Message from Crystal – Feb 2008

It was a pleasure to meet everyone who got his or her Passport to Network and Learn with us on January 30.  Are you ready for the next trip?  Need tips to navigate the workplace or coaching a new employee?  Read “Get with Gwen” on Fridays in the CRT Online Community blog.  Do you know any veterans (spouses and caregivers) who need career training?  As I review CRT activity in January, I need to catch my breath.  We are only halfway through February 2008. 

On January 30, we had a wonderful turnout at CRT Passport event in Laurel, MD.  I had the opportunity to meet business owners from a diverse range of industries.  I talked to them about how to use Microsoft Excel Solver to determine how much they need to sell to get the net income that they want.  Gina Watkins of Constant Contact talked about how to increase the number of prospects with email marketing.  I have to give a shout out to Mom and Dad for reserving the room for me (and believing in me).  When is the next Passport to Network and Learn event?  I am shooting for Mid-March 2008 in Laurel, MD.  Stay tuned.

I am so excited for you to meet Gwen Baker-Lassiter, President of Divine Inspiration, Inc.  She designed CRT’s Switching Gears Program^SM five years ago and she captivated me with the stories of behavior in the workplace.  I am amazed that people have forgotten or just don’t understand how to get past the first 90 days of getting a new job at any level.  Employers are a little strapped for time to coach new employees.  Gwen’s 11 Tips will help entry-level and career employees.

I want to say thank you to the Maryland National Guard for allowing me to use the Distant Learning Center at Laurel Amory.  Starting March 15, we will be offering technical, business, and career training for veterans and their spouses (or caregivers).  These sessions will be held on Saturdays.  I appreciate if you can help me get the word out to veterans in need.

Before I sign off (at 5:55pm on February 12, 2008), I want to remind everyone to vote in DC, Maryland (polls close at 9:30pm), and Virginia.  This is an exciting time for both parties.  Make your voices heard today!