This document printed from the University
of Illinois Extension Tent Poles at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/macon/
Using What You Have
March 26, 2007
Rexlyn Nicole
Community and Economic Development Program Coordinator
Macon County Unit 2535 Millikin Parkway
Decatur, IL 62526
Phone: 217-877-6042
FAX: 217-877-4564 rxnicole@uiuc.edu
Many people when left to their own devices find it hard to promote themselves. Not wanting to sound as if they are tooting their own horn or perhaps pushing themselves too much and looking as if they are bragging. Understandable. But do you know how to use what you do have and how best to showcase that to future employers. Are you too busy downplaying your importance or knowledge that you might be costing yourself a valuable position of employment?
Think about it. What do YOU have to offer? Are you timely? Do you see the importance of details? Can you work well with others? Are you customer friendly? Do you have a knack for numbers? Think about what it is that you have to offer and use that to promote you in this new job market. If you do not feel you have enough skills, GET SOME! Local community colleges and educational sites in your area are eager to help you build yourself in to a marketable individual that will support the local economy. GET GOING!
If you look at life as a tent, do you know the importance of tent poles? When putting up the tent, the tent poles are hard to deal with, they are cumbersome and yet without them, there is no tent. The tent poles are there for support. They are the backbone of the tent. They are the foundation of the cover against the storm while camping. Tent poles are in your every day life as well. They are there propping you up when times are tough. Do you know who and what your tent poles are?
