Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Job Market Report November 30 2011

The effects of the holiday hangover - market down, not unexpected ...
_____________________________________________________________________

For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968
November 30, 2011

Job Postings in Region Drop Significantly on Heels of Holiday

(Albany, NY, November 30, 2011) – Job postings in the region dropped significantly from 3880 to just over 2500 on the heels of the long Thanksgiving holiday, which was expected. However, analyst caution that the overall number is well below 2010. “The market dropped this past seven days as we have seen in the history and this was expected. However, the region’s job postings are hitting some all time lows, which is concerning. There appears to be a malaise in the market – employers are just holding back on hiring looking for some sign of improvement” stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

“For job seekers, not great news but if history proves right, the market will be stronger next week – so keep your efforts strong. Do not get caught up in the holiday myth – jobs do not go away during the holiday period – jobs are fueled by demand so keep your efforts strong”.

Similar results were posted in other NYS markets. Our region continues to outpace other NYS markets, with the exception of metro NYC, and our Region is much smaller. Postings in the Buffalo – Rochester- Syracuse are were just over 2000 again this week.

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, November 27, 2011

Give thanks and be grateful ...

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

As we end the Thanksgiving weekend, one which I hope was enjoyable for you. It is important to look back and think for moment.

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.

A few ideas:

• Remember that mentor – the person you go to for advice and feedback with a phone call or personal visit just to say thanks.

• Think about the special person who helped you solve a problem at work or at home. Maybe it was advice they gave; maybe an action of some type. It happened in the past – bring it to the present by acknowledging and showing your gratitude.

• Give back to your network of contacts – reach out, say thanks and ask how you can help them. In Harvey Mackay’s book, Dig Your Well Before You Are Thirsty (http://store.harveymackay.com/product_p/48543-3.htm), a highly recommended book on networking, he makes a very strong point: don’t just take from your network of contacts, always see how you can help them and then do so.

• In the hectic world of healthcare, where there never seems to be a break, think about those who help you give care to a patient or attend to a families need. The ones that perhaps are not recognized, or work in the shadows so to speak – but are still ever so important. Perhaps it is the contact who is helping you along in your healthcare career.

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

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Job Market Update 11 23 11 - Some good news

For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968
November 23, 2011

Job Postings in Region Continue Little Growth … Good Unemployment News

(Albany, NY, November 23, 2011) – Job postings in the region were up 100 over the previous week, indicating that the market is flat yet again. Postings came in at 3880, up about 100 from the previous week but below the baseline of 4000 postings which we would normally expect to see at a minimum. “Last year, at this time, postings were up to 5300; the market continues to be flat in 2011 and the trend is continuing. While this is not good news, those in the job market need to continue to be aggressive in searching as there are many very good opportunities today, and employers will continue to hire right through the holiday season. The myth has been that hiring stops during the holidays; there is no truth or study supporting this. In fact, company recruiters complain that job seekers don’t respond to opportunities during this hiring time. So – don’t put your resume on the shelf – keep looking and use the holidays to network more”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

“There is some good news as well. The unemployment rate in the Region has dropped yet again. This means the competition for jobs will be less for those in the market”. The unemployment rate in the region is now 6.5%, well under the NYS and national average. “We just need consistent hiring activity in the private sector at a higher clip to turn this around”, continued Moran.

Similar results were posted in other NYS markets. Our region continues to outpace other NYS markets, with the exception of metro NYC, and our Region is much smaller. Postings in the Buffalo – Rochester- Syracuse are were just over 2000.
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, November 20, 2011

There is a fine line between dreams and reality, it's up to you to draw it. ~B. Quilliam

As you likely know if you have read my writings for a period of time, I am all about doing what you love – what drives your passion – in your career and life for that matter. Those engaged in work or life situation where they are fulfilled, motivated and enjoy, prosper, grow and lead happier lives.

But there is another element to consider – reality.

I was just reading about one of the Occupiers in NYC who had a good job teaching in the NYC school system but felt unfulfilled. He quit his job and embarked to complete his Master’s degree in Puppetry (the art – not the new technology). Obviously he enjoyed this. The reality was that now over a year later hounded by school loans he could not find a job in his chosen field.

I did a scan of the national job market. With over 4 million job postings, there were two that were looking for those with experience and interest in the field of puppetry. Only two – not very promising for sure. A sure case for doing a reality check before launching in a new direction.

One of the critical processes I bring my clients through is the reality check. We could identify a direction that in no way would be feasible from an economic, market or other perspective. It can be a damper but critical to know. This gentleman in this article likely didn’t do that and he will need to, in his mind, “settle” in his next job.

So – what do you do when facing seeking a new direction?

Be sure you do a reality check. Analyze and determine:

… What is the current job market for a person seeking this career direction?
… What are the future prospects for the chosen field?
… What technology or other advances may change the market opportunities in the future?
… What skill set will this career demand in the future that I will need to invest in?

You may not like the answers, but the answers will be your reality check and this is very important. Occupations and industries are changing and will continue to change. Remember the Travel Agent – the Typewriter Repairperson - The Stenographer? All fell and continue to fall victim to a changing market and technology.

Do what you love yes – but be sure there is enough “love” to make it viable. Put the odds in your favor. And thank you for reading this. – Dan

PS: May you and your family have a peaceful and restful Thanksgiving.

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, November 16, 2011

Job Market Report 11 16 11

Market still flat - but good opportunities out there!
___________________________________________________________

For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968
November 15, 2011

Job Postings in Region Again Flat when Numbers Should Be Increasing

(Albany, NY, November 15, 2011) – Job postings in the region remained flat, coming in at just over 3750, below the expected baseline of 4000 to 4900 and again signaling a flat job market which has been the case for several weeks. “We expected to see an uptick based on history, but that hasn’t occurred, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Similar results were posted in other NYS markets, singling that this isn’t just a Regional issue. “The is occurring nationally as well”, continued Moran. “We will need to see what occurs this coming week with the impending holiday which usually leads to a drop in job activity”.

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, November 13, 2011

The only way to control your destiny – be in for yourself …

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing." --Abraham Lincoln


Working for the man? Fed up with your boss? Just had it with the work rat race?
Fire Yourself – and be in business for your self – a little bit at a time.

Huh? Yes, that’s the reaction of a group I spoke to recently when I brought this topic up. I got those looks like …
"… okay Moran, what do you mean a little bit at a time? Have you lost it...?"

No not really. There is a whole new movement in the marketplace today – a movement that is being fueled by individuals just saying to hell with traditional work. They want to be in their own business, but can’t jump in right away at 100%.

They are the new Employedpreneur: The ambitious professional who undertakes launching and running a business while working full-time.

Some may, in the past, called this moonlighting – but that often meant a second job – for the “man”. This is different. This is setting your sights on being in full control of your destiny, driving your income, controlling your fate and building your gifts and fortune for the future – but doing so little steps at a time. I am seeing this more and more in my practice and have advocated to many a client that this is their way to launch their own business or to test if their business idea or passion is economically viable.

Given the state of the economy and the anemic job market, self-employment is becoming an increasingly viable option for many. More businesses have been born in the midst of recessions than any other period. Think Microsoft, Starbucks, PetSmart - yes, all born in recessions. Also, the reality is that you don't need boatloads of money to invest in a business today - there are many opportunities that can be launched on very low budgets, if you are open-minded to new ideas.

Think of the possibilities:
• Like to cook and thinking about being a caterer? Rather than jump in with two feet and be all in – try catering a few holiday gatherings this year, see how you like it and see if you can make a go of it.
• Handy with a trade? Try a few projects (paid please) for others and gain, see if it “fits” you and if you can turn a profit.
• Like to write? Publish a blog – market it – and see how it is received and read in the market.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

… and the list can go on and on.

There is even a web site dedicated to this new movement: .

But what does it take to be successful in your enterprise?
No matter what scale you are at, one must:

Listen to Advice
… Trust your instincts
… Have the ability and drive to take action
… Be willing to take risks – measured risks


The first step however – answer the big question: Is your own business right for you?
This is critical. Being in business for some is in perfect alignment to their personality and interests. For others, it is not a match. Get this answer first. If you can’t get the answer yourself, get professional assistance. I have used an assessment tool – the EA: Entrepreneurial Assessment – to help guide (or not) clients to their own business. There are other tools as well on the market; just be sure there is validity and experience to back them up.

Be in control. Drive your destiny. Break the shackles of traditional work and you will grow and prosper – and you will work hard!

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, November 9, 2011

Job Market Report November 8 2011

Flat but not down!
_________________________________________

For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968
November 9, 2011

After slight uptick last week, job postings flat in the Region and Statewide

(Albany, NY, November 9, 2011) – After a slight uptick in activity, postings were flat this past seven days in the Region as well as the State. “The good news – we are not seeing the huge swings of a few weeks past – one week up, next week way down, so that is good. This could also be the leveling effect of holiday hiring which is forecasted to be up this season over last year”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Postings came in at just about 3700, down minimally from the week before, less than 100 which indicates flatness. Other NYS markets posted similar results, with the exception of NYC which saw a healthy increase after dropping the prior two weeks.

Postings nationally were reported to be up in September. However, the Capital Region was generally down for the month compared to the prior few months, bucking the national trend. “Our Region normally is ahead of the national trend – our job opportunities usually increase before the nation; this time we have lagged a bit. Overall however, job opportunities nationally and Regionally are below 2010 levels and can be expected to continue that trend. The bright spots – high demand for talent in healthcare, sales, marketing, customer service/call centers and engineering”. Moran also suggested that job seekers should not get caught up in the numbers. “There are some very good jobs in the market and as of today, the market is less competitive as unemployment comes down – that is a bright spot”.

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

Job Market Report 11 18 2011

For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968
November 9, 2011

After slight uptick last week, job postings flat in the Region and Statewide

(Albany, NY, November 9, 2011) – After a slight uptick in activity, postings were flat this past seven days in the Region as well as the State. “The good news – we are not seeing the huge swings of a few weeks past – one week up, next week way down, so that is good. This could also be the leveling effect of holiday hiring which is forcasted to be up this season over last year”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Postings came in at just about 3700, down minimally from the week before, less than 100 which indicates flatness. Other NYS markets posted similar results, with the exception of NYC which saw a healthy increase after dropping the prior two weeks.

Postings nationally were reported to be up in September. However, the Capital Region was generally down for the month compared to the prior few months, bucking the national trend. “Our Region normally is ahead of the national trend – our job opportunities usually increase before the nation; this time we have lagged a bit. Overall however, job opportunities nationally and Regionally are below 2010 levels and can be expected to continue that trend. The bright spots – high demand for talent in healthcare, sales, marketing, customer service/call centers and engineering”. Moran also suggested that job seekers should not get caught up in the numbers. “There are some very good jobs in the market and as of today, the market is less competitive as unemployment comes down – that is a bright spot”.

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, November 6, 2011

Values - they are changing - for the good?

Personal leadership is the process of keeping your vision and values before you and aligning your life to be congruent with them. - Stephen Covey,

It is hard not to notice that our values have changed over the past few years or so. In many cases, what was important to those in career and life have changed - really changed - and what was important before isn't as important any longer.

Case in point. I meet with many clients who tell me that the values they seek to pursue in their next career or their life isn't what we generally have thought about in the past. In the past, it was all about the money, status and prestige as well as winning over others that drove career development and life choices.

That isn't the case today. People are thinking more about the real values that are important to them in their life and career, and turning back to those values that we learned from our elders. .

Value such as:
… community
… giving back to others
… helping others
… providing value in many a way
… being good to others - especially those in need
… protecting work-life balance
… being close to family

… all have taken the forefront.

Over the past few years, I believe --- and countless people tell me - that it isn’t all about the money. Yes - money plays a role, but it is less important. People are willing to sacrifice money for quality in their life and they are changing their lives to accommodate this.

Some have said that a good recession molds people.

And certainly this recession that we all went through ( and many think we are still in) has done the same. It has caused people to think what's really important in their or career in and what they want to get out life. People have new focus - new goals - and new direction. They are in more control - and that is good.

On the treadmill?

If you've been caught on the treadmill of chasing money, chasing fame and fortune in your career and life it's time to reflect and think about what's really important. If you can get off the treadmill and really figure what's important to you, you will be in a better place. If this resonates with you, I would like to offer a few tips you to consider:

Do a budget of budget - This will help you really know what you think you need to make in $$$ vs. reality. I do this often with clients and find that the delta - the difference between the need to make versus the want to make is around 15- 20% - lower. if you can think how to cut expenses and to trim those things just are not as important, maybe you'll find yourself able to take a job or at the minimum be open to more jobs that didn't have the compensation that you thought you needed. One client told me he would be able to save 3% of his paycheck by skipping Starbucks twice a day - that’s a win! He thought before he could not save anything. A bit of a sacrifice yes, but well work it (and likely better for his health too).


Evaluate your values - Understand your values and what your true purpose and calling in life is. This is absolutely critical as many people don’t know this answer and they go around rather lost and without purpose or direction. Sometimes it is not having the time to reflect; in other situations, it is the fear of making that discovery. If one has passion and purpose in life and career, they will feel stronger, more in control and focused in thinking forward and not looking behind. Having trouble figuring this out on your own? Get help for professional in defining your purpose in your passion; it will be eye-opening for sure and put you on a new path.


Be willing to accept the answers - This is most critical and I see it often times with clients who are afraid to admit the perhaps they were going in the wrong direction and they take some time to adjust and accept the fact that they need to redirect. Giving yourself permission to accept is actually critical. Once you do so, you free yourself from the past and, again, think forward.



If you are true to yourself, your family and to those things important to you, you will have passion and purpose and no one will stop you - no one will get in your way to trip you up; you just won’t let it happen!

And thank you for reading this … - Dan

Friday, November 4, 2011

Job Market Report 11/2/11

A bit better ---
____________________________

For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968
November 2, 2011

Job Postings Up Very Slightly – Reversing Recent Trends

(Albany, NY, November 2, 2011) – Job postings were up slightly to just about 3800, up from 3600 the week prior reversing a downward trend seen the past several weeks. “Has holiday hiring begun and affecting the local job market? It may be that holiday hiring has finally kicked in and retailers and other businesses are starting to staff up for the upcoming holiday season, which was expected to occur for the past few weeks, and that is good news in an otherwise down market”, stated Dan Moran, Founder & President of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. “We have watched job opportunities diminish in the region and as of this week across the State as well; maybe we are seeing a turn for the better which would be a good sight for the market and certainly job seekers”.

Holiday hiring is expected to be up from last year based on information released to the market. Federal Express lone is looking to hire 20,000 seasonal workers, a full 20% more than last year. “This can be a great opportunity to get back into the market if unemployed”, Moran continued.

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