HerbeM

Business & Entrepreneurship Mentee

I'm an older, partially disabled man, looking to change the demographics as it pertains to the work preparedness of men (young & older) from underserved communities who are re-entering the workforce. Throughout my life I have been blessed to have been exposed to an extremely diverse host of professionals and other characters who have added greatly to the overall person I am today.
It has given me the ability to interact with people on a many different levels.
A few years ago, after a number of years struggling with my health, I decided to return to workplace. A friend recommended I go to a workforce training program to brush up on mry interview skills and workplace etiquette. To my surprise there was allot skills and tools I needed to relearn and some learn for the first time, luckily, many the skills and tools I learned over years cameback to me and helped me to excell in the program.

During the 13 week mentoring program I met allot of guys who were entering, many returning to the workforce. One of the trainings involved mock interviews with professional interviewers. So we had to do everything we would do to if we were truly going in for a job. To my surprise, of the 53 men in the program, only about 8 had a suit, about 20 had a roughly knotted tie and others came as they were. Many of them had grooming issùes.

I began researching programs around the city (Washington, DC) talking with business owners, hiring managers and head hunters. Each of there responses was the same. A strong Personal Presentation was 1/3 of there decision to hire or not to hire? The other was there etiquette or manners, how they fit in with the culture or corporate environment? 2/3rd's of there decision was on how they look and how they conducted themselves?

This sparked my interest and set me on my journey to improving myself and building business that would promote the economic independence through personal development and workplace preparedness of low to moderate income me from underserved communities through the DMV.

Based on the information in your profile I believe you can help me realize my vision of creating a not-for-profit organization that can address these concerns faced by so many. The program would provide essential life skills training, a network of support and professional attire. We'll also help men to build confidence and provide them with the tools needed to achieve a successful and satisfying career. I would like to build a Referral Network (.to point them the right direction), An Advisory Team ( coaches to help them beyond the development stages) and finally a Board of Directors.

Not I realize this is allot of information. I wanted to give you as much information as I could without writing a novel. This too is a challenge for me, giving too much information and trying to consolidate it down into one complete thought.

Let me thank you in advance for your patience in considering working with me. Thank You. Thank you very much. I know this is not a small thing to ask, so I am appreciative of anything you can help me with.

If I don't hear from you before the holidays let me wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

To your continued success,

H.William McKinney
KODE BLAQUE LLC
BLAQUE L'HOMME INC.

More about this mentee:

• Member since over 6 years

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