Self Employment – It Could be for You!

Small Business Week on October 15-21, 2017 is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship. Did you know in British Columbia, 79% of small businesses are micro businesses with fewer than 5 employees? In fact, Vancouver Island holds the second largest concentration of small businesses after Mainland/Southwest region of BC.

Have you considered self-employment or are you hiding your inner entrepreneur?  Maybe you think all entrepreneurs are risk-takers, aggressive, have it all together, energetic, outgoing extroverts.  The good news is we are all entrepreneurs and by appreciating who we really are, we can build a business to fit our personality.

Myths are being busted about the personal qualities that are needed in order to be a successful entrepreneur.  Introvert, shy, highly sensitive, unconventional, non-conformist or non-traditional are all terms that have been used in a negative way to describe personalities, especially when it comes to business. However, if you consider the advantages these personalities bring to the table, you won’t have any trouble seeing them as assets.  We have gathered some suggested readings from authors writing on this subject that will have you appreciating your entrepreneurial potential (some are available in our resource room and at the library or online).

• The Introvert Entrepreneur: Amplify Your Strengths and Create Success on Your Own Terms by Beth L. Buelow
• The Freaks Shall Inherit the Earth: Entrepreneurship for Weirdos, Misfits, and World Dominators by Chris Brogan
• How to be Everything and Renaissance Business (Modern guides for creative people with multiple passions and interests) by Emilie Wapnick
• Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days by Chris Guillebeau

Get to know yourself, appreciate your uniqueness and be a trailblazer in your own unique way.

The Career Centre can assist you in this journey through a number of workshops on getting to know yourself better:

• MBTI – Myers Briggs Type Indicator
• ICS – Implicit Career Search
• Creating Your Own Employment
• Self-care for Job Seekers

 

Tomorrow, Wednesday, October 4, Parksville McDonalds will be conducting on the spot interviews from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm during their company’s National Hiring Day. They are looking to hire up to 6 full time positions at a starting rate that is above minimum wage, but even more if you have experience. See this week’s hot sheet for more details and other labour market information.

 

 

 

 

Tell us about your business/organization and what makes you stand out as an employer

Longhouse Forest Products is a value added lumber manufacturer operating in Pacific Coast Softwoods since 1985. Longhouse is Forest Stewardship Certified (FSC) and adheres strictly to sustainable forest practices. Longhouse does all facets of manufacturing at its six acre facility located in Parksville including: log breakdown; kiln drying; re-sawing: operating moulder/planers; pre-staining coatings; and fire treating. Longhouse serves and custom cuts for construction projects globally and has built an incredible international client base. All of our partner employees rotate through the manufacture process gaining skills in all facets of lumber manufacturing and become equal assets including the managers and owners. Longhouse recognizes team effort and profits are shared. We have provided year round since 1985!

 

What do you look for in a new employee and what advice would you give someone who wants to work for your organization?

If your passion is, or could be, value added lumber products with a forward thinking manufacturer then you should apply. Longhouse requires both skilled and experienced and entry-level staff. We are willing to train long-term, career minded, physically fit, reliable people.

 

How many employees do you have and do you anticipate hiring in the next 6 months? If so for what types of positions?

We have 9 employees full time at the moment and are looking for 4 to 6  more full time.  We are also looking for a  Truck Driver for deliveries with a  Level A Crane ticket.

 

What is the best way for someone to apply if they are interested in working for your organization?

Email Matt@longhousecedar.com  Fax to 250-248-5887, Fax to 250-248-5886 or drop by 860 Sohier Road  Parksville BC.

A couple of events are coming up this week at the Career Centre. In recognition of Disability Employment Month, the Career Centre and Vancouver Island Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VIVRS) is hosting an Open House on Wednesday September 27 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Enjoy refreshments while mingling and celebrating diversity in the workplace. On Thursday, September 28, from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm enjoy lunch while mingling with staff and clients at our Holy Guacamole Fiesta free lunch for job seekers. Check out this week’s hot sheet for more information and the latest job leads and business buzz.