Association of Romanian Engineers in Canada - AREC

Afraid to Sell Yourself?
Many job seekers would rather have a colonoscopy than ask people for job leads. The good news is you can get over the fear of selling yourself.

Why Networking?

How to Set Up and Run an Informational Interview

Nurturing and Keeping Contacts

How to Set Up and Run a Networking Meeting

Networking Scenarios

Networking 101 for HR Professionals

How Do I Make That Killer Call?

E-network Your Way to the Top!

Network with the Well-Connected for Faster Results

You Don't Schmooze, You Lose

Perfect Your Business Handshake

Afraid to Sell Yourself?

Warm Up to Cold Calling

Build Your Job Search Network

Be the Star of Your Own Network

Toxic Networking

Networking Doesn't Have to Be "Cheesy"

Refine Your Online Image

Sell Yourself on Networking

Seven Tips for Social Networking Online

Networking for the Shy

Buddy Up for Success

Don't Be a Networking Jerk

Never Eat Alone

bguides.com is your free resource for straightforward business guides and tools that focus on the fundamental issues that face business leaders.

The purpose of each bguide™ is to help leaders and professionals stay on top of what’s most important to their business and guide them to action.

The 10 priorities of effectively managing time
and accomplishing more

The 9 fundamentals of raising employee morale
and keeping it high

Currently available bguides™	Upcoming bguides™ that will be available soon...
networking with people	goal setting
time management	how to get organized
morale	effective communication
area code chart	open-ended questions for networking and business meetings
state abbreviations	employee evaluations, and more...

Metalworking Business Links

The Web contains a wealth of information that could be helpful for developing your shop or plant, provided that you know where to look. Check out some of the following machining business sites.

Business Industrial Network (www.bin95.com) — The BIN is a suite of services (some commercial) and information about technical, machining-related topics including Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and PLC network diagnostics, preventative maintenance and others. Its "articles" section contains useful information ranging from more PLC data to tips on getting started with your own Web site. The resource section is substantial and thorough. This is one of those sites that's worth just diving into and playing "what does this do?" until your mouse breaks.

Download Community (www.download-com.com) — We're not sure how or why this site provides free downloads of software and files for several manufacturing categories . . . but the fact is that it does. It does a fine job of providing access to solutions for plant control, file translation, facilities management, maintenance, downtime measurement and prevention, and much more. Did we mention that it's free? This site is definitely worth a visit.

Downtime Central (www.downtimecentral.com) — A part of the Business Industrial Network, Downtime Central is a business site. We don’t normally include business sites in our links repository unless there are good reasons for doing so, and this site provides plenty of them. If you’re looking for help determining the actual costs of downtime resulting from several factors; eliminating equipment downtime; measuring all sorts of manufacturing behaviors (overhead, scrap, tooling, personnel and so on); or even learning why improving your own equipment maintenance program is important, then this site offers an amazing level of quality information. Just select "true downtime cost" in the left navigation bar, get a cup of coffee and relax. You’ll be there for a while.

MotionNET.com (www.motionnet.com) — According to MotionNET, its "goal is to provide engineers and buyers with the most efficient, direct and practical sources available, including products, manufacturers, distributors, standards and reference information." Fair enough. However, what that doesn't adequately explain is the value this site brings to machining professionals' online research experiences. This site is one of the best online directories anywhere and includes lists of manufacturers, a fine list of manufacturing-related associations, and an astonishing wealth of research and reference tools under its 'quick references' title. Regardless of your station in machining or manufacturing, you will find immense value in this site.

For more links to metalworking and manufacturing sites, visit MMS Online’s Web Links repository at www.mmsonline.com/links. — AJS

Do you love what you do? Do you love it that much? You should because...

Get Hired Now!: A 28-Day Program for Landing the Job You Want: "In a world where 85% of available jobs are never advertised, Get Hired NOW!™ provides practical, hands-on techniques to help you tap into the hidden job market. This inspirational and motivational book teaches you how to take advantage of the single most important factor in a successful job search, the power of personal relationships.

At the heart of the book, a systematic, structured 28-day program leads you through the three key components of a successful job search:

* Identifying the best job search strategies for your personal goals

* Knowing exactly what to do and when to do it Staying motivated in the face of frustration and rejection Consistently directing you to the most practical next step in your job search, Get Hired NOW! shows how to figure out what you want, find opportunities and contacts, connect with potential employers, get interviews, and land the job.

Get Hired NOW! Action Worksheet
Get Hired NOW! Tracking Worksheet

www.gethirednow.com

* Download Chapter: Adobe Acrobat Version"

Handshakes

Get a grip. What message are you sending with your handshake? What handshake do women read as a “put-down”? What’s with the dead fish? What is the politician trying to pull off? Find out now >>

Personalities

Are you hard to get along with? Are you emotional? Do you have diplomas on the wall? Do you have a picture with you and a celebrity? Do you hate small talk or do you need to have it? Driver, Amiable, Expressive, Analytical. Which one are you? >>

Body Language

What does a high pitch voice say about you? Does the boss believe your excuse? What should you never tell your teenager? How can you create courage before that scary call? See for yourself >>"

Critical Career Change Tips: Advice for Career Changers #2: "For the job seeker who would like to change careers or reach for the next level in his/her career, this is an excellent time to make a move, advised professional resume writer Beverly Harvey in the Q&A interview she did with Quintessential Careers. 'There are numerous unfilled positions in every industry because not enough qualified employees are available. Currently, employers are willing to train a candidate who shows promise. In economic downturns, companies can't afford to make a hiring mistake, so it's much more difficult to make career changes. This is an excellent time to be positioning yourself for future career moves. For example, if the company you're currently working for has openings in an area that interests you, ask about transferring within the company -- right now they can't afford to lose you and are more reciprocal to your requests. Be sure to prepare a resume showing how your skills will transfer to that type of position. This resume preparation may require some investigative work on your part. See if you can get a job description for the position from the personnel office. Then tailor your resume to the job description. If vacancies exist in the department you currently work in, you may want to assume additional responsibilities and learn all you can about several positions. Assuming responsibly shows leadership, which is always a valuable quality. When the pendulum swings, themost valuable employees are the ones who will hang onto their jobs."

The 10-Step Plan to Career Change

Discover everything you ever wanted to know about Quintessential Careers, the most comprehensive career development site.

Society of Manufacturing Engineers: "Library of Resources

Everything you wanted to know about manufacturing but didn't know where to go to ask

You've come to the right place. The mission of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers is to be internationally recognized by manufacturing practitioners, companies and other organizations as their source for information, education and networking. We help manufacturers compete.

For an overview of manufacturing's affect on the economy and what SME is doing to help the manufacturing sector advance its knowledge, click here. Below are links to what manufacturing leaders consider the best statistics, surveys, tools, primers, and research resources available for their profession today.

If you can't find what you're looking for here, contact our librarian for help.

Online Resources

	Alternative energy technology basics Descriptions of alternative energy technologies, including the fundamentals and how SME can help you learn more.
	Associations Links to other technical and engineering societies.
	Books Includes links to online bookstores and out-of-print booksellers.
	Calculation & Conversion Tools Links to sites with calculators.
	Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, & Almanacs Places to find general information.
	Directories Links to databases of products, publications, suppliers, and equipment.
	Industry Standards and Specifications Places to identify and purchase industry standards and specifications.
	Katrina victim relief Information about how manufacturing professionals and companies can assist those affected by Hurrican Katrina.
	Linda Hall Library SME's library affiliate offers access to thousands of books, journals and conference proceedings. Their librarians provide fee-based reference and document services.
	Manufacturing & Engineering Resources Links to manufacturing and engineering information.
	Market Research Web sites with industry surveys and market research databases.
	Salary Surveys Places to find manufacturing salary information.
	Statistics Find statistics on manufacturing, the labor force, and the economy.
	U.S. Government Quick links to government agencies and information.

Monster.ca - Working Toward a Cure: "What to do forever and ever amen…

Here are 11 rules to get your email life back on track:

• Set up a rule that routes every incoming email that doesn’t have your name in the “to” or “cc” line to a secondary folder.
• Set up filters to funnel your email into folders you can peruse at your leisure.
• Set up colour or font rules to draw your attention to message from important people.
• Keep your email client closed if you can – if you must keep it open, turn off notifications (pop-ups, icons & sounds) and only deal with items a few times a day. Don’t let others determine when you’re going to read your email.
• Open it only 2-3 times a day.
• Unsubscribe to mailing lists or newletters that you don’t read.
• Set up a “Five Weeks Folder” that deletes its content automatically after five weeks. Use it for temporary storage.
• Use the “reply all” (or as some call it “annoy-all”) and cc buttons cautiously.
• Don’t forget to use the “out of office” feature of your email when you are out.
• If/when possible, send an email message that fits in the subject line (so recipients don’t have to open the email). End the subject line with (End of message).
• For mass announcements – try consolidating them into a weekly internal email update or newsletter (which reduces inbox clutter and interrupation rates).

Time Management;Time Management Skills:Time management tips: "Learn about time management and overcoming procrastination. Doing this will lead to a better and more productive use of your time.

When your new time management system is working effectively you should notice some of the following improvements:

* increased energy, productivity and motivation
* greater sense of control
* more decisive, proactive rather than reactive
* not taking problems home
* acting assertively
* tackling procrastination and perfectionism
* improved timekeeping

Above all, there should now be enough hours in the day to complete your most important activities. Thus effective time management does not mean that every second of your day is accounted for, but that much of your time is directed towards achieving your goals.

Like any other change, you will need to monitor your time management skills on a daily basis to prevent returning to poor use of your time. As the time management literature continually reminds us, time is a precious resource and each second, minute, hour that ticks by can never be replaced. Therefore, use it wisely.

Some time management articles to help you:

• The majority of your time should be devoted to important but not urgent activities
• Work ahead of your assignments
• Carry your Calendar with you
• All of our articles about time management
  

Title: Time management information
URL: http://www.timemanagementgoals.com
Description: Achieve your goals with better time management. Learn time management skills and products that can help you manage your time better. Reviews of management systems, software and products.

Click2Houston.com - Education - Petroleum Engineering Students In High Demand As Industry Booms: "Petroleum Engineering Students In High Demand As Industry Booms"

Ontario Facts - Overview: "A Robust Economy

Ontario's 12.4 million people make it Canada's most populous and dynamic province. Its share of Canada's GDP for 2004 was 40 per cent and it is Canada's leading manufacturing province accounting for 52 per cent of the total national manufacturing shipments in 2004.

The Ontario economy will grow moderately in 2005 with real gross domestic product (GDP) increasing by 2 per cent, reflecting the appreciation of the Canadian dollar, high oil prices and an easing in the pace of economic growth in the U.S. economy. These factors are expected to restrain employment gain in 2005.

The prospects for Ontario's economic growth are brighter over the longer term with real output forecast to rise by 2.8 per cent in 2006 and 3.4 per cent over the period 2006 to 2008. This growth will foster strong job creation and rising incomes.

Ontario has a diverse and well-balanced economy with high concentrations of manufacturing and financial and business services. There has been a marked shift towards export-oriented, higher value-added industries.

Employment in Ontario stood at 6,316,000 in 2004, with 108,000 jobs created. Jobs are expected to rise by 65,000 in 2005 and 118,000 in 2006.

Inflation in Ontario was 1.9 per cent in 2004, and is forecast to average 2.1 per cent in 2005, and 1.9 per cent in 2006.

Ontarians, in most years, can expect the province to be one of the fastest-growing regions in the advanced industrial world. Ontario benefits from a growing labour force, which is attracted and sustained by a high quality of life and equipped with the education, skills and initiative needed to compete in today's knowledge-based market place. Centrally located within North America and offering a hospitable business climate, Ontario is a prime location for investment.

Possibilities Project : Interview Toolkit

Interviews can be nerve-wracking even when everything goes perfectly, so when something goes wrong, how you handle yourself can make or break you. Here are a few ways to handle common interview flubs that may help keep you in the race."

1: If You Are Late
2: If You Have Sweaty Palms
3: If Your Suit has a Stain/ Socks Don't Match/ Hose have a Run/ Have Pen on Your Face..
4: If You Forget Your Portfolio/Resume/References
5: If You Realize You've Been Talking Nonstop
6: If You've "Enhanced" Your Resume and Have Been Found Out
7: If You Swear During the Interview
8: If You've Told a Funny Story... But No One is Laughing
9: If You Spill Something/ Trip in the Office/ Spit While Talking/ Pass Gas/ Your Cell Phone Rings/ Miss Your Chair ...
10: If You Need To Use the Bathroom.... Really Need To Use the Bathroom

Monster.ca - Monster: "Will your latest interview lead to the job of your dreams? Is now the time to ask for that raise? Should you stay or should you move on? You need to critically assess your position, and base your decisions on sound evidence and factual material...

Or you could see what your stars have to say! Changes weekly! (Almost always!) Read on for the week of
February 13th, 2006!"

Find a better job and a higher salary at Engineering Job Center, powered by Dice Engineering, one of the leading engineering boards on the Internet. It's fast and easy to search 14,000 engineering jobs and get helpful career services, too — all at no cost! Dice - Advanced Job Search

Strong loonie one factor behind Ontario's manufacturing sector's woes - Sympatico / MSN Finance: "TORONTO (CP) - The tire factory closure announced Thursday in Kitchener is part of a wave of job cuts that have battered Ontario's blue-collar workforce, and experts don't see relief in the next couple of years.

Canada's industrial heartland in Ontario has lost 61,000 factory jobs in three years, and much of that occurred last year alone, according to Statistics Canada. Numerous factors are squeezing the manufacturing sector, including high raw material and energy costs, North American market changes that have affected many multinational companies and competition from cheap imports from Asia and South America."

Intilnirea urmatoare a Executivului, deschisa oricarui membru, va avea loc pe 6 Februarie, la ora 6:30 pm, la Phoenix & Firkin, (416) 499-0383, 2175 Sheppard Avenue East, North York, ON

Agenda pentru intalnirea din 6 Februarie:
1. Stabilirea echipei care o sa organizeze Serata (Dinner/Gala) din Octombrie 2006
2. Discutia noului statut in ce priveste Executivul, etc. si acceptarea schimbarilor
3. Raportul echipei insarcinata cu pregatirea Asociatiei pentru interfata cu Meloche/Monnex
4. Stabilirea echipei care sa se ocupe de un picnic vara asta

Ne-am intalnit la Firkin (pentru adresa - vezi mai sus) pe 5 ianuarie si am discutat si decis urmatoarele:

In 2006 o sa organizam 6 activitati:
1. Intalnire cu o agentie de plasare pe 27 Februarie – Daniel Cheoreanu va discuta cu TES sa ne prezinte situatia in piata de munca si parerea lor asupra oportunitatilor existente
2. Intalnire cu un VIP roman in Mai
3. Picnic la sf. lui Iunie
4. Seminar PEO la sfarsitul lui August
5. Intalnire cu o a doua agentie de plasare in Septembrie
6. Serata (Dinner/Gala) la sfarsitul lui Octombrie

In legatura cu activitatile pe care le organizam (cu exceptia picnicului si a Seratei), am decis urmatoarele:
1. Se vor desfasura la Kelk – multumim conducerii Kelk www.KELK.com si in special lui George Oprea pentru oferta de gazduire
2. Vom oferi apa si pretzels
3. Pentru cei ce nu au platit cotizatia, se vor plati $10 la intrare (ca anul trecut)
4. Dupa intalnire, cei interesati sa continue discutii, networking, etc, se vor intalni la Firkin-ul identificat mai sus

Dinner/Gala
1. O sa pastram focusul pe studentii absolventi in 2006 de origine din Romania
2. O sa identificam, de asemenea, depinzand de interes, inginerii care au devenit membrii PEO in 2006
3. Il rugam pe Cornel Chisu sa il convinga pe Tony Ruprecht sa vina din nou, si pe George Oprea sa vorbeasca cu Jim Karygiannis
4. Echipa de organizare se va forma in sedinta din 6 Februarie

Statutul AREC - Propunerea care s-a discutat, fara a fi inca adoptata (va fi discutata si adoptata in sedinta viitoare) contine urmatoarele elemente:
1. Executivul nu va avea un numar fix de membrii
2. Orice inginer inscris in asociatie poate participa la intalnirile Executivului
3. Executivul va coopta membrii inscrisi interesati sa devina membrii in Executiv bazat pe participarea la sedinte (10 din ultimele 12? Se ia prezenta la cei interesati? la toti? si activitati?)
4. Functiile se vor aloca in cadrul Executivului bazat pe interes si daca sunt mai multe persoane interesate, pe vot secret – o data la doi ani ?
5. ??? – alte propuneri ?

Participarea sub o umbrela comuna, impreuna cu alte organizatii Europene, la sistemul de asigurari oferit de Meloche Monnex cere sa avem un system de a inregistra membrii si de a fi capabili sa demonstram ca membrii au terminat o facultate. Avantajul nostru este ca chiar si inginerii care nu intentia de a deveni membrii PEO pot beneficia de asigurari prin MM – si ca o sa putem sa cautam alte avantaje pentru membrii nostri cu certitudinea ca daca suntem audiati pentru a demonstra ca suntem ingineri, putem dovedi acest fapt.

O echipa coordonata de Miki Peres a fost constituita pentru a propune un system de a obtine si inregistra aderenta formala a membrilor la asociatie. Va prezenta un raport in sedinta urmatoare.

Vlad Siperco
Presedinte AREC

iCrank.com - The Mechanical Engineering Portal

If you are a Mechanical Engineer or Designer, you will find this website very informative. There are plenty of free tools that will save you time in tasks related to mechanical design.

The Networking Game - Ecademy:
Articles : The Networking Game by Octavio Pitaluga, MBAPowerNetworker on 25-Jan-06 1:08pm

Every January, I celebrate my anniversary concerning online networking activities since I was invited to join LinkedIn first and joined Ecademy soon afterwards. As a result, I have been keeping a leading position in Brazil concerning all my preferred international platforms: LinkedIn, Ecademy, openBC and more recently successBC. My conclusion is very simple and straightforward: there is a networking game and that the great majority of professionals do not know that (a) there's such a game, (b) its rules and procedures and (c) how to play it effectively. This article complements some ideas expressed before and is the starting point of my homonymous book. (Publishers, watch out !)"

Here's an exercise for you; imagine that it's possible for you to earn ten times your current annual wage. If you're earning $25,000, imagine for a moment that it's possible for you to earn $250,000, a 1000% increase.

Believe In Yourself
The first reaction of most people to that exercise is to smile briefly and then to begin thinking about why it isn't possible. One man said to me, "If you knew how many years it's taken for me to get to what I'm earning today you wouldn't be suggesting that I could earn ten times as much."

There Are No Excuses
Mark Twain once wrote that there are a thousand excuses for every failure but never a good reason. The tragedy of the average American is that whereas his or her main preoccupation seems to be money, or the lack thereof, the average person has the inherent potential to earn far more than he or she is doing currently.

Can Someone Be 10x Better?
Is the manager earning $250,000 per year ten times as smart as the manager earning $25,000? 10 times as experienced? Does he or she work 10 times harder? Of course not. None of these are physically or mentally possible, but there are people in every business earning many times more than others with the same average age, experience and intelligence.

I.Q. Doesn't Really Matter
In fact, a few years ago in New York, a thousand men and women were selected at random and tested for I.Q. Between the one having the highest I.Q. in this sample and the one with the lowest, there was a difference of only 2 1/2 times. But between the person earning the most, who by the way, was not the one with the highest I.Q. and the one earning the least, who was not the one with the lowest I.Q., there was a difference of 100X in income.

Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do to start increasing your earnings:
First, identify the highest earning, most successful people in your field and find out what it is that they are doing differently from others who aren’t doing as well. Copy them every day.
Second, set a goal to double your earnings over the next two or three years and then figure out what you’ll have to do to achieve it. Get started!

ABOUT Brian Tracy