Jim Weber, Managing Partner ITB Partners, founder of New Century Dynamics Executive Search and the author of “Fighting Alligators: Job Search Strategy For The New Normal” presented “The Three Pillars For Success” to The BENG Atlanta Chapter in August.
This discussion is meant for career-minded professionals who are gainfully employed, or between situations, and independent business owners looking to become more successful.
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.
Join Us for the August Atlanta BENG Chapter Meeting featuring Jim Weber
Jim Weber – Managing Partner, ITB Partners
Jim Weber, Managing Partner ITB Partners, founder of New Century Dynamics Executive Search and the author of “Fighting Alligators: Job Search Strategy For The New Normal” will be joining our BENG Atlanta Chapter in August. Jim will be presenting: “The Three Pillars For Success”
This discussion is meant to career-minded professionals who are gainfully employed, or between situations, and independent business owners looking to become more successful.
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.
Erica McCurdy to present to AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION MONTHLY LUNCHEON (AUGUST)! Follow this link to register! https://lnkd.in/eMrNBUC
AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION MONTHLY LUNCHEON (AUGUST)
You can learn more about Erica and her business and family practices at www.McCurdySolutions.com and www.ATLDIV.com
About this Event
Join the American Business Women’s Association for their monthly lunch and learn series. You will be treated to our guest speaker, Erica McCurdy.
Let’s spend 30 minutes together to QuickStart the process of growing your influence, increasing your opportunities, and MAKING MORE MONEY leveraging the power of LinkedIn. We will begin with a quick group activity to learn how to fast-track connecting in a group setting, and move through refining your profile, developing connection strategies, and taking the skills you already have and use on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, to make them work for you in the structured world of LinkedIn.
Integrating the best in coaching, psychology, goal-setting, and accountability, Erica McCurdy has earned a reputation for being one of the best coaches in the Metropolitan Atlanta area. She is an active member of Forbes’ Coaches Council and a credentialed member and mentor coach for the International Coaching Federation (ICF). As a Master Certified Coach, she holds four specialty coaching certifications: Certified Professional Master Coach; Certified Business Coach; Certified Group Coach; and Certified Youth, Parent, and Family Coach. Erica has been recognized four years in a row as a “best of” business in her industry, listed four years running as a “Top Atlanta Coach” by Experteer, is an instructor in the ICF Core Competencies, and is a proud coach and mentor for the Navy SEAL Future Foundation. You will find her regularly featured on MSN, US News, Recruiter.com, Forbes, Business News Daily, Fox News.com, Elite Daily, Best Company, SparkHire, AARP Life Reimagined, LiveStrong, GoodEveryDay, Money For Lunch Radio show, Money Nomad, FlexJobs.com, Bustle Magazine, and more. In addition to her executive career, she has founded several start-ups including her favorite, Georgia Sanitation, Inc. which she sold in 2006. A native Atlantan who is committed to her community, Erica is a passionate Rotarian, Paul Harris Fellow, a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and a past president and sustaining member of National Charity League.
You can learn more about Erica and her business and family practices at www.McCurdySolutions.com and www.ATLDIV.com
For the past few weeks, I’ve been working on an extra-curricular event for the local chapter of my Alumni Association. The leadership wanted to organize an event to re-energize the chapter and decided that a Happy Hour Meet and Greet would be ideal. It is difficult to create events that appeal to everyone, but you must start somewhere. An opportunity to share appetizers and a cocktail or two with fellow alums seemed like a good way to begin Summer, and to reignite the chapter. Organizing cocktail parties is right in my wheelhouse, so I was compelled to volunteer. For those of you who have followed my posts, this isn’t a surprise.
Organizing an event in Atlanta is no easy task. The Atlanta metro area is comprised of 6 million people living in 30 counties. Our 6,000 alumni are spread over a huge geographical area. Traffic is a big consideration, especially during rush hour. The ability to use public transportation reduces a lot of risk and anxiety which should enhance the value of the event. For those familiar with Uber or Lyft, Midtown is a target-rich environment. Our group chose Thursday, June 27 as a good day for our Meet and Greet. As it falls between Memorial Day and Independence Day we won’t be competing with any holidays. Thursday is usually a good day as it is close to the weekend, without the obvious family conflicts. We selected a central location in Midtown convenient to MARTA. So, I did my part. Now it’s up to the communications folks to bring the alums.
I didn’t become active in the alumni association until 2003, after living in Atlanta for seven years. Prior to 2003, my corporate career had me moving every three years and I had little time to think about alumni activities. Also, I had family obligations to consider. Besides, the alumni association couldn’t find me until I put down permanent roots. So, I attended a few events and made some new friends, including a fraternity brother I hadn’t seen since college. Eventually, that led to a seat on the National Alumni Board which lasted four years.
People become active in their alumni association for different reasons, but they all begin with a common bond; they shared an experience earning a degree. Each member joins an alumni chapter when the time is right, and they have a compelling reason. An alumni affiliation is especially relevant if you are new to a city, working to establish yourself. At the most fundamental level, it’s about making friends. As with any other interest group, there is a generational element in play. For more mature alumni, it may be about giving back to the community by sharing their experience (mentoring) or financial resources. My reason for becoming active was multi-faceted.
I have spoken before about the value of participating in one’s alumni association for career development. I continue to be surprised, however, that people are slow to make that connection. It may be a fundamental misunderstanding about networking. Most people think of networking to find a job and to further their career. However, networking is a vehicle to achieve an objective by meeting people who can help you. It is also an opportunity for you to help others. It’s is a two-way street. It isn’t exclusively for building one’s career. People join interest groups for a variety of reasons that are not career oriented. There are groups to satisfy every interest imaginable. Members of each group are busy looking for people who can help them, or whom they can help. If you want to be a better fisherman, you will hang out with other fishermen to improve your skills. The point is, every group begins with a common interest to attract members.
Many view participation in their alumni association as one-dimensional. They think it’s all about drinking beer and watching football games. I admit, there is nothing like a great athletic program to generate attendance for game-watch parties. But that is just one dimension of the alumni experience. The reality is that people participate in their alumni association for different reasons, sometimes with multiple goals in play.
I am looking forward to our Meet and Greet. I hope to catch up with old friends and to make some new friends. Who knows, I may make a great business connection. It’s happened before.
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.
Join Us for the June Atlanta BENG Chapter Meeting featuring Michael Q. Parker who will speak on the topic:
“How To Look When You’re Looking”
About Michael Q. Parker
Michael Q Parker
Before serving as President of Dressed To Deal, Michael held executive marketing and general management positions at leading global companies including Cox Enterprises, General Mills, and Laureate Education.
Michael is a frequent speaker at several local job networking ministries including Roswell United Methodist Church’s job networking program. In addition, Michael presents to clients of global outplacement companies including Right Management and Lee Hecht Harrison.
His workshop, “How To Look When You’re Looking” is consistently 5-star rated by participants. Here’s a quote from one of his past workshop participants… “I took away some great tips which I have previously overlooked or never thought of as a big deal. I will be sure to work on all my rough edges with regards to my visual presentation going forward.”
Michael’s talk is part workshop and part motivational speech with something for every job seeker. You’ll leave with actionable tips to improve your interview presence and increase your chances of getting the offer.
The Atlanta – Business Executives Networking Group (BENG) is a non-profit networking organization for mid to senior level professionals with over 10 years of business experience. BENG provides its members with:
A supportive atmosphere of high-value, face-to-face networking opportunities.
Relevant professional contacts for the unemployed, employed and self-employed.
An emotionally supportive environment for those in career transition.
Education and assistance for those members desiring to build, maintain or expand their professional network.
Click here to learn more about becoming a member and joining BENG.
Recently, a number of info-graphics comparing the habits of successful people to those that aren’t, landed on my Pinterest feed. A few of their points spoke to reading as opposed to watching television and a zest for continual learning as significant differentiating factors. Although I couldn’t disagree, I didn’t pay it much attention until a recent conversation with my friend, Faith. She was excited to tell me that she had just received a tuition reimbursement check from her employer. As she is working to complete a college degree, she is making good use of her company’s education assistance program.
She continued, saying that she valued that benefit and planned to take full advantage of the program. I agreed with her thinking and complimented her employer for offering the benefit. However, I lamented that too many employers have scaled back on their training programs and lack cultures that reinforce the benefits of life-long learning. Naturally, we agreed that it was a topic I needed to explore further.
A few days later, Dennis, an alumni buddy, and I were enjoying our cigars and adult beverages, talking about cars. He told me how another friend, John, got him interested in doing his own car repairs. John showed Dennis how to research the issue, find the right parts, and make the repairs. Over time, he gained confidence as he accumulated experience. He has resolved many maintenance issues, like replacing brake pads and rotors, saving a lot of money. This is a skill set he developed with a little encouragement from a friend. I know that he takes pride in this ability which gives him great satisfaction.
On the other hand, I am reminded of a colleague who had no interest in learning how to use a Personal Computer. It was a time when PCs were moving rapidly into the workplace but before the introduction of laptops. He told me, “why should I know how to use a PC, that’s why I have an assistant.” The irony is that the PC replaced the administrative assistant, except for the more senior level staff. I often wonder how long it took him to catch up to his peers?
Much has been learned about the brain that supports the value of lifelong learning. A healthy body and sound mind is the key to a long and happy life. The brain is like a muscle, either use it or lose it! Learning is like any other skill that requires practice. With practice one masters the subject. Lifelong learning or continual learning is an attitude, a mindset. If one believes in the importance of learning new information, or skills they will make the effort to pursue that course. If not, stagnation may develop, putting one’s career in jeopardy. As a commercial enterprise is a collection of people, an organization, it follows that it would benefit from continual learning. Building a learning culture is a viable strategy to keep employees interested and engaged, supporting innovation and productivity improvements. A learning culture creates competitive advantage.
I am a big fan of YouTube. The variety of their videos seems to be endless. Among others, I have viewed programs to improve my efficiency with Office 365, manage my websites, develop landing pages to build my contact database, and facilitate greater exposure for my brand. My time on YouTube has increased my productivity in so many areas that I’ve become an addict. The point is, YouTube is a free service. It’s a platform for brands to build customer loyalty by training to maximize the utility of their products. Tuning into YouTube seems to be a ‘no-brainer,’ for individual learners, and for employers.
It is all too easy for professionals to get into a rut, going on autopilot as it were, as the vicissitudes of daily life take president. Companies are no different. They develop successful business models and continue executing that formula, sometimes without noticing the changes happening around them. Brands that maintain long term relevance, do so by listening to their customers. They Learn. The best brands know that their employees are their customers too.
Creating a learning culture really isn’t difficult. One small change can spark a virtuous cycle of change. Providing education benefits to employees is a good step toward creating a continuous learning culture. At the end of the day, however, it’s the responsibility of leadership to build a culture for success.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.