Sunday, October 30, 2011

Who should you blame for your career situation …. The answer is easy

“ Life is a series of near misses. But a lot of what we ascribe to luck is not luck at all. It's seizing the day and accepting responsibility for your future. ”

Howard Schultz (1953 – )
American entrepreneur, chairman of Starbucks


You.

Yup – you.

I often talk to people who tell me why their career or job situation has gone array. They blame just about everything:

… The economy
… The employer
… The lack of political leadership
… The weather
... and the list goes on and on.

We are seeing the level of discontent explode with the Occupy Wall Street movement spreading across the country and similar movements in Europe. The occupiers are demanding change in our banking system (one can agree or not agree) to reduce corporate greed, and yes there is greed. They are also demanding jobs.

On the flip side of this movement is another just developing – it is known as Occupy Yourself. The thought: demanding that the government or any other entity be responsible for finding one a job, creating jobs or changing one’s situation if the wrong approach. You are responsible for your situation – so occupy yourself and take responsibility. Most interesting for sure.

Those I talk to in my practice who blame everyone and everything for their situation are often shocked when I look straight into their eyes and tell them who takes responsibility for their situation, no matter what it is.

It is themselves. No one else.

We are each accountable for the actions we take and handling the situations we find ourselves in all facets of career and life. Sure external forces may make it more difficult, but at the end of the day, it is up to you to navigate your way in, out and around difficult situations. No one will do it for you. You will get old and gray waiting.

Unfortunately there is a prevailing attitude of entitlement or waiting for someone to change your situation for the better, and people just wait and wait with no resolve, no forward direction. They are, to a degree, enabled.

One of the best sayings I heard, from Jim Collin’s Book Good to Great (http://www.jimcollins.com/article_topics/articles/good-to-great.html) is the following: When something goes right in an organization, leaders look around them to heap praise upon someone for a job well done. When something goes wrong, they find the nearest mirror to find the person to blame. Leaders are accountable for the good and the bad; those destined for leadership in their career and life need to be able to do the same and know that they define their destiny, their ability to work through a situation and their prosperity. They are also 100% to blame when something goes wrong. It is easy to deflect that responsibility to someone else and yes they may have played a part, but it you and you alone so accept it sooner than later and move on.

If you have been faced with a defining moment in your life or career, and need to sort it out to move on, may I suggest:

• Grieve – yes give yourself the time – short time – to grieve the situation, then bury it and move on.
• Reflect – Understand what happened and why – and commit not to let this occur again in your future.
• Regroup – Most critical – move on and don’t remain in history – because you cannot change history.

Life throws curve balls and it has the past few years. Rather than watch the curve balls go by, tee one up and out of the stadium. That is winning. That is accountability. That is taking responsibility for your situation.

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, October 27, 2011

Job Market Report October 27, 2011

I wish I had better news - we are in a malaise ...
____________________________________________________________________

For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968
October 26, 2011

Job Postings Down 9% Past Seven Days – Down 23% Since September 1st

(Albany, NY, October 26, 2011) – Job postings dropped again this week after a 10% drop the week before last and being flat the past week. Overall, since September 1st of this year, postings have dropped a sharp 23% during a period when there should be strength in hiring. “This is indeed concerning. The job market specifically in our region is lagging behind and dropping during a normally strong hiring period. Clearly employers in the area have put the brakes on hiring. At this time last year, there were just over 6000 jobs posted in the region; we are down significantly from this with just about 3600 job postings. The recovery we saw last year has clearly fizzled”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. “The good news - while way under last year’s numbers, we are still above 2009 when we were deep in the recession “.

What does this mean to job seekers? “Those in the market need to just keep pushing harder for fewer jobs. The good news is that the market is less competitive than in recent past. However, one must be on their A-game and follow-up, network and network more. Just relying on posted job opportunities in the internet will not work”.

Job postings were up in all other NYS markets. “The situation appears to be regional in nature which is very surprising”. For the first time ever in reporting, Syracuse eclipsed Albany with more job opportunities, 3900 vs. 3600. “In the years I have been reporting this, never before has another NYS market, with the exception of NYC, posting more job opportunities than the Albany Region”, continued Moran.

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, October 23, 2011

The Value – of being candid …

“All faults may be forgiven of him who has perfect candor.” – Walt Whitman

“I can’t believe you just said that” …

“I wish he/she would just say what is on their mind and not dance around it …”

“I know what he/she said – but do they mean it – really mean it …?”

I sure you have heard this many a time in your life – I most certainly have. We could all save time, break down barriers and get things done if people would just state what is on their mind, with tact and diplomacy. Candor is critical in business, career and life. Hiding behind crafted words that diffuse what you think or mean isn’t being honest – it isn’t being a leader.

The best leaders are candid – always. They say what needs to be said, and they do not mince words. They motivate by their directness and candor – and their team knows what is expected of them. Oftentimes those on the receiving end don’t like what they are saying – but they believe in their leader and know it is the truth.

When communication breaks down in a job, a company or a relationship once it is often the absence of candor caused by the fear of hurting someone and making them upset in some manner. Communicating without candor does just the opposite – it causes fear, lack of trust and is even more upsetting.

How you communicate in life and career is part of this …

A few tips:
• When faced with having to communicate difficult news – in business, to a loved one or a colleague, be candid, direct and to the point. Your position will be known, and from this point you may move forward.
• Not happy where you are in your career – be candid – with yourself and others – and start the move forward with no surprises.
• Is your mate not being candid – explain how this can hurt – ask for directness (resolves huge problems too!).
• Demand candor from others. Listen carefully to what people say and how they say it. Those who do not speak with candor or are mincing words show it in their voice and in their eyes. If faced with this, with tact and diplomacy, ask pointed questions – politely and always with a smile. The person will get the message – you can be sure.

You can never be faulted for being honest, and candor is the means to the end of better communication and success in career and life,

And thank you for reading this. - Dan

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Job Market Report, October 19, 2011

Still lackluster and flat --- but some good jobs in the market!
_____________________________________________________________________________

For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968
October 19, 2011

Job Postings Flat Past Seven Days after 10% Drop Week Before

(Albany, NY, October 19, 2011) – Job postings, a leading indicator of 30-45 day future hiring , were flat this past seven days coming in at just under 4000, definitely indicating a lackluster job market in the region during a period of normally strong activity. Last year at this time job postings were just over 5500, a drop of 27%. “Employers seem very reluctant to hire now and appear to be in a malaise – just hanging on with the staff they have until they see a positive sign like was seen in 2010 when it appeared there would be stronger and sustained growth, and that didn’t happen. While the number of posting are down, there are some very good job opportunities today so job seekers shouldn’t let the numbers hold them back. Opportunities are strong in healthcare, retail is returning stronger, sales & marketing as well as customer service continues to be strong”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. “While way under last year’s numbers, we are still above 2009 when we were deep in the recession “.

Job postings were down in all other NYs markets as well. Albany is the smallest market in size when compared to the other markets outside of NYC and continues to outpace with more job postings. “For an area that is 25-35% smaller than other State markets (with the exception of NYC), we generally see postings in our region about 30-40% higher than Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse – although Syracuse has been much stringer as of late.


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, October 16, 2011

The secret ---- the one element that defines success …

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow”. – Albert Einstein

I meet with so many people each week from all walks of life and situations. Some are unemployed, others underemployed and the majority, seeking to improve their career and/or life situation. And I meet those as well that are struggling - mightily -- under this most difficult economy and job market that we are seeing right now. As a country, we appear to be in a malaise of sorts - there is a lame duck attitude that is prevailing in our government and that is affecting business, personal growth and success. It is so damaging as this attitude is holding people and companies back from growing, affecting our economy and then that affects jobs - a vicious cycle.

Many have asked me -- what is the secret that those who are successful in achieving their goals and dreams - a new job, career or situation in life? I have asked myself the same question. I know when the person across my desk, when asked what is the secret or success tool they have that keeps them going, they reach into themselves and pull it out and as their hands open up - it shines.

It is hope.

Those who are hopeful see promise and have a purpose in life, They who have hope look at situations differently from those who have sadly lost hope - they see the light, not the dark. And with hope, they move forward purposefully toward their goal, fueled by the power of hope. We have all seem despair and lack of hope - in our own area with the storms, and certainly in the media. Homes lost. Businesses washed away. Lives and livestock lost. That is despair.

But even in those situations, they have hope to keep them going. I talked with a gentlemen just this past Friday in our region who had lost all in the flood - he told me he will persevere, because he has hope, and I am sure he will.

If you are feeling hopeless in your career or life situation, may I suggest:

• Slow your mind down – One becomes overwhelmed with thoughts – good and more likely bad – and this “noise” clouds clear thinking.
• Set goals for yourself – There is a saying,” If you take your eye off the goals, all you see are obstacles”. So true – set goals – little ions that are attainable and celebrate when you achieve one and then move on.
• Be with those who will support you – not those who will drag you down – So important. Some people rather enjoy getting into the negative muck with someone and casting their sorrows and negativity upon someone else. Get away from these people in your life, align with those who know and understand you, and will support you.
• Do good for someone – In your toughest moments, find a way to help someone else in need. That glow you experience when you have done this will help. UI tell many who are in the pits of being unemployed to think not of themselves, but to think of others in need and help them through support or volunteering in the community.
• Seek help – If you feel that you are continuing to sink and cannot see your way out of this hopelessness, see professional help.

Hang on to the one secret to success - hope. Never let it go. Cherish it and nurture it. It is your key to your goals and dreams in all aspects of your life, career, relationships and more.

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

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Job Market Report 10 12 11

Market down this week - very anemic and rocky ...
___________________________________________________________________________________

For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968
October 12, 2011

Job Postings Drop Past Seven days – In Albany as well as across NYS

(Albany, NY, October 12, 2011) – Job postings, a leading indicator of 30-45 day future hiring , dropped just about 10% this pst week in the Albany region as well as in other New York State markets, continuing a lackluster fall hiring season during a period of normally strong hiring activity. “The market is flat – there are some very good jobs in the market but the numbers remain much lower that what the market needs to recoup from the recession. Job postings came in at just over 4000, compared to 5650 last year at this time – a big decline”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

“While down we are still much better than we were in 2009 in the depth of the recession when postings were under 3500 on a week-to-week basis, so there is a bright light. Employers appear to be stuck in an aura of uncertainty and when this happens, they usually curtail hiring activity until a picture is clearer – surely this is happening now as I have learned through discussions and surveys of employers”.

Albany is the smallest market in size when compared to the other markets outside of NYC and continues to outpace with more job postings.


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

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Early Bloomer – Late Bloomer –Boomer … It doesn’t really make a difference when – it is all about the if …

“As long as we are persistence in our pursuit of our deepest destiny, we will continue to grow. We cannot choose the day or time when we will fully bloom. It happens in its own time.” – Denis Waitley

I read a great article this past week which I have shared the link to. It is the story of a highly-successful New York woman who was at the top of her world – had it all, the material trappings, money and more – and it all came crashing down, no fault of her own. Gone was the job – her relationship – her material wealth.

What she determined to do was to bloom under a rather cloudy time in her life, and become a therapist. Chucked it all – put her “stuff” in storage, went home to her parents on the West Coast, enrolled in school and now is blooming in life with purpose and passion. As you will see, she takes offense in being called a “late bloomer” as her destiny was etched – she just had to discover it.

And it never would have happened if the sky didn’t - as it appeared to – fall in on her. She proved – you can bloom at any time in life – when you are 25 – 45 – 75 or 85 (if your health is with you). It just takes a push to a degree – or as I call it, a defining moment. Blooming in a newer term to the market to define taking a career and/or life situation that forces a change and determining to grow – or bloom from it.

Maybe every cloud does have a silver lining and the social, economic, political and what-ever-else-crisis we are living through today is, to a degree, forcing action and helping people realized underutilized potential they never knew they had. It is happening as their life and career changes and when change are forced upon them. This change forced upon many is not defined by age, gender, social class or other factors – it is touching all on an equal, non-discriminatory basis. The change can be motivating and forward-thinking – if you will accept it.

Are you an early bloomer – late bloomer – boomer bloomer – you name it? It doesn’t make a difference when – it is about the if you will allow yourself to bloom when the situation is presented.

Sound intriguing – how could it not! A few tips:

Keep an “idea” book handy always – Put it on the side of your bed, with you at work or other activity and as you think of an idea, do not commit it to memory – write it down. You memorialize the idea – and it is there for your recall (okay – let’s admit it too – some of us boomers have “memory deficiency” as I like to call it – others call it can’t remember crap).

Take your time – Many make snap and rush decisions when they are climbing and often times these decisions are hasty and poor. Don’t get caught up in a race with them – come from behind and nip them at the wire – on your own schedule, not the schedule of another.

Don’t be envious of other who appear to find their niche earlier in life – Understand that it sometimes takes longer and it is useless to compare yourself to others – that will get you nowhere, faster. Establish your pace to bloom – and stay at it; don’t let others push you forward if you are not ready. Then again – if you are stalled for perhaps no real reason – take the shove from someone else you respect – they are trying to help.

Trust in yourself – This is critical. You must state and believe – I know what I am doing is right – I know … and repeat it over and over again.

Read the article if you wish: http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/22/never-too-late-to-find-your-path-in-life/?iref=allsearch

And thank you for reading this – bloomer! - 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

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Job Market Report October 5 2011

Still sluggish - but better than other areas!
_________________________________________________________________________________

For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968
October 5, 2011

Job Postings Continue Flat – Effect of State Layoffs Appear to have an impact

(Albany, NY, October 5, 2011, 2011) – Job postings, a leading indicator of 30-45 day future hiring , continued to be flat this past week during a period when job postings are expected to, and have, grown over the past few years. Other markets in NYS followed suit with flat results. Postings came in at just about 4400, up 100 from the week before, a very slight change.

“The area was hit with good news and bad news in literally one day – with new Nanotech jobs coming and a threat of 3500 layoffs from the failed PEF State contract that will amount to 1250 layoffs in our Region as the pick slips are counted. Employers reacted as I thought they would – they put the brakes on hiring activity until this sorts out, consistent with past market performance. This comes on the heels of a rather anemic market so the one – two punch isn’t what we want to see right now when we need to see job growth in the region”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

While the news was a bit dim, Moran added, “We, as a region, are doing much better than other parts of the State and most certainly the country. We have been the shining star but we are now feeling the effects of a slower recovering economy. Our unemployment rate is well under the State and national average and that is good. Job seekers need to put the number behind then and keep pushing – while fewer, there are some great jobs in the market right today”.

Albany is the smallest market in size when compared to the other markets outside of NYC and continues to outpace with more job postings.


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, October 2, 2011

You can’t go forward looking at your behind ...

“ When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. ”

Helen Keller (1880–1968)
American humanitarian
Advocate for the deaf and blind

Helen Keller says it well. Many people who are destined for greatness and success never get through the open door because they are continually looking back, revisiting history, wondering if “it” will happen again.

As a result, they go nowhere. They are paralyzed. They are controlled by others and their past. In life and in career – on all levels – that effectively halts growth and achievement, and we see it so often.

There are life defining moments that are difficult to shake off and eat at one’s core. They are ones that we never forget – the loss of a loved one, a relationship gone bad, a job that disappears – your choice or not. They are tough ones to shake, but they too become history and need to be looked at as life experiences to learn from and move on from.

So often I meet individuals who have lost their job – they quit, company closed or they were fired for some reason. Their core is certainly shaken in a significant way. And at times, fear sets in – what happen if this occurs again? It may – and one needs to be resilient, shake it off, and go through the next open door. In Harvey MacKay’s book Fired Up! (http://www.harveymackay.com/books), he recounts the experiences of high-achievers who achieved success who once faced the ax and lost their job – they were fired, replaced, didn’t leave on their own term – but they dusted off and grew. A partial list:

Larry King, Joachim de Posada, Mark Victor Hansen, Muhammad Ali, Robert Redford, Lee Iacocca, Michael Bloomberg, Billie Jean King, Larry King, Lou Holtz, Walt Disney

They didn’t look back at that closed door – they went for the next open door and grew, succeeded and prospered.

Are you or have you been faced with one of “these moments” that have been difficult to shake?

A few suggestions:

• Grieve – yes grieve. You deserve it and it will help as long as you make grieving time short and with an end in mind. This is critical. There is a point – a critical point – where grieving ends and opportunity starts.

• Seek support – be with others and do not hide or squirrel away in “shame”. Connect with friends, family and your network. Be open and honest about what occurred as make these connections part of your support team – and they will support you (if one does not, leave them in your dust!).

• Journal your experience – identify what went wrong, when and with you and write this down to revisit in the future when in a difficult situation perhaps happens again. You will have a roadmap based on experience to draw from, and it may be helpful.

• Think opportunity. I hear so often – “I was paralyzed at first but as I look back it was the best thing that happened to me”. How true, a closed door may be just what one needs to move forward – and go through the next open door of opportunity.

As I have said over and over – you cannot change history. Don’t try -- you will die trying. Move on. Grow. Prosper. Be one of greatness in whatever manner you measure that. And keep Helen Keller in your mind …

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