Monday, November 29, 2010

A Smashing Success – and we shook it up!

On Wednesday November 11th, we launched the very first on-air job bank, The CBS6 Answers Team Job Bank, live from the studios of WRGB and to say the least, it was a smashing success. In response to the plunging economy, CBS6 wanted to give back to the community and provide resources for those in need of advice on jobs, career, finance, real estate, credit and more, so they gathered group (we call ourselves the A-Team) http://www.cbs6albany.com/sections/answers-team to come on air and provide advice on a one-to-one basis on a phone bank. The phones ringed off the hook.

This past summer, the idea on doing a very-first, on-air Job Banks was conceived and we held our first on the 11th, from 5pm to 7pm during the newscast. We brought in 12 local employers with jobs looking for candidates – and then it began -- the onslaught of calls. Several hundred in fact, and over 12,000 hits on the job bank web site! Within a few days, employers were reporting back that they had hired candidates who called in – way to go.

I answered calls on general job and career questions – and took overflow calls (and there were tons). What I was so impressed by was the comments from those who called in who took the time to thank CBS 6 and the employer team for being there, listening and helping.

When something works – do it again!


And we will. The next CBS6 Answers Team Job Bank will be Wednesday January 12th from 5 pm to 7 pm. We will do it yet again on Wednesday February 16th – so mark your calendar and plan to join in.

A special thanks to the employers and their representatives that participated – nd of course, to the CBS 6 staff for pulling this off. They truly care!

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

Monday, November 22, 2010

Give Thanks ...

I am repeating a blog from last year – as it i so true and timely. Back with more next week – on our way home from France as this posts. – Dan

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States

Life is hectic. The demands of one’s job, life and all that revolves around us can be a whirlwind at times. And at times, very nerve wracking and unsettling.

That is why, at this time of the year, one just needs to stop dead in your tracks – pause, reflect, give thanks and be grateful for what you have and who you know. It is important, and gives a new and fresh perspective.

Perhaps it is the boss you have that you like – sometimes and not others. The special group of co-workers you spend your day with. Your friends and business associates. Great clients. The folks who work in your favorite stores. Your doctor and the medical professionals who work to keep you healthy. The list can go one.

Giving thanks and showing your gratitude will bring rewards back to you as well. You will be remembered and thought of when a new opportunity opens up for a job or in business, community or socially. And – you will feel good too.

That feel good feeling is truly motivating and will take you to new heights.

And thank you for reading this. - Dan

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Monday, November 15, 2010

And with that, Go (insert your word here) yourself …

“The only bad thing about burning your bridges behind you is that the world is round” - Unknown


Wow. Felt good didn’t it. You are staring right into the eyes of your boss, fed up to no end, and you let it rip. That rush you felt – well – it won’t last.

When you get this temptation to square off with your boss, take a deep breath and don’t burn a bridge.

It is tempting I know, especially when you hit the wall and reach a point of no return, in your mind. But wisdom should prevail in this situation. With the advent and use of social media tools, your rant and outburst could be all over your digital space in a heartbeat, and that can be a career killer. Be assured that potential employers (and likely your own employer) monitor their digital presence and monitor what others are saying about them. So, always be cautious.

But back to the situation – you have reached your end point, you know you have to go and you feel like your head is going to pop off:

Repeat after me: I will take a deep breath. I will remain in control. I will be professional. I will get even.
And again: I will take a deep breath. I will remain in control. I will be professional. I will get even.


Walk away. Cool down. Collect your thoughts, and put your plan of exit into high-gear. Savor the thought of resigning. Savor the thought of not having to interact with your boss (a.k.a the jerk or whatever name you have coined). Walk out with your head held high and in full control. Dream of giving your notice (the ultimate in getting even). Envision the door closing behind you – forever.

Burning a bridge – while we have all had the thought of doing so – will not help you advance your career. It is not a legacy you want for sure. Yea would be a show – but on to the next act.

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

Monday, November 8, 2010

Two ears – One Mouth … Listening …

“To listen well is as powerful a means of communication and influence as to talk well” – John Marshall

If the most recent elections in our country taught us one very important lesson: many just don’t listen – or want to hear – what others are telling them (sometimes called selective hearing – my wife accuses me of that all the time).

The populous of our nation has been sending a message – a very clear message – that they were not in step with the direction of our country, and they showed their discourse at the voting booth. Politicians got a strong and direct message – many lost their positions and the message resonated throughout all halls of government.

How many times have you – or someone you worked with – done the same. In a rush to get your own way and to do what you think is right when others think not, you may have been guilty of not listening – really listening intently – and the direction is lost. You find yourself on an island with one idea opposed by many, and that isn’t fun. Especially when it could have been avoided if you just think about what our supreme being gave us: two ears – one mouth. There was a message. Listen – listen, then talk.

Think of the situations:

• You sit in a meeting that seems to go on endlessly, and you cease to pay attention – or you just stop listening and start dreaming. A key message is given – and you miss it. If you feel this way at the end of a meeting, ask for a summation – “… based on what I heard today, I should be ….”. While the message or direction may not have been clear, you are taking a step to clarify.

• You are engaged in an activity or task. Someone begins to inform you of something. You can elect to keep working and half listen, or better – you can pause – listen, clarify what you heard and excuse yourself to finish your task. You’ll get the picture – the other person will appreciate your attentive listening.

• You hear more than once “… Pat, I need to see an improvement in x,y,z …” and you do not agree. You selectively listen. You dismiss that input and work to improve what you feel is important. A disconnect in performance occurs, and the result could be career fatal. To avoid this, clarify the input and fully understand it.

• At home, consumed by all you have to do, your significant other or spouse is trying to communicate to you – something that is very important to your relationship, and you don’t listen because you are not giving your full mindshare. Feels are hurt; disagreements surface. Listen – understand – and confirm. It will reduce those unpleasant disconnects.

Am I saying that you should not disagree or that discourse is wrong?

Absolutely not – no way. You can disagree, but at the same time, find common ground – and build on that as you work out your differences – and it is all through open communication and listening.

Messages can be direct – they can be subtle. But they are always there – if you are open to listening. Be a sponge.

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, November 4, 2010

Job Market Update - November 3, 2010

Hope you find this helpful ...
____________________________________________________________________________________

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

Albany, NY, November 3, 2010

Job Postings Dip Slightly Past Seven Days in Region – Other NY Markets Post Gains

(Albany, NY, November 3, 2010) – Job postings dipped slightly to just about 5800, down from 6000 the week before when there was a reported 10% increase. Other markets in New York State all saw job postings increase over the same period. “ It does appear that each time there are rumblings about State layoffs, as there have been the past week or so, we see hiring plans cool a bit over the uncertainty in our Region. With so many State workers fueling the economy in the Region, even a slight ripple would affect many businesses. It appears this has happened again”, 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.

“While posting are down slightly, we are still close to 100% better than the same time last year, where there were 3000 posting in the Region”, added Moran. He continued to state that we are not back to the highs of this past Spring when postings were in the 6000 – 7000 range.

While a smaller market, the Capital Region still outpaces other NYS markets (with the exception of metro NYC). This has been consistent for well over two years.

#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, November 1, 2010

Don’t Complain – Be part of the solution

“Focus 90% of your time on solutions and only 10% of your time on problems.” – Anthony DeAngelo, Founder of The Collegiate EmPowerment Company and creator of The Inspiration Book Series)

It is so easy to complain, to bitch about this or that, to pound on someone or a group or an idea that may differ.

The path of least resistance and investment to go with the crowd and join it. It is true leadership to elect to not join in, but rather be part of the solution – and resolving the problem, issue or opportunity. This defines the difference from those who lead, and those who are just followers. We are seeing leadership around us today even in our political process – many are just saying enough with that – we will drive change. People are not electing not to stand by and complain about what they do not like with our process, but rather leading and getting involved – being part of the solution.

If we look at years past, we see our country and other countries developing through discourse and social action – or in other words, people just saying enough of that. In career, business and life – it is much the same. One can just go on an complain about their situation:

… I hate what I do …

.. I hate going to work …

… I find no value in my work ..

… I find no value in my life …

… I’m not happy with my life …

Some just continue this downward spiral of thought and inaction. They get what they sent to the universe – if you feel it, think it, it will be.

Others – those who strive for leadership in their life – reach a point where they do not accept. They take action – they drive forward – they make change happen. They achieve what they want to be, and they help others. They have purpose – essential for achieving leadership in career and life.

Resolve not to be part of the problem but to lead and find solutions. You will grow in so many ways; others will look up to you.

And you will be doing good for all …