Kicking off with the Super Bowl, February and March are great months for sports fans.  It is exciting to watch the Super Bowl and March Madness, but also exciting because it is the one time a year for sports office pools.  In a recent survey by Vault.com I was surprised that 71% of workers say they have joined an office pool.  Office pools are a fun way to boost morale and increase camaraderie in a department.  This is great time for sports fans, as sports are accepted in the workplace, but can be frustrating when the employee who wins picked their teams based on colors or mascots.

Despite the popularity, there are employers who discourage or ban office pools from existing.  Companies feel betting has no place at work and that an office pool based on sports is a distraction.  Others are in fear of employees taking office betting too far (as he House and Senate of Energy and Appropriations Committees did when they created an office pool for how many acres would burn in a wildfire).

Many companies ban it because they question whether betting outside of a casino is legal or not.  As common as they are, are they legal?  U.S. Senator Richard Blimenthal says, “Office pools are generally legal unless they’re done for a profit by the person organizing it.  In other words, if there’s a house, so to speak, or an organizer takes a cut.”  For this reason, it is it is probably a good idea for companies to not organize an office pool, but be in favor of employees running their own.  As said before, they are a great way to interact with co-workers and build morale within the company, but it is important that any money collected be distributed and not held for profit.  Another great idea would be for a company run a contest where the winner gets a prize instead of money or possibly a free vacation day… (hint-hint, Carol)!

Office pools will continue to distract and decrease productivity, but will always be a fun way to bring the office together with friendly competition.  The upside is boosted morale and more positive relationships, which will result in a much more productive and cohesive office.  As it becomes time to fill out brackets …..Good Luck.

AmeriCU Credit Union Downtown Dining Week(s) is from February 15^th-29^th!  Some of Downtown’s favorite restaurants are offering 3 courses for $25 or less.  This year there are also a few new fun features….

• The Clinton Square Ice Rink will be charging ½ price admission when you show your dining receipts. 
• Al’s Wine & Whiskey Lounge will be hosting a “Brew & View” on Sunday, February 19^th and Sunday, February 26^th.
• Catch a “behind the scenes” view of restaurants in Syracusethrough blog posts on www.downtownsyracuse.com.
• Visit www.foodspotting.com and upload/vote on pictures of your favorite Dining Week Dish.
• Or, take part in the Dish Photo Contest!  Just upload your pictures on the Downtown Syracuse Facebook page to be entered.  Winners will receive gift certificates.

No matter what your food preference is, Downtown Dining Week is for you.  Some participating restaurants include: Anthony’s Pasta Bar, Black Olive Mediterranean Taverna, Bull & Bear Pub, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, La Taqueria Mexican Grill, Pastabilities, and Sakana-Ya Sushi Bar.  Do not forget to call ahead and see if the restaurant requires reservations!  Some of the locations also offer different menus for each week – so why not go back for more?

For a full list of participating restaurants and for more information,
please visit www.downtownsyracuse.com

It seems like introverts are getting a lot of buzz recently, from books, to blogs, to Time magazine covers, our society seems to be rediscovering introverts.  This is great news for me and roughly 50% of the population.  I read a great article, The Introverts Guide to Networking, on the Harvard Business Review blog.  The author, a self-professed introvert, discusses how networking has been crucial to her career advancement, and also discusses practical ways to beef up your networking.  Being somewhat of an introvert myself and an Information Technology recruiter I found her insights spot on.  Below are some of my favorite tips from the article and some of my own insights on networking when it doesn’t always come naturally:

Learn to appreciate your introversion:  Because I do need more time to recharge, it gives me time to read, cook, create and explore hobbies.  Not only are diverse interests valuable but they generally make for good conversation pieces.

Seek out conversations with one person at a time:  Especially if I am tired, I find large networking events and parties exhausting and intimidating.  I have found that focusing on having conversations with one person at a time helps make the events more manageable and enjoyable.

Stop being afraid to be the one to reach out:  I am always surprised how once I am the first to reach out, kindness is usually reciprocated.

Leverage Social Media:  Using LinkedIn or Facebook are great ways to reach out in ways that are less intimating.

Prioritize time to re-energize:  If going from one event to another makes you exhausted and less productive – don’t.  Be intentional about scheduling time to unwind and recharge in ways you enjoy.

For the past three years, C.R. Fletcher has participated in Wear Red Day, the annual awareness and education campaign to fight heart disease in women.  We are participating again this year on Friday, February 3^rd.  This is my first year participating, and after some research I found that I was largely ignorant to the factors influencing heart disease.  Like most Americans, I can think of many women off the top of my head that have suffered from heart disease and especially this year, I think of my grandmother, Goldie.

There is much about heart disease that is out of our control.  Many people, by no fault of their own, are predisposed to heart disease.  However, there are risk factors that you can control.  Below are six such factors according to Go Red for Women:

Smoking:  If you smoke, resolve to quit.  No matter how long you have smoked, if you quit your risk of heart attack drops.

High Cholesterol:  Know your numbers to know your risk.  A simple blood test can show if your cholesterol is desirable.  Once you know your numbers, there are many strategies you can use to reduce your cholesterol.  Here are a few: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/healthy_living/nutrition/hic_cholesterol-lowering_strategies.aspx

High Blood Pressure:  Get your blood pressure checked every time you go to the doctor.  After age 55, more women than men have high blood pressure.  Here are some strategies to reduce high blood pressure: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/htn/bpstrat.aspx

Physical Inactivity:  Get moving.  Roughly 25% of women are sedentary.  The U.S. Surgeon general recommends 30 minutes of physical activity on most days.

Obesity:  It isn’t an appearance issue, it’s a health issue.  Obesity is a major health problem for all Americans, including children… http://www.letsmove.gov/

Diabetes:  Have your glucose levels checked regularly, especially if diabetes runs in your family.  About 22 million women are estimated to have pre-diabetes.

For more information about this great cause visit GoRedForWomen.org.

*Also, be sure to visit our Facebook page (C.R. Fletcher Associates) to check out our past Go Red photos and to see us Go Red in 2012!

We are happy to give an update on our three new hires at our firm:

Alexis Grace has been off and running… visiting clients, working on social media, and preparing for her upcoming marathon in Virginia. Alexis has been successful in continuing our business partnerships and fostering good will throughout the community. Recently she signed the team up for a project at the Samaritan Center which everyone found extremely rewarding. She formed “Fitness with Fletcher” and is trying to get our other associates up to her speed. She is a dynamo on the road and off.

Liz Eley, originally from Juneau, Alaska, has adapted well to our beautiful Syracuse winters. She joined us from a firm in Chicago and although misses the “Windy City” she has enveloped Syracuse and all it has to offer. She has been successful recruiting and placing technical engineering applicants around New York State. She too has jumped on with the “Fitness with Fletcher” program and has been spotted running the parkway with the group.

Corey O’Neill received both his undergrad and graduate degree from Le Moyne College. After having a successful career playing baseball he decided to hang up the glove and join as a Recruiter. Corey has managed several of our larger industrial clients placing on a temporary and contract basis. He has been a “hit” with our clients and has “scooped” up several key accounts. Being a team player he also signed up for “Fitness with Fletcher” and hopes to run the Mountain Goat.

        Over the holidays the C.R. Fletcher team had the opportunity to volunteer at the Samaritan Center located in the basement of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral downtown on Montgomery St.  What an eye opening and rewarding experience to do during the holidays.  It was a shock to see the number of men, women,  and children that rely on the Samaritan Center for meals on a daily basis.  Along with a group of volunteers from the Marcellus School District, everyone from C.R. Fletcher played a part to make the meal possible. My role was to welcome the guests and offer them a cup and tray, as well as offer them hats and gloves donated by individuals in our community.

        The Samaritan Center opens their doors 365 days a year.  They serve dinner everyday and both breakfast and dinner on the weekdays relying almost entirely on volunteer efforts ranging from donations to servers. They have been open for over thirty years, but with the recession they are seeing an increase in numbers.  The Samaritan Center is not just for the homeless.  A lot of people who visit the center are working, but are unable to support themselves on low wages.

        It was a great feeling to be able to help the homeless, disabled, less fortunate and otherwise stricken people. If you are looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity I would consider assisting the Samaritan Center.  They are continually looking for donations and volunteers to make their efforts possible.  If you are interested in volunteering, please visit www.thesamaritancenter.com or call the Volunteer Coordinator at 315-472-0650.

        New Years resolutions are usually made to be broken – so why not try something new in 2012? Instead of making resolutions, try to make goals. Studies found “open” resolutions are more likely to be broken (ex – I want to get in shape). The best way to guarantee success is to set a goal, develop a specific plan, and stick to it!

        In January of 2011 I signed up for Iron Girl Triathlon in Syracuse as my 2011 goal. At that point I could barely run a mile, so with the advice of some fitness instructors at the YMCA I started the “Couch to 5k” run/walk program (which can be found on www.coolrunning.com).

        This program was very specific and easy to follow, and within 2 months I was easily able to run a 5k. Since then I have completed multiple 5ks, 10ks, a triathlon, a ½ marathon, and on March 18th in Virginia Beach I will cross the finish line of my first marathon (that’s 26.2 miles I am talking about)!

        Physical fitness is typically the most common resolution, perhaps because the benefits go far beyond “looking fit.” A recent study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine shows individuals who engage in exercise have better job performance than those who do not. Physically fit employees also take fewer sick days and get along better with coworkers.

        In 2012 think of specific goals you would like to accomplish, and figure out what you can do to guarantee success. On a calendar, write down your goals and the steps you need to take to accomplish them. It doesn’t matter how big or small your goals are –you will feel great crossing each off one by one!

        The sense of accomplishment and pride you will feel while achieving your goals will shine through on everything else you do, especially in your work. So take a few minutes and think about what YOU would like to accomplish in 2012 and get started working towards your goals. When 2013 rolls around, you will not believe everything you have done.

     A recent article in the Wall Street Journal (“Adecco Expects Temps are Here to Stay as Hiring Revives,” by Lauren Weber) revealed some promising news for temporary employees.  Tig Gilliam, the CEO of Adecco SA’s North American Group, believes there will be an increase in the need for temporary employees despite a tough job market. Gilliam stated “even a minor uptick in demand will lead to a hiring spot.”

     After the recession, the recovery of permanent placements has been much slower than that of temporary placements.  Gilliam stated this may be due to the fact that “companies are looking to rely more on flexible resources because they don’t want to go through the layoffs again.” Another reason temporary staffing is booming is because companies acted very aggressively during the recession, and when business started to turn around they “didn’t have the capacity to address it, so they had to come out and get help right away.”

     Gilliam began to see a strong and steady increase of need for temporary employees back in 2009 in the light industrial sector.  C.R. Fletcher Associates experienced the same thing.  Since then, the need for temporary employees has increased across the board.  The sectors that are seeing highest demand for temporary workers are engineering, health care, information technology, and finance.

     If you think temporary work is not for you, rethink it! Temping is a great way to get your foot in a company and show them exactly what you are capable of.  It is a great way to network, build connections, and get a good reference if you are out there doing your best. Not to mention, temping is also a great option to make some quick money. You never know where a possible job opportunity may be hiding – so why not give temping a try?

Every internet article I seem to read this time of year is a Top 10 List.
With that in mind, I am compiling my Top Ten Reasons to Move to Syracuse.

What makes me qualified to write this blog? Well, I am an expert on Syracuse.  I have lived here for four months.  I went to Fayetteville for the first time last week to get my nails done.

In all seriousness, I am very new to Central New York.  I have no family or prior ties to Syracuse.  After seven years in Chicago, I moved to Syracuse this past August.  I moved out of my high rise apartment, quit my job, and drove across the country in a U-Haul.  Now, like most moves and life changes, it was met with much fear and trepidation.  Four months later, I am happy to say I made the right decision.

1. No Traffic – I used to commute an hour each way to go 20 miles.  Add a little rain or snow, and the trip doubled.  Once I was stuck on the train for over 4 hours.  Now I walk 2 blocks to work and it’s a 15 minute drive to literally everywhere else.
2. More disposable income – I was surprised to find that in addition to housing being less expensive, so are the haircuts, parking, and gym memberships (if I had one).  Especially for students that take out loans, Syracuse’s cost of living makes it much more affordable.
3. Travel – Yes, there aren’t as many direct flights, but there aren’t the hour long security lines either.  Last trip, I made it from the parking garage to the gate in less than 15 minutes.  Beat that.  Plus, you can spend the $5000 a year you saved on housing to travel instead.
4. More Free Time – With less commuting, there is more time to develop hobbies, volunteer, take classes and actually start investing in the community.
5. No Reservations – I made a restaurant reservation in Chicago last year.  I called two months in advance and the only available time was a Sunday at 5pm.  Not here, I can show up without reservations to popular restaurants such as Pastabilities and Alto Cinco with only a little wait.
6. Natural Beauty –Syracuse has the Finger Lakes, wineries and lovely surrounding nature-scapes.
7. Wegman’s – There is a grocery store here called “Wegmans”.  It is incredible.  You should check it out.
8. Arts/Sports – I love the Arts; my fiancé loves sports.  Fortunately, there are ample opportunities for both.
9. Farmer’s Market – The regional market on Saturdays is inspiring.  I bought so many peaches that I made a pie.  I don’t even know how to bake!
10. New York City – If you are really dying for the city life, you can always take a day trip to NYC.  Plus, when you tell people you live in New York, they assume New York City anyways.

With the holidays right around the corner, why not take a few hours of your time and volunteer?  Many organizations are looking for volunteers to help make the holidays a happy time for everyone.  If you think there is not enough time to volunteer, organizations are very willing to work around any schedule, and various shifts are usually available!  Whether you are looking to volunteer on a daily or weekly basis, there are many opportunities out there for you.

The benefits of volunteering are endless.  While you are volunteering your time and helping out others, you are also helping yourself.  According to the World Volunteer Web, the benefits of volunteering can be both personal and professional.

On a personal level volunteerism helps you:
     1. Become an active member of your community.
     2. Find new hobbies, talents, and interests.
     3. Feel a sense of self-achievement while making a difference to others.

On a professional level volunteerism helps you:
     1. Boost your resume!
     2. Build valuable connections.  Networking is key tool in the job search 
     process.
     3. Improve your skills.  Volunteering can help you develop new skills, while
     also improving the skills you already have.
     4. Stay engaged.  If you are unemployed, there is no better way to use your
     time than volunteering.

In just a few hours you can help out an organization, feel great about what you have done, and even boost your resume. To find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you, please visit www.volunteermatch.org or www.serve.gov.