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Archive for the ‘Seasonal’ Category

PREPARING FOR FUN IN THE SUMMER SUN

Monday, July 26th, 2010

 summersun

We just had a sunny weekend and according to the Weather Network we will continue to have sunny days right into the upcoming long weekend. This is welcome news after the cool start to the summer we have had.

I am really looking forward to some downtime with my family as we go on vacation. However, if you are like me, the time leading up to vacation and the time immediately following can be really hectic. I’m hoping this time around will be different and have sourced a few tips to help with the work/vacation /work transition.

Prepare early, You mark on your calendar and start dreaming of your vacation in advance so in turn, start preparing for your work departure just as early. Notify co-workers, arrange for coverage in your absence and start compiling a list of items that need your attention before leaving. The added time to prepare relieves stress and ensures items are not missed.

Do not forget the basics. Some tasks will need to be done before every vacation such as recording your out of office voicemail and setting your out office email message. Your work may have a standard list of pre-vacation policies. If so, make sure you are aware and adhere to them.

Make a vacation preparation list. Lists in general are a great way to stay on track and with each item you check off you are that much closer to fun in the sun.

Schedule a buffer day. It is not always possibly but if you are able, you should schedule in a home day between when you get back from vacation and when you start work. On this buffer day you can adjust your sleep schedule, re-stock on groceries and other tasks. This will make sure that on your first day back at work your mind is focused and you are ready to work.

Leave yourself notes on projects that you will be continuing with when you return. This way you will be back up to speed more quickly and can hit the ground running. Also, if you have them written down at work you can put them out of your mind when on vacation.

Do you have any vacation tips? I’d love to hear them!

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Posted in Career building tips, Seasonal | No Comments »

Stampede Parties Can Help Your Career - Really!

Friday, July 9th, 2010

It’s that time of year in Calgary when business takes on a whole new look and feel. Business attire is replaced by western garb like jeans, belt buckles (the bigger, the better), plaid shirts, boots and of course, cowboy hats in a ranges of styles and colours. Instead of chasing deadlines and hosting meetings around the boardroom table, there are countless opportunities to connect with customers, partners, suppliers and even competitors over pancakes, barbeque beef and of course, beer!

Much has been made of how Calgary business “shuts down” over Stampede. Whether it’s true or not, Stampede is the perfect time to build your network and make new professional contacts. It can be a time of year that can help build your business or grow your career opportunities if you follow some simple advice:

- Watch your alcohol! With the fun atmosphere and back-to-back parties, it can be easy to overdue it. Remember, if you are with people you know professionally, you will have to face them again in a business environment so keep your drinking in check.

- Don’t forget your business cards! Simple as it may seem, don’t forget to slide a few cards into your jeans. You never know who you will meet in your “Stampeding” travels.

- Ask for cards. Even in a party setting, you may encounter someone who is a potential customer or contact. Ask for their card and don’t forget to follow up when Stampede rolls out of town for another year.

A lot of the advice that applies to what to do at corporate Christmas parties, also applies to Stampede. Have fun and be safe!

Yahoo!

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Posted in Career building tips, Seasonal | No Comments »

Hats off to everyone in the staffing industry!

Monday, June 7th, 2010

This week is Staffing Week in Canada, and I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the incredible team of staffing professionals at BOWEN, as well as the employers who come to us seeking assistance for a wide variety of workforce needs, and to the job seekers who ask for our help with their careers.

I recently celebrated my 26th anniversary with BOWEN and can honestly say I still love coming to work each day. This is a dynamic and challenging industry, that is also very rewarding. There is such satisfaction in helping people find a job that will carry them along their career path and balance their work / life responsibilities! At the same time, I am honoured that so many of Canada’s top companies have trusted BOWEN’s experience and expertise, and invited us to essentially become part of their human resource and business teams.

The past few years have been particularly challenging for the staffing industry, as we were so directly impacted by the economic downturn and the effects on business. However, there is a positive shift happening and I know that regardless of what the future holds, we will continue to give our best to the employers and job seekers who want our help. Congratulations to all who are part of the staffing industry and enjoy the week!

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Posted in Economy, General, Seasonal, Thank You | No Comments »

A New Year…A Fresh Start

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

I love New Year’s!  It’s exciting to symbolically leave the previous year behind and look forward to all that the next 12 months has in store! For many, 2009 was an extremely challenging year with the declining economy, job loss and significant corporate cutbacks. Looking ahead to 2010, there is cautious optimism that job market will start to open up with new opportunities as the economy starts its slow recovery. Rebuilding takes time, but change is good.

Over the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to various groups about change and thought it was very appropriate to share just a few of my favourite inspirational quotes as we look ahead to the new year with anticipation.

“Life isn’t just about what you can have; it’s about what you have to give. What kind of person do you want to be? Start asking these questions and thinking about the bigger picture-why you’re here, why the world needs what you have to offer. What I know for sure: You keep asking the right questions of yourself, and the universe and your own secrets will unfold in ways you never imagined.” - Oprah Winfrey

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. “ - Maya Angelou

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” - President Barack Obama

 Happy New Year!

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Posted in Community giving, Economy, Seasonal, Work / Life Balance | No Comments »

Tis the Season - how are you celebrating?

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

It’s that time of year when companies begin to host festive events that celebrate the Holiday Season. For some companies, this is a time to thank clients and staff for their business and hard work throughout the year. In recent memory, many Calgary companies made the headlines for their extravagant parties, where they truly went all out. However, this year, celebrations will likely be much more subdued. If the 2009 Stampede parties were any indication, corporate Calgary is making different choices for acknowledging special occasions this year. Parties are simplified, guests lists are shortened and in many cases, companies are choosing to use their corporate events as a time to do something good for our community.

I think this sensitivity to the difficult year that many Calgarians are facing is a wonderful reflection of the true personality of our community. People do care. They are aware that there are those in our community who really need help. Just look at how sharply the demand for food bank services has increased. To borrow a phrase from the United Way of Calgary and Area, we do live in a “great city”. It’s a place where community helps community. I know this year at BOWEN, we have been more aware than ever that we need to reach out and lend a hand wherever and however we can. It is about encouraging candidates not to lose hope that they will find work again, offering support to companies as they deal with tough workforce decisions, and going that extra mile as a team to raise funds or donations for the many good causes in our city.

Whether you are considering your own personal Holiday Season celebration, or helping to organize a corporate event, I encourage you to think of how you can add in a element of giving back. I would also encourage you to share your stories. If you company is doing something different, or you have a great idea on how to give back, please share it! We can all learn from each other and discover new ways to help.

Happy holiday planning!

Posted in Community giving, Economy, Seasonal | No Comments »