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”.

The Day is Coming for Democrats and Republicans to Step Aside

In one of the next three elections (13 years), a prominent independent candidate will win the US Presidency (think Ross Perot in more troubling times). We clearly need a break from the politics of politics and there is major work to do in making all areas of government efficient, responsive and financially stable.

I marvel at the numbers of business colleagues who agree with me about the solutions- but no politician seems willing to take on the core issues that are not about winning friends, but about good government. I yearn for a visionary, a really important leader to break the hypocrisy so we can all be confident and proud we that we together as a Country are moving forward in the right, fiscally responsible directions focused on long-term benefit.

Is This The Calm Before The Storm?

Fascinating divergence of perspective between politicians, media types and financial planners who stand to gain the most by believing the recession is over vs. those most effected by today's economic challenges... entrepreneurs, employees and sales professionals who see only minor progress.

I'm witnessing a sense of "calm" from decision makers recently vs. the panic and total lack of clarity prior. No matter what the definition of recession is (didn't the experts not see it as a recession until 6 months after it began?), the majority of us will only feel better once unemployed colleagues and friends are working and small business revenues accelerate rather than deteriorate... in spite of what the stock market is telling us.

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.

Ahhh... The Wonders of Being Alone

I like being by myself. My creative juices flow, my needs are attended to, my movements revolve entirely around me. But the reason why I really appreciate my "alone time" is because I am lucky enough to have a terrific family, good friends and genuinely enjoy people. For that matter, when I'm alone, I spend a fair amount of time pondering over my relationships and my business interactions in an effort to improve them.

If time to myself is too frequent and out of balance with quality social, business and family interactions, the result is counterproductive (i.e. stress, low confidence) instead of maximizing my personal brand for social and business purposes. So I plan for time to myself while I listen, learn and treasure time with others... a very healthy combination indeed!

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...