Did you realise that job hunting is a bit like being in the Mafia? There are things you know, but can’t discuss outside “the family” and it wouldn’t be a smart move to post them online. I’ve been stalling on updating this blog because what I write now affects my prospects of getting a job if I mention the companies I have spoken to and the interviews I’ve had. So my usual style of telling you every last juicy detail will have to curtailed slightly, for now.
I’ve officially been job hunting for ten days since Beluga finally closed. It appears that it’s all a bit of a waiting game. I’ve spent the last few years being very pro-active in organising events and running my business and I’m keen to get moving on a new challenge. I don’t want to pester the living daylights out of agencies but at the same time sitting still waiting for the phone to ring isn’t really my style. I need to find a balance somewhere in the middle.
My CV has been posted to all my contacts and is on the major job searching sites. I’ve had the “we don’t think your skills match” emails that are churned out by an automated service somewhere and I've had interviews; my first in nearly 13 years! S1jobs suggested I become an Army Officer which caused much hilarity amongst my friends, have you seen that Goldie Hawn film? I like my lipstick and heels to much for that kind of career move.
So, what am I doing with my time? I’ve been putting proposals together to run social media accounts for two brands who were fans of my @TheBelugaClub account on Twitter. I love social media so am excited about this however long term I want to work as part of a team, rather than home alone with my laptop.
I’ve also been shaking a lot of hands. Meeting people face to face and having a good old blether is my favourite form of doing business. I’m putting myself in front of as many people as I can and continuing to build my contacts. I’m a fan of the New Media Breakfasts and I worked my way around the room, and the buffet, at the Power Lunch Club last week. Tomorrow night I’m heading to the Social Media Dinner and whilst there is a clear pattern of avoiding cooking, I really enjoy networking, hearing people’s stories, learning and sharing experiences. I’m the girl who always knows someone who can help you because I’ve invested a lot of time listening to my customers/associates and building relationships. During the week I had a call from a documentary maker who was looking for contacts for a film she’s making and I found her 3 candidates. Sometimes in life it is a case of “who you know”!
So, here I am approaching the end of my second week without a “proper" job. How do I feel? On the whole I’m happy and positive although there is the odd moment of panic. I trail through the jobs advertised and wonder where I’ll end up and how long it’s going to take? In my heart I know it will be okay and as long as there isn’t a horses head in my bed tomorrow morning I’m winning!
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Friday, 1 January 2010
Two weeks later.......
It's been a crazy fortnight!
I’ve had 5 enquiries about purchasing my business/website/brand and have a few meetings in January about potential jobs. You could have knocked me down with a feather; I wasn’t expecting that response. In 2 weeks time everything will be done and dusted and Beluga in its current form, will be gone. The chapter will be closed and I will be stepping into the great unknown.
One of the things that took me by surprise after I posted the last blog was the response from those I chat to on Twitter. So many people got in touch to say that they were unhappy with something in their life and that my announcement encouraged them to start making changes and gave them food for thought. I think that’s pretty cool.
Four years ago today I was in A&E with a fractured skull after slipping in the bath and smashing the back of my head. Two inches to the right and I’d be paralysed, if the bath water hadn’t drained away I wouldn’t be here typing this now. It was a very painful and frightening experience, I lost a lot of my memory and for a long time it took away my confidence. I did however learn a very valuable lesson, that life is too short.
Last night I checked my watch at 11.45pm and actually jumped up and down with excitement waiting for the bells to bring in the New Year. I was singing, dancing and laughing with my arms wrapped round the people I love and a huge smile on my face. What does 2010 have in store for me? I have no idea. I feel exceptionally lucky. I have amazing friends, I have my health and I have a penchant for walking on the sunny side of the street, even when it’s raining.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year. Here’s to 2010, a new beginning, a new decade, a new adventure?
Annie x
I’ve had 5 enquiries about purchasing my business/website/brand and have a few meetings in January about potential jobs. You could have knocked me down with a feather; I wasn’t expecting that response. In 2 weeks time everything will be done and dusted and Beluga in its current form, will be gone. The chapter will be closed and I will be stepping into the great unknown.
One of the things that took me by surprise after I posted the last blog was the response from those I chat to on Twitter. So many people got in touch to say that they were unhappy with something in their life and that my announcement encouraged them to start making changes and gave them food for thought. I think that’s pretty cool.
Four years ago today I was in A&E with a fractured skull after slipping in the bath and smashing the back of my head. Two inches to the right and I’d be paralysed, if the bath water hadn’t drained away I wouldn’t be here typing this now. It was a very painful and frightening experience, I lost a lot of my memory and for a long time it took away my confidence. I did however learn a very valuable lesson, that life is too short.
Last night I checked my watch at 11.45pm and actually jumped up and down with excitement waiting for the bells to bring in the New Year. I was singing, dancing and laughing with my arms wrapped round the people I love and a huge smile on my face. What does 2010 have in store for me? I have no idea. I feel exceptionally lucky. I have amazing friends, I have my health and I have a penchant for walking on the sunny side of the street, even when it’s raining.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year. Here’s to 2010, a new beginning, a new decade, a new adventure?
Annie x
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Closing down my business
Have you ever been skinny dipping? You take every last stitch of clothing off, you run (I doubt anyone casually strolls) squealing with delight into the cold water and immerse yourself in the coolness. The sense of freedom is so liberating it’s a natural high, it’s slightly naughty and feels like heaven. Making the decision to close my business, the thing I have worked so very hard for, has been huge. I didn’t sleep for weeks but now the decision is made the sense of relief is overwhelming. It’s feels like skinny dipping, it’s the only way for me to describe how I feel.
In January 2008 I left my 11 year career in the airlines and set up The Beluga Club, an online dating and events company for 27 – 49 year olds, based in Scotland. I’ve built an enviable customer base, created and developed a brand, sold memberships and tickets, organised nearly 30 events, introduced hundreds of people and tried to always offer honest advice and excellent customer service.
The Beluga Club featured in the Ecosse section of the Sunday Times, the Herald, Daily Record, Scotsman, Evening Times and some local papers. We got mentions on numerous radio stations and I even phoned in Chris Evans Radio 2 show and made a request live on air for a song for The Beluga Club – not bad for free advertising! We’ve worked with Glasgow University and the research is incredibly interesting and valuable to our sector.
The Beluga Club has introduced many couples who are dating and in relationships and to my knowledge 9 couples live together as a result of meeting via our service. Beluga really is a social network, our events offer a different approach to dating, we don’t have naff name badges, we take time to introduce people and know the majority of our customers - some choose to treat it like a business, others want the personal touch. There are certain aspects of the business that I love, it’s extremely rewarding to watch friendships and romances blossom and know that I played a part in making people happy. I also really enjoy answering email questions about dating and relationships, a free service I’ve offered via our Twitter account @TheBelugaClub. Its been a brilliant experience, I’ve learnt so much and had the pleasure of meeting some truly wonderful people. I’ve had the support of the bar and restaurants trades in Glasgow and Edinburgh and developed valuable relationships for future roles.
So, why am I closing down the business? For the last 2 years I have eaten, slept and breathed Beluga. It has become a way of life instead of a job, it has taken over everything. If my business was a hotel I would be checking people in, cleaning rooms, cooking breakfast and carrying luggage out to the car. It’s too much for one person and I need to find a balance between my work and my personal life. At 33 I want to live my life to the full, I want to surround myself with those I love and I want to be laughing, dancing, socialising and not working myself into the ground. I believe that life is for living. I want to grab it with both hands, stand at the edge and jump right in. I need a work/life balance and can’t find a way to achieve that whilst running Beluga.
By the time you read this all my customers will be informed that the business is closing. It’s going to be a busy week dealing with all the enquiries and the refunds and contacting all the businesses we work with. I’m not entirely sure what the reaction is going to be or how I am going to feel but for me it’s the right choice. I’d like to say that the business doesn’t owe anyone money, we’re not going bust and the tax man isn’t after me. I have no plans to leave the country unless it’s for a holiday.
I am also now looking for a job. When I left the airlines people asked “What does an air hostess do when she hangs up her wings?” For me the answer was to run a social network, organise events and build a business. Now I wonder what a dating expert does when she stops matchmaking? I’ve always worked hard, I’m full of ideas and enthusiasm and working with people is where I’m at my best. I’m organised and I work well under pressure. I can take the knock and I bounce back. What does the New Year have in store for me? I have no idea, I’m open to offers, my interview shoes are polished and I’m just a little bit excited about my new beginning. Will it involve social media, events, sales, PR? Who knows, let’s see what happens.
In January 2008 I left my 11 year career in the airlines and set up The Beluga Club, an online dating and events company for 27 – 49 year olds, based in Scotland. I’ve built an enviable customer base, created and developed a brand, sold memberships and tickets, organised nearly 30 events, introduced hundreds of people and tried to always offer honest advice and excellent customer service.
The Beluga Club featured in the Ecosse section of the Sunday Times, the Herald, Daily Record, Scotsman, Evening Times and some local papers. We got mentions on numerous radio stations and I even phoned in Chris Evans Radio 2 show and made a request live on air for a song for The Beluga Club – not bad for free advertising! We’ve worked with Glasgow University and the research is incredibly interesting and valuable to our sector.
The Beluga Club has introduced many couples who are dating and in relationships and to my knowledge 9 couples live together as a result of meeting via our service. Beluga really is a social network, our events offer a different approach to dating, we don’t have naff name badges, we take time to introduce people and know the majority of our customers - some choose to treat it like a business, others want the personal touch. There are certain aspects of the business that I love, it’s extremely rewarding to watch friendships and romances blossom and know that I played a part in making people happy. I also really enjoy answering email questions about dating and relationships, a free service I’ve offered via our Twitter account @TheBelugaClub. Its been a brilliant experience, I’ve learnt so much and had the pleasure of meeting some truly wonderful people. I’ve had the support of the bar and restaurants trades in Glasgow and Edinburgh and developed valuable relationships for future roles.
So, why am I closing down the business? For the last 2 years I have eaten, slept and breathed Beluga. It has become a way of life instead of a job, it has taken over everything. If my business was a hotel I would be checking people in, cleaning rooms, cooking breakfast and carrying luggage out to the car. It’s too much for one person and I need to find a balance between my work and my personal life. At 33 I want to live my life to the full, I want to surround myself with those I love and I want to be laughing, dancing, socialising and not working myself into the ground. I believe that life is for living. I want to grab it with both hands, stand at the edge and jump right in. I need a work/life balance and can’t find a way to achieve that whilst running Beluga.
By the time you read this all my customers will be informed that the business is closing. It’s going to be a busy week dealing with all the enquiries and the refunds and contacting all the businesses we work with. I’m not entirely sure what the reaction is going to be or how I am going to feel but for me it’s the right choice. I’d like to say that the business doesn’t owe anyone money, we’re not going bust and the tax man isn’t after me. I have no plans to leave the country unless it’s for a holiday.
I am also now looking for a job. When I left the airlines people asked “What does an air hostess do when she hangs up her wings?” For me the answer was to run a social network, organise events and build a business. Now I wonder what a dating expert does when she stops matchmaking? I’ve always worked hard, I’m full of ideas and enthusiasm and working with people is where I’m at my best. I’m organised and I work well under pressure. I can take the knock and I bounce back. What does the New Year have in store for me? I have no idea, I’m open to offers, my interview shoes are polished and I’m just a little bit excited about my new beginning. Will it involve social media, events, sales, PR? Who knows, let’s see what happens.
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