Thursday, February 27, 2014

Job Market Report 2 26 14 - A rebound starts?

For Immediate Release
For Information: Dan Moran 518641-8968

Job Market Rebounds – Signs  of Spring? 

(Albany, NY, February 26, 2014) Is there signs of Spring – might be says Dan Moran who tracks the job market regionally, statewide and nationally. Job postings in our market were strong this past week, and the same is true for other NYS markets. “ We have seen a good jump in job postings this past seven days across all the sectors I track. In our Region, postings were up and in other NYS markets, the same. The spring months – March through June are critical and strong job numbers set the stage of 2014. The indicators are pointing to a strong spring and the financial markets are supporting this”,   stated Dan Moran, President and Founder of Next–Act, a career transition management firm in Colonie. 

“In addition, a recent survey by the Siena Research Institute indicates strong optimism on the part of regional CEO’s as we enter into the spring months – and that is very important. Optimism develops jobs and that is what every region needs”, continued Moran. “ When Spring hits, the region will respond – sharply!”. 


Job postings in the Capital Region were 1903 compared to  1814 a week ago which is a good indicator. Other markets in NYS posted similar results – an increase from the week prior. 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 was up as well but very slightly. Postings were 574,000 compared to 566,275 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 Centernext-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievementnext-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Sometimes You Make the Wrong Decision ...

" It doesn't matter which side of the fence you get off on sometimes. What matters most is getting off. You cannot make progress without making decisions". - Jim Rohn


(Editors Note: Short blog this week – traveling).

There are times in life - and especially during your career - when you make a decision, and it was the wrong decision to make. Perhaps picking the wrong job - or the wrong career. Perhaps a financial decision, a relationship decision.

As more people feel more confident about the job market and themselves, that are actively evaluating new opportunities - and that is good for sure!

At the same time, they often experience angst - the angst of perhaps making the wrong decision, taking the wrong job or going down the wrong path in their carer. Sometimes people can shake off this inability to make a decisions; sometimes it paralyzes them. I hear this in my practice all the time: "… Dan – what if I make a mistake and choose the wrong job?” Does it happen – yes. Can it be corrected – yes.

It is important to know – and accept – that you can't be right 100% of the time (even though at times we think we just can't be wrong). An old business associate once told me that it was his goal, as they were lowering in him the ground when he passes, to have been right 51% of the time: more often right than wrong. That is something to think about. Most any wrong decision can be corrected. It just takes the courage to admit - I was wrong. That is the hardest part - just accepting that. If you know you made the wrong decision - or find yourself in a job situation that just isn't right - correct it - fast. Talk to your manager. Talk to your spouse or significant other and get their input and support. And then act - swiftly -- so you can be free of the angst and move on. People understand that other make mistakes – it is not career ending.

You are not obligated to work for anyone – if fact you are empowered to work where you want to as our state is an employment-at-will state. Works the other way too – an employer can let someone go at any time and for any reason or no reason. If you have made a critical job choice or career mistake, take action to correct it by looking for a new job, validate your career choice and get professional help if you find your self stuck.

There are no guarantees in making a decision, no matter how hard you try to eliminate all risks. After all, if it was a certainty, it would not be called a decision.


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 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, February 20, 2014

Job Market Report 2/19/14 - A bit off ...

For Immediate Release
For Information: Dan Moran 518641-8968

Job Market Down Very Slightly Last Seven Days as Winter Holiday Break Begins


(Albany, NY, February 19, 2014) The job market in the region, state and nationally dropped very slightly as the President’s Day holiday and winter breaks started in many areas which always has an impact on the market.

 “ When you have one fewer day of work and therefore job activity we always see a light lower result in the number of new jobs in the market. However, the market isn’t showing the wide swings of results – one week way up and the next week a sudden drop in the number of job postings. This is good news because it signals consistency . The bad news side – the number of jobs in all sectors of the country are still far below than before the recession. Nationally the market is still off 45-50% from pre-recession. In our Region, the market is off 25-30%. However, to the job seeker – don’t get caught up in the numbers as there are excellent jobs in the market and employers are concerned that they cant find skilled workers to meet their needs and than spells opportunity!”,  stated Dan Moran, President and Founder of Next–Act, a career transition management firm in Colonie. 


Job postings in the Capital Region were 1814, down slightly from  1864 the week prior. Other markets in NYS posted mixed 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 was down very slightly from the week before. Postings were 566,275,  down from  up from 581,500 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 Centernext-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievementnext-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm


Sunday, February 16, 2014

How to be a “Person to Watch” …


Capital Region Living Magazine (www.crlmag.com) , in it’s upcoming issue, will recognize three local individuals with the distinction – People to Watch. This is an honor to be recognized as a rising and influential star in the community and I congratulate the three that have been honored:

  • ·        Aliki Serras, Owner, Reel Seafood Company
  • ·      Kathy Sheehan, Mayor of Albany
  • ·      Annemarie Mitchell,  President, Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association, CEO of Legacy Timber Frames


What is common among those destined to grow and prosper – to be a person to watch?

I was asked that question the other day. The easy answers would be money, luck or other on-the-surface assessment.

But that is not the case. From my experience, high-achievers have discovered the secrets in how they drive themselves and relate to others. The common characteristics:

They define their own destiny
They do not wait for others to define their destiny; they do it on their own. They have a plan – a plan for life – and they work it each and everyday. As they grow and morph, they change the plan  - they are open to change.

They are resilient
When they fall down, they jump right back up, dust off their boots, and off they go, learning from the experience. They don’t wallow in the “oh gosh look what happened to me” – they move forward. They don’t live in past history – they can’t change history so why let it hold them back (and we know that happens to many people!).

They are focused
Focused each and every day. Focused on the positives and the opportunities. Proactive in solving challenges. Focus brings clarity and with clarity one can truly pursue their dreams and goals. Lack of clarity is like jogging in a cloud – you moving but you don’t know where. 

They are giving to others
They give back – to people or the community in one way or another. They see how they can help, and rather than say they are going to do something to help, they do it. Giving back defines one’s brand of caring and contributing, and this is very valuable.

They strive to achieve
Achievement can be defined in many ways. It may be in business, with family, in the community or in an area of interest. Whatever, achievement is paramount in a winners mind – they strive for it always.  Their achievements can be big; they can be small. In their mind, when they achieve, they move forward.

They connect
Connections are powerful.  Winners connect whenever possible; they value their connections and protect them in a manner.  Networking yields connections and winners network always building meaningful relationships that are mutually beneficial.

They have passion – in my opinion the most defining characteristic.
Achievers have passion for what they do or they would not do it. Their passion fuels their success. One must have passion for the work they do in order to be happy and fulfilled. Devoid of passion work becomes a money chase – and that becomes wearing over time.

It is so alarming to hear of the number of people engaged in work in some way who do not have passion for what they do. They become disengaged, discontented and disenfranchised. And – they are not happy and that affects all parts of their life.  I see many of these people in my practice. But what is encouraging? They know it – and they are committed to doing something to change their situation and discover their ideal path in career.

Unsure if you are really passionate about something you do or want to do? 10-questions to help you.

Determining if what you think you are passionate about is really so is very important. One can have a false lead without validating their passion.  From Richard Chang’s book Passion Plan  (http://www.amazon.com/The-Passion-Plan-Richard-Chang/dp/0787955981/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392332525&sr=8-1&keywords=passion+plan) comes ten questions that can help determine this for you. Simply answer each question with a simple Yes or No. The more questions you answer with a yes – the stronger the passion is to you. But you must be truthful and honest with yourself! Have fun:

1. Do you lose track of time when engaged in the activity?
2. Do you perform beyond your normal capabilities when engaged in it?
3. Is your energy level higher when engaged in it?
4. Do you get excited in anticipation of engaging in it?
5. Do you dream about the activity?
6. Is your enthusiasm for it consistent over time?
7. Do you feel more confident or empowered while engaged in it?
8. Do others notice you based on your involvement/performance in it?
9. Do others rally around you or want to be involved with you in the activity?
10. Do you feel energized after engaging in it?


Be the person to watch. Define your future – discover your passion. And thank you for reading this. - Dan


Thursday, February 13, 2014

Job Market Report 2 12 14 - Flat....

For Immediate Release
For Information: Dan Moran 518641-8968

Job Market Flat Past  Seven Days


(Albany, NY, February 12, 2014) The job market in the region, state and nationally was basically flat the past seven days, consistent with national reports. “ After some strong positive signs the last few weeks, the job market went flat this past week, consistent with the national reports on lower job growth which is indeed concerning. Employers have slowed posting new positions and this is usually the direct impact of market uncertainty. The January hiring report released last Friday was, at best, anemic for sure; this may be weighing heavily on the employer market and therefore new job postings”,   stated Dan Moran, President and Founder of Next–Act, a career transition management firm in Colonie. 

“As I stated previously, if there is continued turmoil in the financial markets, we will need to watch this carefully as market turmoil usually results in a slowdown in hiring which we have seen this past week for sure. On top of this, employers continue to be very concerned about the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and there is so much uncertainty over the impact; this is clearly affecting hiring and our local surveys show this as well”.  


Job postings in the Capital Region were 1863, up  from 1850 the week prior but not at all a trend.  Other markets in NYS posted mixed 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 was flat up very slightly from the week before. Postings were 581,500 , down from  up from 599,000 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 Centernext-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievementnext-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm


Sunday, February 9, 2014

Are you one of the 88 percent? …

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't.” - — Steve Maraboli


Working longer?

Working harder?

Working with less support?

Working with less resources?

You are one of the 88% of workers whose job responsibilities have changed as compared to three years ago. USA TODAY, in a survey (CEB Succession Management Survey of 23,000 senior leaders/managers), found that 88% of respondents reported that their job responsibilities have increased. 88% is very high, but not surprising. During the recession, many were asked to do more with less and often requiring:

More hours at work …
Less hours at home …
More duties and responsibilities …
And often – no more pay!

BTW, only 7% reported no change in their responsibilities or workload – the lucky 7%!

This is the way work is developing post-recession. People are asked to do more with less and no compensation appropriate to the increased responsibilities. And it won’t change anytime soon as companies are hiring only when absolutely necessary and will work their staff harder to stretch their payroll dollars. Is it wrong?  That is open to discussion. In my opinion, there is a limit – and we are at the brink of that limit. The limit is when personal lives are affected – families, community and health. They are the “biggies”: and when affected, one needs to ask – is it worth it? 

My suggestions …

If you are in this boat  dont work from a point of fear:
  • Talk to your boss  explain the situation you find yourself in, and ask for ideas to reduce the situation.
  • Look to streamline the work you do – if acceptable to the company.
  • Move on – yup, the big one. If worked like a dog, take your bone elsewhere. Pounding one to work, work, work is disrespectful. And as I have always said, if you are disrespected, move on – and fast!
You are in control …

And you cannot be controlled. You are the master of your universe. Remember that! You have the right and privilege rot say – enough already!

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 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: