| The Face of Success: Jack Elston |
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| Written by Eric Huggins | |
| Sunday, 31 January 2010 22:10 | |
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Greetings All: Now that 2009 has ended, I can finally turn the page on a difficult year (jobless for 8 months) and look forward to the future. I just want provide you with an update on how I'm doing, to share a few “truths” about job seeking, and to offer my sincere thanks to you. I landed my new job in August at Pinnacle of Indiana, a Microsoft Software/IT/ERP VAR of 60 people, just 5 miles from our home! My connection to Pinnacle came via a former Bible study friend who is one of the 2 owners (both came from my old firm, Crowe Horwath). The need for my position was cultivated by their Ops Manager, a long time (15+yrs) friend from Granger Community Church. And it occurred shortly after they hired a new friend (Eric Huggins) who I had met via Michiana Career Network Association. So, the # 1 Job Seeking Truth is... “It’s mostly about Relationships”. My role as a Strategic Business Developer is to further integrate a group of 14 very sharp software developers with an energetic sales team to help businesses realize the benefits of: Workplace Collaboration, Document Imaging/Management, Business Intelligence, Web Strategy and Social Media. Indeed, my years at Crowe and The Associates as an IS consultant/auditor, CPA, applications analyst/trainer, and product/group executive are all directly applicable. Truth # 2 – “Recognize your Transferable Skills”. Although Pinnacle is much smaller (60 people vs. 2,500 at Crowe), and with fewer support resources, it is reminiscent of my early days at Crowe (when there were only 70). Pinnacle is very flat, family friendly, nimble and extremely excited to grow. Truth # 3 – “Small Business is where the growth opportunities lie”, especially following a recession!
Finally, here’s my real message: Although joblessness at age 56 really sucked, I was also showered by so many blessings this past year:1) The many folks who provided valuable advice/feedback, networking contacts, job consideration or just consolation (lunches, coffees, or phone calls). Thanks – I really appreciated your time and care!2) The love and encouragement of my wife, Yolanda, my family and many close friends – who loved and encouraged me, and spent time with me doing "fun things" to remind me that life is not just “all about your job”. 3) The many new friends I made through MCNA and other job seeking groups (most who were also unemployed, but others who were there simply to help) – thanks for sharing your education, experience and encouragement.4) God’s faithfulness. Try as we may to run our lives, we don’t always get what we expect. God, however, always has a plan for us – we just have to be willing to let it unfold. So, regardless of your own situation - employed or jobless; healthy or ill; content or faced with family/financial problems - Count your blessings and stay faithful. He will be. Happy New Year! PS to my MCNA Friends - I have sen (via Facebook) that a number of you have finally "landed" as well - Congrats!! Let me know where. To those who haven't - keep the following "formula" you are learning at MCNA, keep attending your groups and encouraging others who are new, and keep up your faith. Your journey will end! JACK ELSTON
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| Last Updated on Sunday, 31 January 2010 22:33 |