Hannah Morgan

Finding Professional Development Ops- Part 2

Yesterday's post talked about identifying skills gaps and the need to develop a training plan or road map of what development you are looking for. 

Today's post is just the beginning of where to go to find professional development opportunities. 

The internet is truly full of wonderful information.  Libraries too!  Colleges/universities and many schools are offering adult education programs at low or no-cost.  Before you spend any money, ask for endorsements or recommendations and ask people you know about the program.  It is called due diligence!

Leadership, Etc:

Personal MBA

Tom Peters

Online MBA

BlessingWhite

MIT/Sloane School of Management    (thanks Mike Lally)

YouTube:

Intelligent YouTube Channels from Open Culture

Professional Associations:

Listing of Professional Associations from Job-Hunt.org

Another Source of Professional Associations from Weddles

I have listed professional associations because many times they have free newsletters, offer webinars, and other opportunities to learn from others in your occupation. 

There truly is so much out there it can be overwhelming.  That is why you will want to identify the type of development you are looking for before you start searching for "anything".

Have a great weekend!

Seeking Training- Part 1

This week I mentioned the decrease in company training budgets in one of my posts.  The result...WE need to pursue our own personal and professional development.  So easily said.  Where do you turn for training?  Before you get frustrated or give up on this initiative, let's take a step back.

What is the training you are seeking?  Let's look at the whole picture and not just the immediate need.  Training is not a quick fix.  It should be process of learning and development. 

Start with an assessment of where your skills are.  Then look at which ones you want to develop. 

This is a model of general workforce competencies from the Department of Labor.  It is a solid list.  The DOL has a site filled with specific industry competencies, so visit their site here. 

Tier 3 competencies:

• Teamwork
• Adaptability/Flexibility
• Customer Focus
• Planning & Organizing
• Creative Thinking
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Working with Tools & Technology
• Workplace Computer Applications
• Scheduling & Coordinating
  
• Checking, Examining & Recording
• Business Fundamentals

Now, where do you rank and where do you need or want to be?  Can you say Gap Analysis?

With this information in hand, you can begin to develop your personal learning plan.  It will give you an idea of what type of training and development to look for as well as prioritize.

Imagine actually creating this gap analysis and bringing it in to a meeting with your manager? OK, not everyone should or could.  But it will provide you with the logic to build a case for pursuing training that might need the financial support of your company. 

You could use the findings from your gap analysis and plan to network to find training resources.  Imagine asking a colleague where you might find resources for developing creative thinking.  Have they read any good books, attended any seminars or seen any webinars on the topic?

Another really helpful resource for creating your personal training plan in ONet Skills Search.  Especially if you are thinking about changing careers or industries or both.  It maps out the skills required for hundreds of occupations.  

Remember, Emotional Intelligence:

1. The ability to recognize, understand and express emotions and feelings
2. The ability to manage and control feelings
3. The ability to generate positive effects and be self-motivated
4. The ability to understand how others feel and to relate to them
5. The ability to manage change, adapt and solve problems of a personal and interpersonal nature

Also remember Resiliency.

The Only Constant is Change

Even the ancient Greek philosophers such as Diogenes Laertius knew that change was inevitable.  Little did they know how fast changes would occur in the world today.

With that said, how do we accept the fact that there are changes in life, most beyond our control.  How can we better adjust and react to the unpredictability of life?  The study of resiliency may hold the key. 

How well you bounce back depends on many things.  The good news is that we can improve our bounce-back rate!  It is as simple as changing how we think. 

Take this quiz to see how adaptable you are! View this photo

Here are two other posts on the topic:

Resiliency:  Three Ways to Increase Your Range of Motion

What is Your Threshold for Change

 

Personal Development Is Dying

What happens to the training budgets and staff when a company is in financial trouble?  They are cut, right.

What kind of budget does a small company (1-100 employees) have for training there workers on soft skills?

Where is the average employee getting their soft skills training today?

Are colleges and universities specifically developing self-awareness knowledge in their curricula?

These are the questions we need to think about and answer.  We need leaders.  We need good employees that won't leave due to poor management or unhealthy work cultures.  This can't change unless we invest in the personal development of our workforce.

I've worked for a large law firm and smaller companies and I can honestly say that I have only received soft skill training once.  OK, maybe twice, if you call Diversity Training soft skill development.

If this is indicative of what others have not experienced, we are all in trouble. 

How do we expect to have a company of innovators and strategic leaders if we haven't taught them how to communicate effectively with different personalities or if they don't know how to manage their emotions?  Do we expect a one-time seminar or workshop will "fix" them? 

So maybe it isn't about "training" per se, but about building a mentoring program which would supply regular feedback and coaching and development.

Emotional Intelligence is a key factor to an individuals success in life and the job.  Where are we supposed to go to learn how to develop our Emotional Intelligence? Todd Bavol of Adventures of the Job Search Ninja wrote a super post about Emotional Intelligence and if you are wondering what it is, here are the five elements as he simply defines them:

1. Knowing your emotions
2. Managing your emotions
3. Self-motivation
4. Recognizing and understanding the emotions of others
5. Managing relationships or, to put it another way, managing the emotions of others

These are the areas we should be developing.  Improvement in these areas will make us better, stronger, more employable, better innovators, better leaders.  Or so I think.  What are your thoughts?  Where is this training happening? 

Summary Sunday

The internet is full of useful content!  It can be overwhelming to find what you are looking for.  Each week I summarize some of the favorite posts I've re-tweeted.  If you follow great people, you are sure to find great content on Twitter. 

Workplace/New Job

4 Things They Must Teach Every New Hire from bNet

Networking

How to Organize Your Contacts for Networking Success from Mashable by Dan Schwabel

How to Effectively Use LinkedIn's Group Feature to Grow Your Network from Careerealism by Andy Robinson

Questions to Ask During Informational Interviews or Networking

Leadership/Self Development

A Ritual to Help You Keep Your Focus and Your Temper by Peter Bregman

9 Ways to Prepare for Jobs of the Future from More.com

100 Ways to Develop Your Mind from Change Your Thoughts, Change Your life

Personal Branding

15 Personal Branding Tasks You Can Do Every Day from Personal Branding 101

Personal Branding and Career Self Marketing Article and Tools from QuintCareers

What Mountain Will You Climb Today?

OK, Procrastinate Instead!

Is there an obstacle you are facing this week? How will you overcome it?  What will you need to do the job?

Before you decide to tackle any of these, take some time and watch this!

We all procrastinate, right?!  In job search, at work, in school.  Laugh a little and see what changes you'll want to make!

Summary Sunday

This Summary Sunday features posts and videos about the personal branding, social media, updates on employment and professional development. 

Yuck,  I hear some saying.  I don't want to have a personal brand.  But you already do, you just don't realize it.  Your personal brand is your reputation.  It is what people are thinking or saying about you.  Visit these links to learn more:

VideoBio Walter Akana from Reach Personal Branding TV

Invisibility Killing Your Career?  from Tim's Strategy

Professional Development Lessons Kung Fu Panda Style from Dragos Roua

What's New in the Labor Market?

Senior Executives Dissatisfied Following Recession from Talent Management Tech

5 Changes in the Way We Work  from Portfolio Careers

Social Media and networking are no longer an option...Here are some reasons why you should start playing

How Can You Use Social Networks to Conduct Market Research?  from iWrite Marketing

Twitter and Me - An Anniversary from Dorothy Dalton

Twitter Personal Branding- Get the Most out of Re Tweets from Personal Branding Blog

If you are interested in getting this information more quickly, follow me on Twitter!  @careersherpa

College-Bound or Career-Bound

What is the purpose of a college education today?  Is it:

A) Learn to be a great thinker

B) Obtain a degree

C) Teach life skills (career management included)

D) Learn cutting edge technology and methodologies

E) None of the above

From where I stand, most colleges don't understand how to prepare students for life after college.  Two recent posts from great authorities on career management both find flaws with college career centers. 

Career Management, It Take a Village from CareerSolvers (@barbarasafani)

Safani says:

"But nowhere on any of the handouts was there information concerning college career and placement offices…"

"...Schools need to have proactive career planning and placement offices that know how to help students land plum internships and counselors that can help students market themselves effectively on their resume. They need strong relationships with employers and they need to be up to speed on the importance of social media in a job search."

How to Manage a College Education from Penelope Trunk's Brazen Careerist (@penelopetrunk)

Trunk points out:

• Career centers cater to companies, not candidates.
• Career centers don’t understand social media.
• Career center staff is self-selecting for under-performance.
• Pick a school based on their track record for getting students jobs

If this is the reality, then parents need to teach career management to their children, and at an early age- pre-college.  The best way to do this is to show by example.  Live your life and be in control of your career.  Know how to change with the times, understand how past experiences relate to future employers, be able to sell those experiences and invest in your own professional development.  No one else can do this for you.

What Will You Do Differently This Week?

We are creatures of habit.  Many of us desire routines, rituals, stability.  It is dangerous to be lulled into the complacency of habits.  We need to continue to move forward and push ourselves out of our comfort zone. 

I write this primarily for myself.  Fear of failure has long been the excuse I have provided for not trying new things or taking risks.  When will I learn to let go of this excuse?  There is certainly something I can do about it and I don't believe the answer lies in all of the sudden taking one large risk.  Instead, it is about taking little risks daily. Almost like building up to running a marathon.  My neighbor recently ran in the NY Marathon and he had been in training for many months.  Did all that training prepare him for the physical and emotional strain of the full marathon, well, no. And he didn't win it either. Yet, he completed it.  He will never forget the experience and he is a new person because of this experience. 

What can you do today, this week, this month, to begin training for your marathon?  What small risk or one step can you take to push yourself out of your comfort zone?

Here's what I am going to do. Instead of driving the known route to a destination, I am going to take a new route to each destination I made this week.  Sounds simple or stupid, but as I think about how I am going to do that, it is developing something.  I will not take anything for granted. 

What is your plan for finding a new job?

Do you have a plan?  According to a recent survey hosted by Robert Half, 82% of those surveyed said they were ready.  The survey also asked who had an updated resume.  44% said it has been over a year since they've updated that document. Yikes!  Almost half the people hadn't touched their resume in over a year.  They aren't ready. 

It certainly isn't all about the resume.  But having one that is updated and ready to go at all times means something.  It means that you are thinking about what you've accomplished in your job.

I would also venture to guess that those 44% are not active on LinkedIn either.  If they are too busy to update their resumes, they probably don't see the value of LinkedIn. Nor do they realize that over 80% of recruiters and HR professionals are using this tool to source candidates. 

How can 82% feel they are ready for a search if they don't have a plan? Do they think finding a job is easy?  Are they not talking to the thousands of people who have been searching for months?

To all of you out there, get a plan. Even if you don't have a job yet.  What will you do to continue building your network and look for your next great job while employed?

• Ask your company to sponsor your membership in a professional association
• Identify training that will add value to your brand
• Carve time into your schedule to attend local business networking events
• Attend conferences, better yet, speak at conferences
• Start up a blog, maybe even a company sponsored one
• Follow and meet the key movers and shakers in your occupation and/or industry

All the things you are doing right now in job search need to be continued once you land a job but most likely scaled back.

Ask yourself, "if I lost my job tomorrow, what would I do?"  It is never going to be as easy as we think it is going to be.  

Desperation is Not Attractive

Desperation can ooze out of every pore if you aren't careful.  I've seen it hundreds of times and I am pretty sure that those that are emitting this fowl aura are un-aware. 

Jason Alba, author, blogger, entrepreneur, knows the feeling of desperation from his own extended job search.  He writes about it in this post, "I Smell Blood".

Stay emotionally healthy.  Keep a balance.  Remember, you may never have this opportunity again to spend time with family or friends that need you.  Relish in this opportunity.  There are definite benefits.

Stay physically healthy. Stress can work its black magic on you if you aren't careful. 

Give back and take the focus off of you.  Stop being narcissistic.  If you haven't been donating time to a worthwhile cause, start now.

You are in control of your life.  You are not a victim.  Take it upon yourself to learn new things and get answers to questions.  Fill in gaps or voids in your professional development.  Be innovative, be a problem solver.  All those things you did so well in your last job can be transferred to your search.  Leverage your strengths and develop your weaknesses.  Now is the time. 

I'm Only Taking This Class Because I am Unemployed...

When was the last time you invested in yourself?  I mean, spent money on developing your skills?  What made you do it or what is preventing you from doing it?

There is a lot of competition out there. There are people with fresher skills and/or more current experience competing for the same jobs you are. 

One person recently declared "I am only taking this class because I am unemployed".  When I asked him what the class was he told me that he wasn't even sure it would help him.  He was getting a lot of heat from his spouse for taking the class, and that he said there were a couple of other unemployed people in the class with him.  What was the course?  I don't know, he never said.  But his attitude said all I needed to hear. 

This man would never have signed up for training on his dollar or his company's dollar.  He does not understand the value of investing in himself.  Nor does he understand his occupation or industry enough to know whether this training would be helpful to his development and growth.  He sees it as a time waster and so does his spouse. 

If you wanted to upgrade your kitchen, there are certain materials and appliances you would chose to use because they would increase the re-sale value of your house.  Even if you didn't plan on moving, you would probably still consider this because it also increases the value of your home.  They say that upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms have the greatest ROI (that's return on investment). 

What training would offer you the greatest ROI?  What would increase your re-sale value?  If you are still loving your linoleum floors and metal kitchen cabinets, that's great.  However, what do other people think when they see your kitchen?

What an employer sees when someone has taken classes is that they are more serious about their occupation, they see an effort being made towards improvement and they see a willingness to learn new things.  Sure, the employer sees the acquired knowledge too.

Investing in yourself means taking a class, attending professional conferences or seminars, joining a professional association, receiving certification and/or anything else worthwhile.   It is a matter of making time and creating a budget to continue to develop you, for now and for the future.

What Do They Call This at Your Company?

So many job seekers get caught up using the "official" job title their last employer gave them.  In doing that, the job seeker either has presented themselves as something un-needed, or they confuse the people they are talking to.

Marketing yourself is critical to the success of your job search campaign.  Therefore, understanding what your function is in different companies has to be discovered and understood.

In case you haven't noticed, companies have been forced to redesign themselves given the recent changes in the economic climate.  Companies have laid off thousands of people who's roles were non-essential to the business.  What happens when these companies find themselves on sturdier ground?  They will want to hire.  The hiring they do will not be direct replacement of those they let go. These companies probably have decided to operate leaner and meaner, which means they will be looking to hire people who can perform multiple functions and wear multiple hats.

So what that means is that your old job doesn't exist any longer.  It has been combined with other functions.  You've seen the job postings that ask for everything, including the ability to fix the kitchen sink.  Someone who is multi-functional offers greater hiring value to the company.  This doesn't mean you have to have everything the companies are looking for, it does, however, mean that you need to understand what their problems are so you can pitch solutions they will see as valuable.

No two companies have the same set of challenges.  Doing your research of target companies allows you to understand their issues and challenges and create the mix of solutions they are seeking.

This research can be started on-line, however, there is no magic database that lists the information you are seeking.  Only through networking can you find the answers. 

You will also need to know if your function exists in other companies and organizations.  You can ask "What do they call this set of functions at your company?"  What you will uncover is that many of your functions exist outside of your past industry.  Pursuing jobs in other industries allows you to cast a wider net.  Casting a wider net can increase your chances of landing a job faster. 

You may find that without the industry experience, it can be difficult to cross into new areas.  What can you do to gain that industry experience?  Volunteer?  Join a professional organization?  You may decide that there are some barriers that make it too difficult right now to overcome. This is good to know.  Now you can move on to other options. 

This process is helpful because it allows you to grow and expand your flexibility and knowledge.  No one can do this for you.  It is kind of like, trial and error.  You'll learn by knowing what you don't have.  This vital gap analysis can lead you to make new decisions regarding your future.

Technology isn't Just for Geeks

It occurred to me last night as I was organizing ideas from a brainstorming meeting that "technology" isn't its own category any longer.  It is incorporated into every function and every aspect of work today. We shouldn't look at technology as its own department or category.

The US workforce is aging.  Many of these baby boomers folks didn't grow up with technology (aka computers).  If they were lucky, they worked for a company that integrated computers and provided training and education.

Kids in preschools today have computers in their playrooms.  They know how to use a mouse and click icons and use a keyboard.  They have figured out how to use computers to play and learn.

There is a big divide in people's comfort level with computers and technology. So I say, technology is no longer just for the IT department to figure out.  Technology is a component of every company and every job at every level.

You will find it very hard to apply for a job today without filling out an online application.  We may find it very hard in the future to interview without Skype.    

As a job seeker, have you incorporated technology as part of your search?  I'm not just talking about an electronic version of your resume.  Companies are using "technology based sourcing" in their quest for applicants.  What this can mean is that there will be a learning curve beyond just "job search skills" you will also need to learn the technology associated with job search. Don't fall behind, begin bridging the divide today by taking on the challenge of learning about LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.  One at a time.  These don't replace job search skills, they are a part of job search.  You'll use them to begin networking, they are simply tools used, not a replacement of the core skill of networking.

Let's take this into the job. Is there technology being used in your occupation today you are unfamiliar with?  In most companies, it is a basic requirement of the job to know how to use it. Don't let this technology divide prevent you from being a candidate.  Learn how to use all the technology associated with your profession.  You could even go one step further and be on the cutting edge by learning about what's predicted to be the new trend for technology.  You know some advancements will be coming soon.

It used to be that technology and computers were the responsibility of IT departments.  Today, we are reguired to be our own IT department and must learn how to leverage technology in what we do every day.

I have No Idea What I'm Doing

There's a saying, "Be careful what you wish for...".  Have you ever found that what you wished for came true and it wasn't quite what you had in mind?  Perhaps it is that "dream job" you landed or maybe it is the great assignment or maybe your side business is taking off.

Sometimes we are caught off guard by the our successes.  Perhaps there's a great learning opportunity in this.  For those who are planners or analytical, this change can open up a pandora's box of unexpected situations which can result in feeling overwhelmed.  For those that regularly go with the flow, it isn't so much of a big deal.  However, they will have their own set of challenges.

One of the things I think is OK to admit, to yourself, is that you have no idea what you are doing. This is not to be an excuse or denial of accountability.  When you do this, it might give you permission to make mistakes.  It might give you permission to ask for advice.  It might give you permission to actually learn something new.  I have been confessing this a lot lately and each time I do, I've been able to better evaluate what I've learned. 

I've met so many people who have gone 6, 8, 10 months supposedly "looking for work" on their own, only to realize, they had no idea what they were doing.  Why did it take so long to come to this realization?  My hunch, money became an issue.  PAIN.  We respond/react to it. 

All this means is that there are vast opportunities to learn and grow.  None of the great leaders have been able to do it on their own. 

Ask for advice and guidance from those who do know what they are doing.  Remember, however, that we are unique and that advice is not absolute.

Want to know the truth about your next job?

You've been searching and interviewing and all for the pursuit of that golden ring (a new job)!  The harsh reality is that 60+% of you won't be in that job 18 months from now.  Why? Only a very small number of you didn't have the right skills to do the job.  For the rest of you, it was a result of your Emotional IQ. 

So, what can you do to protect your new position?  Lots!  Ronnie Ann at Work Coach Cafe listed 7 ways to insure your job by gaining more control over your Emotional IQ.  For greater insight, you'll want to read her entire post here. I've paraphrased them below:

1. You always have choices, don't play the victim.
2. Build strong relationships at work
3. Be perceived as having a positive attitude (perception equals reality)
4. Don't let your emotions drive your behavior
5. Avoid the blame game
6. It isn't always about being right, know when to give in or back down
7. Look for possibilities and opportunities

I will also add number eight (8)

8.  Always be looking for your next job (networking and exploring)

I am not going to place all the blame on you or the employer.  Interviewing is not an exact science.  Everyone is trying their best to be a good employee and a good employer.  If you treat this new job like a relationship- open dialog, honest communication and a desire to make it work, it just might.

It's All About Relationships

Life is all about relationships.  Simple enough.  Is your life fulfilling?  Are you happy?  What would make you truly happy?  No, not money.  Perhaps enough money to cover BASIC needs (basic includes food and shelter, period). So with a roof over your head and food in your belly, what would make you happy?

Can you list the things that come to mind?  If you put them on paper, you could look for commonalities/linkages.  If you knew the answers to that question today, what would you be able to do tomorrow to begin to make them happen?

In theory, this sounds great. Too easy.  In reality, it is hard and I don't think I could do it either.  I'm still trying to set some short and long term goals. 

I think about the times I've been happiest in my life and at the root of that happiness was interaction with others I love.  A vacation with family, hanging with friends, snuggling with my boys.  They all contain fleeting moments of joy.  It is that joy that I want to replicate every day.

Professionally, there are few times I have been successful on my own.  I've been part of a team, collaborated with others, received buy in from others.  We just can't do it alone. 

What all this means is that one of the most important skills is interpersonal relations.  It isn't taught in schools.  In order to improve them, we have to seek out our own training/education/self development.  Few take the time to do this.  "I am who I am".  Sound familiar?  We all have the potential to be more and better.  This will require taking the initiative to assess ourselves and seek out methods to improve. 

You can read books and articles, watch videos and subscribe to newsletters.  In the end it all boils down to putting it into action.  Find a mentor or friend who can coach you, keep you moving forward in your development.   

Well-Kept Secret Job Seekers Need to Know About

In case you didn't know, there is government money (WIA grants) available to job seekers who need training.  Due to the stimulus package, there is more money available than almost ever before.  Do you need training? 

What kind of training might be covered?  That answer depends on you and your current career.  However, almost any skillyou can prove is being asked for in job postings, could potentially be covered.  That could mean computer skills, completion of an AAS or BS (in under 2 years), or almost anything in the health-care field.  Each DOL (Dept of Labor) office has a listing of approved "training providers" stating programs that are likely to be covered by the grant.  FYI, strictly on-line learning programs typically won't be covered and training has to be provided by a local training provider (ie community college).

What do I need to do?  First, identify the training you will want/need to make you more marketable.  This is important.  You determine what you need.  A program start date will need to be determined so speak with the training provider and get in the program (without paying money yet). Now you are ready to speak with a DOL representative.  For a listing of your local office resources, click here.

Now is a great time to get the training you need. No more excuses, Uncle Sam is paying.

More Great Blogs

I am regularly adding blogs to my Google reader.  It is fun to stumble upon a great writer, or someone covering a great topic, or a fresh perspective, or a style similar or very different from my own.

Here are some I've recently added and why.

Brainware because Dan Erwin is darn smart and an intellectual (can you say PhD).  Everyone needs a little of this.

Life at Work by Heather Mundell is a great writer with unique insight on job search and transition.  You won't find boring job search topics here!

Pongo Blog  Rich in resources for job search, this blog also covers a broad spectrum of job search topics. 

Web Marketing Coach by Charles Brown writes about Social Media.  We all need to learn more about this topic.  Charles writes in way I can relate to.  There are several other local people who are also providing great info on social media.  Find them on Twitter.

Feel free to share some of your favorite blogs!

Get Your News

How are you getting your daily dose of news?  I don't mean sports and weather news.  I mean the news that impacts your job search, career, industry?

One of my favorite weekly sources of news is a magazine called "The Week".  It arrives on Fridays and I can't wait to read it cover to cover.  It is well written and covers both sides of the story. 

If you want another weekly digest sent to your inbox, try Smartbrief.  It covers the key stories within industries.  Free! Here's what the homepage looks like, the email digest looks a bit different, but you get the drift.

 

If you are looking for a collection of blogs to read about a particular topic, my friend, Mike Lally recommended Alltop in a recent comment. I agree.  Great collection of some of the best blogs on a topic.  You can even build your own page to read with all the information in one spot based on your interests.

Become an information sponge.  Learn  as much as you can about current events and new trends.  It makes it so much easier to have great discussions with people while networking. 

Read and learn!

Do You Make Things Happen?

I don't think anyone could disagree that times are tough.  It can be our personal traits that change how we conquer the issues.

In a post from Fast Company, Six Traits that Separate the Achievers from the Wannabes.  Here they are (original source Echoing Green):

1. Core identity formation and alignment. "These folks," she said, "have reached a level of authenticity in life. They have found purpose and passion. They know what they're on earth to do. They're in the Social Change 'zone.' They have head/heart alignment."
2. Focused and ability to execute with alacrity. "It's not enough to have an idea. You must be able to prove your model is having an impact and build on it."
3. Solutions oriented.
4. Asset based thinking. "Most of us deficit based thinkers," Dorsey said. "But instead of seeing the world as filled with problems, they see opportunities. They see the glass as half full, and execute against all odds."
5. Resource magnet. They're able to draw money, garner human capital, and attract media attention.
6. Deep and unshakable commitment to a cause.

Echoing Green calls these "social entrepreneurship intelligence".  

It doesn't matter if you are in accounting, nursing or administrative support.  These are the new norms employers will be looking for within every level of the organization. 

With the majority of job growth happening in small to medium sized companies, these companies need multi-talented contributors. 

Be the one with a "can do" attitude and demonstrate your passion!

Ode to Technology

Technology, technology.  Who cares, right?  It is all changing so quickly, how can we keep up with it all.  Maybe that's what makes it fun.

I recently saw a new way to view the news on Twitter.  Here is the link:

 

 All you need to do is hover over a box and see a snippet more info and click on the box for a link to the source of the story.

Then, again from Twitter, I saw news about Google's "Wave".  Not yet released, but coming this year. 

Google says:

"A wave is equal parts conversation and document. People can communicate and work together with richly formatted text, photos, videos, maps, and more".

Wave seems like part blog, part email, part IM, part Twitter, part Facebook all wrapped into one. 

These tools help us share information faster and farther.  They enlighten and de-burden.

Thomas Friedman's book, The World is Flat, talks about how the internet has flattened the world by providing more equal access to information. 

We should understand how technology impacts our world and our lives so we can better prepare for the future.  With all this flattening, there are so many more opportunities for everyone to find creative ways to make money.  You no longer need to have a store front to sell things or a large budget to promote your business.  You can sell almost anything on-line with the thousands of tools available.

Keep learning and following!

Informational Interviews are Networking

People have asked me why I don't talk about informational interviews in my networking workshops.  The answer is that they ARE a form of networking. 

Networking is simply having conversations with people you know.  As job seekers, networking becomes defined as looking for a job.  It is absolutely more than this. 

An Informational Interview, probably a better term to use would be Informational Meeting, means talking with someone about what they do and/or what their company does to learn and get questions answered.

Are people really willing to take time to speak with you about this?  It depends.  Usually they have to see value in investing their time.  Think WIIFM.  "What is in it for me".  What will they get by taking time to talk to you about what they do? 

• A boost to their ego
• Feeling like they have done something helpful
• Paying back a favor to a friend
• Sourcing for future hiring needs

HOW you ask for this meeting is the key.  Using the right language/words/tone of voice makes all the difference in securing the meeting.

Here are some tips:

Reference a referral source early in the conversation.

"I was speaking with Sarah Doe and she highly recommended that I speak with you about _______________ (occupation or company name).  Sarah says you are extremely knowledgeable and would be helpful in my quest for information in this area".

State the purpose of your meeting.

"I would enjoy meeting with you to discuss what you feel are the most valuable assets of people in your field". 

Be prepared to handle objections.  They may not really mean what they say.

I'm really busy
I'm not the right person
If you are looking for a job, talk to HR
We aren't hiring right now

None of these responses really mean no.  They just mean that the person doesn't feel like it is "safe" or worth their time.  Flattery will get you everywhere.  Try feeding them some.  Also, remind them of who referred you.  Guilt is a wonderful leverager.

Honestly, there isn't a hidden agenda.  You are seeking information.  This may or may not lead to your wanting anything more from them.  And who knows, it might be the beginning of a new friendship.

This is a lifelong search.  Never, ever stop learning.

Executive Jobs Worsened in 2008?

The classic question, how long will it take me to find a job can be answered most simply with "Longer than you want".  Yet the general calculation of 1 month per $10K of your salary tends to be a good guideline.  In the 2009 ExecuNet Survey, they tracked executives time to find a new job...

 

What this points out is that it is taking longer today than it has before, so plan accordingly.  The other key factor to consider is that most Executives have really, really, really, strong networks.  73% attribute landing their next job via their well nurtured network. 

The other insight to come from this study is the prediction of emerging growth industries (based on search firm assignments).

Healthcare
Clean/Green Technology
Pharmaceutical/Medical/Biotech
Energy/Utilities
Business Services

Guess what else the study found?  Finally, there has been a small decrease in salary levels of Executives!

Executive level job search is truly no different than anyone else.  That is why this quote is so important:

"You should identify your core competencies, know who you are and sell yourself as a solution," Franzoni counsels. "Efficiency is a competency. Demonstrate to a target company how you can make money and save money and you’ll be a double threat to the competition. Tie ‘green’ into your efficiency methods and you’ll create sustainable career options."

 

Resiliency- Three Ways to Increase Your Range of Motion

 

How flexible are you?  Do you feel like an old rubber band or Gumby? 

Resiliency, I realize, is more than flexibility.  Webster defines it as:

tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.

When we don't stretch the muscles in our bodies they tend to loose their range of motion.  I am pretty sure the same can be said for our minds...if we are not stretching/exercising our thinking what happens?  Think about stretching your career muscles.  Expand your range of motion.  Really, what does this mean? 

First, don't wait for a layoff to begin training for a marathon.  My neighbor is training for a triathlon in the Fall (it isn't even June yet).  She will begin swimming in the cold waters of Canandaigua lake within the next couple of weeks.  Could this be like the employed worker testing the waters of the job market?  Set a goal and figure out how you need to reach it.  Start early.

Second, Get in the pond and build relationships with the other fish.  If you are serious about your career, you'll want to be the big fish in a little pond.  In order to do that, you'll want to know who the other fish are.  Play nicely and differentiate yourself.

Third, Do something that scares you every day.  Or at least step out of your comfort zone every day.  It can be as simple as driving another route work, reading a different type of book, listening to a new radio station, trying new eye glasses.

When you are in crisis, your resiliency is lower.  It is helpful to have some existing level of resiliency prior to heading into crisis.  However, it is never too late to begin training for your next marathon.  Whatever you do, do not become comfortable. 

"One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time"  Andre Gide

Additional thanks to Jason Alba for his inspiring post My Calf, My Career, Your Career.

All the News that's Fit to Print

The New York Times tag line rings in my head without having to think.  Quite the branding they've done.  It is just too bad that so many quality papers are struggling or stopping their presses.  I guess they didn't have innovative teams guiding them and looking toward the future or at least watching the trends.

From a personal standpoint, do you have the innovation to re-invent yourself to compete in the market?  Have you been watching the trends within your occupation and industry?  It is quite easy to fall into a comfort zone of complacency and turn our radar off.

So what can you do to stay current?  Read.  Read about your industry through trade publications, read about the cutting edge trends across the country in Fast Company.  Read about national and international topics in The Week.  Sit down on Friday's with the Rochester Business Journal and subscribe for free for their daily digests.

SmartBrief compiles stories and events by industry and you can subscribe for free.

It is also a good idea to read about things going on outside of your industry/occupation.  Ask other people you respect what they are reading.

Let's not forget about blogs.  Either company blogs or blogs written by great minds/thinkers.  I enjoy reading blogs and seeing who they are siting and have listed on their blogroll.  Dig a little and find new sources to stimulate your thinking.

Do you have a favorite news source?  Please share it in a comment.

Forget About Submitting Your Resume On-Line

Stop applying for jobs on-line immediately!  You are wasting your time.  Here's why. A civil service agency in Rochester received over 1000 resumes for one entry level job.

1. Your chances of getting a call for an interview are slim to none.

2. You will get lost in the shuffle.

3. It is the least desirable way for companies to hire.  They will try everything else first, including offering the job to "Aunt Mildred".

Instead spend your time building your network and your self.  Dr. Rita Carey gave a great seminar last night to a group of job seekers at the Employment & Career Club's first meeting. (She also delivers teleseminars) She provided many great insights and suggestions.  One thing she recommended was that job seekers spend more time developing their network. She knows how the market is.  Dr. Carey is realistically setting the expectation that it might take longer for professionals to find their "ideal" job.  Dr. Carey predicted, and I agree, that when we are out of the woods and companies need to start hiring again, they will look to their networks first.  In other words, these employers will be asking "who were the talented people we met over the past few months" and let's hire them now, we're ready.  Invest time in building a strong network for the future. 

Dr. Carey also recommended polishing professional skills by taking classes as one of the best ways to invest in yourself.  What better way to network as well.

I am sort of kidding when I suggest to stop applying for jobs on-line.  What I really mean is that there are so many other better ways to spend your time.  Limit or cut back the time you are spending applying for jobs on-line.

Mind set of a "life-long learner"

There are those that are perpetually enrolled in formal college classes and there are those that learn from life.  And then there are those that are a little bit of both.  Which are you?

One of the reasons I love doing what I do is that I get to learn about new industries and occupations all the time. I am not sure of any formal classes that teach this, yet.  Learning from others is easy, just ask questions.

So many people get caught up in what they are doing, they lose sight of the bigger picture.  We need to constantly keep our radars up for industry, occupation and especially world of work trends. 

If you are unemployed, take this opportunity to enroll in some formal training to keep your skills fresh.  No longer can you use the excuse, "my employer didn't teach me that or wouldn't let me work with that". 

Attend professional association meetings or even city or town meetings to learn what is going on. 

If you don't like people or aren't comfortable going to new and strange places, there are tons of virtual learning opportunities or teleconferences, many at low or no cost.

Technology is moving at blinding speeds. We have to know about it and be able to talk the talk.  What technology can you learn about?  LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Skype?  Or what about Quickbooks or the new 2007 suite of products. Read from a "reader", comment on a blog, use digg, delicious or stumbleupon.

There is so much to learn, you probably will want to tackle the most relevant first.  Ask people you know and respect what education/knowledge they think is most important to them. 

Becoming a life long learner is a commitment.  It also sets you apart from the crowd!

Getting Back to Basics

Everything happens for a reason.  Perhaps this situation we find ourselves in right now was to serve as a wake-up call.  Were our values out of whack?

Now is a really good time to re-evaluate what is important to you in your life. Seldom do we have the time or mental capacity to do this exercise, yet it is SO worth doing.  Try ranking the following professional/personal values.

Being content with my work

Having major accomplishments

Being well liked

Being creative

Serving others

Having authority over others

Inventing something new

Advancing my career

Making my own decisions

Being competitive

Having high income

Having status

Choosing my work location

Feeling needed and appreciated

Pursuing excellence

Having low work stress

Spending time with family and friends

Have time freedom

Collaborating with others

Working for the environment

Being well known

Having power

Being independent

Having job security

Taking risks

Having interests outside of work

Being self motivated

Being loyal at work

Challenging myself athletically

Being active in the community

Gaining new knowledge

Influencing others

Being part of a team

Challenging myself intellectually

But don't stop there!  Visualize what your a day in your ideal life would be like.  Start at the very beginning of the day.  Walk through hour by hour and describe what you would be doing, the activities and surroundings. 

Phew!  This should feel great.  Now, what will it take to make this happen? What do you need to be able to accomplish this?

Does it seem un-obtainable?  It can be.  Take baby-steps.  Today, what is one thing you can do to bring you closer to this goal of the ideal life?  What will happen if you don't take this step vs. what will happen if you do?

No one has asked me why I list "Village Life in America"on my favorite books section of my blog, so, I will tell you anyway.  It is a wonderful juxtoposition to the other books.  Village Life is the diary of a girl living in a small town in the 1800s.  It describes her daily activities and how historically significant events impacted her life.  It was a different world in the 1800's, but not that different.  The community supported each other like, I believe, the community will support each other today.

Changing What We Do

There was an article in the NYTimes this week about the conditions of the labor market in a Wisconsin town that lost over 4,000 GM jobs.  These overpaid ($28/hr) workers are now being forced to re-tool themselves for jobs that won't come close to paying them what they used to make. Here is a sample of the transitioning career paths:

Electrician to Radiology Technician

Truck Driver to Logistics and Warehouse Management

Machine Operator to Veterinarian Assistant

Employee to Restaurateur

The US economy used to be a balance of manufacturing and service sector jobs.  However, that changed.  We don't make many things in the United States today.  That means that the millions of people with manufacturing backgrounds will have little choice but to take their careers in a new direction. 

The NY State Dept of Labor publishs monthly newsletters. In the latest edition, it stated that in the Finger lakes there were over 1,500 new jobs created in Educational and Health care services from 2007 to 2008.  Not huge numbers, but one of the few growing industries in the region.  

So the message that I am passing along is this:  Think service, think independent, think global marketplace.  Any job that physically requires that you touch or help isn't going anywhere yet.  

We can't even predict what the "in demand" occupations will be 10 years from now (though they still try).  That comes from the DOL.  It is so difficult to predict what the future holds. You can look back historically to see how this country rose out of previous recessions, but all those times this country's makeup was hugely manufacturing based.  That isn't the case, we can't hope that making more cars, tanks, airplanes, anything, will bring us out of where we are.  The jobs that are hopefully going to come from the current stimulus package are foggy.  However, this we know.  They won't be paying $28/hr. 

Re-tooling and re-budgeting are the answers.  Down size personal budgets.  Simplify your life style.  If you can't make a lot of money, then you might as well love what you do! 

1440- Spend it Wisely

If you were given 1440 dollars to spend each day...what will you do with it?  Would you go on a spending spree, would you give some to your needy friends, would you put some away for a rainy day?  Would you allocate it like this?

33% Give

33% Spend

33% Save

Now, let's say you are given 1440 minutes every day...what will you do with them?  Would you spend them fully engaged?  Would you allocate them like this? 

33%  Give (volunteer, help others)

33%  Spend (take care of the necessities, must dos)

33%  Save (invest in yourself for the future)

The goal is to be in control of how you are spending your time. Do so with purpose. I read a quote from Body + Soul magazine (thanks Amy) that went something like   "live each day as if it were your first".  A version of Carpe Diem.  The point of this logic is that we would worry less about our past mistakes and focus on living a good life moving forward. 

Spend, save and give wisely, each and every day.

Holding on to a job once you land it

When you have a slippery, wrathing fish on the line, sometimes it is hard to get it in the boat or once in, keep it inthe boat.  The same is true with a new job.  Rounds of interviews with a company, nibbles, a strike, it takes skill to land that job.  You get close, you are a finalist, you feel the excitement, you can taste the new job.  Stay calm, easy does it!  Yes, you are in.  But once you have this job, you need to hold on to it. 

I see repeat job seekers regularly.  For a number of reasons, their new jobs have ended and they are back on the job seeking waters, angling for another job. 

Here are the top 3 things you need to do when you land the big job:

1) Understand who the big fish are in this little pond:  Ask good questions and understand who, why, and where these key decision makers are. 

2)  What are the weather conditions like for next 100 days? What do they expect you to do?  Really drill them on their priorities, how will you know you have met their expectations?

3)  Become the trophy fishermon (new generic term).  Identify ways to make them believe they hired the right person, that they won big by hiring you. Be likable, take on a special project, be a super team member, master your job quickly.

Be so careful about making suggestions for improvement without doing research first.  If you criticize a process the president implemented, you run the risk of being thrown overboard, or at least being scrutinized.

You are more vulnerable to being thrown back into the waters because they don't know you as well, they haven't had a chance to really "love" what you can do, and they don't have the financial investment in you.  You don't want to look too small, too sickly, too bony, too anything that would get you thrown back.

More simple rules on holding on to a job have been posted on What Would Dad say. 

Recession-Proofing Your Career

How do you do that?  Is it possible?  What control do you really have? If your employer decides to let you go, what can you do about that?

All these are great questions.  Recession-proofing your career is about preventative maintenance.  You visit your doctor annually, the dentist twice a year and you take your car in for an oil change when your supposed to (my mechanic lectured me on this several months ago). These preventative analytics are taken because they are an investment in your future. The same preventative maintenance should be/must be taken with our careers. 

Step 1:  Assessment

What are your talents, skills, and abilities?
What do you want to do next?
Where could you do this?
Do you need anything to reach this goal?

Step 2:  Research
What do you know about the companies who might hire for this next opportunity?
Who are the people who hire for the job you would want?
Who do you know who works there or who has worked there?

Step 3:  Presenting Yourself
When you describe what you do, does it sound valuable?
Is your message clear, focused?
Does everyone know what you can do?
How can you get the message out to more people?
Does your resume “sell” your talents?

Step 4:  Project Management
What do you need to be doing to reach your goal?
How do you make time to follow your plan?
How can you most efficiently budget your time?

Step 5:  Communication/Self Awareness Strategies
How confident are you in speaking about your abilities?
Have you identified your value to an organization?
How do you talk about your successes to a stranger?

Step 6:  Project Evaluation
How do you know what you are doing is working?
Are your time lines and goals realistic?

The true key to recession-proofing your career is being in control and you do that by always having an eye on the future.  Always be asking yourself, "What do I want to do next and where could I do that?". 

Don't wait to be laid off to start this.  Start today.  The mindset of the unemployed is usually filled with a lack of confidence and desperation. 

You are in control of where you are going, that is, if you know where you want to go.

Dealing with Change

What is it about change that scares the pants off of some people?  I don't really care for change much myself.  I get very comfortable in my routines and surroundings.  I rely on them as a source of stability.  When things around me are changing so quickly, I sometimes dig in deeper to hold on to my routines and surroundings. Is it human nature...perhaps for some.  But change is inevitable.

I think what scares so many people is the fact that the change happened and they had no control over it- or did they?  They felt like they had no control.  Now they are forced to make new choices.  That is difficult. Whether it is a lay off, restructuring, being passed over for a promotion or raise, these conditions force us to adapt to change.  We can rise to the occasion or wallow in self pity. Take the high road and embrace this wonderful new opportunity. 

If we are serious about our careers and lives, we should be looking at ways to change ourselves regularly.  When we are in control of change, it feels better as well as prepares us to manage unforeseen change more comfortably.  Is managing change a skill?  The more practice you have, the easier it generally is.  So practice handling change. Expect change.

Being comfortable with ourselves professionally and personally may not be, no definitely, is NOT a good thing.  We need to continue to learn, develop, grow and modify ourselves, sometimes even re-invent in order to survive in today's volatile world of employment.

You have to spend a little to get a little sometimes

There is a lot of great free advice available today.  The Internet is chock full of articles and free newsletters.  But the old adage "if it seems to good to be true, it probably is" still rings true. 

If you have been trying to read and implement all this good advice and it isn't working, you might need help.  If you still have questions, how will they get answered?

You might need to collaborate with others in you field to get the real answers.  So, you just need to pick up the phone and call people.  Oh, it isn't that easy...why?  You don't know who to call...

Join a professional group or association.  There are hundreds around. Just investigate and find one that seems like a good fit. They probably will require you pay a membership fee or to attend the meetings, they may ask that you pay a non-member rate.  Where else can you surround yourself with experts?

There are continuing education programs available.  Learning will increase your knowledge, marketability and network.  Enroll now!

There are seminars, webinars, teleconferences and the like on-line and in person.  Get in tune with who is offering these services.  You may want to see if there are testimonials or ask around to see if anyone has any recommendations. 

Last, but not least, if you still are stuck in a rut and need help, hire a coach/ consultant.  If you haven't been able to do it on your own, you might need that extra support and push to make the changes.

Managing your career is an investment.  Learn how to become the best you can be, continuously.  Invest in YOU!

6 Steps to Managing Your Career and Search

Every day I hear about another friend or family member who has lost their job.  These are hard times.  Finding your next job, whether immediately or in the future requires you take some steps.  

Years ago, we started this process with tweeking our resumes.  That is not the best way to do this today. Start with the really, really difficult step of self assessment and market-place assessment. 

I have to remind you that over 60% of people find their next job by networking.  That is why you need a plan.  Don't just "spray and pray" and hope someone you knows hears of something-develop a strategy and a clear message. 

A clear message can only happen after you have prepared your presentation. 

Once you are in motion- networking, applying for jobs, meeting with recruiters and contacting employers directly (despite the fact that they are not hiring), you will need some project management tools.

Then, like any good manager, you need to assess what's working and what needs fixing, it is called project update.

Step 1:  Assessment

Step 2:  Research

Step 3:  Establish a plan

Step 4:  Presentation

Step 5:  Project management

Step 6:  Project update

If it were this easy to follow the steps, you wouldn't need a sherpa to guide you through the process.  Sherpa-ing is what I do.  Always ask for help when you need it.

It isn't all about me?

Twice yesterday, I was caught in a moment that forced me out of my self centered world... Once when I was emailing a friend and complaining about all the things that have to get done between now and Christmas.  I was so wrapped up in all the details of what I had to do that I forgot, she had the identical situation.  Thank you, Sally, for pulling me out of my self-obsession.  Really, what I should do is check in with Sally around Halloween so I can learn how she is preparing for Christmas.  Sally is super-organized, a wonderful planner and a one of the most generous people I know.  Oops, no, no, what I really should do is talk to Sally and see what she might need help with, that's better!!!

The other instance, in which, I was again complaining, hmmm, notice a pattern...I was focused on my dislikes and not the dislikes of the friend I was talking to.  It makes such a difference.  I couldn't see his problem, I wasn't looking or even attempting to understand.  Once I figured this out, stopped looking at it from my lens, it became perfectly clear.

We live in a world of Twittering, Facebook, LinkedIn, Personal Branding, and self promotion.  These ego-centric activities have their time and place...if we fail to "walk a mile in someone else's moccasins" or try to look at life through their eyes, I think we've missed the boat. 

I was reading an article last night that spoke about the endorphins released in the brains of those who were donating money and volunteering.  The body wants us to do altruistic deeds.  The payback is, it makes us feel good. 

As 2009 too quickly approaches, I am considering my New Year's resolution.  It has to be the year of "View the Lives of Others First" or "Focus on Your Friends and Family" or "Give".

Age Discrimination

With the majority of today's workforce over 50, I am surprised that this can even be an issue.  But the issue isn't the physical age of the person, it is their mindset.  An "old fart" is someone who:

• Thinks they know everything and is unwilling to change

• Has high, often unrealistic salary expectations

• Is slow to adapt to new concepts/ideas

• Looks down on the younger, less experienced worker

• Doesn't understand new technology

• Is counting down the days until they retire (not engaged/short-timer)

To eliminate the perception of "old fartism", disprove these stereotypes in all communication. 

Here's a challenge:  create a Facebook profile, try text messaging and even try Twitter.  Read about the X and Y Generations and understand what motivates them and what makes them tick.  The values are a bit different, and sometimes their communication style is too. 

We can learn a lot about each other.  Bridge the gaps and join the new workforce.

Gratitude

As we head into Thanksgiving, I feel it is important to reflect on what we are grateful for.  Sometimes, it is too easy to focus on i.e., obsess over, the negative. 

Sit down with pen and paper and begin to list the people in your life for which you are thankful. What comes to mind?  Can you specifically state why you have listed these people?  Now ask, what can you do for any of them. 

Taking the focus off of yourself and your own situation has a wonderful way of keeping things in perspective.  And really, what good is it to get angry, frustrated, discouraged over you current situation?  Does that help?  Do you feel better?  So, you have nothing to lose in trying this. 

Several people have mentioned a "Gratitude Journal" to me in the past year as a way to stay focused on the positive.  The idea is to record daily  what/who you are grateful for. Maybe it is time to begin keeping mine.

Our brains tend to first recall the trauma or negative experiences in our lives.  Reprogramming this thinking is said to be very benefitial.  

I've been thinking a lot about our economy, as I am sure you have too.  Things don't look good.  However, I am grateful for a loving husband, two healthy and active boys, all the friends in my life and of course, FAMILY.  No matter what happens: food lines, massive unemployment, or whatever "crash" needs to happen, these special people will be there for me.  I will be forced to reach out in ways I may never have been able to before based on my necessity to refocus on the positive. There's an old saying "that which does not kill us, makes us stronger".  Cheers, here's to strength!

To Pay or Not To Pay, That is the question

My general advice to job seekers is not to pay for something you can do for yourself.  This is what I mean.  There are literally thousands of free and reputable resources for job seeking advice.  Find them and use them.  That is part of what my blog is for. 

• Never pay for someone else to find you a job...

• Never pay money to have someone email your resume to 100s of companies
• Don't pay to access jobs paying $100K+
• Don't pay someone to write your resume

The old saying, "if it sounds to good to be true then it probably is" applies.  We look for shortcuts- ways around doing the painful acts associated with job search. Paying someone else doesn't make the situation immediately better, you are still out whatever you paid and still not in the dream job. 

The journey through job search is a valuable life lesson.  Something you will undoubtedly experience again in your life (sorry, sad but true).  It is also a life skill that you need to pass along to your children, no matter their age.

There are some things you MUST pay for.  Your own personal development.  Don't become stagnant.  Invest in you and the rewards are much greater. 

I was overseeing a workshop this week and a woman expressed her concern over not being able to get into a free workshop.  I empathized with her and told her she could get similar training for $25 which included lunch.  She shook her head and said she didn't want to pay the money.  I then offered her the names of some books that also addressed the topic she was interested in, she didn't write them down and seemed less than interested.  Oh well.  How badly did she really want the skills from the workshop if she wasn't willing to work at it. 

When was the last time you attended a professional development workshop?  A seminar related to your occupation or industry?  Shut up, that long ago...

Your development is definitely worth paying for!