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Over the past year I've done a bit of "rezoning," and I missed the connection among these little changes until now. The biggest switch for me was starting a new contract, a Financial District gig where I become a software salesperson from 9 - 5 ! IT staffers and other computer geeks would probably curl up and die over a position like this, but I quickly discovered that I do just fine with cold calling and contact-digging. So well, in fact, that I can now take these skills and build a bountiful clientele for my own business. Imagine the epiphany when a businessperson discovers that cold calling—the dreaded grind feared by nearly everyone—suddenly becomes a cakewalk! Well, you don't have to imagine it. As a first-hand cold calling convertee, I can pretty much guarantee that if you are personally in need of new business, you will love cold calling after that initial leap of faith.
It turns out that returning to the 9 - 5 grind is not bad at all, especially if it's in downtown San Francisco. Even during the business day, there is still that romantic, breezy, unfussy mood that makes it easy to pass the time. Through my prospecting I have also discovered that there are plenty of downtown jobs now, and although most are not full-salary, long-term commitments, it’s a trusty fallback if you're about to be laid off or if you want to rid yourself of a pigheaded boss. If you're festering in unacceptable working conditions, you can almost guess my advice. QUIT! Find a job where people respect your rights, your safety, and your person. You'll feel much more comfortable, and you'll give your old employer something to think about!
On another front, I have settled into a new comfort zone as a volunteer for the San Francisco Pride Parade. I have been working in the hospitality unit for four years along with my friend Vincent, who introduced me to the one-day-per-year role. We feed and hydrate the parade staff, policemen, and firemen along the parade route, and we also set up a lunch pavilion for all volunteers after the parade ends. There are a few hidden perks as well! Besides free food, drink, and endless ice cream, we also get exclusive access to many of the restricted areas of the massive street fair following the parade. Having backdoor access to these areas can be a lifesaver while braving the blistering sun and hordes of people. Our volunteer efforts went seamlessly this year, and the parade and street fair was also a sight as always! The turnout was lower than in recent years, but that made it more enjoyable (and less rowdydowdy!).
One last bit of "rezoning" to mention is my housing arrangements of late. Since leaving my Ashbury St. apartment, I've moved twice, and in doing so I've really become attached to the quaint neighborhoods in San Francisco. I realized that I prefer shorter stays at different digs rather than being a house hermit in the same pad year after year. Life in Bernal Heights, my domain in early 2004, was an intimate experience, and I'm sorry to leave the neighborhood behind. But spending time in the Valencia corridor was a welcome sensation, as the cheap food and bustling nightlife kept my spirits high over the past month. I'll be eagle-eyeing Valencia Street for a bit, then I'll be off to the next 'hood.
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