Lifeworks! » local

My 5 Minutes of Fame & Fun

tamela — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:26:13 +0000

Wow! It was a blast to be on “live” TV last week and your good wishes made it even better.

I felt so supported and like you were all there with me

I’ve gotten many emails & calls from folks who were sending good wishes even if they didn’t see it or read the follow up column in the Charlotte Observer on 9/19.

It’s really fun to have a “Fan Club”…even for a few days! Thank you.

Here’s the back story.

Bobby Sisk

Bobby Sisk, news anchor on WBNC, channel 36, called me Tues. morning about 10 to see if I could do the interview. He asked me to be at studio by 3:45 that afternoon with somewhat sane answers to the questions he sent me. I’d been taped for tv before but this was live…no way to edit what you say.Gulp!

Of course, it was an already packed day and I wasn’t sure how I could fit another thing into it but somehow it worked out.This was a powerful motivation to get organized!

It was very interesting to see how the studio really looks and to be “miked up”in the “green” ( its really grey) room. Bobbie Sisk. the anchor, was so helpful and relaxed that he made it very comfortable but I didn’t remember what said till I saw the tape.Seeing yourself on video is always a surprise.More makeup next time.

And then he wrote about our conversation in more depth in his column on job search in Sunday Observer.

And his follow up email to me said: “Thank you- you are great to work with!”. What a classy guy !

I learned a lot in the experience and will be sharing that in regular newsletter soon.

I hope the information was useful.Several people told me I need to share this kind of info more so I will think about ways to do that.One person suggested a podcast, anther suggested public tv.Hummm….Your suggestions on that would be helpful & apprecaited.

So thank you to all of you & to Bobby for sharing the fun!

Charlotte Obsever Article on Job Search 2/13/11

Jeannie Fennell — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:24:15 +0000

Former recruiter: Find balance between seeking job, living life

By Bobby Sisk

Posted: Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011

COLUMNISTS »

Bobby Sisk

Watch Bobby Sisk weekdays at 4 and 5:30 p.m. on the Observer’s News Partner, WCNC, NewsChannel 36.

E-mail Bobby Sisk or call 704-329-3625

Jeannie Fennell is optimistic by nature. She is also realistic when it comes to the energy it takes to search for a job. She encourages job seekers to find a balance between looking for work and still living their lives.

Fennell is a former recruiter, employment manager and college career counselor. She now operates her own company called Lifeworks.

“I do this whole talk about making sure you have some things to do that have nothing to do with the job search. Learn something new, do something fun, get rest and get exercise. That is so critical because looking for a job is very stressful and it is very draining,” Fennell said.

In her practice, she is seeing some good trends. “First thing people want to know is are you seeing more people getting jobs?” Her answer is yes. “It definitely is a slow growth, but it is a growth. Just the other day someone e-mailed me and said, ‘I’ve been unemployed two years and hardly gotten any interviews and now I’ve gotten three.’”

That said, there is still one major area where Fennell says many job seekers need to focus: “Most people say, ‘I’ve been really looking. I’ve sent out hundreds of resumes.’. And I say, ‘Wrong.’ What people don’t understand is there are more jobs out there but it is just like it’s always been and more so. Eighty to 90 percent of all jobs are filled by somebody who knows somebody.”

In other words, get out and beat the bushes. And most important, never underestimate your connections. You don’t know who your friends or former colleagues know until you ask. “They may find something for you. Or at least someone for you to talk to,” Fennell said.

I’ll give you an example. A co-worker recently mentioned she was writing a letter of recommendation for a friend who was applying for a job. Ends up, I knew not only the applicant but also a member of the board that oversees that employer. Again, this is proof that in your job search, it can end up being a small world.

Fennell is also seeing more of her clients finding contract work. Others, she says, are starting their own businesses. Whatever direction you decide, she reminds you to strike a balance: “At the end of the day, when you’ve had just one more rejection, it really helps to say, ‘I’m going to do this tonight. Have something to do.’”

Learn more at www.lifeworksonline .net .

WITH A SONG IN HER HEART

Jeannie Fennell — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 22:06:01 +0000

Meet Cindy Thomson, a woman who reclaimed her dream and inspires us to remember that is never too late to spread some joy.

Cindy has just recorded her first CD & on 11/14 she is having a CD release party party with the live band who recorded with her. It will be a great way to applaud her and her dream. (See info in sidebar). We hear that Tommy Tomlinson columnist for the Charlotte Observer will be there to write a story about her journey.

She did what she had to do.

Like many single moms, Cindy did what she had to do to support her two kids. She went back to college to finish her degree in accounting, rather than one in music, as she really wanted. . She sang when she could but never felt that she could pursue a music career. Her dream was put up and put off. But dreams are persistent & she finally got her chance and took it.

Now was the time…Music was calling.

She was laided off last year and tried to get another accounting job but music kept calling her. As a boomer and grandmother, she realized that if she was ever going to do it, now was the time. She felt that she needed to do this for herself and others like her who had had to put their dreams aside.

“With some coaching & family support, I finally began to believe that I deserved to do what I really wanted to do. I have never been so happy”.

And as often happens when we take a risk, many unexpected sources of support …like the Grammy nominated musicians, an outstanding producer and the superb sound studio…came to assist her. Her mother’s lovely artwork is on the CD cover.And so she created a CD.

THE SWEET THINGS IN LIFE CD is full of uplifting music and old favorites because Cindy feels we all need a lift these days. These songs have been a good reminder of hope for many year

And so in sharing the song that has always been in her heart, Cindy has put a song in our lives. And what a sweet thing that is.

New Blog Bite-An Energizing Event!

Jeannie Fennell — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:31:08 +0000

CPSE Dress For Success Event

CHRISTMAS IN JULY …
And I got the gift.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Isn’t it amazing — when we give to someone we often receive much more than we have given? I do believe that “paying it forward” is one of the most important actions we can take. Sometimes, though, I feel overwhelmed at the many problems facing us. This is why I love being a part of an “Energizing Event” to experience the Margaret Mead quote firsthand and sharing gift with you. I know small groups really do make big changes.

Recently, my favorite networking group, Carolina Professional Sales & Entrepreneurs (CPSE) did what they do best by supporting women who are making a difference. I have the honor of serving on the CPSE Board and it has been a big support for my business and personal life.

The CPSE held their July meeting at the “Dress for Success” organization in Charlotte where we learned about this very powerful program which helps women get & keep jobs…some for the first time in their lives! The Dress for Success program, a national organization, thoroughly prepares women to enter the workforce. Not only do they give women the appropriate clothes for a job interview (we all know how important that is), they also teach them how to be successful in their jobs and in their personal lives. The Charlotte Dress for Success program is so effective, the women they help have a 90%+ job retention rate — much better than other locations.

While CPSE has traditionally held a “fun social” in the summer, this year we decided to support the Charlotte Dress for Success program’s with our presence, lunch for their staff and the $500 we donated. We also enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by King’s Kitchen, a nonprofit organization which teaches culinary skills to people who have been homeless and donates the proceeds to hunger relief projects. Supporting two helpful organizations in one day was such a gift to us!
At this event, memories served another gift to me. I was reminded of the women I worked with for years who were coming out of jail or rehabilitation programs. Up close, I saw the enormous obstacles they faced. Their indomitable courage and unwavering devotion to their families both inspired and humbled me. It was a great gift to share their lives.

And so attending this year’s CPSE event was a wonderful reminder to honor those for whom I am grateful, to remember what is important and to look for times to gift other people by “paying it forward.”

We don’t have to wait until Christmas for our gifts!

Lookit! I’m on TV!

Jeannie Fennell — Tue, 25 May 2010 21:27:44 +0000

I had the wonderful fortune to be interviewed by WCNC /

Channel 36,reporter, Bobby Sisk, for my support group called “The Bucket Brigade ” for people who are unemployed or in some type of transition.The article was also featured in 5/23 Charlotte

Observer Business section.

It was a little scary to do and of course when I saw myself on t.v. , I was surprised at how I looked .But it was also fun and exciting and I hope that it will help some of the folks who are stressed and need some support.

It’s the part of being laid off many people don’t expect: the emotional toll it takes to lose one job and then look for another.

That’s where Dr. Jeannie Fennell of tries to help. A psychologist, she started a job support group last November called the Bucket Brigade.

“I realized there was a lot of help for resume writing, but not a lot for what is the stress part and the toll it takes on you physically and emotionally,” she said.

The group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at Julia’s Coffee in the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Wendover Road. At this week’s meeting, six job seekers showed up and talked openly about the emotional process of figuring out what’s next.

“I worked in nonprofit for 12 years,” said 63-year-old Cindy Thomson.

Laid off last April, Thomson says she understood why her agency had to make cuts, but she still felt like she’d been rejected.

“I’m not that far from retirement age, so I say if you’re my age and you get laid off, you might be retired,” she said, laughing.

Thomson has attended the meetings since they started and finds the candid discussions helpful.

“I don’t do well at home by myself. My batteries will run down. I like to be around people so this group really helps,” she said.

Fennell said, “I hope that eventually this group goes away and that we don’t really need this anymore.”

But with more layoffs — this time in county government and schools — she expects the need to increase.

People with Great Courage

“I’m just very, very, very fortunate to be able to do this and be with these people and hear their stories. They are people with great courage,” Fennell said.

Fennell knows the pain of a pink slip firsthand. Before going back to school to get her doctorate in psychology, she worked as a recruiter and in human resources. She has hired and been fired.

“I often say I’ve been the person on both sides of the desk – the person looking for work and the person employed. In fact, when I moved to Charlotte, within about two months of being relocated by a company, I got laid off. I didn’t know anybody and it was really a tough time,” she said.

At each meeting a bucket is placed in the center of the table. Thomson says the message it sends is two-fold.

“One thing is you put doubts and fears and impatience in the bucket and leave it. And with the Bucket Brigade, there’s the analogy of throwing water on a fire and it takes a lot of people to pass the bucket, so we can all communicate with each other and understand what we’re all going through,” she said.

5 Mistakes That Can Cost You Business

Jeannie Fennell — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:25:18 +0000

I will be giving a talk on this topic to The Midlands Business Association on May 18, 2010 @ 12:00 .

The Midland Business Association has invited me to speak on this topic at their monthly luncheon. In this talk I will discuss the common mistakes in using time, money & reputation that undermine many entrepreneurs and give some simple solutions to avoid them. After making lost of mistakes myself and years of coaching entrepreneurs, I have some suggestions that can help to avoid costly missteps.

This business group is made up of small businesses and entrepreneurs who are located just on the outskirts of Charlotte NC in a fast growing area close to the 485 loop.

I was recommended by Pat Allen, a former SOULO member and owner of Grannanny Soaps & Lotions. Ifelt that I could give useful information to this group and I am delighted to support them since “start up entrepreneurs “ are some of my favorite people to work with.

For more info, contact me or : joyce@weeklypostnc.com

SHIFT Drumming Circle

Jeannie Fennell — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:22:24 +0000

A group for Women who desire a shift from the routine of everyday life and move towards experiencing the ancient heartbeat of the Earth using drums, rattles, dance, song and heart to heart conversation.

A sacred place to rediscover women’s spirituality and wisdom using rhythm.

No Experience Necessary!

Love Offering Accepted.

UPCOMING DATES: MAY 14TH & JUNE 25

7:00-9:00 pm

Contact me for location.

For 2 years I have hosted a free drumming circle in the summer. This circle is facilitated by Belinda Haverdill, http://www.belindahaverdill.com/ a counselor & a member of Soulo entrepreneur’s group. She wanted to have the drumming be outside and I volunteered my back porch. I’ve enjoyed it a lot & met some great women.

I really appreciate having Belinda organize it and I just get to be a participant; a welcome change of pace for me.

I’m really not a drummer but I like to make noise so I have lots of rattles and other toys to play with. I find it a great way to release stress and have some fun.

Money Multiplier

Jeannie Fennell — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:00:52 +0000

Been Stressed about Holiday gifts? Have you been complaining about the state of the economy?? The Malls Madness? The lack of good customer service?

I know I have done that a lot and felt unable to do much about it but I think I have found some help for all of that …& it can be fun & rewarding besides…what a great deal!

The solution? Multiply your money locally!

The solution is to shop locally with independent (not chain store) merchants in your ‘Hood. Shopping locally can generate huge dividends in improving your community & your pocketbook.

You can help contribute directly to your own well-being and someone else’s. The monetary amounts from such spending are are huge:

If 3 people spend $50.00 a month locally it would generate over $42.6

BILLION annually….which would be spent locally.
For every $100.00 spent in an independently owned business, $68.00
comes back to us.
If you spend that in a national chain, only $43.00 comes back & if you spend it on line, your community & your business gets ZERO!

I am really fortunate to live in an in-town neighborhood where there are lots of diverse shops and great gifts to chose from. But wherever you are, I know there are places to go where you will have a wonderful selection as well as doing your part to support folks working hard just like you. It can save you money and time.

Every community has locally owned restaurants, art galleries, gift shops, bakeries and other businesses that will really appreciate you and your business. And the parking is easy.

Gotta love the 3/50 Project

The wonderful 3/50 PROJECT is all about this. It encourages people to buy & support local businesses. This is such an important idea because these businesses contribute so much to, our local economy and our community. We really do like to do business with people we know and trust. And personally, I liked to be called by my name and greeted like a valued customer, not an account number.

Social media is great but nothing takes the place of a person who is happy to see you and wants to help you. So check out this out how you get known and appreciated in your “village.”.. You will never get that from a chain store. To find out more at the 3/50 website.

Pick 3 locally owned independent businesses to check out and stop in & say Hello. Buy something that makes you smile.
Find time to talk the owner of a local business about their business and yours. You may be able to support each other and will have made a friend…and they will be sure to remember you next time you come in.
Eat in a neighborhood restaurant, ask to meet the owner and thank them for improving your quality of life. McDonalds will never do that.
Hold your “meet- up” in a local coffee shop or resturant,they will be happy to have you and give you special service.
If you need a product or service but can’t find it, ask the local merchant if they can recommend someone. Chances are they will give you a good recommendation and will say “Tell them I sent you “; always a great way to get good service.
Subscribe to your neighborhood association’s newsletter & get on the email list for the local merchant’s newsletter. Great way to find inexpensive deals and events.
If you already have some favorite local businesses, stop by and thank them or send them a referral. They will remember!

SOS Tip: It Really Does Take a Village to Raise A Business..

Jeannie Fennell — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:00:40 +0000

It Really Does Take a Village to Raise A Business… or Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is!

Recently I found out from my favorite bookstore, Park Rd Books, about the wonderful 3/50 project that encourages people to buy & support local businesses.This is such an important idea because these businesses contribute so much to our own businesses,our local economy and our sense of community. We really do like to do business with people we know and trust.And personally,I liked to be called by my name and greeted like a good customer,not an account number.We all want to be known & valued.Social media is great but nothing takes the place of a person who is happy to see you and wants to help you. So check out this month’s tips to find out how you get known and appreciated in your “village.”.. You will never get that from a chain store. To find out more at the 3/50 website.

The idea of 3/50 is that if 3 people spend $50.00 a month locally it would generate over $42.6 BILLION annually….which would be spent locally…like in your business. For every $100.00 spent in an independently owned business, $68.00 comes back to us. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43.00 comes back & if you spend it on line, your community & your business gets ZERO!

Pick 3 locally owned independent businesses that you value and stop in & say Hello.Buy something that makes you smile.
Find time to talk the owner of a local business about their business and yours. You may be able to support each other and may have also made a friend…and they will be sure to remember you next time you come in.
If you need a product or service but can’t find it locally,ask the local owner if they can recommend someone.Chances are they will give you a good recommendation and will say “Tell them I sent you “; always a great way to get good service.
Subscribe to your neighborhood association’s newsletter. Often you can advertise inexpensively there and can also find businesses in your community to meet your needs.
Attend local events & be a sponsor or donate a service.People putting these together as well as attendees will remember you & your generosity.
If you already have some favorite local businesses, stop by and thank them or send them a referral.They will remember!