Mike Rasmussen's Blog (155)

Principles Learned In A Dale Carnegie Course

Tonight I rejoined the Dale Carnegie course this time as a coach rather than as a student. It is quite amazing how life opens interesting doors that propel us forward. Networking is so powerful, as I undertake this latest opportunity, it would appear that the New Year is vital, strong, full of promise, indeed challenges do lie ahead in this economy but nothing can stop desire, real luck and patient resolve.

In 5 years as a HR professional, I see myself having grown in leaps and… Continue

Added by Mike Rasmussen on December 19, 2008 at 2:30am — No Comments

My Favorite Time Of Year-Time To Raise the Bar

It's been 1 year since I made a vow to myself to make the most of 2008.

A year later I look back on that time and realize a year changes so much. Never does one really think about what they have until they look in the mirror and reflect on who they have become. This is me.

It never ceases to amaze me how much we should love each and every day for the miracles we have. It is as though life always points us where we need to go, when we need it most. At least it seems that… Continue

Added by Mike Rasmussen on December 2, 2008 at 2:30am — No Comments

'Tis The Season To Be Thankful

So much to be thankful for. That's the subject of this week's post. I thought a lot about what I wanted to write this week, with so much going on.

It appears at times that life gives you a forward thinking direction when you need it most. Why the challenges that we face sometimes, why the distinct path that makes you reach down deep to find yourself? Well, 'tis the season.

There is really a great deal to be thankful for, at times one must wonder what brings maximum… Continue

Added by Mike Rasmussen on November 22, 2008 at 12:00am — 2 Comments

Becoming a Master Sourcer(er)

It is an interesting role, being a sourcer and supporting multiple recruiters. These folks are good at what they do, so when you have a recruiter stuck in a race to get that talent to the hiring manager, there may be a good sourcer behind that magic. So, how to become one of the best sourcer(ers), a worker of magic?

1. Learn the job backwards and forwards. I study my JD as best I can. I want to know the role, live it, breathe it. I see the essentialness of this every day.

2.… Continue

Added by Mike Rasmussen on November 13, 2008 at 2:39am — 1 Comment

Swerving Through Challenge

A day comes where your mind opens up to the fact that challenge will never be fully under control, only managed.

On November 9th I turned 30, and hit an interesting horizon of sorts. It was as if looking on and reviewing the past suddenly all was clear. I graduated from SJSU in 2005, hoping to find my way forward in the jungle that is career. So many things each day will pull you into multiple shifting directions that to regain the focus is a critical skill, increasingly important,… Continue

Added by Mike Rasmussen on November 12, 2008 at 3:30am — No Comments

The Ties That Bind....What is Important In Life And Business

I have so many thoughts scurrying through my head this evening as the writer's pen beckoned to me yet again. A blog is so enlightening to see what is trully in your heart, and really define for you what matters more than anything. As my days at Solutions Partners have gone forward I have come to love and further respect my colleagues. They are full of incredible backgrounds, professionals of the highest ethical caliber, and possess a confidence and skill that make me sit back in… Continue

Added by Mike Rasmussen on October 15, 2008 at 3:00am — No Comments

The Desire To Succeed, Networking Will Get You There! Facing The Giants.

So, here we are, nearing the under 9,000 mark on the DOW and watching the world economy on a roller coaster ride of epic proportions. These are the days of lost savings, and epic hopes dashed. These are the days where your co-workers are watching their bank accounts, and freinds and family wonder: What's Next? How will I pay that bill? So much is happening around us, and many folks need that innate spark to light the way. Who will lead that way? Who will be the power players to ignite change?… Continue

Added by Mike Rasmussen on October 9, 2008 at 1:30am — No Comments

Where the Rubber Meets The Road

So here you are, in the midst of a down economy. The question, what now?

I tell you it's all about how much passion you deliver on a daily basis, it is the epic defining moment for a professional to add value and build rapport that unearths a deepening resolve to find the quality that is needed. Can you make a difference? Absolutely.

Can you build a new direction? Absolutely.

Can you become competitive when all around you says that this is a time where business… Continue

Added by Mike Rasmussen on September 24, 2008 at 12:30am — No Comments

The Walk In The Garden: A Tribute To Flight 93

I left work today with some deep thoughts about my life and all that occurred this past year, September 11 is a wonderful time to think. In my last blog post I wrote about West Valley College and the Memorial Garden where I planned to go today dedicated to those who died on September 11, again two of West Valley College's alumni Mark Bingham, and Nicole Miller both had connections there. I went there this evening after some inward soul searching. Work was especially inspiring today, as I spoke… Continue

Added by Mike Rasmussen on September 12, 2008 at 3:30am — No Comments

Thoughts In The Wake of September 11, 2008: Lessons Learned in the Last 7 Years

Well, It is about 12 midnight in CA which means it is now September 11, 2008. It is truly hard to believe it has been 7 years. I remember where I was that fatefull day 7 years ago, getting ready to go to a Statistics Class, at West Valley College, Saratoga, CA. I arrived at school that morning after hearing dreamily that the World Trade Center had been attacked and that the Pentagon had also been attacked and our teacher went ahead with our Midterm Exam, I got a C, but it didn't matter. I woke… Continue

Added by Mike Rasmussen on September 11, 2008 at 3:33am — No Comments

Leaving A Legacy To Be Proud Of-Revving Up Your Recruiting Drive

Tonight I return home with some thoughtfulness and perspective. It would seem I have had a lot of opportunity to do this lately, think, ponder and deliver. I recently sat down to review a few things on my recent list of career goals, revisiting my perspective on what I really, really wanted out of where I was going and where I had come thus far. It is a lively action to do this, I think every time I do, I remember very clearly what brought me to these new days.

I am satisfied, happy… Continue

Added by Mike Rasmussen on August 28, 2008 at 2:00am — No Comments

Time To Turn it up a Notch Or Two

This past week I was knocked to the mat, no, taken to the floor. In a couple of moments it was as though riding on a high, I was brought back to the earth again-well not that bad.

I think we all go through moments where we know we have been successful, and then we have a moment where we find that life, or in general our perspective, takes a turn when a bump in the road called life turns up. This is good, it means its time to turn it up a notch or two and regain the perspective of… Continue

Added by Mike Rasmussen on August 16, 2008 at 2:00am — 1 Comment

Career Steps in A Down Economy, And Learning From Geese

Recently, I was called by my church to assist others in taking steps to better themselves in thier career situations. In this down economy, many folks are struggling to make ends meet as they strive to find a new opportunity. In this economy it is important as a recruiter to help others define their career trajectory.

I think I have always taken for granted networking. I think as a recruiter this comes naturally, and it is part of our… Continue

Added by Mike Rasmussen on August 11, 2008 at 12:30am — 1 Comment

Reaching Your Apex & Finding Your Niche: The True Source of Recruiting Success

The other day I gazed down from the top of the Heavenly Resort Lookout in Lake Tahoe, to a beautiful panorama that made me step back and think about my life and the direction of my career. A bright blue lake gazed up at me, and I was for a moment lost in my thoughts. I had enjoyed a week of utter incredible beauty visiting Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay, Watching Fireworks with my Family, going on drives and seeing a scenic rustic ideal landscape,… Continue

Added by Mike Rasmussen on July 24, 2008 at 3:00am — 3 Comments

How HR and Staffing Are One & Recruiters: The Best Career Counselor

Take it from a HR Professional, HR and Staffing are one. How? Why? Because in order for your HR department to add its maximum value, you must realize that Staffing and HR are joined at the hip. HR Managers, and Directors need to be connected to their recruiters, and Hiring Managers need to partner as one in order to reduce time to fill, and increase the performance metrics that are needed to find great talent. It is so key to know each other, to keep that department chugging along at its… Continue

Added by Mike Rasmussen on May 28, 2008 at 4:00am — No Comments