"What has been will be again,
What has been done will be done again;
There is nothing new under the sun."
Ecclesiastes 1:9

For those who are unemployed these days it hard sometimes to stand out from the crowd. There's not much in business that most of us haven't already seen. There is a basic list of ideas that people do that has been recycled and rehashed for year and years. There are only so many types of career paths or job opportunities and sooner or later you realize that there are only so many ways to stand out and recognized.

I was leaving the health club the other day and forgot where I parked. I was looking for a black Mazda 3 with a license plate SPK129. I found a black Mazda 3 but when I looked at it's license plate, it had the characters SPK135. "How many cars are currently on the road in Minnesota?" I wondered. Well, as it turns out there were over 3.3 million licensed vehicles in Minnesota back in 2010. I don't know how many there are in 2012 but I imagine it's about the same. There are only 10 numbers and 26 letters used on the plates but somehow they create over 3.3 million unique plates. Wow!

Did you know there are only 7 whole notes in a musical scale? A,B,C,D,E,F and G. There are also half steps between them (sharps and flats) as well as octaves of the same note but essentially there are only 7 notes. Every piece of music you've ever heard or every will hear, every song ever written now or in the future will be created with some variation of the same 7 notes. Why don't all songs sound the same?

7 notes, 26 letters, 10 numbers, nothing new under the sun. Patterns in human behavior repeat themselves, and the fundamental building blocks of all creation are the same now as they have been for thousands of years. HOWEVER, we are capable of creating infinite combinations with these building blocks. Music becomes infinite by changing the way that the notes are combined and layered with other notes. Written communication becomes infinite by changing the sequence and combination of words with other words.

One of my favorite things about sales is the infinite creative possibilities. There are so many tools at our disposal. Our worlds become infinite by changing the way we combine and layer the things we imagine. Don't get caught in the rut of believing that there are only a few basic elements that have to be repeated and rehashed year after year. Create something new!

In business a word comingly heard is synergy. Synergy is taking ideas and combining them. Make a list of ideas you've used before and begin to overlap and combine them with each other. This creates new breakthroughs you may not have imagined. Take two favorite ideas, goals, themes, etc from last year and send them into a head-on collision. Take the mangled mesh that they create and see what new thing you have discovered. You might be disappointed, you might be surprised. But you will begin understanding one of the secrets of creation.

Be Original!

In October’s article we shared a story about “A Safe Golfing Journey” which detailed Midwest Staffing’s Second Annual Golf Classic, which was hosted along with Firstat to enhance fundraising efforts for SafeJourney. At the Second Annual Golf Classic Midwest Staffing and Firstat were able to raise $1170 for SafeJourney which earned the companies a sponsorship table at SafeJourney’s 12th annual Celebration of Courage Event held on November 17th, 2011 at The Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis.

Attendees from Firstat were Zach Knox and Christine Maxwell and Midwest Staffing was represented by myself, Michael Thoemke, Kelly Weedman and Josie Schwake. Besides being the Director of Sales at Midwest Staffing, I am a volunteer advocate for SafeJourney where I am a benefit board member and on call two shifts each month to support victims of domestic violence. With the support of the Midwest Staffing and Firstat Nursing team, along with many others in the community, this was the largest and most successful year in SafeJourney’s twelve year history of hosting this event.

Highlights of the evening included a social hour and silent auction that included a large list of items ranging from a handmade quilt, tickets to sporting events, various art works and electronics. Followed by an elegant dinner and a Live auction which also included 10 great items, such as an IPad2, a private helicopter ride, and 75,000 sky miles with a camera and $200 VISA for spending money to name a few.

If you would like to learn more about SafeJourney or become a volunteer you may call 763-520-4151 or email safejourney@northmemorial.com.

Photographs were provided by Melissa Rosky photography/Facebook. Click here to visit her facebook page.

Midwest Staffing Group and Firstat Nursing continue their commitment to giving back to the communities in which we work.

On Monday, November 1 from 10:30AM to 1PM Midwest Staffing team members, Chris Kratochvil, Justin Smith, Dan Webinger and Mary Verdeja along with Firstat's Brian Thoemke, attended “Celebrate Opportunity” an Opportunity Partners event. The event was an executive networking and business recognition luncheon to celebrate and learn how people with disabilities enhance our workplace. Midwest Staffing and Firstat donated $1,250 to help people with disabilities add value to the Twin Cities area.

The “Celebrate Opportunity” networking luncheon was hosted by Frank Vascellaro from WCCO-TV with keynote speaker Randy Lewis, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management for Walgreens. Walgreens the largest pharmacy chain in the United States is one of the strongest supporters of Opportunity Partners by integrating people with disabilities into their workforce, marketplace and supplier chain. Randy discussed the success Walgreens has had by integrating Opportunity Partners workers into their distribution channels. They plan to increase the employment percentage of employees with disabilities by 20 percent. This is Walgreens secret to success; with this in mind your business should consider contacting Opportunity Partners.

Other than having the privilege of listening to Guest speaker Randy Lewis, the luncheon also included a speed networking session. Speed networking is similar to speed dating, a timed round robin where professionals meet to exchange contact information and their companies goals and history. Afterwards professionals decide on whom they will connect with or where they can utilize their product or service. A few businesses that Chris Kratochvil of Midwest Staffing connected with were Graybow HD, Minnesota Life College and Anchor Insurance Agency.

Besides a great networking event Midwest Staffing and Firstat fully intend to participate in this event again November 1, 2012. Not only to connect with other business professionals but to support the added value and the impact Opportunity Partners has on our community.

A few weeks ago I found myself back in the classroom for my daughter, Madeline’s pre-school orientation. As I sat through the handbook orientation, I began to notice a plethora of overly excited parents, nervous children clinging to their parents’ legs, and enthusiastic teachers ready for the year to begin.

I looked over at Madeline confidently playing in the dress-up area as she sported overly large plastic high heels, a gaudy fake jeweled necklace and a fluffy pink “princess” dress. Madeline was at-ease and ready to begin pre-school. It was in this moment that I realized that preparing a child for their first day of preschool is much like managing change in an organization. (Yes, this was the Human Resource Manager coming out in me)!

Preparing a child for their first day of preschool
is much like managing change in an organization.

Define the End Goal

Much like managing change in an organization, the first step in preparing a preschooler for their first day is to clearly explain what the goal is and what will happen. I helped Madeline to understand I wanted her to have fun, to meet new friends and learn new things. When beginning a change effort in an organization, it’s essential to understand and define the business intent. Employees need to know exactly what the goal or business intent of the change effort is. When creating the change, you should be looking at how to foster an environment where employees can embrace they change rather than telling them the new policy.

Identify Stakeholders

In every change, there are going to be numerous parties that will be impacted. Some employees will be deeply impacted while other employees will hardly notice the change has taken place. As a change leader, you must have a plan developed to address the various needs of each group to gain their support for the change. Prior to preschool beginning, my husband and I discussed how the “stakeholders” in our family would be impacted. Jack, our 6 month old son would have to take a slightly later morning nap to accommodate dropping Madeline off at school. On occasion my husband will have to take time off of work to attend a school function. The largest stakeholder would be Madeline who was transitioning from a summer with little structure to a classroom. All of the issues were addressed and a plan was communicated to each “stakeholder”. Okay, so we didn’t technically communicate it to the infant, but you get the point! Address all of the stakeholders needs to make them feel important and a part of the change.

Gauge Organizational Readiness

It’s important for a change leader to be able to assess the organization’s readiness for the change. To create an analysis you should gather information in the following areas:

• Employees understanding the reason for the change and/or understanding of the business goal.
• If the key employees are in agreement about the importance of the specific change effort.
• Leadership’s ability to communicate the vision/purpose of the change.
• Availability to communicate with employees to gather feedback, suggestions and concerns.

Develop a Plan

After the research has been completed and data gathered, it’s time to create a strategic implementation plan. The plan should include:

Business goal/intent, the stakeholder and organizational readiness analysis, implementation steps, a means for evaluating the effectiveness of the change effort and a communication plan

This list is not by any means all inclusive, but it does provide the basics of managing an effective change process. Perhaps one of the more important parts of managing change is to celebrate the milestones and small victories along the way. First day of preschool was a huge milestone… deserving of a celebratory ice cream cone. Yes, I think so!

These days, finding a job is hard, and just submitting resumes to different companies isn't enough anymore. The face of job hunting has changed, and nowadays, having a professional social media life is what will make or break your chances at landing a job. Companies now use social media to recruit new personnel. Almost 80% of all companies are recruiting using social media, or will start recruiting later this year. They are also using it to check on employees. If you want to get a good jump start on getting a great social media campaign that will increase your chances of getting hired, you should follow these guidelines.

Clean up your online photos.

• Clean up your online photos. If you are a recent college grad, this means that you need to take those photos of your frat parties off Facebook, ASAP. Sexually suggestive photos, as well as photos that display your drinking abilities, need to be out of your profile while you job hunt.
• Know what media to use. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are used by most recruiters. If you are hoping to land a job on YouTube or Myspace, you are going to be sadly disappointed.
• Don't rant on your social media, especially about your job. Whining, ranting, and outright insulting others isn't professional, nor is it becoming. One of the most famous cases of Facebook firing happened when an employer discovered that his new hire was openly insulting him on social media. Don't let this happen to you!
• Prove that you are knowledgeable about your field. Writing a couple of blurbs which offer tips and tricks about your field every week or so can make a huge difference in whether or not you are recruited.
• Be professional online, and off. Keeping your grammar correct, your spelling perfect, and your tone light is a good way to show your professionalism online.
• Offering advice to others online is a very good way to network while making yourself an authority on the subject. As an authority in your field of work, you will get a higher chance of getting hired, and it's also quite likely that you will get a higher salary offer.
• Use your common sense. If you dress unprofessionally in photos, you will be taken as a person who isn't professional. Some things are still the same, both in life and on the net. Appearances are always going to count.

Your social media accounts might be a first introduction from you to a company. Having a professional, friendly, and intelligent online persona lets you make a great impression on employers. By giving them a great first impression, you are letting them have confidence in you. More and more people are being recruited by social media. Isn't it time that you start investing your time in it?

Do you struggle with the interview process? Just like people who struggle at taking test but know all the information there are people who are good applicants but are unable to sell themselves in an interview. The interview process is an interactive ritual that requires research of the company, simple actions like eye contact and body posture, as well as knowing various tips and tactics for answering questions effectively. If you feel you have mastered these skills but the interview still doesn’t go well, then it is good to have a contingency plan. I have experienced three methods that will give you the upper hand to outwitting your competition and will position you in the line of sight of the hiring managers.

Method 1: Staffing Agency –Work with the staffing company the business of interest utilizes. Get your foot in the door by accepting a temporary position, you will be able to demonstrate your work ethic and prove your worth to the company decision makers.

Method 2: Lower Level position – Accept a lower level position such as an internship program; if unavailable make it a suggestion to the business. This will give companies the flexibility to try you out before making a permanent decision and you will be able to demonstrate you skills.

Method 3: Volunteer Your Time (Work for Free) – This being the most risky method to pursue but sometimes the most rewarding. Any company will recognize your dedication and desire to be a part of their team and will view you the prime candidate for the next available position.

Try these alternate methods, take the initiative to showcase your skills and experience to employers. Get your foot in the door and prove you are a flexible, dedicated worthy employee willing to go the extra mile.

In April 2007, NFL all-star quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty for illegal dog fighting. After serving a 21 month sentence Michael Vick returned in time for the NFL’s 2009 season and was selected to the 2010 Pro Bowl. The decision made by coach Any Reid to give Michael Vick a second chance paid off immensely. Now, as a manager or owner how can you make an Andy Reid decision?

There are some individuals out there that may look undesirable to hire from a paper perspective. One example is having a criminal background. Finding a job is already complicated with the national unemployment rate at 9.2% and having to compete with other talented individuals without a record. I have a friend in the St Cloud, MN area who is experiencing these barriers. He is a hardworking, family orientated, devoted Christian, struggling to find employment because of past indiscretions. In comparison hiring him would be like hiring a Michael Vick, his work ethic and ability benefit any company willing to give him a second chance.

If you are still not fully convinced and are still waffling because of the implied risk a person with a criminal background bears, try utilizing a staffing agency. Most staffing agencies participate in a temporary-to-permanent program which allows businesses to evaluate an individual’s work ethic, attitude and performance before making the decision to hire. Some agencies have standards and regulations for hiring employees with a criminal background and are more than willing to share their process with you. Reduce your risk and open the door, the opportunity to evaluate a potential All-Star is at your nearby staffing agency.

As a job seeker propose the temporary-to-permanent solution to a potential employer and prove the value you can add.

Has your business hired a Michael Vick or seeking an All-Star in the St. Cloud, MN area? If so; comment below.

During my childhood I had the tendency to exaggerate or fib on little things for instance, how far I hit the baseball, how sick I was (to skip school) and of course when I broke something in the house. Now that I am older, wiser and have a better understanding of the value of truth, my actions have transformed tremendously. This behavior is understandable in naive children but I have noticed this same behavior in small businesses.

Small businesses have the tendency to imply “lie” that they are larger than they are. For instance some will claim they are a national business when in fact they only service locally but have sister companies in other states with different services. Another example is when a small business consisting of only one employee (owner) classifies their home office as their main headquarters, insinuating that they have multiple locations and are more grandiose than they are. My favorite “white lie” used frequently by small businesses is their broad description of their territory that they service. An example of this is when they say they service the west coast in reality they service one city that happens to be located on the west coast.

Small businesses are essentially trying to deceive potential clients which I, as a potential client do not appreciate being misled. With all the resources that we have available to us like Linked In, a business website, and blogs like this one, everyone has the capability to research businesses before making purchasing decisions. So it is inevitable that we will figure out the actual status of the company and in turn be disappointed by their tactics.

Do you or fellow employees embellish on your businesses?

Don’t risk a possible good business relationship with a white lie. These embellishments directly affect a brand and reputation of a business. Embrace the fact that you are a small business and use it to sell your business to success.

Have you ever exaggerated about your business or caught someone in a white lie. If so; share in the comment box below.

Midwest Staffing’s team members Chris Krivanek and Sheila Carpenter were behind bars on Thursday July 21. Both were imprisoned at the Saint Paul, MN fire station for being on the list of “MDA’s most wanted jailbirds” or as Sheila said “for having a big heart“. The MDA charity “Lock-Up” raises money for individuals and families living with Muscular Dystrophy this event specifically raised money to send kids to a summer camp.

A colored photo presented to Chris and Sheila for participating in “Locked Up” by an MDA camper.

Chris and Sheila’s sentence began at 11AM when their prison transportation a Limousine picked them up at the 0ffice in Saint Paul. Once arriving at the fire department they were greeted with several “Thank You’s” from the children and their families. Now behind bars Sheila and Chris had one hour to call friends, family and business associates to help bail them out. In order to post bail they needed to reach their personal goal. After an hour they posted bail and a MDA camper gave them a beautiful colored pictured.

As a result of Chris and Sheila’s efforts they raised over $800. All the money raised through the event will help send MDA special needs youngster to a summer camp. The camp includes a variety of activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, archery and much more to help build self confidence and relationships.

We have participated in the “MDA Lock-Up” charity for 3 consecutive years and will continue to be an annual tradition. You can still make a donation by contributing to the MDA by following this link to Chris Krivancek MDA donation page until August 22, 2011. If you want to participate in the next event or would like more information, become a facebook fan of “MDA lock up” or follow them on twitter.

On Saturday June 25 Jen Granner, Mike Thoemke, Josie Schwake and myself participated in Team Ortho’s 5K Commando Run. The fun included 13 different grueling obstacles throughout the race which pushed you to the limits mentally and physically, a few of the obstacles involved running through deep waters, jumping over burning logs, climbing over bales of hay and navigating up and down the slippery slopes. After finishing the adventurous race, runners rehydrate and replenished their nutrients with beer and hotdogs. Now that’s a Race!

We not only increased our physical fitness and enjoyed in a delicious post-race beer and hotdog; we also gained more enduring benefits. The positive attitudes and teamwork we partook in directly correlates to what a successful business is built around and we find it is extremely effective to foster it through physical fitness.

Physical fitness is known to raise your endorphins which gives your body a natural good feeling and releases stress. Employees who are less stressed and have a positive attitude will directly result in an increase in productivity. Employees with a positive attitude tend to represent a company better, utilize company work time more effectively and have a happier home life.

Effective teamwork will result in an effective and efficient business. Team building activities will replace the common use of “I” with “Us”. This will enforce the team to look out for one another, bring the best out of each other and do whatever it takes for the “team” to succeed.

With team building events such as the Commando Run your company has everything to gain and nothing to lose. Does your business participate in team building activities? If so; what type of activities?