It s a shame I've been sitting on this book for about two years now. A friend of mine gave me Never Eat Alone , by Keith Ferrazzi a couple years ago (thanks Rey), and it s been on my bookcase ever since. It was resting there not because I didn't want to read it, but because I already had so many others in the pipeline. I finally got around to reading it last month and I definitely recommend it. In very simple terms, Ferrazzi explains why networking is important and how to do it. From how to make call lists to planning dinners to personal branding to goal setting, it s all here. He also maintains a valuable blog .
Inevitably there will be times when you have setbacks or things don t go your way. Maybe you didn't get a job you thought you were sure to get. Maybe you lost a job unexpectedly, didn't win a contract, or lost a major client. Your car always seems to break down right after you've had some other unexpected expense. These kinds of situations immediately place us in crisis. They don t feel good, but sometimes they re what we need in order to grow. The beautiful thing about crises is that they force us to take a step back and reevaluate what s going on in our lives and rediscover what we truly want and need. When we get over that initial shock and feeling of disappointment, we might realize that maybe that job wasn't really the best for us anyway. Maybe, just maybe, that wasn't what you really wanted to spend your life doing. Maybe that friend was holding you back instead of pushing you forward. The way I deal with crises of these sorts is simple: If something doesn't go my way professionally, I try to create a situation that would be more rewarding than the situation originally planned. A while ago, I was offered a job that looked very promising. After I accepted the offer, they pushed the start date back three times, later informing me (via e-mail) that they wanted to bring me on in the near future but I should feel free to explore other options. I was extremely disappointed. I felt disrespected and angry, but decided to make the best of the situation and follow my dream of working internationally. I then flew to Santiago, Chile and had great professional and personal experiences I wouldn't have had otherwise. Later, reflecting back on the original opportunity, I realized that working for a company that avoids a start date three times and then can t pick up the phone to explain the situation is probably not where I need to spend my time. Use setbacks as an opportunity to put your goals in order and act on them. In the moment, it s difficult to look at a setback as temporary, but they are. They happen to everybody. It s how you respond to them that will determine how they affect you.
Just moments ago I received the following email from HP.
As many of you are aware, HP discontinued the Web OS operating system and discounted the cost of the HP Touchpad, a tablet intended to rival Apple’s iPad, to $99 and $149 respectively for their 16GB and 32GB models. Of course, by the time I tried to order one, they (and everyone else for that matter) had no supply available. Oh believe me, I tried to find one. HP’s website shows they are out of stock at the time and encourage us to sign up for updates if we’d like to be notified when and if stock becomes available. I registered.
When I saw the email, I first thought, “Already? They have some in stock already?” But alas, I was duped into opening an email I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. I admit it. They got me. But hey, if you’re in the market for any HP products at a 25% savings, you have until tomorrow to take advantage. Kudos to whoever designed this campaign.
I am seeking the opportunity to work with a socially responsible organization (small business, non-profit, NGO, or traditional business). By socially responsible, I mean that the organization has a true passion for creating sustainable, social change. This social change shouldn’t be a byproduct, but rather a conscious, fundamental effort. The fields I find most appealing involve literacy, cultural education, economic development, globalization, sustainable energy, and equality. I am willing to work on a full-time, part-time, or consulting basis.
Where?
I will work anywhere near an airport with a direct flight to Seattle, WA. Top choices include Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; San Francisco, CA; Austin, TX, and Washington D.C., or Anchorage, Alaska. Depending on your needs, I can also work remotely. Beginning in September, I will be attending the MBA in Sustainability program at Bainbridge Graduate Institute. This hybrid program requires that I physically be in Seattle four days per month.
What do I bring to the table?
My skills include the ability to break complex problems down into smaller pieces, analyze issues from various perspectives, and build sustainable organizational, business, marketing, communications, and media systems. I thrive in an environment where people have a vested interest in the success of each other and work together to accomplish an end goal. I have experience writing proposals, developing and delivering presentations, conducting research, and designing marketing and communications strategies.
What are my interests?
I am interested in how our interactions with people and the environment affect us on a global scale. I enjoy learning how innovative businesses and organizations are working to identify and alleviate problems. I also love basketball, traveling, and technology.
What have I done?
I am currently working on Menrva Labs, a project I started to promote social change by increasing social consciousness. I am interviewing people others and I have found innovative, inspiring, and interesting; and providing them with a forum to share their stories. The website will also include news, business tips, trainings, commentary on advertisements, and thought-provoking questions. Community events will include art exhibitions, community discussions, etc.
Besides Menrva Labs, I sit on the board of the American Marketing Association (San Antonio Chapter) as the vice president of collegiate relations, work with Media Justice League to teach media literacy, and provide pro bono consulting work with Literacy San Antonio (SA Reads) to help create a culture of literacy in San Antonio and surrounding areas.
Prior to moving to San Antonio, I worked in Santiago, Chile at Albagli Zaliasnik & Cia, where I developed their global marketing strategy and Austin, where I did financial advising for two years.
Are you interested, or know someone who might be?
You can get a better feel for who I am by checking out my personal website or calling me at 214.699.1758. If you or somebody you know has a project I can help with, please let them/me know. You can also find me around the web at the following locations:
Résumé: http://michaelbmaine.com/bio/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/michaelbmaine
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/michael.b.maine
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmaine