Your Elevator Pitch, Part Two

Two weeks ago, I wrote about my preparations for our October monthly Members meeting and my plan for a contest to recognize the best elevator pitch. My objective was two-fold; to support our main speaker and put a spotlight on one of my pet peeves.  I wanted to ensure that it was fun, interesting, and productive for our members.  If they fail to see value in the meeting, attendance will suffer, and our Mission will be compromised. I was also interested in providing an effective introduction to support our speaker, Leslie Kuban, whose presentation was about selling to entrepreneurs.

 

I am pleased to report that the meeting was a great success! The contest for the best elevator pitch was well received and executed. Creating score sheets and ballots prior to the meeting saved time and improved the outcome of the contest.

 

The winner of the contest was Leslie Kuban, the guest speaker.  The attendees noted that her pitch was focused and interesting.  The discussion that followed was energetic, as the room was completely focused on the issue.  They understood the value of her message.  Winning the contest gave Leslie instant credibility in advance of her presentation.

 

At least one member suggested that every meeting should include a contest for the best elevator pitch. That is something to consider. I am pleased that I’m getting through to the folks, but I don’t know that a contest every meeting would have the desired effect. Possibly once a quarter would be a better compromise.

 

Leslie was energized when she began her presentation. Later that afternoon she called me to debrief. I told her I thought she had done an excellent job.  The presentation was well received, and the meeting was one of our best. She was pleased with my assessment and volunteered to participate further with our BENG Chapter.  Also, she indicated an interest in an affiliation with ITB Partners.  A twofer!

 

In the days following our meeting, I received an email from a member who was unable to attend the meeting. She is interested in crafting an effective elevator pitch, sending me a draft for my review and feedback. Frankly, she made an excellent start. The following day I provided her with my thoughts and suggested that we schedule a face-to-face meeting to work on a final product. We agreed to meet for coffee on Halloween.

 

In my earlier post, I discussed the difference between a positioning statement for a resume, and for an elevator pitch. The positioning statement on a resume, or a business plan, should be written in jargon relevant to the reader.   However, jargon for a target audience, may not be relevant for one-on-one personal discourse, especially for someone unfamiliar with your line of work.  An elevator pitch must be easily understood by anyone.

 

An effective elevator pitch goes together with networking activities. It helps recruit evangelists for one’s business, capturing their imagination so that they will spread the word.  As I mentioned in the prior post, a good elevator pitch is memorable, believable, and interesting.  It must make a lasting impression, which means it must make an emotional connection. It is a conversation starter, not the result.

 

As I consider adding value to our meetings, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the subject matter and the type of presentation that will be best received. In pursuit of this goal, I’ve been spending a lot of time on YouTube, listening to speakers talk about the value of storytelling for more effective presentations. This seems to be the preferred style, for brand building, as well as speeches and business presentations. I like the concept, as stories tend to be more effective especially when they make an emotional connection with the audience.

 

In December I have a speaker scheduled for the Atlanta Chapter of BENG about developing more effective speeches. I am confident that we are on the same wavelength with respect to story-telling, but I plan to have a conversation with him to ensure that we are in sync.

 

Thank you for visiting our blog.

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is important to me so; please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, Managing Partner

ITB PARTNERS

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

In Your 50’s, 60’s or 70’s Without an Exit Plan?

 

Shavzin & Associates
David Shavzin

By David Shavzin

I hear it more and more coming from Baby Boomers. This question is often posed casually: “So what do you think, should I start my exit plan 2 years ahead, maybe 3 years ahead?”

 

They often ask knowing the answer. They are trying to make themselves feel better because they haven’t created an exit plan and they know they should have started it long ago. If I respond that waiting until 24 months ahead of sale is ok, they can let themselves off the hook for not having an exit plan in place.

 

I hear from business owners every day.

  • Some say they are tired and would like to get out. They do not want to put in much more time or invest in building the value of the company. Yet, they are not satisfied with what it is worth today.
  • Some in family businesses have put off building a succession plan for a generation to generation transfer. They may feel they have time, or they may feel that their children (children often in their 30’s and 40’s) are “not ready yet”. They may fear losing an income stream as they transition out of the business.
  • Some are simply working the business, taking no time to develop an exit plan that could dramatically increase the value of the business when it comes time to sell.

If any of these ring true for you, there are many potential solutions to address your concerns and situation. Take the first step and have a conversation with all in involved. A good advisory team can help guide those exit plan discussions and provide an objective, experienced perspective. There are so many business exit options.

 

If you do have just a few years, there are a number of things you can do to optimize that exit and get everyone on the same page. But “2 – 3 years” is NOW, especially if you are a business owner in your 50’s, 60’s, 70’s or older. You have heard when talking about stocks that you can’t time the market. It’s the same thing for your business. And, remember, the sale process itself can take 6 or 9 months to a year.

 

There will be a downturn in the market. Getting caught in that next downturn will likely reduce the value of your business. Perhaps more importantly, it could keep you captive in your business for another few years as you rebuild.

 

Questions to ask yourself:

  • Do you know the value of your business? Don’t rely on a value that is some industry multiple or that sounds reasonable or what you’d like. Get professional assistance. This is your life, livelihood, and retirement.
  • When do you want to be completely or mostly out of the business?
  • Can you wait out the next downturn? If you are thinking of a 2- to 3-year timeframe, what if the economy slows down? Can you wait another few years to rebuild the value of your business? Or are you willing/able to walk away with less money?
  • Do you have a solid plan for what you will do after your exit?

By the Way, It’s NOT all about YOU!

 

Without an exit plan, you are not just risking your own retirement or next phase of life. You are putting in jeopardy your spouse, children, their families, your employees, their families and more.

 

The message is simple: work with your advisors now to get a good understanding of your situation. The more informed you are, the better positioned you will be in creating an exit plan that works for you, maximizes value and minimizes risk. You will leave the legacy that you want, not what others want. You will create your future!

 

Get Started on Your Exit Plan

If you haven’t begun to plan, get on it! Get a business valuation done, build your advisory team, start on building business value!

 

Need to Get an Idea of Where You Stand?

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Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is important to me so; please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, Managing Partner

ITB PARTNERS

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

Effective Networking Requires a Strategy!

Apple gave me a nice gift this week. Yes, I updated my iPhone and iPad to iOS 12 which I think is really cool, but that is only half the gift.  The upgrade helped me finalize the topic for my weekly blog post. Very nice of them I must say. To be honest, Apple gave me the “angle,” or focus on my topic. It’s still good. A good post needs to be a story with an interesting perspective.  The iOS 12 upgrade provided that perspective.
My last two posts spoke about innovative networking ideas so I needed a transition that would add value to that theme.  I had just completed my monthly update for ITB Partners and thought about recapping the productivity apps I had uncovered during the past few months. An article summarizing five productivity applications might be very interesting, I thought. Seriously though, who needs to take that tact when the iOS 12 update provided so many productivity-enhancing features. It did cause me to think about networking strategies, however.
Why talk about networking and productivity, one might ask? Good question! At a fundamental level, our most precious resource is time.  The way we allocate our time, our priorities, determines our ability to achieve our goals and improve our lives. Any tool or process which helps us become more productive is worth consideration.
Whether one is between jobs, actively looking for that next opportunity, or gainfully employed and building a career, nurturing relationships is important.  Networking factors prominently in either situation, albeit, networking strategies may be different. It’s about time. If you are gainfully employed you may limit yourself to a few regular group meetings each month.  They may be industry-specific, and/or occupation-specific, such as professional associations. You might also include a more personal interest group centered around hobbies, sports, or alumni chapters. In the course of regular day-to-day activities, you will meet people who can help you achieve your job goals and broader career interests. Even with these limited options, one must set priorities and budget their time.
If you’re out of work, looking for a job, networking is your job. You must meet people who can connect you to jobs, directly or indirectly. You may be interested in attending group meetings to develop and refine your job search skills. Professional development may take a backseat for a while even though industry organizations and professional associations can offer opportunities. The agenda for the meeting will be your guide to make those decisions.
Effective networking requires a strategy.  That strategy is derived from an overall job search plan. A good job search plan begins with a list of suitable employers to actively solicit.  It follows that an appropriate networking strategy would be to identify employees of those companies, who can connect you with hiring managers.
Internet-based tools should not be considered networking by themselves. LinkedIn and other social media is a great way to connect with people who may be helpful, but it is just a starting point. Your objective is to schedule face-to-face meetings where you can build a relationship by establishing your credibility.  Credibility leads to trust which gives your network confidence to connect you with other helpful people.
I am not a big fan of participating in networking groups specifically oriented to the unemployed. Unless those groups are providing useful job search skills training, networking with other job-seekers can devolve into a pity party. This is not good for one’s psyche. On the other hand, one should seek out groups that include the gainfully employed, who know of job opportunities, and those looking to hire someone with your credentials.
Use your time wisely.  Develop a networking strategy that supports your job search plan.  For one-on-one networking, seek out people connected to companies of interest to you. Remember networking is a two-way street. A ‘pay it forward’ mentality is required.   Finally, remember to thank your networking contact with a follow-up note.  It is a big thing!  If the contact is a coffee drinker, enclose a pre-paid gift card.  It is a little thing that goes a long, long way!

Thank you for visiting our blog.

I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is important to me so; please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, Managing Partner

ITB PARTNERS

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

Another Step Closer To Publication


Another week, and another step closer to publishing “Fighting Alligators: Job Search Strategy For The New Normal.”  The artwork for the cover has been finalized.  Actually, I hired a freelancer through Upwork to complete this task.  Upwork is one of a number of on-line resources that connect freelancers to the market.  Fiverr is another widely used service.  I posted my job on Thursday afternoon, and by 10:00 a.m. Friday I had a finished product.  Upwork operates like any other job board where employers post jobs for permanent hires with some notable differences.  The service is menu driven, which is similar to Job Boards, but the overall feel is much more like a community.  Think of Monster meets Facebook.  UpWork is very interactive, unlike your typical job board.
Thursday afternoon I posted my job.  The posting included a description of my need, my budget for this task, and my contact information.  My project was open to all freelancers registered with Upwork. However, Upwork also provided me a list of highly qualified freelancers to consider.  I sent those people a personal invitation to bid on my work.    Within a few hours, 16 interested respondents had expressed interest in my job.  These folks came from the four corners of the planet.  The biggest concentration of applicants came from the U.S., the Philippines, Pakistan, and Eastern Europe.  By clicking on their name, I was able to view their recent projects and references.  Upwork helped the process by allowing me to archive people who were not a good fit and “like” candidates who I wanted to consider.  I sent thank you notes to everyone I could.  For those I considered serious contenders I sent a more detailed message and directed them to my web page.   Imagery with an Alligator seemed obvious, but the cover still needed to be conservative, appropriate for my target audience.  I also wanted a subtle reference to the digital age.
Friday morning I was in a text conversation with Vanessa, a highly recommended freelancer from The UK.  Upwork provides for instant messaging and video conferencing through their portal.  While we were chatting it up, so to speak, Vanessa offered a few mock ups that were most impressive.  It was her responsiveness and speed of service that made the difference.  I made her an offer and she accepted.   Working with Vanessa was fast and effortless.  After we had arrived at the basic layout and the correct species of reptile, we worked on my need for a subtle reference to the digital age.  Within minutes, she provided three more mock ups with a bit of a digital feel.  I settled on the least obtrusive of the three, and the project was complete.   I am very pleased with Vanessa’s work, and so far, all of the critiques have been positive.
Completing this task is a great example of employment options in the New Normal.  In a brief period of time, I evaluated the work of potential vendors from all over the globe.  I chose my preferred freelancer, and we worked together in real time, arriving at a finished project within an hour.  As soon as I was satisfied with the end result, I notified Upwork that the contract was complete and authorized payment to Vanessa.  With the project completed, we provided each other with references.
While evaluating the freelancers interested in my project I learned that many of these folks are gainfully employed, earning extra money on the side via Upwork.   Others are full-time freelancers who are active over a number of platforms.  This is the “Gig Economy” sector of the New Normal. 
Thank you for visiting my blog.  I hope you enjoyed my point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox. Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.
Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is very important to me so, please leave a comment.
Jim Weber, President
Author of: Fighting Alligators: Job Search Strategy For The New Normal
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
www.newcenturydynamics.com

A Funny Thing Happened On My Way To…



A funny thing happened while promoting my book this week.  Reaching out to people who might be interested hearing me talk about “Job Search in the New Normal,” I became a volunteer for a faith-based job search program.   I have known of the job networking program run by the Roswell United Methodist Church, but never took the time to learn about their work.  I thought it was just another networking group that met once a month.  As luck would have it, the day of my email inquiry coincided with their monthly program.  I received a gracious invitation to attend the evening “Fast Start Program” and a personal overview from the Volunteer Ministry Co-Leader, Jay Litton.  
So, I arrived at 5:30 p.m. to attend the evening events. Most of the participants had been on the campus since early afternoon attending workshops.  Those workshops covered an array of topics from the fundamentals of job search to advanced discussions on crafting a job search strategy.  Some, like me, were first-timevisitors.  The evening session began with a light dinner and orientation to the program.   The meal was free, but donations were accepted.  Their dining room is a large multi-purpose facility, like a high school gym, including a stage.  Each table of eight people included a volunteer who facilitated introductions and conversation.  The dinner program began with a brief inspirational message followed by a discussion at the tables.   The message for the day was about strength and courage, taken from the Old Testament Book of Joshua, very appropriate.
At 7:00 p.m. the dinner meeting ended and the participants went off to attend more workshops.  As I said, the topics covered every imaginable issue from resume preparation to interview skills.   There were even a number of employers on premises to talk to people interested in their current job openings.  At this time, Jay and I reconnected to complete my orientation.  After we had finishedmy tour and overview of the resources provided by their program, I sat in on one of the break-out sessions.   The one I chose happened to be facilitated by my colleague, Richard Kirby.  He was leading a discussion on interview questions one should expect.  Richard was gracious enough to ask for my input, and I willingly complied.
Since the Job Networking Ministry is an outreach of the Roswell United Methodist Church, there is a significant spiritual component to their program.  This is a key point as one’s spirit is aggressively challenged when unemployed.    Feeding the soul, recharging one’s psyche is critical to success.  This is integral to their ministry.
The end result is that I became sold on their program.  Before we finished our time together, I asked Jay how I could be helpful.   He told me that I could help with follow-up telephone calls to first-time visitors and suggested that I facilitate a discussion group at the next meeting.  I happily accepted the invitation.     This ministry is highly professional and well-structured.  It is competitive with any outplacement program I have seen, but is free and open to the public.  I am looking forward to my association with RUMC Job Networking Ministry and plan to become a leading evangelist.  If you find yourself between jobs, it would be wise to become familiar with this program and find something similar convenient to you!

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I hope you enjoyed my point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox. Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.
Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is very important to me so, please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, President
Author of: Fighting Alligators: Job Search Strategy For The New Normal
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
www.newcenturydynamics.com

Survivor Island Part 2

Last week I posted on the bias against job seekers who have had three or more jobs in the past ten years. Just to be clear, I am talking about competent, highly skilled professionals who have been caught up in situations beyond their control. So, how does one overcome this bias? Biases are difficult to bridge, yet people with a string of short tenures do eventually find employment. What are these people doing? They must have found a viable way for to reconnect.

I circled back to Bill to explore the issue further. To get into the mood of our conversation, we compared notes on the “too many Jobs” bias, especially in the restaurant industry. He asked the rhetorical question, “what are they afraid of?” The turmoil created by industry leaders to remain competitive has created an entire cadre of otherwise solid performers with a string of short tenures. It is what it is. It isn’t even a question of loyalty to the employees; it is about survival. He told me of a Senior Level HR Executive, who admonished him for making poor employment choices. I found that incredible given the fact that there are no safe harbors anymore. Companies that appear to be stable are not risk-free. Furthermore, if the choice is to take a job with a risky brand or face personal bankruptcy, the decision is clear. I wonder if some Executives are living in a bubble, or just in denial.

After that bit of venting, I asked Bill how he was able to keep finding new situations, in the face of this bias. Obviously, the issue is not insurmountable. He told me that most recently he had been hired by people he had worked with before or by referrals who knew his work. No surprise to me. People who know your value are in the best position to present your case. This is networking 101. Build your team, and get them working on your behalf. It is not necessarily easy to do, and it does take some time, but referrals from people who know you can be powerful. It must be your primary strategy if you find yourself in this situation.

Additionally, he said that it is wise to address the issue proactively. Incorporate reasons for job changes on your resume, job by job. Be fluid, not defensive. Present your job history as a matter of fact. Be prepared to explain the situations in a straightforward, compelling way. Practice your verbal presentation so that it is natural and believable.

The other strategy Bill is using is to take on project work, and consulting assignments. This strategy is another viable way to reconnect which I have often recommended. The employer has an opportunity to assess the quality of your work, and overall fit with the organization without making a hiring commitment. If it works out, and there is a need, you will be well positioned to get the job. It works both ways, of course, as you can evaluate the employer against your requirements. It is the classic “try before your buy” opportunity.  I suggested that Bill write articles relevant to his occupation that might be picked up in trade magazines, or start a blog. This strategy could increase his exposure and further position him as an expert in his field.

The “too many jobs” bias is not insurmountable and not necessarily even a wall. It exists, but it doesn’t seem to be widespread. The most useful tactic to overcome the bias is to engage your network. That is the key! Once the hiring manager can get to know you on a personal level, it is much easier to overcome his biases and objections.

Thank you for visiting my blog. 
I hope you enjoyed my point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list. 
Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so, please leave a comment. 
  
Jim Weber, President 
New Century Dynamics Executive Search 

Survivor Island

Wednesday I introduced my colleague to Bill, a CMO-type I have known for more than 15 years.  Last year he lost his job along with the entire executive team,  made redundant by a merger.  Since that time he has been consulting,  while looking for another full-time situation.    The purpose of our meeting was to discuss how he might fit into situations where we need marketing talent.  It was a good meeting that lasted over ninety minutes.  My colleague and I agreed that we should be able to find a place for him. 
After the meeting, my colleague said;when I was head of HR I would never have talked to him due to the number of jobs he has held in the last ten years.”  My colleague did not see the irony of his comment.  At a time when everyone is aware of the tumult facing businesses, and the documented decline in average tenures, especially for C-level executives, this bias is a major disconnect with reality.  His line of thinking is hardly new to me, in fact, I hear similar comments from clients every day.  It reminds me of the Survivor Island television show.  I admit, I did watch most of the first season, but one season was my limit.  I was amazed at how closely the show reflected the reality of Corporate America.  It was not long before alliances formed and people were voted off the island because they posed a threat.   As much as we would like to believe that meritocracy rules the corporate world, political skills become more important as one progresses in responsibility.  Now, don’t misunderstand, political skills are not a bad thing, quite the contrary, they are necessary to getting things done in the real world.  Political skills left unchecked, however, can have a dark side. 
In this most recent recession, many companies have restructured their Profit and Loss Statements by terminating highly-compensated senior executives, replacing them with less expensive, younger managers.  In some industry segments, the competition is so fierce that C-level tenures are lower than average.  CMOs in particular, have experienced much shorter tenures.  The need for immediate results is driving that turnover.  Revitalizing a brand or gaining a competitive advantage takes time, so much of the recent CMO turnover seem questionable. 
I have posted on the issue of acquisition related turnover.  Financial buyers usually don’t engage in mass terminations of executive teams, at least not at first.  The CEO may or may not leave the acquired company, depending on the reason for the transaction. However, the CFO is usually replaced.   The CFO is in a critical position which requires the complete trust of the owners, without conflict from prior relationships.  As such the financial buyer will assign “their” CFO.  In these situations, the CFO is terminated for reasons beyond her control unrelated to performance. Why would a hiring manager hold this against her?  When a new CEO joins the acquired company, he will understandably want to build his team, creating more turnover.  In the case of a strategic buyer, the entire senior staff may be redundant.  Unless they were responsible for diminishing the value of the brand, their termination wasn’t due to poor performance.  
Job seekers understand that short-tenured jobs work against them, even if those situations were beyond their control.  Everyone that comes to me looking to find a new job is looking for long-term, productive employment.  They are not looking for short-term situations, but today, all jobs carry risk.  
The reasons for short tenures is not so black and white anymore.  To discount the value of these people seems unwise.  As the labor market continues to tighten, attracting candidates who are currently employed, will become more expensive.  That should give hiring managers something to ponder when evaluating prospective new hires.  It may just require a little more background work for the hiring manager to become comfortable with these folks. 
Thank you for visiting my blog. 
I hope you enjoyed my point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox.  Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list. 
Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so, please leave a comment. 
  
Jim Weber, President 
New Century Dynamics Executive Search 
 

Role Models, Mentors, and Sponsors

Originally published March 27, 2016

As you should know by now, my blog posts are based on my personal experiences.   Often these experiences come in clusters, reinforcing the need to address a pertinent topic.  This weeks’ post follows that model.

Saturday evening my colleague, Stan, and I were conducting one of our periodic staff meetings over Bourbon and Cigars at our favorite watering hole.  Clearly, this is my preferred way to discuss business.  Our conversation focused on progress and challenges we are working through with our clients.  Most of those issues are related to leadership and accountability, no surprise there.  Eventually; the discussion came around to critical factors leading to a successful career.  Stan told me about his time at Dunn and Bradstreet where he benefitted from a close relationship with his mentor.  Furthermore, he said that Sponsors were helpful to his career progression.

This line of discussion seemed to fall in line with the topics of the last few weeks, so I was beginning to formulate my ideas for this post.  Validation for this week’s topic arrived Wednesday when I received a call from a close friend of twenty years, who is also my Attorney.  She asked if I would mentor and coach her 23-year old son who is having difficulty finding his way in the world.  There are few greater compliments in life than to be called upon to help a friend guide their child’s development.  So, of course, I accepted, and we scheduled our first meeting.

I can’t remember talking to anyone who discounted the importance of role models, mentors, or sponsors.  Everyone I know has told me about role models and mentors who have helped shape their lives and careers.  Intuitively, we all understand their importance, but I am not so sure we know the difference or how to find and work with these folks.  So, let’s find some clarity.

Role Models are people we choose to emulate for whatever reason.  They are examples to follow.  One may or may not know these influencers who may be living or dead.  A Role Model is chosen based on their style, or success in their chosen field.  Usually meant to be positive, a role model is chosen to match one’s values, self-image, bearings, and or goals.  A Role Model is an aspirational standard.

A mentor is someone develops a relationship with a less experienced or less knowledgeable person as a means to transfer knowledge.  The recipient of the mentor’s guidance may be called a protégé, apprentice, or mentee.  The mentor is usually an older person, but not necessarily.  A peer may be a mentor if passing on skills or experience needed by the other person.  The concept of a mentor has been in play for thousands of years.  The name “Mentor” actually came from a character in Homer’s “Odyssey.”  Other names for this role include guru, elder, or master.  Mentors provide their knowledge on an as-needed basis, as requested by the protégé, and don’t necessarily expect anything in return.  The relationship may be informal, developing naturally, or it may be formal and structured, built into the culture of the organization.

Sponsors have a vested interest in the success of the protégé.  They offer guidance and support because they believe the protégé’s has potential.  The relationship includes the expectation that the protégé will perform well, reflecting on the sponsor’s standing.  This relationship is more proactive, requiring mutual trust and respect.  The sponsor is someone who can open doors and provide opportunities for the protégé, including high-visibility assignments leading to career advancement.  The protégé is expected to deliver the results which will protect and enhance the sponsor’s reputation.  It is a win-win relationship.

Role models, mentors, and sponsors are vital for the career minded individual.  If you intend to be successful, it would be wise to find people who can fill these roles, and in the case of mentors and sponsors, are willing to help you.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is very important to me so please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, President
NEW CENTURY DYNAMICS EXECUTIVE SEARCH
JimWeber@NewCenturyDynamics.com

Current Assignments
1. COO- Northeast-based Casual Dining Restaurant Company – New
2. Operating Partners – Legacy Pizza Chain – New
3. Director of Biz Dev, Atlanta-based B2B Professional Services Company:    Completed
4. Payroll-Benefits Manager, Atlanta-based Retail Company:  Complete
5. Senior Accounting Manager – Atlanta-based Manufacturer. Complete
6. Controller – Atlanta-based Consumer Products – Digital Company – Completed
7. Outplacement Assignment – Atlanta-based Manufacturer:  Complete
Author of: Fighting Alligators: Job Search Strategy For The New Normal






Fighting Alligators: Job Search Strategy For The New Normal

https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Alligators-Search-Strategy-Normal-ebook/dp/B01G9HD9D2?ie=UTF8&keywords=fighting%20alligators&qid=1465127483&ref_=sr_1_1&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

When you are up to your neck in Alligators it is easy to forget that your primary objective is to drain the swamp.  You may be looking for a new job, or you may be gainfully employed, but your primary objective is to manage your career.

That world has changed and it is still changing, restructuring to a new economic paradigm.  Fighting Alligators explores the new normal, helping the reader navigate employment opportunities in a new economic model.

“Jim, I just read your book. I am impressed. It is simple and profound in what it addresses. I always knew you were very smart and talented and this book confirms that clearly.”    R. Wallace Hite,  CEO Reconstruction Partners

“Jim – thank you for the opportunity to preview your e-book.  Among the many things I have come to admire about you over the years is your communications savvy, and this work is a great example!  You have a way of connecting, simply and genuinely.  I do think this book will be an excellent tool, providing good guidance.  Very well done!  Cari Pirello,”  Sr. VP  Marketing Workshop

“Jim, this well done. It’s to the point against the Key areas. Puts a tough process for the reader in perspective. It’s valuable today.  Thanks for letting me have a pre-release preview.”  Ron Weinstock.

“Fighting Alligators: Job Search Strategy For The New Normal” is available for purchase at Amazon.com for $6.99. 

The primary strategy I have employed to market my business is writing articles on employment issues. I began by contributing to the Alumni Voice, the quarterly publication of the University of South Florida Alumni Association. That column, called “Employ-A-Bull” (USF Bulls; get it?) was targeted to younger alumni, beginning their careers.  I also posted those articles on my website for broader distribution. This humble little column led to new opportunities to speak to larger groups.  Helping my clients and candidates, whether I make a placement or not, is a win-win, business-building proposition.

After writing articles for the Alumni Magazine, I hit on the idea of writing for a broader audience to help promote my business. While interviewing a colleague for my first article, I was advised that I should speak to the value of social media, including blogging as a valuable tool for finding a new job. My friend said that I should consider blogging as a part of my marketing mix. He even suggested that I investigate Google’s Blogger. I will admit that I had thought of beginning a blog but could never justify the time. Pondering the scope of my first article was the justification I needed.

I took his advice and started my blog: Innovative Employment Strategies. Since it launched during the Great Recession, I planned to speak to employment issues relevant to the current economic situation. With so many people on the market, standing out from the crowd was a big challenge. Additionally, the people that seem to be most affected were younger folks at the beginning of their careers, and the more mature among us, especially the most highly compensated professionals. The employment forecast was pretty grim too. The conventional thinking was that it would take five years or more before the market could absorb these folks. A new way of looking at employment was needed. I set out to reevaluate traditional job search methods. Needless to say, this topic got some attention.

I talked to people who had been successful in their job search efforts. I was also interested in talking with those who had chosen to start their own business or became self-employed. The goal was to identify innovative methods leading to success. I thought this work would be useful information that I could share with clients and candidates. And it was.

Now, five years later, I am ready to take the next step. It is time to consolidate my experience and knowledge into this book.  Since this book has grown out of my blog, the target audience is the professional who is well into his career.  Although most job seekers will benefit to some degree, the more senior level managers will find this material most useful.  It is not for everyone, nor is it meant to be.  Think of it as a menu, not a cookbook.  My focus is on broad themes, relevant to job search and career management in the “new normal.”  It is about strategy, and to some degree, tactics.  I assume that the reader is well-equipped to fill in the details to execute a 21st Century job search campaign.  I hope; you find my insight to be interesting and useful.

“Fighting Alligators: Job Search Strategy For The New Normal” is available for purchase at Amazon.com for $6.99. 

Thank you for your interest.

Best wishes.

Jim Weber, President
NEW CENTURY DYNAMICS EXECUTIVE SEARCH
www.newcenturydynamics.com

Fighting Alligators

In addition to my regular work, this year I have been completing work on my first book.  Naturally, it is about job search and career management.  My goal is to have it published on Amazon by Summer.  I have finished the first draft and found twelve volunteers to preview my work.  These trusted advisers are providing their thoughts and recommendations to help make it a better read.  That process is going well, and the feedback has been promising.  Now don’t misunderstand, I am not expecting my book to make the New York Times Best Seller List.  However, it should become a useful tool for my candidates and clients.  But then, who knows, I might get lucky.

So, an interesting situation has developed, while working through this review process.  One reviewer lets call her Jill, sent me a text indicating that she had an epiphany.  She said that my book was a “wake-up call.”  She asked if I had time to meet her to discuss her future.  I was gratified that my effort had made an impact and was intrigued by her message. We agreed to meet for breakfast at the beginning of the week.

We had a nice visit, almost ninety minutes.  After a brief check-in, she got right to business.  This is a busy lady with a great career and a lot of irons in the fire.  She confessed that she had not been managing her career of late, and that bothered her.  She said that she was not concerned about losing her job, but she was not positioned to consider new opportunities either.  She has become so involved in her work that she has lost her connection with the market.  I asked her about her networking activities and public speaking engagements to enhance her visibility.  Whereas she is comfortable in networking events, she said she did not have the same level of confidence in her public speaking ability.  Neither activity has been a priority.  We also discussed blogging and writing articles for professional publications.  Both were of interest to her, but she did not have time.  She has allowed her resume, bio, and social media presence to stagnate.  In fact, she said that she had looked for her resume in preparation for our meeting, but could not find it.  Jill is well known and respected in the community.  She has not had to look for a job for a long time, so it is understandable that she has not spent much time updating her resume.

After listening to Jill present her situation and getting clarification on a number of points I gave her my thoughts as to a plan of action.  My recommendation is that she make an effort to promote her credentials as a subject matter expert, including public speaking engagements and writing articles for publication.  Jill agreed and asked that I work with her for the next year.  I consider that the ultimate validation for my book!  I agreed, of course.

The first step in Jill’s program is to review her resume, bio, and on-line presence.  Since we are connections at LinkedIn, that was easy enough to do.  Finding a copy of her resume took a little longer, but not much.  I found it in my database.  It is fifteen years old.  No problem.  I took the information from her LinkedIn page and added that to the resume I recovered.  I edited the format and sent Jill’s resume back to her for review.  I asked that she just review the format, after which I would focus on content.  Updating her resume, bio, and online presence is building the foundation for the work to follow.  Next week, Jill is scheduled to attend a networking meeting as my guest.

Jill is a smart lady who knows what she needs to do and is motivated to achieve her goals.  “When you are fighting alligators it is difficult to remember that your job is to drain the swamp.”  Jill’s situation is not uncommon.  I get it.  It is a time management issue.  You must factor career management activities into your weekly plan.  Jill may have gotten off track as to managing her career, but she plans to rectify the situation.   I am gratified on two levels.  First, I am pleased that my book had the intended result.  Secondly, I am honored that Jill chose me to help her achieve her goal.  Validation is a good thing.

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Jim Weber, President
Author of:  Job Search Strategy For The New Normal
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
www.newcenturydynamics.com