Sunday, July 29, 2012

If you are just starting out - don't start out and sabotage ...


Self sabotage is when we say we want something and then go about making sure it doesn't happen. - Alyce P Cornyn-Selby

Over the past few weeks, I have met with recent college grads – or those who are seeking their first “real job” and need career direction. I am asked often – what should I avoid as I enter the workplace that could derail my career. Great question nd observation. I am traveling this week and weekend sand I was so luckily to be approached by onlinecollege.org asking if I wanted to share an article, which I think is excellent, with our audience on 13 Habits that May Be Sabotaging Your Career. Great timing!

Remember, perception is reality. What others think about you is real, even if you feel differently. Manage perception of yourself and you will manage your growth, your brand and your achievement.

PS:  Thank you to those I met when speaking at the Society of Young CPA’ at Turning Stone a few weeks back smAlbany Expo launched 28 Days to Career and Life Ascendency.

And thank you for reading this. - Dan

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13 Habits That May Be Sabotaging Your Career
http://www.onlinecollege.org/2012/07/18/13-habits-that-may-be-sabotaging-your-career/
Everyone has bad habits. Smoking, driving too fast, overeating, giving in to stress; no matter what the habit is, we all know that we need to break them, if only we could find the motivation. How’s this for motivation? Some of your bad habits may actually be sabotaging your career. Whether it’s office gossip or playing around on Facebook, it’s time to kick these bad habits to the curb. Read on, and discover which bad work habits may be getting in the way of your next promotion.

1.     Gossip: If you answer “How was your day?” questions with gossip or complaints about your co-workers or clients, it’s a bad sign. Gossip isn’t productive for work, and it can really make you look like a negative person.

2.     Blaming others: Before you point out why someone else is making your life so difficult, take the time to consider what you might have done better. Chances are, it’s not all their fault, or any at all. Remember that you can’t control what others do, only how you deal with those actions. Step up to the plate and be more proactive and responsible for your own work life.

3.     Blowing off deadlines: It’s tempting to turn things in “just a little late,” but doing so is career sabotage. Your boss and colleagues learn that they can’t count on you, and it’s frustrating for others that are waiting on you. Show that you respect their time by meeting deadlines regularly and communicating clearly and early on the rare occasions when you can’t.

4.     Procrastination: This one goes hand in hand with blowing off deadlines. Push things to the side too often, and of course, you’ll be late. But not only that, you’ll look bad. No one is impressed by your big show of getting it all done at the last minute. They’d be much more impressed if you carefully planned your time and productivity to get things done on time or even early.

5.     Never letting go of work: You might assume that working 24/7 will help you get ahead, but so often, the opposite is true. It’s important to unchain from work, taking regular breaks to become more productive. You’ll be able to come back with a fresh outlook and do a better job.

6.     Zoning out online: Sure, just about everyone has Facebook, but that doesn’t mean you have to connect at work. Kill the bad habit of checking your favorite sites before settling in for work. You’re wasting precious time, and if your coworkers see what you’re doing, you’re putting off a bad impression. Avoid getting sidetracked; just focus on work during work time.

7.     Poor communication: Your coworkers like to be informed, not left in the dark. You don’t need to inundate them with email updates, but be sure that if they’re waiting on you for something, they know what the status is. Forget to do this, and you’ll come off as disorganized and undependable.

8.     Poor health and hygiene: A sloppy appearance can really affect you at work. Dressing poorly or not keeping up with your hygiene sends a message that you don’t take your job seriously. Take a look around and see what your coworkers are wearing. Maintain a level of dress that matches or exceed what everyone else is doing so that you can put off a professional appearance.

9.     Keeping a low profile: Whether you’re shy or busy, or just can’t be bothered, keeping a low profile is just not a good idea. Being an unknown in your organization gets you nowhere, where making connections and allowing your work to be recognized can open you up to opportunities. Get out from behind your desk, interacting with others, volunteering for new projects, and spending more time being visible at work.

10. Not taking responsibility: No one likes a prima donna at work. Workers who refuse to step out of their job description or keep iron-clad hours even in the busiest of seasons don’t win any favor. Sure, it’s important to keep yourself from being overwhelmed, but you’ve got to be a team player, too. Be careful not to let anyone hear you say, “That’s not in my job description.” Instead, be willing to pitch in when needed.

11. Poor email etiquette: Email is so prevalent these days, most people send messages without a second thought. But if you’re not proofreading, you’re really doing yourself a disservice. Stick to professional email etiquette, take your time to make sure your message is correct (and being sent to the right recipients), and project a professional email image.

12. Lateness: Punctuality is key to professionalism. No one likes a late worker, and if you’re late to meetings, it’s really rude. Being late projects a message that you think your time is more valuable than others’ (it’s not). Lateness makes you look like an unreliable, inconsiderate person. Plan ahead, and do your best to be punctual on a regular basis. If you know you’re not going to make it on time, be sure to let others know, and apologize when you get there.

13. Resisting change:  Work for a company long enough, and things are bound to change. Sure, you may be set in your ways, but if you resist progress at work, you just might get left behind. Whining about new processes, technology, and developments makes you sound like a curmudgeon. Be a team player and get on board with progress at work.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Purposeful Dedication




I am in Lake Placid as I write this preparing to witness the Ironman Competition. Over 2000 athletes from all walks of life will compete in this 140 mile combination of swimming, biking and running a complete marathon to end.

It is punishing and grueling to a level that most would never understand. It is not for the faint of heart. Conditioning to the ultimate extreme is imperative.

I often talk - including last week's blog - about three critical steps one must take to make change in their life and career: Acceptance, commitment and giving oneself permission.

Our 39 year old son Greg, who is the CEO and Founder of chequed.com, is an example of acceptance, commitment and giving oneself permission.

He is a competitor in the Ironman, a mere two years after saying that he had enough. He wanted change. Greg was packing on a number of extra pounds, dealing with the stress of a start-up business at that time, and like his old man (me) medicated to the hilt for heart related ailments.

He said no more. It was a life-changing moment.

... He took the first step. He accepted that he must change or lead a stress-ridden, unhealthy life.

... He committed to this ultimate achievement - the Ironman - and worked his way through half-marathons, triathlons, grueling training to reach the starting line.

... He gave himself permission to succeed, sacrifice to make this possible and to change his life forever.

As this blog posts we will be T–minus 5 hours to the start of the Ironman (7:00 am Sunday). The contestants are ready and primed and only want to hear, as they cross the finish line:

Greg Moran - you are an Ironman!

We are so proud of Greg as always but in a very special way today. Win, loss, draw or what have you - he is an Ironman.

Okay - are you ready to take the first step to your life changing moment? Do you have the conviction? What are you waiting for – a dare? Okay - Dare You!

And thank you for reading this. - Dan
 

Friday, July 20, 2012

Job Market Report July 18th


Better this week ...
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For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968

July 18, 2012

Job Postings Rebound – Back to Pre-Holiday Levels

(Albany, NY,  July 18, 2012) – After a close to a 10 day hiatus, job postings returned to pre 4th of July levels coming in at 1800, the exact level as we saw just before the 4th holiday indicating that employers are back to seeking new hires for the 3rd quarter that opened 7/1/12. “We took a dip around the holiday that was not unexpected but rebounded nicely”, commented Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Other NYS Markets indicated the same results. The Capital Region still outpaces Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

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. In 2012, his firm will celebrate 24 years in business. 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
Celebrating 24-years of helping others in 2012!
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212


Sunday, July 15, 2012

Be a success overnight – Read this Book – NOT!

“Be willing to have it so. Acceptance of what has happened is the first step to overcoming the consequences of any misfortune”. William James

 I am intrigued by the products and services advertised on the Web promising:

 Change your life and see results today – Buy this Program!

Instantly Earn 10x Time you Earn Now Starting Today – But this book!

Your Best Life Ever – Send Money Now!

 … and the examples can go on and on.

 I am preparing to present at the smAbany Expo on Tuesday July 17th (I am on at 4:00) when I will be talking about 28-Days to Career & Life Ascendency  ( or discovering (or rediscovering) your path in life and career) which is the basis of the book I am completing. What I have stressed throughout the presentation and subsequently the book – ascending in your life and career is not a get-it-done today project, it is a process with clearly identified and measurable goals and metrics to manage your accountability. There are defined processes to follow to move your life & career forward and landmines to avoid at all costs.

 And while I write about a 28-Day Plan cycle, it can be 28 weeks or 28 months – that is up to the individual.
 But it isn’t read this today – success tomorrow. Doesn’t happen – so sorry to tell you.

 If you can make the expo I would love to have you stop by and listen as I tell more how this repeatable process works (http://smalbany.org/ … admission free but you must pre-register). I stress repeatable as there may be multiple 28-Day (week or month) processes you need to undertake as you achieve a goal, set a new set of goals and move on.

 But it all begins with three critical steps: Acceptance, Commitment, Pledging

 Every program focused on helping one make change in their life and career is focused on the first most critical steps – the steps many do not take and then find themselves failing in their efforts and they give up. In my plan and book, the steps are clear:

 Acceptance – Accepting that there are parts of your life and/or career (they are so intertwined) that are broken and not working and must be changed in order for you to grow, and then giving yourself permission to accept and change these.

 Commitment – Committing to the required steps, processes and goals  that can begin to take you on your journey. Many accept that something isn’t working, but they do not commit to doing what is required. Some just elect to complain about their situation – that is going nowhere!

 Pledging – Some may call this “socializing” your acceptance and commitment. It is stating your intentions clearly to yourself, those you love and love you and your higher being – perhaps your God. It is putting your butt on the line, gathering support, talking about your plan and what you are going to achieve and owning it.  When you pledge it, you better do it – or take the wrath.

 Taking these three critical steps in the process and completing them – crossing them off your DO LIST * – is energizing, motivating and life-defining. You will release the shackles that may have held you back – and you will put your butt on the line of personal accountability: doing what you say you will do.

 Thanks for reading this as always. Maybe catch you Tuesday at smAlbany. - Dan

 * What is a DO LIST? It is your list of "things" that you must complete. But different than a To Do list - that is the future, it is a DO LIST - which compels you to do it now!

 Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
Celebrating 24 years providing career management services in 2012!
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Job Market Report July 12 2012

Holiday "hangover" - but market is bouncing back ...
_____________________________________________________________________________


For Information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968

July 11, 2012

Job Postings Drop Significantly – Likely Result of Longer Holiday Period

(Albany, NY,  July 11, 2012) – After a nice increase in Regional job postings the week before Independence Day, postings plummeted this past week in all NYS markets beginning the day after the holiday. “Clearly we can see the effect of the holiday on job market activity as many employers took more time off and curtailed their recruiting activity over the 4th holiday, not a surprise. Postings have, over the past few days, begun to rebound a bit”, commented Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Postings came in at about 1575 down from 1800 the week prior.

“Nationally job creation was clearly stifled the month of June with only 80,000 jobs created against a much stronger forecast which has put a damper on the market as well. When there is uncertainly as there is now on the dismal national jobs picture, employers tend to hold back and wait – they are doing this now”.  

The Capital Region still outpaces Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

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. In 2012, his firm will celebrate 24 years in business. 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
Celebrating 24-years of helping others in 2012!
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212