Joint effort helps job-seekers get to ‘Yes’

Award-winning human services executive and author Paul Boynton is working with a team of state and private sector partners to give unemployed New Hampshire citizens access to the tools and resources they can use to return to the workforce.His message: When developing an effective job search strategy, it’s best to keep this simple theory in mind — positive attitude plus positive action lead to a positive result.Boynton, chief executive of Manchester-based social service agency The Moore Center and a regular columnist for NHBR, has announced he will be offering free downloads of his inspirational book, “Begin With Yes,” to any unemployed New Hampshire citizen throughout 2011 via a special download from his www.beginwithyes.com Web site.In tandem with this effort, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, White Mountains Community College, Public Service of New Hampshire, Logo Loc and media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review will present the “Begin With Yes Career Fest” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, at White Mountains Community College in Berlin.”The lessons you learn in my book about the power of being positive and setting attainable goals are all good, but there needs to be a corresponding action plan to turn those good thoughts into activity,” Boynton said. “That’s why we’re not only offering free downloads to folks who are out of work, but are also providing them with the concrete set of tools they need to conduct an effective job search. It’s a two-pronged approach.”In addition to Boynton’s keynote address, there will be four general session workshops: “Job Search – Applications, Resumes and Cover Letters” (presented by a faculty member at the college); “Effective Communication Skills in the Job Search” (featuring Dr. Russ Ouellette of Manchester-based Sojourn Partners); “Networking – It’s Not Who You Know, But Who Knows You” (presented by Kevin Shyne, North Country Tech Prep Director and Leadership North Country executive Director); and “Social Media Basics for Job Seekers” (presented by Allen Voivod of Gilford-based Epiphanies Inc.).”Recognizing that helping to develop a job-ready workforce is a primary goal of education, White Mountains Community College is thrilled to be a part of this event,” said White Mountains Community College President Kathy Eneguess. “We look forward to lending the expertise of our staff in developing and coordinating workshops that provide valuable information to citizens looking for a fresh start backed with new ideas.”Through a special arrangement with Manchester-based EZStream and Portsmouth-based Kinney Hill Media Partners, the entire event will streamed live at http://bit.ly/NoBullStream.”Though the event is taking place in the North Country, we are definitely committed to ensuring that all citizens have access to this great information,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “Whether you’re someone who has been out of work for a long time or someone who is underemployed and is just seeking a new career direction, you’ll truly benefit from the combination of Paul’s book and the interactive workshops.””Public Service of New Hampshire is proud to take an active role in sponsoring and being on the coordinating committee of such a creative and proactive event in the state’s North Country,” added Public Service of New Hampshire Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott. “Helping our citizens to get back to work and build a stronger workforce and local economy is a mission that everyone embraces and we’re just happy to be able to do our part.”Unemployed citizens can download copies of “Begin With Yes” free of charge at http://www.beginwithyes.com/purchase.html. They will need to click the “ebook” option and enter YESNH in the discount code box.Admission to the “Begin With Yes Career Fest” is also free but is limited to the first 200 people. To register, contact Leslie Sherman at lsherman@dred.state.nh.us. — NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW<