My Store: CKDK Apparel

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

wanting to know if the WIGGLES will ever go away! Mommy is tired of hummming the damn songs even when the kids are in bed!!! OH MY GOD!

Monday, December 29, 2008

Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education - Martin Luther King

Friday, December 26, 2008

Ideas are oxygen

Good evening everyone. First of all, I just like the saying, Ideas are Oxygen. Second, I like my college sports; basketball, baseball and football. But there are so many teams out there and only so many get televised that you cannot keep up with everyone.

But this not about college sports. In the Sports Illustrated Dec 15th issue, I learned about the Northern State basketball team in Aberdeen, S.D. More importantly I learned about their Coach, Don Meyer. Not only is he a handful of wins away from passing the great Bobby Knight for college victories, known in his field as one of the best bball clinicians ever, but at 63 years old, he is still learning.

Coach Meyer was in a recent car accident that took one of his legs from the knee down. Know what he learned from that, that he had cancer in his body. The car accident actually may have saved his life. And it seems they have caught the cancer in time. Go Coach!

He is now back on the bball court and it sounds like he is back to being Coach. While a wheelchair may limit his mobility, to a certain extent, and a crushed rib cage limits the raising of the voice, he commands practice and game time like he usually does.

I write this article today not just to tell you about Coach Meyer, but what he says in the SI interview really caught me. He talks about wanting to learn and is always looking for that opportunity to pick up something new for his tool belt. And we should be the same way.

One of his coaching peers said this about Coach Meyer; "Every single day he wants to learn something new. In the world of Don Meyer, ideas are oxygen."

Don himself says this, "When you're not learning about your profession or how to deal with people or life, then it's over. All windows are shut. Whether you're 15, 50 or going down the homestretch, you've gotta keep learning."

So no matter who you are, where you are, what your profession or your age, go forth and learn.

BR

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Wishing everyone a
Happy Christmas and New Years!!!!!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Wow... today I celebrated 18 years with my partner. We have accomplished a lot and have grown so much. We have two beautiful sons and feel very blessed. People ask me.... how do you stay with one person for so long? My answer, may not be for all, but its my answer: Love, Patient, Kindness, Forgiveness, Allowance, Empowerment, and the most importantly.... COMMUNICATION. Relationships is work and as long as both of you are working at it, then it will work, if one gives up,then it is broken. I am the luckiest person. I love you, honey thank you for your love.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Having an awesome time in Maui! However - truely believes Kaui is the place to live! Aloha/Mahalo!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

TalentBar

Hey there.  Was just going through my list of sites to check out and finally made some time to spend on www.talentbar.com.  Yes, yes, I'm just finally checking this one out.  With so many recruiting related sites out there, it has been a bit of a daunting task making time to spend on them to determine what is really going to work and not work for me.

In my opinion, fairly popular site with quite a few people I do know and follow, as well as lots of interesting folks I'm not yet connected with but probably should and at some point, will be.  

In keeping this short and holding your attention span this morning, the thing that caught my eye was the video section.  Some are short, to the point and helpful.  The one I watched this morning was on Twitter.  I know a few of my counterparts out there have really just started exploring the use of Twitter, and this video made me think about them.  

They also have a variety of other videos that I think are worth checking out.  There are actually a couple that I'm going to share with hiring managers.  I think my HM's do hear 70% of what I'm saying during req (job) reviews, but this may also be another good tool to help support what we are telling them:-)  

So go forth and source, screen and make great hires.  BR

Friday, November 28, 2008

"The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live."

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Triple Shot Mocha no whip isnt cutting it.. too much to do and little time
Happy Thanksgiving Family and Friends

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Life is really complicated at times... Who's kidding... Most of the time; at times we are faced with some difficult times. With these difficult times... Gather you friends and family and tell them you love them... Life tends to be easier to manage! Peace!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Kay is thinking TRUST is such a precious thing.... and it’s the easiest thing to loose.... so who do you TRUST?

Monday, November 17, 2008

life is complicated and confusing.... When do you graduate from life if life is constantly education! Very frustrating times...

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Always making it happen! And happy to see sun in Seattle! Always a good thing.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Getting ready to give a brown bag on sourcing in the 21st Century .. I'll let you how it went :0)..

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Watching Sixteen Candles and having one of those reminiscing nights of how crazy the eighties were! The music was really fun! How time flies
Hearing Carmen Hudson speak about web 2.0 and Widgets and tweets! Just amazing how many folks still don't get it!!!!!Get ready.... Space is no longer a final frontier anymore!!!!

Monday, November 10, 2008

I am not sure which side I would to join...
The Villians or The Heroes
Which side would you pick??
Watching Heroes... The villians... Who they are, where they been... And why they became.....Villians!!!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

thinking that she has awesome close friends!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

"If it ain't tested it doesn't work."

Friday, October 24, 2008

Ping.fm is a simple service that makes updating your social networks a snap.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Yes We Can! Yes We Are! Hiring! Opportunity Awaits

Navic enables Microsoft to work with industry partners to optimize the delivery and placement of television advertising.

Navic is seeking exceptional people who want to be at the forefront of redefining television. Navic's technology enables viewers across North America to interact with their TVs in ways never before possible. Every day viewers use Navic's technology to vote in reality shows, learn more about advertised products, check theater showtimes, upgrade their cable service, and even order pizzas - all without leaving the couch or picking up the phone.
At Navic we value intelligence, creativity, passion, dedication and the ability to solve complex problems. So if you're looking to take your career to the next level with more challenges, more responsibility, more rewards, and more opportunities to make a difference in a rapidly


In order to be considered for this position, you must apply online via our career site: http://www.microsoft.com/careers/

Please indicate the position you're applying for in the subject of your email.


Jobs:
Java Developer
Work with a team of talented software engineers to build server-side software components for interactive television applications. Develop applications using Java in both a Windows and Linux environment.
Requirements:
2+ years of development experience in Java
2+ years of JSP experience
2 or more years of web server middle-tier development experience
BS in CS or another engineering discipline. Equivalent job experience accepted.
Preferred:
Familiarity with Struts, JSON, Flex, AJAX, Javascript
Familiarity with XML and XSLT
Experience with Tomcat is preferable
Ability to lead/mentor


Embedded Software Engineer
As a Software Engineer you would be joining a team of talented software engineers to develop embedded applications for Digital Cable Television. You will be responsible for the design, development and testing of software components for digital set-top boxes that provide proprietary messaging and data transport capabilities within a terrestrial cable networks. A solid understanding of the design and implementation of network protocols are essential.
The successful candidate must demonstrate a track record in technically demanding software projects, as well as understanding and adherence to common software engineering practices throughout the software development lifecycle.
Requirements
BS Computer science or EE
Applications and Systems level work
Very good C programming skills (2-3 years experience)
Strong ability to solve networking problems (UDP/IP & TCP/IP).
Experience with multi-threaded or multi-process systems
Clear writing and presentation skills
Successful completion of software project
Desirable
Experience with Embedded Application Development
Experience working with Embedded Operating Systems
Experience with the MPEG2 transport protocol.
Experience with Digital Cable TV
Experience with any TV Set Top Box APIs
ClearCase and ClearQuest
This is an excellent opportunity to utilize your skills in the evolution of a new technology. Find out why the nations top investors, cable operators and engineers are on our team!


Account Manager
Navic Networks is seeking an Account Manager for our Admira product with specific responsibility of growing the ad sales revenue generated through Admira. This position requires a results-oriented individual who has a solid understanding of the TV media landscape and can effectively communicate the vision and benefits of new advertising systems and solutions.
Candidates should have exceptional communication skills and demonstrated success in motivating agencies and their clients to purchase media using new systems and new methodologies. Candidates must have a minimum of 5-7 years of experience on either the agency “buy-side,” the programmer/operator “sell-side” or even a mixture of both.
Primary Responsibility
Increase the ad sales revenue generated through Admira. This includes:
Presenting software tools for buying media, and explaining the benefits to agencies and advertisers
Increasing the penetration and overall distribution of Navic’s Admira solution with national agencies and advertisers
Key Requirements
BA/BS in business, advertising, engineering, marketing or communications
5-7+ years experience in television advertising
Established relationships with large national agencies and advertisers
Demonstrated success in selling to agencies and attaining sales revenue and business goals
Overall knowledge of existing TV advertising technology and process including planning, buying, insertion, and billing systems and related processes
Able to quickly adapt to changing advertising processes and environment and effectively communicate these changes
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
Willingness to travel 50%+
Position based on either the east or west coast.
In addition to joining a great team and working with industry leaders, you’ll get to fully utilize your skills in revolutionizing the advertising industry. Find out why the nations top investors, MSO’s, ad agencies, advertisers and professionals are on our team.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

What I Discovered at SourceCon 2008

























I recently attended and spoke at SourceCon Conference 2008. SourceCon is a gathering of some of the most talented Sourcers, Researchers, Name Generators and Candidate Developers. We have finally emerging as the new champions to help fight the war for talent. The industry has new hero's who's skills and expertise can no longer be confined to a side track at the national recruiting conferences.We intentionally set out to be different from all the traditional conferences. We wanted a venue where you don't have to feel like you are constantly being pitched and sold on a slide deck or discussion by the latest and greatest.

What I Discovered

I discovered that there are people like me; who want to make change in our world of recruiting and improve the quality that we all strive for. That speaking in public is something I love to do. That knowledge is Power and Sharing is Caring! That the more you share, the more you realize that creativity is my passion and that there are a lot of people who have passion like me. That I don’t have to stay in the box and that the SYNERGY that was being swirling around this conference was unattainable! I am not really one to do a lot of talking, however it is very important to express appreciation when its due! Well, it’s due…

My Shout Outs!

Bryan Reichert
Couldn’t have a better colleague to support, push and encourages me to be the best that I can be. I consider Bryan not only to be an industry colleague, but also a friend. Bryan understands as much as anyone how sourcing functions can benefit recruiting organizations. He is the man! Thank you, Bryan

Marie Journey and Alecia Sullivan
Two very talented and welcoming Sourcers. We became instant friends and they really helped me feel at ease with the presentation. It really makes presenting when you have friends helping you out. Two very smart ladies! Thank you, Marie and Alecia.

Amy Beth Hale
If it wasn’t for Amy, I would be still in the box and because of her encouraging words I have found a voice! Words cannot express. Thank you, Amybeth – You rock!

Leslie O'Connor
Leslie is the founder and President of Search Wizards - a Global Consulting firm that is focused on the development and placement of Sourcing and Recruiting Talent. After being on the front lines and providing some of the best Sourcing talent in the world to an impressive list of client companies - it is a reality that Sourcing has now become a critical differentiator in a company's success - but there are still so many that have yet to build or implement a sourcing strategy. Her belief that Sourcing is changing the Recruiting industry has become a passion. She is the founder of SourceCon . Thank you! Leslie

Jim Stroud
Jim Stroud is a "Searchologist" with an expertise in the full life-cycle placement of Executive and Technical personnel, Recruitment Research and Competitive Intelligence. He has consulted for such companies as Google,Siemens, MCI and a host of start-up companies. He presently serves Microsoft as a Technical Sourcing Consultant and is a regular contributor to Microsoft's Technical Careers Blog. He inspires me to be the best I can be! Thank you, Jim!

Friday, August 8, 2008

Is Networking a Dirty Word?

As a firm believer in "Knowledge is Power" and someone who is a big fan of networking, I am amazed on how people still don’t understand how it works and why it is to their advantage to grow and learn peoples contributions in our world of technology. When I try to network with someone on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter, just to mention a few sites, and then get a response like "I only network within my circle of friends", it baffles me. Of course we all like to communicate and network with people we know, but why be on a huge network site if you are going to limit yourself to such a small group. By limiting yourself from connecting with the larger audience, you miss on a vast number of opportunities for knowledge sharing and miss incredible opportunities in networking for jobs, collaborating, education/training opportunities, conversations, etc.

Just an idea, before you decline the invite:
1. By accepting this invite you're expanding more folks from all walks of life
2. By accepting this invite you're expanding knowledge, which gives you power
3. By accepting this invite you're opening more opportunities of all kinds:
a. career
b. collaboration
c. education
d. new friendships: personally/professionally
These are just a few reasons to welcome networking invites. This is only to make you think about what you could be missing out in the world wide web!

Happy Friday

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Free Webinars - Good for who?

Hey there folks, long time no chat. Hope everyone is doing well and continuing to to make it happen in our challenging economy.

This year I have attended a handful of free webinars ranging from new recruiting/sourcing software and technology to how to use social networking effectively. Today I attended another one by Geoffrey Peterson of General Lead (www.generallead.com).

Geoffrey's presentation was on LinkedIn for Recruiters and Sourcers: Live Demo, Search Strings, Mashups, Groups and More.

I consider myself a recruiting veteran with about 10 years experience from both the agency and corporate worlds and have seen a lot of things come and go. I'm big on training for everyone from entry level to seasoned vets as there is always new stuff coming out and I don't think you alone can master something without bouncing ideas off of someone or seeing what others doing.

Training can sometimes cost a lot of money, and while there are some good programs out there, free one hour webinars are a great way to get a crash course in using things like Jigsaw, Facebook, Plaxo, and Linkedin just to name a few.

Now how much can you cover in an hour? Who should be attending these trainings? Is it worth it?

I always think that if I can walk away with at least one or two new tips, tricks, etc, then it was worth my time. Most of the ones I have attended this year were ones I would highly recommend for entry to junior level recruiters and I would say the mid to senior level recruiters would have taken away a couple of things.

Power hour training is tough and I give a big virtual high five to everyone that puts them on. As a presenter/trainer for that hour, you have to cater to all recruiting levels. So you start off with the basic overview and near the end you hit on the more advanced tips and tricks. Only there is really never enough time. Any one of the webinars I attended could have easily gone over an hour. Bottom line is there is just a lot of info.

I mention todays webinar because I really like using linkedin, and not only have I hired from it this year, recruiters in my org have tapped into my network (via introductions) and have made hires.

If I had any junior to mid level recruiters on my team I would have had them attend for sure as I think Geoffrey hit on the basics to get people started and while we were pushing time at the end, he was able to highlight a couple of advanced tips at the end. And like most speakers, was willing to take questions and conversations offline.

So you ask who are the free webinars good for? I say everyone on the recruiting and sourcing team who is using the tool or is wanting to check it out for the future. Now there might be an emphasis on those you don't consider senior or don't use the tools as much as someone else, so determine who really needs it if everyone cannot attend.

Or pick a select one or two that can participate in it and then present it to the group. Most of the webinars either provide the slides or at least some cheat sheets or short list the need to know info for attendees to use.

Again I would like to thank everyone in 2008 who has put on a free webinar. Thank you for pulling the presentation together and taking the time to share your experience and knowledge.

As the saying goes, Knowledge is Power!

Have a good weekend, BR

http://www.linkedin.com/myprofile?trk=hb_side_pro

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Google vs Microsoft

Hey there kids. So first of all, thanks to Sergey for sharing his experience (http://1-800-magic.blogspot.com/2008/06/back-to-microsoft.html) of working at both Microsoft and Google. Ultimatley going back to where he found the best fit.....Microsoft.

Now even if I wasn't a Microsoftie, I would still post this to share with people. We are always wondering what are those two worlds like, what attracts people, what makes them leave, what do they find interesting once inside, etc.

I think Sergey does a great job of giving kudos to both companies for what they do that really works and also sharing his experience on what, in his opinion, doesn't work so well.

This is the stuff people want to know about but often can't find out that much because they don't know anyone that works there or they just don't find enough info online that really gives them a good perspective about the "inside".

I won't ramble much so you can take a few minutes and check out what Sergey says about his experience at both places and why ultimatley chose Microsoft (it was the best match).

By the way, Microsoft Advertiser and Publisher Solutions - the group I recruit for, is hiring. Check out the jobs page or just feel free to email me directly at bryanre@microsoft.com.

Have a good one, BR

Friday, June 13, 2008

What is a Researchologist?

People ask me what is a Researchologist and this is what my thoughts on the role:
A Internet Researcher and Name Generator, is like the Sherlock Holmes of the Internet. Who has great passion and great knowledge for the Internet and its unfathomable depths and unlimited potential. They believe in the hunt and they don’t believe in stopping. They make strategic sourcing make sense to their clients which consist of: Business Leaders and Recruiters. With the demands of finding outstanding talent and keeping the internal customers happy, they form and maintain a strong partnership with Recruiters, by working with them to create strategic plans and executing them so that clients are satisfied with the team’s efforts and results they present a strong recruiting front.
A Researchologist is a key player in building, training and setting the strategy for recruiting needs. A Researchologist is a new role that holds old school dear but allowing to break new ground in the world of the Internet, On-line Media, Social Networking, it’s a role that is new and not so new. It is all about how we think outside of the box and how we as an organization accept new adventures and grow with the never ending world of the www. Knowledge is power! Research is a need that the recruiting function needs to start accepting and get out of the old school way of thinking.

Monday, May 19, 2008

What's in a name

So I was wearing my new SPIDERS t-shirt the other day (thanks Kay) and while it's a pretty cool T, I had a couple people ask, why SPIDERS? Advertising? Representation? Recruiting ? All three as far as I'm concerned.

For us, choosing a name for our team was about who we are and what we love to do. Plus its fun and motivating. SPIDERS and it's meaning, came from the creative mind of Kay Kelison, our Researcher. It really ties in what we do and where we do it (the WEB)!!!!!

You have to admit it, it's fun being part of a team you want to help be successful, grow with, and work with others that are creative drivers in making things happen.

Above, I ask the question, what's in a name? Why did you choose your team name? Was it something that brought you all together? Some thing you created to help drive and motivate you? Separate you from others? It's all of these things and more.

No matter how simple, complex or different your name is, make sure it represents you and your team. Get buy in from everyone and then create something incredible.

The SPIDERS Team looks forward to connecting with you. BR

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Bucketlist for Life

I turn 44 on Saturday April 19th - I have so much to be thankful for and I want to share my bucketlist, I think everyone should have a bucketlist and I hope this inspires them to do so!


1.Visit all the 50 states in the U.S (10 so far)
2. Travel through Italy
3.Get my paintings in a NYC Gallery

4. To tell people how much they mean to me
5. Live in Maine
6. See AIDS cured during my lifetime

7.Open a craft shop
8.Write a play
9.Cook a meal for the poor and homeless
10.Live to see affordable and comprehensive health insurance
11. Strive for love and peace
13. Play the drums with my sons

14.See cancer cured during my lifetime
15.Update this list every month


Thanks - Kay

Thursday, March 13, 2008

To Our Colleagues in NYC! THANK YOU!





































Thirsty for Knowledge
























Recruiters, Sourcers, Researchers now more than ever want new and innovative ways to find talented candidates. More than ever, the Recruiting Arm of companies needs to be connected, informed, and provided with “emotional” value of its recruiting efforts.

If information and knowledge are one and the same, then an organization with the best information databases and technology should be the most knowledgeable. Information cannot substitute for knowledge despite the fact that to know is partly to have all the information you can get about something.

This is because knowledge, unlike information, cannot stand alone from the knower – the recruiting function. This means the best information databases and technology systems cannot result in knowledge, unless, and until processed by the recruiter’s, researcher’s, sourcer’s mind.

To motivate employees to collaborate in sharing and creating knowledge, a shift in the way the recruiting organization sees itself is crucial. Recruiting needs to have a strategic shift of vision where it recognizes itself as a knowledge organization. – To be continued











Monday, February 11, 2008

Are you always on?

And I don’t mean online. As a Recruiter, Sourcer, Hiring Manager, Executive, etc for your company, do you always have your recruiting radar on? Are you constantly looking and listening for that next great addition to the team or the company?

I ask this because I was just on vacation and while I did a pretty good job of disconnecting from checking my email, I could not help from ease dropping on conversations and inserting myself in those that I found of interest. And not just personal interests.

In one conversation I met a few Developers with one lone Program Manager in the group. I asked if he (the PM) was brought along to keep things on schedule. We had a laugh and then the networking began.

In another conversation that took place on the chair lift ride up, I met an IT Director who also turned out to be a great snowboarder. We actually hit a few runs together, following each other through the trees and talked a little shop on the ride up.

The above is what I mean by always being on. You never know when you are going to “bump” into that next great hire, by accident or on purpose. Be it on vacation, the train/bus to work, or on your bike. And we all know, you’re network can never be to big. I’ll be sending everyone an invite to Linkedin and a follow up mail with all of my contact info as soon as possible.

Will anyone of them turn into a hire? Only time will tell. That being said, I know that one of the Developers is working on his resume as he mentioned he was about to start looking for a new adventure. So there’s a start. But they are all the types of people you want know and have in your network.

Now this is not new to my fellow recruiters out there, but we all know it’s a continuous education process and series of follow up reminders to our client groups and everyone else in our company. It’s a reminder that it’s ok to seize a window of opportunity to insert yourself into a conversation, introduce yourself and even talk shop when the time is right.

Are you on? If so, let’s connect. Send me your linkedin invite to bryan.reichert@aquantive.com.

BR

By the way, the vacation was awesome. The snow was incredible at Whistler which made for some epic snowboarding.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Can You Teach An Old Dog New Tricks?


Despite what has become common knowledge based on the old saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks," it's important to realize that this is really a myth that has little basis in reality. Oh yes, it certainly is a bit more difficult for a seasoned recruiter to accept training, but it certainly isn't impossible. This is especially true if you're patient and stay consistent with the lessons throughout the process.
So where do you start? It's best to keep in mind that the recruiter has probably already been trained at least once, whether properly or improperly. A seasoned recruiter may already be set in his or her ways as to what is acceptable behavior and what is not.
If you have any hope of changing one of these behaviors, you must reprogram the recruiter’s thinking process, and here's a good example.
Let's say a recruiter was trained to utilize what resources they are given – Job Boards, Search Engines, etc. but times have changed and the recruiter is now being asked to source, manage hiring managers, candidates, process, data entry, job fairs, coming up with “new ways” to attract talent, etc. The challenge is to train the recruiter’s way of thinking so that he/she understands that the sourcers/researcher they work with knows what they are doing and the recruiter must let go of the control by building a strong relationship with the sourcer/researcher, respecting the level of expertise the sourcer/researcher has in getting the job done which will allow both to win.
Here's the best way to handle this situation:
Sourcer/Researcher should make certain the recruiter is clear in what your role is when reaching out to you for help. It is your job as a sourcer/researcher to train and educate the recruiter on how you will help them find great talent. At this point it is important to write up a Service Level Agreement (SLA) as you are speaking with the recruiter. Sit with the recruiter and show a few new tricks on how you might build a great pipeline; doing this will create a natural brainstorm session in return will bring some solutions on how to build a pipeline. It will also provide some power to the recruiter when they meet with their Hiring Manager as they have new ways of finding candidates and will gain respect with the Hiring Managers. Suggest to the recruiter to invite you (sourcer/researcher) with them when making the initial contact with the Hiring Manager; this creates a strong recruiting front. This style of communication provides both sourcer/researcher and recruiter understanding, focus and a way to split the responsibilities - so we are helping each other and building a strong team relationship
You can train an old dog new trick(s), you just have to build trust, constantly communicate and share knowledge we all can use!

Friday, January 11, 2008

Secrets, Scams and Gosh I am the best!

As a sourcer/researcher I come across amazing blogs, resumes, profiles, articles of those who are considered the best in the business, which is still a question I ask myself on how do we become the “best in the business” Is it our “mentors” and “pioneers” who do a lot of fluff and repeat writings and yet charge a lot of money for material that is free out there like “Google Cheat sheets” or “LinkedIn Cheatsheets” now maybe it’s smart to take advantage of those who are lazy which most of our colleagues aren’t but usually falls in to excuses and one which is the famous “I don’t have time to look” and benefiting by charging folks more then $60.00 bucks per doc. WOW! Now why didn’t I think about that?

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