If no one has been validating you lately, it might just be time to validate yourself, or maybe it's time for an attitude adjustment. Our attitude shapes the way we act, and the way we feel. Our thoughts are very powerful. I can't promise you that every time you think positively about the job order you are trying to fill, that you will get the outcome you want. But, I will promise you that if you think negatively about the job you are trying to fill, it will have a detrimental impact on both your client, and your candidate. Our thoughts can shape the way we perform. Our behavior can shape the way people respond to us. Think about it for a moment.

Ok, ok, I know what you're thinking. Cut out the syrupy positive thinking crap, you're making me nauseous, and giving me a headache. Trust me, I know the feeling. But, before I toss you the vomit bag, let me plant this seed of a thought in your mind. If you are reading recruiting blogs, and you are staying connected with the thought leaders here, you are headed in the right direction. All is not lost. The thing I love most about this space, is it brings me together with folks like you. Yes, you, and even you--the guy over in the corner who's frowning at me right now.

I've been told all my life, "HRMargo, you're such a Pollyannah." So be it. I steer clear of negative people, they are like vacuums that suck the life force out of me. When I wax negative, I usually call a friend, and ask them to talk me out of the funk. A few weeks ago, I called a leading US recruiter in tears because I couldn't get access online course for which I spent $1,350.00. He told me I didn't need the course afterall. He told me how to get the same information by reading @Booleanblackbelt and @JimStroud's blogs. He talked to me about how google has all the information I need to learn the sourcing techniques I wanted to learn. In the past, he's spent time with me to teach me how to use linkedin and other sources. He's patient and kind. I call him my mentor. I won't mention his name because I don't want to embarrass him, but I can tell you this: he means the world to me, and I'd walk through hell with ice cubes for that man. Mentors, colleagues, communities are important. It's why I love recruiting blogs. Recruitingblogs supports people new to the occupation. Recruitingblogs supports people who've been in the industry since the stone age. Recruiting blogs has put me in touch with some of the most amazing people in the world. People who are generous with their time. People who've been willing to spend time with me on the phone. People who've taken time to meet with me in person.

Community is only as good as what you contribute to it, and what you add to the lives of others in it. When we give of ourselves, the gift returns to us ten-fold. Creating a sense of place and belonging is important. It's human nature. Abraham Maslow addressed this critical point in his heirarchy of needs. He stated the following:

Once our basic needs have been met, we seek self-actualization and peak experiences. Twitter, facebook, linkedin, google, continued education, conferences, and unconferences have all contributed to the woman I've become.

I attended HRevolution in Louisville back in November. I met Maren Hogan who spent time with me, offered me suggestions, and spoke with me on the phone. She offered me support and friendship. She brought recruiting blogs into my life. She's special. She's also extremely helpful.

I look forward to attending my first ERE.Expo, and SourceCon. I look forward to meeting my friends from twitter and facebook in person.

The reason I have a positive attitude is because I do my best to stay plugged in and connected to people in my industry. It's why I felt inspired to start my own blogtalkradio show, Compassionate HR. It's why I started a blog. How did I get these ideas? Because people like you got behind... efforts to launch a blog, and a show. You've supported me in writing down my thoughts here.

I know people debate issues here intensely, but believe it or not, I like that too. I learn a lot when I read how people debate the issues. You see I used to teach Public Speaking at Wright State University and Sinclair Community College. I even reviewed, edited, and wrote features for the high school textbook "Advanced Debate Strategies," which is due out next year. I find the way you interact with each other on this site fascinating.

I get a kick out of the people on recrutingblogs. I've tried other communities, and I found them boring.

I'm never bored on recruitingblogs. Far from it. This is a space where each of us can feel beautiful. This is a space where each of us can be articulate, and share our thoughts on the issues in our industry that matter most to us. This is a space where can debate issues, have conversations, and give each other cute gifts.

My very first baby job out of college was in recruiting. Job 1: I was a services coordinator at Manpower Temporary Services. Job 2: I was a recruiter for Pizza Hut. Job 3: I was a recruiter for The Gloria Sustar Agency (which is went out of business a few decades ago) but she was incredibly successful in her hey day.

I can't say I loved those jobs. In fact, after the last one, I scratched my head, and thought, "Geez, I need to go to graduate school." So I did, and I'm glad. Here's the irony. You don't need a Master's Degree to be a good recruiter. What a person needs is chutzpah (guts, courage, determination). It also helps if you like sales, and promotion, because we spend plenty of time doing that as well. Long after graduate school, like 10 years later, I decided I wanted to go back into recruiting.

I had a rude awakening. Someone on a blogtalkradio show told me I'd have to be an apprentice, and that I'd have to take an agency job for low pay.

No way, not a chance, and you know why? Because I'm a positive thinker. I landed an excellent job, where I am well compensated for my work. I have unlimited opportunity to make more. I will because I work really hard, and I'm passionate about what I do.

My message is simply this: stay positive. You are beautiful. Just believe, and stick with the winners.

I love you recruitingblogs, thanks for giving me a place where I can be myself.