Joining the Thin Club

UNEMPLOYED PUBLIC RELATIONS PRO SPINS HER WAY TO A JOB

New York, NY, December 11, 2008—Divorced mom, Judith Lederman, laid off in March by a major New York retailer, got the tweet on Twitter that Fox’s Morning Show With Mike & Juliet sought a makeover subject and the PR pro spun into action.  Volunteering herself as demoralized and deserving, she contacted the producers at Fox, was interviewed and they championed her cause, persuading her to part with her long curly locks and buying her a “recessionista” wardrobe at Loehmann’s to facilitate a successful job hunt.  On the live “reveal” broadcast, Lederman vogued for the in-studio and nationally syndicated audience. The producers surprised her, by facilitating an on-air meeting with executive search firm Heyman Associates, Inc., Senior Vice President, Lisa Ryan.

 

“If I can’t get creative for myself, how can I ever put myself out there as creative for the ones who will hire me,” Lederman explained.  “I pray each day and, believe me, I am a forward thinker, but if I’m going to get anywhere, I know I have to utilize my PR methods of marketing to reach potential employers.  If there is a way to lick this situation, it’s to meet it as a challenge – head on!”

 

And head-on she literally faced the challenge, reluctantly cutting her luxurious mane for the cameras.  With mounting unemployment numbers, Lederman knows that she faces more competition for the shrinking number of available jobs each day.  Besides being a Public Relations professional with an expertise in guerilla marketing, Lederman is a published author, has edited magazines and is fluent in social networking.  She is three weeks away from waning unemployment benefits and has been trying to pick up freelance work with increasing resistance.

 

“I know what I bring to the table,” she adds.  “I have more experience than the average 24-year old and every bit as much mobile technology and social networking savvy.  I figured if cutting my hair lands me a job, let them shave me as bald as Brittney Spears.  I’m in!”

 

Just one day after her television appearance, Lederman had two interviews lined up as a result of her “outside the box” PR approach.  She is confident she will be employed by January 6, 2009.  “Just watch me!” she says, tossing her cropped coif.

 

URL:  http://www.mandjshow.com/videos/mjs-recession-proof-makeover/

My TV Makeover

http://www.mandjshow.com/videos/mjs-recession-proof-makeover/

I'm back on track - thanks to Mike & Juliet and their wonderful stylists.  Check it out!  Judy

I Can't (or Can I?)

I cannot tell a lie.  I've gained some weight.  Here are my excuses.  I'll let YOU be the judge - valid?  Or not?

• I have been unemployed since March.  I sit by my computer sending out resumes and I pick up freelance work whenever I can - but I'm SO near the fridge and pantry, it's hard to not stop every so often (OK, maybe more than so often) to fuel up.
• I try to kickbox every day but some days, like today - I just get caught up in other things.  My son called from Israel, my mother needs me.  And before I blink the class is over.
• I can't seem to resist bringing "bad" food into the house.  There is no bad food, only bad habits, you say?  True nuff - but tell that to the supersize bag of pretzel chips I couldn't say no to at Costco today.
• I have been "tasting" things I had sworn off of years ago.  Dunno why - my willpower is in the terlet.

So here's the thing...I know what I have to do.  I've done it so many times before.  And I give my advice and will now try to TAKE my own advice.  I won't punish myself for my diet sins.  I will take steps - perhaps BABY steps at first - to try and get back on track.  I will remind myself that when you get a flat tire, you don't send the car to the junkyard.  You replace the tire and keep driving.  I will drink more -water and tea - that will fill me up and hopefully give me my much-needed computer breaks without the calories.  I will remind myself that I have lost weight before and I can do it again.  And it ain't over until the fat lady sings.  I'm not singing!

What IF?

With all the uncertainty in the global economy and with chaos threatening secure governments, what would you do if you had three weeks notice that everything was going to come crashing down?  That chaos would prevail and the economy would truly die.

Imagine our techno-world plunged into darkness.  Money is worth nothing - it's only paper and there is absolutely nothing backing it.  Airlines cannot take off.  Freight shipments  stop - there is no food supply.  The economy grinds to a stand-still as we puzzle about next steps.  We become a target for our enemies...And all the planning in the world can't prepare you - because no place is safe.

At that point you are forced to readdress your life.  What is really important to you?  You have a house full of stuff - but it is just that - STUFF...What really matters to us when everything is taken away?  Our relationships...helping others through their chaos.  The feeling of pulling together to face enormous obstacles.  Knowing in the end the good guys will win.

Why all this ranting?  Because I think we all need to think about the "what ifs" and to figure out - especially this time of year and at this time in history - what really matters and what doesn't.  Do we need "more stuff?" Or do we need to reach out to others - to contribute to society and to work with each other to get through the tough times.  Before you stress over the perfect gift to buy for the holidays - remember the ultimate gift - the gift of love and caring - that is what we can all bring to the table.  It's inexpensive.  And it's priceless.  Tis the season to give of yourself.  So how can I help you?   Judy