Dec 31, 2011 is NOT that far away

Back on Feb 14th, I found out my company was loosing it's contract with Ameren to provide IT services.  I wrote this blog post the next day http://pscherry.blogspot.com/2011/02/looking-for-new-job.html.

Since then, there have been hundreds of job applications, some interviews, lots of consulting firms & phone calls.  I've considered buying a winery, and opening a restaurant; and even starting my own IT consulting firm.

Still, I sit here today not knowing what the future brings, because GCT (Guaranteed Computer Technology) is closing effective Dec 31, 2011.  I'm going to be honest, it scares the crap out of me because I don't know where this thing is going.

What can you do?  HELP is what I really need at this point.  Help to get in touch with someone who can give me the opportunity to show what I can do.  Help at looking at the next step.  Help knowing what I am not doing right, and why I continue to get passed over for opportunities.
My current resume can be found at: https://www.sugarsync.com/pf/D6980407_8807174_13730

All suggestions are helpful, no matter how small.

BTW: My brother-in-law has been unemployed since last Thanksgiving & could use some help too.

Show Me the Blog - Day 2 (afternoon)

Morning notes at http://pscherry.blogspot.com/2011/10/show-me-blog-day-2-morning.html

Instant Blogging w/ sKIDmarks

• This lady was FUNNY
• @robynsworld: 
• Instant Blogging Rule #1: Design a single-minded page layout. Make it obvious to visitors that they know what you are about
• Natural eye flow when someone visit your blog is a Z pattern
• Create content that gets people talking
• Take the emotion out of negativity against you.  Use facts
• Create a work space conductive to creativity and fresh ideas 
• Don't be afraid to adjust until you find your sweet spot
• Laugh at yourself, and be personal

Listening to @OffEatenPathSTL at #SMBSTL - talking about the top tips for food blogging

• Be consistent when blogging #SMBSTL - pick a schedule and stick to it
• Don't be embarrassed, but ask permission before taking pictures of anything but the food
• Don't be a SNOB.  Use real world conversational words
• Be engaging, by being yourself & asking questions
• Think outside the box
• Did a Vegan challenge & Spicy challenge
• Learn your voice.  Don't try to be someone you are not
• If you take free stuff, then there may be doubt of if your review was influenced by that
• Take a lot of pictures
• Never use a flash w/ dim lighting
• It make take 50 to get 1
• Try everything
• Have LOTS of fun

Men vs Women in the blogging and social media scene

• Great @stlwomeninmedia session with @daniellesmyname @joshkocurek
• There were 4 men in a room full of women
• The current business world still is mostly men and not women
• If you have built up credibility in an industry that is typically for the other 'sex', then it doesn't matter what sex you are.
• Social media is typically under the PR department.  Which has been a "pink" profession typically.
• Marketing uses "sex sells" all the time
• @showmeblogstl: Panelist @joshkocurek says sports is a traditional gender type of realm, but ladies are now getting their sports on!
• @compostqueen: Male and female lines are blurring in social media. If you write good content people won't care if about the sex of the author.
• @blondishnet: A lot of bloggers are turning to including vlogging. I am too.

They had some contest drawings before the last session.  I have been eating ice cream by @getfrostbite, and won a free pint.  My wife will be happy.

Building and Maintaining Relationships with Brands by @robynsworld

• The Robin way of doing things
• Brands (and you are one) should not broadcast only.  They should interact in the media of choice, not just tell you to call a phone number.
• @crazycoolcrafty: Watch what the brand is doing. Keep an eye on them (stalk them!!) Are they broadcasting only or do they interact?
• @blondishnet: 
• Sometimes when you have blogged for a long time & have great traffic, brands will approach you. VistaPrint did with me.
• "If I gave up blogging because of no comments when I started blogging, I would have given up in 2003. Persevere!"
• Don't sell, just make them a friend by building the relationship
• @bellebutters: I have a 3R rule for social networking: rapport, relativity, relatable. @RobynsWorld emphasized this!
• @daniellesmyname Tweeted the following
• 'gush abt brands before you even have a relationship'.  Be an advocate. they'll notice
• I think social media #ROI can be EASIER to measure than traditional ads. what's the ROI on that commercial? that billboard? flyer?
• And yes, offline influence is influence. Include that in your pitch to a company
• Some people hate to admit it but numbers do count. It measures your sphere of influence
• @jplovescotton: If you want to get monetized, maybe do a little for free but don't let it take too much time, effort. Can cut them off
• @nickgilham: Want to learn how to stay in your lane? Check out this ebook by @TheCubicleChick #SMBSTL http://ow.ly/75M9u 
• Disclosure at the bottom of every review

Great event, and lots of good ideas

Show Me the Blog - Day 2 (morning)

Hotel Lumiere has been a fantastic host so far.

Ms. @daniellesmyname started the day with the following Tweets: 

• Men have tweeted an average of 698 times - women 1542. http://bit.ly/MenVsWomen
• Men have an average of 643 followers on twitter whereas women have 1717.

See my Day 1 blog at: http://pscherry.blogspot.com/2011/10/show-me-blog-day-1.html

Sat next to Debbie today: http://www.thriftyandfrugalbydebbie.com/

@CupCakeProject talked about her start

• Readers and fans are two different types of people
• Practice the craft while no one is watching
• Writing for a blog is different than writing a technical manual
• Taking pictures requires practice
• Practice, Practice, Practice
• Monetizing doesn't work until you already have the readers
• "If I can change the name, the lyrics, and the songs, we might just have something" - Quote about Lady Gaga before she was a hit!
• Google Analytics and Clicky give stats for her blog
• @ShowMeBlogSTL: You have to see your self as a person who will succeed
• @robynsworld: most popular post for @cupcakeproject is Easter Cupcakes Baked in Real Egg Shells
• Use Pintrest as a way to see images that help promote your blog
• @SippyCupMom: On Facebook, call fans a community! Let them feel involved! 
• @melisasource: Do teasers on FB /Twitter pages about your upcoming blog posts and get them involved(asking opinions)-@mzgapeachy is GREAT at this!
• BlogChat on Twitter on Sunday nights can be very helpful
• @jplovescotton: Question of do you have a hand on a cupcake & one hand on the keyboard? Love that

Afternoon notes can be found at  http://pscherry.blogspot.com/2011/10/show-me-blog-day-2-afternoon.html

Show Me the Blog Day 1 - After Lunch

If you want to read the information from the 1st half of the day.  Go to http://pscherry.blogspot.com/2011/10/show-me-blog-day-1.html

Gus Wagner from @RocketGroup presented first

• Communication w/ elected officials.  Amazing how many people have talked with Governors and National senators/reps face to face in this room
• Over 1/2 a million elected officials across the USA (including judges, school boards, etc)
• Staff members are the ones keeping in touch, and reading the messages.
• chances are increasing that your elected officials are active on twitter or facebook
• What is #AstroNetTurfRoots mean?
• Use social media to create REAL 
• Missouri & social media
• 2.74mil Facebook accounts
• 12,753 Twitter accounts
• @techlh: Missouri is 42% below the national average in twitter usage WOW
• Identify the person speaking, even if you have multiple people tweeting
• Empower the people you bring together.  Give them something to do
• Use the tools to COMMUNICATE and EDUCATE the people who REGULATE our lives.
• @robynsworld: are you unsure who is using the social media accounts for your elected official? ASK them! Also interact w/them

Finding the Networking Value by Lakesha Brown of XD Web Solutions

• It's not just being online, but in WHO YOU KNOW
• Why network?  To Be:
• Better Known
• Better Connected
• Better Equipped
• Don't just yell or broadcast to people.  Be sure to interact & listen
• Multiple tweets from @glamkitten88, who summarized this session VERY well:
• No one wants to be THAT guy - the guy who broadcasts and shouts messages.
• 80% engaging content - be relevant online.  20% talking about yourself.  Interact with and engage others more than anything else.
• Social media is not a strategy or a tactic - It's a channel
• Share your content and others' content.  Always.  Spread the love! #smbstl (This includes RT'ing.) 
• Share more, and give to others.  You will get a LOT back
• Twitter chat sessions help join people with the same interests
• Google Doc w/ 
• @glamkitten88 said it best "Twitter chats help you connect with new people and gain followed in the process. #smbstl(Plus, they are super fun!)"
• Don't forget the e-mail signature w/ links

LinkedIn for Everyone by @NickGilham

• #1 Social network for Professionals (Facebook for business people)
• What is LinkedIn
• Online Resume
• Corp Espionage tool
• Job Board
• Question/Answer site
• 75 Companies on Fortune 100 use Linked in for Hiring
• There is a WSJ article about your LinkedIn Photo (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203388804576613561719372694.html)
• Don't take the default 'personal note' when connecting to someone on LinkedIn
• Specialties is a chance to repeat items in your summary.  List multiple items separated by a comma.
• Use the Skills that LinkedIn has in their system.  It links to more information
• Premium account
• Gives you more visual information about who visited your profile
• Industry information about those who visit you
• Keyboard search info on your profile
• Use http://inmaps.linkedinlabs.com to see more information on your relationships

How to engage your audience by Eli Rose Social

• Don't forget to keep the About page of your blog updated.  E-mail address and Twitter handle w/ links
• Be sure to use your real e-mail address when commenting.  Bloggers don't want to see noreply@whatever.com
• @robynsworld gave the following tweets
• Blog Engagement - leave comments on other blogs, be sincere, show you've paid attention #smbstl 
• Facebook uses EdgeRank - algorithm based on affinity x weight x time decay. It means interact on FB so you show up for others
• Want to make custom tabs, run sweepstakes, etc. on Facebook? Try Shortstack http://bit.ly/pc17lZ
• Way to check your engagement. Used www.EdgerankChecker.com
• Twitter interactions
• Create Twitter lists
• Twitcleaner
• Formulists
• Use caution w/ automated tools
• LOATHE for AutoDM
• Triberr is like AutoDM

Show Me the Blog - Day 1 (before lunch)

Got to Lumier early, and picked a table w/ power, ended up sitting with a lot of the presenters
Hashtab is #SMBSTL

The first panel was 'So You Want a Job in Social Media' w/ Danyelle Little (thecubiclechick.com), Annie Haarmann, Aimee Knebel, & Jenna Petroff

•   Social Media is not a 9-5 job, it happens all the time and insomnia is a regular issue.
•   Lots of research time & responding to customers at all hours
•   Know your audience (the company and the customer)
•   If you don't know Twitter, Facebook, blogs, etc on a personally, then get started now before you go looking for a job.  But just because you 'watch', doesn't mean you know what you are doing.  You need to be interacting, because that is what SM is.
• @bellebeandog put it well "Your online profiles are your resume"
•   Other's may think you just have fun all day, but it is work.
• @YelpStLouis Dad thinks she tweets all day long for work
• Where do you find the Social Media job?
• They won't call it Social Media, it will be PR or graphic design
• It comes back to who you know
• Ask to talk to someone you know for just information
• Having a background in PR, Marketing, Event Planning, Communications is a Plus
•  Don't be afraid to create the job you want 
• DON'T DO - Definitely don't drink and tweet!
• Use different clients when you tweet personal and business.
• WAIT, take a minute, before you fire back at someone attacking you/your brand in social media. Calm down first
• You can never delete something on the internet.
• @bellebeandog: You might delete a tweet but the history stays. Be careful of your personal brand n reputation.
• Be sure to look at WHERE you are seeing your return.  Is it Facebook, Email, Twitter, other
• Respond to critics and advocates, but be sure it's not the constant complainers.

Lunch was sponsored by @Hardees
To read about the events after lunch go to http://pscherry.blogspot.com/2011/10/show-me-blog-day-1-after-lunch.html

Project Manager Resume for Philip Scherry

SUMMARY:A highly experienced professional with over 12 years of experience supporting customers with widely differing needs. Seeking an opportunity to utilize my organizational strengths, and ability to direct a group toward completion of a common project. Work best at directing a team of people from different specialties, and other supervisors, to finish a project on time and within reasonable budgetary constraints. Effectively managed my team by empowerment of the individual and making them aware of the importance of customer support, and personal responsibility. Able to analyze the customer's desires and find the best methodology to meet their needs.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Guaranteed Computer Technology (GCT) St. Louis, Missouri October 1998 – Present

Project Manager

• Designed network, server, workstation, and security hardware and policies based upon customer direction and consultation. While advising of the most efficient, cost effective, and secure configurations to address the current and ongoing needs.
• Evaluated customer expectations for everything from projects to simple repairs. Then communicated contracted agreements and capabilities, and adapted previously developed procedures to meet arranged needs.
• Monitored resources and budget for projects at 5 million plus dollars
• Set a weekly and monthly schedule to keep all parties informed, and publish modifications as necessary so that no one is surprised with changes.
• Led the onsite project team for Ameren’s company wide conversion of 6000+ systems to XP during 2003, while drafting documentation that is both standard and flexible. Automated inventory processes to save approximately 2000 man-hours over the year long project. And then continued the large scale XP conversion, of 2500+ systems, for the newly acquired Ameren CILCO Corporation in early 2004.
• Used MS Project to track tasks to ensure projects stayed on time and in budget.
• Created proposals with budgets for $2000+
• Improved inventory management by utilizing the customer's electronic ticket system (Remedy). This allowed better tracking of PC life-cycle, therefore eliminating unnecessary repair expenses.
• Devised proper configuration settings for printing from Xerox and HP machines. Along with scanning from both Xerox and HP multiple function machines.
• Fully designed and implemented server conversions from Windows server 2000 to server 2003. While minimizing downtime and ensuring data viability.
• Developed more efficient PC build procedures saving anywhere from 1 to 3 hours of physical “touch time” per machine. This economy of scale saved approximately $225,000 of billable time during the Ameren CILCO project.
• Efficiently managed NIMDA virus removal on 1000+ infected PCs in Ameren’s bi-state area.

Business Analyst / Lead Desk-side Service Technician

• Assign service and installation jobs to a team of 8+ technicians on a daily basis. Coordinating technician time with customer needs and expectations. Prioritizing work based upon severity of condition, and persons involved with the resolution.
• Technician for 24hour on-call server hardware support contract
• Addressed customer complaints and issues in a timely manner. Made sure it was beneficial to both the customer and Guaranteed Computer
• Organized and developed efficient policies and procedures, that were then publicized to all technicians and customers. Setting user and technician expectations for the work to be completed, and a standard time frame.
• Implemented and Performed disaster recovery procedures.
• Completed advance work via telephone and remote desktop support, thus leveraging our technician’s time onsite. This resulted in meeting additional customer needs each day.
• Gained security clearance to work in a Nuclear Power plant (Callaway) where I worked power plant outages within a highly stressful environment.
• Trained new technicians on policies and procedures for customer support.

EXPERIENCE ON ORGANIZATIONAL BOARDS:

Shining Rivers Waldorf School and Canterbury Enterprises

• Practiced conflict resolution between board members, staff, and members of the public.
• Analyzed departments written budget requests and presentations.
• Promoted organization at public events, and using online resources of: Twitter, Facebook, web pages, and blogging.
• Balanced requested budgetary amounts with available funding sources and income forecasts.
• Debated and compromised with other board members to create policy for staff to implement.
• Monitored budget inflows and outflows, and advised departments where changes may need to be made in order to keep within budget

EDUCATION:

• Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri May 2001
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

• St. Louis Community College, St. Louis, Missouri December 1999
• Associate in Applied Science in Information Systems

• Dale Carnegie: Effective Communications and Human Relations/Skills for Success 2009

APPLICATIONS:

• Microsoft Office
• Radia
• Remedy
• Quicken
• Norton Ghost
• Remote Desktop
• Dameware
• Ubuntu
• Novell Netware
• Windows Server 2008 R2 and Hyper-V configurations
• Google Apps (Gmail, Calendar, Docs)
• Dropbox, SugarSync, and Carbonite
• Visio
• EDM
• SCCM

AWARDS AND MEMBERSHIPS:

• CompTIA Server+ Certification
• Boy Scouts of America, Scoutmaster Troop 361, Eagle Scout (1995) 1989 – 2007
• Dell certification on: desktops, laptops, and servers
• Knights of Columbus (3rd degree)

LINKEDIN PROFILE: http://www.linkedin.com/in/pscherry78

TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/pscherry78

Working late for Scherry Consulting

Why would I be up at 4am?
  Indegestion - NO
  Kids awake - Not tonight
  Party all night - It's been MANY years since it has been this late.
  Is there a server down somewhere - That program (and pay) has ended


I did get some sleep so far (3hr), and plan on getting some more.  But I promised a client their computer back by today (Wed), and I plan on delivering on that promise.
Since I work a full time job during the day (at least for now, see my previous post), and have two kids that want time with daddy, and I love spending time with my wife after the kids are asleep.  So work for clients (the current 2 of them) gets done late.
It was great of my current boss, and owner of Guaranteed Computer. To allow me to pursue these clients on my own.  Relationships have been developed over the years, and the extra income will help.  Plus, it could lead into having my own PC consulting business for many clients.
So tonight, I am rebuilding a clients PC, and it had 2hrs of Windows updates to download.  As I type, it is installing the 2nd round of updates.  
Once this finishes, I'm hoping to make it to bed with my wife, for another hour or two of sleep tonight.  But there could be many more nights in my future.

Internet Security

Have you ever thought about how much of your information is floating out there on the internet for people to find?
There is the stuff you put out there yourself, but if use FREE WIFI or hotel internet access, then you need to secure your information more. It is very easy to gain access to your Facebook and Gmail accounts if you don't take a minute to add a bit of extra security

Facebook has their 'Login Notifications' and HTTPS security settings. but they don't turn them on by default.
HTTPS means that all information transmitted between your computer's internet browser and the Facebook servers is encrypted. If someone intercepts that internet traffic (very easy to do by the way; have you seen Firesheep?), all they see is random 'noise'. Of course you also get Facebook applications that are NOT HTTPS compatible. I just refuse to go there when they ask to "Turn off secure browsing?"
Login Notification requires you to 'name' every computer logging into your Facebook account. It then will send you an e-mail or text message letting you know what machine has logged into your account.
Both can be set up from Facebook's Account Settings, and change the Account Security. Just two simple check boxes could save your Facebook account. AND, if you want to know more about how easy it is for me to take over your account, just let me know and I will show you what Firesheep can really do.

GMAIL has this great feature called 2-step verification
Basically it requires your normal Gmail password, and a code you receive to a phone. Not just a smart phone, but any phone (home, mobile, other). See Google Help for full details
Google has already enabled HTTPS, and you can disable it. But I wouldn't recommend it.

SO security is something you should think about with everything you do on the internet

Friends and the continued job search

I am amazed at what kind of response one can receive just in who he knows.
In February, I posted about how my employer is closing between now and July 1. That same day I e-mailed a list of friends. A few days later, @RizzoTees re-tweeted my post looking for an IT Project Manager position.

Well July 1st has come, and we are still open. Helping with the transition to the new corporation to be providing service and support. There are still some aspects of the job they are not ready to take over, so we will be around until they are.

Since February, I have applied to over 110 companies. All of the consulting companies (head hunters) have called me in for interviews, but most don't seem to go much further than that. A few (Apex Systems and Fast Search) have done a better job of keeping in touch than others. The only company that has given me a face to face interview is Edward Jones (they have since filled the position).

So here I am, still looking for the right opportunity. Could it be as a project manager or business analyst, or could it be running a winery? I know it's out there, just have to figure out where?

If you can help in any way, you can view my current resume here.

Cloud backup for Windows Server

I subscribe to the 3-2-1 method of backups.
- 3 copies of EVERYTHING
- 2 different types of media
- 1 offsite at all times

I have multiple not for profit clients who are running a client server environment (Windows Server 2003 or 2008). They currently change tapes or external hard drives for their backups. But ensuring the files get offsite in case of a true disaster really isn't in place.

Where can I find a reasonably priced solution?
SugarSync, Carbonite, Mozy all have business plans, but don't officially support the Windows Server environment. Amazon S3 cloud costs are to hard to figure out (15 cents per GB plus, 15 cents per GB transfered); to much effort to do that calculation on how often files change.

So am I stuck? So far it looks so.

There are solutions available that will let me back up the files to an offsite PC. But where do you put that? My house is close to both clients, so a tornado or earthquake could easily take us both out. Also could go to a NAS that supports internet backup (Dlink DNS322 http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=509), but the same issues as an offsite PC.

Really need some help here.

Im an uncle

Colby Norman was born yeesterday at 1:36pm; via emergency C-section.  Mom and baby are doing fine.
4lbs 9oz
17 1/2in long
He is currently in the NICU; but should be out soon.
Welcome to the world Mr Colby

Don't forget to vote - Tuesday, April 5th

Items on this ballot for the City of Rock Hill, MO will be:
* County Assessor
* Rock Hill Alderperson
* Prop S for Streets
* Webster Groves School District board members (vote for 3)

Go to http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/voterlookup/ to look up your polling place, and get a sample ballot

The Official St Louis County information:
The list of items on the ballot can be found at: http://www.stlouisco.com/Portals/8/docs/Document%20Library/elections/fio_110405b.pdf
Your polling place can be found by going to: http://www.stlouisco.com/portals/8/docs/document%20library/elections/AprilDistrictSheets11.pdf

Proposition S is an extension on the current street bond issue in Rock Hill. It's a bit like refinancing your house and getting cash out of the equity in your house. We are hoping to get $3.5million to do quite a few streets. For more information go to: http://www.rockhillmo.net/Uploads/Notices/Prop%20S%20fact%20sheet-newsletter.pdf

The League of Women voters has quite a bit of great information on the items you will find on the ballot. Visit their website at http://www.lwvstl.org/votersguide2010nov.html

Thank you for getting out to vote!

Show me the Blog Conference

At the WizTech Cafe on Locust (The Club sandwich is good).
Presenters:
@TheCubicleChick
@BlkSportsOnline
@CampingGearTV
@RobynsOnlineWorld

Before it started met @HealthyLifeDeal at the Show me the Blog presentation (www.showmetheblog.com). She does couponing for Whole Foods, and is holding another class on May 14th.

Stand tall and be proud of your blog. And don't be afraid to take a stand!
When a company approaches you to review their product, @TheCubicleChick (1000+ e-mail subscribers) sends them a media kit and an advertising rate sheet. The companies either say no, or alot of time they say "sure".
Stop blogging for free. Not that every blog post needs to be paid for, but don't give everything away. You must disclose in the blog if you are paid. Don't want to get that $100k fine from the FTC.

Treat it like a business if you really want to make money with it (try 5% first). Make sure to be authentic and genuine. It is competitive environment.

Know your price - Have a press kit, and know your Alexa and Page Rank ratings are; and who your demographics are. Don't pitch a company you don't really want to do business with (have a pitch letter). Customize your letter to the company you are writing to. Tell them what you do, and how you do it. Also, know about how social media savvy the company is.
Compete.com lets you compare how you rank against other websites out there.
Another way to make money is to use Ad networks to place advertising on your site.
It is not always getting paid, but maybe getting free products, trips, admission to conferences.

Remember, you are spending your time, so you should get paid for your time.
Put value in your social circle on Twitter and Facebook.
Spreading your blogs around, also spreads you around. But you may need different blogs if the subject matter is really unreleated.

Be passionate about what you blog about, you are only writing for one person (yourself). As your start, it doesn't matter how many people read it. Only need the right person to read it, and you never know who that is. It may seem to take forever, and you may want to give up, but that is why you are doing something you have passion for.

Do you ever clock out? It is NOT a 9-5. You need to put in the constant effort to keep in the game for more than a short time. You have to sacrifice to get what you want. There is no off button on the internet.

Looking for a new job

Dear Friends and Family,
Last night, I found out that my company, Guaranteed Computer Technology, has lost their one major contract. Our client’s transition to the new provider, is supposed to conclude before July 1. This means that my boss (Mike Volmert) will be dissolving the company (GCT), and my more than 12 years of employment there will end by July of this year, possibly sooner.
Mike has been fantastic in notifying me about what is going on, and what to possibly expect in the coming months. We really can’t be sure though.

Any thoughts or leads or any information you can think of that might help me find a new job would be very much appreciated.
Please contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or leads. My e-mail is pscherry78@gmail.com, and phone number is 314-485-9686
You can view my current resume here.

Thank you for any help you can provide.