From the Desk of Carol R. Fletcher
July 21st, 2010…..Time….
As the expression goes, time sure flies when you’re having fun; at least it seems to be that way in my world. Just the other day someone asked how long I have been in the recruiting field. The question made me stop and reflect because the answer amazed me. “Over 30 years” was my answer and I found it astounding. Where did the time go? No, I thought, I am much too young for that to be possible. But having to face reality I resigned myself to the facts at hand.
Looking back over 30 years in this industry, 10 years with J.W. Willard and 20+ years with C.R. Fletcher, I cannot believe how the world has changed. When I was began working at J. W. Willard Associates, all work was done manually and by phone. Applications were filled out by hand, not on-line, and filed in metal cabinets, not in an automated database. A phone message was written on a pink slip of paper and was the only form of knowing you received a call. Voice contact was critical; no emails, voicemails, or tweeting. Personal contact was the way the world worked in those days. Eventually we moved into the age of technology, but correspondence was still delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Stamps were a necessity. Finally we expanded into emails and resumes and messages were sent online.
I grasped that phase pretty well; maybe because I was younger and less set in my ways, or maybe because it made my job that much more efficient.
Now I find myself at another turning point – the age of social media. Yikes! Information is coming at me from all angles. Am I adapting quickly enough? Am I using the right tools? Do I understand all the symbols and have the correct buzzwords, i.e. #, @, etc. Should I tweet, Facebook or be linked-in to my clients. Is the world moving at a warped rate of speed or am I a bit old fashioned? Well I’d better jump on the band wagon and grab one of my younger, more technologically savvy associates and have them train me. All kidding aside, I look forward to reading your tweets and seeing you on Facebook! BTW, who comes up these acronyms?
I will leave you with one thought, “May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.”
Enjoy your day.
-Carol R. Fletcher