Should You Pay To Have Lunch With Me (Part II)

Should You Pay To Have Lunch With Me (Part II) I am amazed at the comments from yestedays post.  If you get this in email or on RSS I encourage you to click over to the post and check out the comments some of them where from people who are in the same situation as me and theyve agreed with the basis of my approach (even though they would be more tactful in how they communicate it). Others have come out quite offended and suggested that Im a nobody and I shouldnt charge people to meet with me. I can only image people who have that position either: Dont value themselves enough, so they couldnt imagine they would be worth an hourly fee, OR Dont get invitations to lunches, at least not often enough to where its been an issue. I cant care. What perplexes me is the people who seem so offended at my post and suggest how I should do business. Is there more than one way to skin this cat? Sure!  And I picked my way why cant they be okay with that? Frustrating. I tell you what you come pay my bills and then you can tell me how to run my business, mkay? Another thought that came up in the comments was a thought about networking vs. consulting. If I am a good networker I should be giving, paying it forward, all that jazz, right? Of course. The post is not about networking, though.  Its about consulting. The problem is, some people give away consulting in the name of networking. Im trying to draw my boundaries for my business and I know others have this issue. Anyway, my point of todays post is this: READ THE COMMENTS FROM YESTERDAYS POST! Should You Pay To Have Lunch With Me (Part II) I am amazed at the comments from yestedays post.  If you get this in email or on RSS I encourage you to click over to the post and check out the comments some of them where from people who are in the same situation as me and theyve agreed with the basis of my approach (even though they would be more tactful in how they communicate it). Others have come out quite offended and suggested that Im a nobody and I shouldnt charge people to meet with me. I can only image people who have that position either: Dont value themselves enough, so they couldnt imagine they would be worth an hourly fee, OR Dont get invitations to lunches, at least not often enough to where its been an issue. I cant care. What perplexes me is the people who seem so offended at my post and suggest how I should do business. Is there more than one way to skin this cat? Sure!  And I picked my way why cant they be okay with that? Frustrating. I tell you what you come pay my bills and then you can tell me how to run my business, mkay? Another thought that came up in the comments was a thought about networking vs. consulting. If I am a good networker I should be giving, paying it forward, all that jazz, right? Of course. The post is not about networking, though.  Its about consulting. The problem is, some people give away consulting in the name of networking. Im trying to draw my boundaries for my business and I know others have this issue. Anyway, my point of todays post is this: READ THE COMMENTS FROM YESTERDAYS POST!

Creating Your Personal Brand Online

Creating Your Personal Brand Online Branding used to be a corporate marketing term that is valued by marketing professionals. However, the internet has paved way for individuals to create their own brands, both knowingly and unknowingly. Every post you make on social media builds your online  footprint, which is an extension of your real life identity. Without intentionally doing so, you are creating your own personal brand. Look back on your online activities. Have you been cultivating a good brand? Does it reflect your actual personality and does it show you in your best light? When I meet someone for the first time, I tend to make a quick search on the internet about them, and I know the people I meet do the same. These are things that we should now be very conscious of. Here are some tips on building your personal brand online. Authenticity is key Setting up an account online is an easy one minute task, but this does not mean that you should fabricate your life and identity online. Impressions have gone beyond a handshake and a smile these days, so there is more reason to be wary of how you present yourself both offline and online. Now more than ever, with the ease of providing information about people, the importance of authenticity and consistency to your actual persona is very vital. People will cross reference your online posts to the things they see in person, and if it does not check out, you will lose credibility in future opportunities. Be authentic and sincere. People can sniff out a fake. Connect With Other Brands Interaction and partnerships can help boost your online identity. Follow relevant and related sites, comment on their posts, and take the  opportunity for partnerships or post exchanges. This will allow you to build an audience by joining a network of like-minded websites and online identities. When you can, connect with them in person. Networking can start online, but when done in person, it strengthens your relationships and can give you bigger opportunities in the future. My  biggest tip of all is to bring your online brand to life. Whatever you put online should be a reflection of reality. Just in actual brand development, everything that is created to capture public attention must be dealt with according follow through. Remember that YOU created your brand, and not vice versa.

Why Employee Retention Initiatives are More Important Than Ever

Why Employee Retention Initiatives are More Important Than Ever Employee retention is a hot topic in business right now. With the UK’s employment figures at their highest since comparable records began in 1971, employers are having to work increasingly hard to hang on to their best staff. Add in the fact that Brexit is looming and global competition is fierce, and it is easy to see how employee retention is now more important than ever before. Here are 4 good reasons why businesses should be working hard on employee retention initiatives: 1. Brexit The UK labor market is retracting as a direct result of Brexit. Migration from the EU to the UK is at its lowest for four years. There is little doubt that the reduction in the number of non-UK EU nationals will continue as the Brexit process continues. While there has been a coinciding increase in the number of non-EU nationals coming to the UK for the last 12 months, the Government plans to cut overall net migration to the tens of thousands means non-EU workers are unlikely to fill the gap. Understandably, Brexit is a concern for businesses, especially those in the industries where employment of EU nationals is high, such as hospitality and farming. Employee retention (particularly of UK nationals) is one area businesses can work on in a bid to maintain performance and productivity. If employees leave in droves, it is not only disruptive to the business, it also has a crushing effect on the morale of the staff left behind trying to cope with the exodus. There is already evidence that Brexit is impacting on staff retention strategies. The Resourcing and talent planning survey carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) in conjunction with recruitment company Hays, revealed that organizations are placing greater emphasis on developing and retaining existing staff in light of Brexit. Introducing the right benefits and opportunities in the workplace is just one strategy employers should be embracing if they want to survive the Brexit staffing crisis. 2. Company culture and productivity It’s not just Brexit that is causing businesses to up their game when it comes to retaining staff. There are other factors forcing UK businesses to push employee retention up the agenda. Positive company culture is proving to be an increasingly valuable asset when it comes to productivity. Employee engagement and retention is a big part of that. Attracting and retaining skilled employees is fundamental to business success. A large part of that now comes down to company culture. Employees are a company’s greatest asset and high employee turnover can have a hugely negative impact on an organization’s performance. Employee retention is critical. 3. Millennials In the past, Millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) have been known for their propensity to job-hop. But, commitment is a two-way street. Millennials do actually care about who they work for. They are just as capable of showing loyalty to employers as any other generation before them. However, unlike the generations before, they are more likely to take risks and engage with new employment opportunities. In fact, Millennials are now getting increasingly picky about who they work for. According to Deloitte’s 2018 Millennial Survey, the Millennial generation is feeling increasingly uneasy about the future. Decent pay, flexibility and positive company cultures are most likely to attract Millennials and Generation Z (those born between the late 1990s and the mid-2000s). Millennials feel companies should be doing more to make a positive impact on society and the environment. But, in the survey by Deloitte, it was found that only a minority of Millennials believe that corporations behave ethically. The survey also found that businesses’ actions strongly influence the length of time that Millennials stay with employers. Given that Millennials comprise an increasingly powerful proportion of the UK talent pool, business leaders need to commit to building a strong company culture with social responsibility firmly on the agenda. We need to remember that Millennials are also customers. They want to buy products and services from socially responsible companies who value their employees and the world around them. Businesses who put profit above these ideals will eventually suffer. 4. Cost The cost of hiring and training employees is considerable. According to businessadvice.co.uk the departure of a member of staff could cost small business owners a quarter of that workers salary, with a potential £6,335 lost from a single resignation. As well as recruitment costs, there is the issue of dropped productivity by employees during their notice period. There is also the issue of other employees evaluating their own happiness when a close colleague decides to leave. To prevent staff leaving, businesses need to invest in effective employee retention initiatives. In a post-Brexit, Millennial world, UK businesses need to retain talent if they want to flourish. About the author:  Mike James  is an experienced business writer specializing in HR, tech, and cybersecurity. On the latter, he has contributed to many of the leading publications both online and in print â€" such as StaySafeOnline, GlobalSign, Tech London and more.

Handling Adversity Well Creates Brand Recognition - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Handling Adversity Well Creates Brand Recognition - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career We’ve all had those days: computer smokes, website is hacked, incorrect dates are printed on a flyer and arrives too late to reprint, or your words are completely taken out of context and misunderstood by someone close to you. How you handle these trying times says a lot about you and your character. Your portrayal of who you really are comes out loud and clear sometimes too loud and too clear. One of those days Without realizing it, stress may play a hugely negative factor when you begin taking these unforeseen accidents out on the people trying to help. In the end, you lose the help and any referrals or recommendations they may have provided. Even worse, bad word of mouth may circulate hurting your business further. Over the years, I have learned it isn’t just me, but everyone has these types of days. Worse yet, often times a number of these unfortunate incidents occur within a short period of time making us feel as if we have sunk to new lows and that it isn’t worth the struggle. Luckily I learned this downward spiral is similar to the sales motto that 9 “no’s” will get you closer to the 1 “yes.” Therefore when things take a turn for the worse, remind yourself, “Here we go again, it’s just a detour bringing about greater opportunity.” The next step is to learn to laugh at these minor tragedies knowing they will soon be healed. I look around me observing others in serious health and financial conditions reminding me that a business detour is nothing in comparison and indeed minor. All of this goes back to the second half of the title of my first book, “Relationship Building That Gets Results.” In your worst hour when things go terribly wrong but you are still able to smile and kindly ask other for extra help offering a bonus for immediate attention, well you become the perfect client. They scramble to help you out of a jam. And when you promptly pay for their services, as in the same day the bill is received, they rejoice in the fact they know you. Now your reputation or brand is stellar and their entire network will soon learn how terrific you are. You will be attracting more prospects, clients and larger sales as good word of mouth about you spreads far and wide. The good news is you do not need to wait until disaster hits. Begin making a difference today. Smile, hold out a helping hand and willingly share your knowledge so that someone else may succeed too. Its a win for all Just having used this simple piece of advice as I moved along, three associates this week offered to introduce me to important media connections of theirs. They were thrilled with the advice I provided and I am ecstatic with the prospect of the probable upcoming interviews. This is the definition of the sales term, “Win-win” â€" where everyone is happy with the results. In short, be a good friend to everyone positively building your brand, and you will find terrific connections to last a lifetime. Author: Elinor Stutz, CEO of Smooth Sale, LLC authored the International Best-Selling book, “Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results” and “HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews.” She provides team sales training, private coaching and business retreats to grow you business. May 4-7 Elinor and her associates will be hosting a Business Retreat in the Northern CA wine country to sync your mind, body and spirit!

7 Careers in Local Government if You Love Public Service CareerMetis.com

7 Careers in Local Government if You Love Public Service Without people who are passionate about serving their local communities, our lives would be much more difficult. Local governments are essential for ensuring that roads are repaired, emergency services are available, and sanitation is maintained. They also provide amenities like parks and community events, keeping communities strong and happy.Public service workisn’t a career path that most people think about when contemplating their dream job. However, a select group of civic-minded people who want to make serving the public’s interests their life’s work are drawn to the field. These people can build a satisfying career, engage with their communities, and know that they’re making a difference in their neighbors’ lives.evalIf you’re civic-minded and you’re interested in getting into public service, the following are seven careers in local government that could be perfect for you.1) City, Town, or County ManagerevalRunning a city or town requires a lot of moving parts an d involves many different resources, offices, and elected officials. A city, town, or county manager oversees those moving parts and helps to facilitate new projects and initiatives while ensuring that existing services and programs are sustainable and run smoothly.Managing a large community can be very challenging, but satisfying work. Managers in the public service sector must solve large-scale problems, help to ensure equality, and negotiate with elected officials for the good of the community. They are also responsible for helping to create long-term plans, collaborating in order to set goals, and balancing the needs of the community.People who are best suited for these jobs are those who can negotiate and compromise, solve problems creatively, and stay very organized. City, county, and town managers have to keep track of many different details and take different factors into account the decision-making process. The majority of public service managers have a master’s degree, b ut about 24% get hired with only a bachelor’s degree.2) Director of Public PolicyNavigating local and federal legislation can be extremely complex. In order for municipalities to achieve their goals, they need to understand how regulations and laws affect their region to ensure that they are making strategic decisions that are within those boundaries.A director of public policy can not only help local governments comply with existing laws and regulations but can also help to create new policies or push for changesat a higher level. Policy directors often must work with lobbyists and PR professionals in order to achieve the goals that they build with others within the local government.Most directors of public policy have a law degree and experience in public policy. The role often involves long hours, travel, and meetings with politicians. People who do well in this role are those who enjoy working with people, have a head for numbers, and are extremely interested in law and policy .3) Government Affairs DirectorevalGovernment Affairs directors don’t typically work for the local government directly. Instead, they work with local governments on behalf of a company or organization to promote their organizational interests within that local area.In general, government affairs directors are responsible for understanding regional proposals and legislation, analyzing the potential impact of these initiatives on the organization, and working with government officials as needed, depending on the results of the analysis.This position requires an interest in legislation and policy, analytical proficiency, problem-solving, and communication skills. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree and several years of related experience are typically required.4) Director of Public SafetyOne of the most important responsibilities of local governments is public safety. A director of public safety oversees all these efforts and ensure that all citizens have access to the resources they need in case of emergency or threats to their health and safety. As natural disasters become more frequent, the importance of this role will only become more important.evalTypically, a director of public safety will work closely with the local police and fire departments to create policies and emergency plans. They manage risk in communities and ensure that citizens are cared for when they need help.Public safety officials not only have to coordinate safety services, but they also need to advocate for disadvantaged populations. Individuals who have experienced abuse or are experiencing homelessness often need specialized emergency plans and resourceswhen disaster strikes, for instance.To become a director of public safety, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field like management or public policy is required.On top of that, experience in the field at a lower level for several years is crucial for understanding and carrying out all the required responsibilities. Problem-s olving, communication skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are all essential in this role.Photo Credit -Pexels.comeval5) Budget AnalystAs anyone who works in public service knows, it’s all about crunching the numbers. Funding is often very tight, and tough decisions are necessary to allocate funds in ways that benefit the community as a whole. A budget analyst helps local governments work within their means and stick to a budget so they can provide critical services.Budget analysts help governments manage their finances and understand the resources that are available to them. Aside from these duties, they help to create projections that can be used to make strategic decisions, such as which new initiatives to launch and which to reevaluate.People who are interested in this career path will need to earn a bachelor’s degree at a minimum. Typically, courses in accounting, economics, and statistics are necessary to build the skills needed for this position.Getting an accounting certificatecan help boost the chances for someone interested in landing a budget analyst role. With steady growth projected through 2028, this is an excellent, solid career path for people who have a head for numbers and an interest in helping governments use their resources wisely. It pays an average of $75,240 per year.6) Sanitation Officer or Public Works DirectorDo you know how much work goes into keeping our communities clean? If you’ve ever lived through a sanitation workers’ strike, then you know that things can get messy quickly. Overseeing sanitation efforts in a town, city, or county might not be the most glamorous job, but it’s a crucial role that directly impacts the well-being of entire communities.evalSanitation officers go by different names in different governments, including Public Works Director but their duties often include overseeing waste management, water quality, and other departments that have an impact on the safety and cleanliness of a mun icipality. They also work with other departments to find solutions to sanitation issues and oversee staffing and budgets for sanitation departments.Generally, at least a bachelor’s degree in a field like Public Administration or Business Administration is required. Sanitation officers should have excellent communication skills in addition to a head for numbers and good problem-solving abilities. Experienced sanitation leaders can eventually command an excellent salary.7) Public Health DirectorHealth is a concern for every community. It involves a huge number of factors, including air quality, access to high-quality healthcare services, awareness of health issues affecting the community, water safety, availability of healthy food, and much, much more.A public health directoroversees, organizes, and plans public health initiatives and programs to enhance the well-being of the community as a whole.Like other leadership roles in local government, public health directors must work with in a budget and coordinate with other departments in order to effectively serve the community and ensure that public health issues are dealt with efficiently. Public health directors must be organized and should have an in-depth understanding of the different factors that impact community health.evalThose who wish to pursue a career in public health will typically need to earn a medical degree and a license to practice in the state where they reside. At a minimum, public health directors will need a Master’s degree in public health or a related field. Once established in the field, several years of experience are typically needed to move into a director role.Public Service Work in the Future: Implementing TechnologyJobs in public service have been around for as long as we’ve had modern civilization. Over time, these roles shift and change, advancing local governments and helping people live better lives. Those who want to get into public service today need to be willing to incor porate technology, work toward better, more efficient systems, and always work on behalf of those they serve.If you’re interested in public service but you’re not yet sure if it’s for you, then start by getting involved in your community. Seek out volunteer opportunities, attend local government meetings, and do research on what it’s like to work for a city or county. It’s always a good idea to “test out” a field before you dive in and start working on the educational requirements.It’s not always glamorous or easy work, but without dedicated people working toward happier, healthier, communities, our quality of life would be much poorer. Even if you ultimately decide to pursue work in the public or nonprofit sector, it’s important to recognize and appreciate the contributions those in local government make on our behalf every day.

A Dream for Tomorrows Workforce

A Dream for Tomorrows Workforce Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream.   A dream that seemed almost impossible at the time.   Bit by bit, his dream is becoming a reality.   It take a lot of work, people and fortitude to make these kinds of monumental shifts happen. These are the dreams I have for tomorrows workforce. Perhaps one day, well see some of these happen too! Healthcare is owned by the individual, not the employer. CEO salaries are only a tad bit higher than the average workers. All companies will be searchable and findable in a public database. Salaries are no-longer a secret.   They are public information to all. Advertized jobs will specify more accurately and clearly what the job requires and will include salary information. US Companies wanting to off-shore production and services will be penalized. Unions will be eliminated to create a freer economy. Teachers will be required to take a sebbatical to gain real world experience. Self employment and entrepreneurship are encouraged. The cost of a college education is attainable by any or all who wish to pursue and complete. Mentorship, training and development will be accessible to all employees who ask and take ownership of their developmental needs. Those who break moral or ethical laws will be publicly punished. I believe in survival of the fittest.   I do not believe anyone is entitled to anything.   I also believe that many of the systems weve created are of benefit to some, not many.   My hope and dream is that we can live and work in a world that is fair, moral and looks at the long-term outcomes and consequences. How that happens exactly, requires a major shift. What would you dream for in tomorrows workforce?

Why Do You Need to Hire Resume Services?

Why Do You Need to Hire Resume Services?If you have recently graduated from college and wish to get a job immediately, your resume services company may be able to help you. In fact, if you are in need of work experience and a job, you will find plenty of resume services in the market to cater to your needs.Resume services are also the best option for recent graduates who want to get a job straight away and provide them with a resume at the same time. While looking for the best resume services, you should always take time to read the testimonials that are available on the website of the service provider. These testimonials can also be accessed through online, but online testimonials tend to be of a higher quality as there are many people posting their testimonials and experiences, compared to those who post their credentials in the newspapers or directly to the resume services website.Resume services can be very helpful to your short-term job hunt, even though they are quite costly. Y ou have a variety of options, but do remember that the quality of the resume that you are using should match up with your current degree level and job requirements.Resume services employ skilled writers and editors to edit the resumes of their clients. Since most of these services are specialized in only editing resumes, you will find a wide variety of choices. The format that is chosen for a specific client is very important since it is how they create their resumes.The resume is usually tailored to fit the job role of the candidate, thus making the resume services as well as the client's very professional. Writing a resume does not just consist of filling out a piece of paper with a bunch of irrelevant information. It is something that should be done with care.Job placement agencies are very common in the market. A job placement agency is basically a third party that looks after the recruitment process. They tend to focus on placement of employees rather than the recruitment and s election process.There are different types of placement services, and they have services such as placement and recall services, resume writing services, individual training and development, retaining and referencing services, search engine optimization and more. They can also be used for developing a recruitment strategy, also. These services are very helpful to those who want to expand their career.There are a lot of benefits of these services, and they have a lot of benefits in the field of employment, and will go a long way in improving your career. Finding a resume services service in your area can help you on your career path, and can greatly help you in getting a new job and ensure your future career.