Rep. Matt Beaton on Wed, March 26, 6:30-8 PM

Rep. Matt Beaton has been a lifelong Shrewsbury resident and is the State Representative of the 11th Worcester District. He will discuss ways to make Massachusetts more business friendly and ways the state can offer assistance to job seekers, for example, through the Office of Workforce Development.

All are welcome to attend and have their questions answered by Rep. Matt Beaton.

Joe Ryan's Inspirational Message

Joe Ryan’s message was:

·        We are not experiencing a Recession, but an Evolution.  Evolutionary times on Steroids!
·        Employees are now considered contractual, versus permanent.
·        Develop your “change muscles” – try a new restaurant; find new ways home; jump into social media. Joe recommended the website, www.stumbleupon.com, for trying new things.

What to avoid: G.A.I.L

·        Gremlin ~ That inner voice of self doubt that sabotages our self-confidence and derails us from the future we desire and deserve.  Identify it, and tell it to shut up, and go away!

 ·       Assumptions ~ Those beliefs that have no foundation.  They are often wrong and may get us in trouble. For example, “That company must be a horrible place.  I'll never get hired there because I don't have any political connection.”

·        Interpretations ~ Do you see the glass as half empty or half full?  

·        Limiting Beliefs ~ Beliefs that filter our experience and not anchored in reality.  For example,” Anyone over 50 is too old to return to school.”

Joe recommended two books:

·         "The Reinventing of You" by Dorie Clark
·         "The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress and Prosperity in a time of Brilliant Technologies" by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee. 

            Posted by Sandra Billings, WIN participant

"Jobs, Careers, Lives & Futures" on March 12

Shrewsbury-based Joe Ryan is a learning and organizational development professional and a certified change and leadership coach with over 17 years of experience. His areas of expertise are change management, leadership development, supervisory and management development, critical thinking and problem solving.

This is the outline of his presentation:

1. Let us reframe unemployment from something negative to an opportunity to reconsider your future and ALL its possibilities.
2. The Futility of Cemented Beliefs and Actions
3. Recognize Your Belief System and Its Impact on Your Ability to Change and Progress
4. Dip Your Big Toe in the Pool of Constructive Change

To register for the workshop, please click here

Green Careers by Jen Boudrie

Presenter Jen Boudrie gave job seekers another avenue to explore while searching for jobs--a career in a green industry. Opening with "The planet needs environmental sustainability and people need jobs," Jen provided a comprehensive overview of green jobs and how and where to find them.

Because of climate change, population growth, economic development and natural resource depletion, there are many opportunities for green jobs across industries. According to Jen, any job can be green--or greener. Government, businesses and nonprofits all offer opportunities for green careers. The fields of energy, water, materials/waste, purchasing, transportation and management are all looking for ways to be "greener."

Jen offered tips and resources for those interested in exploring green careers and held a Q & A at the conclusion of her presentation. 

Cynthia Carlson - WIN participant

Mick Verran's presentation

On Wednesday evening, eighteen job seekers benefited from presenter Mick Verran's vast experience in planning, managing and executing job searches. Mick introduced the concept of a "portfolio career," a strategy particularly helpful to those who have many interests and a variety of career experiences. A combination of projects, consulting, sub-contracting, teaching, coaching and products can create a good mix of employment opportunities. For those who are seeking full-time employment, Mick provided a structured approach to targeting potential employers, planning a job search and managing your time effectively. Key to both approaches is careful consideration of financial implications and personal interests and motivation. 

Cynthia Carlson, WIN participant

Targeting and Planning Your Job Search by Mick Verran

The next WIN (Work Initiative Network) workshop to be held at the Shrewsbury Public Library on Feb 12^th from 6:30-8 PM will be “Targeting and Planning Your Job Search” by Mick Verran. He will go over what is called a portfolio career. A "portfolio career" is a collection of revenue streams consisting of part-time employment; freelancing or consulting engagements; short-term contracts; and "products" that together add up to a full-time job. People with varied interests and diverse experience can explore a "portfolio career." Even those firmly committed to a full-time position can take a stimulating and fresh look at their skills and experience and embark on a new career path. Mick Verran, an organization consultant with over 30 years' experience, will help you 

• Take stock of all your skills and experiences
• Clarify the value of each of your capabilities
• Identify existing and potential customers
• Consider how you might monetize your diverse capabilities
• Target new job opportunities

To register for the workshop, please click here

Suzanne Gray's Workshop

Fifteen WIN participants gained from Suzanne Gray's expertise at yesterday's workshop. Suzanne first talked about why many are considering business ownership.  She reviewed statistics that many have themselves experienced, with downsizing and corporate mergers.  She called this “The New Career Economy”.  Suzanne shared her expertise in starting a business, thinking through transferable skills and personal and professional goals; and the importance of managing and marketing the business, not only be the technician.  Suzanne went on to review the basic pros and cons of independent businesses; investing in a resale of a business and franchises.  She wrapped up the workshop with a discussion around some of her successful clients, and where they are today, and questions to consider when exploring if business ownership would be a good fit.