You’re Invited – 20 Habits Of Highly-Effective Job Seekers In A Down Market Seminar
You CAN find a good job in a BAD economy – but not with conventional search techniques. You need a FRESH approach! Today’s job market is the toughest since the Great Depression, and the challenges are here to stay. In this presentation, Executive Career Coach and author Ford R. Myers will reveal the 20 powerful strategies that consistently generate exceptional results for job seekers, even when no one SEEMS to be hiring!
About the presenter:
Ford R. Myers is President of Career Potential, LLC. His firm helps clients take charge of their careers, create the work they love, and earn what they deserve! Ford has held senior consulting positions at three of the nation’s largest career service firms. His articles and interviews have appeared in many national magazines and newspapers, and he has conducted presentations at numerous companies, associations and universities. In addition, Ford has been a frequent guest on television and radio programs across the country. He is author of two books: “Get the Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring” and “The Ultimate Career Guide.”
Here are the details:
DATE: Wednesday, October 17, 2012
TIME: 9:00am to 11:30am
SPONSOR: Career Potential, LLC
PRESENTER: Ford R. Myers, President of Career Potential, LLC
INVESTMENT: $25.00 (pay with your online registration)
WHO: Everyone is welcome!
LOCATION: Radnor Financial Center,150 N. Radnor-Chester Road, Suite F-200Radnor,PA
DIRECTIONS: Visit http://www.careerpotential.com/directions_radnor.htm
REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required. Visit: http://www.careerpotential.com/signup
QUESTIONS: Call Ford at (610) 649-1778 or e-mail
You’re Invited – No More Cold Calls: Strategies For Networking With People Who Don’t Know You Seminar
You decide you want to network with someone who doesn’t know you. How do you get this individual to agree to talk to you?
Through a series of hands-on activities, you will improve your networking skills in dealing with people who don’t know you. You will first learn about the six different categories of relationships in your network – and how they impact the networking strategies you use. Next, you will learn about how to bring new contacts into your network. The primary focus in this segment will be on the wide variety of approaches you can take to avoid making cold calls to strangers. Most people hate to make cold calls. So instead of learning how to “love” cold calls, we will focus on how to avoid making them through a number of practical strategies to “warm up” a cold call.
About the presenter:
Paul Hilt leads Hilt & Associates, where he designs and delivers workshops and other learning experiences in four key leadership development areas: strengths, innovation, communication, and change. Some of Paul’s workshop clients include ARAMARK, Morgan Stanley, Penn State University, Citizens Bank, Social Security Administration, New York University, Girl Scouts of USA, Vanguard, and Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce Executives. In addition to workshop design and delivery, Paul provides coaching and consulting services.
Here are the details:
DATE: Wednesday, October 24, 2012
TIME: 6:30pm to 9:00pm
SPONSOR: The Philadelphia Area Great Careers Group
PRESENTER: Paul Hilt
INVESTMENT: $20.00 (pay with your online registration)
WHO: Everyone is welcome!
LOCATION: Bartley Hall, Room 3010, Villanova University, Villanova, PA
DIRECTIONS: http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/admission/visit/maps.html
(Corner of Lancaster and Ithan Avenues)
REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required. Visit: http://www.meetup.com/Philadelphia-Area-Great-Careers-Group/events/84167742/?a=ea1_grp&rv=ea1
QUESTIONS: Call Eric at (610) 420-4158 or e-mail epkramer@gmail.com
NOTE: You will need to become a member of http://www.meetup.com (free) to register for this event.
Space is limited and will fill-up quickly for these important presentations. Be sure to reserve your place now!
The Franchise Advantage – Part 2 of 2
History of Franchising
The concept of franchising was born centuries ago. During the Middle Ages, local rulers granted to their subjects rights pertaining to specific activities, such as holding fairs or hunting on the ruler’s land. Later, monarchs granted similar rights on a larger scale, such as building roads or brewing ale. The Church granted the same kind of commercial interest when it allowed its tax collectors to retain a portion of what they collected.
In the middle of the 19th century, the Singer Sewing Machine Company began granting franchises for distribution of its sewing machines. By the beginning of the 20th century, the emerging automobile industry and the increased demand for local dealerships was contributing to the growth of franchising.
The modern age of franchising began in earnest around the middle of the 20th century, when Ray Kroc bought the rights to franchise a California drive-in restaurant owned by the McDonald brothers. The success of McDonald’s franchises led to explosive growth in Business Format Franchising. The increased standardization of operations now found in most major franchise businesses has played an important role in making franchising an attractive business model for both franchisor and franchisee!
Benefits of Franchising
Franchising is about minimizing risks and maximizing returns. It has often been said that franchising allows entrepreneurs to “be in business for themselves, but not by themselves.” A quality franchisor provides proven operating systems, solid research and development, established marketing methods and instant credibility – plus extensive training and support – all of which can reduce risk and build success more rapidly and affordably than in an independent business.
Franchising is also about “the big idea.” As an aspiring entrepreneur, you may have all the ability and ambition necessary to succeed – but without a compelling concept to sell, your business will not go very far. As a franchisee, however, you will be in a position to leverage some of the most innovative products and services available in today’s marketplace!
Business success requires going through a learning curve for the type of business you’re in. With franchising, the franchisor has already gone through that process and is highly motivated to share with you everything that has been learned. Franchises succeed because the franchisor has invested the resources to truly understand the business. There is a proven formula for success ready and waiting to be adopted by the new entrepreneur. How many non-franchise, independent businesses can say that?
And, because a franchise represents a large number of units with established track records, the prospective buyer has access to much more of the data required for sound investment decisions than would be available with a non-franchise start-up. Being able to study the actual performance of identical business entities is invaluable – as is the contact you’ll have with other franchisees, who can provide real-world insights into what it takes to succeed in the specific business you’ve selected.
Conclusion
Franchising is certainly not for everyone, and every business model has its “pros and cons.” But if you’ve always yearned to own your own business, can’t return to your old career, or just want to escape the “corporate rat race,” franchising may offer the solution you’ve been looking for. Franchising has many appealing and practical elements, and it just might be the best path for you to regain control of your future!
Click here to watch helpful career success videos!
To read the entire article, click here!
The Franchise Advantage – Part 1 of 2
In today’s challenging economy, many people feel that they have lost a sense of control over their careers. Widespread corporate layoffs and downsizings have made the job market a tenuous environment in which to build a solid future. As a result, a growing percentage of my career consulting clients are turning to entrepreneurship as a viable alternative.
Indeed, one of the best ways to gain more control over your career is by owning your own business. Your options include: (1) becoming a consultant; (2) starting a business “from scratch;” (3) buying a franchise; and (4) buying a non-franchised business.
Of the clients who have elected to pursue the “entrepreneurial option,” most have invested in franchises. Franchising has never been more popular, and the range of opportunities has never been broader. Owning a franchise combines the stability of a proven business model with the independence and income potential of self-employment.
Joining with an “established business system” is generally comfortable and familiar for executives who have spent their careers within corporations. It is important to understand, however, that acquiring a franchise is NOT “just buying a job.” When you purchase a franchise, you OWN the business.
Such notable publications as Business Week and The New York Times have recently published articles stating that franchising may be the BEST option for mature executives who have been displaced, but who are not ready to retire!
In order to make an intelligent determination as to whether franchise ownership would be right for you, it is important to first gain a basic understanding of the industry and the opportunities it affords.
What is Franchising?
According to the International Franchise Association, the leading professional organization in the industry…
Franchising is a method of distributing products or services. At least two levels of people are involved in the franchise system: (1) the franchisor, who lends its trademark or trade name and a business system; and (2) the franchisee, who often pays a royalty and an initial fee for the right to do business under the franchisor’s name and system. Technically, the contract binding the two parties is the “franchise,” but that term is often used to mean the actual business that the franchisee operates.
Franchising is also known as “a continuing relationship in which the franchisor provides a licensed privilege to do business, plus assistance in organizing, training, merchandising and management, in return for a consideration from the franchisee.”
Click here to watch helpful career success videos!
To read the entire article, click here!
Networking – The Core of Your Search – Part 2 of 2
Let’s “de-mystify” the networking process, so it won’t seem overwhelming or confusing to you any longer. What follows is a highly-structured and purposeful approach that consistently produces excellent results! Using your Contact List to focus on the specific people to contact, here are the basic steps you’ll need to follow:
1. Build Rapport. State, “I was referred by (give name of mutual friend/colleague), or “I was referred by our mutual colleague/friend (give name), who suggested that” …. (Find some area of common interest to discuss). I’m contacting you about a career matter, but let me assure you that I am not calling to ask you for a job – nor do I expect you to even know of any job openings. Let me start by telling you a bit about myself and my professional background….
2. State “where you’ve been” by using a Positioning Statement. This is a succinct, pre-prepared verbal statement that explains “who you are” professionally. Example: “I am a senior Financial and Operations Professional and graduate of Western General’s Financial Management Program. I have more than 15 years of experience in the Manufacturing and Services industries. My strengths include analysis, problem-solving, communication and innovation. I have specific expertise in Financial Analysis and Reporting, Cash and Risk Management, and Productivity Analysis. I am seeking a leadership position with a focus on Financial Reporting.”
3. Share “what happened” with an Departure Statement. This is a concise explanation of why you’re no longer at your previous position, or why you’re interested in leaving your current employer. Example: “As a result of a merger between two business units, over 1,500 positions have been affected, including mine. I now have the opportunity to explore other career options in Financial Services that will leverage my proven strengths in analysis, problem-solving, communication and innovation.” The Departure Statement must be expressed in positive terms, so there will be no suspicion that you “did something wrong” to lose your job.
4. Ask for help. “Would you be willing to help me?”
5. “Decompress” – take the pressure off – reassure your contact again that you are not asking for a job. Reiterate, “As I said, I am not asking you for a job, nor do I expect you to know of any appropriate positions. However, I am interested any advice or guidance that you could offer, in addition to any networking contacts you could provide. (Give name of mutual friend/colleague) told me that you’d be a great person to talk to for this purpose. Would you be willing to review some of my credentials, and give me candid feedback? I could send the materials right over.”
6. Ask again for help, i.e., expanding contact network, guidance, advice, feedback. Leverage the notion of “six degrees of separation” – ask for contacts from your contacts! And always “come from generosity.” This means you should be on the lookout for opportunities to offer something of value in return.
7. Share your main documents, and set a time to get back to them. State, “I’ll e-mail (or fax) a one-page Professional Biography and list of Target Companies to you. Then I’d like to follow-up and have another conversation – when would be better for you, Wednesday afternoon or Friday morning? I know your input will be of great value, and I appreciate your willingness to help. Follow-up after your networking meeting and keep the conversation going with two-way value exchange. Note: if the contact is a “center of influence,” try to have your follow-up discussion face-to-face instead of on the phone, unless the contact is outside your geographic region.
It’s a smart career move to always be networking, no matter what’s going on for you professionally. If you don’t need help at this time, build-up your networking power by helping others. In general, people will want to help you. It makes them feel good about themselves. It boosts their self-esteem to be considered “a connector” of people with opportunities and information, and it makes them feel important.” Networking is a great investment in your future, and over the long-term, it always pays big dividends!”
Click here to watch helpful career success videos!
To read the entire article, click here!
Networking – The Core of Your Search – Part 1 of 2
After you’ve created all your “self-marketing documents” and verbal presentations, you’re ready to take your job search “to the street” and begin networking. The goal is to contact people who can help you reach the hiring managers inside your target companies. Networking can be done on the phone, in person, via e-mail or even “snail mail.”
Ford Myers, M.Ed., president of Career Potential, a Haverford, PA-based career consulting firm and developer of the “New Year, New Career Power Plan to Achieving Career Success in 2006” states, “Networking is a lot simpler and less scary than many people think. You do not need to be a good ‘schmoozer’ to network effectively. In fact, the best networkers are often great listeners, as opposed to great talkers.”
And no matter what, don’t ever let-up on your networking efforts. Ninety-five percent of my clients land great jobs through their networks. It’s not worth risking those odds to NOT be continually networking! Remember: If you’re in career transition,networking IS your job. It should be the primary focus of everything you do. The quantity and quality of your networking time is directly related to the personal, professional, and financial satisfaction you’ll have in your next job.”
Who should be on your contact list? Who should you be reaching out to? The answer is: everyone you know. Everyone? Yes, everyone! Every single person alive who knows your name should be on your contact list! (The only exception is people who clearly don’t like you)! It doesn’t matter what these contacts do for a living, or where they live, or how much power or money they have. The key is not to pre-judge people or make assumptions about who can and cannot help you. After guiding thousands of clients through the networking process, I have learned that most new jobs are secured through people who were least expected to be of help!
Click here to watch helpful career success videos!
To read the entire article, click here!
