Monday, January 31, 2011

The way to your dreams & goals – one step away …

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.
-- Henry David Thoreau


Everyone has dreams of how they would like their life and career to shape up. Dreams of achievement and success; dreams of relationships and fulfillment; dreams of contributing in some way to others or to family.

For many, dreams remain just that – dreams, without action forward, without a plan to achieve, without movement. Over the years in working with people determined to achieve their goals and dreams, I have come to learn why this happens in so many cases – people jut tend to make it too complicated, interwoven and difficult to navigate, needlessly I must add.

As a child, we take our first step and walk– and life just unfolds and puts us in control. In life and career, it is the same – if one can just take that first step – a baby step if you will - your plan will unfold and you will be on your way to achieving your dreams and be in control. It doesn’t have to be monumental – just a step forward. Perhaps it is simply writing your dreams & goals down for commitment; perhaps it is making the plan to save $XXX dollars each month; perhaps it is opening the mind to accept new ideas and options. The simpler the better and as Henry David Thoreau (http://www.psymon.com/walden/quotes.html) states, As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler. This is so true. The barriers will disappear; the obstacles that you couldn’t move out of the way before will be easier to move to allow you to confidently pursue your dreams.

What obstacles tend to stop people from working toward their goals and dreams?

• Lack of Clarity – I think I know what I want, but I am not sure.
• Lack of Time – I want, but I can’t seem to carve out the time.
• Fear - One word, but the great immobilizer. The fear of failure, the fear of commitment, the fear of whatever. What if I fail?

You can move the first two out of the way by committing to seek help in getting clarity through a friend, mentor or professional and then scheduling “me” time everyday – 5 minutes – 30 minutes – whatever you can commit to. The last – fear – well that can be more difficult if one lets it rule their life. A suggestion on the best way to deal with fear is to ask yourself the question – and be truthful in your answer - What is the worst that can happen. Bet you 2-to-1 when you think about the true answer, it isn’t all that monumental and could be overcome.

You have heard the expression Living the Dream? Do it. 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, January 27, 2011

Job Market Report - Januarry 27th

Holding steady after a run up - that's good!
______________________________________________

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

Albany, NY, January 26, 2011

Job Postings Flat Past Week after Run Up

(Albany, NY, January 26, 2011) – After a few weeks of marked increases after the holidays, job postings in the Capital Region were flat at just about 5200, the same as the previous week. Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse posted declines in job postings for the same period, while Metro NYC saw an increase of just about 6%. “The Capital Region continues to report a health number of job postings, a good 1750 – 2000 better than last year at the same time, which demonstrates a period of rebound which is good news,” 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.

As reported, other markets in New York State with the ex caption of NYC saw a level of decrease this past week. 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 three 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, January 24, 2011

Like a Boy Scout – Be Prepared – you never know what can happen …

If you are prepared, you will be confident, and will do the job. - Tom Landry

Okay – deal with it. We live in the Northeast and our winters can sometimes be bears to deal with. We all know it is going to happen – the storms come, it gets cold as heck, everyone bundles up, and then it happens again.

Or like the past few weeks – over and over again.

Business doesn’t stop when the storms hit or other things happen. As an employee (or employer) it is our responsibility to be prepared and deal with the cards we are dealt. This past Thursday, around 5:30 am like I always do, grabbed my paper version of the Tomes Union (yes I still read newspapers – everyday) and was looking over the front page and saw the story “Ice Puts Roofs at Risk” and I thought yup, so true with 40+ inches of snow. I walked in to my home office and heard: drip – drip – drip. You guessed it - water coming through the ceiling. What timing! Here I had nine appointments on my calendar in my office on Wolf Road, the ceilings were beginning to fall – not pretty.

But, we (my wife Vikki and I) were prepared, and we are flexible that is just as important. We always have our work tools with us – phones, laptops, files, contacts, etc. – so we can react. Vikki set up shop in the home for the day (where she entertained the contractors, disaster restoration folks and insurance people) and she did her work, using her phone to connect to her team (Vikki runs Capital region Living Magazine and Where To? Magazine), and I went to my office. Without preparation, it would have been a very unpleasant situation. We now have a home with no ceilings that were full of water – not a pretty picture? But it will all be repaired like new.

Last week, I heard of businesses unable to operate since staff didn’t show up. I heard of employees unable to do their work since they didn’t have their work tools, and their company was not prepared. This is the time when it is important to plan for the unforeseen and unexpected, and ask yourself the question:

If I could not go to work for the next 5 days, how could I do my job – what do I need?

The obvious – your tools if you are a craftsperson, your computer, phone and access to file information. Be the proactive one in these situations and set up “telephone triage” – the system or process to connect to your co-workers by phone or electronically to enable communication. Set up a Skype account (www.skype.com) and you are connected – worldwide. Your goal is to be prepared and not skip a beat. You will be viewed as a resource, and valued. If in your own business, you establish continuity – that is critical.

And yes – you can still work in your pj’s. Thank you for reading this. - Dan

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Job Postings Still Climbing!

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

Albany, NY, January 19, 2011

Job Postings Continue Rebound & Increase Slightly Past Week

(Albany, NY, January 19, 2011) – Job postings continued to rebound from lows around the holidays, rising to just over 5200, up from about 4950 last week. The job market appears to be showing strength in the Region, which is welcome news to job seekers and the community at large. “After a 28% increase last week, the market remained steady and strong which is expected and good news, consistent with national reports as well”, 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.

“The time to begin looking for a new job is right now. A recent study by Manpower Inc. reported that 84% of workers are planning on looking for a new job in 2011, the highest ever reported. The market will, therefore, be more competitive so you must be on your “ a-game”, prepared to interview with confidence and diligent in seeking our jobs and opportunities”.

Other markets in New York State were either flat or reported slight decreases in job postings. 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 three 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, January 17, 2011

Ready – Set – Jump In … Now is the time to engage in your search

Note: See Job Bank announcement below

"Success will never be a big step in the future, success is a small step taken just now. "
~ Jonatan Martensson


I am often asked – Dan – when does the job market really begin to get on a roll after the holidays?

Many think it is at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. The truth – it isn’t. It is NOW. The job market picks up usually in the 2nd to 3rd week of January as companies return from the holidays and put their new business year plans in high gear, and that often includes hiring. I monitor job market activity in the region, defined as a 50 mile radius of Albany, NY. Over the past few weeks, it has been a bit quiet which is expected and normal for the holidays.

But that all changed this week. Job postings jumped 28% in one week. On last Monday alone, over 1,000 new jobs hit the job boards. The market has come out of its holiday hangover – the time is now. So if you have been waiting – wait no more. If you have been on the sidelines and not engaged in a search for a new job or career, wait no longer. The striking time is the best from now through early summer. Job hiring continues after the early summer, but most opportunities are posted in the first two quarters.

I have posted my most recent job report below … hope you find it interesting and motivating! And thank you for reading this. – Dan
____________________________________________________________________________________
CBS6 WRGB’s Answers Team Job Bank will air Wednesday 1/19 from 5 – 7 pm. Employers representing over 475 jobs will be taking calls from job candidates. Visit the job bank web site: http://www.cbs6albany.com/sections/infocenter/jobs-bank/
___________________________________________________________________________________
Job Postings Recover and Increase Significantly After Holidays

(Albany, NY, January 12, 2011) – Job postings increased significantly the past week, after having seen softening and declines just before and through the holiday period, which is not unusual and expected. Postings rose from 3866 to just about 4950, an increase of 28% in one week. “As I have been reporting and commenting the past few weeks, I fully expected to see the number of job postings go up dramatically after the holidays, as they have over the past few years, and it occurred. This past Monday alone, over 1,000 new jobs were posted in the Region and the past few days, there have been close to 5200 job postings on a daily basis for job seekers to pursue. I hope this trend continues and we see continued strength and growth as we are entering into a prime hiring season”, 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.

“I have been asked several times this week when one should expect the job market to pick up after the holidays. Many think it is just after the stroke of midnight on New Year’s eve, but it is not so. The market generally begins to pick up rather strongly the 2nd to 3rd week of January – right now – and the market has, in the past, continued to pick up right through early summer. So if someone has been waiting to jump back into the job market, the time is now”.

Other markets in New York State saw increases this past week as well, with New York City leading other markets with close to a 25% increase this past week. 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 three 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.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Career Off-Kilter? … You have the power to change it … if you want to and can accept change

"It is a very funny thing about life - if you refuse to accept anything but the best you very often get it." ~ W. Somerset Maugham

The story this past week about the unemployed and homeless gentleman in Columbus, Ohio – Ted Williams – is a true testimony to the fact that no matter how difficult you believe your situations is, no matter how far you feel you have fallen, you can pick yourself up, dust off and achieve your dream and improve your lot in life and career.

Ted was down and out for years. He abused drugs and alcohol took over his life. He committed crimes and swindled people just to get by. He lost his family; he lost his dignity.

But he never lost his god-given talent – a phenomenal radio voice and smile – or his faith in himself. Ted was determined to change his life for the better. He used the resources he could muster – his warm smile, his booming voice and a simple sign on a piece of cardboard. He greeted passerby’s on the corner every morning – beamed the smile, bellowed his voice and made others smile. Then he was discovered by a reporter driving by, his story was put on YouTube.com (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou_XuEEGQA8) and the rest is history. Job offers flooded in; he has a new life, and he is thankful – so thankful – to those who helped. In 48 hours he went from homeless and unemployed to being on the Today Show. What a trip.

So – if you are reading this and wondering – sure, but how does this help me, please take a moment to reflect. You may feel your life or career situation is hopeless, that you cannot change it, that no one will help you, that there are no jobs or someone would never hire you or give you a chance – or in other words, you feel stuck with nowhere to go.

Ted’s story is evidence – you are never stuck if you have determination and a plan. Ted was determined and he had a plan to change his life. It all begins with making life-changing decisions – the decision to succeed, to give yourself permission to accept change and the decision to being happy for once . If you can make those decisions for yourself, there will be no stopping you.

Made the decision? What’s next …

You may have heard the quote, You cannot manage what you cannot measure (Peter Drucker). It is so true – in business, in life and most certainly in your career. This is why it is so critically important to have a detailed, documented tactical plan that can guide you and will serve to measure how you are doing. A plan to move on to a new and better career (or job) could include the following actions:

* Update resume by (date)
* Identify what makes me happy doing – what I am passionate above by (date)
* Create a list to 10 networking contacts and contact one each day starting on (date) and completing by (date)
* Work with my mentor, counselor, consultant or friend on holding me accountable once per week (or month)
* Develop a financial budget and determine what I/we really need to make by (date) and then measure actual spending 30 days later (you will be so surprised what you will learn)
* Volunteer with XYZ organization to be helpful and meet new people who could be good contacts by (date).
* Get one interview within the next 30 days; two within 45 days.
* Daily accept that I can be successful, can improve my life and that I control all that happens in my life and career.

Notice how this works – each item is planned and scheduled with completion goals. As you move through the list and achieve, you attitude will change, you will see promise – and you will be in control. A few resources to assist:

next-act.com/articles_resources.html

ehow.com/about_4705260_career-plans.html

blog.timesunion.com/careers/what-exactly-is-a-career-management-plan-…/362/ (by Dan Moran)

www.career-development-help.com/career-development-plan-template.html

Accept – be determined – persevere. It is never too late to be what you might have been (this hangs in my office).

And thank you for reading this. - Dan

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Job Market Report 1 5 11

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

Albany, NY, January 5, 2011

Job Postings Decline again; Caught in the Holiday Hangover

(Albany, NY, January 5, 2011) – Job postings dropped again this past week the result of the extended holiday period and no surprise to those who follow these numbers.. “Job postings dropped to 3866, down from 4450 the week before, which is quite a significant drop. However, history shows that this is expected and has occurred each year. Last year at this time, job postings dropped to just over 2300 – we are a full 40% better this year and that is good news”, 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.

“As we go into the next few weeks, if history bears true, we will see the number of jobs in the market increase day-by day and week – by –week. Hiring picks up rather significantly in the mid to late January period and continues into Spring – so job seekers should be ready and armed to take advantage of this prime hiring season that is on the brink”.

Other markets in New York State showed similar results. Job postings in metro NYC showed a larger decline, perhaps the effect of the blizzard that shut many companies down for a period of time. 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 three 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

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Success in Business (and in life): It’s Over …

“The past is but the past of a beginning.”. -- H. G. Wells (1866 - 1946)

History. Gone. Closed book. 2010 is behind us and as we all know, you cannot change history. So why dwell on it.

For many, 2010 continued to be challenging on many fronts. We lived through --- and continue to live through – a barrage of just bad news, some light at the end of the tunnel and an era of change. And, some very good news and promise too. 2010 continued to reshape many of our values, our practices and our outlook on what is most important in life. We are a new people, a people that has experienced the worst, found our way, and showed that we cannot – cannot – be beaten back. This is so critical in career in life – facing the challenge, embracing it, and defeating it.

In evidence, if you have not seen it already, I encourage to see The King’s Speech playing in theaters now. It is the story of King George, the “reluctant King”, who stammered painfully and found himself at the head of England and the world colonies during WWII – and he could hardly utter a word in speech. He embraced it, and through divine intervention ( you have to see the movie), overcame and excelled as a leader. I left the theater speechless.

So --- Now it is time to move on and forward with the tools we have: Our passion, skills, experience, education and values. No one can take these away – no one. The holiday slumber is behind us; new opportunities are before us. Go get them. Grab them. Be resilient. Be ready to put 2011 in the record books for you.

Don’t wait. Start now. Ready – Aim – Fire!

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

Saturday, January 1, 2011

A look behind .... A look ahead ...

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” – Helen Keller


It is the New Year...2012...full of hope and promise ... we hope!

Before we look ahead, we do need to look behind us a bit at 2011 and what we saw for jobs in our Region. And by the way, I hate looking back at history. You can't change it so why bother! But I guess I have too …

2011 … Bye Bye!

2011 opened with hope and promise after coming off a strong 2010 in the Region where we saw a very active job market to the levels of pre-recession periods. We looked to be cruising for yet another strong year and then it all came to a screeching halt. Frankly employers didn't see promise. Business slowed. Washington could not get their act together and then the credit downgrade which many tried to minimize but was significant.

But those who generate jobs saw this as a threat and investment stopped at prior levels. We sunk into a funk of sorts. Job postings, a leading indicator of jobs, dropped to 2008-2009 levels which are about one- half of where we were in 2010 and prior, pre-2007. And we have stayed there with little change. The decline started in April 2011 and didn’t stop until leveling the past several weeks which in itself is good, albeit if at a much lower level – at least we are not still going backwards.

So in a nutshell ... 2011 was a dud for new job growth. Yes there were, and continue to be great opportunities in the tech markets such Global Foundries and nano tech and this will continue. Private sector employers continued to add jobs, but not to a level to offset public job loses. So at the end of the year – it was flat.

So on to 2012...... Finally!

And there are good signs.

Our recently conducted employment index report in conjunction with my firm Next-Act, CBS 6, (www.cbs6.com) and the Capital Region Human Resources Association (www.crhra.org) reported that 50 percent of local employers are planning to hire more workers in 2012 than 2011. What is significant in this number is the national surveys that report only 23 percent of employers plan to hire new workers (Source: Careerbuilder.com). We are about 100% percent higher!

We should also see a stronger impact of the Global Foundries and nano tech development and expansion as the plants become fully operational.

• Consumer confidence, which has long languished, is steadily improving. This usually translates to more buying which in turn leads to more hiring.

• Our Region’s unemployment rate is continuing to drop signaling that more people are finding jobs but even more important, fewer employers are cutting jobs.


• And likely the most significant factor – Optimism. People just seem more positive and optimistic in general . I hear it in discussions with business executives and owners; I hear it from those I talk to in my business who are considering a change in their career.

At the end of the day, optimism fuels growth and prosperity --- personally, professionally and geographically. Without optimism, growth stalls. People “stall” in their growth and development. There is little energy; there is a lack of hope with many.

Optimism: The best medicine to get out of a funk.

Prove it for yourself. Make 2012 your year to shine and prosper. My best wishes for a happy, prosperous and profitable 2012 – in whatever manner you measure profit.

And thank you for reading this. --Dan

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act, Career Management&Transition Specialist
www.next-act.com dmoran@next-act.com
Cell:518-641-8968