Sunday, December 29, 2013

The New Year is Upon Us ... Will You Soar or Stagnate ...


"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore". – Andrea Gide

In just a few days, the New Year – 2014 – will be here. As one enters a new year, they enter with promise and hope for a year they soar in their career and life. New Year’s resolutions are set – and the dawn of New Year’s Day brings to most a new beginning.

So today you have three choices:

You can elect not to change – to just go on - So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future.

You can rely on others to change your life direction - In this world, if you rely on others, you become controlled. We see it in our society, in our government and in business.

You can choose to grow, change, pursue personal excellence and make a difference – a real difference – In other words, you choose to lead versus being led or staying in life & career situations that do not excite you, that you are not passionate about – and do not make you happy and fulfilled. If you make this choice, you are swearing that you will make 2014 – and beyond – your personal best.

So - Get out on the limb, take chances and excel. Soar with the eagles! 

My best for a happy, prosperous, safe, loving, purposeful, spiritual, passionate and powerful New Year (hope I covered it all).

And thank you for reading this. - Dan

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Time to Refresh and Reflect – and a special free gift for you and yours … help someone (or yourself) today!


“Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” – Ralph Marston

I would like to say thanks in a special way …

This is a time of the year to look back and give thanks. As 2013 draws to a close, I reflect on the past 25 years I have been in this business (it all started in 1988) and all the people I have met over the years. I am truly blessed, and I want to show this. In September, I published my 3rd book, Accept-Commit-Permit: Three Essential Steps to Achieving Happiness & Success in Career (and Life!)
which is on amazon.com. The book helps someone who is “stuck” in their career or life and needs help to push it forward, and get “unstuck” and focused. This may be you; it may be someone you know.

So I want to help. Until midnight on Christmas Eve, I invite you to have a copy of my book – and to give it as a gift to others – absolutely free. Yes – absolutely free- no catches at all. Give to as many people as you want, share this others as well. All I ask is your feedback at some point. I have made special arrangements with amazon.com to make this happen so just click the link – enjoy, and help others too. The book is in Kindle format – but you do not need a kindle to read it. Simply sign-up for Kindle’s Cloud Reader and you are all set!
_____________________________________________________________________
This week – no pithy comments, no “get out there and push-push” – but rather, a wish to you that you may rest and refresh over the next week as we celebrate the season, in whatever manner you celebrate. Taking pause to rest, refresh and recoup is absolutely essential. It renews the spirit; it renews your commitment to growing and prospering in you life and career.

I thought I would share a poem I discovered that’s puts the season in words that are meaningful. Please share and may you and yours have a safe, healthy and refreshing holiday.

And thank you for reading this – Dan

Christmas Time, by Robert Doe
Christmas Time is finally here,
It only comes but once a year.
And it’s a time to spread good cheer,
To those we love and hold so dear.

Christmas Time is a time of glee,
A time when peace and love run free.
A time for those like you and me,
To sit beneath the Christmas Tree.
Christmas Time is a time of joy,
A time to sit back and enjoy.
The smile on each girl and boy,
As they play with a Christmas Toy.
Christmas Time is a time to share,
The passing of another year.
Birth of Jesus, a joyful prayer,
To show loved ones how much we care.
Christmas Time is a time for song,
A time for us to get along.
To make us feel Lord Jesus strong,
Forgive all those who did us wrong.
Christmas Time is a time to pray,
Put love and kindness on display.
Show compassion along the way,
Christmas Time should be everyday
Source: Christmas Time, Christmas Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/christmas-time#ixzz2nq6W5m1A
Family Friend Poems
 
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

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Job Market Report - December 19, 2013 - Holiday Slumber ...



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

On The Brink of the Holidays, Job Market begins to Cool


It isn’t only the weather that has cooled, but the job market has as well nationally, regionally and statewide, fully expected this time of the year. “As holidays approach, job postings begin to dwindle as employers plan for extended periods of closure, especially this year with two Wednesday holidays, that affect business for two weeks. We have had a nice past few weeks buoyed by strong national hiring reports which has been very good”, stated Dan Moran, President and Founder of Next-Act, a career transition management firm in Colonie.

Job postings in the Capital Region were 1667 compared to 1857 the week prior. Other markets in NYS saw similar down results. The Capital Region still outpaced Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse for jobs in the market and the Capital Region is much smaller in population and employment than other NYS markets.

“ In addition, it is also important to remember that the number of job postings is a forward view of hiring; there will be a fair amount of hiring to occur through the balance of the year to meet the needs of postings that hit the market the past few weeks. In other words – if you are looking, don’t stop – gear it up even more”. 

National Job Market

Nationally the market is cooling as well in advance of the holiday. There were 493,400 job postings the past week, compared to 503,300 the week before. 

  
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
facebook    twitter
Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm

Sunday, December 15, 2013

NOW… Only 16 Days and counting …. Tick Tock, Tick Tock …



I never worry about action, but only inaction. - Winston Churchill

Last week I outlined the first of five steps you can work on now to set up 2014 as a great year.

It is now seven days later – and there are only 16 days left in this year before we are on to a new year, full of promise and opportunity – if you plan and act now!

Next week it will be holiday festivities – but maybe some time to focus on a very important person – YOU! I have included  Steps 5-10 to complete the list  of steps you can take now in the waning days of 2013 to set yourself  up for a strong 2014, ready to break out and achieve what you want to achieve in your career, and therefore life. If you are committed to making a change in your job or career – really committed – take it from thought to action. Talking about it gets you nowhere; taking action does.

Ready? Really Ready? Committed?

Five to Ten: The Final Five of 10-Steps to Set up 2014 to be a Great Career Year for You

Start Preparing Now!
What are you waiting for. The downtime of the holiday season is a great time to get a head start of your career and live goals for 2014. Start by making a list of career or life challenges you face, and outline actions to solve each challenge – then do it. As you eliminate a challenge, celebrate!

Get Organized
The killer of progress and productivity – organization. Rearrange your workspace, files, technology to be more productive and efficient. “Cleanse” the papers and archive (or trash!) what you haven’t touched in ages. When clutter is gone, your mind is clearer.

Plan your work day to be more efficient
Commit to practice better time management in 2014. Always running behind or being late is difficult to manage. Allow sufficient time for meetings and travel and don’t be like me who feels I can get anywhere in 10 minutes! Another key to mastering time – always have a To-Do list (or DO List) ready and in view.

Develop deeper workplace relationships
Build the relationships you have with others in work in small ways. Keeping a positive attitude when working with or communicating with others develops your personal brand. Acknowledging special occasions – a birthday, event, etc. – is another way to show you care. Maintaining excellent relationships with others boost morale, develops synergy and adds to the culture of your workplace so make a difference!

Don’t Say it – DO IT! Follow through on your actions
Taking control of your career and life will only occur if you follow through and develop a reputation as one who follows up, and does what you say. Personally visualize success and enjoy how it feels. Pursue your goals aggressively and resolve never to give up on them. Last, be the one who does what you say you will do – that is leadership.

There are the steps. First however the bigger questions that I posed last week as week. Is it a new job you need, or a new direction in your career. Have you asked yourself these questions?

… Am I utilizing my professional and personal skills and talents?
… Am I maximizing my earnings potential?
… Am I doing what I was born to do and truly passionate about?
… Am I happy and fulfilled in my life.
… Can I visualize doing the same thing one to five years from now?

If you answered no to two or more, it is time to assess your style, personal characteristics and interests and discover a career that highlights them – and do this before you send one  resume or make one contact – get your direction with clarity first.

Start now – make 2014 soar for you … and thank you, as always, 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!

Friday, December 13, 2013

Job Market Report 12 13 13 - Impressie Rebound!



Job Market Shakes Off Thanksgiving Slowdown – Last few days job postings way up – Especially in Capital Region 

Albany, NY,  December 11, 2013) –  On the heels of a very strong national jobs report with over 203,000 new jobs created in November, the regional and statewide market shook off the holiday slowdown associated with Thanksgiving and in the past week posted nice gains. “The past few days have been very telling. Postings in our region were just about 2,000,  way up from some low points the past week or so. We see the slowdown around holidays for a week or so, and we will see it again at the end of December. For now, the trend is very strong and appears like it will continue right through December and hopefully into the new year”, stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Moran added that the news that Senate and House negotiators are trying to put off a government shutdown in January should help as well. “Disruptions of this type slow the market down with uncertainty; let’s hope that can get the deal done”.

In the Capital Region, postings were 1860 vs. 1675  the week before. Tuesday job postings climbed to 2000 – very impressive. Other markets in NYS saw increases 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 but not as strongly with national job postings of 503,500 vs. 501,500 the week before. “ Many regions have been slowed”.  
  
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
facebook    twitter
Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm

Sunday, December 8, 2013

23 Days and counting …. Tick Tock, Tick Tock …



Enjoy the (for some) loooong Thanksgiving holiday? I sure hope so.

Want a dose of reality – as this blog posts there are only 23 days to the New Year. Yup – only 23 and it is history and on to a New Year …

… A year of promise, opportunity and moreif you act and plan NOW!

This past Tuesday I appeared on my twice-monthly (first and third Tuesdays of the month at 9:00) Talk 1300 with Paul Vandenburg. We always talk about an array of issues on the job market and other career issues. This week however, we spent time talking about 10- steps one can take now in the waning days of 2013 to set themselves up for a strong 2014, ready to break out and achieve what one wants to achieve in their career, and therefore life. I want to review the first five with you this week, and the next five next week.

If you are committed to making a change in your job or career – really committed – take it from thought to action. Talking about it gets you nowhere; taking action does.

Ready?

One to Five: 10-Steps to Set up 2014 to be a Great Career Year for You

Determine your options – Is it a new job you need, or a new direction in your career. Have you asked yourself these questions?

… Am I utilizing my professional and personal skills and talents?
… Am I maximizing my earnings potential?
… Am I doing what I was born to do and truly passionate about?
… Am I happy and fulfilled in my life.
… Can I visualize doing the same thing one to five years from now?

If you answered no to two or more, it is time to assess your style, personal characteristics and interests and discover a career that highlights them – and do this before you send one  resume or make one contact – get your direction with clarity first.

Tune Up – Build Up – Evaluate Your Skills

The key is to stand out among the applicant crop or other employees and investing time into developing your skills – relevant for your current job or desired career – is an excellent way to do this. It doesn’t have to mean attending night college classes; there are many, many online resources available to you. Check out www.TheeLearningCenter.com .

Know what is Expected – Meet with Your Boss – NOW

Would it surprise you to know that most employees do not know what their boss expects of them? According to a recent survey from Glassdoor, 6 in 10 (61%) employees reported that they’ve found aspects of a new job to be different than expectations – and as a result – feel they are not meeting their boss’s expectations. In this situation is danger – you think you are doing great; boss has another opinion. Nip this in the bud – schedule a meeting – one-on-one – with your boss and ask for clear expectations and feedback on performance. If you don’t know how you are being measured, you cannot manage yourself.

Set Goals for Your Career – Realistic Ones that is

This is critical. Without goals you have no road map. Identify what you want to achieve professionally in 2014 and write your goals down. Then, prioritize the goals from top to bottom in rank priority. Be sure each goal is attainable and measurable – this is important. Also, each goal should be very specific. A goal such as “Get a New Job” isn’t measurable or maybe attainable. Rather “Get a new job by 3/31/2014 in the field of XXX that I am passionate  about” – that is a measurable, attainable and specific goal.

The Most Important (in my mind) – Build a Plan
You woke up this morning with a plan – it was maybe coffee, shower etc. – it was a plan and plans rule your life and keep you on track. The same goes for planning to achieve – you need a plan to make it happen and the plan must be thought out, specific, and measurable. Establish deadlines and hold yourself accountable for them. Be sure your plan is realistic and can be executed.

Okay – Ready – Get in Gear ! Back to you next week with the next 5-Steps!

Start now – make 2014 soar for you … and thank you, as always, 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!