September Means Back to School Time – But, It’s Not Just for Kids

It’s back to school time.

Doesn’t the Labor Day holiday always remind you of that?

Of course, if you have children, you’re probably breathing a sigh of relief.

But, what does this time of year mean for all of us in business?

1) Four months to make our 2009 goals.

2) Planning and budgeting for 2010.

For most businesses, 2009 has been a tough year.

Many professionals have dealt with change, the unknown, and more responsibilities as their colleagues have been laid off.

What can get lost in times of workplace chaos and change?

The ongoing importance of professional and personal development.

This really is the best time to go “back to school.” Your own development cannot take a back seat.

After all, you don’t want to be left behind at the end of the year – or “expelled!”

I have no idea what the new economy will look like.

But, I do know, however, that winners don’t wait.

What do you need to do for yourself and your staff these next four months?

Fortunately, we at BRODY are still booking 2009 programs for our enlightened clients -- the ones that realize they must still provide skills training for their employees, so they will continue to excel.

If you want to do something for yourself (or your team), consider registering for our BRODY BOOST Camps being offered in San Francisco on September 24, and again in Philadelphia on October 8th.

School is never truly over!

Temple Commencement Address Part II: Sell Yourself & The Value You Bring

Last week, I wrote about my upcoming Temple University speech during graduation ceremonies.

The commencement from the School of Communications & Theater is this Thursday, May 14th.

I’ve spent many hours writing and practicing my presentation.

The first point I described last week (and will deliver) was about the importance of finding/identifying both your passion and your talents.

The second key idea that I’ll share with graduates is the importance of selling yourself and the value you bring.

When selling, not only do you need to use multiple channels, but also do it in a positive way – one that projects an image of someone who is polished and professional, not that of a college undergrad.

What are these channels? I break them down into two categories:

New Age -- Using Modern Technologies

•Check Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com and any other job web sites.

•Create multiple resumes and save them as nonmodifiable PDFs or JPEGs with appropriate file names on your computer. These resumes will each focus on different, specific traits/qualifications, depending on the job/industry you are targeting. If you code them right, you can send the right one as an e-mail attachment at the drop of a hat. Remember that all of these resumes, and their accompanying cover letters, need to be proofread by someone else. You’re too close to them.

•Develop a web site which highlights your capabilities.

•Create a YouTube account, and upload a video resume

•Create a blog, or blog on others' blogs.

•Tweet on Twitter

•Use other social networking sites like LinkedIn, Myspace and Facebook.

Again, remember to clean up your act. Recruiters are using these tools, and checking you out and your digital “footprint”.

Ask yourself what virtual impressions are you creating and making with these businesspeople/potential employers?

Old-Fashioned Techniques

•Talk to people, don’t just text or e-mail them.

•Expand your real life network. It is ultimately people who hire other people.

Go to your friends’ parents and parents’ friends. Let others know what you want and what you are capable of.

Spend less time texting your friends and listening to music. Everywhere you go, make it a point to meet people -- a variety of people.

College students and business professionals need to be active in their community. Join trade groups and clubs. Consider volunteering, too. Helping others also provides great dividends.

You can’t wait to be discovered – it is up to each graduate (or professional) to sell him/herself. Be proactive, not reactive.

Next week, I will write about the third part of my commencement address – looking for, and creating, specific opportunities.

Wish me well this Thursday!

When Times Get Tough, the Tough Keep Going

“Certainly times are tough, but we recognize that employee development needs to continue.”

This quote, from a February 9, 2009, article in The Wall Street Journal, was spoken by David Metzger, Director of Management Development at Canon USA.

I congratulate Mr. Metzger and Canon USA for thinking “big picture.” As long as a business is still in business, the need for effective leadership is critical -- even more critical in difficult times.

A big part of leadership is communication. After all, you could be a brilliant strategic thinker, and may make great decisions, but if you can’t influence others, how can the decisions or strategy be implemented?

If you can’t communicate effectively, the rest of these attributes rarely matter.

Even if your company has cut back on training, it is no excuse for individuals to do the same.

Keep learning new techniques and strategies. At some point, this recession will end, and you will be well ahead of the game!

One avenue to consider -- my next BRODY BOOST Camp, April 2, 2009.

Click here for more information on this day-long open enrollment career development workshop.

Post-Layoff Action Plan: Pick Up & Move On

I’ve been fielding many inquiries of late from members of the media – all related to stories they are doing about our business climate of increased job loss and a horrific economy – and how those who weren’t laid off can cope with the guilt of “survival.”

This week, a magazine asked me how I’d respond to this scenario: Someone calls. Mid-level executive. He's been laid off. What are the first three things you say?

Here’s my reply:

The number one thing I’d ask him is why would anyone hire him? In other words, what does he bring to the table?

The next thing I’d find out is if he has identified his skill set, his passion, and his overall objectives for any future jobs.

Lastly, I would discuss his network – can he go back to his internal, professional and/or community network, to make contact with people in these areas and tap into his connections?

Unfortunately, too often, people wait until something happens before they realize the power of building networks.

Another question the writer posed concerned the psychological effects of being laid off in a poor economy. She wanted to know whether it makes it better or worse, psychologically, if there seems to be a sense that “everyone” is getting fired.

I believe that the old adage that misery loves company doesn’t hold water. It’s one thing when everyone else is being laid off. It’s quite another when it happens to you.

Many people take it personally and go through a period of mourning and anger. Most people are scared. Depending on their financial situation, they might go into crisis mode.

This is not a time to feel sorry for yourself, although a weekend of self-pity and reflection doesn’t hurt. Then, get moving!

It is time to assess your skill set, your network, your possibilities, and then have a focused -- yet flexible -- approach to landing another position.

Being laid off can affect one’s self esteem, family relationships, financial security, and lead to “victimitis” -- feelings of having no control.

You may need to reassess your options, possibly moving, return to school, consider new certifications, starting your own business, and looking at interim or part-time positions.

Therapy is also an option if you have the insurance and/or money to do it. The worse thing that you can do is nothing.

You can combat a layoff’s effects by doing something – taking action.

I’m referring to attending networking events, job fairs, registering on career web sites, reading and responding to want ads, volunteering, contacting your own network, exercising, eating well, and renting some funny movies.

Attending a professional development seminar is a good way to meet people, get some career-related coaching and techniques for moving forward.

You may want to consider attending BRODY’s BOOST Camp.

Keep in mind, successful people look for ways to get better.

Sometimes, a setback is an opportunity to switch direction. Life must go on!

A Business Risk I’m About to Take …

For those of you who know me, you know I am a big promoter of risk taking -- In fact, I’ve blogged about it before.

Without risk, you’ve already decided that you will fail. With risk, the chances of success are good.

I have decided to take a big risk, and offer a public seminar – not the typical boot camp stuff – a Boost Camp.

Why is this a risk? Maybe no one will come!

Or, worse yet, only two or three people will be in the large hotel conference room we’ve booked, with breakfast ordered!

Since I am doing this Boost Camp once in October, and once in November, in the Philadelphia area (then will take this on the road), I figure my next five or six blogs will be about this new journey -- and how it's all working out.

That way, you may decide to take a risk yourself – or join me on mine!