Mentors, Coaches, and Networking

Josh Sweeney Presentation on Culture First Hiring

This week I received an article from my friend, Faith, which she described as ‘must read.’  When Faith sends me a ‘must read’ article, I jump on it!   This article was an excerpt from The Complete Guide to Building Your Personal Brand, a book written by Neil Patel and Aaron Agius.  Actually, the article is chapter 6, How to Connect With Mentors.

 

 

The article begins by stating that “74% of hiring managers, believe that job seekers need the support of a mentor, counselor, or job coach whereas, only 40% of job seekers actually have a mentor to help them through the process.” They quoted Madeline Slutsky, Chairman of the Career Advisory Board and Vice President of Career Services at DeVry University who stated that “job seekers are doing themselves a huge disservice by ignoring the wealth of guidance and insight a mentor could provide.”

 

 

They quoted Rachel Louise Ensign of the Wall Street Journal who said that “a mentor can help a young worker answer tough questions about his or her career path and get perspective on the industry.  The relationship may even help you eventually land a new job.”

 

 

After the setup and further prose on the value of mentors, the article laid out a systematic approach to identify a mentor, how to engage the prospective mentor, and the need to formalize a structure for a productive relationship.

 

 

This post was clearly meant for someone beginning their career, a primer as it were, which is fine.  It’s an important topic, worth discussion.  There’s so much to learn about navigating organizational cultures that one needs a mentor or coach to help accelerate their learning.

 

 

I find it useful to distinguish between the work of a coach and mentor.  Although there may be some overlap in their approach, there is a difference.  A mentor is more of a strategist and generalist whereas a coach is more tactical and specific.  This point is a generalization, of course, as mentors can be strategic or tactical, depending on the situation. In my experience, mentors are people you call on to better understand the dynamics of a situation. They are guides.  They don’t tell you what to do but help you learn by providing options to consider.  A coach, on the other hand, helps you develop skills and provides feedback and encouragement.  Another important distinction is that coaches are often paid for their services.  Mentors are volunteers who gain satisfaction by giving back.

 

 

The situation is relevant as well.  A mentor or coach appropriate for career development on the job may not be suitable to help you during a job search.  A career coach experienced in job search will provide relevant tactical support for resume preparation, networking effectiveness, and interviewing skills, to name a few.

 

 

I couldn’t help but think that finding a mentor is a subset of building a network to support your career.  That thought sparked my thinking on a broader level.  Faith’s recommendations tend to do that.  I was reminded of the chapter I’d just read from Strategic Connections.  Those authors speak about the importance of creating teams to accomplish different objectives.  They say that, depending on the nature of the objective, different personality types are required to achieve the objective.  They identify 14 different archetypes as follows:

 

 

  • The Sponsor
  • The influencer
  • The Cheerleader
  • The Wise Elder
  • The Novice
  • The Heart
  • The Wizard
  • The Brain
  • The Critic
  • The Guru
  • The Sarge
  • The Promoter
  • The Creative
  • The Global Citizen

 

 

Thinking about the issue further, finding mentors and coaches is part of building your network. You’ve probably been on different teams from time to time, both at work and play, so you have experience.  To achieve important goals, we often need to assemble a team.  Depending on the nature of the objective, the team may be broad, or it may be small.

 

 

From a broader perspective, the issue is about building a network of people with diverse skills and perspectives who can be a resource to you.  I believe it’s about developing relationships based on mutual respect and interests.  You’re not only developing a team to support your needs; you’re a member of your contacts’ teams.  Expect to be called on when they need you.  Make sure to answer their call.

 

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 very important to me so; please leave a comment.

 

Jim Weber, Managing Partner

ITB PARTNERS

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

Author of: Fighting Alligators, Job Search Strategy For The New Normal

 

Houston, We Have A Problem!

I swear, I must have been transported into an alternate Universe this week, where I was an actor in a sitcom.  Something resembling “I love Lucy.”  You know how sitcoms are written, there is always the main plot with a few sub-plots working.  By the end of the show, all the plots converge on one common theme. Yes, I was living through a sitcom episode in my alternate Universe.

It began a week ago Friday evening when my wife’s car wouldn’t start.  She was at a job site which required the car to be towed to the nearest Dealer.  It sat there until Monday when the Service Department opened.

As she is a residential contractor, she rented a car to keep her projects on track.  Unfortunately, she fell in love with the rental and decided it was time for a new car.  It must have been the electronics package.  Naturally, I protested!  Her car is ten years old but hasn’t even cracked 100,000 miles.  In fact, it is very reliable and has had few problems.  From my perspective, the car isn’t even broken in.  We have been married for 43 years, so I knew how this would unfold.  My best logic would be deployed to no avail.  I could only hope to minimize my losses by working at the margins.  By the beginning of the week, we weren’t speaking much.  Houston, we have a problem!

I realize that most purchases are made on emotion and later justified by tortured logic.  Surprisingly, I have come to believe that is not limited to the consumer world.  All too often I have seen that scenario play out in the business world.  This is was our sub-plot.

Monday, I met with a senior consultant for the local office of a National outplacement firm.  He invited me to explore an opportunity to collaborate. I told him how we help our members understand and adapt to the new employment paradigm.  I explained my view that we are all ‘free agents’ in a dynamic environment.  Professionals will move between W-2 and 1099 status as tenures become shorter and shorter.  We have little control over the employment situation created by the digital transformation of the economy.  He invited me back to speak to his clients.

Tuesday, I moderated the monthly meeting of the BENG Atlanta Chapter.  Our featured speaker, Erica McCurdy, a Master Coach, and ITB Partner facilitated a discussion entitled “Not every problem has a solution.”  The gist of her message was don’t confuse situations with problems. There is a difference.   A situation is a state of being; a confluence of events beyond one’s control.  Situations require one to adapt whereas problems require solutions.  Was it merely a coincidence that I was hearing this message from Erica?

It’s useful to know the difference between problems and situations to focus your energy on things you can change.  If you try to change things that cannot be changed, your state of mind will suffer.  By resolving things that can be changed, you will reduce stress and improve your life, especially if you eliminate unproductive effort.

Successful people view problems as opportunities to grow, improve, and adapt.  For them, problems are a part of life.  Their positive attitude toward problem-solving improves their outcomes.  Experience makes future events easier to traverse.  We should accept problems as a normal, unavoidable condition of life.

I spent the rest of the week evaluating situations and problems.   As I dissected what I assumed were problems, I realized that some were situations.  In these cases, I found opportunities to employ my leadership skills.

This week unfolded within the context of my wife’s desire for a new car.  I had a situation.  She had a problem. When she sets her mind on a course of action, I become a spectator.  During our marriage, I can’t remember winning a major battle, but I’ve had success at the margins.  Guys, I think you know what I mean.  While I became more obstinate, digging in my heals, she negotiated a better deal.  I lost, of course.  I knew I would. My life was imitating art.  Today, she is very happy with her new car.  I live on to fight another day.

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 very important to me so; please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, Managing Partner

ITB PARTNERS

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

Author of: Fighting Alligators, Job Search Strategy For The New Normal

 

Erica McCurdy Presents to BENG Atlanta Chapter

Erica McCurdy, of McCurdy Solutions Group,  Presented to the BENG Atlanta Chapter’s April meeting.  The topic of her presentation was “Not Every Problem Has a Solution.”  The gist of her message is to make a distinction between situations that require management and problems which can be resolved.   If the situation isn’t managed, you might have problems that must be resolved.

April 9, BENG Atlanta Chapter Meeting

 

McCurdy Solutions Group specializes in leadership development, communication, writing, strategic growth initiatives, culture change, business strategy, succession planning, administrative design, work-life balance, purpose. International reach including building leadership development plans for both individual and corporate clients.

Erica McCurdy is a Certified Master Coach, Member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Member of Forbes Coaches Council and member of ITB Partners. Multi-year winner “Best Atlanta Coaches” and “Best of Norcross”.

For more information and to contact Erica, follow this link to her website:  https://www.mccurdysolutions.com/

Three Pillars For Independent Consulting Success

Reflecting on this past week, my focus was on exercising my coaching skills. That comes as no surprise as coaching is fundamental to my leadership responsibilities. I was a bit surprised by the breath of my coaching responsibilities, though. It began by helping a client get his job search on track and ended with a coaching client finishing her PhD requirements. Most of the week was spent with my consulting team and prospective consultants. Interestingly, one of those prospects is a Mexican Citizen who wants to open an office for us in Mexico City. I like her passion and vision for developing Latin America.

 

The common thread to these discussions is what I call “the three pillars of success for independent consultants;” networking, public speaking, and writing. These three skills are the key to success in most if not all occupations. Another way to characterize these skills is Marketing.  The objective is to be viewed as an expert in your field, someone who can be hired with confidence.

 

Professionals and Craftsmen must master the skills of their profession. If you’re an Accountant, you must know how to record transactions, balance accounts, and prepare accurate financial statements, among other things.  A carpenter must know how to make precise cuts, create square corners, and minimize waste. In both examples, one must be familiar with codes, regulations, and best practices for the industry. That is a baseline requirement to compete.

 

If you want to build a business or expand your practice, you need a lot of people who know your capabilities, who can recommend you to prospective customers. So how do you accomplish that goal? Networking, public speaking, and writing.

 

I’ve written extensively about the importance of networking. It is necessary but time-consuming and inefficient with regard to the number of people you can influence at any time.  It cannot be avoided, however.  The relationships one builds by networking creates trust, facilitating referrals. A referral from a trusted colleague is a powerful introduction.

 

The second and third pillars provide leverage. Public speaking is a viable way to influence many people at the same time. It provides a platform to demonstrate your professional credentials to an audience eager to hear your message. Isn’t it better to sell your product to 20, 40, or 100 people at the same time than by talking to just one person?

 

Receiving public speaking invitations requires you to be adept at presenting general information about a relevant topic. By demonstrating your command of the issue, you indirectly sell your services. This isn’t about direct selling; it’s about reinforcing your credentials. No one wants to listen to a 40-minute infomercial, but they will listen to learn how others have resolved common problems.

 

Writing blog posts or articles provides even greater exposure and more latitude over the subject matter. Before the internet, the traditional method was to write articles or editorials for publications in industry magazines, newspapers, and periodicals. Today, we have many more options including social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and your company website. Additionally, you can create podcasts and YouTube videos to reach a larger audience. Supporting your writing campaign are email marketing applications like Constant Contact, AWeber, and Mail Chimp.  Grammarly is an application that helps you with your grammar and punctuation, a digital editor as it were.  With all of these resources available at modest cost, why wouldn’t you develop a writing discipline?

 

Distributing written information provides leverage that can easily put you on the national, and international stage. I have proof positive based on my conversation this week with the lady from Mexico City. The point is to present material that is interesting, relevant, and easy to read.  Over time, you will create a loyal following. These fans are potential clients, ambassadors supplementing your selling efforts. Writing articles or blog posts leads to an expanded business development platform.

 

The three pillars are mutually reinforcing. Once you develop a message, tested and honed by networking, you can easily move on to public speaking. Public speaking takes your message to a broader audience while writing takes your message to a far larger audience. It’s a natural progression where one activity builds on the other.  Plan for success as an independent consultant by mastering the Three Pillars!

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 very important to me so; please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, Managing Partner

ITB PARTNERS

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

Author of: Fighting Alligators, Job Search Strategy For The New Normal

 

 

April Atlanta BENG Meeting featuring Erica McCurdy

Business Executives Networking Group

Join Us for the April Atlanta BENG Chapter Meeting

featuring Erica McCurdy, MCC, Member of Forbes Coaches Council is the Managing Member of McCurdy Solutions Group, LLC.

Date And Time

Tue, April 9, 2019

7:30 AM – 9:30 AM EDT

Add to Calendar

Erica will be presenting:

Not every problem has a solution

Location Bella’s Gourmet Kitchen

350 Embassy Row Northeast

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

View Map

About Erica McCurdy

Professional coach, consultant, and mentor with years of experience leading teams in support of CEOs and top leadership. Passionate about my community, veterans, women’s leadership initiatives, and teens. Strong and capable administrator. Able to make strategic decisions with limited information. Understanding of confidentiality. Capable of handling challenging situations. Comfortable creating content as well as presenting to groups. Well read, educated, and traveled. Atlanta native. Versed in change management theories as well as differing cultural change initiatives. Linkedin

The Atlanta chapter of the Business Executives Networking Group (BENG) is a multidiscipline, independent group of job seekers, those currently employed and business networkers, who are willing to help others. Current membership includes mid to senior level executives with over ten (10) years of business experience. Past attendees have come from the financial management, information technology, legal, manufacturing, engineering, transportation, logistics, distribution, and general management industries. We actively seek new members from all disciplines.

Monthly meetings are structured to help each member get the maximum benefit.

BENG Networking Meetings:

  • Are approximately two hours in length.
  • Are typically held monthly.
  • Range from 10 to 30 attendees, but the average is 20.
  • A skill building presentation.
  • Allows each attendee 30 seconds to introduce themselves, talk about their background and expertise, and to present their Target Companies and networking needs.
  • Please bring business cards and your marketing plan if you have one.

Networking meetings provide members with an opportunity to sharpen their networking skills, meet peers from various disciplines and share business opportunities and job leads.

Interact, Participate, Engage

I’m reading Strategic Connections, an interesting book about networking recommended by a friend.  So far, I have found it to be insightful. This past week I came across the author’s list of the 10 biggest mistakes members make. It was amusing and to the point, but sadly truthful. I thought those insights needed to be repeated. However, I’d take a different tact and make the point more positively.

 

If you plan to join a networking group do so with a strategy in mind. What are you looking to gain from the relationships you develop? Is it for professional development? Or, maybe your intention is to generate more customers. Then again, maybe it’s just for fun and fellowship around your favorite hobby. Whatever your objective, be clear about your expectations and make a commitment to the group.  Otherwise, membership is pointless.

 

So, you’ve joined a networking group.  Now that you’re a member, plan to enjoy the full benefits of that association. Your first objective is to become an active participant. Make a commitment to attend every meeting you can. Arrive early and leave late. Don’t come to hear the speaker or enjoy the breakfast and leave. If that is all you want from the group, save your membership fee.  You can eat breakfast at home and watch the subject matter on YouTube. But, don’t expect to get any referrals for new opportunities.

 

Attend the meetings with the intent to be remembered.  Stand out from the crowd. An easy way to stand out is by the way you dress.  Ladies may wear a distinctive piece of jewelry. I know gentlemen who’ve established a persona by wearing a vest. A vest is stylish, but not commonly worn and will get attention. I like to wear shirts with French cuffs, even if I’m not wearing a suit and tie. Women often wear distinctive pens or scarves to be different. Flag pens, company pens, or even pens from civic associations are noticeable.  These ideas also serve as conversation starters.  Having a distinctive style is a good start, but you still won’t be noticed if you stand in the corner by yourself. Get into the crowd, mingle, introduce yourself to a stranger.  Ask questions of the presenter.

 

The second broad theme is to interact with others. Don’t hesitate to walk up to a group and introduce yourself. After all, it is expected.  It’s the point of networking, meeting people you don’t know to expand your network. Join in the conversation.  Show interest by asking questions. That’s how relationships are formed. Don’t spend your time talking exclusively to people you already know.  If you find someone standing alone in a corner, go introduce yourself.  Often, you’ll find these folks interesting, albeit on the reserved side. And while you’re interacting, focus on important topics relevant to the group. Save discussions about the weather and sports for other occasions. If you’re new to the group, try to learn about their culture, norms, and protocols.

 

The final point is to become involved in the group. Look for opportunities to demonstrate your competence and leadership skills. Take on an assignment to help the group. Recently, Paula a member of ITB Partners volunteered to organize a Speed Networking Event, over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The event was a big success.  Paula was recognized for her initiative.  You may volunteer to speak on an important topic or serve on a committee. If your group meets for breakfast, organize an after-hours cocktail party. Show your commitment and your ability to plan, organize, and follow through. These activities demonstrate your competence, leading to more referrals.

 

Networking is the most effective way to land that new job or to expand your business. Approach the concept with enthusiasm and a plan.  As with any skill, networking can be learned. With a little guidance and practice, you will gain confidence. Confidence leads to credibility and credibility leads to opportunities.

 

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 very important to me so; please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, Managing Partner

ITB PARTNERS

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

Author of: Fighting Alligators, Job Search Strategy For The New Normal

I’ve Got Nothing!

Jim Weber; Managing Partner, ITB Partners

I recently attended an after-hours networking event hosted by Chad, a longtime friend. Over the past ten years, Chad has assembled a group of professionals who enjoy cigars. My kind of people! His networking events are held once a month at cigar friendly venues around the area.  I believe I attended his kick-off event but haven’t been able to participate on a regular basis due to other conflicts. Most notably my monthly poker game.  Chad’s strategy is to concentrate on building relationships first, with talk of business somewhat subdued. Business cards are exchanged by request only. I like his style. This is as it should be.

Chad’s most recent gathering was at a cigar friendly steakhouse in Buckhead. Chad had reserved a strategic location in the bar area near the live entertainment. It was a diverse group, including a few couples and two single women. There were IT folks, a few from the medical field, a realtor, a marketing director, and a lawyer and his wife. We were all about the same age and dressed in traditional business attire.

During the evening, I had other interesting conversations including one with the female marketing director. Let’s call her Carol. She arrived a little later than I and greeted the regulars before taking a seat next to me.  She introduced herself and we struck up a conversation. Naturally, her first question was about my connection with Chad.  I explained that we have known each other for many years and that I am on the group’s mailing list. I asked her the same question and went into full executive recruiter mode asking follow-up questions to keep the conversation alive. Carol was forthcoming, revealing her career interests and personal history, albeit just the basics. She told me that she feels very confident about her professional skills but mostly enjoys developing her coworkers. She admitted that she was frustrated that she doesn’t know how to leverage her strengths into a more significant role. She said she is passionate about giving back through various causes but hasn’t focused on one in particular. I asked if she had considered working with a career coach. Maybe her most interesting revelation was that she is an introvert, but she isn’t shy and that she’s intuitive. I confessed that I found that rather unique and agreed that she wasn’t shy. When she finished her story she asked for mine. At that point I was feeling a little mischievous. With a friendly smile, I said “since you told me you’re intuitive, why don’t you tell me about me?” She leaned back in her chair and looked me over. Then she said, and I quote, “I’ve got nothing.” I found that amusing. If our roles were reversed, I would’ve made up an interesting story, flattering her of course, to keep the conversation moving.  Not missing a beat, I complied, and the conversation continued. 

I revealed my background story, including the point that I work with coaches who could help her with her career aspirations. The conversation continued until other folks arrived and was redirected elsewhere. Carol is a delightful lady and I enjoyed our conversation.  I must’ve admit however, I continue to be amused by her “I’ve got nothing” comment.  It has become the punchline for our conversation. I’ve since told that story to other friends, both male and female.  They found it amusing as well.    Not because she didn’t regale me with flash of intuitive brilliance, but because she didn’t play along. Then again, I may have been the first to ask her to demonstrate her extra sensory skills. The rest of the evening was as enjoyable as my conversation with Carol, but our conversation was the highlight of the evening. Chad has developed a healthy culture within his group which

isn’t a surprise. ‘Good people’ attract other ‘good people’ and Chad is definitely ‘good people.’ I was very comfortable with his group and plan to attend future events.

At around nine p.m. I made a graceful exit, making a point to thank my host and say goodbye to everyone.  As I was leaving, several guests asked for my business card and I received a few from others. I made a mental note to follow up with Carol as she could be a good client.

Professionally speaking, I had two takeaways from my conversation with Carol. The first was a minor thought that if one is talking about a personal skill, they should be prepared for questions about that skill, even in casual conversation. Be prepared to go with the flow. Of course, Carol could’ve been a bit risk-averse, although she didn’t take my suggestion as threatening.

The second and more important takeaway is that active listening is a powerful tool to make connections and build trust, the foundation of networking.  One of my female colleagues reinforced that point yesterday. After a good laugh about my punchline she offered that people like to talk about themselves. The more you let them talk the greater their appreciation, which leads to rapport, the beginning of trust.  Never underestimate the power of active listening!

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 very important to me so; please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, Managing Partner

ITB PARTNERS

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

Author of: Fighting Alligators, Job Search Strategy For The New Normal

Speed Networking Event Sponsored by ITB Partners

Enjoy a Spring Evening in Midtown making new network connections over Beer, Wine, and hors d’oeuvres.

When: March 26, 2019 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Building off the concept of Speed Dating, this event is designed to practice and improve your networking skills with a number of people, in short, intense meetings.

The fun begins at 4:30 p.m. with beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. A $15 Cover Charge is required.

Our Host, Global Showrooms is located across the street from the Midtown Marta Station on 10th street, at: 10 10th Street NW, Suite 150, Atlanta, 30309

 

For more information, and to register,

Click Here!

Building Healthy Cultures

Gregg Burkhalter, The LinkedIn Guy

Last week I talked about building a foundation for success.  This week I was walking the walk, immersed in the concept of building healthy cultures.  I have long been interested in developing nurturing cultures, so once again I was in my sweet spot.  The fun began late Monday afternoon, meeting a founding partner to talk shop and other things over cigars and Guinness Draft.  One of our primary topics was the values we need to reinforce to build a better culture and company.  He is a big proponent of the 5C model, but I will save that for a later date.

Tuesday morning, I facilitated the monthly meeting of the Business Executives Networking Group, The BENG.  Gregg Burkhalter was the featured speaker. Greg positions himself as the LinkedIn Guy.  He’s an advocate for personal branding via LinkedIn. Before the meeting, Greg told me that he’s been doing more work for corporations, helping their employees become effective LinkedIn users. I found his revelation shocking. I remember when people were reluctant to join LinkedIn.  They feared their employer would see their profile and think they were looking for another job.

Greg said that employers realize that their employees are their best ambassadors.  Now, they encourage their employees to become active on LinkedIn. Apparently, this has become an upgrade to many cultures. The cynic in me would say “it’s about time.” With so many people using LinkedIn, employers don’t have much choice. It makes sense to embrace LinkedIn, gaining leverage through their employees’ accounts. At least it seems to be a positive step in the right direction

Wednesday evening, I enjoyed a cigar and a beer, or two, with a millennial friend, Chris.    Chris and I met through a mutual friend. He was about to publish his book on millennial happiness and I had just published mine.  He’s since built a consulting career as an expert on the millennial condition.  Our meeting was meant as check-in and catch-up.  Chris said that he’d recently completed a presentation to Google and delivered a Ted talk.  Currently, he’s moving beyond Millennials to the larger population of career professionals.  Eventually, we moved on to discuss the similarities and differences between Millennials and Baby Boomers from a cultural perspective.  Chris, like me, is involved in helping companies create more effective cultures.

Thursday morning, after closing a deal to recruit another consultant, I moderated our Executive Leadership Team meeting. Although I facilitate these meetings, I try to avoid dominating the discussions.  I want to ensure that everyone’s voice heard and respected. From a leadership perspective, I like Nelson Mandela’s example, be the last one to speak. I believe these values are appropriate for our culture.

Later that afternoon I met a potential client whose company is going through Chapter 11 reorganization.   I was referred to them to help engineer a turnaround. The meeting was mostly a “getting to know you” session.  It seemed to be dragging on until I asked their opinion about what needed to be done. The meeting became much more productive after that. The CEO became animated about the need to penetrate a different segment of the market.  She told me that their primary business development function was her networking through trade associations. They weren’t doing much of anything in the way of electronic advertising, or using social media. It was interesting how the conversation changed after I asked for her thoughts. I believe it solidified our relationship.

Friday, I facilitated our monthly member’s meeting. The speaker was Josh Sweeney of Epic Culture. Epic Culture works with companies to build better cultures and thereby, improve performance. The topic of his conversation was “Culture First Hiring.” In other words, focus on tje best fit for the employer’s culture, assuming they meet the skills and experience required of the job.

It isn’t often that I’m able to spend an entire week working on my favorite issue.  Building a healthy culture is most gratifying.  Yes, it was a good week!

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 very important to me so; please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, Managing Partner

ITB PARTNERS

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com


Author of:  Fighting Alligators, Job Search Strategy For The New Normal

Gregg Burkhalter Presents To BENG

Gregg Burkhalter, The LinkedIn Guy

Gregg Burkhalter, “The LinkedIn Guy” presents to the BENG Atlanta Chapter, March 12, 2019. Gregg is an awesome presenter who always delivers! In every presentation, he brings new tips and techniques to make your LinkedIn profile best represent your personal brand.

Jim Weber, Managing Partner

ITB PARTNERS

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com