company you call is not currently hiring for your position, you should still forward your resume with a cover letter. Then follow up every few weeks. This will ensure that your name and resume will remain at the "top of the pile" when a job opportunity materializes. You should also send a hand written thank you note thanking the person you spoke with for their time and consideration. Here's the bottom line.
You can get any job that is important to you if you will be creative and do the little things to stand out from the crowd. The difference between those who succeed in achieving their goals and those who fall short is the diligent accomplishment of the things others aren't willing to do. If you're looking for a new job, do you have the courage to pick up the phone and call prospective employers until such time as you land the job you want? Are you willing to get uncomfortable for a few weeks to get the job that allows you to maximize your gifts and abilities? If your answer is yes then I challenge you to do three things. First, read my related posts below. Second, think outside the box. Be creative and make a list of the little things you can do to get the edge. And third, implement the tips I have provided in this lesson. You can achieve any goal in life that is important to you if you will focus on the little things that matter. About the Author Todd Smith is a successful entrepreneur of 29 years.

26. Repeat your phone number twice when leaving a voicemail- speaking
slowly and repeating your phone number will make you stand out.
27. When scheduling appointments use the other person's time zone- this
avoids misunderstandings or missed opportunities.
28. Speak with life and energy in your voice- no one likes to be around
people who are "dead, dull and lifeless."
29. Walk with a bounce in your step- it's evidence of an energetic attitude
that ultimately leads to success.
30. Turn off the notifications that are bugging those around you.
31. Write things down- it prevents you from forgetting things that are
important.
32. Say something positive to others about another person- reverse gossip.
33. Congratulate your opponent- good sportsmanship is evidence of
leadership.

34. Introduce yourself- be proactive and introduce yourself to people whom
you have never met.
35. Look for the good in others and tell them what you see- you have the ability to bring out the best in people, especially when they may not know
it themselves.
36. Hold in that fart- the pain will go away in less than 10 seconds.

As you can see, each of these tips is easy to do. They don't require any
formal education or financial investment. We can begin to incorporate them
into our lives this very minute. All we need is to be conscious of them and
be willing to take 10 seconds to do them.

Let me encourage you to print out this list and put an asterisk beside the
ones you are committed to working on. Track your results and see how you do.

Jason Goetz of Geotz Electric has once again proven himself to be worthy of the reputation he upholds. When Linda and I had issues with LIPA this week, which actually caused us to be without power for 12 hours, Jason jumped right in. Jason provided excellent and professonal service along with offering us a very affordable cost.

"The beautiful thing about dealing with Jason is you know he cares", say Linda Carney. "Jason turned a very stressful situation into one that resolved itself very quickly."

Jason dealt with everything. He was fast, neat and accessable. Qualities sometimes rare in today's world.

The bottom line is that anyone with electrical issues, who is in need of a qualified and experienced electrician should call Goetz Electric at 631-767-2852.

Let's face it, in today's world many consumers are afraid to do business with someone they do not know. Building trust in a business relationship takes time. Sometimes time is not always readily available for the Small Business Person. The Small Business Person needs to do business now! Linda is a real, breathing person! She has been involved in Law Enforcement for over 10 years. In addition she has experienced and knows all to well what it feels like to be cheated. Linda's List is her way of compiling information about companies and the services and products they provide. The information is made readily available to the public. It is with this information that an informed consumer can make a decision as to whether or not they want to do business with the Small Business Person. Positive, negative...it's all there! Who better to report this information than those who have already done business or tried the product. Linda's List is a benefit for the Long Island Local Search Subscriber's and the public who makes use of the Search Engine.

on a daily basis. "We provide services to anyone who needs it," says Danny. "It's our goal to make the process as painless as possible."

With many shops vehicles sit. With Groben's the goal is fast and efficient repairs. "If the customer is without their vehicle it can cause a hardship," says Danny. "We'll arrange for a rental right away," if that's what the customer needs. "We'll price the job, deal with the adjuster, obtain the parts and get the job done," he continues.

No vehicle leaves Groben's without Danny "insuring" that all repairs are 100% perfect. Quality control is a big part of what Groben's is all about.

One thing that I found amazing about Groben's was how neat and organized the facility is. In many repair shops you find a mess, but not at Groben's Auto Body. Even with 10 cars in the shop at one time I found that everyone at Groben's work as a team.

As a family owned and operated business you'll find family members handling administrative duties at any given time. No matter who you deal with at Groben's, rest assured, you will receive excellent customer service.

Groben's helps you make the best of what could become a bad situation. It's definetly the local Auto Body shop of choice in Suffolk County.