Everyone is important - and deserves respect ...

A short but I feel very important blog on respect. Traveling to get a bit of sun …
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“ Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel important.'”  Mary Kay Ash (1918–2001)

Who someone is or what they do for a living is not a consideration when it comes to respect. We see often that communication to another is "class" driven and this is dead wrong. I see it in the workplace, in my business and just observing interactions with others in a building or on the street. I hear about people being disrespectful when interviewing for a job (yup – you can’t make this up) from my friends in human resources and hear the stories in my office. 

We seem to have lost the value of respect for others. It may be the result of the hectic lifestyles everyone seems to lead. Whatever – respect of others is falling. It is not saying thank you – or simply completing a phone call with  good-bye or not acknowledging a person who holds a door for you or helps in some very small way. It’s being curt with those who serve you, or not being appreciative of the job someone does, not matter how menial in your own mind. 

If we all treated everyone - from the CEO to the person working in the ditch or serving you in some way - as the most important person in the world when you connect with them with words, a smile or whatever - what a better world we would be in. Respect will once again blossom having been often lost given technology and culture. People will feel valued, and when valued, they feel successful. I know you will see more smiles too.

Start today - go out of your way to say thank you to another and acknowledge every person you encounter in some way.

And as I have said over and over, never, never be disrespected – in work, life or any situation.
A smile and thank you will melt the toughest of hearts ...

And thank you for reading. Catch you next week. - Dan

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

   

dmoran@next-act.com

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

Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm

Can you really get a job when you don’t have all the skills

Your philosophy determines whether you will go for the disciplines or continue the errors. - Jim Rohn

 It takes attitude – and then some, but yes you can!

 Many think that employers hire only the most qualified person that meets every one of the qualifications they post in a job posting.

 Not true in many cases and yes, true in many as well. I see over and over again employers making the  decision to hire a person who may not have all the required skills because they see something else – attitude and other factors – that offset the lack of qualifications. It is the theory of “Hire for Fit – Train for Skills”.  Fit to the job and to the culture of the company will define success much more than just having all the skills.
 The results of a recent survey from Forbes Magazine on the Top Five Personality Traits that Employers Hire Most (http://www.forbes.com/sites/meghancasserly/2012/10/04/top-five-personality-traits-employers-hire-most/) built a strong case for hiring for fit over skills as the workplace changes.

 What Employers Seek in Job Applicants


I have seen this emerging trend for a number of years and the Forbes research confirms this. Employers are looking for potential employees in a changing economy and their needs are different. In the Forbes research and article 88% are looking for fit to the culture & personality of an organization vs. just skills. This changes the whole way people communicate in job interviews, write a resume or make networking contacts.
 The top five personality & cultural traits they are looking for are:

•  · Professionalism (86%)

• · High-energy (78%)

• · Confidence (61%)

• · Self-monitoring (or self-starter) (58%)

• Intellectual curiosity (willingness to learn) (57%)

 From the moment you  arrive for an interview and speak your first word or make eye contact , you should focus on demonstrating these  traits. Job applicants should  demonstrate in their  resume not only what they have done in a job but what they accomplished and did so by taking initiative, and this goes for any type of job. One can overcome perhaps a lack of skills by showing that they will fit into the company and the job, are willing and excited to learn it and be confident – this is how someone can get  jobs where they  might not have all the qualifications.


 Your attitude and the way you carry and present yourself can “win” you a job.

 Just give yourself permission to win – and you will!

 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

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

Job Market Report 2 21 12

 Holding steady - and that is good!

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For Immediate release

February 20, 2013

Job Postings Flat Even in a Holiday Week – Indication of Strength

(Albany, NY,  February 20, 2013) –  While Job postings in our region were flat the past seven days consistent with the prior seven-day period, there is strength in the number. “With a national holiday this week and many people on vacation, job postings typically fall quite a bit but this year job postings did not drop significantly during the holiday week. Monday was weak but postings quickly rebounded and improved at daily rates higher that we have seen for awhile. Postings this past week were on average 1,755 compared to 1,766 the week before” stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

Other markets in NYS saw similar results. The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

National Job Scene

Job postings increased slightly nationally. As of 2/20/2013  there were 579,132  job postings this past seven days, up from  556,667 the week prior, a very small change.

You may only get a glimpse ..

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.  -  Eleanor Roosevelt

 … or a feeling and maybe a hunch.

 What is it – your future and your destiny.

 Many people experience a “moment” – a time when they see or feel that they are in their future and in the role they were destined for. But sadly – most do not act on it – it just goes away, buried by the present day tasks and responsibilities. This happens so often in career  and life  matters. I had the experience to meet someone who will remain nameless who experienced such a glimpse – and acted on it – thanks to another.

 Let’s just call this person Pat. Pat was a public health nurse and she admits, “I became crusty”. She didn’t like her job and had been at it for 27 years, but it was a paycheck. She had gone through some defining moments in her  life and  found herself with some flexibility and most of all, a burning desire to make a change. It happened one night while visiting a beautiful Inn on the Finger Lakes of New York. She got a glimpse – a fleeting moment when she saw herself working at this inn as the innkeeper. She could not sleep – she didn’t want to waste a moment at the inn.

 But the next day came and oh well, on to life. That is when someone close to her – her dear friend who was with her – stepped in and pushed her or else she would have let it go. He friend encouraged her to talk to the current innkeeper and express her interest. She did but not without trepidation. She got her thoughts together and talked to this person who encouraged her to talk to the General Manager that day. Remember – this is all in the span of maybe 12 hours.

 She met with the Assistant and then the General Manager and felt great. There seemed to be interest and she just loved the inn and the staff. She returned home and to her work, and heard nothing and was discouraged.

But her friend again intervened, “You need to call so and so today and do it now”. She did but felt she was “stalking”. Still – nothing materialized and her friend again said. “Don’t let this go – call her again”. And she did – and this time it worked. She is now the innkeeper of this beautiful place. Oh by the way, when she called the third time the current innkeeper informed her that she was leaving. Opportunity struck!

 She got a glimpse of her future – she didn’t let it go!


This is a story of not only the experience of seeing one’s future, but acting on it in a methodical way. This is where many fall down and don’t achieve their dreams. They see it – experience it – and then let it go. They fail to take action, to commit to changing their life or career, and they toil unfulfilled.

So what do you do when you tine see it, feel it, experience it?

•  First, write it down – immediately. That is a step toward commitment and it talks a glimpse or fleeting thought from the mind and commits it to paper.

•  Keep it in front of you – always. Not buried in some notebook, on your phone or on your computer, but on a piece of paper you cannot escape from seeing.

• Take one action toward this dream. I t might be an email, a phone call or other action to move a bit closer – and then do the same everyday or every week so you stay on it. In the case I wrote about, the entire span of time from the glimpse to getting the job of her dreams was a few months (it does not always happen overnight – darn it!).

•  Never, never take no for an answer. If someone feels you are crazy for pursing this dream, don’t listen to them. If someone tries to hold you back, get away from them and leave them in your dust.  Naysayers have no place in our lives – they just try to hold one back.

•  And when you  turn your glimpse into your future to reality, CELEBRATE – celebrate hard! You deserve it.

 Remember, if you can visualize it you can be it – not matter what others try to tell you.  Get focused. Achieve. Life. And of course, dream!

 And thank you for reading this. – Dan

 Like me on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/bcw35sw
Join me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CareerDanMoran

Job Market Report 2 13 13

Still bright!
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For Immediate release

February 13, 2013

Job Postings Flat after increase last week ---

(Albany, NY,  February 13, 2013) –  Job postings in our region were flat the past seven days after a run up the past few weeks,  signaling consistency in the job market. “ If we see the market go way up and down, that is not consistency and concerning. We are seeing steady trends and for the most part up – and that is good”, stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

“In addition, we are still tracking and trending higher than 2012, another good sign. The market still has a way to go to meet pre-recession levels and as well, 2010 levels which were very good.

Advice for Job Seekers

“Many considering entering the job market have been on the fence, waiting for a sign that the time is now. Well - the signs are there. Employers held off on hiring the last quarter of 2012 but are planning to hire very strongly in the 1^st quarter as early survey results are reporting. In addition, if one has been searching without luck, it might be time to change up how they are looking by:

·         Sprucing up and taking a new approach with one’s resume – add some “sell” to it to clearly communicate your skills and abilities.

·         Use social media to expand networking – tools like LinkedIn and Facebook can be very valuable to expand your network and hear about opportunities before everyone else does.

·         Spruce up your attitude – attitude sells you or not. If you have a positive attitude and outlook, you stand a much better chance of being considered and hired. Check your “attitude baggage” at the door – and never show it.

Other markets in NYS saw similar results. The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

National Job Scene

Job postings were flat nationally. As of 2/13/2013  there were 546667  job postings this past seven days, from  555,930 the week prior, a very small change.

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.

Dan Moran

President & Founder

Next-Act.com

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

dmoran@next-act.com

Experienced a defining moment – Time to move on?

‘Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit”. - - Conrad Hilton

 Last week’s blog about defining moments in life and career sparked a few phone calls and emails to me. In the blog, I stressed that when you see or experience a defining moment in your job, career or life don’t shun it – take it as a sign and make change.

 This sparked the question for many: Sure, but how do I know it is time to move on from my job or career?

 Good question and I am going to defer to something I wrote a few years back on making critical decisions.

 Making the decision to move on to a new job (or seek a new career ... sell a business) is a very difficult and often an emotional undertaking. If you think about it, close to 80% of our waking time is engaged in our job or business. It becomes part of our heart and soul.

 Surveys are indicating a strong discontent among workers that is causing them to reflect on and then take action to move on to a new career and job . So many that I have revisited this subject again (since 2008) and why?

 The recent survey numbers are staggering – one study indicated that 81% of workers are planning to change jobs . Another indicted that over 50% of employees in jobs are in an active job search right now (that may be the person right next to you).

 Is it time for you to move on?

 But there are times in any job - what I refer to as defining moments – when a situation, a change or a significant revelation is a wake-up call. I was recently working with a client who made the decision to seek a new job after his 4-year old son asked Mommy, "...does Daddy live somewhere else?" That's a wake-up call. If you are having feelings that there is a disconnect in your job or career, perhaps it is your time to change – to move on and recharge your internal “batteries”. I hope the following tips help:

•  Have you lost that "loving feeling" or Passion? Maybe Bored?  Move On …

•  You enter the job or business full of enthusiasm and vigor, and it wears off. You are not challenged, you lose interest or you don't see growth, challenge, etc. It's not that there is anything wrong with you or the company, you have just outgrown each other; it is time to move on.

•  If your job affects your life -- health, family, relationships --- Move on

•  Job stress can kill you (take it from an "expert"). It can affect your health in many ways including sleep, eating, clarity of thoughts, etc. Excessive job demands will affect your family and relationships, and when this becomes an issue, move on.

•  Changes don't fit you … Move on

•  Change helps grow businesses and at times, changes just don't fit everyone. If you feel that company changes are not right for you, and you see no light at the end of the tunnel, time to move on.

•  You are marginalized --- or work for boss you do not respect? … Move on

•  Everything is going great and then there is a new player or a new strategy that results in you being marginalized - not included in meetings, or not involved as you were before. You become disconnected. Top that with a new boss who you just don't click with and you know it is time to move on.

• You are not growing … Move on

 This is the number one reason why people leave jobs - no growth or learning opportunities. The result - you find you're "stuck" --- not growing, not learning, and not advancing. Talk to your management team and if there is no positive resolution, move on.

 Change is good for all. When you are disconnected from your job, your performance suffers and that is not good for the company. It's best for both that you move on --- with a great experience under your belt and with a new set of skills and friends.

 Energize yourself – take action – move on to bigger and greater things. – And thank you for reading this. - Dan

 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

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

This weeks job report 2 7 2013

Up 13% - not bad!
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For Immediate release

February 6, 2013

Job Postings Increase after two weeks of flat results -

(Albany, NY,  February 6, 2013) –  Job postings in our region increased about 13% the past week after being flat the two weeks prior, signaling increased activity in hiring, always a good sign. “ Postings in the region were up 200 to 1734 a nice increase as we enter into prime hiring months”, stated Dan Moran, of Next-Act (www.next-act.com), a career transition management firm located in Colonie.

“In addition, we are tracking and trending higher than 2012, another good sign”.

Other markets in NYS saw similar results. The Capital Region continues to still outpace Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, all larger markets with more employers and population.  

National Job Scene

Job postings were flat nationally. As of 1/30/2013  there were 555930  job postings this past seven days, from 525,105,332 the week prior, a very small change.

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.