Day 34 & 35 - RESEARCH AND CHICOS

Yesterday I learned how to use databases to develop a target market strategy. Basically through Hoovers database, I can pinpoint companies by geography, type of industry, size etc.. My initial thought was great... I can target Michigan companies and really go after them with a vengeance. As I looked at the list, really my only options are businesses that are automotive related. It is great to be in the motor city and I believe in our town, but I also know that these industries are not big on progressive human resources. My experiences have been just getting HR done on a shoe string budget. Not that I think a business needs to spend a ton of money in the function but some would be nice.

Now I am wondering if it makes sense for me really to open up and explore the United States. It just seems like the passion is with the under dogs. The up and coming companies. I feel more inspired with companies that talk about best in class; continuous improvement or world class. A lot of the larger companies are slow to move, wishy washy, lack enthusiasm... maybe my target is off ... I WANT THE DREAM - PUPPY DOGS, FLOWERS, SANTA CLAUS, WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORIES CANDY ROOM (remember the chocolate stream and all the flowers made of gummy drops - yum) However, I do not want to be like Veruka Salt who wanted her own golden goose (she was a brat)but you got the picture.

VALENTINE'S DAY
Everywhere I go the stores barely have customers. Even when ordering on line, packages that normally take 8 days to deliver are coming in 2 - it is wonderful and sad. So today, I needed to go get some valentine's gifts and I decided to get my mother in law a present. Of course the perfect store, CHICO's. I entered it thinking it would be like the other stores, where the sales people are just excited to see someone. Instead the store is packed with overly tan, blond grandmas. I thought they were giving something away. This was definitely the place to be. It is easy to get sucked in as you begin playing Jewish geography and realize that half these ladies are your friends bubbies. I am actually having a good time chatting and getting into the scene. I have an urge to invite them over to my house for a game of Canasta. I am getting lonely and misplaced trying to figure out how to socialize during the day. I am a fish out of water. Maybe I should go blond and get a spray tan.

REFERENCES
I reached out to former colleagues as part of my job search project. The guidelines were to ask for a personal reference and share my marketing plan. I am happy to report so far that everyone has been very nice about doing anything they can do to help me out. The funny thing is that no one is reading the marketing plan. It seemed a little much to me too... Luckily, I did get one response from my former employee who is also going through outplacement... thanks Ken.


REALIZATION
Maybe I am meant to be in Texas, Georgia, New York somewhere else...I think it is time to open up my mind to a nationwide search and see what happens. Not just say it but believe it. Realization 2 - I need to get a hobby before I find myself beginning to look forward to the early bird special. I need to work ... I am getting lost with too much time on my hands.