When Did Unresponsive Become Acceptable?

Sure- I understand. We are overwhelmed by too many emails, a multitude of priorities and unending inventory of thoughts running through our mind. So we have to respond to the fire of the moment which, in hindsight, is often not that important.

There are those who are wonderfully responsive business professionals. They follow up, respond to your phone calls, needs and communications. But for an ever growing number, lack of responsiveness is becoming acceptable and that in my book, is unacceptable. Responsiveness reflects a professional who is under control, buttoned up, has a sense of their priorities and will get back to you in due time. It is not up to the initiator to follow up, follow up again and only after two or three hits hear the reply: sorry I was busy, how can I help you? or worse, what do you want?.

Respond. Communicate. Set Expectations in the Communication Upfront. Demand Responsivess from Your Subordinates.

Responsiveness enhances respect and allows for you to be much more organized, much less overwhelmed and earn kudos from your peers, subordinates and superiors. Can some gifted business professionals overcome a lack of responsiveness? Absolutely. But they are a select few, the majority of us, must impress people with not only our skillsets, but also our sense of responsiveness, consistently to all who need us.

Your Actions Dictate Your Success (and Maturity)

“Dad I really don’t feel like doing this right now”, my 16 year old son recently said as he put his wash in the machine. A light bulb went off in my head and I replied...

“That is the difference between an adult and a child. The adult overcomes this challenge ("I don't feel like doing this") most of the time. The child only is able to do it some of the time.”

This concept can also apply to a motivated, responsive business professional as opposed to the individual who struggles.

And I will say, I find business to be a lot easier than parenting!

Age and Sex Discrimination... Really?

I continue to be fascinated by people in the 40's (or 50's or 60's for that matter) who blame their job search predicament or career woes on their age and their sex, things they have no control over. Sadly, many career counselors and professional groups often promulgate these theories rather than challenge them.

The bottom line is every human being is their own unique personal brand. If they believe they are too old to compete against people who are less mature, less managerially savvy and have a brighter upside, then they are. If they believe they are being hindered from growth in their workplace as a result of the "old boys club" which holds them down, then they will be.

Our mind, energy, confidence and motivation should only get better as we enrich our knowledge base through diversified people interactions and an attitude of positive change for ourselves and those around us, every day.

I'm 48 and still working towards my business prime. Now if you want to talk about my tennis game, that's a different story.

What the Top CLO of 2010 Says about "Learning"

As quoted from Qualcomm CLO, Tamar Elkeles-2010 CLO of the Year, Tamar Elkeles designated by CLO Magazine in the September 2010 issue

"Three key learnings stand out: 1.) Hire great people, 2.) Utilize Vendors as Partners or Adjunct Staff and 3.) Learn from your Colleagues

2.) Utilize Vendors as Partners or Adjunct Staff- I have built several partnerships with local and global vendors over the years. These trainers, consultants and professors have become invaluable for me and my organization. I can’t hire all of them as employees- now would all of them want to be hired on- but they act as they are part of my team. We have the same goals, focus and commitment. Enabling true partnerships with trusted vendors allows me to have a larger staff of talented individuals who can impact my organization. Use their industry research, obtain good data, and ask vendors to help you learn about what their clients are doing. Vendors offer a wealth of knowledge and can enhance your capabilities. My learning organization’s effectiveness is a result of the highly collaborative partnerships we have with our vendors."

A "Cool Place" to Discuss Business

I recently completed a 10 Minutes to Change initiative for a client who asked - "Do I want to meet the participants for their 60-75 minute session in the Conference Room or the Meeting Room?" Their Meeting Room is simply an office furnished with a couple of pictures, whiteboard, telephone, four comfortable leather chairs and a coffee table.

I am so glad I chose the Meeting Room which made for a relaxed setting and highly productive forum for the conversations at hand. The room has terrific application for interviews, brainstorming sessions and manager/employee communications.

So take a look at a vacant office on your premises and consider the possibilities of transforming this into your Company's "The Meeting Room"- you'll be glad you did!

Time Lost or Perspective Gained?

This week, I made the decision to take time away from work and watch my son’s 4:00 tennis matches. A total of 6 hours lost. Or were they really?

On Thursday, I talked to a client with older children who happens to be one of the best family men I know. He reminded me... my son’s tennis matches are fleeting.

So that afternoon, I attended a match I hadn't planned on seeing, 30 minutes away.

I’m thinking now that my other 44 hours were more productive. And I loved seeing those matches!

Afternoon Siesta -A Means to Better Productivity?

I'm not a guy who goes crazy over sleep. I find it to be a means to an end- I go to sleep to energize my body and mind for the day ahead. But something strange happened recently and I wonder if I might be onto something.

I recall the great Dale Carnegie wrote about the importance of shuteye in the middle of the workday. I've never really acted on this idea, until last Friday... I stopped at home to grab lunch, laid on my favorite couch and sleep just overtook me; I was out for 45 minutes.

Friday afternoon at the office become better than normal. I had no afternoon fatigue. I progressed with a couple of key marketing initiatives with great zest and creativity - I actually had a tough time pulling myself away from work.

Now this is only a one time thing, but it left me pondering; if I close my eyes for 15-30 minutes after lunch when time permits, will my afternoon energy, production and creativity be vastly impacted? I'll tell you one thing, the next time I see someone sleeping "on the job", I'll think twice before rushing to judgement.

Ok, so it's been a month or two since my last post.
These days, I write & write & then I write some more; never enough.

Don't get me wrong I'm a decent writer. But I don't like writing that much and my creative writing comes when I least expect it. If the idea makes sense, I post it on Facebook, on Twitter or on this Blog, where ever the mood strikes me.

If I'm tired of writing, many are probably tired of reading. That's why Reality TV has become so popular- it the perfect mindset for being mindless.

But you know me, I like interacting, listening and talking.
And now, I have no worries about a Blog Post for awhile :)

New Year Resolutions for the Business Professional

You may be dragging this Friday after a full work week following the chaos of YE festivities. So I offer you...

Resolutions for the Gainfully Employed Business Professional

Appreciate Your Employer- I will not talk bad about my employer, in these trying times I know how lucky I am to have a job.

Revisit your Interpersonal Skills- I will read Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People and apply it to everyone I touch in my organization every day.

Lessen Sensitivity- I will become less sensitive to others' perspectives, seeking to learn rather than be bogged down by bothersome scenarios.

Embrace My Managerial Role- I will recognize a large part of my work performance is embedded to those who work with me and will invest ongoing time in training, mentoring and developing my subordinates skills.

Listen to Enhance Others Perception of You- I will strive to talk less and listen more.
Organize and Prioritize- I will detail my goals for the year, the quarter, the month and the week and challenge and rewrite them at the start of each new period.

This is Why I Use Facebook!

Over the last six month, two former "acquaintances", both fellow UConn classmates have sought me out.

In one instance, the woman was a good friend and I've really enjoyed "catching up" regarding our respective family and business successes.

The other situation was more nebulous. I didn't recognize the name or the picture associated with the invite. But then she said and I quote, " I remember crying to you that I was going to fail cost accounting with James -- right was that his name -- and I ended up really "getting it" after you explained it to me! I think I have a picture of you from graduation -- I'll have to post it if I can find it!"

Thanks Jean for making my day and helping me to remember my mentoring skills 25 years ago went a long way towards helping others. And Thank You, Facebook!

New Years Resolutions for the Job Seeker

New World I will recognize that finding a job in 2010 job search has no correlation to my past job searches.
In Control I will make no excuses and put no blame on others.
Always Selling I will put on my sales hat, no matter how much that intimidates me.
Contacts are Key I will push myself to practice my communication everyday through aggressive networking and public groups (Toastmasters anyone?)
Beyond My Comfort Zone I will meet people outside of my comfort zone and field of expertise to enhance my contacts and spur my creativity.
No Presumptions I will recognize that it only takes one job to end my job search, but I won't stop "hunting" until the deal is sealed.
Obstacles not Opportunities I won't cry about my age, my confidence, my looks, my resume, my background - but seek to turn any potential employer objection into an attractive retort.
The Golden Touch I will get my resume and my cover letter buttoned up so that when I look at them fresh each day, I like, no love how I present my Brand.
Always Networking I will recognize that I need to continuously promote myself in order to land the new job.

This is a Great Time to be an Employee

Employees have a steady paycheck, benefits and most important, real and tangible opportunity. Now is the time to embrace your situation and truly make a difference.

1)...Forget, for now, Those Dreams of Your Own Business - Hey, if you are an Entrepreneur with an incredible idea… maybe. But if you want to be a consultant or open a small business, now is not the time! Competition is fierce and the market is lean, demanding and thankless.
2)...Recognize the Pain of Those in Job Transition - Finding a new job is more stressful and time consuming than you possibly imagine. And there are no signs of immediate change.
3)...Appreciate Your Compensation – There is tremendous downward pressure on salaries as Companies seek to align compensation expense with deteriorating revenues and margins. Your current salary is likely at or above “market value”.
4)...Make Yourself a Better Manager- Demand is high for Middle Managers who balance functional responsibilities in combination with organizational strategies. Make a strong statement that you “get it” through both your words and actions and seek guidance from internal mentors to escalate your performance and visibility.
5)...Listen and Learn – Do the extra little things to excel in every business communication. Companies value those who overcome performance barriers and impact customers, vendors and other employees in a highly collaborative manner.

While your job may not be perfect, be very thankful you have one and make every effort to heighten both your attitude and performance. Your level of satisfaction will increase and rewards will come your way. Don’t worry, for now, about when, right now the reward is “You Are Employed”.

Words You Shouldn't Hear in an Interview

In my younger days, I interviewed with an International Real Estate Holding Company and the process was going terrific with the final step to be a meeting with the high powered, high ego CEO. I sat down in his office, we shook hands, he looked at me straight in the face and the first words out of his mouth were "You don't know "!%&$". I lifted my jaw from the floor, looked him straight in the eye and replied, "I disagree" and confidently detailed the ways in which I would deliver value into his organization. I got the job offer the next day, but responded Thank You, But No Thank You. Lesson Learned- No one is motivated by intimidation.

TV Interview- Tips for Professionals Seeking Jobs

Kane in Your Corner- 71009- Eric Frankel

My TV Debut- ready for more opportunities ahead!

Ask This... Before You Accept the Job Offer

I helped a neighbor recently in deciding about an attractive job offer. “Heather” is an operations manager with very marketable skills and in a long-time situation which has recently soured. Although her employer is a great company, it’s time to move on, when the right opportunity presents itself.

Her offer was attractive, she really liked the two business owners and her instincts said yes. I suggested she respond to the offer with one simple request... "I would like to review your financials- I'll sign a confidentiality agreement and the review will be done with you present." The prospective employers immediate response; “No one has ever asked that before. No way.”

Heather is going to work today knowing she made the right decision to stay where she is. And she is much better armed to ensure when she does make a move, it will be the right one.

Thank You Toastmasters

Until 8 years ago, I feared public speaking. But I'm all about positive change for the clients and professionals with whom I work, so I took my own advice and in 2002, joined a local Toastmasters group.

Thirty people from all different walks of life, some very savvy in their presentations, others not. We shared common goals: to support each other, improve our confidence and impact an audience with our unique experiences, spoken word and personal brand. I left Toastmasters in 2005 after achieving the Competent Toastmaster designation (10 speeches) and now present to groups...small and large with only minimal butterflies.

Whether you are an executive, manager or professional in transition, join a local Toastmasters (http://www.toastmasters.org/). Or consider starting Toastmasters in your Company as an innovative, fun way to impact relationships, communication and your Company's success.

You'll be pleased with your results!

Social Responsibility - YOUR Time has Come

I've been barraged lately, in a quiet way, regarding Social Responsibility.
This is good and will make our society a better place to live and work.

Monster.com has beefed up marketing and PR specifically focused on Goodwill & Social Responsibility.
On Linked In, recommendations appeal directly to our sense of Social Responsibility.
Just this morning, a Biz Conference Panelist reminded us to help struggling friends & colleagues to stay upbeat and well networked.
The Presenter at a SHRM function (Society of Human Resource Managers) I attended last month focused exclusively on the "push down" requirements of Corporate Social Responsibility to small and mid-sized Companies.

What are you doing with YOUR Power of Social Responsibility?

Twitter- I Guess I Do

Twitter confuses me. I really, really want to like it.

As With Viral Marketing (see a few blog posts ago), Twitter sounds cool.
Girls like Twitter.
Yeah, and all the stars are Twittering too.

So I went on Twitter last week and three seconds after I signed on, two acquaintances become my Twitter friends. Is their computer immediately "clicked in" to find me or something?

So I get my 5 minute feel for Twitter and I'm just not getting it. Can you help me hot girls? Cool people, give me a clue? Any Divas around? Can YOU tell me why you care what I am doing moment to moment, thought to thought (except when it affects you) or why I should be caring about what your doing.

Help? Bueller? Please Help?

FAQ's -10 Minutes to Change Your Life

Appreciate all of your feedback and constructive ideas regarding my new business launch, 10 Minutes to Change Your Life (http://www.10minutestochange.com/). In advance of the next Website update, below are the Answers to YOUR most frequently asked Questions...

How do I prepare for our 10 Minutes to Change Your Life Session?
Companies need to complete the Purchase Order.
Managers of Participating Employees must complete the Pre-Session Comment Forms.
Individual Participants will schedule an appointment by calling 888-341-2525 and are required to complete an application. Forward the completed application to nancy@10minutestochange.com; if you are in a career transition, please include a copy of your current resume and cover letter.

What happens during a “10 Minutes to Change” Session?
A 45-60 minute interview-style discussion is conducted with Eric Frankel.
Immediately following the discussion, you receive a confidential 10 Minutes to Change Your Life CD, based upon information reviewed in advance and your Personal Evaluation. .

Why is it called “10 Minutes to Change Your Life”, not 45 or 60 Minutes to Change Your Life?
The “10 Minutes” represents communication delivered by the Life Changer (Eric Frankel), recorded on an Audio CD.

Why is the 10 Minute Audio CD so important?
The CD will enhance the “10 Minutes” of Feedback to 10 Hours of Feedback as you utilize the content for ongoing inspiration, focus and reinforcement. This will optimize your Personal Brand and Career Success.

Can a “10 Minutes to Change Your Life” Session be conducted via telephone?
Yes, we are able to offer sessions via telephone for individuals and corporations outside of the Tri-State area. However, Eric Frankel’s business and philosophies are predicated on in-person contact. Because “10 Minutes to Change Your Life” is only one session, participants span a wide geographic area from NY, NJ, CT and PA.

Are all 10 Minute to Change Sessions held in your Westwood, NJ office?
Yes, except where Companies purchase Sessions for multiple employees. In this case, we will facilitate one on one sessions at your location for half-day or full-day time frames. You can arrange to have us come to your company by calling 888-341-2525 or sending an email to:nancy@10minutestochange.com.

Great idea! I’d love for My Company to consider your services, but I’m not sure how to ask my manager. Any Suggestions?
The simplest way is to ask them directly. “10 Minutes to Change Your Life” is an Innovative and creative way to show you care about your job and your company. You certainly can’t go wrong by asking. If you prefer, feel free to give us a call to talk and brainstorm about an approach. Together, we will come up with a win-win scenario.

What’s so great about Eric Frankel?
Eric Frankel has incredibly diverse business experience. He embodies empathy, passion, and top-notch business instincts. Eric has an uncanny ability to understand and evaluate companies, complicated situations and individuals in a very short timeframe.
Eric will deliver… personalized, meaningful, and positive change in a nurturing, constructive manner.

Find out what the Buzz is all about!
Let Eric Frankel Change Your Life in 10 Minutes

Very, Very Cool Phrase

Viral Marketing is a very, very Cool Phrase. I kinda understand it's meaning, but only the basic definition.

I gotta learn more about Viral Marketing. Makes me feel good when I say it... Viral Marketing... like I know what I'm talking about.

Or maybe I should just leave Viral Marketing alone.

Nah, I'm Publishing this Post for Future Readers of My Blog, NOW!
Be free as a bird, Viral Marketing...