Thrifty Taste - An Interview with Stanleys Fruits Vegetables

Thrifty Taste - An Interview with Stanleys Fruits Vegetables By, Melissa Alvarez After much debate on what I wanted to write about, it finally came to me after I thought long and hard about what Chicago small business owners are facing today: High taxes, laying off employees, business management, and finding new customers. Therefore, I decided to write an article about someone whos been there, done it, and has the t-shirt: Peter, owner of Stanleys Fruits and Vegetables. Stanleys is an adorable store and thrifty option (located on Elston Avenue in Chicago)  where everyone goes to get the most affordable and high quality produce in Chicago. Although I interview people everyday for jobs, this time I was a little nervous. I quickly prepared some questions to ask him, and of course prepared myself to be rejected from even conducting the interview. Luckily he obliged and said with a thick Chicago accent, Yea, you wanna do it right now? I chuckled thinking, yes of course, but unprepared I quickly set up the interview for Friday and continued to gather up questions throughout the week. After interviewing Peter, I realized we have a lot in common. Good values, strong work ethic and our love for food. I also enjoyed speaking with him about his products, for everyone knows my applicable hobby for food and cooking. Cooking + Family/Friends = Melissas Coping Mechanism If you do a quick Google search youll find LOTS of reviews on Stanleys, but you wont find a website and youll find no history page. Youll find the address and some pictures of the store, but you wont find much about how it all got started, and how it continues to be a success after all these years. Its the story and lessons my own parents and grandparents taught me: Be good to people and they will always come back for more, or when you make a mistake, count your blessings, pick yourself up, and try again. All and all, Im blessed as a new business owner to hear these stories and to do exactly that. Peter doesnt know this, but he taught me some valuable lessons during our short interview. According to Peter, having a business is simple; its about helping and making other peoples lives a little bit easier, and affordable. 1. Tell me a little bit about your background. Peter: I was born into this. I truly enjoy what I do, and I got involved in the business awhile back ago. My grandfather started it in 1967 after being an independent grocer in the 40s. We go way back. 2. Its a tough market out there. How in the world do you guys still manage to sell with these affordable prices? Peter: It would be easy and honestly untrue to provide you with some sort of strategy in how we do it. Honestly, it just goes back to what my father always taught me since I was 15. He says, ‘I gotta sell affordable products. If they kill the customer today how can they shop tomorrow?' As a business owner too, you have to know when to change. Quality is important and you just cant cut corners on it. Your product has to stay consistently good and affordable. 3. Where do you get your products from? I must add, its all very yummy. Peter: The weather has had an effect on some of the vegetables. It just hasnt been hot enough to get as much corn this season. More than 80% of our products are organic and we get it mostly locally. From local farms, to local tables. 4. You recently introduced a deli. How did this idea come about? Peter: Change is good, right? Haha, my Dad just called me up one day and said, Hey, you need a deli. Get ya-self a deli. So I did. We are grateful for everything. We want to provide people with quality meats, and health conscience foods. 5. What would you say to business owners out there facing this tough economy? Peter: Dont go for a margin. One type-quality. Be fair. 2 Thrifty, Easy and Healthy 5 Step summer recipes with Stanleys Fruits and Vegetables. Cucumber Salad   Ingredients:                                                                                                                                               1 Stanley cucumber                                                                                                     1/3 finely chopped Stanley sweet onion                                                         1 teaspoon chopped Stanley cilantro                                                               1 clove of minced fresh Stanley garlic                                                               1 cup of sour cream                                                                                                   1 tablespoon of salt                                                                                                   1/8 teaspoon of ground cumin                                                                                         Add vegetables into sour cream mixture and toss well. 5. Serve cucumber salad in a fun and bright colored serving bowl with a sprig of cilantro for presentation.   Directions:   1. Peel and dice cucumber, chop onion, cilantro and garlic and set aside in a bowl together.   2. In a medium bowl, combine sour cream,salt and cumin. 3. Blend (15 strokes with a spoon).     Chicago “Sport” Hot Dogs       Ingredients:                                                                                                                                               Pack of hot dog buns (wheat or white)                                     Packaged of fat free beef franks (kosher)                                                 1 Stanley white onion                                                                                                                       1 cup of a juicy, fat Stanley tomato                                                                           1/3 cup of mustard (Plochmans)                                                                                 1/2 cup of sweet pickle relish (Rolf’s)                                                                 12-14 sport or jalapeno peppers   Directions:                                               1. Boil or grill hot dogs for about 5 minutes until thoroughly heated.           2. Heat buns on grill or microwave for 7 seconds. 3. Place 1 frank in each heated bun   4. Top each frank with each vegetable as you like.                     5. Add a squirt of mustard and enjoy.                                                                                                                                            

Your essential careers fair check list for networking

Your essential careers fair check list for networking Career fairs â€" you only go for all the free stuff, right? Free pens, free sweets, maybe if you’re lucky even a snazzy tote bag or two. While the freebies are great, it might shock you to know that  you can actually get a whole lot more out of a career fair than just a new stock of stationery. Play your cards right, and it’s an opportunity to impress future employers, build up your network and get a better idea of what kind of career you might want after you leave university. But this will only happen if you put in the work. Rolling out of bed and rocking up at a careers fair without a clue what youre doing isnt going to get you anywhere. But if you prepare properly beforehand, and plan out your strategy, youll really be able to make the most of the opportunity. Find out what companies will be there Career fairs can be so busy and hectic that theyre just plain overwhelming at times. Just trying to find the stall you want to hit up can take ages, and even then it’s easy to get distracted by everything else on offer. You’ll get the most out of the fair if you look up beforehand what companies and employers will be there, and make a list of which ones you want to see. Plan out your route so youre not zig-zagging around the room and wasting time, and make sure you visit every stall you planned to before you leave. Prepare some questions It’s easy to just turn up to a stand, grab a leaflet and go. But really, it’s a great chance to find out more about a company. Quite often the people representing the employer will be recent graduates themselves who now work for them, so you can ask them all the questions you wouldn’t want to ask a more senior employee. For example, how much do you earn? How much work is there really? What’s the office vibe like? Some of the people on the stall might also be recruiters, so asking some insightful questions is an opportunity to stand out from the crowd and get noticed. Dont over do it; if you try too hard to impress it could come across as arrogant, but take the opportunity to show what you have to offer. Collect some business cards If you’ve spent a while chatting to someone, and found out you really get along, then don’t be nervous â€" ask for their business card or email address. The following day, drop them a quick email saying how much you enjoyed meeting them and finding out about the company. It only takes a few seconds, but things like that will really make you stand out. These employers meet hundreds of people at every careers fair they go to â€" you want them to remember you. Find out what will make an application stand out If you think you might end up applying to work at this company, or in this particular field of work, make sure you find out what will make your application stand out â€" and what would definitely land your CV in the bin. Dont stress about overstepping the mark with your questions theyll appreciate you showing your enthusiasm for the company. Even if they just direct you to their website, theres no harm in asking, and you might pick up some tips that put you ahead of the competition. Remember to go in with an open mind It’s great to have a fixed idea of what you want to do, and you should definitely make a beeline for those stands. BUT, there’ll be companies and careers on offer at the fair that you might not even have heard of.   So it won’t hurt to take a few minutes to wander around aimlessly and see if anything catches your eye â€" you never know where you might end up! Connect with Debut on  Facebook,  Twitter,  and  LinkedIn  for more careers insights.

Happy new year! - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Happy new year! - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog Happy new year, Im off to a party. I hope that 2003 will be the year where we get exactly what we need instead of what we want or think we want or think we need. I wish you good fortune, peace and lots of fun. Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

Best Cell Phone Deals site www.letstalk.com - Hallie Crawford

Best Cell Phone Deals site www.letstalk.com So Im thinking about getting a Crackberry. Ive avoided it, like I do most technology. (I still have an old candy-bar sized cell phone that my friend Maggie makes fun of. Its a Nokia. When I drop it and it breaks into pieces, I can put it back together and it still works. I love that!) Lately, there have been too many times that Ive wanted to check my email on the road without opening my laptop and hoping theres a wireless internet connection nearby. So I want to look into something else… Do any of you have recommendations on Blackberry vs. Palm Treo or anything else similar? Please write me or comment if you do. Im hoping there are some Mavens out there who know these devices inside and out. (Im reading about Mavens in The Tipping Point-an insightful, fascinating book.) I want something that has everything in it email, address book, task list that would also enable me to view and work on Word documents downloaded from my laptop. Would love to hear your experiences/recommendations with these devices. Thanks! Want to know the bext cell phone deals in your area? Kiplingers Magazine rated www.letstalk.com as the best site to quickly find the best cell phone plans and deals in your area. Enter your zip code and a few other parameters and it filters plans for you. You can also compare plans side by side. I tried it this morning, pretty cool. It wont help me decide on a Blackberry or Treo though. And by the way, I am committed to not being a slave to my Blackberry, especially on vacation. Well see how that goes. Have a nice day, Hallie

A Cover Letter Sample For an Employer - How to Excel in Your Job Search by Writing a Cover Letter That Is the Same As the Other Candidates

A Cover Letter Sample For an Employer - How to Excel in Your Job Search by Writing a Cover Letter That Is the Same As the Other CandidatesHave you ever asked yourself if you should use a cover letter sample? Probably not. If this is the first time you have used a cover letter sample, you are probably wondering what to do. First, let's understand why it's so important.Sure, you can take the school curriculum to learn how to write a cover letter. You might even be able to find a free lesson plan that you can use. However, if you want to excel in your job search, you need to write a cover letter that stands out from the crowd.What makes this easier for you? What will get you ahead of the crowd? There are some proven techniques to get you to a place where you will be earning more than your competition.The most important thing you need to focus on when you write your cover letter is your own strengths. You need to describe your own interest and capabilities as a candidate so they know you better than anyone else.With your past accomplishments to look back on, you will be able to write your cover letter as if you were the only candidate who applied. Let them know that they are also seeing all the other applicants, and they just happened to find you, before they make a decision.Then, you will want to get into your previous jobs and describe in detail the duties of the company you worked for. Make sure that you really put yourself into the shoes of an employer to make sure that you really understand what you are applying for.Once you've done that, you can go ahead and describe exactly what you will do for the potential employer. What they will expect from you will be what you will deliver to them. Give them a cover letter sample that makes them want to hire you.

Understanding Professional Resume Writing Services in Noida

Understanding Professional Resume Writing Services in Noida If you're looking for a resume writing company, then all you will need is to search the web. Most everyone wants a sample professional resume that would get them with the job they wanted. Your professional resume writer will probably maintain a duplicate of your resume on hand. The best method to earn a professional resume that works is to incorporate a professional resume template with the precise language your future employer is searching for. If you should think of your professional career for a movie, your resume would function as the preview. At the conclusion of the professional resume, you may wish to list your education, starting with your final school. Understanding and learning how to compose your resume is important even before you get started looking for work. To begin with, you're likely to have to forget all you've ever learnt about writing resumes. The Death of Professional Resume Writing Services i n Noida If you're new jobseeker or simply do not have a lot of expertise in the area in which you're applying, Human Resources staff prefer to see just a 1 page resume. All 3 professional resume writer providers supply a wide selection of services and therefore do your homework and check into each one thoroughly before making your choice. Resume services can vary from very little money to huge amounts and each resume service will provide a wide range of services for you to pick from. Such services are usually supplied by the current conscientious employers themselves. Life, Death and Professional Resume Writing Services in Noida Your resume writer might be able to steer you toward job openings before the remaining portion of the pack. Be you are a fresher or an extremely knowledgeable candidate, your resume must be enough to describe your key abilities and achievements in a better means. Professional resume writers understand how to craft a document that shows you are the id eal person for the job accessible. Only a professional resume writer can help you to reach the target of acquiring a job. Resume Services are especially helpful when you're attempting to construct a winning resume that will get you the sort of job which you need and wish for. If however, you've resolved to go right ahead and seek the services of a professional resume service, make certain that you simply work with a reliable company which has a portfolio of happy clients. The Awful Secret of Professional Resume Writing Services in Noida Professional resume writing is an intimidating task. Maintain the expert attitude and stick to the expert etiquette for writing a professional resume. Writing your resume has never been simpler. To get started writing any resume market research is crucial. Professional resume tips will certainly provide you that essential edge! You're surely the very best CV writing services. Even should you not possess design skills, you will nonetheles s have the ability to create a really professional resume using a CV template. Employing a professional resume service ought to be your final choice. When you would like to do a job resume, the very first thing you need to consider is what it is for. To be able to do a job resume, you must be aware of how it's supposed to look like. To have a good job, it's crucial to have an attractive resume. Your professional resume is significant in lots of means. When contemplating the price of a resume service, consider first what you've gone through to get where you're. If you're thinking of using a professional resume writing service, you might be wondering if the price tag would be worth the benefit. The Argument About Professional Resume Writing Services in Noida Some resumes don't have a normal format throughout. The format of your resume is vital, don't use the conventional layout your word processor provides you.

5 Ways To Make Your Legal Resume Shine - Work It Daily

5 Ways To Make Your Legal Resume Shine - Work It Daily As you begin your job hunt, two of the most important tools you have are your cover letter and resume. In an age of increasingly Internet-based job searches, these two documents are your only opportunity to showcase your skills and set yourself apart from other applicants. Related: 5 Tips To Make Your Law Firm Application Stand Out We know there are plenty of tips on the Internet for how to structure your resume or make your resume visually appealing, but there isn’t a lot of information specifically about legal resumes for new attorneys to refer to. We hope that our tips help you understand what a prospective employer is looking for and how to avoid some of the pitfalls we see on a regular basis. 1. Structure Your Resume To Highlight Your Skills, Not Your Education In today’s workforce, education is common. This is particularly true for law graduates and recent bar passers. Remember, you are not competing with potentially uneducated individuals for the position; everyone has been to law school and taken the bar. We understand that this can be particularly difficult if you focused on academics and didn’t get a lot of real world experience in law school. If your resume is education heavy, focus your attention on what the mock trial team and law review taught you, and how those skills will translate in the workplace. While you are looking for a job, get out and volunteer in a legal setting. Offer to work for free for a solo practitioner in exchange for attending depositions, client meetings and court appearances. Volunteer to help at a small claims court or your local homeless outreach program, or provide other pro bono services. Building your experience while you are looking for a job will help your future employer see how committed you are. 2. Showcase Personal Accomplishments Or Skills That Relate To The Position We are all unique individuals with different personal experiences, and we encourage you to share those experiences when the time is right. If you are multilingual or have legal experience in another country, include it in your resume if those skills relate to the position you are applying for. If they aren’t relevant, leave them out. There will be plenty of time to tell your new employer and colleagues about your unique experiences once you’ve landed the job. 3. Stay Away From Sensitive Topics Many students decide to participate in on-campus political organizations or religious groups. It’s great that you were able to do that, but we encourage you to avoid mentioning religious or political affiliations in your resume. While there are legal protections in place relating to discrimination, you do not want to risk irking the hiring manager or your boss because you supported the Republicans in the last election and she is a liberal Democrat. 4. Ask A Professor Or Other Attorney To Review Your Resume Take advantage of the network you built in law school and ask someone you respect in the legal field for an opinion on your resume. Having a fresh set of eyes is always helpful. 5. Avoid Crazy Colored Fonts, Text Lingo, And Emoticons You would be amazed how often someone tries to make their resume stand out by using a red font or adding smiley faces. Don’t do it! Standard fonts are a must, text lingo is inappropriate and no one should use a smiley face in a professional legal setting, ever. We understand that applying for a job in today’s legal market can seem daunting, but by structuring your resume to showcase your skills and relevant personal experiences, you will start the job hunt with an edge most new graduates do not have. This article was written by Social Media Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Woodson, on behalf of CAREEREALISM-Approved Partner, 2U Inc. â€" an education technology partner that partners with institutions of higher education such as Washington University in St. Louis to deliver their LLM degree in U.S. Law. Related Posts 5 Critical Differences Between Legal and Business Resumes 3 Steps To A Killer Resume 4 Rules For Every Resume   Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join For Free!