Dianne Gubin with Advice on Dealing with Hostile Interviewers

Tip of the Week
by Dianne Gubin


Advice on Dealing with Hostile Interviewers

Have you ever been on a job interview and felt the situation spin out of your control, maybe to the point where you even felt the interview turned hostile?

Hiring managers are more cautious now about hiring and ensuring a match for the team. In addition, they want to know that your skills, background, and interests will make THEIR projects successful.

With this mindset, hiring managers interview looking for reasons to disqualify candidates.

Hiring managers may not know what questions to ask you, as interviewing may be a skill that is used infrequently. Or large corporations, nervous regarding discrimination issues, may ask every candidate the same question and rank the answers for comparison between candidates.

Typical interview questions regarding your background, particularly transitions regarding reasons for leaving companies, are salary history, past projects, manageability, and more. It’s your responsibility to make sure that your interview highlights your strengths.

It’s easy to get frustrated during an interview. You are doing your best and the hiring manager is looking for reasons to disqualify you.

It’s your responsibility to make sure that your background is conveyed as succinctly as possible to everyone involved in the interview process. Look at an interview as a sales call. When the interviewer asks a question that makes you feel uncomfortable, answer the question to the best of your ability and then add information that brings the conversation back to your skills and background fitting the position.
For example, you quit a job where you didn’t get along with your boss. Instead of describing the situation at length, gloss over your history in one sentence or less. You can say, “I left because there really was no room for growth and this is very important to me at this time.”

When new people are brought into the room during your interview, don’t assume that they are familiar with your background or have even seen your résumé. Bring new arrivals into the conversation. You can say, “I know I said this before… I’m currently working at XYZ Company as a project manager working on enterprise wide systems. I’m PMP certified. My project is ending soon and I’m looking for a new opportunity in the healthcare industry.”

Take charge of the interview. Answer questions, ask questions, and, if appropriate, bring samples of your work.

An interview may seem hostile as not everyone knows how to be a gracious host to a guest in an office. Or the interview may follow a tangent for which you’re not prepared. Studying lists of common interview questions and have prepared answers are helpful.

Just know that even if you don’t get the job because the interview turned to what you perceive as hostile, this probably isn’t an environment in which you want to work.

Just chalk up the interview to one more sales call that brings you one step closer to your next position.

Amber Wallace on Web Marketing

CASHING IN ON GREAT IDEAS™ FREE PUBLIC WORKSHOP

Los Angeles, California

SATURDAY JULY 18, 2009 at 1PM – 3pm

LA CENTRAL LIBRARY,

"WEB MARKETING TO THE MAX!--with Web Guru Amber Wallace"

Los Angeles, CA – Amber Wallace will present a free workshop for small businesses,
entrepreneurs, and innovators on WEB MARKETING TO THE MAX!

Amber Wallace has a degree in Creative Studies and is the founder of Dowitcher Designs.

Amber works with clients on strategic web planning and development, focusing on the
implementation of brand web presences and marketing campaigns. Her expertise includes search engine optimization, web design, interface design, information architecture, and small business entrepreneurship.

Amber is also a co-editor of Afro Geeks: Beyond the Digital Divide, managing
editor of the academic journal Screening Noir, teaches web design at the University of California,
Santa Barbara, and is a web development counselor for webmarketingtherapy.com.

The workshop will be held at 1:00 – 3:00 pm

July 18th in Meeting Room A of the Los Angeles Central Library

630 West Fifth Street, Downtown Los Angeles, California

The event will be co-sponsored by Science, Technology and Patents, Business and Economics Departments, the Inventors Workshop International (IWI), Green2Gold (G2G),

VEDC, SCORE.

Q&A opportunities and information handouts provided at the workshop.

Immediately following the workshop is a meeting of the

Los Angeles Chapter of Inventor's Workshop International and Green2Gold from 3:15 – 5:30PM

Parking is available under the library and is handicap accessible.

For more information, please contact the Business and Economics
Department of the Los Angeles Public Library at (213) 228-7110.
-

How to Win Awards for More Professional Recognition and Credentials

8 Keys To Winning Awards

by Diane Valletta

Finding it increasingly difficult to distinguish yourself and your company in a crowded marketplace?

The pursuit of awards can be an effective strategy to strengthen your brand by building your own name recognition.

There are countless awards available within the business community. You can be honored for your business achievements. For overcoming adversity. For leadership in your industry. For advocacy and mentoring. For civic and charitable contributions.

At the same time, there are costs associated with the pursuit of awards. First, there’s investing time and effort in doing the things that will make you qualified. And then there’s the time and cost of preparing your application. You’ll want to tell your story in such a way that the judging committee will easily see how award-worthy you are.

Consider the pursuit of awards as a part of your marketing or PR strategy.

Even if you don’t win the award, the nomination process is valuable. Getting your story down on paper – who you are, what you do, what you have accomplished, and what drives you to do it all – can be a revelation. Plus, you’ll find you can adapt your initial nomination package for other awards, for board appointments, or for use in proposals, promotional materials, or feature articles.

So how do you do it?
In my years as an awards consultant and marketing communications professional, I’ve relied on a few simple tips for creating a winning award nomination package.

1. Go after the right award

Look for national, local, industry-specific or association-sponsored awards programs. The Small Business Administration, for example, offers numerous awards at the state, regional and national levels. So does the National Association of Women Business Owners.

2. Study the guidelines

“Read between the lines," allowing the guidelines to dictate how you'll present your qualifications and what angle you'll use as a "hook.”

3. Identify in detail why you are qualified for the award

Take an objective look at your successes and accomplishments. As you do, resist the temptation many women have to downplay their significance. Pinpoint what drives you to do what you do.

4. Don’t overlook your volunteer activity

No matter what the award, it’s important to consider and include what you give back to the community.

5. Present your nomination in a narrative form

Answer every question, and write in a dispassionate style using the vernacular of the award program.

6. Include supporting documentation

Third party items such as articles and testimonial letters help distinguish you from other nominees.

7. Meet the deadline

Don't let an oversight jeopardize your opportunity to win valuable recognition.

8. Adjust your "basic" story as needed

Recast your narratives to fit each award's specific criteria and organization.


The impact of awards can be significant.

One of my clients, Rachel’s Bus Company, is a good case in point. This school bus company in Chicago’s inner city was known for hiring the hard core unemployed and then training and motivating them to perform and develop. Rachel had already received several awards for business excellence and social responsibility. But one of them – the Business Enterprise Award, presented to businesses who “do well by doing good” – caused a ripple effect of visibility and honor.

· As a direct result of winning this award, Rachel was featured by ABC-TV news anchor Peter Jennings as his “Person of the Week.”

· She was cited by then-First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in her book, It Takes a Village.

· She and Hillary appeared together on Oprah to discuss the book.

· She was featured in the book Aiming Higher, and her story was included in the book Stone Soup For The World.

· She was invited to serve on then-President Clinton’s Welfare To Work Task Force.

· She was named to the Board of Directors of the National Welfare to Work Partnership.

All in all, quite a set of reputation enhancements for someone who felt she was just running a business and doing nothing out of the ordinary.

#

About the Author, Diane Valletta

Diane Valletta owns Valletta Associates, a Chicagoland-based firm providing a full range of marketing communications, editorial and website content development services to entrepreneurial businesses. Valletta’s niche as an awards consultant began in the mid-1990s when Chicago Area NAWBO initiated an ambitious awards nomination program and advised its nominees to seek professional help in developing their submission packages. Since then, she has prepared some 200 winning local, state, regional, national and international award nomination packages for her clients. In addition, Valletta has herself won numerous awards for service to the small business community, most notably the U. S. Small Business Administration’s 2007 “Home Based Business Champion of the Year” Award for both the State of Illinois and the Midwest Region. Contact her at Diane@VallettaAssociates.com or http://www.vallettaassociates.com/.

Dianne Gubin on Who Makes the Cut?

Tip of the Week
by Dianne Gubin



Who Makes the Cut?

You leave the job interview confident that you gave it your best. You answered all the questions and knew everything possible about the company.

Days pass and you learn that you didn’t get the job.

What happened?

Here are some of the “closed door reasons” hiring managers and team interviewers have regarding candidates and why things don’t work out:

Overqualified and won’t stay
Too much of a learning curve
Not strong enough in _____ and we don’t have time to train
Working with him/her would drive me crazy
I didn’t like the way he/she answered a question
We have stronger/more qualified people who work here already
Talked too much
Talked to me, but didn’t talk to everyone in the room
Not enough eye contact
Ugly outfit
Won’t pass a background check because…
Said too much about why last job didn’t work out.
I know “So and So” who worked with candidate at his last company. We don’t want him here.
He/She will be too distracted with family/child care/eldercare issues
I don’t think he/she will get along with…
He/She just won’t work out here. It doesn’t feel right.
Candidates don’t usually hear the true reason a position doesn’t go forward.

Larger companies and educational institutions generally include all stake holders in a hiring process. This can mean that 10 or more people participate in the hiring process, each taking a minimum of an hour per interview from normal work, and ranking the candidates. All candidates are asked the same questions and graded on answers. This process is subjective at best and designed to weed out as many as possible.

If you’re not offered the position, chalk it up as a learning experience and continue the search process.


The right job is out there for you.

Patty DeDominic on Why You Need A Professional Coach

Coaching for Personal and Professional Development is one of the fastest growing
trends in careers. Get one today!




When is the best time to get a coach to help you become an even better, more focused professional? Five years ago! :-)



OK, then Today is the second best time to start looking for the right coach for your needs.



Think about it, ever see a true champion who doesn't have a coach? Not on your life.... Michael Phelps, Michael Jordan, even Beyonce and James Bond's Pierce Brosnan all have coaches, managers and agents.



What is a coach? By any number of names a good coach is a pro who spends time focusing on how to capitalize on their clients "gifts" and talents.

What is a great coach? A great coach is your partner in helping you grow and achieve your dreams and goals. The professional coach helps you remove obstacles, gives you feedback and suggestions for resources. The real coach does not "make your baskets for you" or give your speeches, but they might be there to cheer you on, critique or edit the speeches or presentations and serve as a mentor/friend/ guide to help you move farther, faster than you would otherwise do on your own.

A great coach helps you become more financially successful too, and should, in the first few sessions, assist you in identifying ways to generate more income, therefore the value added from the investment you make should have a high return.

Ever thought of becoming a coach? Do you have special memories of your finest hours, cheered on by your basketball or soccer coach? Aced a math or legal exam?

Chances are you have already benefited from the services of a specialized coach in sports or education. The Coaching profession, known by many handles over the milena, is evolving and has been a part of most of our lives.

Business and executive coaches are now numbering in the thousands and there are a number of professional organizations which are certifying coaches. There are certifications, too numerous to list here and that is a whole other article, and there are professional associations for coaches for business, sports, personal and life coaches too.

Here is info about two of the leading Coaches Professional Associations:

International Coach Federation And the World Association of Business Coaches (WABC)

The International Coach Federation (ICF) claims to be the largest worldwide resource for professional coaches, and the source for those who are seeking a coach.

"We are a nonprofit organization formed by individual members-professionals who practice coaching, including Executive Coaches, Leadership Coaches, Life Coaches and many more, from around the world.

Formed in 1995, today the ICF claims to be the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high professional standards, providing independent certification, and building a network of credentialed coaches. "We exist to support and advance the coaching profession through programs and standards supported by our members and to be an authoritative source on coaching information and research for the public. "

The World Association of Business Coaches, the WABC says: "We're the first international professional association dedicated exclusively to the business coaching industry and the only association of its kind with advanced membership standards based on business experience, coaching experience and client references. Since 1997 we've been serving business coaches and their clients."

Both organizations offer training and resources and have standards for professional conduct, standards of behavior and confidentiality. Most also offer some certifications and for a fee they provide the benefits and some prestige of being associated with others who consider themselves earnest professionals in the field. WABC also has extensive methods to resolve complaints, disagreements determine best practices.

Membership in a professional association is no guarantee that you will find a coach who is qualified to help you with your particular business goals, however it will be a great place to start to seek out qualified referrals. Always ask for references and check to find happy clients, or former clients who have traveled the trail you wish to walk.......or sail over.

At DeDominic & Associates, we have a number of successful business coaches that we have aligned our self with and highly recommend:

Dr. Adele Scheele is one of our nations most respected career and life coaches, with a PhD in change management, the former director of the Career Center at Cal State University at Northridge.

George Isaac focuses on investment capital for high growth and/or financially distressed businesses. Mr. Isaac has over twenty-five years of experience in business management for privately and publicly held companies. During the 1990's, Mr. Isaac had direct line responsibility as a Chief Executive Officer for a group of companies in manufacturing, commodity product brokerage, and commercial real estate. During the 1980's, he was a Management Consulting Partner in the Chicago Office of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, an international financial services and general management consulting firm. George earned both a BS in Industrial and Operations Engineering (1975) and an MBA, with distinction (1977), from the University of Michigan.

We are also fortunate to have relationships with leading business coaches who also volunteer for SCORE.org, the national resource for small business. These coaches can be reached via DeDominic & Associates for special projects or through the national SCORE website for cyber counseling which is always provided for free. These relationships have been formed over decades of experience and connection with these professionals, they are truly tested by time and years of successful experiences and positive outcomes.

See, there is no excuse.......

if you are a professional, destined for more success - you are probably ready for a professional coaching relationship.

Your coach is not your conscience nor a nag, but your professional coach can become your partner in success. Today is a great day to reach out and make the connection to the person who will help you soar above the crowds and achieve the business, personal and professional goals which will give you a richer, more fulfilling life.

Enjoy! Patty DeDominic, professional business coach,

Helping Achievers Soar!

former chair of the board, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce

http://www.dedominic.com/

Please call us if you would like more information or for a free half hour consultation on finding the right business or life coach for yourself or your team!

805 565 9967 in the USA, PST

Randi Smith-Todorowski, An Arizona Woman on a Martial Arts Mission!

Randi Smith-Todorowski
3rd Degree Black Belt In Life


This is from Randi's company, Atlas Martial Arts Newsletter:

The giant oak is an acorn that held its ground.

Just as an acorn is able to reach its greatest potential by defying all odds and staying firm, we all have the ability to do the same. As Peter Walsh so boldly states, "Dream Big and Dream Often." Start with self awareness. You must have a clear vision. The only person who will get you where you want to be is you.

What does your giant oak tree look like? Do you wish to be a Broadway dancer, a professional athlete, philanthropist, teacher, stay at-home mom, successful entrepreneur or just a happier person? Begin with the end in mind.

I love the story of Tony Hsieh. He helped start, Zappos.com. In 2008, Zappos booked $1 billion in gross sales. Today the idea of selling shoes online is thought unorigin al. However, in 1999, only 10 years ago, investors were quick to pass on this idea, denouncing there was no evidence it would work. I repeat, in 2008, Zappos booked $1 BILLION in gross sales. Clearly he had a vision and held his ground.

Each day we risk being thrown off course by negative thinking, distractions and other people's problems and opinions. Unless, of course, you have a Black Belt In Life Attitude; you are so clear and focused on your vision that nothing stands in your way.

Last year in an effort to make the world a better place, we launched Atlas Online and introduced the idea of distance learning Kung Fu. Just like Zappos, our idea was beat down by traditional thinkers. Although, we can transmit information at warp speeds and earn an MBA online, we were told our idea would never work. Today, we are proud to have global presence and help others feel better, look better and live better around the world. What began as tutorial streamed videos has blossomed into full online certifications.

Looking at an acorn for the first time, you would never imagine its potential. Do you know yours? Does the stuff you do today, help you create the life you want? You can read about vision boards, positive thinking, laws of attraction and manifesting what you want, or you can take action and make it happen!

Be the acorn that becomes the giant oak.

Today is the first day of the second half of 2009.
Don't wait for next year to try again, games are won and lost in the 2nd half.

Make 2009 the year that you power your dream!

All great things come from a seed, tangible or intangible.

As the Chinese proverb goes-The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago.
The second best time is now.

If an acorn can become a giant oak tree, an online shoe company can gross over $1 Billion a year and martial arts can be learned online, you can develop the tenacity to reach your dreams.

Job Losses at 26 year High - DeDominic's Life Lines for Resources & Wisdom

Each month the Headlines get more scary and urgent.
Some months ago I predicted 25% unemployment and daily I pray
that my forecast does not come true. In some cities it already has.

Many people have dropped out of the job hunt due to endless rejections
and frustration. Today's New York Times reports that Unemployment
is now at 9.5%; and that the USA lost 467,000 Jobs in June 2009.

The American economy shed 467,000 jobs last month,
and the unemployment rate rose to 9.5 percent, its highest
level in 26 years, the Labor Department reported on Thursday.

http://www.nytimes.com/?emc=na

Please stay tuned to this blog for more ideas, suggestions and guidance about
hot to be one of the 75% who ARE employed.

We accept articles from professionals and experts who have wisdom
to share.

Patty DeDominic - Coach to High Achievers and those who will soon be!
http://www.dedominic.com/
Los Angeles, Washington D.C., New York

Bonita Brown's Tips for Facing Change

In the Baltimore Washington Metropolitan area, you would have to be under a rock not to hear about the effect that the economy has had on the life of Washingtonians. Economic discussions are everywhere and while you cannot escape it, what does that mean for you? Well, it often will mean that change is coming and how you handle that change will determine its impact on your quality of life.

Most people have a difficult time handling change and usually resist it especially in the workplace. Changes in the workplace can range from new or additional responsibilities to a new boss. Many are afraid that changes may mean hard times for the average worker. With the looming fear of losing your job, most employees are adhering to change begrudgingly. People are no longer comfortable with expressing their true feelings. Harboring your true feelings may lead to stress and resentment which can impact the quality of your work, your health and personal life.

How can you manage, handle or survive a change in the workplace during these economic times?

Here are four tips on handling change especially when your first inclination is to resist it.

1. Seek to understand the strategy behind the decision to change. If the change is a result of reorganization due to layoffs, then it is expected that those who remain will have to make adjustments to accommodate the work of your former co-workers. It may mean more work for those that are fortunate to avoid the layoff but it can be a situation that can be managed if communicated properly. If your manager has not provided an explanation of the re-distribution of work, then politely ask for clarification on the company's strategy to deal with the new workforce. The number one cause of conflict is the inability to communicate and when you are faced with the stress of change, it is a prime opportunity to establish a new relationship with the remaining staff.

2. Find ways to improve the flow of the work or the process. If you are suddenly asked to do more in the same amount of time, now is the time to find efficiencies in your work, work area or process. Not only will you work smarter rather than harder but you will gain respect and recognition (maybe even reward) with your manager or employer. Be creative and innovative, now is the time to make effective recommendations that will save the company time and money.
3. Build better relationships within the organization and with external customers. Become more of a team player so when you need assistance or have questions, you will have accessible resources available when necessary. Many times after a layoff, subject matter experts and experienced co-workers may no longer be available which may leave you with the responsibility to fill that void in an area with which you may not be familiar. After reorganization you may need to build additional, positive relationships to circumvent resistance from disgruntled workers that you need in order to perform your job. That’s why it’s important for you to establish a good relationship with co-workers and customers who are important components in achieving your goals.

4.Keep your work and personal life balanced. When you have more responsibility on the job, your personal life can and will be affected unless you take the necessary steps to maintain equilibrium. Working longer hours, being re-located or managing more staff are examples of new responsibilities that will affect your personal life. As with managing new work assignments, you may need to restructure your personal life, family obligations and schedule. Try to find ways to incorporate stability between your business and home life.









Bonita Brown, Executive/Business/Life Coach and president of E.B. Coaching and Consulting Services Inc., is a successful entrepreneur, coach and executive who brings to her coaching practice passion, caring and a desire to make a difference

Baby Boomers Growing the Entrepreneurial Ranks by Patty DeDominic

Economic downturn prompts
more boomers to start businesses


The number of individuals who are starting businesses later in life is increasing, economists say.

A recent AARP poll found 21% of people who are self-employed in the U.S. are between 55 and 64. Meanwhile, 10% of self-employed individuals are older than 65.



Some experts believe the stock market's sharp decline has left many seniors with less retirement income. This has prompted them to start their own businesses to generate
income to make up for the shortfall. BusinessWeek (6/8)



Here's an example of a great new business that will be both an income generator and a for the public benefit: A Social Enterprise. http://www.upfromthedust.com/ is the brainchild of Mary Schnack a philanthropic business woman of Sedona Arizona and co creator of the International Women's Festivals. Also a professional media expert, Mary says: "You don't have to be a nonprofit in order to do good for the world. You can create a Social Enterprise which has a "greater than for profit" motive. As a trainer and leader for the National Association of Women Business Owners http://www.nawbo.org/ Mary became involved in the International Women Business Owners Association. http://www.fcem.org/ and met women who operated micro enterprises all over the world, but became especially connected to women in Africa and China who wanted expanded markets to sell their handmade items. Mary conceived of specialized trunk shows of their products and Up From the Dust was born two years ago. She has positively impacted the lives and businesses of over 25 micro-business women and hundreds of others who have purchased the colorful and beautiful gift items. Mary has frequently partnered with non profits who work toward the benefit of women and used her products from Africa, China and elsewhere as fundraisers for USA based nonprofits. Everybody wins.....as long as Mary is still willing to be the conduit between the micro enterprises who have no access to these markets without Mary's willingness to support and share her good fortune.


Maria Contreras Sweet, Chairwoman of Promerica Banks in California calls it "The Triple Bottom Line". She spoke at a conference in California earlier this year on that very subject saying that at her bank they make decisions looking for payoff not just for shareholders but for the community as well as the other internal stakeholders such as the employees and their families and communities too.






Janeen Swing, Gene Sinser and I are also creating a new Social Enterprise called Prima Recycla http://www.primarecycla.com/ which will serve as one of those "more than for profit" social enterprises disseminating information and educational opportunities on Recycling and supporting education programs for people with special needs. Created as not only a sheltered workshop the "warehouse-boutique" offers Treasures for sale on line and in it's Santa Barbara location.



Janeen Swing, Creative Director and Partner said she wants the business to be a special place, a destination shopping and learning experience. "I want to do good for the community and I would love to use my talents in ways that benefit people who shop with us and who donate or consign their furniture and other treasures for "Recycling-ReUse" by a new loving owner who is thrilled to be part of the less-waste world." Gene Sinser will work with families who want to purchase or sell art and his extensive contacts and knowledge after having owned the Gene Sinser Gallery in Los Angeles for over a decade will come in handy. Anyone wishing more information about PrimaRecycla as a sheltered work opportunity or a place to make donations can visit the website and watch this work in progress grow. http://www.primarecycla.com/


Special thanks to Dianne Gubin http://www.diannegubin.com/ and GuruStu.com for the cartoon. Stuart Rubin has also created many socially impactful humous cartoons, please do visit his website. If you would like more info on classes and Dianne's employment tip of the week, please search for her on this blog. Dianne has shared a great deal of her expertise and offers tips of the week at her site

Entrepreneur Magazine Still a Great Place for Advice

This is from a great article in Enterpreneur Magazine.

It's a jungle out there, especially for startups. Good news, though: Information, advice and assistance are available--often at no charge. Armed with the proper coordinates, you can gain quick, direct access to one-on-one counseling, step-by-step strategic guidance, legal advice, funding opportunities and more.

Here's an insider's guide to four of the best startup resources:
1. SCORE: A nonprofit that provides free online and in-person mentoring via a national counseling force of 11,800 working and retired business owners and executives in nearly 400 chapters
Trained counselors/mentors are matched to client's specific needs and business or market.
Counseling is multidimensional--motivational as well as practical, informational and strategic.
Additional support is available in the form of online learning, how-to articles, business templates, low-cost workshops and an extensive resource library.
Visit the SCORE website regularly: This year, SCORE began posting monthly "Small Business Smart Start Tools," with resources for assessing your business, organizing your workplace and planning for success. Tips for January included an online workshop to develop a quick-start business plan, and two startup quizzes to help size up the competition and the earning potential of a business idea.
SCORE counselors are available to assist in "as many follow-up appointments as necessary," says Martin Lehman, a SCORE counselor. "We're here to help."
A subsiteis dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs.

2. Small Business Development Centers: An expansive network of some 1,100 branch offices, delivering counseling, training and technical assistance in all aspects of small-business management. "Every startup needs three things," says Kristin Johnson, director of the Northern California SBDC network. "A lawyer, an accountant and an SBDC advisor."
It's all here: help with financials, marketing, production, organization, engineering and technical problems, and feasibility studies.
Confidential one-on-one counseling is a core strength.

Workshops for startups run regularly at local SBDCs, and most are free.

"We recommend every client attend one before seeking one-on-one counseling," says Kelly Manning, state director of the Colorado SBDC network.
All centers have an on-site resource library.
Check with the SBDC in your area about specialized programs, including industry-specific training and events for nascent entrepreneurs.
Many SBDCs publish a region-specific business resource guide every year or two. If your local center publishes one, it's worth checking out, says Manning.
Don't wait to reach out to an SBDC, Johnson urges. "It's never too early to start working with someone on your idea."
Make an appointment for a counseling session, and come prepared with a list of questions. Even better, come with a rough business plan.
Need multiple counseling sessions to sort things out? Never a problem--and never a charge.
Many SBDCs are housed at academic institutions, so startups can tap grad student research groups for custom-ized--and free--market research. Ask an SBDC advisor how it works. "It's lessutilized than it should be," Johnson notes.
Ready to start your quest for funding? Visit an SBDC advisor for help refining your business plan and financials first.

3. SBA: Via the web and district offices, the SBA offers an array of tools and resources to help new and aspiring business owners succeed.
There are too many resources to list them all, but Holly Schick of the SBA's Office of Entrepreneurial Development recommends starting with the Start-Up Assessment Tool.
The Small Business Planner has guides on just about every aspect of startup.
Access free, at-your-own-pace courses on topics like writing a business plan. These 30- to 45-minute courses pack an educational wallop.
Delve into the SBA's resource library.
If you or a spouse is or was in the military, check out Patriot Express, a new SBA initiative that provides expedited funding for startups.
Pay a visit to an SBA district office for startup info relevant to a specific state and locality.
Visit an SBA Women's Business Center or Office of Women's Business Ownership for free support.
Check out one of the SBA's Minority Business Development Centers for free business consulting services and financial management advice.
Check the SBA website frequently, advises Schick, because resources for startups are regularly updated (and usually highlighted in the "Spotlight" column on the homepage).

4. U.S. Chamber Small Business Center: This arm of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce provides comprehensive startup assistance via web-based tools and resources.
The center's Startup Toolkit is a must, says the U.S. Chamber's Giovanni Coratolo. It runs the how-to gamut, from evaluating an idea's chances for success to accessing capital and beyond.
A large small-business library is at your fingertips.
Coming soon: enriched resources on the center's website, with anticipated contributions from partners SCORE, SBDCs and the FastTrac entrepreneur learning program, says Coratolo.
Tap the "Tools" section of the center's library for various model business documents, spreadsheet templates and government forms.
Check out the center's guidance on business exit planning. "Knowing how to exit a business will dictate how you shape that business," Coratolo says.

Guidance on landing government contracts is especially worthwhile he says.Read more: http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2009/april/200806.html#ixzz0Io4oPARj&C

For the Full article and added resources please visit: http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2009/april/200806.html

Patty De's Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

Last year I had the honor of working with a number of college students, including Kristine Westman pictured here in her United Way T-Shirt. She's the "poster girl" for her local chapter and quite an inspiration to her fellow students (now a new grad!) at Northwood U.

http://www.unitedwaymidland.org/news.php

Kristine also helped with much of the research that went into our new E-Book, JOBS2.0, the NEW New World of Work. She helped me set up the research protocols, conducted interviews and kept me on track last year. (we were almost sorry to see her to back to school, but we wanted her to graduate too!)

I gave Kristine and others some general advice for Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders on Human
Resources….. often their greatest expense and usually a business’s greatest asset too.

Here is my advice..... which took over twenty years to learn well and million of dollars invested.

1. Nothing is so expensive as Cheap Help.

Staff UP to the level of your biggest and best potential client and make sure you stay

ahead of their needs.Just because times are tough and you may not have a lot of money

for payroll, don’t skimp on your people. You do not need to overpay them either, however

it is important that you staff your company for where you plan to be in 6-12 months, not

where you were last year Train your team mates to anticipate the needs of the clients and begin offering solutions before the client realizes they even need help. And Of course when

the client calls it is critical to be super responsive.

2. You don’t have to be perfect, just better than the competition. Unless your business is rocket science or brain surgery it probably doesn’t need to be executed perfectly.

I used to angst a lot about how my people were not fast enough, around enough, outgoing
or trained in sales enough. A Wise mentor released me from torturing myself and my people

by reminding me that I just needed to run the BEST company in its class….. not strive for perfection which, in the people business, was impossible to achieve.

3. Five Important Tips for Setting Goals for Top Performance by
your employees
a. *Clear goals…..and Company Mission.* In the context of your
companies Mission/Vision statement – give your people clear goals with
specifics including measurements, details and dates expected.
Statements which just say “Do Your Best” sound nice but are not enough
to get Top Performance.

b. *Tell them WHY…* by providing the reasons for specific goals, they
are much more likely to work hard to achieve them. Increasing the
commitment among you employees. If pushed, they will also find other
ways to accomplish the goals without you having to give them too much
direction. People want to help the company be successful and will take
pride in achieving high goals if they understand the business rationale.

c. *Model the Behavior you expect in others. *We all love to follow a
true leader, one who walks his/her talk. When your people see you
setting challenging goals for yourself and then working hard to
achieve them they want to be part of that success. It is a powerful
motivator.

d. *Give Specific Feedback. *Feedback is the breakfast of champions!
If your employees know that you care, that you are paying attention
and “inspecting what you are expecting” they will deliver for you. Try
to give two to four times more positive feedback than negative, as
criticism can kill people’s confidence and motivation but when it is
occasionally sandwiched in with other positive input it really helps
guide and mentor your people for Peak Performance.

e. *Reward People Fairly and Frequently.* Everyone loves money but
that is hardly the reason people stay or leave a company. Words, deeds
and recognition really make a difference to many top performers. It’s
usually the boss that they “belong to” or Quit from. When people know
you will work hard to help them and the whole team benefits they will
do almost anything for the right cause.

Patty DeDominic
www.dedominic.com

What NOT to Do when You Send in your Resume by Patty DeDominic

How to guarantee that you will have to work harder for your next job:

Make plenty of dumb mistakes when you respond to ads or referrals for jobs you think you might like to interview with!

Some of you know that I conduct searches for executives from time to time. At Select Staffing they do it thousands of times a day....and at PDQ we sent over a quarter of a million people out to work! Mind boggling isn't it? Especially when you realize I started PDQ when I was in my late 20's.... what nerve I had to think I could build a leading employment firm!

Today I no longer working for any one employer yet I get to count many fantastic employers and organizational leaders among my clients. I am going to tell you the two most common mistakes job seekers make when responding to openings and advertisements.

1. Failure to read the instructions and follow directions.

2. Thinking that their first salvo was sufficient.

Here are some tips:

1. Carefully Read the Ad and PLEASE send a customized cover letter or customized resume to the employer. If you are applying for a not for profit leadership role....you may have to modify your corporate lingo. (go read the mission statement of the employer before you send in your resume)

2. Follow up..... follow up, follow up! Don't nag, but do follow up. Your first response may have ended up in the spam folder, gotten buried or overlooked. Many times the first round of candidates can get knocked out and the recruiters may start all over. Your tenacity in follow up, your continued enthusiasm and your gentle nudges (not nags) can work in your favor. You can also (unless specific told not to) reach out to board members, and professional references and colleagues who might put in a good word for you.

If you would like a free copy of the book HARRY SAYS, send me an email and I will happily send you

a free copy of the book or a link so that you can purchase the book if I have run out.

Hot Job Leads

Know anyone for these super hot jobs?

- KPMG needs an impressive Campus Marketing Executive to join their 50 strong Recruitment Marketing team to produce and implement a campus marketing plan and build key relationships.-

Microsoft has a major role of UK Talent Acquisition Lead who'll be a member of UK HR Leadership team and Microsoft’s International Staffing Leadership team.-

Edward Jones are looking for lots of Financial Advisers and IFAs - lots of flexibility.

- Canon has a fabulous New Media - Industrial Student Placement available to monitor Social Media activity and on-line buzz.-

Nomura has a Public Affairs Manager role at Canary Wharf dealing with high profile thought leadership events based on priority themes.-

nPower has a Strategy & Planning Manager role to direct and coordinate all aspects of their new Energy Services Division’s strategic development-

Royal Mail has a Senior Press Officer role (£39,422 - £45,164) closing this Friday to brief national media and handle journalist inquiries on a wide range of issues.

- Jones Lang LaSalle has a Training Officer role at their Canary Wharf offices.

- M&G Investments has an exciting Senior eMarketing Executive role closing 21 May to provide eMarketing content for websites and online campaigns.-

Citi needs a Regional Recruitment Partner at their Canary Wharf office to manage development of recruitment practices and solutions across EMEA.-

E.ON need lots of Home Energy Consultants - unlimited commission for successfully matching customers to the right products and services.-

Thomson Reuters need a Senior HR Advisor to provide project management support and guidance at their highly impressive state-of-the-art Canary Wharf offices


Thanks to the newsletter Aurora for these hot job leads!

Mary Elizabeth Bradford's Advice on Networking

Mary Elizabeth Bradford Offers Something Special for NNWOW Readers!




For a short time, I am giving away my 9.97 ebook titled:

Secrets of the Unadvertised Job Market Revealed –for FREE!

All they have to do is click on buy the book


and then key in the coupon code: careerartisan


(don’t forget to click the apply coupon button!)

I am only promoting this in select places. If you would like to pass this gift on to your readers I have included a photo of the cover.

Here is the link: http://www.maryelizabethbradford.com/phonenetworking.php



Patty De's note:

I know you are going to love Mary Elizabeth's book and appreciate that she is offering it for free to our readers for a limited time only. Some of her credentials include:


International Certification as a Master Career Director (MCD), Career Directors International

Certified International Advanced Resume Writer, Career Directors International

Recipient of Career Directors International "Master Career Professional Lifetime Achievement Award"

Expert Career Marketer Job Search Coach and Marketing StrategistSuccessfully coached over 450 professionals both virtually and face-to-face. Completed over 4600 hours of virtual coaching.

Active Member, Career Directors International. Presently serving on the marketing and membership committee. Past member of the Innovation Committee.

Speaker and Presenter, CDI's 6th Annual International Conference, San Antonio TX, 2007

Continuing Education Ongoing training on the latest industry trends in social networking, resume writing, job search technologies, marketing techniques, and the job market.

Published ColumnistArticles featured in the US Business Journals, Core Net Global, The Wisconsin Law Journal, multiple job boards, blogs and industry association newsletters.

Past Training And CertificationsGraduate: Leadership Orlando, board member: Downtown Orlando Partnership, volunteer teacher: Junior Achievement, special events committee member: House of Mercy; creator, host and fundraiser for multiple charitable causes, volunteer: American Red Cross disaster relief.

Author of "Secrets of the Unadvertised Job Market, Revealed", "Phone Networking Secrets Revealed" and the popular bi monthly ezine: "The Career Insider"

Nancy Aber Goshow, An Architect on the Front Lines of Sustainable Design

Featured Professional of the Month

Nancy Aber Goshow, AIA, LEED AP

Goshow Architects

www.goshow.com


Nancy Aber Goshow, AIA,

is the founding partner of Goshow Architects,

one of the largest woman-owned architectural firms in New York City and a leader in providing sustainable design solutions for public sector projects.

Stymied by the wall she was unable to climb in a male-dominated industry,
Nancy stepped away and created her own business and now employs 40 people.

More than anything, Nancy believes that the path to success is to follow your passion. For her, that passion was finding a connection between the natural environment and the built environment and marrying that connection together in building designs. With more than 30 years of experience in architecture, landmark restoration, and sustainable design, Ms. Goshow champions creative collaboration and environmental stewardship as essential to the firm's approach to design excellence.

All along, Nancy’s success has come from focusing on her passion—the same passion she shares when working with the Goshow team and their clients to design a campus or building. Since its launch in 1978, Goshow Architects has grown into a premier full-service architectural firm dedicated to improving communities through implementing long-term, sustainable design solutions.

Under Nancy’s leadership, the firm’s diverse team of 40 has created innovative designs for clients including Columbia University, the City University of New York, Queens College, and the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Additionally, Goshow Architects’ extensive portfolio includes K-12 schools, multi-family housing developments, projects for government agencies, and for private and non-profit developments.

As with many women who started out in a “male” profession, it was not easy for Nancy to get to where she is today. And it would have been nearly impossible for her to rise through the standard ranks to put her environmentally sustainable ideas into play. In hindsight, striking out on her own was very difficult, especially for a woman during the late 1970s.

Because few options were available for women-owned architectural firms in the private sector, Nancy sought opportunities in the government sector. She got her business off the ground with the help of programs specifically targeted to women-owned businesses.

While some women can’t imagine working with their husbands, and some can’t imagine working with anyone but their husbands, for Nancy, teaming up with her husband Eric was not about the fact that they were married. Instead it was about her insistence that her business partner’s core values aligned with her own and that his skills complimented hers.

Entrepreneurship is not easy. It takes complete commitment to make it work and there is no room for misalignment with partners, employees or clients. Keeping all these elements aligned has allowed Nancy to seek opportunities that have taken her, both as a professional and as a business owner to the next level.


Goshow Architects consistently lives out its founding belief that architects have a social responsibility to create healthy and sustainable living and learning environments for all while minimizing the environmental impact of man-made structures.

This service-based philosophy, embraced and practiced by the firm's richly diverse staff, has resulted in a working environment in which collaborative creativity is prized and exuberant professional growth encouraged. And the outcome has been a portfolio that has garnered significant attention over the years.

A strong advocate of educating and mentoring up-and-coming architects and women entrepreneurs, Nancy has lectured on design and historic preservation at the City University of New York, Pratt Institute, and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she taught advanced design studios.

Beyond distinguishing herself within the architectural industry, Nancy has also shown herself to be a pioneer for women in business. Through the Eugene M. Lang Entrepreneurship Center at Columbia University, Nancy mentors women MBA students in launching their new businesses. She is the founder of the Women Builders Council, member of the Women Presidents’ Organization, national founding partner and Co-Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee for Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), and active with Women Construction Owners and Executives.

For her work within the public policy sector, Nancy was awarded the 2008 WIPP President’s Award for Advocacy. Her appointment to the US Department of State Overseas building Operations Industry Advisory Panel gave her an opportunity to spread transformational eco-diplomacy initiatives worldwide.

Furthermore, when asked in 2003 by the president of the New York State Chapter of the AIA

to revive the Women in Architecture Committee, she accepted the challenge and became Co-Chair of WIA, where she worked with like minded individuals to reshape WIA into the definitive leadership resource for women in architecture.

Committed to improving not only the larger architectural community but also her own local community, Nancy holds appointments to both Midtown Manhattan’s Community Board 5, and the 34th Street Business Improvement District.

Nancy earned a Masters degree in Interior Architecture from the Pratt Institute and a Bachelors degree in Design from Pennsylvania State University. You can learn more about Nancy and the professionals at her extraordinary firm at http://www.goshow.com/

Can't find the Perfect Job? Create Your Own Like Nancy Davison!

You can create YOUR Own Best Job........ or your could sign up
to be a sales representative for
San Clemente Soaps!




San Clemente Soaps. their motto is "If you can Dream it, We can Make it!"

For over twenty-five years one of my former landlords and I have built a strong friendship.
We were two young professional women building our careers. We got married to the men of our dreams, had children and watched (still do) them grow with gratefulness and amazement!



Over the years I built up PDQCareers and CT Engineering and my friend Nancy built a real estate business, became a true artist and professional photographer and now an entrepreneur

in the design and manufacturing of wonderful bath products.

Nancy created San Clemente Soaps a few years ago and it is wonderful to watch her popular business blossom.

Nancy created a compelling vision.....she worked hard despite the odds and she is building a wonderful company in California. Celebrities, business people, hospitals and hotels all use San Clemente Soap and Bath products. It is wonderful to see how Nancy's dream has materialized and to see the TLC that goes into her products.

We asked Nancy what some of her secrets of success are and she told us "Creating lasting impressions is the heart of our business…" We serve Hotels/Resorts, Hospitals & Corporate clients and we help each one create something special for their clients too.

San Clemente Soaps Website tells us:
Fragrance is one of the most powerful paths to evoking both memory and emotional euphoric moments. A pleasing aroma and tactile sensation, combined with an artistic memento of a special occasion can create a transcendent experience.
We specialize in creating masterful branding and marketing programs for our clients with custom gift packages and private labels. Our satisfied clients of hotels and resorts, corporations, hospitals, wedding planners, event organizers, day spas, individual gift givers, and people who simply love using our body products stand out from the crowds.

Nancy says: "Our designers use creative packaging and fragrance formulation combined with handmade natural soaps, bath salts, massage oils and other beauty products; all custom made with the finest essential oils, vegetable oils, Shea Butter, and other environmentally safe ingredients. Come away with us. Let us help create the dream you visualize for yourself, your client gifts, or party favors. Together we create lasting impressions with a visual, tactile, and aromatic experience of pleasure, fun and the memory of using our fine handmade decorative soaps and body products for personal use."

Interested in learning more? Reach out to Nancy Davison at
http://www.sanclementesoaps.com/

This article proudly written about my dear friend Nancy by Patty De

"If you can dream it, we can make it."

Murad S. Mirza Answers Important Questions from Popular Linked In Discussions

Q1. What are the top five 2009 recession proof activities (or skills to enhance) to ensure long-term employment sustainability?

(John Golden, Linkedin Member)

Ans: I don't think any measure will ensure long term employment sustainability since it depends on too many things going one's way at the micro and macro level, e.g., jobs staying within the same country, survival of businesses despite advances in technology that open new frontiers, companies making wise and timely business decisions, employees prioritizing their commitments between work & family, families adjusting to unfamiliar environment, geo-political scenarios, connectivity of world markets, etc. Furthermore, it also depends on the employee's level and profession, e.g., the situation will vary for a manual worker, machinist, HR Manager, Marketing Manager, Consultant, CEO, etc.

However, certain activities and/or skills can definitely secure a more solid footing in turbulent times and my top 5 will be:

1. Keep the BOSS HAPPY
2. NETWORK like there's no tomorrow
3. UPDATE your professional CREDENTIALS
4. Be prepared to SACRIFICE CERTAIN BENEFITS/PERKS, e.g., staying in a particular location
5. Become ACTIVE MEMBER of a STRONG PRESSURE GROUP, e.g., UNIONS”

Q2. Should Organization Development be part of Human Resources function at corporate / enterprise level or be an independent function? (Eric Patki, Linkedin Member)

Ans: We need to first understand the type & size of organization, in which, such a decision needs to be made. Many of the smaller businesses simply can't afford to have another node within the organization reporting directly to the CEO/COO and are quite content with OD under HR. Furthermore, CEOs generally tend to perform well when they have the least amount of reports to ensure their focus on the 'Big Picture' and not be bogged down in playing a referee for sorting out functional rivalries. The semantics of setting up specialized functions can also open a Pandora's Box, since, it can establish a precedence for other emerging/established specialties, e.g., Change Management. I would advocate that it doesn't matter how a function is organized within a business as long as the aims & objectives of the respective function are consistently being met. We do have to be mindful of increasing bureaucracy & complexity on the pretext of functional accommodation

Resources for Resume Help

IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN RESUME TRAINING,



1: Resume Writing Academy, an intensive resume training and certification (ACRW) program incorporating a series of teleseminar training programs and self-paced instruction/exercises, all of which are graded to ensure that you're meeting the high expectations we've established for all of our RWA students. For more information: www.resumewritingacademy.com.

Start the Self-Paced Program anytime you want - at your convenience.

Option #2: Resume E-Summit Programs. Previously recorded Resume E-Summits are available for purchase. Programs include:--C-Level Resumes. For more information or to register:http://www.resumewritingacademy.com/esummit-clevel.php--Technology Resumes.

For more information or to register:http://www.resumewritingacademy.com/esummit-technology.php--Sales, Marketing & International Business Development. For more information or to register:http://www.resumewritingacademy.com/esummit-sales.php--Banking, Financial Services & Investment Services.

For more information or to register:http://www.resumewritingacademy.com/esummit-banking.phpOption #3: Publishing Training Program. For more information:http://www.resumewritingacademy.com/esummit-publishing.php

Thanks for your interest and your ongoing support!

Wendy--Wendy Enelow, CCM, MRW, JCTC, CPRWEnelow Enterprises, Inc. / Resume Writing Academy2265 Walker Road, Coleman Falls, VA 24536Phone: 434-299-5600Fax: 434-299-7150Bookstore: www.wendyenelow.comTraining: www.resumewritingacademy.com

Dianne Gubin With Tips on Handling Downtime

Tip of the Week
by Dianne Gubin


Downtime at Work During a Recession

Some employees are finding that with sales down in this economy, they have fewer projects to keep them busy. This doesn’t mean that their jobs are at stake, but that there is a lull in a normally fast-paced business.

It’s anecdotal, but we’re hearing more stories of workers taking on side projects, playing video games, job hunting at work, or leaving early.

Joyce, a marketing director at a leading healthcare company, said that her normally frenetic schedule has lightened up recently. She still has plenty of work, but her skill level allows her to finish her work earlier than most on her team. Joyce spends the extra time at the office researching a side Internet marketing business she’s getting ready to launch. She said she’s careful not to leave evidence of her personal work on the company’s computer.

Scott, a Web developer, left a job, even during this economy because he was no longer challenged. Scott said that his colleagues are all busy playing video games at work as there just isn’t enough work to keep them in a hectic pace all day.

Annie, an administrative assistant, was fired for job hunting at her desk. One quick look at her Web browsing history showed the activity.

When employed seeking a new job during a down economy:

Put your personal cell phone and email on your résumé
Avoid using your corporate email account for personal business
Don’t job hunt at the office
In most firms, there is always work and projects to create that can move the business forward. Ask how you can help. Seek out new projects. Or volunteer for a professional association where you can learn new skills.

A down economy and less work at the office mean this is a good time to maintain and expand your professional network, take classes, and create better balance in all areas of your life.

John Charnay on a Sure Bet To Build Your Self Esteem

Want to build up your self-esteem, your job skills and experience and your network of contacts while helping to build a better world?

Then volunteer four hours of your forty hour week for a non-profit organization.
Many job seekers are realizing that this kind of social investment can pay huge dividends.

Tithing your time and your talent is a great way to launch a career or even jump start a stalled one. This principle also applies to your income. A similar ten percent of it should also be going to charity.You'll feel better about yourself and the world will feel better about you.

John Charnay is a mentor to the Job Club on Linked In. If you would like to become a member of the Job Club, or talk to John directly, please leave a comment below.

Linked In Asks, What is Your Secret for Success?

. What is Your secret for success?

One of our valued experts and contributors of wisdom here at the NEW World of Work, Murad S. Mirza, answered this question in response to Slawomir Suski,

a Linked In member's query. As always I have found Murad to be thoughtful and wise in his comments and generous in sharing.

Murad, What is YOUR Secret For Success?

He Answered:

To answer this question requires a reflection into the definition of success. For me, success means being able to at least achieve my goals at the personal and professional levels. These have been accomplished by the combination of the following key factors (not in any particular order):

1. Great sense of humor
2. Ability to see farther than others
3. Learning from my mistakes

Cheers,
Murad

Thank you Murad. You can see by his experience and education that he has a valuable

perspective. Some of his accomplishments include
· Master of Industrial Relations & Human Resource Management (Distinction)University of Sydney, Australia
· Certified Six Sigma Black BeltSingapore Quality Institute, Singapore
· MBA in General Management & Marketing (Top 1/3 of Class)Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan
· Post Graduate Diploma in Quality ManagementNational University of Science & Technology (NUST), Pakistan
B.Sc. in Electrical EngineeringNorthern Arizona University, USACurrent StatusManagement Consultant to clients facilitated through the Society of Industrial Leaders, Gerson Lehrman Group Financial & Business Services Council and ki work. Active facilitator, researcher and contributor to professional forums in disseminating practical knowledge pertaining to the resolution of strategic & operational issues related to Organizational Development, Change Management and Performance Management.

Thinking About Agriculture and Food Production as a Career Path

Career Idea from Al Walsh

My valued friend Patty DeDominic was teasing me today about being a sometime-cynic.
I explained to her that I’m not a cynic by nature, but the current political/economic situation has me in near-hysteria. But that doesn’t mean I can’t see a silver lining among the storm clouds.

Here’s one for people seeking employment or a better opportunity to consider - Agriculture.

For a wide-variety of reasons, crop yields are not keeping up with need, thus placing agriculture in the position of being a growth-industry. Of course, the world population just keeps growing. Many experts think this yield-to-need shortage will continue indefinitely.

America is the world’s breadbasket, and U.S. agri-business is huge. It’s not sexy like a hi-tech company, but it’s big, it’s sophisticated, and it’s stable.

There’s agri-business all over the nation. Just consider the mammoth agricultural presence we have in California alone.

They need all of the people that other companies need – Scientists, Engineers, Executives, Managers, Accountants, Technicians, and a host of other folk.

Take a look at Agriculture as an Industry to pursue. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Good Luck,

Al Walsh, CEO
Walsh Enterprises, Business Advisors
Huntington Beach, Ca
http://www.awalsh.us

Advice to New College Grads, What's Different in Today's Job Market?

Is Social Media New?

Not really.....we always had it but it just wasn't ON LINE nor was it quite so instantaneous. In the "olden days" we built our networks with Telephones, Party Lines, Pen Pals, CB radios and emails.

Today you Tweet and Text. You are using shorthand....and speaking a new lingo....just like all the previous generations and cultures of the past.

Things change at NANO-SPEED today...... Nothing can be assumed to be the same as yesterday without double checking our assumptions. Things just change a lot faster today. In Nano-speed, we can build some new bridges and unfortunately, we can destroy them too.

Building a career and maintaining healthy relationships will require more care today. Take care today to not blow off people and contacts, just because we can "replace" them in a few days or weeks on line. Words and language, particularly short hand can be easily misunderstood and by lots of people at once, since it can be broadcast to large audiences in light speed. Can you transmit the tone too? Or are we teaching people to be less sensitive to others? I worry about this and while I have occasionally accused of being " On Task" versus "On Relationships" and sensitive to people's feelings. We do not want to build a generation of broadcasters who can't tune in to their audience. Or who don't care how their messages affect the receiver.

Many of my readers know that I am a former professional recruiter. I built and ran, then sold a multimillion dollar staffing firm that staffed Universities, Hospitals, Insurance and Telcom and other mega firms as well as small business, government and not for profit organizations. (CT Engineering and PDQ Personnel to Select Staffing). We frequently provided advice for New College Grads…..and have done so over the years as we mentored students at Stanford University, Harvard, The Kennedy School of Government, Pepperdine University, Northwood University, UCSB, USC and UCLA. I also mentor a group called Future Women CEO’s which is a university based network of bright energetic college women who plan to become business leaders.

Today, as my profession, I do specialized consulting, actually COACHING of High Achieving Executives, Professionals and Organizations. I also advise national and international organizations on recruiting and still occasionally oversee executive searches.

I am a big fan of Social Media and the talent of young people today. I am excited for new college grads although I know it can be a time of anxiety for many of the senior class and new grads.

Never in my lifetime has there been such uncertainty in the employment sectors…..and at the same time there has never been such wide opportunity for building a meaningful career and knowledge!

It used to be that we told Students to choose their major and get an internship in their chosen field. They were to subscribe to professional periodicals and choose the city and industry they wanted to focus on. Twenty years ago we also told them to expect to spend ten or more years building a career and professional reputation. If they changed jobs more than twice in a decade they were negatively labeled.

Not today - It’s Now a Gig-Nation!

Much of the old wisdom and culture has changed since the 1990’s and the recession which followed the dot com bust. Today’s international financial meltdowns also give new college grads a chance to really choose work that speaks to their heart instead of just their bank book. Because no one is assured a signing bonus or big paycheck security today... this gives you a chance to really think about doing work that gives you the most personal satisfaction.

New Job Offers are coming.....but they don't look as pretty as they did in years past. Pretty much everyone if they do get offered full time work will be hired on an "At Will" basis or on a Contract. Their “gig” is likely to last a few months or just a few years, not a decade as in the past. Most college grads know and expect this and that is the biggest difference I see over previous generations who really did think they were going to me able to make a lasting contribution to their firm.

These uncertainties of a “ gig-nation” make for plenty of anxiety and pressure on young people and mid life career changers. Global competition is also a factor in almost every industry today – if it is labor intensive it can probably be outsourced outside of the USA cheaper. My generation did not have to deal with the global aspects anywhere near what is taken for granted today. Young people are accustomed to this and seem much better prepared to deal with the differences in cultures, languages and parts of the world. Tolerance for differences seems deeply embedded into this generations shills. Most of us now know that these important virtual global connections can serve us well for sourcing experts and finding skills worldwide as well as our continuing education and cultural experiences.

Key Points I want to reinforce for Job Hunters:

1. Use every means possible to communicate your desired career path to activate referrals. This includes social media, on line job boards, professional organizations, certification bodies and educational/alumni associations.
2. Get good at Finding Mentors – and make it a win- win relationship. You’ll outgrow plenty of mentors over the years but keep your old contacts warm and develop new ones every years as well.
3. Referrals are like gold and people love helping others become more successful. Tap into these via the social networks and the people who love to Connect and share resources. They are out there, particularly on line.
4. Social Media is the modern day extension of the social networks of yesterday…….. with all the pluses and minuses of “networking”. Networks work. They have cultures and you can leverage their collective wisdom.
5. Most people will not do the extra work to cultivate networks, but some do and those are the ones you want to really connect with.
6. People involved in Networks (today’s lingo: Social Networks) know who the leaders are and with a few questions to a few active people you can usually find the Connectors and the Leaders of the Networks.
7. People who have spent years building this skills and professional reputations do things to stand out in the crowd, they write and publish their findings & often their opinions. Their reputations and “networks” tell more about them than you can learn in five interviews! Find your next boss by his or her reputation and let them know why you want to work with them. Real Pros love people who are discerning.
8. If a job or person looks too good to be true………they probably are. (“Let me show you how to make your million” – yeah, right, pleased save us all from the get rich quick game)
9. The best interviewers are not always the best candidates ….. interviewing and performing (execution, team work, leading etc) are not the same skill sets. Most professional recruiters know it’s essential to have a well crafted job description before you go out recruiting HUNTING for your prize candidate. Try to get a copy of the prepared job description and make a presentation about yourself which focused your strengths on their needs.
10. Do not put all your efforts/eggs in one basket. Reach out to generate sufficient job leads from a number of sources likes ads, internal and external referrals, so that you have a good choice of potential employers to talk to. Unless you have a really good reason, don’t turn down opportunities for informational interviews. Get good at your “elevator speech” and soon you’ll find yourself in the finalists category.
11. Ask for Feedback from your referral sources and places you have interviewed. Feedback is the real breakfast of champions and they utilize it well!
12. Keep your network alive after you get the job. Don’t make the mistake of having to build new bridges every time you need to look for a new job……. Don’t burn any bridges and keep your networks lubricated.