Friday, July 30, 2010

Job Posting Report for this week ....

This week's job posting report ...
_______________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release
For Information, Dan Moran 518-641-8968

Albany, NY, July 28, 2010

Job Postings Up Slightly – Break 5000 first time in four weeks

(Albany, NY, July 28, 2010) – Job postings in the Capital Region rose again this past week slightly, coming in at just about 5050, which is an increase over the previous week (4950) continuing to improve for the third week after several downward trend weeks. “ While the increase was very slight, I appears to be an indication that the job market is coming off of the downward trend we saw in June and July. The number of postings this week compared to last year at this time shows a significant increase. Last year at this time there were just about 3700 job postings”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran assists individuals in identifying new careers and also those in the midst of a job search and needing direction. His firm also tracks the job market on a regional and statewide basis.

Other markets in New York State (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse) saw mixed results with some markets up, some down. The Capital Region continues to have the highest number of job postings, more than Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, markets that are much larger than this region.

# Background#

Job postings in the Region are normally in the baseline of 4000 – 4900 on a weekly basis and 7-day rolling average, consistent for this area. Monitoring job postings is a leading indicator of hiring within the following 30-45 days. This methodology is utilized by reading research houses nationally and is employed in the Region by Moran’s firm. For the purpose of reporting, the Region is defined as a 50 mile radius of Albany.

## End##

About Next-Act

Next-Act, a division of DVG, Inc. is a career management & transition firm directed by Dan Moran, the Founder & President of the firm. Moran contributes over thirty years experience in career consulting, business and human resources management. Moran is noted for his expertise in helping today’s “boomers” move on to fulfilling second careers, while helping executives and professionals achieve their career goals. The firm also provides human resources consulting and corporate services to companies. Moran is also a certified facilitator for C.J. Hayden’s Get Clients Now! & Get Hired Now! programs.

For further press information: http://www.next-act.com/press_room.


Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

40’s – 50’s 60’s: Feeling the fear?

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
--- Frank Herbert


You have that great idea or you discover your career direction at any age or stage in career life – you are elated. You know that you need a change – and you see the opportunity.

Then that “thing” creeps in --- FEAR.

Fear that you might fail. Fear about what others will think about you. Fear of the unknown.

Often this can stop you dead in your tracks, if you let it. Making a mid-life career change and setting your path to do something that you want to do in your life – on your teams – is exciting. One visions being truly happy in their job or in their chosen career path or in their own business. Being truly happy impacts all parts of your life – the way you interact with family, friends or others significant in your life as well as how you interact with those you work with.

But then again, it is that fear thing – creeping back. If faced with this, I recommend you ask yourself this question and answer honestly:

What's the worst thing that can happen if I don't achieve this? Will my life end? Will I be exiled from existence? Will I … Will I …
When you look honestly at the answers and weigh them, I am almost certain that clarity will come about and you will begin to see your way around the fear barrier. You will, in a way give yourself permission not to be fearful. You will give yourself permission to do what you want, on your terms.

Hanging on to a job you just despise? In a career that you are not at all matched to? Know you need and are ready for a change? In a business that has you in a rut and you just don’t like anymore? Realize fear is holding you back?

As I have recommended before, Let it go. Go out on the limb. Confront and then minimize your fears. Do it today. Live to be all you can and want to be.

And thank you for reading this …

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Thursday, July 22, 2010

This week's job market report - hope you find interesting!
_______________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release
For Information, Dan Moran 518-641-8968

Albany, NY, July 21, 2010

Job Postings Up 10% Past Seven Days

(Albany, NY, July 21, 2010) – Job postings in the Capital Region rose again this past week, coming in at just about 4950, which is an increase over the previous week (4560) continuing to improve for the second week after several downward trend weeks. “ It appears that the long holiday weekend around the 4th and perhaps some pent up demand on the employers side has buoyed the job posting count, good news for job seekers”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran assists individuals in identifying new careers and also those in the midst of a job search and needing direction. His firm also tracks the job market on a regional and statewide basis.

Last week I reported that this looked like the beginning of an upward trend and it has continued. Let’s hope we move in the right direction for weeks to come”. Moran also added that there are signs that employers may cool hiring plans later in the 3rd quarter which is just starting. “We’ll have to watch this to see what happens”.

Other markets in New York State (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse) saw similar increases, with the exception of New York City metro market which saw a decline after several weeks of growth and improvement in job postings. The Capital Region is the smallest of all these markets as well.

# Background#

Job postings in the Region are normally in the baseline of 4000 – 4900 on a weekly basis and 7-day rolling average, consistent for this area. Monitoring job postings is a leading indicator of hiring within the following 30-45 days. This methodology is utilized by reading research houses nationally and is employed in the Region by Moran’s firm. For the purpose of reporting, the Region is defined as a 50 mile radius of Albany.

## End##

About Next-Act

Next-Act, a division of DVG, Inc. is a career management & transition firm directed by Dan Moran, the Founder & President of the firm. Moran contributes over thirty years experience in career consulting, business and human resources management. Moran is noted for his expertise in helping today’s “boomers” move on to fulfilling second careers, while helping executives and professionals achieve their career goals. The firm also provides human resources consulting and corporate services to companies. Moran is also a certified facilitator for C.J. Hayden’s Get Clients Now! & Get Hired Now! programs.

For further press information: http://www.next-act.com/press_room.


Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Monday, July 19, 2010

40’s – 50’s 60’s: Lost Your Passion? In the “fog”? …..

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending”. – Maria Robinson

Last week’s blog generated a number of emails and phone calls (thank you!) from those who didn’t want to comment online, but wanted advice and help and someone to listen. I understand – sometimes bearing your soul online just doesn’t work.

I heard from those who are in what I call, the “fog”. They know they need a new direction in their life and career, but they are caught up in the “stuff” of life that creates a fog and clouds forward thinking direction. This becomes especially true after a number of years in one career or job – or when considering recareering for the future as you mature (that means get older) into your 40’s – 50’s – 60’s. I really doesn’t matter where you came from, or what you did or the industry you were in --- the fog affects all at some point. If I am describing you, don’t feel bad – you are in the 70-80% of boomers or second-career population who feel the same way.

The first step is accepting that you need a change …
Here is the good news: There are opportunities – great opportunities out there – for those who accept that it is okay to change what they have been doing and follow their calling or passion. The sad fact is – many just do not accept the change. That’s where some “coaching” or in other words, a swift kick in the rear end helps. Left to our own devices, we would do the same old – same old, over and over again until some radical defining moment event hits you square in the face.

Don’t let pride get in the way …
This past week, talked to two people who knew they needed help in finding their direction. However, they were disappointed (one even mad) at themselves because they couldn’t figure this out on their own. One, a very successful person in his own company, told me he couldn’t sleep at night well because his ability to determine his next direction (or Next-Act – could not resist) kept his mind working when he should have been resting. It is okay not to know – but not okay to let that situation continue.

Better not to get hit square – take charge …
Am I describing where you are and what you are feeling? If so, high time to take charge – take the controls and begin steering. It will be a relief knowing that you have made the decision to change and then took action to begin that path out of the fog and on to what you really want to do – on your terms.

Take the First Step …

1. Accept that change is good.
2. Commit to being successful – on your terms.
3. Set your goals – and don’t let anyone get in your way!

Make today the start of a new ending and chapter. Grow and excel – only you can do this for yourself!

And thank you for reading this. – Dan

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Job Market Report, July 14, 2010

This week's latest job market report ... looking better!

Dan
__________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release
For Information, Dan Moran 518-641-8968

Albany, NY, July14, 2010

Job Postings Up Slightly – First Tine in Several Weeks

(Albany, NY, July 14, 2010) – Job postings in the Capital Region rose this past week, coming in at just over 4560, which is an increase over the previous week (4300) and reverses a downward trend that has been occurring for the past several weeks. “ This is welcomed news as the trend since mid-May has been down. Hit with a double whammy – the long holiday vacation week and State budget uncertainty, the market was significantly impacted. Let’s hope this is over, and we are seeing a forward growth trend. stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran assists individuals in identifying new careers and also those in the midst of a job search and needing direction. His firm also tracks the job market on a regional and statewide basis.

Other markets in New York State saw similar increases. The New York City metro market saw a significant bump consistent with recent news reports of hiring in the financial sectors. The Capital Region continues to outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse for job postings. The Capital Region is the smallest of all these markets as well.

# Background#

Job postings in the Region are normally in the baseline of 4000 – 4900 on a weekly basis and 7-day rolling average, consistent for this area. Monitoring job postings is a leading indicator of hiring within the following 30-45 days. This methodology is utilized by reading research houses nationally and is employed in the Region by Moran’s firm. For the purpose of reporting, the Region is defined as a 50 mile radius of Albany.

## End##

About Next-Act

Next-Act, a division of DVG, Inc. is a career management & transition firm directed by Dan Moran, the Founder & President of the firm. Moran contributes over thirty years experience in career consulting, business and human resources management. Moran is noted for his expertise in helping today’s “boomers” move on to fulfilling second careers, while helping executives and professionals achieve their career goals. The firm also provides human resources consulting and corporate services to companies. Moran is also a certified facilitator for C.J. Hayden’s Get Clients Now! & Get Hired Now! programs.

For further press information: http://www.next-act.com/press_room.


Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Be Here Now ...

Be Here Now …


With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Three little words, but a world of wisdom. Behind that simple saying is both the call to live in the moment and also to live consciously.

Life cannot be fully or joyfully lived if our thoughts are focused on regretting the past, preoccupied with anticipating the future, or lost in the mind-fog of unconscious habitual behavior. You never release the inner drive and power; success seems to be fleeting.

Be here now – or living in the moment keeps you focused and centered on what is really important right now – not two days from now that you are fearful of or not what happened in the past as that is history and you cannot change it.

Be here. Be in the moment. Grow and excel in the present.

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Monday, July 12, 2010

40’s – 50’s – 60’s – Don’t Know What to do next? Lost that passion?

“If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you”. – Alan Armstrong

It happens every day. Someone visits me in my office or we talk on the phone and I hear the most familiar words …

Gosh Dan --- you would think I should know what to do next in my career, but I do not have a clue ….”

This is so very common as many are changing jobs more frequently, the job market is changing and people are now faced with making career choice decisions that their parents never were faced with. It is referred to as re-careering or more simply, making a late –career-stage change.

Re-careering is really a new buzz word for career change. What’s different is the type of careers people are opting for, the number of career changes one undergoes, the process and the "new terms" people want to work with -- their own terms this time.

Oftentimes re-careering is connected to baby boomers who seek new work options after a successful career in a job or industry. Other times we hear of people who have spent 10-15-20 years in one job and just want a new and complete change. Some have owned businesses and sold or closed them, and seek a new opportunity.
Still others are faced with a career “defining moment” – their industry is impacted by changing or advancing technology, competition, corporate downsizing or other career-defining moments (when one’s career direction or job undergoes change -- normally not on their terms). For others, a career-defining moment may be changes in their company, their relationship to their boss or a change in their lifestyle (elder care needs, physical requirements et al).

Many others just lose their passion in what they have been doing. What was fulfilling is no longer. The job becomes work – not delivering value any longer. When devoid of passion for what you do, you go through the motions – growth stops.

Changing Generations

Older generations likely worked in one job or industry for their entire career and then retired. Changing careers was frowned upon. When I told my father-in-law that I was leaving my job to open my own business -- with no income or clients -- he thought I was nuts (he did come around and was so helpful and supportive).
The millenniums, X, Y, and boomer generations are different. We will change-it-up when feeling discontented, bored or "been there, done that.” It is not unusual to undergo two-three-four re-careers -- or reinventions over the course of one’s working life. We seek work that is on our terms -- that provides the right setting, interaction with people, rewards and opportunities that fit interests, personality and values.

It has been said many times and is so true -- people fail in jobs or careers not because they cannot do the job, but rather, the job or career just doesn't "fit" them (more about fit further on). If you are feeling this way, it is time to re-career and reinvent yourself.

Taking the first step toward Re-Careering …
Once you have made the decision to seek a new direction and change (the most difficult hurdle as most people are fearful of failing in a new career --- and that can be immobilizing) you are ready for the first step and seeking the answer to the most difficult question:

What do I want to do next, or
What do I want to be when I “grow up” …


This is the most difficult step -- discovering what you want to do next in your career, and many turn to career transition specialists to help with this critical assessment. Others opt to do it on their own using web-based sources or other tools.

Successful career matching is found by evaluating four factors: Personality, Interest, Temperament and of course, Reality of your situation which includes skills, education, income requirements, geography etc. With an understanding of the four critical factors, you can be matched against successful career profiles to find the ideal matches that “fit” you. You may have heard in the past “square peg in a round hole” when describing a co-worker or someone that just didn’t make it in a job. It’s not that they were a bad person – they just didn’t fit the job, career or maybe the company.

Follow you passion

But that is just the beginning – discovering what you are passionate about is just as critical. You may be passionate about helping others – or giving back to the community – or want to turn a hobby or interest into a career --- follow your passion and truly enjoy what you do. It has been said many times – if you follow your passion, you will never “work” another day in your life.

Do not fear re-careering or career change. Embrace it as a new beginning and new opportunity to do what you want, on your terms and for your benefit. It’s not selfish – it is just the right thing to do for yourself, your family and those you associate with.

Change it up! Find your passion!

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Job Market report for July 7, th ....

Job market report for the past seven days -- still good, but not as strong as last month ... - Dan
______________________________________________________
For Immediate Release
For Information, Dan Moran 518-641-8968

Albany, NY, July 7, 2010

Job Postings Drop Again Past Week

(Albany, NY, July 7, 2010) – Once again, job postings in the Capital Region dropped again this past week, coming in at just over 4300, down from 4850 the previous week. The down trend has continued for seven weeks signaling employer concerns over making permanent hires. “ On top of this concern we were also faced with long holiday weekend which always has an impact on the market. Compared to last year at this time, postings were up 43% over the same period last year, finding some good news in a rather clouded picture,” stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. Moran assists individuals in identifying new careers and also those in the midst of a job search and needing direction. His firm also tracks the job market on a regional and statewide basis.

“We have seen string hiring activity in May and into early June as reflected in other employment index studies. Looking forward, which when looking at job postings as a leading indicator as we do, it appears that late summer might be anemic for hiring unless there is a change in employer confidence”.

Other markets in New York State saw similar results, however the drops were not a steep as the Capital Region. The Capital Region continues to outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse for job postings. The Capital Region is the smallest of all these markets as well.

# Background#

Job postings in the Region are normally in the baseline of 4000 – 4900 on a weekly basis and 7-day rolling average, consistent for this area. Monitoring job postings is a leading indicator of hiring within the following 30-45 days. This methodology is utilized by reading research houses nationally and is employed in the Region by Moran’s firm. For the purpose of reporting, the Region is defined as a 50 mile radius of Albany.

## End##

About Next-Act

Next-Act, a division of DVG, Inc. is a career management & transition firm directed by Dan Moran, the Founder & President of the firm. Moran contributes over thirty years experience in career consulting, business and human resources management. Moran is noted for his expertise in helping today’s “boomers” move on to fulfilling second careers, while helping executives and professionals achieve their career goals. The firm also provides human resources consulting and corporate services to companies. Moran is also a certified facilitator for C.J. Hayden’s Get Clients Now! & Get Hired Now! programs.

For further press information: http://www.next-act.com/press_room.

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Declaring Your Independence …

Every human has four endowments- self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom... The power to choose, to respond, to change.” – Stephen Covey

Our forefathers declared our countries independence and we celebrate this every year. More and more people are also declaring their independence from the “man” or the “boss” – and starting out on their own in a new business.

For many, the mere thought of being without the security of a paycheck scares the living daylights out of them. They fear investing life savings into a business that could fail. They fear not being able to make ends meet.

On this Independence Weekend, let me help provide direction if you have been considering driving your own destiny in your own business – and you are fearful.

1. You do not have to invest your life savings – unless you want to – There are many business opportunities that do not require huge investments and can be started for a few thousand dollars or a bit more or less. It may be a service business, or perhaps a business where you are providing products or services to other businesses or consumers as a type of dealer or distributor. There are many reputable sources for these opportunities.
2. If you are scared about losing your paycheck, think about working on a business while in a business – Over the years, I have consulted and coached a number of people who were not ready to jump in with both feet, but wanted to begin launching their business while still employed and earning a paycheck. It is a common strategy and can be done with planning and setting goals. I think of Mark Borst who launched Rampant Imaginations (www.rampantimaginations.com), a digital creative agency, while actively employed. He was able to quit his “day job” within a few months, is doing great in his business and enjoying life. Mark is the best web expert I have ever met – and that certainly helps.
3. Above all – and this is most important – find the right business that will allow you to do what your love – because then the money will follow – I had a restaurant owner once tell me that if someone said “I like eating in restaurants so I think I will open one …”, hit them with a baseball bat back to reality. It isn’t just what you enjoy, but finding the right business that aligns to your personality, interests, aptitude, temperament and of course, life situation. This is so critical and where most failures occur – not matching business to lifestyle and goals. Before anything, get this answer.

Got the drive? Ready to drive your own destiny and enjoy life on your terms? Declare your independence - and start today.

And thank you for reading this - Dan

Friday, July 2, 2010

Be Annoying .. with your attitude …

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm Albright, quoted in Reader's Digest, June 1995

Being positive just annoys some people – the people that cannot seem to get out of their own way to succeed. They would rather wallow in their negativity than get out of the rut they have themselves in. They try to bring others down with them. They jeer those who are positive.

So what to do when you meet someone like this? Annoy them. Really annoy them with your positive, focused, look-out-here-I-come attitude. Maybe you will turn someone around. But most likely you will learn who to align with, and who to avoid and that is okay.

A positive attitude in infectious. Go contaminate someone.

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com