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.

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!

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”.

TV Interview- Tips for Professionals Seeking Jobs

Kane in Your Corner- 71009- Eric Frankel

My TV Debut- ready for more opportunities ahead!

Deliver Great Service... Receive Great Dividends

Yesterday, my wife Nancy did something which makes a world of sense, but as a society we don’t do often enough.

She Made Sure Excellent Service Was Recognized.

While enjoying a holiday meal w/extended family, we were impressed by our waitress who greatly enhanced our dining experience. In addition to a solid tip, Nancy did one better by informing the restaurant owner this woman had earned our utmost respect.

Ideally, the waitress and the restaurant will now earn more and other patrons will enjoy a dining experience similar to our own.

While we are often frustrated by bad service (and usually let higher ups know about it), let's make sure we praise superior customer interactions, as well.

Let's Pay It Forward.

A Gem of a Concept

Got an email from a terrific lady who says "I take great pride in working hard every day."

If every employee worked hard every day-

• we wouldn’t have as severe an economic crisis and
• we’d be getting out of it much sooner.

Thanks for the great input, Mary Ann!

I've Had Enough!!!!

Enough that i'm blogging for the 1st time in 2 months.

Enough that I'm writing this at 10:30 at night.

Enough that my self-induced withdrawal yesterday ... caused me to come home in a crappy mood and take it out on my wife.

What have I had enough of?

CNBC on the Internet, CNBC on TV, sweating the difficult economy and digesting the seemingly incomprehensible day to day news.

But you know something? I don't follow the daily sagas and I'll filled in anyway during social and business discussions.

Most of us are better off not focusing on the day to day and minute to minute updates.

...Somehow, I feel much better today. My 2nd day of withdrawal, I am once again 100% focused on my clients, my business, my family.

I developed a cool new business concept this evening and I'm being nice again to my wife.

Anyone know what's on CBS?

Translating Marketing into Every Day Life

Just interviewed a solid executive and we were chatting about the importance of marketing in any size company.

The normal "buzzwords" came up...intellect, presence, attire, knowhow, likeability... all emanate directly into your organizational positioning and market presence.

Oh yeah, then he brought up (unsolicited) Social Networking- the omnipotent, the unknown, the vast potential- everyone is racing to harness the power of this burgeoning area.

Impact Shareholder Value thru Differentiation

Differentiate your Marketing Approach… through high quality, “crisp” communication and presentation materials. Ensure consistent “image”, branding and name recognition as the foremost goals of your e-mail and letter writing campaigns, marketing handouts and Website.

Differentiate your Sales Goals… by stressing performance and measurement tools in advancing relationships, not just closing deals. Mandate all salespeople to spend a minimum of 25% effort in cold calling or more affectionately, “hunting” initiatives.

Differentiate Customer Perspectives… by accepting only the highest levels of quality and responsiveness from every employee. Seek customer feedback to understand the “differentiators” of doing business with you vs. the competition. Ensure customer service escalates in personalization and satisfaction in the hand-off from sales to production/distribution/project management.

Differentiate your Accounting Function… by requiring timely, accurate, concise management information to impact executive decision making. Ensure finance team leaders and staff work cohesively with other departmental functions.

Set goals for all Department Managers to differentiate themselves… by successfully balancing the accountability for departmental excellence with the ongoing necessities of staff development, training and communication.

Differentiate your Internal Communication… with credibility, mutual respect and consistency. Recognize the immense power of your words –both negative and positive.

Clarify your strategic focus and align your organizational structure, your advisors and your capital with the means to get there. Differentiate Personal Relationships… with employees and advisors to remain objective regarding the required skill sets and personalities necessary to successfully execute and grow.

What's My Biggest Weakness?

I ask this question in every interview, but no interviewee has ever turned the tables on me. Probably the right move...

I've worked very hard to resist the need to provide an immediate answer to questions I haven't had time to think through (i.e. pricing strategies, plans of action, people and structural challenges). While the immediate response serves my innate need to please others and seem intelligent, I'm too often minimizing the potential benefit to both the individual posing the question and myself.

Sustain Momentum After the Elevator Pitch

Networking functions are frustrating. Sure I connect with interesting people, but I'm left with an impression garnered only through their Elevator Pitch, not a meaningful reflection of their demeanor, perspectives or likability. So I spend additional time over lunch or coffee to identify the smaller % who I can collaberate with to provide meaningful, lasting value.

Many professionals have developed an effective introduction, but fall short in differentiating their product and service, their knowhow, themselves to provide a lasting positive impression. Whether you are in a job interview, selling to an A level prospect or at a networking function, make sure your communication is effective (and consistent) throughout the process, not just in the beginning stages.

Listening to Your Instincts

Had lunch yesterday with Rob, a long-time business associate. He and I have had tremendous success working together over the years; you might even call it "Karma".

Funny thing, he gets the credit goes for tremendous persistancy in initially developing our relationship, a trait which is usually my forte. Thanks Rob for listening to your internal voice and getting what you wanted; we have both benefited tremendously...

What are Men Afraid Of?

Resurrecting the Mens Club at my Temple the last two years has been a tall task. I watch in awe as the Sisterhood grows ever stronger in fund raising, a sense of community and socialization while we have struggled despite a thriving congregation.

The reality is Men are resistant to stepping outside of their "constants", their inner circle of friends, family and business relationships. Women recognize the value derived from meeting new people and advancing these relationships. Makes me think that the advancement of opportunities for women (and minorities) is only in the beginning stages in US politics. We'll have hiccups along the way, but it may well be a great ride.

TouchPoints- May 2008

As a service (and marketing tool) to our value business network, we've published a few "points" to touch our relationships in an impacting manner. Our 10 years of archives are available for client marketing purposes, below are the most recent thoughts....


Turn Stale Issues to Fresh Actions
Take control TODAY of the recurring obstacles you face with people, structure, processes, information (or lack of). Trust your instincts, plan the attack and hold yourself (and others) accountable to execute effectively from start to finish.

My Neat Little Discovery
Thanks to my 13 year old twins, I’m embracing a new IPOD which clears my head and elevates my focus. Give me sunshine, an hour to sit, walk, run and I’m re-energized; I understand now what the masses before me have discovered.

Are you Multi-Faceted or a Multi-Faceter?
Attractive is Multi-Faceted, the Professional who excels with multiple priorities and possesses strong confidence, presence and business knowhow. Annoying is The Multi-Faceter, the Individual juggling multiple tasks at a moment in time (email, telephone, computer) when 100% attention should be on the conversation at hand.

Amplify your Customers and Employees Pulse
The economy has weakened, meaning your customers are more conservative, your competitors more aggressive (or desperate) and your employees more combustible. Attack these challenges head on by taking a Snapshot of Employee and/or Customer attitudes to protect what you have and strengthen your Brand, staying ahead of the curve… and the economy.