Here's the planned agenda:
• Pre-meeting chit-chat and wait time for late arrivals. Housekeeping and announcements – 10 minutes or so.
• 20 Second Commercials – everyone gives his / her pitch. I’ll enforce the time. Get to the point and don’t ramble. 15-20 minutes or so depending on participants.
• Any specific questions or items to share?
• I want to use the rest of the time to address each job seeker’s needs (ten to twelve minutes per person on average). Apologies, to the veterans, but I will devote this time to those who need it most. I’ll prioritize to new members and those with long-term job searches. We have averaged about 14 people in our 1st two meetings.
o A general comment: I have noted that most people have not sufficiently done their individual assessment and cannot articulate their value proposition well. Also, they think they are networking effectively, but are not.
o For those of you who have never been to a Princeton or Monmouth/Ocean meeting, we focus on one individual and start by asking, “What’s going on?” and “How can we help you?”
o We all learn from each other and this format gives our veterans a chance to help. You get input from everyone.
o We drill down with feedback that is both constructive, well-intentioned, and tough. “Drill” might be the operative word. One of my veterans has described this as “the discussion you don’t want to have but need too.” Another (who successfully withstood the feedback) has called it “brain surgery with a chain-saw.”
o That may be too harsh but be prepared. I hope this does not scare you off. There is a proven method to our madness. I guarantee we will help guide you through a better and shorter job-search.
o I figure we can address at least 5 or more people given our time constraints.

If we run out of time or if someone still needs help, we may be able to continue off-line. Of course, I am always available for anyone who needs further help. Let’s see how this works.