Bridges

Edition of 3/9/2009

[Bridges]

For those who ask me what it is that I do, I offer Executive Coaching
and Human Resource consulting in the following areas:

- Business Consulting and Executive Coaching - As an unbiased
resource provide advice on business development and business
transition, on staffing issues, on developing emerging talent and
helping managers sharpen their communication and management skills.

- Career Coaching helping people advance their careers, make career
changes and/or career transitions.

- Not for Profit Consulting - provide Executive Directors with
independent sounding board, consulting on staff issues, board
relations and staff development.

If you would like to take advantage of a consultant or executive
coach, please email me at robin@coachrobinfogel.com for a
complimentary coaching session or visit my website -
www.coachrobinfogel.com

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RANDOM THOUGHTS

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In these days of massive layoffs I found an article in Business Week especially inspiring. "Cutting Costs Without Cutting Jobs" focused on what some companies are doing instead of layoffs. The efforts of the companies highlighted were varied. Rhino Foods, a Vermont base Ben & Jerry supplier, "sent 15 factory workers to a nearby lip balm manufacturer to handle the holiday rush" and was reimbursed by the other company. Across the globe in China, Ernst & Young offered 9000 employees a "month of unpaid leave and 90% of the firm's auditors opted in...saving 17% in payroll costs". There are myriad examples across the board. When the human resource part of me thinks about the cost to hire, train and bring employees up to speed I can't help but admire the ingenuity and potential cost effectiveness of the efforts of these companies.
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I was asked recently what I would recommend that job hunters do differently. At the top of the list is to stop hiding behind the computer. In this current economy it often feels safer and is easier to sit at the computer and apply for jobs on line instead of getting out and meeting with people. Yet sitting at that computer hour after hour, searching and applying for jobs on line may yield low return. As one client said, it feels like sending that resume into a black hole. Tough as it is, it becomes increasingly important to get out there and interact with others.
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One increasingly popular way to network is through LinkedIn. If you haven't already be sure to sign up and start to build your network - while you are at it be sure to invite me into your network. LinkedIn is the number one spot for everyone: from the employed who may be looking to share info with colleagues; self employed folks looking to build their business and even job seekers. If you are a job seeker check out the Jobs button and see who in your network may be hiring. You can then use the LinkedIn network to see who knows the hiring company and see if they will introduce you.
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Many of my colleagues and clients know I am not a huge fan of resumes. In the current economic times I see resumes being used even more than in the past to "select out" candidates and not to "select in". It is by building those personal networks that people continue to get jobs. Having said that, there still may be times when a resume is needed. If you are updating your resume it should always focus on achievements, not tasks - employers wants to see what you have accomplished. Did you increase a company's profit, reduce an expense, or improve productivity, effectiveness, implement or improve a way of getting things done? They want to know how your efforts improved something or added value.
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I received a lot of email from last month's newsletter and had many requests for the checklist I had developed for starting a business. One reader had a suggestion that I'd like to share. She wrote that for those who are considering self-employment she recommended taking a course at a local community college or a high school adult education program on starting a business. She wrote that it's a great way to both learn the basics about starting a business, from what skills are needed to the realities of self-employment.

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GOOD READ
I recently reread "Now, Discover Your Strengths" by Buckingham and Clifton, a book that was based on years of research by the Gallup Organization that helps folks identify their talents and strengths. With this book, the authors have shifted the focus from faults and failings to understanding and capitalizing on our individual strengths.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Beware of your thoughts as they become your words. Beware of your words as they become your actions. Beware of your actions as they become your habits. Beware of your habits as they become your fate. - The Tao
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