Thursday, January 30, 2014

Job Market report 1 30 14 - A bit soft -

For Immediate Release
For Information: Dan Moran 518641-8968

Job Market Settles back a bit after huge surge


(Albany, NY, January 29, 2014) The job market in the region, state and nationally cooled a bit this past seven days after quite an impressive increase the past few weeks. “ The market performs in this manner. We see strong surges for a few weeks, and a week of cooling which we have seen this past week. Not unusual at all, and on the heels of some promising job market reports nationally”, stated Dan Moran, President and Founder of Next–Act, a career transition management firm in Colonie. 

Job postings in the Capital Region were 1775, down from 2100 the week prior. Other markets in NYS saw similar 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.

Market concerns are rising
 Employers are very concerned over rising health insurance costs and the effect of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), minimum wage increases and as a result may hold back on hiring and that is very concerning. “ I am hoping we are seeing a pause in the market this week and not a longer term issue where employers are, as forecasted, concerned over rising employment costs. National surveys are indicating that employers are planning actions to control costs and some actions may include delaying hiring, cutting hours to under 30 hours per week and reducing other benefits. 


National Job Market

Nationally the market slowed quite a bit – more than normal and expected. Postings were 593,000 vs. 673,000 the week before, quite a drop. 
  
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 Centernext-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievementnext-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Your Affair is Over – The Zing is lost …

Never underestimate the power of passion  – Eve Sawyer

It is so common to reach that point. The point when the zing is gone, when the excitement and drive is lost. When it just isn’t fun.

No, I am not talking about your relationship with someone special. I am talking about the relationship between you - -and the company you work for. Yes, we do fall out of love with a company, and not necessarily our job.

Over the past few months, I have heard from clients and those I have met that they now know the zing is gone in their career or job. They know they need a change.

But here is what is different.

Unlike the past several years as the recession started – maybe ended – and recovery took hold, people were held back by fear.

They do not appear to be held back any longer. Confidence is returning. People are making positive change.

What causes people to lose their zing?

  • Changing culture of the company – A huge cause for so many. The company is acquired. Management may change. The spirit just changes and the culture that drew you to the company is gone or radically changed.
  • A new set of characters to work with – Some of your most special and deep relationships are formed on the job, and sometimes, those folks just leave for new and better things. You are left, without the connection that kept you there or motivated you
  • Lost connection with leadership – The boss you thought was the best ever all of a sudden is gone, reassigned or given a new role, that doesn’t include you. You find yourself reporting to a new boss who you do not respect. Disconnect with leadership is  the major reasons people move on from a company.
  • And the big one --- you just don’t believe anymore – You lose the passion for what you do with an organization, and you question your purpose. You learn finally that work is not just about money. It is about passion, doing good, giving back and growing. Money is far down the list (and to some reading this I can hear your mind churning Man, Moran is nuts and you will come to that realization.

So what do you do if I am describing you?

Give yourself permission to move on. Giving yourself permission is a defining moment in your life and career. It is the point when you accept that the relationship has ended and it is time for a new beginning. This is the one step – the most important step – that will release you to experience new options and possibilities. You just have to accept that it is okay to do so.


You will form new relationships. You will connect. You will find the passion again. And thank you for reading this. - Dan

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Are You Working – Or Achieving Career Leadership?


It has been an interesting few weeks …

After the “slumber” of the holidays, the “world” has appeared to wake up! Many business owners I have talked to are amazed at the significant uptick in business they have seen in the past two weeks. And I join that crowd. It is always active in January in my business as people wake up after their slumber and begin to take action in relation to their job or career.

But this year has been different. Active would not be the right word – “open the flood gates” is a better description.

Why? People are more confident. The economy continues to improve and the job market is stronger here in our region, statewide and nationally. I know there are many who would disagree – but the numbers are the numbers – it is much better, but not where we need the job market to be. We still have lingering unemployment issues – long-term unemployment, a mismatch of skills available and the employer’s needs, etc. Last month’s national job report is a shining example.

Nevertheless, the signs are there that if one is disenchanted with their career path, not engaged in their work or not liking their job, now is the time to begin making changes.

Given what is happening, I thought it timely to discuss the difference between those who just work for a paycheck, and those achieving leadership in their career. I think this is very important as I see over and over again people who were fed up with one job, jumped to another and found they were still not engaged, passionate or achieving. In short, they haven’t achieved their “fit”.

Over the years, I have conducted my own informal survey of those truly successful in their career to determine the common factors. I write about this in my book, and would once again like to review with you. I call the factors the Four – P’s


Understanding the Four P’s of Career Success
The big question – what does one look for where they will find success? It isn’t just pay, or skills or experiences that count. To be truly successful, you must connect. I have learned over the years the Four-P’s that define success in a job or career. When you find your Four- P fit, you will find success.  Those truly deem successful in their mind are:

  • They are Positive – If you are positive about what you do, you will enjoy it and you will excel. If not in a positive role or workplace, you won’t connect. You won’t be happy, and it will show to others, and your performance will reflect this too.

  • They have Purpose – Successful workers go to work everyday because they serve a purpose, and that may be to their family, to the community, environment or some other cause. They identify with it, and this drives success.

  • They see Potential – Rather than seeing obstacles to hold them back, they see potential in what they are doing, and they strive toward it – always and everyday. They don’t let small stuff get in the way – they work around it. They find a reason to do, rather than not do something or pursue an opportunity.

  • Above all, they have Passion – You may have heard the quote by Dale Carnegie:

"You never achieve success unless you like what you are doing".

It is so true. Those truly successful in their career and in their life have passion for what they do. They have a burning desire to achieve, to grow or to contribute. They are not working for pay or a pension; they are working because they love what they do. That defines the difference between many: Some work for just pay – others work for their cause.

If you are in the midst of a job or career change voluntarily, or have lost your job due to layoff, closure or some other reason, reflect on what is your best connection (your Four-P fit), commit to finding the career and job that will allow you to achieve these factors.

If you do, you will as Confucius states: Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”.

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 26 years providing career & corporate management services in
2014!
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-641-8968  

Author: Accept-Commit-Permit: Three Essential Steps to Achieving Happiness &
Success in Career (and Life!) ... Exclusively at Amazon.com:

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Job Market Report 1 15 14 - MUCH BETTER!!!!


For Immediate Release
For Information: Dan Moran 518641-8968

Job Market Roars Back After Holidays .. Job Postings Surge


(Albany, NY) As expected for this time of the year, job postings surged ahead this past seven days, recouping the losses of the holiday period and demonstrating strong strength in the job market at levels even unseen in previous years. 

“Postings in the state, our region and nationwide surged ahead this past seven days – an indictor of continued strong demand. This is excellent news for those seeking jobs. Also, this is on the heels of a very disappointing and somewhat confusing national job market report last week that added to the question – is the job market better? Questionable in other markets – but in out Region we are rocking", stated Dan Moran, President and Founder of Next–Act, a career transition management firm in Colonie. “ We need to look local – we are strong – other markets may be weaker"

Can’t Find Qualified Applicants – Yes?
Moran added, “While we see job market activity very good, I am hearing from a surprising number of employers who tell me they cannot not find qualified talent to fill their needs. This is extremely concerning as there appears to be a disconnect between the skills job seekers are marketing and the needs of hiring employers. The inability to find talent to meet job requirements indicates what many in my field have been forecasting – a labor shortage to meet hiring needs that could have a detrimental impact on the market. I am planning to survey this further to identify specific issues”.


Job postings in the Capital Region were 2035, up significantly from the week prior. Other markets in NYS saw similar increased and strong 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.

National Job Market

Nationally the market showed significant improvement as well. Postings were up over 100,000 in one week, climbing to 674,000 from  460,000 the week before which is a significant gain. 

  
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, January 12, 2014

Age is only your state of mind...

“ Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.”– Mark Twain

This past Monday, January 6th, I turned 60 years old. Some say well that's the big one – the Big 6- oooo.

To me it wasn’t much -- just another passing of a day. But it made me think about the number of times in my practice I’m often asked by a client …

Do you think I’m too old to find a new job? 

It is a concern for sure, especially many of those in their 50s early 60s or even late 40s. We have been conditioned to believe when you reach the grand old 40s, 50s, 60s or even 70s, your are washed up and of no value.

The truth is 100% the opposite. In fact, companies are courting those more seasoned and tenured employees because, frankly, they are tired of hiring younger employees who don’t have a sense of loyalty and commitment. I can understand why they don’t have that loyalty or commitment; it’s been a rough recession and they have going through quite a few changes. As well, many in their 40s 50s 60s 70s felt the same exact thing. As a result, when an opportunity opens for a new job, new locale or ability to develop new skills, many younger professionals bolt; older more seasoned staff may elect to stay.

Companies like CVS Caremark make it a practice to hire older workers (reverse discrimination?) and in fact, 25% of their workforce is over 65 years old. The same goes for Home Depot, The Container Store and while not a surprise to me, many smaller, established companies – and that is what our regional job market is made up of.

Then why do some older job applicants have a difficult time finding a job?

The experts seek to agree:

• Unrealistic Salary Expectations

• Dated Industry Experience (or industry experience that has gone away)

• Not having up-to-date technology skills – and showing it

Many industries shrunk or went away during the recession and trying to find a job in a dying industry – difficult if not impossible. As well, if someone was with a company for 20 years, gets laid off and expects the same starting salary somewhere else – likely not going to happen.

The last is the “biggie” in my opinion. I met so many seasoned workers who haven’t embraced new technology, social media, etc. The simple things like not having a LinkedIn profile, or not including an email address on a resume (yes – true). Technology rules the working world – so one must be on top and be sharp or suffer.

Is there job discrimination in hiring?

I would be Pollyanna if I were to say it does not exist. The fact is yes - age discrimination does exist and it is terrible when it occurs to someone. .

However my question I ask is this “” if you were working for a company that you felt didn’t want a more seasoned and tenured person in the company, is that such a big issue? I’ve been in situation working in a company with a number of 20 and 30 year olds when I was in my mid 40s as a consultant. I used to catch a lot of heat because of my age. I just elected to let it go and fit in – it wasn’t malice and I knew it going in.

If you interview in a company and you notice that you are probably the most senior person - even older than the ownership - you will likely not fit the culture or engage with the staff, so why subject yourself to it?  Rather find a company or role where you would fit in best and where you would feel culturally aligned.

Please put the “excuse” of your age out of your mind if you are having a tough time finding a job You can do whatever you want to do it any point in time in your career - you just need to set your mind to it. No one can hold you back - absolutely no one. It is easy to say you didn’t get a job you applied to because your age but likely it was not that at all. In fact, it’s probably some other fact that you didn’t really realize until now.

Age occurs – can’t do much or really anything about it. I have a wood carving on my wall, which says, “It's never too late to be what you could have been”. Remember those words. After all age is a state of mind and you have a choice on dealing with it - at least in my opinion.

Thank you, as always, for reading this.-Dan

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Job Market report January 9 2014 - coming back after holidays!

For Immediate Release
For Information: Dan Moran 518641-8968

Job Postings Rebound Sharply After Holiday Weeks – Sign of Confidence and Strength 


(Albany, NY) Jobs in the Capital Region rebounded sharply the past week as business returned to normal after the two-week holiday break. On a day by day basis, job opportunities rebounded very well starting right after New Year’s Day climbing by close to 40% over the past few days. "What that shows in not a slowdown but rather , a break caused by the holiday period. Employers seem bullish and confident; that is good news as we head into a very active hiring period”, stated Dan Moran, President and Founder of Next–Act, a career transition management firm in Colonie  “If history proves right, this will continue and by the second or third week of January the market will be at pre-holiday levels – and stay there or grow more”.


Job postings in the Capital Region were 1390 compared to 985  the week prior, a very strong rebound .Other markets in NYS saw similar improved results but not at a level as we saw in the Capital Region. 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.

National Job Market

Nationally the market has improved off the holiday weeks as well. .  There were 479,000 postings this past week on average daily basis compared to 307,500 the prior week.  “ Again – a stronger rebound”. 

  
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, January 5, 2014

Career & Life 2.0: 7-Habits to kick-off ’14 on a surge …

You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically, to say “no” to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger “yes” burning inside. The enemy of the “best” is often the “good.” - Stephen Covey, Author, 7-Habits of Highly Successful People

It is a new year full of promise and opportunity. Perhaps a year of change for you or someone close to you, or the time when you make that real breakthrough in your life or career.

Knowing where to start your path to growth is often difficult, so I thought I would bring the thoughts of Dr. Stephen Covey’s 7-Habits of Highly Effective People to mind. This is the 25th anniversary of the publication of the book and over 25 million copies in 40 languages have been put into practice. In fact, you are invited to attend a special program by Franklin-Covey’s Cris Lang on February 12th at the Century House in Latham presented by the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Capital Region Living. (See registration details below.)

I caught up with Cris to talk about how one can apply the 7-Habits on their quest to be happier, healthier and wiser beginning in 2014.

As we enter a new year, how would you recommend that one apply 7-Habits to achieve their 2014 goals?

I recommend that they read and re-read the book. Study the 7-Habits and discuss with others.  As one learns, they internalize their learning and act upon it. Start slow and understand that this is not a quick-fix, rather a lifelong practice. Also, just focus on one habit at a time; don’t try to do all right away. Determine what is the one thing you can change to be more effective and choose the habit that will allow you to achieve it.  

Is there one habit that you feel is the breakthrough for someone who is determined and focused to grow and succeed?

All the habits are extremely important. In my mind, Habit #1: Be Proactive, is critical and a great place to start. When one is proactive, they take responsibility for their self, their needs, feelings and actions. Proactive people are more resourceful, accountable and they do not blame others. They focus only on what they can control.

Peter Drucker once stated, “If you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it.”  How would you recommend one measure their short and long-term progress?

Simply, they need to have goals that are measurable. Without goals you cannot measure progress. Write your goals down and keep in view.  Be very specific with dates to achieve. Establish priorities aligned to goals in a weekly task list and check them off when done. Review progress on a weekly basis and remember, consistently is critical. Three key tips:  1. Do 20 minutes of weekly planning focused on goals at home and work.  2. Do daily planning – 10 minutes in morning – have a meeting with yourself and identify the 3-4 most important goals 3. Get someone at work and one at home to be accountable to.

How can one who is stuck find a way to move forward?

Focus on Habit #2: Begin with the end in mind. Have a laser-focused vision of where you are going.  Focus on this and your mind will be less stuck in the old you. 
 
Last words of wisdom?

 Sure – attend the overview on February 12! Really, take dedicated time to define what you want 2014 to be. Try this: Define the amazing contribution you want to make in 2014 as a mother, father, friend, boss, worker, coach – and write it down – now. Make it clear and exciting. Then commit to one activity – yes, just one – that you will make each week to make your vision a reality.  Always break your goals into bite-sized pieces and always continue moving forward. Keep it simple and savor the breakthroughs.  

A quick review of the 7-Habits:
 
Habit 1: Be proactive
Take initiative in life by realizing that your decisions (and how they align with life's principles) are the primary determining factor for effectiveness in your life. Take responsibility for your choices and the consequences that follow.

Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind
Self-discover and clarify your deeply important character values and life goals. Envision the ideal characteristics for each of your various roles and relationships in life.

Habit 3: Put first things first
A manager must manage his own person. Personally. And managers should implement activities that aim to reach the second habit. Covey says that rule two is the mental creation; rule three is the physical creation.

Habit 4: Think win-win
Genuinely strive for mutually beneficial solutions or agreements in your relationships. Value and respect people by understanding a "win" for all is ultimately a better long-term resolution than if only one person in the situation had gotten his way.

Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood
Use empathic listening to be genuinely influenced by a person, which compels them to reciprocate the listening and take an open mind to being influenced by you. This creates an atmosphere of caring and positive problem solving.

Habit 6: Synergize
Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals no one person could have done alone.

Habit 7: Sharpen the saw
Balance and renew your resources, energy and health to create a sustainable, long-term, effective lifestyle. It primarily emphasizes exercise for physical renewal, prayer (meditation, yoga, etc.) and good reading for mental renewal. It also mentions service to society for spiritual renewal.

2014 can be your year to achieve and grow. Start Now! 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Signature Program, Wednesday February 12. 7:30am – 11am. The Century House, Latham. $75 Members; $95 Future Members & Walk-ins Online Registration:  www.renscochamber.com or 274.7020. 
See you there!

Dan Moran is president & founder of Next-Act, a career management & transition firm located in Colonie.  You can reach him at 641.8968 or dmoran@next-act.com">dmoran@next-act.com
or visit www.next-act.comhttp://www.next-act.com">www.next-act.com>.



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:

Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm

Manage Performance & Achievement:

Accept ... Commit ... Permit ... Then Achieve!