Like many who open themselves up to helping others, I see many – who for reasons undoubtedly born in their relationships with their parents – can’t seem to take my advice to the level required for them to see the method in the madness. I really don’t like hearing my voice – it must be the dang Jewish trombone, er, nose – and while I may be making a statistical faux pas, but within my sample size, this stuff really works.
But only if I do my part; when someone asks me for advice, for me the advice is only 80% of what I should be doing for someone. Advice fails when the givers neglect the final 20%; advice without action is what people who write columns do.
My friend Jon Hyland – LinkedIn, his blog – and a fellow Hofstra grad, called me a few months back and we met for coffee to discuss his career options. He sent me an update a few days ago…
I wanted to drop you a line to see how you’re doing, and also to share what I’ve done so far with my search.
I took your advice and got together a list of companies I would, ideally, like to work for. For most of June, actually, I was looking into how viable of an option it was for me to go to culinary school. I visited the French Culinary Institute and Institute of Culinary Education, and I realized that a) I do want to go to culinary school, but b) the financial aid isn’t there. However, visiting the schools did make me realize that I could definitely do a program of culinary study while simultaneously working.
So, I looked into food-related corporations and broke everything down in a couple of industry segments: Food Media, Equipment Manufacturers, Food Producers or Grocers, and Food Education. I came up with a list of ten, which is below:
Food Media
Food Network
Travel Channel
Food Education
French Culinary Institute
Institute of Culinary Education
Food Equipment Manufacturers
Cuisinart
Viking Range
Food Producers/Grocers
Boar’s Head
Fresh Direct
Whole Foods
Unilever (Skippy)
Since I’ve identified these companies, I’ve got some Google Alerts set up to follow news on those organizations/brands, and I’m going to use LinkedIn and Twitter to try and connect with the HR folks at them. If I had to tell you which companies I’d give my right arm to work for, they would be: Food Network, Whole Foods, and Boar’s Head. Food Network because, honestly, it’s inspired my love and creativity with food and I love their programming. Whole Foods, because of their dedication and mission to provide the best food to its customers. And Boar’s Head, because I LOVE their cold cuts – I seriously ONLY eat Boar’s Head!
Which is what I suggested Jon do – I really enjoy how he segregated his list: It helps me think about other companies or avenues of action to suggest. Obviously more work for me – but isn’t this what I’m obliged to do if tell someone I’m going to help them?
So I called a friend who works at Boar’s Head; where will it go? No idea but it’s part of my final 20%.
Advice is nice but action is better…
It’s always satisfying to know that when you give 80% there is an ROI of your time, energy, experience and guidance to validates the expenditure of the final 20%. Jon did well to invite YOU for a cup of coffee. Obviously he is very serious about his future. On a side note, please try to hook him up with someone in Whole Foods.
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The truth dear readers (plural because I believe I have more than one reader) is that Ms. Vegan wants an “in” to her fab place to food shop. Who wouldn’t want a 10% discount?
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