Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Job Market Report 11 27 13 - Very strong results - enjoy the holiday and be safe!



Job Market Jumps Regionally, Statewide and Nationally – when it should be quieter!

Albany, NY,  November 27, 2013) –  The job market across all sectors saw a marked increase the past seven days in time period when it is normally slower in advance of the long Thanksgiving holiday. “Normally we see the market cool a bit the week before and just after Thanksgiving but it has been quite the opposite this past week”, stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. “We are seeing rather significant jumps in our Region (up 13.4% as well as across the state, in Metro NYC and especially nationally. As I stated last week, employers appear to be active again with hiring plans after sitting pat for awhile in October and early November – and that is good news”.  

In the Capital Region, postings were 2159 up from 1904 the week before. Other markets in NYS were up sharply as well, as was Metro NYC which was flat for some time. The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  


National Job Scene

Nationally the market rebounded sharply again the past seven days climbing to 660,700 from 577,500 the week before, up 14.4%.  “ This was only the second time this year we have seen national job posting numbers this high”. 
  
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 2013, his firm will celebrate 25 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.




Sunday, November 24, 2013

Give Thanks ... and grow ...



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

 Once again, we enter Thanksgiving week, a week I hope is  enjoyable for you and your family. This is a time to enjoy each and the other and to reflect on what is very important in life.

It is important to look back and think for moment. Think back over the year. Think of those affected by devastating weather, disasters, violence, terrorism and other traumatic events in life.  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 on and on … .


 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. Others will look up to you. You will be proud and of course, thankful.  Please have a safe and joyful Thanksgiving holiday

 And thank you for reading this. - Dan


Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act, Division of DVG, Inc.
Career Management & Transition Specialists
Corporate Management Services
Celebrating 25 years providing career & corporate management services in 2013!
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-641-8968  dmoran@next-act.com
Author: Accept-Commit-Permit: Three Essential Steps to Achieving Happiness & Success in Career (and Life!) ... Exclusively at Amazon.com: http://tinyurl.com/lluzsyd
Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm
Accept ... Commit ... Permit ... Then Achieve!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Job Market Report 11 20 13 ... Some good signs - again!



Job Market Holds Consistent – and Grows in some areas …

Albany, NY,  November 20, 2013) –  The job market in the Capital Region has been stable for three past three weeks at higher numbers than we have seen for most of the year, indicating that employers are beginning to shake off the concerns exhibited back in October. “ This is certainly good news for all including those in the job market looking for a new opportunity and those thinking about launching a job search. When the market shows consistency week after week, that is positive”, stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie. “What is great to see as well – the national job market seems to be shaking off the doldrums and has increased sharply this past week. No doubt the stock market is helping in this situation to fuel confidence”.

In the Capital Region, postings were 1904 just off the 1911 the week before. Other markets in NYS were up slightly and flat but consistent as well. The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  


National Job Scene

Nationally the market rebounded sharply the past seven days climbing to 577,500 compared to 520,547 the week before.   

Sunday, November 17, 2013

What is Critical to Success? ... Define Expectations ...



"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity".  - George Patton

I had the occasion to meet Coach Bob Ford of UAlbany, a legend in his own right. Coach Bob is retiring after 43 years as head coach of UAlbany football. We were invited to see the new stadium which is absolutely incredible and to meet Coach Ford as well as UAlbany Director of Athletics, Lee McElroy.

The event as part of the American Heart Association Red Tie Society, a group of men (yes – there is a woman’s group too) who work together to fight heart disease and do some fun things together as well.  The AHA arranged a tour, tickets to the UAlbany basketball home opener and a sit-down for our group of about 20 the Lee and Bob.

The discussion was most interesting as Coach Ford talked about motivating players to achieve, and Lee talked about leadership and how leadership can form successful programs even when the going get tough. These two are an incredible team for sure.  

But what particularly struck me was Coach Ford’s methodology to get players to give more and achieve.

He believes that you must establish expectations for all to achieve – and then push for a little more. If you expect 10, ask for 12. He sets expectations – his team expects to achieve them.

People like to achieve and please others and Coach Ford has been the benefactor of this for years. He will be missed as he is retiring from his post as head coach, but he will always be involved.

The importance of expectations …

Without clear expectations, employees never perform to their full potential, succeed or are top contributors. Managers should heed this advice: Tell them what is expected; they will do the job. (http://gmj.gallup.com/content/152981/Strengths-Based-Goal-Setting.aspx)

In my opinion, and the opinion of others, the reason many are disconnected, discontented, under productive or not engaged in their job may be found in the simple idea that they don't know what their job is. They are not using their strengths; they don't understand where they fit in the company. Unfortunately, managers often do not communicate; workers often do not push for answers. The result – disconnect, confusion and lack of direction and working in this situation is not engaging t all.

In this situation?

Two tips:

·         If your manager won't define expectations for you, take control - define them yourself - If you wait for your manager to define for you, it could be a long, unproductive time. Rather, take control, define what you believe your expectations are or should be, present to you manager and drive for your manager's concurrence. Not only will you be on the right playing field with a game plan, you will be viewed as one who cares.

The end game is better productivity, sales or other metric - So, once you define your expectations, develop a plan to achieve them, document your results, conduct your own personal employee evaluation -- and share with your manager.

·         Manage up - find out what your bosses’ boss expects, and build this into your plan - Never hurts for sure, and can help in the long run.

Unfortunately, some managers are just cowards and prefer not to manage or define expectations so they can remain in control, on top and be secure. If you can't break this, it is time to move on elsewhere. Know it sounds blunt - it is because it is true.

You can only win a game if you keep score and beat the other person or team. Measure every day. Win every day. Know your expectations – achieve them – and then bury them!

And thank you for reading this – Dan

And to the AHA, Coach Ford and Lee – thank you! Go Danes!

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act, Division of DVG, Inc.
Career Management & Transition Specialists
Corporate Management Services
Celebrating 25 years providing career & corporate management services in 2013!
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-641-8968  dmoran@next-act.com
Author: Accept-Commit-Permit: Three Essential Steps to Achieving Happiness & Success in Career (and Life!) ... Exclusively at Amazon.com: http://tinyurl.com/lluzsyd
Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm
Accept ... Commit ... Permit ... Then Achieve!

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Job Market Report 11 14 13 --- A bit better and some consistency ...



For Immediate Release
For information: Dan Moran, 518-641-8968  dmoran@next-act.com

Job Market Hold Steady – Two Weeks of Consistency

Albany, NY,  November 13, 2013) –  The job market has appeared to stabilize at lower levels but again, stable which is good overall. “ The national and even statewide market has dropped yet again this past seven days signaling growing concerns over employer confidence.  However, in our region, we have held steady while both statewide markets outside of the Capital Region have further declined”, stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

In the Capital Region, postings were 1911 flat with 1989  the week before. Other markets in NYS were down significantly which shows  the resiliency in the Capital region. The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  


National Job Scene

Nationally the market continued flat with a very slight very slight increase to 520,547, compared to 515,250 the week before. “Postings nationally were well above 624,000 just a few weeks back on October 1st”.  
  
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 2013, his firm will celebrate 25 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.





Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act:
Career Management & Transition Specialists
Corporate Management Services
Celebrating 25 years providing career & corporate management services in 2013!
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
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Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm