tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195966452024-03-12T21:47:00.100-05:00Marketing MeMarket Me First
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<b>The Positive Career and Work Action Plan</b>
Market Yourself | Make Money | Be HappyJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.comBlogger274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-49320113485775412092013-07-18T13:33:00.000-05:002013-07-18T13:33:28.919-05:00Most annoying people in lineYesterday's post got me thinking about other annoying people in lines. Here are a few..<br />
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1) That guy/gal in front of me at the bank or driver's licence office with "The Story". The Story goes like this "I don't have my ID, but I have an expired library card from Iowa and a cancelled check from my cousin that has my old home address on it and it's made out to me 'cause I paid the rent so I got two kinds of ID so can I get this two party check cashed? Oh and I need it in ones and fives, please?"<br />
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2) The person in the grocery store line who waits until all their groceries have been scanned and bagged and then slowly takes out a checkbook(!), writes the check, finds their license, waits for the cashier to go through all the steps of taking a paper check(!) and then, slowly records the check in their register, balances their checkbook and then and only then, leaves. Again, must be nice to be the only person on earth.<br />
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3) The person who goes to a busy gas station, parks in front of a pump, locks the car and disappears into the the gas station to purchase a burrito, drink, lottery tickets, chat with the attendant and then wanders out to the pump to finally pump their gas while everyone else waits in line. They get extra annoying point for sitting at the pump and eating their burrito oblivious to the world waiting behind them.<br />
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4) In line at the airport gate waiting to find out why the flight has been delayed when Mr. "I just have a quick question" hops to the side of the line in front everyone, gets the counter person's attention and then proceeds to get his flight rerouted, ticketed while everyone else gets to look at his stupid backside. This person should be banned from flying.<br />
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5) At a once in a lifetime visit to a famous museum like the Louvre, when a line of tourists comes through, all who are carrying cameras and recording every second of their drive-by visit, saying "Excuse please" and barges right in front of you or push you from behind so they can get their three second viewing of the Mona Lisa. The best thing to do to these people is to turn and say "No" firmly. It always stops them in their tracks.<br />
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6) Not a line, but just as annoying. The person who parks their grocery cart (buggy for some of you) on one side of the aisle while they block the other side of the aisle with the body as they inspect every brand and variety of mustard. Invariably, they also have optional hearing as it takes two or three attempted "Excuse mes" to get their attention upon which, they move their cart with an annoyed look as you interrupted their concentration. These people compete with the "Leave the cart in the middle of the main aisle" so they can run down an aisle an pick up a few things. Both need to be banned from the store and ordered to shop online for groceries.<br />
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7) Question Man. Stuck in line at a fast food restaurant behind Question Man (or Woman) as they order. <br />"What does that come with? How many calories do the sesame seeds have? Where do you buy your tomatoes from? Do you have anything that is gluten free?" all while the bleeding menu is three feet above their head and easily view able from outside of the line.<br />
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8) You and everyone else in the universe is waiting in line at the grocery store when Lost Guy walks up with a jumbo pack of Depends and barks "How do I pay for this? Who's in charge? Where do you keep the suppositories?". I usually forgive these people as the world has rapidly changed and they don't have time to learn how it operates.<br />
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9) Kids at a store or restaurant. All want to order and pay separate but none realize that taxes are charged on some items so that gum is not .49 but .54 with tax but Eddie only has .50 and was planning on giving his penny change to Beatrice so she could complete her purchase.<br />
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I got to get back to work.<br />
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JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-69693854980441537822013-07-17T12:17:00.000-05:002013-07-17T12:17:22.235-05:00Most annoying people at the ATMI went to the ATM (Automated Teller Machine, not ATM machine) today to get some cash. I generally use plastic (ATM or Credit function) for everything, but some payees require greenbacks so there you go.<br />
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I put in my card, entered my PIN, chose withdraw, entered the amount, chose checking, agreed to the fee (not my bank!), took my cash, put money in console. car in gear and drove off. Total time: Less than one minute.<br />
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But why is it anytime I am in line at the ATM (car, not on foot), the person in front has one or more of these problems?<br />
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1) Can't stop their car where they can reach the ATM keypad so they stop, get out of the car, lean over the ATM and conduct their business. Or goes forward and reverse several times until they get their car just right?<br />
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2) Has another person in the car they are carrying on an animated conversation with delaying each step and adding additional time to their ATM transaction.<br />
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3) Have all the appearances of attempting to open an IRA at the ATM due to the amount of time they take in line.<br />
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4) Refuse to believe they have not enough money or no money in their account to access - they try over and over again with smaller amounts entered, tearing off receipts as they are spat out and yet, try again.<br />
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5) Push the help button and call a real teller to assist them with the ATM - That's when it's time to GO IN THE BANK and get out of the ATM line.<br />
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6) Attempt to conduct multiple transactions, i.e. a multiple deposits, transfers and withdraws. Go in the bank for crying out loud.<br />
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7) Talking on the cell phone while in line, again, like having another passenger in the car, delays the transaction and keeps everyone behind them waiting.<br />
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8) Doesn't know their PIN and try repeated guesses over and over again all while looking back at the cars behind them and shaking their head with a helpless smile on their face. GET.OUT.OF.LINE.<br />
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9) And the most annoying - Complete their transaction, then sit in the car blocking the ATM lane while they balance their checkbook, arrange items in the car, check their hair, pick their nose and finally, after several excruciating moments, start their car and slowly drive out of the ATM lane. It must be nice to be the only person on earth.<br />
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What annoys you at the ATM?<br />
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<br />JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-54836408037265714382011-10-12T07:50:00.000-05:002011-10-12T07:50:47.528-05:00How to check your bags on an airline without getting chargedSo you are flying on a commercial airline and have more than one bag? For most, that means a backpack/purse and a rollerboard type suitcase. Normally, this means the smaller bag goes under your seat and the larger goes in the overhead, right? <br />
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But let's say you have a larger than normal bag in addition to your briefcase/computerbag? Here's a hint..<br />
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Bring all of your bags through TSA security and go to your gate. When it comes time to board, hold back until almost everyone else has boarded, then go to the ticket attendant. <br />
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In a sincere voice ask, "Is the flight full?". Most likely, the airline employee will say indeed, it is full. <br />
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Continue sincerely, "Would it be best if I gate check my bag?". Odds are the airline will jump at this to save room on the flight. They will tag your bag, hold it, and send it down to the tarmac to be loaded in the plane. <br />
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Cost to you? Nada. The gate agents are not set up to take payments, only to get people on the plane as quickly and comfortably as possible. Passengers who willingly offer up their bags for checking are seen as saviors, not hinderances. <br />
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I have done this more than a half dozen times in the past two years and have never been charged. <br />
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By the way, the airlines limit passengers to two carryons. You, the guy with the massive rollerboard, brief case, smaller traveling bag, overcoat and shopping bag of gifts for the family - check your stuff or bring less when traveling!JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-91845309677770470132011-10-11T22:41:00.000-05:002011-10-11T22:41:22.786-05:00Trade Show Tips and HintsFall means trade show season and if you work in sales, marketing or business development, you will probably find yourself asked to attend an industry trade show event this fall. <br />
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In the past month, I have attended three trade shows in different cities. Since I am in sales, I had booth duty each day of the show and did more than my fair share of standing, shaking hands, passing out business cards and demonstrating my company's products. <br />
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Having been active at trade shows for over a decade, here are some hints and tips which may help you with your trade show activities. <br />
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Get there early - Most trade shows start in the morning with some having odd start times like 10:30 or 11AM. For best results, bite the bullet and fly in the night before. That way, you can get to the show early, set up and make sure all is well before the doors open. Fly the morning of the show and you may sleep late and miss your flight and that means being late for the show open. <br />
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Bring more business cards than you normally would carry - For two, three or more days, you will be handing out biz cards right and left so bring extra. <br />
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And be ready to collect and organize visitor's cards as well. I keep all the business cards I collect in a single box beneath our booth's counter. I also like to right a brief note on the back which describes the customer's interest like "needs collateral for EU usage". <br />
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Socializing is great, but don't forget you are there to work - Meeting others who work in your industry is great, but let's face it, your competitors are not going to buy your product! Make new friends, but concentrate on meeting new prospects and customers. <br />
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Drink plenty of water, eat properly, get lots of rest - Trade shows often include after show parties, cocktail receptions, client dinners and nightcaps with the gang. Take care to drink responsibly (or not at all) as one wild, "out of town, out on the town night" can ruin your career. Your best bet is to attend one function after the show, avoid alcohol or drink moderately and then head back to your hotel early. <br />
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And once back at the hotel, make your time count! Organize leads and prospects met at the trade show. Catch up on your email and voice mail. Call home and talk with the family. Get to bed early and plan on starting early the next day. <br />
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As always, get up early and take care of yourself. Go for a run or spend some time in the hotel fitness room. Eat a good breakfast. Press your clothing and shine shoes. Get your bag ready and clean out yesterday's work and only bring the minimum needed for your day on the show floor. <br />
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If you get some time away from the booth, have a plan before walking the show floor. Fine one or more prospect who might be interested in your product or services. Or find five people of interest and network. Don't waste time collecting freebies or checking out exhibits which have no benefit to your work or career. <br />
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Finally, respect other's time. Visitors to your booth deserve you full attention. Keep your presentation and explanation brief, but compelling. Make concrete plans to follow up with prospects by a certain date and keep your word.<br />
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Trade shows can be grueling, but they can also be great source for new customers and revenue. Use your time wisely and profit immensely!JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-60441149022464355872010-09-20T12:42:00.000-05:002010-09-20T12:42:35.929-05:00Marketing Me: Beating the Out Of Work Job SlumpIf you have been out of work for some time or if you are burned out on your current job, then a perk up is needed. <br />
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The economy is not doing well. Employers are slow to hire because the economy is so uncertain. Things don't feel like they are getting better in spite of what all the "experts" (who have jobs, by the way) are saying. <br />
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Here are some suggestions to get out of the slump and get moving in the right direction. <br />
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1) Turn off the news - whether it is TV, newspapers or the internet, the news has the ability to depress anyone further than they already are. You won't miss anything by not watching or reading the news during work (search) hours. <br />
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2) Start listening and reading to inspiration. Now that the news is off, go research inspirational writing and videos on the internet. Or go to the library and pick up something positive. This does not necessarily mean "religious or spiritual" (but if that works for you, go for it), but rather, positive thinking and action. Zig Ziglar, Napoleon Hill, etc. Get positive! <br />
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3) Leave the house. Too many out of work job seekers barricade themselves in front of the computer and refuse to leave the house. "I can't afford to go anywhere!" they moan. Nonsense. Call a friend, acquaintence or former job mate and meet for coffee. Even Starbucks has a cheap cup for under a buck. Dig some change out from the sofa and go meet someone for conversation. It helps to have a different set of eyes looking at your life. <br />
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4) Go through the Rolodex of former work mates, bosses, customers, etc. Maybe you failed to get everyone's contact information - don't worry, they are probably on Facebook! Look up your old contacts and drop them a line. 90% of them have a job and maybe one knows of an opening not yet announced. <br />
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5) Get physical. I can't tell you how many times my slump has been broken with a good sweat. Go for a run or brisk walk. Ride the bike. Mow the lawn. Clean out the garage or closets. Get some physical activity and get something accomplished. Release some endorphins and get the old brain moving again. <br />
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Bottom line is this. No matter what you do, stop doing what you are doing which has put you in the slump. Get out and get better!JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-55972467397620551932010-05-10T13:43:00.000-05:002010-05-10T13:43:39.781-05:00Marketing Me: The Worse Paying Jobs and How the Government Wants More Of Us To Struggle FinanciallyThe list of the ten worse paying professions to get a degree in was posted online courtesy of HotJobs. Most are no brainers..<br />
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10. Drama<br />
9. Fine Arts<br />
8. Hospitality and Tourism<br />
7. Education<br />
6. Horticulture<br />
5. Spanish<br />
4. Music<br />
3. Theology<br />
2. Elementary Education<br />
1. Social Work<br />
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Education is so bad, they list it twice. <br />
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What does this have to do with the government? Many of those jobs are considered growth professions in the new economy by the government. Wow. I would be excited to get out of college. <br />
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Also, may of these jobs, like education and social work are generally financed by the government. I don't know if you have read the news lately, but government is not doing too well financially. I don't know if I would risk a four year or longer college education on a losing proposition. <br />
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My advice, find something you really want to do. If you want to teach, have at it. But if you are looking for the best paying job, look for ways to work for yourself and not someone else. <br />
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Just a suggestion.JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-43670346954692167462010-04-22T08:24:00.000-05:002010-04-22T08:24:49.130-05:00Marketing Me: Annoying Phrases "Raising Awareness"There are some things that are said in our society so often that they become accepted as fact or better yet, just acceptable. How many times have you heard someone say "I need to find an ATM machine and get some cash"? The M in ATM stands for machine. Duh.<br />
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But there are some terms which have far greater consequences in today's society and yet are repeated as if they are good, wholesome terms and which are shared by all. For instance...<br />
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<b>Raising awareness</b> - Charity used to be admirable. An individual or group would see a problem and would work tirelessly to find a <i>solution </i>to the problem. Hunger, sickness, homelessness, endangerment and so on. <br />
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Not anymore. Today, the buzzphrase is "raising awareness". Instead of finding a solution, simply tell others about the problem. Repeatedly. Even if they already know about the problem, bang them on the head some more. Raising awareness means creating commercials, campaigns, web sites, emails, signs, posters and what not which tells others about a problem. <br />
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Raising awareness is popular because advocates no longer have to get their hands dirty. Why actually feed a hungry person when you can simply show well fed people pictures of hungry people and remind them of the problem? Why directly help and comfort cancer patients when you can go to the government and lobby them to "do something"? <br />
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Not long ago, companies used to change their product packaging to pink for a month or so and pledge to donate a portion of the product sale proceeds to fighting breast cancer. Now they donate the money to "raise awareness" about breast cancer. I think everyone knows about breast cancer by now (some first hand unfortunately) and all would feel better if that money was actually going to pay some scientists and labs to find a cure. <br />
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Raising awareness is a wonderful way for selfish people to feel good about doing as little as possible.<br />
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I hate the term "raising awareness" and wish people would get back to actually doing something about problems rather than blabbing about them.JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-88919986809059971442010-04-12T12:32:00.000-05:002010-04-12T12:32:37.909-05:00Marketing Me: Airlines Charging for carryons?This came across the wire this morning. <a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_0_0_t&ct3=MAA4AEgAUABqAnVz&usg=AFQjCNFq_j_QfZAxs6cmeE2g73UPi1ntYg&cid=17593738186111&ei=K1jDS6DFHYi0MLiUuJoC&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.csmonitor.com%2FMoney%2FDonald-Marron%2F2010%2F0412%2FSpirit-Airlines-to-charge-to-carry-on-luggage">Spirit Airlines will institute a per carry on bag charge for all flights. </a><br />
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If you don't fly very often, this means that passengers will be charged for their carry on bags for each flight. Previously, most airlines only charged for checked luggage, you know the type that went in the luggage hold. <br />
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I fly about once a month (down from once a week before this recession) for work. Most of the other business travelers carry on some version of the following onto the place: one roller board suitcase and one laptop bag. The roller boards (designed for airline use) are stored in the overhead and the laptop for under the seat in front of the passenger. <br />
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The airlines allow each passenger to store on bag in the overhead bin and another in the space in front of the passenger under the facing seat. Spirit wants to charge for the bag in the overhead at a rate of $25.00. <br />
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The reasons given by the airline are many (the main reason is money), but let's entertain the excuses given..<br />
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- Passengers abuse the carry on rule and bring more than two bags on board or store more than one bag in the overhead bin. <br />
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- Flights are delayed by passengers attempting to store their overhead bags. <br />
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- Overhead bags and other objects stored in the bin can be dangerous a) when the bag is lifted into the bin and strains someone's back or falls on a person, b) when the bag is taken out and falls from the bin and hurts someone, and c) the object shifts or opens and multiple objects fall when the bin is opened. <br />
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- Airline attendants do not want to lift passengers bags and hurt themselves or damage a passenger's property. <br />
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Here's the real reason - M.O.N.E.Y. <br />
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If the airlines really believed all the above excuses (except for money) they would tape the overhead bins shut and limit all passengers to a single bag which can fit under their seat. All other bags would have to be checked. <br />
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Now <a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_0_0_t&ct3=MAA4AEgAUABqAnVz&usg=AFQjCNE5TCl14ncwUv6cXouNcNUznoKGDQ&cid=17593738186111&ei=TVjDS_icE4XINcT2qvcB&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2FidUSTRE63B2Y620100412">a US Senator wants to get involved</a> (for our own good, of course) and wants to present some national legislation for carry on luggage. <br />
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Like I said, I fly frequently. The carry on luggage problem is exacerbated by the dimwits who bring everything they own into the cabin and cause a big fat fuss when they can't get it all in the overhead. I once watched a guy bring a roller board suitcase, laptop bag, huge department store shopping bag, some giant cardboard tube and his overcoat onto a flight and wanted everything in the overhead and nothing at his feet because he wanted to "stretch out and relax". I would have kicked his butt and his entourage of junk off the flight. <br />
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Here's the deal. This new rule will only hurt business travelers. Business travelers fly frequently and want to carry on their bags to expedite their arrival and exit from the airport. If some of the airlines want to chase business people away, that's a mistake and just dumb. <br />
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A number of airlines won't charge for checked luggage. And they get plenty of business. If others refuse to follow along with this idiocy and won't charge for carry on luggage, they will get business. The airlines "nickel and diming" passengers to death will find themselves with empty seats on flight populated by occasional travelers and tourists. <br />
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To the airlines - <br />
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- Enforce the one bag in the overhead bin rule. <br />
- Have attendants refuse to help with bags (except for the handicapped, aged or similar). If the passenger can't place or retrieve their own bag, check it. <br />
- Publish dimensions of carry on bags and available space for carry on bags in each flight. Once the limit has been hit, start checking. <br />
- Consider requiring passengers to note their carry on bags at check in - what type of carry on bag do you have? Roller board? Tote? Computer bag? Backpack, etc? <br />
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To the passengers - <br />
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- Check in the night before your flight to get the earliest boarding and thus, first crack at available bins. <br />
- One bag in the overhead, the other at your feet. Any more, then check it, ship it or leave it at home. You don't get to put your coat, purse, computer bag, artwork, guitar, whatever in my overhead space! (I have yelled at other passengers to hogging the overhead bin with more than one bag or object). <br />
- Only fly airlines which do not charge these exorbitant fees. <br />
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Happy travels,JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-26779282430229300602010-04-09T08:34:00.000-05:002010-04-09T08:34:43.810-05:00Marketing Me: Phone Call - UNKNOWNThe other day, my mortgage company called me. The caller ID on my phone said "Unknown". My mortgage is my largest expense each month. It's my home for crying out loud. So why in the world would the company which has earned my largest payment not take advantage of the advertising and marketing of their business name? <br />
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Many companies these days do not include their company name in the outbound caller ID. In phone terminology, caller ID is called "call appearance". The reasons companies have "Unknown" for call appearance are multiple. <br />
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For instance, some companies do not want call recipients to know who is calling quite simply because they want the recipient to answer the call. This tactic is used by collection agencies because they know the recipient will not take a call from a bill collector if they know it is them. <br />
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Other times, calls are done by call centers which are contracted by a company, but are truly not the company in question. Thus, they choose not to put "Company A" on the call appearance, but rather leave it blank. <br />
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Sometimes, a company's phone system has not been correctly configured or is a VOIP system which is incapable of producing a correct call appearance. <br />
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Regardless, companies are wrong not to include their name and number in the call appearance. <br />
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For instance, if it's my mortgage company, I want to know their number! How many times have a I dug around for my statement to find the customer service number? With the number, I can add it to my phone's phonebook and can call the company whenever I want. <br />
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With "unknown" as the call appearance and lack of phone number, I cannot make that call quickly and which business does not want their customers to call? Goofy. <br />
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If you have a business, call yourself sometimes and see what your phone system is sending your customers. You may be surprised.JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-17154979262247977202009-06-08T13:34:00.003-05:002009-06-08T14:11:55.969-05:00Marketing Me: Sales Myths DestroyedTalk to most people and they say they hate sales people. Why? Then you get the story about how all sales people are "plaid jacket, crooked, fast talking, con men". <br /><br />Most people say they hate sales people because of their experience buying cars or appliances. <br /><br />When I talk to buyers about sales people, I usually hear the same myths about "how they deal with sales people". <br /><br />As someone in sales for nearly 20 years I can debunk most of these myths.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Put a sign which says "No Soliciting" on the front door. It will stop sales people cold in their tracks. </span><br /><br />To a professional sales person, a "No Soliciting" sign is the same as a Kick Me sign. Sales people know that people who put these signs up are easy to sell to. That is why they put the sign up in the first place. People who are easy marks put that sign up because they don't know how to say no in the first place. <br /><br />If you don't want to buy anything, tell the salesperson to their face. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Before going to buy a car, read about all the tricks and small print the car dealers use. Tell them up front you are on to their ways and you won't fall for any of their tricks.</span><br /><br />I have a friend who has sold cars for 17 years. All makes and models, makes no difference to him. Each car is a unit and his salary depends upon the number of units he can move a month. <br /><br />My friend knows every trick in the book as this is all he has done for years. Do you really think a buyer can learn all there is to know before walking into a dealership? Hardly. No more than I can read about heart surgery on the Internet and tell a doctor how to perform an operation. <br /><br />There is only one tactic that works with a car dealer - be ready to walk away from a deal at any time. No explanations, no conditions. Just "No thank you", get up and leave. To do that, never walk into a dealership with a "I have to have the car today" attitude. A buyer can never play games with a professional sales person and think they can win. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"I am an old horse trader"<br /></span><br />I have heard this line a hundred times. You know horses? Great. I won't try and sell you a filly, mare or gelding. But I know software, electronics, warranties, transmissions, whatever that I am selling far better than you will ever know it. What's more, whether or not my family eats or I keep my house depends upon ME getting YOU to buy the product, sign the contract or issue the PO. <br /><br />Keep your old folk wisdom and sayings. If you need what I am selling, I will figure out a way to get you to buy it. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Sales people in almost every industry are worried about moving old inventory or lose their jobs. You can always get a good deal if you agree to take something off their hands even if they lose money in the deal. </span><br /><br />Sales people only worry about making a commission. Nothing else. If you think you got a good deal on last year's model, don't worry, the salesperson got a nice bonus for moving a dog. <br /><br />Sales people don't sweat inventory or full floor space. That is the owner's problem. The sales person only worries about how much he is making on a deal and how soon he will get his check. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">If you can't get a good deal from a salesman, ask to speak to his manager, the director even the president of the company. Sooner or later the real decision maker will take your offer. <br /></span><br /><br />Got news for you. Nearly every manager, director or CEO was once in sales. The manager was the sales person the director liked better than the other sales people. The Director is the sales manager who made his numbers two quarters in a row. The CEO was the sales director who made VP and vowed to turn the company's fortunes around. <br /><br />In any organization trying to make money, "everyone is a sales person and nothing happens until something is sold". There is no way around that fact no matter who you talk to.JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-3264992556140665742009-06-03T11:06:00.003-05:002009-06-03T11:23:41.927-05:00Marketing Me: My New EmploymentGet used to it, the world of work has changed. In the past ten years, I have changed jobs and companies five times. And I expect it to be more of the same in the next decade. If you found yourself recently out of work or are worried about your work future, my story might be helpful to you. <br /><br />First, I have worked in sales and technology for over fifteen years. Prior to that I worked in the hospitality industry. Both have given me a foundation of sales, customer service and grasping changing markets. I have extensive background in startup and new companies as well. <br /><br />Tired of layoffs and downsizing, I work for myself now. No, there won't be a MLM pitch coming, I promise! Rather, I currently represent a couple of different companies now as an independent rather than as a salaried employee. <br /><br />First, I work as a sales director for a technology company marketing technology for financial companies. I have been doing this for some time and thankfully, have a good pipeline of existing companies which have kept revenue coming in. <br /><br />Next, I rep for another technology company designing solutions for specific companies. I handle the hardware portion of the deal and while the sales cycle is long, the customers are repeat and long term as well. <br /><br />Finally, I write for a number of outlets. Blogging has been something I have done for several years, now I get paid for it. I maintain a couple of blogs which are in areas I have deep interests. I also write for a legal site which pays me a portion of the revenues. I won't get rich but it brings in extra income and creates my own intellectual property. Create and write enough and a larger publication can be the result of your work. <br /><br />The world of work is changing. I have to pay for my own internet, computers, medical coverage, retirement as well as my normal living expenses. It is not easy, but the rewards are great because I do this for myself.JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-68229405321040599062009-02-21T07:18:00.002-06:002009-02-21T07:25:00.811-06:00Marketing Me: A new form of employmentI work in sales and have seen a new trend lately. With so many jobs being cut, companies are caught in a quandary: How to raise revenue after cutting sales and marketing staffs. <br /><br />One way is to keep sales people, but on a commission/sales only role. For instance, a sales person has a base salary, insurance and HR cost to the company. The company depends upon the sales person to sell products and services which will cover those costs.. eventually. <br /><br />However, some companies are cutting the employee and making them an agent or reseller. The company reduces their monthly fixed cost and the employee earns a higher commission (hopefully) for sales. <br /><br />As a short term solution, this may work for both parties, but it will not work long term. As companies cut long time sales persons and teams, they are compelled to recruit new sales persons with higher and more demanding quotas. So available sales people, good ones, are constantly being recruited and headhunted. I know that is what I have seen in the market this month. <br /><br />The agent model will probably continue for the time being. The monthly costs of employees is at the breaking point for too many companies.JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-83026464372976073342009-02-21T07:09:00.002-06:002009-02-21T07:17:45.853-06:00Marketing Me: Layoffs and the Transformation of WorkLayoffs are coming faster and with more urgency than ever before. The lack of credit and disappearing cash has left companies scrambling now more than ever to reduce head count and thus expenditures quickly. The end result is the jettison of the American employee. <br /><br />More companies are laying off and the trend will continue throughout 2009. Despite what economists are telling the press, the inherent problem lies with the credit markets in the U.S. <br /><br />Companies expand headcount and facilities by either tapping cash or using credit to bridge the gap between sales and invoiced payments. Customers, however, are cutting their spending or falling behind on their invoices. This means companies have to make up the difference for their customers late payments. <br /><br />The problem is lenders are not lending money or are reducing lines of credit. Companies which once had money available, are finding those funds have dried up or been rescinded. Where some companies would feel comfortable using cash reserves to fill the holes, more and more are acting much more conservatively with their use of cash. <br /><br />In order to quickly reduce spending, companies are resorting to the fast layoff to cut monthly costs. So employees are given two weeks pay and told to exit as fast as possible. <br /><br />As long as this credit crisis lasts, there will be more layoffs, slower payments by customers and less employment. No easy answers here.JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-25142508339547064032009-02-12T09:23:00.005-06:002009-02-12T10:42:32.102-06:00States: The Top Ten High Cost of Doing Business<a href="http://entrepreneur.com/">Entrepreneur magazine</a> (print version only) had an interesting article in their February 2009 edition, which outlined the states with the highest cost of doing business (figures were the most recent - 2007). <br /><br />This matters because job creation in every state in the U.S. is critical. If costs are too high in one place, job seekers in those locations may suffer. <br /><br />Taken into account were average worker's wages, tax burden, electricity costs, industrial and office space rents. <br /><br />Here is the list of the states with the highest cost of doing business. <br /><br />1. Hawaii<br />2. New York<br />3. Alaska<br />4. Massachusetts<br />5. Connecticut<br />6. California<br />7. New Jersey<br />8. Vermont<br />9. Delaware<br />10. Rhode Island<br /><br />Some of the figures which are represented in the article would have been affected positively today would include the probable increase in office and warehouse space since late 2008 to the present. An increase in supply of either would logically dictate a drop in price. Well some places. <br /><br />Also, wages have dropped as well as layoffs have increased in the past six months which can drive wages down. <br /><br />Finally, some of these states have raised tax rates for individuals and businesses as tax revenues have dried up. They may be even higher than listed above. <br /><br />Regardless, if you live in one of the above states, be aware what you are facing. The out of work in Texas for instance, have a better playing field to work with than those in New Jersey. <br /><br />Author's note: I was surprised Michigan was not on this list.JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-52078186547157251232009-01-28T16:43:00.003-06:002009-01-29T10:35:26.007-06:00Massive Job Losses; Action PlanFrom the news this week.<br /><br />Boeing may cut up to 10,000 jobs. <br /><br />Kodak may restructure and shed more jobs soon. <br /><br />In spite of some emergency money, GM cut more jobs this week. <br /><br />IBM cut 2800 jobs this week. <br /><br />SAP plans 3000 job cuts.<br /><br />Target plans on laying off 600. <br /><br />Caterpillar 20,000 jobs gone. <br /><br />Pfizer, 8000 jobs. <br /><br />Sprint Nextel 8000 jobs. <br /><br />Home Depot - 7000 jobs. <br /><br />Texas Instruments - 3400. <br /><br />That was this week. We now have the highest unemployment since 1981. And there is no end in sight. <br /><br />I have worked in sales, marketing, operations, IT, hospitality and about a half dozen other fields of work in my adult life. <br /><br />I can't imagine what it must be like to lose a manufacturing job, because I have never worked in that field. But a layoff is the same in any company. <br /><br />I am no Sally Sunshine, but I had to change jobs a few months ago right in the thick of this mess. It took me about 45 days to find my next job. <br /><br />I updated my resume, made phone calls, did the phone interview, took one plane trip to interview for the "Hell Job" which I did not take. I ended up working with a company I had known for about some years and everything worked out in the end. <br /><br />A few warnings; I took a pay cut. My job title is not as glamorous as my last one. I have to work more and learn about a new industry I know nothing about. But I adapted. <br /><br />However, my new job came about because I used my network of friends, former co-workers, customers, professional and industry contacts. <br /><br />As usual, some were very supportive. Others were supportive, but offered very little other than well wishes. Some ignored me, which is what happens. <br /><br />Here is some nickel advice. <br /><br />- Get to work. Take any part time or free lance job you can get as soon as possible. Deliver pizzas, shovel snow, stock shelves. <br /><br />Anything which will get your mind off what has happened at the past job and what your plan is going forward. Don't stew about "getting back at your boss" or "they might call me back". Face reality and find something to do which focuses your mind on positive activity.<br /><br />Work is the stone which sharpens the mind of the job seeker. <br /><br />- Don't spend that severance check. <br /><br />Put it in the bank. Get caught up on bills. Make minimums on credit cards if there is too large a balance to pay off. Keep the mortgage current. <br /><br />Except for a suit, haircut and printers fees for your resume, don't spend a dime on "training, coaching" or any other scam. Get a job first, then go back to school on the job's dime. <br /><br />- Start calling friends, neighbors, family, anyone and let them know you are looking for a new job. Don't worry about what they will think, just do it. Embarrassment doesn't pay very well. <br /><br />- Yes, you can do the Linked In thing, but be aware so is everyone else and <span style="font-weight:bold;">sitting in front of the computer making connections is not work despite the mistaken belief. </span><br /><br />Same goes for Facebook and all the other social networks. You will feel compelled to sit in front of the computer searching for old friends with some vague idea that a winning job lottery ticket will appear. Ain't gonna happen..<br /><br />- Don't give up. Look for jobs outside of your area of expertise. Look for jobs in other parts of the country. Don't give up. I cannot stress that enough. <br /><br />Remember, everyone who lost their job in the Great Depression and who persevered ended up working again. It may have taken time, they may have had to change jobs three or four times, but they worked again. <br /><br />You will too.JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-65440922953466060692008-12-18T09:35:00.003-06:002008-12-18T10:08:47.948-06:00Marketing Me: Using Linked In For Job SearchWith the economy in the hopper, more job seekers are turning the Internet for their job search. <br /><br />Now some will go to Monster or Dice, fill out a form, and start submitting their pared down resume to whoever is hiring and whatever company has an opening. <br /><br />Against my past advice, sometimes this may work - but it is not that effective, especially when competing against thousands of other workers.<br /><br />Web 2.0 social networks are one way to expand your personal network and employment visibility. The problem is job seekers are often reaching out to others online they have no prior relationship with. <br /><br />Linked In is a great resource because it has thousands of members with thousands of companies. However, too many job seekers jump on the Linked In bandwagon after they have been let go or when they are desperate to leave their current company. <br /><br />By using Linked In and other social networks, job seekers won't have to do the Linked In shuffle at the last minute. <br /><br />Use Linked In for your job search, but use it wisely. <br /><br />Unless you have an advanced membership, it is next to impossible to join networks with persons you do not know. However, there are ways to get to know others with whom you do not have a network connection. <br /><br />Use Linked In Answers - If you find a contact on Linked In who is associated with an opportunity you are interested in, follow their profile and see if they are placing any answers in Linked In Answers. Do the same and attempt to build a relationship. <br /><br />Use Linked In Groups - Regardless of contacts, job seekers should always join Linked In groups which focus on their specialty or professional interests. Join groups, communicate and reach out to fellow members. <br /><br />Use Profile - Your Linked In Profile has features which helps others find you. Fill out the keywords related to your job search (i.e. top wireless sales executive, successful headhunter for the Java programmer, etc.). Complete your profile with pictures and comments. Publish your web profile and bookmark it with Delicious, Stumbler, etc. Build back links to your profile so search engines and searchers can find you. <br /><br />Linked In can be a great resource, but be careful not to abuse it or use Linked In incorrectly. <br /><br />May your job search be successful!JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-40737496331265918612008-12-17T08:59:00.002-06:002008-12-17T09:04:26.143-06:00Marketing Me: The Linked In Activity BlurYou can always tell when someone is worried about their job at work. <br /><br />You get the Linked In Activity Blur. <br /><br />What happens is a flurry of activity on their Linked In account. Suddenly they are adding five or six new contacts a day. Their profile is updated and tweaked. You get updates on their Linked In account every day. <br /><br />The same thing happens with their Facebook account as well. A bunch of happy "guess what I am up to messages" start flying across their profile. Anything to get the word out about what they are doing. <br /><br />Your Linked In and Facebook and Plaxo accounts should always be updated all the time anyway. <br /><br />Further, your social network profiles should have lots of keywords which are relevant to what you want to do as well as what you have done. <br /><br />And your profiles should always include accomplishments which are in demand right now. Learning 10-key is not very lucrative this year, but busting revenue goals is.JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-39168302669217733262008-12-17T08:40:00.002-06:002008-12-17T08:50:39.635-06:00Marketing Me: LayoffsYep, I have not published diddly in some time. A bunch of reasons why.. <br /><br />First, my job that I started in 2005 was going great. I was doing very well and when things are going well, you tend to forget about HOW you got there in the first place. <br /><br />Second, that great job ended just a few months ago. For 48 days, I searched for a new job. That took most of my time naturally. <br /><br />Finally, my new job was found within my network which was good. But it did not change what was going on in my world. <br /><br />Layoffs are everywhere in every industry. <br /><br />See <a href="http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/15/layoffs-and-restructuring-at-macmillan/?ref=books">here</a>, <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/16/news/companies/best_buy/?postversion=2008121609">here</a>, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2008/12/15/daily16.html">here </a>and <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2008-12-15-wilmington-dhl-abx-air-layoffs_N.htm">here</a>. <br /><br />That's right. Publishing, airlines, shipping, retail.. the list goes on and on. <br /><br />Further, I have been speaking with a number of friends and parents whose children attend school with mine. Everyone fits into this category:<br /><br />a) Suddenly changed job this year after a layoff, threat of layoff or problem with the old companies' revenues. <br /><br />b) Looking actively for a new job because the old one will probably go away in the next year. <br /><br />c) Has had to severely cut back because of a downturn at work. Yes, they are hanging on, but big changes in lifestyle are coming over the next 12 months. <br /><br />Marketing Me has never been more important then ever before. I have much more to share and do with the changing economy and I hope I can help you.JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-32304100146275120472008-05-22T22:15:00.003-05:002008-05-22T22:42:42.652-05:00Marketing Me! Recession job searchLooking for a job after a layoff? <br /><br />A reminder from the past which led to the beginning of <a href="http://marketingme.blogspot.com">Marketing Me</a>. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What NOT to do when you lose your job</span><br /><br />1) <span style="font-style: italic;">Use severance pay for training.</span><br />Training sounds like a good idea. The government likes it as it gives out of work people something to do. But think about it. Would you hire someone who spent 20 years doing one occupation, but then received "training" to do something new? I didn't think so. Save your severance pay for a haircut or style, a new suit, transportation and other preparation for interviews. <br /><br />2) <span style="font-style: italic;">Pay for a resume service. </span><br />Who knows you better than yourself? An out of work writer? Or you? There are websites on writing your resume. Better yet, there are free services to help you. Consult these options before dropping the coin on a for hire service. <br /><br />3) <span style="font-style: italic;">Blindly apply for jobs online.</span><br />Great idea. Toss your name into the big faceless nobody pool. <br /><br />4) <span style="font-style: italic;">Be too embarrassed to tell others about your job search. </span><br />Here is a secret. Your next job is coming from someone you know. Promise. <br /><br />5) <span style="font-style: italic;">Refuse to act financially like you are out of work.</span><br />We have all heard the story about the laid off worker who immediately scheduled a trip to Thailand to "get his bearings and find himself". Instead, make that trip a reward after you start working again. <br /><br />6) <span style="font-style: italic;">Applying for jobs you have no business applying for.</span><br />Do not shotgun resumes at every position and hope it works out. <br /><br />7) <span style="font-style: italic;">If part of a company wide layoff, avoid contacting others in the same situation. </span><br />Guess what? The person who was laid off with you is looking for work as well. If he finds a position, there may be others. Keep in contact with your network. <br /><br />8) <span style="font-style: italic;"> Avoid coaching, a mentor or anyone who can help you with advice. </span><br />Tiger Woods has a coach. Company presidents have a board of directors. Who is on your board? <br /><br />9) <span style="font-style: italic;"> Do not think out of the box.</span><br />Why are you not working three things at once? A part time job consulting? A contract gig online? <br /><br />10) <span style="font-style: italic;">Let pride stand in the way of success.</span><br />Yes it stinks to be out of work. But being unemployed is worse than admitting you need help finding a job. Get off the cross!JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-28919195195307366342008-04-18T10:40:00.003-05:002008-04-18T10:48:39.090-05:00Marketing Me! Using LinkedIn Answers and the origin of Marketing MeI try and keep up with LinkedIn and Yahoo answers. Both are good methods for getting the word out on you. The reason is easy. Answering questions establishes you as an expert in any number of topics. Experts are easy to hire. <br /><br />I had the chance to answer a networking question recently, and it reminded me to tell once again, the story behind Marketing Me! and why I started this blog. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A few years ago, I found myself suddenly out of a job. Since then, I have turned the experience into the theme for my personal blog.<br /><br />Here were my steps to secure a new and far better position in 30 days.<br /><br />To start, know what you want to do and what industry you want to work in. That is a given that many overlook when they are out of work.<br /><br />1) Collect your contacts. Divide them into hot, warm and cold with hot being good possible employers. Warm contacts are persons you use for advice and referrals. Cold contacts are names without possibility but good to have as referring points.<br /><br />2) Start phoning. Never start out with email - nothing says lazy like email Call, connect and communicate.<br /><br />3) Clearly state what you are looking for. Never phone and state "I need a job, got anything?". Instead, use the value proposition "I have known you a long time. What is your best advice about where I should look/what I should do?"<br /><br />4) Plan to visit in person for follow up. I scheduled a trip to an industry convention which happened to take place two weeks after my last day. I scheduled meeting times with prospects. That included breakfasts, lunches, dinners, walks, anything which put me in front of a prospective employer. Remember to schedule with a set time and place. Leave nothing to chance. Be flexible. You may meet someone walking from one hall to another or on a shuttle bus or at a reception (all of these happened to me).<br /><br />5) Meet. Be clear about your goals, skills and value to any prospect.<br /><br />6) Thank. Send a thank you note, hand written, never email, to each person who took the time to meet with you.<br /><br />7) Follow up. I was fortunate. I ended up with five solid job offers, two possibilities and dozens of future business contacts. Had this not happened I would have directly contacted each of these people again until something happened.<br /><br /><br />28 days to the day, I had my starting date at my next job. It was a lot of work and travel, but it has paid off nicely. To this day, I network constantly.</span><br /><br />Marketing Me! has transformed into a blog about anything which appeals to me in my profession. Be it business travel, cell phones, productivity tools, conference calling and even entertainment. <br /><br />In the 21st century, we are often defined by our career or more correctly, our work. Marketing Me! has become my diary, journal and sanity check over the past three years. <br /><br />I don't plan on changing any time soon.JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-46997473282959838882008-04-10T08:51:00.004-05:002008-04-10T09:22:40.560-05:00Marketing Me! Funny resignation letters and emailsIf levity is your aim, then make your resignation letter or email memorable. <br /><br />- Use email. CC (courtesy copy) as many of your coworkers as possible. <br />- Be succinct, to the point and "snarky". <br />- Avoid seriousness. <br /><br />Some exiting employees love emotional hand wringing when penning a resignation. Why bother I say? The employer is not going to take it serious and your remaining co-workers really need the humorous boost in their day. <br /><br />Here is a good template: <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">To whom it may concern, <br /><br />Please accept this notice of my resignation from Wally's Wonder Widgets affective June 1, 2008. <br /><br />Although I have more than 18 days of unused vacation time, our lovely and talented HR manager Terry informed me that Wally's policy is "use 'em or lose 'em" so I guess I can kiss that time off good bye. And Wally, I have something for you to kiss as well! <br /><br />Further, company policy dictates that I return all company property on or before my last day of employment. That would include my company shirt, laptop, sample case and company literature. In short, that would be next to impossible to do.<br /><br />My company shirt disintegrated in the laundry the second time I washed it. I ended up making my own from an old t-shirt I had and my customers found it memorable to say the least. <br /><br />My laptop conked out three weeks ago and our illustrious and oh so competent IT department managed to make it fully non-functional after seven days of ignoring it so they could play Half Life during work hours. I have been making do in the meantime with a legal pad, a calculator and text messaging on my cell phone. <br /><br />My sample case was emptied months ago. I gave all of my working Wonder Widgets to customers who still had not received their orders or whose orders included non-functioning units. The sample case does make an attractive carrying case for my legal pad and calculator though!<br /><br />As for company literature, I have been leaving that in the toilet because we have been out of toilet paper for some time. <br /><br />Please forward my final paycheck to my home address on file although I would prefer to be paid in cash before exiting the building. You can pay me from the executive secretaries' cash box located at her desk. I have noticed that our CEO, Wally, has a habit of helping himself to the box on a regular basis so I assume that won't be a problem.<br /><br />I would thank you for the opportunity at Wally's Wonder Widgets, but my therapist suggests that I put negative events in my life behind me and instead focus on the positive merits of unemployment.<br /><br />Sincerely happy, <br /><br />Your name, <br /></span>JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-36038923219608812492008-04-09T16:46:00.001-05:002008-04-09T08:28:33.491-05:00Marketing Me! How to write a resignation letterIn a world where the average worker changes jobs and careers SEVEN times, somebody somewhere is going to be putting in their notice. <br /><br />Perhaps that person is you. If so, there are good ways to quit a job and bad ways to quit. The best way to quit your job is to submit a resignation letter. <br /><br />A resignation letter should be your professional notice of exit from the company. Now, there are fun ways to do a resignation letter which is a future post. For now, this covers the professional way to resign in writing. <br /><br />Use this format. <br /><br />Date - the date the resignation letter is delivered. <br /><br />Salutation - never make your salutation generic. Put the name of the person you are addressing. If there is more than one person receiving your resignation letter, put their name in a cc; field at the top of your letter. <br /><br />For example: <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">cc: Mary Smith - Human Resources<br /> Jerry Jones - Supervisor/Operations<br /><br />To Mr. Greg Green, CEO Wally's Wonder Widgets</span><br /><br />The resignation notice with date and specifics in the format of a notice. <br /><br />Example: <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please let this letter serve as notice of my voluntary separation from Wally's Wonder Widgets.. </span><br /><br />Include a final date.<br /><br />Example: <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">... effective June 1, 2008. </span><br /><br />Give notice of terms.. <br /><br />Example: <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">On or before that date, I will return my laptop, company ID, company shirt and sample case of Wonder Widgets to Mary Smith in Human Resources. <br /></span><br />Let them know where to find you and where to send your final check. <br /><br />Example: <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please remit payment for all unused vacation and personal time as well my final paycheck to my home address.. </span><br /><br />Closing. <br /><br />Example: <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">If there are any questions or other arrangements which need to be made, please let me know at your earliest convenience. </span><br /><br />Appreciation. <br /><br />Example. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Thank you for your time and the opportunity to work with you, </span><br /><br />Your name.<br /><br />Put it all together. <br /><br />Final example. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">April 9. 2008</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">cc: Mary Smith - Human Resources<br /> Jerry Jones - Supervisor/Operations<br /><br />To Mr. Greg Green, CEO Wally's Wonder Widgets</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Please let this letter serve as notice of my voluntary separation from Wally's Wonder Widgets effective June 1, 2008. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">On or before that date, I will return my laptop, company ID, company shirt and sample case of Wonder Widgets to Mary Smith in Human Resources. <br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">If there are any questions or other arrangements which need to be made, please let me know at your earliest convenience. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Thank you for your time and the opportunity to work with you, </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Sincerely, <br /><br />Your name</span><br /><br />Keep your resignation letter short, to the point and effective. Let there be no ambiguity, remorse or vindictiveness in your correspondence. It will only come back to haunt you. <br /><br />Now, if that is not of consequence.. Stay tuned for a more light hearted version later...JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-70660650878942339222008-04-08T13:17:00.006-05:002008-04-08T13:29:50.926-05:00Marketing Me! Top Five Reasons to Quit Your Job Today<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaw4zZcD0ffgofymdKcLGfoEzX5qzwfxhc-wYTqldZ22pjKEZS4FHZPGCJCwFjarz5fJZWmBeGuTB86kY1YJy2Q63OwiJwOU3ZMZ3lUBc7oqaTPRgrxKiS7GqnZsPBjSwuiClWA/s1600-h/timeclock.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaw4zZcD0ffgofymdKcLGfoEzX5qzwfxhc-wYTqldZ22pjKEZS4FHZPGCJCwFjarz5fJZWmBeGuTB86kY1YJy2Q63OwiJwOU3ZMZ3lUBc7oqaTPRgrxKiS7GqnZsPBjSwuiClWA/s200/timeclock.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186942813466170130" /></a><br />Top Five Reasons To Quit Your Job Today<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1) You hate going to work.</span> You may love what you do, but you hate where you do it. Be it for any reason, you hate your place of work. Quit today. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2) You do not like the people you work with.</span> Be it your co-workers or customers, you do not get along with them OR they repulse you so much you cannot stand the sight of them. Quitting time!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3) You struggle with what you do.</span> I don't mean the short term, "this is hard!" mentality, but the "I have no idea why I am here anymore". Maybe it is the project you have been on for the past thirteen months, the products you don't understand or the direction the company is going. All of it is a mystery and you no longer comprehend why you continue to labor through another day on the job. Punch out permanently. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4) You spend more time away from the office than in it.</span> Sick time, vacation time, long lunches, personal errands, personal days, etc. Are you finding reasons not to be at work? Get thee away from thine jobbage. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5) You dream of doing something else.</span> Maybe it is your own company, or working in a different field, or perhaps you simply see yourself (constantly) somewhere else doing something else. Stop dawdling, Dalton. Put in your 24-hour notice and motor-vate.JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-49166373545063716152008-03-31T15:02:00.001-05:002008-03-31T10:57:36.401-05:00Marketing Me! Adapting to OvercomeA couple of things which came to my attention this week. <br /><br />Story one - <br />Couple nearing retirement live in semi-rural Michigan on "ten acres near lake" in 100 year old farmhouse. Now in their 50's they have a predicament: they are having a problem affording their home. They cannot afford the $4+ a gallon heating oil to heat their home. They cannot get firewood to use in fireplace to offset increased heating cost of using oil. Their taxes have increased. They want something "done" or "help". <br /><br />Story two - <br />A friend who works in broadcasting told me his story. The television news stations are financially suffering. They are cutting back on all expenses. They have cut out all overtime. On top of this, they are actively, but not officially, reducing 40+ year olds in favor of 20-somethings right out of college. Friend is concerned about what his field will look like in ten years. <br /><br />Both stories, one ending. <br /><br />Adapt or die. <br /><br />Couple in Michigan. Only one solution. Sell that big white elephant and move somewhere warmer and more affordable. Census data released yesterday tells you where everyone else is moving and why. Get out from under that cold, old farmhouse and move south to a less expensive Sunbelt state. Housing is cheaper and getting more so everyday. I don't know anyone down here who uses heating oil. Well maybe in Florida. But why should you suffer from the cost anymore? Want to stay? Sentimentality? Friends? Family? Who cares. YOu cannot afford to stay where you are and it will only get worse. <br /><br />Broadcaster. Guess what? The old media outlets are only get to get worse. Hey, if you are able to hang on to your job, good for you. But don't be surprised if your pay continues to get cut and the threat of a younger person taking over becomes more real every day. What is a solution? Get out of news and take your video work private. Go to work in corporate communications or health care. Hook up with a wedding coordinator and start shooting weddings on the weekend. The money is really good. <br /><br />Questions - <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">If I move, who will take care of my aged mother/father/grandmother,etc? </span><br />Strap her to the roof (Granny Clampett - Beverly Hillbillies) and go. <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">What if I cannot sell my home? </span><br />Any home can and will be sold. Try harder, get another broker, reduce your price, etc.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">What if I miss my friends and family? </span><br />Yes, but you will miss eating first. <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">What if my job comes back?</span><br />Jobs are not boomerangs.<br /><br />Adapt now. Or your career will die. <br />Remember, the economy is always the same for the successful, different for the adapters and going south for the extinct.<br /><br />What will you be?JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19596645.post-76918220691172315622008-03-18T15:35:00.002-05:002008-03-18T13:24:32.622-05:00Marketing Me! Would you pay for a new job?During the 2002 "dot com" crash, I found myself looking for a new job while my then current company began to flounder. Thinking the boom was still on, I was in for a rude awakening. <br /><br />First, there were very few open positions in the IT field in any capacity. <br />Second, positions which were open, were quickly filled by internal candidates (hence the reason we network and market ourselves!). <br /><br />However, there were some openings in a few companies which I quickly applied for. Naturally, my applications ended up not with the employer, but with a recruiter retained by the company. <br /><br />And then the recruiter song and dance began. <br /><br />It occurred to me at that time, would it not have been easier to just have made an offer to the recruiter? <br /><br />"You get me a job offer within my requirements and I will give you this percentage of my first year's commission or I will write you a check for the full amount my first day of work". <br /><br />We know why this would not work in my particular scenario, but would it work in general? Would you do it?JDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00305198483214282911noreply@blogger.com0