This could be a big week for Utley...
I'm now spending my days as a middle school Phys Ed teacher. I'm filling in for a "paternity" leave and they have me booked for 2, possibly 3 weeks. I must say it is definitely the best subbing gig I've gotten so far: go to school in sweats, shoot hoops all day, make sure the kiddies bring clothes to change into, take attendance, get a little workout in. And I have a solid 2 hours off mid day, then return for just 1 class at day's end. I know about 5 or so friends who work at the school, which is basically how I got the job. And I teach the gym class with a friend of mine's fiance, and another guy who's very chill, which adds to the fun...I must say I'm really enjoying the experience. I believe this will/could put me in a good mental place for the next couple weeks, possibly transitioning into the next phase of On Sabbatical. As I have repeated over and over, I'm hoping I can build some momentum here.
On top of working all 5 days this week, (which I haven't done in almost a year) I am also working 4 nights this week at the ski area. Double duty b*tches! Really getting in touch with my blue collar roots here, (or lack there of).
But, most importantly, we have a couple employment prospects lined up for the rest of the week...consisting of a phone interview tomorrow and a face to face interview the day after. Phone interview tomorrow is for a summer internship at one of the top advertising agencies in the world. Really, I'm not kidding, they were recently named "Agency of the Decade" by Ad Age Magazine. And the internship this summer would be in Boulder. Colorado. Heard great things about the town of Boulder and have a friend living out there who is willing to put me up for the summer. While I am excited about this possibility, I'm hoping there will be some full time opportunities arising...sooner rather than later.
The face to face interview is with a company in the dental aesthetics industry. Sounds like a decent position, with many of the characteristics I'm looking for in a sales job. I am feeling positive about this meeting, as they have already called me back and emailed me when they said they would. And said they're looking to move quickly...whether they move quickly with me is of course the million dollar question...
Was also presented with an opportunity to sell Marlboro's in southern Vermont. Let me think for a minute...making my living off selling cancer sticks...ummmm, yeaaaaahhhhhh...
So stay tuned, maybe some news coming in the near future. But sure as sh*t don't want to jinx anything here.
In the meantime, you can find me teaching PE, pretending as if I have just landed the best job in the world. And who knows, for the next 2/3 weeks, maybe I've done just that...
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Thank You For Flying...
As mentioned previously I've been moonlighting 3 nights a week as a lift attendant at a nice little ski area in my town; a small hill, perfect for learning and participating in the fine winter sports of skiing, snowboarding and tubing.
While most "lifties" prefer to isolate themselves in the warm lift shack, I enjoy getting outside in the cold, moving around and speaking with the "customers". As one of the faces of the area, I feel it is important to show these skiers/riders/tubers a good time, make them feel welcome, and make sure they come back for more. While this is of zero financial benefit to me, I think it is my positive upbringing, as well as years of sales and customer service experience that has been cemented into my mentality. Into my steeze, if you will.
Some nights I work the conveyor, or the Magic Carpet Ride as I like to call it. The lift is often packed with small children, and for many of whom it's their first time on the snow. Which can be intimidating. Some are scared. Many are cold. Many wish they were inside playing video games. I make sure to stand outside with a smile, greet them at the "summit" with a high five or fist bump, and thank them for flying, "McIntyre Air, please fly with us again soon." I will also, on occasion, tell them they're getting better and better on the slopes with each run they take, regardless if they are horrible. And why do I do this? Yes, the sales mentality, blah, blah, however on three separate occasions I've had little tykes approach me as they're leaving and say, in a soft, childlike, humble tone, "Thank you very much. You made my night fun." Needless to say, this humbles me.
Last night I had the pleasure of working a private party on the Tubing Park. This particular party included employees of PSNH (NH's monopolistic electric company) and several key clients and families. The wind was whipping and the air was raw. Translation: it was f'n freezing.
As our guests reached the summit, I made sure to have a little fun with them, setting up races on our four lane track, even letting them "bend" the rules from time to time, allowing them to link together and ride down 3, 4, 5, 6 and even 7 at a time. I began races with the mentality of a NASCAR starter, telling them to "start after a 3-count, at the drop of my arm." Kind of like in the Grease, racing for pinks. At one point, I checked in with one particular lady who seemed a bit weary of the fast moving track. I paid attention to her next few runs to make sure she did not die, or at least collide with any of the other Bode Miller/Dale Jr/Cool Runnings wannabees on the track. After she returned from a trip to the lodge to warm up, I explained that we missed her out here in the cold, and that one more run would qualify her as a tubing pro. And that lane #4 had bit of "magic" on it... Just gentle BS'ing, but of course, with a smile on my face.
The party began to shuffle out as their alotted time ended, but before this woman left she approached me and thanked me for rembering her name and showing her party an overall good time. In her exact words, "Wow. You're really good, I can't believe you're rembering each one of us!" Again, I was humbled. "Just trying to make your experience here at the McIntyre Tubing Center as epic as possible."
So as I continue to recieve comments regarding my exceptional customer service, I wonder if somehow, somewhere, someone out there is listening. Someone who is looking to add the Utley experience and repetoire to their firm. Or at least refer me to someone else or something.
And while I'm merely acting in a manner which I consider normal, I can't help but wonder if this good karma will someday, somehow lead to something special...
Followed up today on the email I sent below to the Ad Agency. B*tch receptionist acted as if I was Al Qaida.
While most "lifties" prefer to isolate themselves in the warm lift shack, I enjoy getting outside in the cold, moving around and speaking with the "customers". As one of the faces of the area, I feel it is important to show these skiers/riders/tubers a good time, make them feel welcome, and make sure they come back for more. While this is of zero financial benefit to me, I think it is my positive upbringing, as well as years of sales and customer service experience that has been cemented into my mentality. Into my steeze, if you will.
Some nights I work the conveyor, or the Magic Carpet Ride as I like to call it. The lift is often packed with small children, and for many of whom it's their first time on the snow. Which can be intimidating. Some are scared. Many are cold. Many wish they were inside playing video games. I make sure to stand outside with a smile, greet them at the "summit" with a high five or fist bump, and thank them for flying, "McIntyre Air, please fly with us again soon." I will also, on occasion, tell them they're getting better and better on the slopes with each run they take, regardless if they are horrible. And why do I do this? Yes, the sales mentality, blah, blah, however on three separate occasions I've had little tykes approach me as they're leaving and say, in a soft, childlike, humble tone, "Thank you very much. You made my night fun." Needless to say, this humbles me.
Last night I had the pleasure of working a private party on the Tubing Park. This particular party included employees of PSNH (NH's monopolistic electric company) and several key clients and families. The wind was whipping and the air was raw. Translation: it was f'n freezing.
As our guests reached the summit, I made sure to have a little fun with them, setting up races on our four lane track, even letting them "bend" the rules from time to time, allowing them to link together and ride down 3, 4, 5, 6 and even 7 at a time. I began races with the mentality of a NASCAR starter, telling them to "start after a 3-count, at the drop of my arm." Kind of like in the Grease, racing for pinks. At one point, I checked in with one particular lady who seemed a bit weary of the fast moving track. I paid attention to her next few runs to make sure she did not die, or at least collide with any of the other Bode Miller/Dale Jr/Cool Runnings wannabees on the track. After she returned from a trip to the lodge to warm up, I explained that we missed her out here in the cold, and that one more run would qualify her as a tubing pro. And that lane #4 had bit of "magic" on it... Just gentle BS'ing, but of course, with a smile on my face.
The party began to shuffle out as their alotted time ended, but before this woman left she approached me and thanked me for rembering her name and showing her party an overall good time. In her exact words, "Wow. You're really good, I can't believe you're rembering each one of us!" Again, I was humbled. "Just trying to make your experience here at the McIntyre Tubing Center as epic as possible."
So as I continue to recieve comments regarding my exceptional customer service, I wonder if somehow, somewhere, someone out there is listening. Someone who is looking to add the Utley experience and repetoire to their firm. Or at least refer me to someone else or something.
And while I'm merely acting in a manner which I consider normal, I can't help but wonder if this good karma will someday, somehow lead to something special...
Followed up today on the email I sent below to the Ad Agency. B*tch receptionist acted as if I was Al Qaida.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Live Free or Die
Late last night, I suddenly found myself in one those prickly, "F everyone" type of moods. I imagine other people must get feelings like these. But maybe not. How did I channel these thoughts, you must be wondering? How about sending out a balls to the walls email to a potential employer!
The company in question is a local Ad Agency. If anyone can think outside the box and appreciate a well crafted email, (at least I thought it was a well crafted email) its gotta be an Ad Agency, right? Not to mention an Ad Agency, who, on their website, proclaim to love the great state of NH. Swell, me too. And it went a little something like this:
To the Minds in Charge of Hiring at The Angela Bauer Ad Agency:
Please contact me if you're looking for a young, creative, big thinking addition to your team with versatile experience in business development and a strong background in marketing. A unique mix of the proverbial hunter and gatherer, with an added dose of conscience. Someone with a natural knack for captivating an audience, but capable of wearing many hats to get things done behind the scenes. An eloquent speaker and writer. Self-confident yet coachable. And also a deep-rooted New Hampshire boy who migrated back home from the city, for no better reason than to enjoy the simplicity of our mountains in the winter, our rivers, lakes and beaches in the summer, and most importantly that Live Free or Die attitude that lies deep in the hearts of any true Granite Stater.
I am an Individual. And if the Bauer Agency is in the market for Individuals, as I think it may be, feel free to reach out. You will not regret it.
Sincerely,
Mr. Utley
The goal of that email was to appeal to the mind of someone with a f'n personality. Someone who appreciates a little humor. A little passion. A little g*damn, mf'n chutzpah.
And in the words of that chick from the movie Dazed & Confused: Lick Me! All of You!
The company in question is a local Ad Agency. If anyone can think outside the box and appreciate a well crafted email, (at least I thought it was a well crafted email) its gotta be an Ad Agency, right? Not to mention an Ad Agency, who, on their website, proclaim to love the great state of NH. Swell, me too. And it went a little something like this:
To the Minds in Charge of Hiring at The Angela Bauer Ad Agency:
Please contact me if you're looking for a young, creative, big thinking addition to your team with versatile experience in business development and a strong background in marketing. A unique mix of the proverbial hunter and gatherer, with an added dose of conscience. Someone with a natural knack for captivating an audience, but capable of wearing many hats to get things done behind the scenes. An eloquent speaker and writer. Self-confident yet coachable. And also a deep-rooted New Hampshire boy who migrated back home from the city, for no better reason than to enjoy the simplicity of our mountains in the winter, our rivers, lakes and beaches in the summer, and most importantly that Live Free or Die attitude that lies deep in the hearts of any true Granite Stater.
I am an Individual. And if the Bauer Agency is in the market for Individuals, as I think it may be, feel free to reach out. You will not regret it.
Sincerely,
Mr. Utley
The goal of that email was to appeal to the mind of someone with a f'n personality. Someone who appreciates a little humor. A little passion. A little g*damn, mf'n chutzpah.
And in the words of that chick from the movie Dazed & Confused: Lick Me! All of You!
2010: The Year of Still Here.
And a Happy New Year to all! (All those of you who still visit this blog, that is...) Utley is, despite widespread rumors, still alive and still unemployed. Or maybe the term these days is underemployed. For some reason, I think there may be greener pastures out there for me other than standing 5 hours a night outside a ski lift shack. But, hey $8 an hour is better than $0 per hour.
It's been a while. I hate to say it, but it's coming up on almost a year of being "On Sabbatical." My parents are so thrilled...
Not sure if I mentioned it last time I blogged, but had a great interview 2 weeks ago. Was/am excited about the company, industry and people who work there. Built super rapport. Looked sharp. Usually love to flash my Mont Blanc Pen around during an interview, of course to take notes, but also to show that not only am I a man of taste, but a man who has achieved the type of success it takes to purchase a $200 pen. But that was years ago. I recently went into a jewelry store to get my Tag fixed, and the effeminate gent behind the counter told me that my particular Mont Blanc now goes for up to $500. But I digress...and point being that this fine piece of art/pen ran out of f'n ink as I was taking notes. Still was able to write invisible scratches on the paper, but hopefully that didn't send a bad message.
That was exactly 2 weeks ago. I called yesterday. "Still status quo," the nice HR Lady said. You know, with the holidays and all that, haven't had a chance to "sit down and talk." Which I buy. However, when I have not been able to get past the first interview, I do begin to worry...
And Christ, I turn 30 in September. Let's all hope that some big mf'n sh*t is gonna go down real soon. Real soon, my people.
It's been a while. I hate to say it, but it's coming up on almost a year of being "On Sabbatical." My parents are so thrilled...
Not sure if I mentioned it last time I blogged, but had a great interview 2 weeks ago. Was/am excited about the company, industry and people who work there. Built super rapport. Looked sharp. Usually love to flash my Mont Blanc Pen around during an interview, of course to take notes, but also to show that not only am I a man of taste, but a man who has achieved the type of success it takes to purchase a $200 pen. But that was years ago. I recently went into a jewelry store to get my Tag fixed, and the effeminate gent behind the counter told me that my particular Mont Blanc now goes for up to $500. But I digress...and point being that this fine piece of art/pen ran out of f'n ink as I was taking notes. Still was able to write invisible scratches on the paper, but hopefully that didn't send a bad message.
That was exactly 2 weeks ago. I called yesterday. "Still status quo," the nice HR Lady said. You know, with the holidays and all that, haven't had a chance to "sit down and talk." Which I buy. However, when I have not been able to get past the first interview, I do begin to worry...
And Christ, I turn 30 in September. Let's all hope that some big mf'n sh*t is gonna go down real soon. Real soon, my people.
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