Marketing Me

How to check your bags on an airline without getting charged

2011-10-12T07:50:00.000-05:00

So 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?

But let's say you have a larger than normal bag in addition to your briefcase/computerbag? Here's a hint..

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.

In a sincere voice ask, "Is the flight full?". Most likely, the airline employee will say indeed, it is full.

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.

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.

I have done this more than a half dozen times in the past two years and have never been charged.

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!

Trade Show Tips and Hints

2011-10-11T22:41:00.000-05:00

Fall 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Trade shows can be grueling, but they can also be great source for new customers and revenue. Use your time wisely and profit immensely!

Marketing Me: Beating the Out Of Work Job Slump

2010-09-20T12:42:00.000-05:00

If 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.

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.

Here are some suggestions to get out of the slump and get moving in the right direction.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Marketing Me: The Worse Paying Jobs and How the Government Wants More Of Us To Struggle Financially

2010-05-10T13:43:00.000-05:00

The list of the ten worse paying professions to get a degree in was posted online courtesy of HotJobs. Most are no brainers..

10. Drama
9. Fine Arts
8. Hospitality and Tourism
7. Education
6. Horticulture
5. Spanish
4. Music
3. Theology
2. Elementary Education
1. Social Work

Education is so bad, they list it twice.

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.

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.

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.

Just a suggestion.

Marketing Me: Annoying Phrases "Raising Awareness"

2010-04-22T08:24:00.000-05:00

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.

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...

Raising awareness - Charity used to be admirable. An individual or group would see a problem and would work tirelessly to find a solution to the problem. Hunger, sickness, homelessness, endangerment and so on.

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.

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"?

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.

Raising awareness is a wonderful way for selfish people to feel good about doing as little as possible.

I hate the term "raising awareness" and wish people would get back to actually doing something about problems rather than blabbing about them.

Marketing Me: Airlines Charging for carryons?

2010-04-12T12:32:00.000-05:00

This came across the wire this morning. Spirit Airlines will institute a per carry on bag charge for all flights.

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.

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.

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.

The reasons given by the airline are many (the main reason is money), but let's entertain the excuses given..

- Passengers abuse the carry on rule and bring more than two bags on board or store more than one bag in the overhead bin.

- Flights are delayed by passengers attempting to store their overhead bags.

- 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.

- Airline attendants do not want to lift passengers bags and hurt themselves or damage a passenger's property.

Here's the real reason - M.O.N.E.Y.

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.

Now a US Senator wants to get involved (for our own good, of course) and wants to present some national legislation for carry on luggage.

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.

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.

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.

To the airlines -

- Enforce the one bag in the overhead bin rule.
- 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.
- Publish dimensions of carry on bags and available space for carry on bags in each flight. Once the limit has been hit, start checking.
- 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?

To the passengers -

- Check in the night before your flight to get the earliest boarding and thus, first crack at available bins.
- 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).
- Only fly airlines which do not charge these exorbitant fees.

Happy travels,

Marketing Me: Phone Call - UNKNOWN

2010-04-09T08:34:00.000-05:00

The 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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Regardless, companies are wrong not to include their name and number in the call appearance.

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.

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.

If you have a business, call yourself sometimes and see what your phone system is sending your customers. You may be surprised.

Marketing Me: Sales Myths Destroyed

2009-06-08T13:34:00.003-05:00

Talk 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".

Most people say they hate sales people because of their experience buying cars or appliances.

When I talk to buyers about sales people, I usually hear the same myths about "how they deal with sales people".

As someone in sales for nearly 20 years I can debunk most of these myths.

Put a sign which says "No Soliciting" on the front door. It will stop sales people cold in their tracks.

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.

If you don't want to buy anything, tell the salesperson to their face.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"I am an old horse trader"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Marketing Me: My New Employment

2009-06-03T11:06:00.003-05:00

Get 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Marketing Me: A new form of employment

2009-02-21T07:18:00.002-06:00

I 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.

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.

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.

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.

The agent model will probably continue for the time being. The monthly costs of employees is at the breaking point for too many companies.

Marketing Me: Layoffs and the Transformation of Work

2009-02-21T07:09:00.002-06:00

Layoffs 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As long as this credit crisis lasts, there will be more layoffs, slower payments by customers and less employment. No easy answers here.

States: The Top Ten High Cost of Doing Business

2009-02-12T09:23:00.005-06:00

Entrepreneur magazine (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).

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.

Taken into account were average worker's wages, tax burden, electricity costs, industrial and office space rents.

Here is the list of the states with the highest cost of doing business.

1. Hawaii
2. New York
3. Alaska
4. Massachusetts
5. Connecticut
6. California
7. New Jersey
8. Vermont
9. Delaware
10. Rhode Island

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.

Also, wages have dropped as well as layoffs have increased in the past six months which can drive wages down.

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.

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.

Author's note: I was surprised Michigan was not on this list.

Massive Job Losses; Action Plan

2009-01-28T16:43:00.003-06:00

From the news this week.

Boeing may cut up to 10,000 jobs.

Kodak may restructure and shed more jobs soon.

In spite of some emergency money, GM cut more jobs this week.

IBM cut 2800 jobs this week.

SAP plans 3000 job cuts.

Target plans on laying off 600.

Caterpillar 20,000 jobs gone.

Pfizer, 8000 jobs.

Sprint Nextel 8000 jobs.

Home Depot - 7000 jobs.

Texas Instruments - 3400.

That was this week. We now have the highest unemployment since 1981. And there is no end in sight.

I have worked in sales, marketing, operations, IT, hospitality and about a half dozen other fields of work in my adult life.

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.

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.

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.

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.

However, my new job came about because I used my network of friends, former co-workers, customers, professional and industry contacts.

As usual, some were very supportive. Others were supportive, but offered very little other than well wishes. Some ignored me, which is what happens.

Here is some nickel advice.

- Get to work. Take any part time or free lance job you can get as soon as possible. Deliver pizzas, shovel snow, stock shelves.

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.

Work is the stone which sharpens the mind of the job seeker.

- Don't spend that severance check.

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.

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.

- 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.

- Yes, you can do the Linked In thing, but be aware so is everyone else and sitting in front of the computer making connections is not work despite the mistaken belief.

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..

- 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.

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.

You will too.

Marketing Me: Using Linked In For Job Search

2008-12-18T09:35:00.003-06:00

With the economy in the hopper, more job seekers are turning the Internet for their job search.

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.

Against my past advice, sometimes this may work - but it is not that effective, especially when competing against thousands of other workers.

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.

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.

By using Linked In and other social networks, job seekers won't have to do the Linked In shuffle at the last minute.

Use Linked In for your job search, but use it wisely.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Linked In can be a great resource, but be careful not to abuse it or use Linked In incorrectly.

May your job search be successful!

Marketing Me: The Linked In Activity Blur

2008-12-17T08:59:00.002-06:00

You can always tell when someone is worried about their job at work.

You get the Linked In Activity Blur.

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.

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.

Your Linked In and Facebook and Plaxo accounts should always be updated all the time anyway.

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.

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.

Marketing Me: Layoffs

2008-12-17T08:40:00.002-06:00

Yep, I have not published diddly in some time. A bunch of reasons why..

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.

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.

Finally, my new job was found within my network which was good. But it did not change what was going on in my world.

Layoffs are everywhere in every industry.

See here, here, here and here.

That's right. Publishing, airlines, shipping, retail.. the list goes on and on.

Further, I have been speaking with a number of friends and parents whose children attend school with mine. Everyone fits into this category:

a) Suddenly changed job this year after a layoff, threat of layoff or problem with the old companies' revenues.

b) Looking actively for a new job because the old one will probably go away in the next year.

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.

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.

Marketing Me! Recession job search

2008-05-22T22:15:00.003-05:00

Looking for a job after a layoff?

A reminder from the past which led to the beginning of Marketing Me.

What NOT to do when you lose your job

1) Use severance pay for training.
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.

2) Pay for a resume service.
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.

3) Blindly apply for jobs online.
Great idea. Toss your name into the big faceless nobody pool.

4) Be too embarrassed to tell others about your job search.
Here is a secret. Your next job is coming from someone you know. Promise.

5) Refuse to act financially like you are out of work.
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.

6) Applying for jobs you have no business applying for.
Do not shotgun resumes at every position and hope it works out.

7) If part of a company wide layoff, avoid contacting others in the same situation.
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.

8) Avoid coaching, a mentor or anyone who can help you with advice.
Tiger Woods has a coach. Company presidents have a board of directors. Who is on your board?

9) Do not think out of the box.
Why are you not working three things at once? A part time job consulting? A contract gig online?

10) Let pride stand in the way of success.
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!

Marketing Me! Using LinkedIn Answers and the origin of Marketing Me

2008-04-18T10:40:00.003-05:00

I 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.

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.

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.

Here were my steps to secure a new and far better position in 30 days.

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.

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.

2) Start phoning. Never start out with email - nothing says lazy like email Call, connect and communicate.

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?"

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).

5) Meet. Be clear about your goals, skills and value to any prospect.

6) Thank. Send a thank you note, hand written, never email, to each person who took the time to meet with you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I don't plan on changing any time soon.

Marketing Me! Funny resignation letters and emails

2008-04-10T08:51:00.004-05:00

If levity is your aim, then make your resignation letter or email memorable.

- Use email. CC (courtesy copy) as many of your coworkers as possible.
- Be succinct, to the point and "snarky".
- Avoid seriousness.

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.

Here is a good template:

To whom it may concern,

Please accept this notice of my resignation from Wally's Wonder Widgets affective June 1, 2008.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

As for company literature, I have been leaving that in the toilet because we have been out of toilet paper for some time.

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.

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.

Sincerely happy,

Your name,

Marketing Me! How to write a resignation letter

2008-04-09T16:46:00.001-05:00

In a world where the average worker changes jobs and careers SEVEN times, somebody somewhere is going to be putting in their notice.

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.

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.

Use this format.

Date - the date the resignation letter is delivered.

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.

For example:

cc: Mary Smith - Human Resources
Jerry Jones - Supervisor/Operations

To Mr. Greg Green, CEO Wally's Wonder Widgets

The resignation notice with date and specifics in the format of a notice.

Example:

Please let this letter serve as notice of my voluntary separation from Wally's Wonder Widgets..

Include a final date.

Example:

... effective June 1, 2008.

Give notice of terms..

Example:

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.

Let them know where to find you and where to send your final check.

Example:

Please remit payment for all unused vacation and personal time as well my final paycheck to my home address..

Closing.

Example:

If there are any questions or other arrangements which need to be made, please let me know at your earliest convenience.

Appreciation.

Example.

Thank you for your time and the opportunity to work with you,

Your name.

Put it all together.

Final example.

April 9. 2008

cc: Mary Smith - Human Resources
Jerry Jones - Supervisor/Operations

To Mr. Greg Green, CEO Wally's Wonder Widgets

Please let this letter serve as notice of my voluntary separation from Wally's Wonder Widgets effective June 1, 2008.

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.

If there are any questions or other arrangements which need to be made, please let me know at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your time and the opportunity to work with you,

Sincerely,

Your name

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.

Now, if that is not of consequence.. Stay tuned for a more light hearted version later...

Marketing Me! Top Five Reasons to Quit Your Job Today

2008-04-08T13:17:00.006-05:00

Top Five Reasons To Quit Your Job Today

1) You hate going to work. 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.

2) You do not like the people you work with. 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!

3) You struggle with what you do. 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.

4) You spend more time away from the office than in it. 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.

5) You dream of doing something else. 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.

Marketing Me! Adapting to Overcome

2008-03-31T15:02:00.001-05:00

A couple of things which came to my attention this week.

Story one -
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".

Story two -
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.

Both stories, one ending.

Adapt or die.

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.

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.

Questions -
If I move, who will take care of my aged mother/father/grandmother,etc?
Strap her to the roof (Granny Clampett - Beverly Hillbillies) and go.
What if I cannot sell my home?
Any home can and will be sold. Try harder, get another broker, reduce your price, etc.
What if I miss my friends and family?
Yes, but you will miss eating first.
What if my job comes back?
Jobs are not boomerangs.

Adapt now. Or your career will die.
Remember, the economy is always the same for the successful, different for the adapters and going south for the extinct.

What will you be?

Marketing Me! Would you pay for a new job?

2008-03-18T15:35:00.002-05:00

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.

First, there were very few open positions in the IT field in any capacity.
Second, positions which were open, were quickly filled by internal candidates (hence the reason we network and market ourselves!).

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.

And then the recruiter song and dance began.

It occurred to me at that time, would it not have been easier to just have made an offer to the recruiter?

"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".

We know why this would not work in my particular scenario, but would it work in general? Would you do it?

Marketing Me! International Business Locally

2008-03-06T08:43:00.003-06:00

I recently dropped off my dry cleaning at a local cleaners. When I returned a few days later to pick up my shirts, one was missing. Now the owner of the dry cleaner, who immigrated from Southwest Asia, was remiss to offer any explanation as to what happened to my shirt.

Her responses were:

"Someone else must have received your shirt".
"I don't clean the clothes here. Call this number for the service I use and ask for your shirt".

At no time did she offer an apology other than "I am sorry you feel that way." when I complained about the service.

When I said I would not be doing business with her again, she shrugged.

Bad customer service? In the U.S. yes. In this woman's native country? Probably not.

The culture of other countries often dictates that the business is an authority and as such, has the final say on what goes on when one is doing business with them. Residents of these countries are used to authority figures and institutions telling them "how things are going to be" and deal with it accordingly.

In the U.S., the culture is, "The Customer Is Always Right" and we have an infrastructure which generally benefits the consumer. At any time, I can go to the dry cleaner across the street and give them my business.

Further, in other countries, to issue an apology is unthinkable. An apology admits failure and embarrassment. The store owner would rather step in front of a moving car before she uttered an apology of any sort.

In previous generations, we were taught to prepare and acclimate ourselves for trips abroad to do business. We learned languages and cultural idioms (when to shake hands, bow and examine business cards, etc.) weeks before setting foot on an airplane.

However, in a rapidly globalised world and workforce, the cultures are now colliding in your backyard and home office. And as international heads butt in the boardroom, expect some changes to occur.

It is these types of changes which cause revolutions both at home and abroad. Be ready.

Marketing Me! Checking Email

2008-03-03T09:13:00.003-06:00

Dear Marketing Me! At work, I feel left out. My company is about 3000 people and I work in marketing. I attend meetings regularly, have perfect attendance and try to stay in touch with my team, but because of my personal life (I am married and have three children), I don't have as much personal time to spend with my fellow employees. What can I do to feel more included?
Left out and lonely,

Dear left out,

There is no magic bullet to feeling "included". In the modern workplace, it seems those of us who are married and with children have the potential of getting shorted because we do not have the time to make the after work cocktail meetings or maybe simply cannot stay at the office until 7PM every night.

For your situation, consider a smaller company if possible. You will have a greater impact for your work and not for how many hours you toil as a cog in the big machine.

Analyze your impact at your current job. Not to pick on what you say, but your description of your commitment, (perfect attendance, attend meetings, etc.) sounds more like school and not like someone who is fanatical about their position. Perhaps you are in the wrong job? Or at the wrong employer?

Also, the effect you have at work is not completely determined by the amount of time you connect with your fellow workers. Rather it is based upon the results of that connection time with your fellow workers. Consider if you really get along with your coworkers and if they are the kind of people you want to be around.

Think about it. Thanks for reading Marketing Me!

Dear Marketing Me!

I found your column the other day and have a bone to pick with you. Its great if you can market yourself in the white shirt force, but what about those of us in the working man's world? I website is not going to get me a job in my field.
Living in Reality,

Dear Reality,

Thanks for your email. Nope, it applies to you as well (although I am not sure what you do for a living). A pool cleaner, tow truck owner or landscaper can benefit from the philosophy of Marketing Me! Marketing and building their brand name leads to more work and better revenues.
However, if your field of endeavor is to work in a large, faceless nameless assembly line represented by a disconnected third party, then you are correct. Marketing Me! is not for you.
By the way, I checked with my boss and customers - they consider me a "working man" as well.

Dear Marketing Me!

How can I increase my sales and get a raise at work?
Low revenue in Ohio.

Dear Low,
Check out any of the popular sales titles if you have not already. I really like Frank Rumbauskas and Jeffrey Gitomer and others. Check them out for the basics of increasing your sales in a new way. As for getting a raise, ask. Go to your employer after reading my blog and ask for a raise. Make a case why you deserve one. It can't hurt and most would never think to do this but it does work. If you do not deserve a raise, why?

By the way, if you want to increase your sales this quarter, you might be in trouble. There is less than 20 working days left.

Thank you for reading Marketing Me!

Marketing Me! Airline Travel Fun part 2

2008-02-29T12:01:00.003-06:00

I wrote this entry recently about my experiences as of late flying from U.S. airports. I have had more fun being subjected to the fun TSA and the airlines put us through just trying to get my job done.

It made me think of a real solution to the problems faced by lots of passengers held up by understaffed TSA security lines.

First, nobody shows up unannounced at an airport, they have reservations. Airlines could provide those reservations totals to TSA who then staffs accordingly.

Unfortunately, the rules seem to be different. A recent trip to Denver had a single TSA agent checking boarding passes for a line of hundreds. Meanwhile, each x-ray machine had what had to be 4-6 agents milling around. Perhaps checking boarding passes is the low job and machine screening is the plum position? Who knows.

Just this week, I flew out of Canada. Although there are TSA employees checking outbound passengers at U.S. customs in Canada, Canadian contractors actually handle the screening of passengers' bags. Interestingly, it went faster. However, I will be the first to admit that my experience was subjective and might be different for others.

I wish things were better. TSA has a blog which explains their take (and funny anecdotes about their job) on traveling, but it does not change the fact that the flying public is getting angrier and having less patience over the flying experience.

Marketing Me! Airline travel fun!

2008-02-26T15:13:00.000-06:00

I have been traveling nearly every week since the year began. All of my travel is by plane, so I spend a lot of time at airports. Too much in fact.

The system is broken and I wonder how much it is affecting our national economy through lost productivity.

For instance, I had a flight last night at 7:30 PM. To ensure I made my flight, I was advised by the airport and airline to arrive two hours before my flight. I arrived two and a half hours early due to traffic.

To make that window, I sacrificed a 3 o'clock meeting. The client agreed to the change because he had an evening flight as well and was worried about making his departure time.

We both missed an opportunity to meet in person during business hours, to discuss our businesses and potentially find a way to increase each other's revenue. What a waste.

Could we have scheduled later flights? No. They flight I was taking was the last direct flight for the day.

What would be better?

- I wish there was less hassle for frequent and regular fliers.
- I wish there were lines for passengers who have "Never Flown Before" at TSA security check points.
- I wish there was a service which sent accurate TSA security line times to my Blackberry. They do this for highways, why not the TSA?
- I wish planes had internet access. That's two to three hours I could be doing something more useful than reading American Way or watching reruns of the "New Life of the Old Christine".

Wishes are sunshine and not worth the paper they are printed on.

I hope you have a successful flight and a great day!

Marketing Me! They should do something

2008-02-25T11:53:00.000-06:00

I read an interesting article not too long ago which described the conditions in the former U.S.S.R. following the fall of communism. Besides the shortages, crime and anarchy which came after the heavy-handed government ceased to exist, everything having to do with work and employment changed as well.

The author primarily noted middle aged men, going day after day to their offices and factories, sitting idly for want of something productive to and complaining endlessly that the government should do something.

Election year or not in the U.S., we hear this frequently, that no matter what the problem, the government "should do something".

Frankly, I don't know what it is people want the government or anybody else for that matter to do for them.

Rather, Marketing Me! declares that YOU have to do something for yourself rather than waiting for the other guy to step up.

Look, the Internet alone has created a huge virtual billboard with your mug displayed potentially for the whole world to see. And in the spirit of the long tail, the more traffic you can run to YOU the more business, however small, you can build for yourself.

How? Again let's always start with what we know. If you have not already, start a blog. Start a couple. You can use Blogger like I do, or Wordpress or Typepad. If you feel really gung ho, get your own domain name and host your blog on your new name. Which domain name? Register your name (I finally got mine this weekend!). Register your business skill or calling. Check out the GoDaddy link to the right and get your domain name and hosting account today!

Start a mailing list. I use AWeber, but there are lots of them (use a real mailing list company rather than Outlook. Spam complaints can shut down your access). Build an opt-in mailing list (people join voluntarily rather than you spamming). Remind people weekly through email of your existence and expertise.

Write an ebook. It is not that hard. Pick a subject. Write a 16 page ebook. Convert it to pdf and give it away to new subscribers to your mailing list. It helps to make it related to your line of work, but people remember the expert no matter what you write about.

Why stop there? Offer to speak. There are plenty of events in your line of work that need speakers. I recently signed up to speak at a telephone carrier sales meeting. Yes, there will only be about 30 attending, but if I am good, that will be 30 new evangelists spreading the word about my brand.

What else? Have you ever considered consulting? Have you ever considered starting your own business? You already have the blog and domain name, why not use it to generate extra revenue for your time?

There is so much you can do right now that will result in right now opportunities that it makes no sense to wait around for the "government" to do something.

So get off your butt and get busy. Time is wasting!

Marketing Me! Drew Carey - Personal Brand

2008-02-22T15:11:00.003-06:00

While on the airplane the other day, I read an article about comedian Drew Carey in American Way. You may remember Drew Carey from his long running series, "The Drew Carey Show" on ABC, "Whose Line is it Anyway?" and now as host of the popular game show, "The Price is Right".

According the article, Carey has had a life of ups and downs. Depression. Attempted suicides. Personals and professional failures. Yet despite all of this, he worked his butt off and believed he would eventually realize his dream.

A few personal branding notables:

- Carey's trademark horn rimmed glasses were a left over from his time spent in the U.S. Marine Corps. Although the glasses are props (Carey has laser surgery), he continues to wear them as his fans expect to see them.

- Despite his popularity on television, Carey continues to perform stand up comedy as this was the vehicle he got his start with. Carey routinely performs in Las Vegas.

- Las Vegas. Carey is known for staying at a couple of hotels where he chats with other guests while playing alongside them at the gaming tables. Carey has no "entourage or body guards" other than friends and is readily accessible to his public.

Carey blames his demeanor on his Midwestern roots. He simply has no time for the typical arrogance of the entertainment trade. Further, he is big believer in the power of positive thinking - his reading list includes Dale Carnegie, Tony Robbins and Wayne Dyer.

To top this off, Carey reportedly makes a seven-figure salary just from the "Price is Right". He has published several books, has had two other television series and has performed hundred of live shows. By all respects, he is a very successful entertainer. Equally important, Carey understands the idea of personal branding very well.

Marketing Me! Workaholic

2008-02-01T15:14:00.000-06:00

I found this blog post at Seth Godin's blog. It is something he wrote about a month ago..

Seth laments that workaholics operate out of fear. Yep, that is right. And they are right to do so. And that the new class of worker (how quaint) operates out of curiosity and passion.

Somewhere between these fear and passion lies the real world. Yes, we have to love our work but we also have to live with the sword over our head which clearly states, "Stop moving and producing and you will be replaced".

Do I wish it was different? No I don't.

Why?

Because I took someone else's job. And someday, another will take mine. Lack of interest creates another generation willing to take over your desk and customers. I consider that to be evolution which benefits the customer and the marketplace in the end.

Marketing Me! Agendas are neccessary

2007-12-07T05:47:00.000-06:00

I am in Atlanta this week. Lots more on that later.

One thing I have learned for any interview, sales call, customer meeting or discussion with your employer - have an agenda.

In our informal, shirt sleeves workplace, many believe in getting together to "brainstorm" and discuss openly a number of topics. Nothing could be more unproductive.

When calling a meeting, put forth an agenda. It could be as simple as:

Discuss contract for Burns.
Review compensation package.
etc..

Then complete a short list of points which are part of the topics on the agenda:

Burns contract -
Non recurring charges
Certification status
Contract signing update

When meeting, make sure one attendee agrees to act as recorder. Their job is to capture all salient points, assignments and agreements for the meeting.

Finally, even if the agenda topics are not completed, send out a follow up communication after the meeting which includes a record of everything accomplished at the meeting.

Marketing Me! Plaxo Pulse

2007-12-05T13:45:00.000-06:00

I have been getting deluged with emails like this..

John Smith wants to add you as a business connection on Plaxo Pulse.

To accept this connection request, go to:
http://pulse.plaxo.com/pulse/connections/confirm/xxxxxxxxx/xxxxxxxxx/xxxxxxx

If you use Plaxo I am sure you have as well.

I have used Plaxo since about 2003 when a friend sent me a link to join. Since then, I have successfully used Plaxo to maintain and organize my email addresses and contact information for hundreds of contacts.

It has worked great for that purpose and now Plaxo wants to take advantage of all of those users (15 million as off 2006 according to the Plaxo website).

So, following the Web 2.0 social network craze, Plaxo Pulse was born. A Facebook meets Linked In "let's get to know each other and network" platform.

I am always a fan of new social media sites so I updated my profile on Plaxo Pulse. The first thing I noticed is that current Plaxo members are not obligated to use PP. They can only use the address book version.

Next, you will start getting more invites from other Plaxo members to join networks.

Also, there are groups to join with shared, networking interests. I have joined a couple already.

Finally, Plaxo Pulse is just another way to network and meet others. This tool is only as good as the amount of work you put into it and the interaction you have with members of your network.

Marketing Me! Suvival of the adapter

2007-12-03T09:06:00.000-06:00

Neo-Darwinists love to cite, "survival of the fittest" as their misconstrued mantra. The corrected statement should actually read, "success of the adapter".

Adapters adapt to a changing environment and continue and succeed. In the natural world, success may be the ability to continue their existence. In the work world, success (or survival) means having work and continuing to grow new opportunities.

Would it be that life were perfect. The U.S. manufacturing employee laments the loss of the base in his or her particular geographic area. But manufacturing jobs continue to be found here, here and here.

For the U.S. manufacturing employee, to adapt means leaving Massachusetts, Michigan or Wisconsin. It may also mean adapting to an individual contract rather than collective bargaining situation.

Adaption for work means success, not survival. Survival is after losing his mortgage broker position, the office worker sells his home, moves in with relatives and mows lawns to pay bills.

Success is about lateral and upward moves to greener fields. Successful adapters may scale back temporarily but eventually they return and thrive. The successful adapter will come to dominate his world whereas the survivor awaits extinction.

Remember, when the term, "Survival of the fittest" is bandied about, remind the speaker of the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the lowly mammal. The T-Rex was bigger, faster and stronger, but where is he now? And the mammal? Now he dominates the earth.

What will you be?

Marketing Me! Get the interview with keywords

2007-11-28T09:29:00.000-06:00

Having a problem getting an interview is another example of yesterday's people in conflict with today's world.

The standard action is to a)write a resume, b) stick in envelope or attach to email or include in form online, c) send to company and d) wait for phone call or email requesting an interview.

The problem with this method is it no longer works. This is sort of like watching television and yelling at the talk show host about their opinion; they aren't listening.

The world is two-way and you are still an observer.

Today's Web 2.0, globalised, connected world is not about paper resumes and interviews. It is about advertising your particular skills, abilities and accomplishments online, networking with appropriate people and creating a personal branded platform with your name on it.

The trick to getting the right person to notice you and get the interview, is to be found. In the old days, the right people depended upon a recruiter, headhunter or employment firm to find them candidates.

Today, the "searcher" will more likely use a search engine (Google for instance) to find who they are looking for first.

Now, when a searcher searches, they use keywords like "wireless sales director, technology marketing professional, experienced Java programmer" to locate web sites related to the people they are looking for.

A word about web sites.

Web sites are not limited to the traditional, "this is my company" web site. Web sites can be blogs, profile pages and even resumes if done right.

You, your skills, experience and accomplishments can be located on the internet by search engines if you create your web site with the same keywords and phrases the searchers are looking for.

Here are some keyword friendly tips and actions you can take today to increase your "findability".

a) Complete your profile on LinkedIn, Ryze, Xing, etc. Include key phrases and words. Search for your profile on Google. Does it appear?

b) Register your name as a domain, put up a web site with your resume (CV) and include a link to your industry related, personal blog.

Build that blog.

Make both sites keyword friendly. That means making the header tag searchable, (the header tag for Marketing Me is "Market Me First - The Positive Career and Work Action Plan Market Yourself | Make Money | Be Happy").

Blog regularly. Create an RSS feed for your blog. Enter it into Google reader or your Yahoo home page. It will get indexed immediately by the search engines and start appearing in web searches.

c) Besides your blog, start writing articles about your industry. what you do and what you contribute to the industry. Make your articles keyword search friendly. Post them on the hundreds of free article sites on the web. You are spreading your name as an expert.

d) Build a lens on Squidoo. Include keywords about what you do, what you want to do and what value you bring. I receive dozens of hits on my Squidoo lens related to my industry daily. All of that traffic belongs to me and not my employer.

e) Start "pinging" your blog using sites like Technorati. This creates more links to your site and pushes you up the search engine ladder. Higher rankings means more searchers will find you. [Note: Do not submit your web site or blog to search engines or use a company which promises to do this for you for a fee. This is a waste of time and money].

Get busy with these few simple actions and you will start seeing traffic in a short time to the branded platform called you. This takes time. And has to be done right. Next, I will show you some great resources which I use to brand myself on the internet...

Closing:

How many hacks have you heard about getting your resume noticed? Stick a post-it note on your resume. Include a gift. Write your resume entirely in white colored font and repeat key words repeatedly in case your resume is scanned electronically. Who thinks this stuff up?

Marketing Me! Goodbye email at work, Seth Godin and farewells

2007-11-20T09:37:00.000-06:00

From the great Seth Godin on his blog..

It seems to me that you ought to say goodbye with the same care and attention to detail and honesty you use to say hello. You never know when you'll be back.

So remember, when leaving the job, skip the blame, accusations, gossip and rumors. Stay positive, be real and be prepared if you have to come back!

Marketing Me! Travel notes and Shoemoney

2007-11-16T20:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome Shoemoney readers! After my comment on Shoemoney, I have had a number of visits from Shoemoney. Thanks for stopping by and please visit again or add Marketing Me! to you reader!

Am on the road at a trade show. Yippee.

Here are a few worthwhile suggestions for those who have not traveled in awhile.

1) Keep printed copies of where you are going (directions, address), how you get there (flight numbers, car rentals), where you are staying (hotel res and address and directions), who you will be meeting (names and phone numbers!) and what you will be doing there (agenda, itinerary).

You never know when electronic copies might go AWOL....

2) Charge your phone/PDA before you go, in the car while you are going and whenever and wherever you can find an outlet, even for only five minutes.

And if your device is not charged, there go those electronic travel plans!

Many planes have chargers equipped in the middle seat where ever you see a lightning bolt on the bulk head. Amazon has a neat charger for taking advantage of this power source for your phone or laptop.

3) Use the restroom as often as needed and whenever a clean location is available. O also carry some anti-bacterial wipes with me for cleaning certain parts of public facilities, (if you know what I mean).

4) Keep antibacterial wipes or gel with you. There are small bottles available in the travel or sample section at your favorite retailer for less than a buck.

Travel is a dirty business.

5) Drink water. On the plane, ask first for water. Since the cups are small, ask for two. Tell them no ice (it defeats the purpose of bottled water!). I also pick up a large bottle once in the terminal past security.

6) Pack some sort of snacks. I always carry a few certain things like nuts, hard candy, a protein bar or two, dried fruit. Avoid cheap candy bars and junk food. They will only provide a brief sugar rush and bad health.

Shoemoney recommends protein shakes, but those cannot be brought past security in carry on luggage. Otherwise, they are a great purchase once at your destination.

7) Know how to get on the Internet wherever you are. If your PDA supports Internet access, all the better. Otherwise, have a HotSpot account or Freedom Link, Boingo, you get it.

8) Eat when needed. I had the worse headache today because I skipped meals.

9) Use insole pads if you are on your feet. I tried those Dr. Scholl pads once and found they provided some comfort. My best recommendation is to have high quality shoes when traveling.

10) Book a good hotel. Once in Vegas, I booked an off strip hotel recommended by a well known friend. What a mistake. The hotel was loud, dirty and full of tourists not associated with the trade show I was attending. I checked out after the first night and paid extra for a centralized hotel.

10.5) Purchase a smart phone with email and web capability. You will be glad you did. Also, bring along that back up phone. I carry one phone on T-Mobile and another on Verizon. My Verizon phone has email and web available. My customer's and friends can always find me!

Also, book at the conference hotel if possible! At last year's NADA show I stayed at the Hilton next to the convention and took full advantage of the proximity and convenience of my choice.

My feet are killing me from standing all day long. I can't wait to get home.

Marketing Me! My New Phone

2007-11-15T13:35:00.001-06:00

I ordered this phone the other day and am quite excited about it.

My phone.

What started this was a recent trip I took a few weekends ago with my son. We went camping with his Y troop and naturally, were in the middle of nowhere.

Our guide had a T-Mobile phone and service like me. We had no signal to speak of. Checking the network, I found a Cingular network, but could not register my phone.

Another camper had an ATT phone which could connect to the Cingular network. He let me borrow his phone to call home the first night.

The next day, I borrowed one of three Blackberries from other fellow campers. All were using Verizon and all had excellent coverage and capabilities including Internet access.

I was sold.

When I returned home, I researched the options and made my choice. My new phone is on the way as we speak.

Marketing Me! Arguments with customers, bosses and interviewers

2007-11-08T11:23:00.000-06:00

We all like to be right. And none of us likes to feel wrong when we know we are right.

Most of all, as competitors, none of us like to walk away thinking we let the other person win. Especially when we know we were right.

Here are some examples of when to just let the other person win.

Customers
You cannot win an argument with a customer and expect them to feel good about buying from you again.
If a customer says you did something wrong, listen. Try hard to understand what the customer is saying and feeling. If an apology works for the customer, give it without reservation.

If you need to save face, stick to the point of contention. If the issue is a missing shipment or invoice, ask the customer "You are right. How soon do you need a corrected invoice?". Over deliver and let the customer feel vindicated and good about their decision to do business with you.

Interviews
You cannot win an argument with a prospective employer during an interview. Don't even bother. It makes you look like a problematic candidate.

If the employer brings up a point of contention with you, learn to let it go. If it persists in bothering you, end the interview when possible and leave. if anything, ask for a break, step outside, count to ten and take a deep breath.

Boss
You cannot win a real argument with your boss. Keep documentation which clears your name and let it speak for itself. Don't argue, listen, make your point and shut up.

Your boss could make your life heck if he feels you won an argument at his expense. If you are right and your boss is a moral and ethical person, they will listen to your side and act fairly.

However, most bosses are human. If they are under pressure from customers or investors, they may not listen and may rush to a decision regarding your future with the company, i.e. you are no longer needed. As rash as your bosses' decision may be, they most likely will not recant their decision, ergo, you lose.

Don't argue with the boss with the goal to be right as the only acceptable result. You will lose.

Your spouse
In my case my wife. I can't win an argument with her to save my life!

But seriously folks, arguing may be your passion. Save it for the times and people where it may not take a professional toll on your life.

Marketing Me! Them (slower) vs. Us (faster)

2007-11-07T05:25:00.000-06:00

We:
Are connected. We carry laptops, cell phones and Blackberries. We have high speed DSL at home, WiFi accounts for the road and demand fast internet in hotels. Rather than complain about our constant connectivity (and that we are constantly tied to work), we demand whats next and faster.

We:
Work more: We put in long hours at the office and at home. We take one more call, one more meeting and the last flight home. We take calls in the car and home and are willing to sacrifice sleep to get a head start on tomorrow. We don't limit ourselves to work either. We put in just as much time on our families and causes we care about.

We:
Want to go faster and further. We put in time in the gym, the court, the course and in our running shoes. We eat organic, take supplements and avoid the doctor outside of checkups. We boost our endurance with Starbucks and energy drinks. We drown ourselves in bottled water. We train our bodies to go on less sleep yet dream more and bigger.

We:
Maintain a blog, two websites, an email list and check our keywords and web stats daily. We registered our children's names as domains the day they were born and thought nothing of it. We belong to six social networks and publish our thoughts and opinions online.

We:
Think global and live local. We Skype, blog, podcast and eat Thai for lunch, Indian for dinner and drink water from France. Our work forces are world wide and our audience spans the globe.

We:
Want as few restrictions as possible. We limit ourselves only. We can do more and exceed only our own expectations. We learn from failure and accept setbacks as opportunities. We work smarter, faster and think small is the new big.

They:
Want to regress. They want a 1950's style economy of 8 hour days, fixed coffee breaks, lunch pails and lunch hours. They want color-coordinated collars and the segregated work force.

They:
Want a centrally controlled rationed life. A fixed work portion. A mandatory vacation serving. A diet of mediocrity and low expectations. Top the whole thing off with 25 years of service, a gold watch and a pension for dessert.

They:
Want collective bargaining, employment offices, secretarial pools, want ads and guaranteed employment. They want a "lifetime of service" in exchange for unconditional servitude, a cost of living adjustment and rewarded tenure.

They:
Want mile after mile of plain drab factories, office buildings, rows of desks, adding machines, and rotary dial telephones with cords.

They:
Want tariffs, high taxes, a thrifty working class with two rooms and a bath. They furnish their lives with fees, lines, clerks, and endless triplicated forms. They want a government fixed retirement plan and a passbook account.

They:
Want four television channels, AM radio, the corner bar with two beers on tap, meat and potatoes for dinner, a bus pass, one pair of sensible shoes and everything else which is "good enough".

It is an Us versus Them world. We have a choice to make. Should we take the temporarily safe route and step backwards or should we keep going forward?

What will you do and when do, will there be work waiting for you when you get there?

Happy hunting,

Marketing Me! Screens are for doors!

2007-11-02T14:59:00.001-05:00

A friend confessed that he screened every call to his work and cellular phone with voice mail. He never answered the phone when it rang unless the call was from home.

Some calls naturally go to voice mail - we cannot answer them all. However, if your best customers, employers and contacts only talk to your voice mail, you are sending a dangerous message out instead - your call is not important to me.

Use call screening sparingly.

Also, here is another tidbit.

How many times do your customers, employers and contacts here this when they phone:

"I am sorry, he/she is in meeting right now and not available".

Think about it. If YOU were calling and upset, what would your response be? I bet it is along the lines of "well interrupt and drag him outta there, toot sweet!".

If a person is answering your calls, make sure their standard response always is:

"I am sorry, but he/she is with a customer right now. May I have them call you direct when they are finished?"

Nobody minds if you are meeting with the people who pay your salary.

Also, return that call as soon as you complete that meeting!

Happy hunting,

Marketing Me! Screens are for doors!

2007-11-02T14:59:00.000-05:00

Marketing Me! The Termination

2007-11-01T11:54:00.000-05:00

You are sitting in your office one day when the boss/supervisor/HR person asks for a moment of your time. They wonder if you can join them in the conference room for a few minutes.

Alert! You are about to get canned/sacked/fired/laid off! Get ready!

Now, this may be something as simple as a warning, or perhaps the meeting is to clear up an issue in the company. Regardless, you will not be able to run away and deal with it after lunch. You need an action plan.

Before you do, scroll down and read the caveats at the end of this blog post. You have been warned!

First, pick up a notebook, pad or paper of some sort and a writing implement.

Lock your computer or workstation.

Take your purse or other personal affects if they are on your desk.

Follow the company representative to their designated meeting place.

Let them talk.

If it goes like this:

"Bob/Jane, I wanted to speak with you today about your performance/a recent development/your work. It seems that you have been lacking/distracted/not doing your job and there are going to be some changes. We have decided to let you go today and wanted to go over the terms of your separation".

At this point, you are probably thinking about your family, car payment, mortgage, kids college, etc. Stop!

You should only be thinking about the following things:

Who is talking to you? Is it only your boss or supervisor? Is anyone else in the room?
(If not, insist that another supervisor or manager be brought in as well as a representative from HR immediately.

Has the person speaking with you provided documentation regarding the termination?
(If not, ask for it. This means a statement which says your job is being terminated, the date and possibly the reason why as well as terms for your serverance).

After the appropriate people and items have been produced, here is my advice as to what to do next.

1) "If you do not want me, I do not want to be here".

If the company wants to get rid of you, then do you really want to fight to stay? Listen to what they have to say. Point out any inaccuracies if appropriate. Then make your statement "Clearly I am not needed here any longer. I do not want to stay where I am not wanted. So now all we have to discuss is my separation terms".

2) "Your offer is not acceptable".

Sometimes, a company will offer a great exit package. Typically, this happens during a mass layoff or cost savings move. A good package may include 3,4 or 6 months salary, retraining, resume and job search assistance, full extended health benefits beyond your last day of employment, bonuses, stock option payouts, and unused vacation time, take them and thank them.

However, if you get a bum deal, call it what it is. This could include a termination package of salary only for hours worked or two weeks pay. Unacceptable in any circumstances short of company bancruptcy.

I submit my suggestion:

"I have been here X amount of time during which I have never been formerly reprimanded. In addition, I have been a top performer and revenue generator for this company. Finally, as you know, my aged mother recently moved in my family. While I appreciate your offer, I feel it is not enough for the service and contribution I have made to this company. My couter offer is six weeks pay, all unused vacation and personal time, my company end of year bonus prorated upon time worked and medical insurance for three additional months after termination".

What is the worse that could happen? They say no? If anything they may negotiate from your vantage rather than start at theirs.

3) "No autographs today"

If your employer will not negotiate any of your requests, you MAY have one more ace up your sleeve. The employer, as part of the exit process, may ask you to sign a waiver absolving them of any future litigation or claims. Depending upon the company position, not signing that form could make their lives slightly miserable. After all, you have just left an unturned stone to deal with down the line. Remember, this is not a suggestion, just a possibility.

YOU MAY WANT TO offer to sign the document conditional upon their delivering some of your requests. It cannot hurt.

Caveats
- If you deserve to get fired, none of the above applies.
- If the company has documentation which backs their case, you will most likely get nothing.
- If you are broke and have bills due, that two week offer may be the best you can afford to take today. All bets are off.
- I am not an attorney and have no idea what the labor laws are like where live. Information here is my point of view, for entertainment purposes only and not meant to be legal advice. Consult a lawyer for more options.
- Terminations vary from location to location, check your local labor laws before applying this or any other unsolicited advice found on the internet.

Marketing Me! Personal branding no brainers

2007-11-01T10:36:00.001-05:00

What drives me crazy probably drives you crazy but are you doing the same things that drive other people crazy? (Say that ten times fast!).

Here's some quickies:

If you want to brand yourself, how do I reach you? Why bother selling a product if I cannot buy it!

- Email
Do you use a signature file at the end of EACH email?
Do you use Plaxo or something similar to manage your contact information like email and so other can find your email address?
What is in your signature file? Just your land line number? What about your cellular? What about your email address? How about a URL?

- Web
A company name is not enough. How many companies have the same name? Is your domain name readily available? Have you set up a real web page? Does it reflect your identity? Your company?
Can I find you with Google? Everyone does it. Do you have a keyword optimized website for you and your product?

- Phone
How do I reach you? Only be a land line with voice mail you check once a day? Or may I have your cellular?
Do you answer your phone? Or do you let every call go to voice mail and screen?
When do you answer your phone? Between 9-5? Or later and earlier?
What does your voice mail say? Do you update it daily or weekly or only when you travel?

I cannot buy your brand unless I know where to find you and how to reach you successfully. Please market yourself responsibly!

Happy hunting,

Marketing Me! Personal branding + pay it forward

2007-10-31T11:03:00.000-05:00

Networking - Pay it forward before it pays off... read more...

The phone rings. It is a recruiter. Did he get your name from Monster or Career Builder? Maybe Dice?

The phone rings. It is a medium-sized, but growing company who is interested in your product. Did they get your number from the company website?

An email arrives. Someone wants information on a technology related to your product. How did they get your email address?

How did these opportunities come your way? Through your personal network.

Why did members of your network send your revenue and job opportunities? Because you did something for them.

That is the secret to personal and brand marketing - you must pay it forward before it pays off. Your network and the people in it have specific needs and goals. Help them meet them.

Sure, it's tough when you have so many other activities to complete in a day to spend time writing referrals, making introductions and digging up contact information. But it pays for itself over and over again.

When I looked for my last job, I spent a month making calls and sending emails to my network. Most responded quickly where others took their time. Invariably, those who responded fastest were repaying an introduction or opportunity I forwarded them another time.

Today you may be fat and pretty (I know it!) sitting where you are now. But what about tomorrow? Our bags are packed, but who is going to pick you up in the career van? Better start helping your network today - send them referrals, leads, prospects, a new employee, a better customer or a reference. Drive traffic to their product and web site. Blog about them. Link to them. Click them.

Pay everything forward and the returns will be ten fold.

Happy hunting,

Marketing Me! The Exit Interview

2007-10-29T10:13:00.000-05:00

If you have been following the subject here at Marketing Me! we have been covering resignation letters and goodbye emails. Naturally, what follows the resignation is the possibility of an exit interview.

For more background, check out this informative article at Job Search Tech. For the personal branding and self marketing spin, stay tuned here on Marketing Me!

First, I have never, ever done an exit interview. When I leave, I submit my resignation letter, send my goodbye emails to colleagues and customers, and depart taking with me unused vacation and a final check.

I am never in the building long enough for HR to tackle me and put me through the interrogation process of an exit interview.

First, the idea that an exit interview will improve conditions at any workplace is a farce. Most companies know that most jobs are commodities as are the people who fill them. Thus, the value of a soon-to-be-former-employee's thoughts on the rest room and vacation policy is wishful thinking at best. Today's employers simply don't care.

Next, I worry about the liability of an exit interview. Will the employer come after me with competitive clauses? Will they force me to sign documents which limit my ability to make a living or contacting my customers? Will the employer try and trap me into signing away something I have earned such as unused personal time or a commission check?

Finally, if one is truly a valuable employee, the HR department will not be interviewing him or her. Rather, a senior manager, director or even the CEO will be speaking with the soon to be departed. And their goal will be to retain them and that is the real goal for any one self marketing. Desire.

Take the exit interview with a grain of salt. If corralled into the interview, smile, answer politely and avoid incriminating yourself at every turn. If necessary, insist that a supervisor be present at the interview to corroborate any information put forth. Some might even go as far as to reschedule the exit interview at such time that legal council could be present. It's your call.

Until then, happy hunting.

Marketing Me! The sudden resignation

2007-10-26T10:18:00.000-05:00

A business bug out bag, resignation is better than termination, and leaving on your terms, not theirs.. Read more.

It can happen to any one at any time..

The human resource director walks in your office with another member of the staff and asks for a quick meeting. Thinking you are doing a great job and increasing the company revenue, you have no reason to be suspicious.

You follow the HR director to a nearby conference room where, upon seating, are informed your services are no longer needed at the company. Kicked in the gut, you struggle for breath and barely hear the terms of your serverance package explained to you.

Fifteen minutes later, you find yourself shoving personal possessions into an empty copy machine paper box and then being escorted to the front door.

Could this have been avoided? Sure. But get ready...

First, in today's business world, EVERY DAY COULD BE YOUR LAST DAY. Nobody is "safe" any longer. Layoffs, downsizing, cutbacks, all could happen at any time regardless of the health of the company or the market.

Stop thinking you are OK and the other guy is going to get it. Everyone is vulnerable.

Therefore, it is imperitive that you plan for this possibility constantly. In the "end of the world" survival community. members are encouraged to maintain a Bug Out Bag (BOB) at all times. In the business world, you should do the same.

Here are the contents of your BBOB - Business Bug Out Bag.

- Have backups of all correspondence, contracts and emails on a portable device. USB thumb drives are cheap and easy to use.
- Have a complete and current list of all customer and business contacts available. I recommend using a PDA type device such as a Blackberry or Palm Pilot. Update DAILY from your CRM license and you are assured of having the latest and greatest asset available at all times. Purchase the phone and PDA; do not use the company hardware.
- Your own laptop, if possible. Some companies allow employees to use their own computing hardware for work. Do this and save yourself a step or two.
- Copies of company literature of products or services you represented.
- Any intellectual property you created for the company or to drive revenue growth such as mailing lists, web sites, or press releases.

The final piece you should always have on hand is a resignation letter with the date left blank.

Why?

If the company is in trouble or you know the chopping block is looming, leave on your terms, not theirs. A resignation is far better than a termination any day.

The most successful people I know have never been laid off. They left before or during a stressful situation generally to another position they had already lined up and had in place. When the situation at work went south, they prepared their resignation letter and made their exit.

Typically, your resignation letter should be terse and to the point.

An example..

This letter is to inform [Company X] that Tuesday, October 30, 2007 will be my final day. Please make arrangements for my final paycheck and unused accrued holiday time to be paid on that day or an arranged date.

Upon my departure, all correspondence may be sent to my home address at xxxx...

Thank you,

Never put any personal or professional reasons for leaving a company. Your resignation letter will be placed on file and may be used at a future date. Leave no paper trail too large to cover!

Finally, be prepared to explain clearly why you resigned. Make this a 30 second speech (elevator speech) and practice reciting it. An example..

"Yes, I was with [Company X] for several years. However, there were some internal and external changes occuring with the company at the time which helped me in my decision to move on to other opportunities."

Never go into longer explanations about a former company. There is no reason to and to do so could possibly brand you as a complainer and malcontent.

Rather focus on the value you bring to your next company. And if you planned your BBOB correcttly, you will have the evidence and references to back it up.

Marketing Me! Goodbye farewell work email and letters

2007-10-24T10:44:00.000-05:00

Since this post a few weeks ago, the traffic on this subject has been higher than ever before.

This leads me to a few observations..

1) More people are changing jobs which precludes the need for an exit email to coworkers. And people changing jobs is right in line with what the experts have been saying for a couple of decades now - "People are changing jobs and careers more frequently".

2) More people are putting some thought into what they say and how they say it.

3) I think more people are trying to "make a statement" about everything in their life and that includes exits.

The sales administrator at my company (How did we let her get away!???) penned an email to a handful of close co-workers on her final day. It was personable, funny and non-offensive. It went something like this...

All,

On my last day, I wanted to let all of you know how much I enjoyed working with you and getting to know each of you. I wish nothing but the best for all of you and the company. Once I get settled in, I will send you my new contact information. And don't worry, I will not be a stranger! Plan on seeing me from time to time for lunch or drinks or whatever! I feel like Dorothy saying goodbye to the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion. Although I am going somewhere good, please know that each of you touched me and helped me grow professionally in your own way. I will miss you.

All the best,

You get the idea.

Now here is the worse thing you can say in a goodbye email at work:

I am outta here! Before the door hits me on the way out, (and don't think it was my idea!), let me pass on a few things to some of you. Those of you who are good, and you know who you are, I love you and hope things go your way someday. This company does not deserve you. (Big shout out to the second shift, btw!). As for Mr. You Know Who, karma is a pain. (Couldn't happen to a nicer guy!). And for you, Miss Busy Body, who you gonna talk about now? Huh? Guess what? We all know about the copy room!

Any how, if any of you make it uptown, stop by [Company] and look me up. We can grab a drink or something and I will let you cry on my shoulder.

On to bigger and better things, my brothers and sisters! Peace out!

Night and day.

You make the call. Like I said earlier, goodbye and farewell emails at work are overrated in my book. Let your work and reputation stand in its place instead.

But if you have to make a farewell address to the troops, do it with some dignity and with your heart in the right place; not on your sleeve.

Happy hunting,

Marketing Me! Personal Brand Network Value

2007-10-23T22:16:00.000-05:00

This past week the phone rang with a number of opportunities; a job available and a large product offering. Both were the result of my self marketing and the personal brand awareness campaign now entering its third year.

You know the drill. At Marketing Me! I have been promoting this for nearly three years where YOU market yourself under YOUR brand. There is no sale, no e-book, (not yet at least), no software to buy, no long term contracts and no small print.

You market yourself the best way you know how. Again, here are some pointers and the possible results.

First and foremost, give.
- I work in the wireless hardware industry. Consequently, I have numerous contacts with carriers and service companies. I regularly pass along leads and opportunities to my network without reciprocal requirements. This benefits the industry and spreads my product name.

Promote and evangelize.
- Do not worry about the competition, rather embrace what they are doing and take possession for yourself. For instance, if one of my competitors has a new product which addresses a particular need, I promote the idea behind the product when speaking or writing about the industry or market. I make my competitor's product mine as a further example of my own expertise.

Be open to interviews, even when not looking.
- Not press interviews but job interviews. Be open to discussing opportunities with other companies, it is great practice. It also spreads your name. Remember, companies recruit talent.

Pay back often.
- Repay all who have paid you seven fold. It will be returned.

Marketing Me! Takes time. It cannot be built over a weekend or with a simple blog post. It is a journey of patience and perseverance and most of all, clear focus with particular goals in mind.

Get busy and make the phone ring.

Happy hunting!

Marketing Me! AOL Job Cuts

2007-10-17T08:28:00.001-05:00

You probably have heard the news already about American Online cutting jobs - 20% of total headcount last report.

Over in LinkedIn Answers (my new favorite time waster), I posted the following regarding the layoffs:

Having been through layoffs before at other companies I only have one remark - it happens. No business is immune to them anymore.

Because of the service AOL offered (sending HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of expensive unsolicited media disks to unsuspecting mail addresses?), offering dial up Internet access, the writing was on the wall. Eventually other services would eclipse AOL and surpass any product they could ever offer.

I witnessed this in 1994 when early Internet service providers were debuting in the U.S.

AOL was labeled a substandard alternative to "real" Internet access.

Thus businesses and the burgeoning IT culture they created, would never consider AOL anything more than beginner's online access and a service for lonely hearts and seniors.

Internet access would evolve into a commodity and then, a utility.

With utilities, brand no longer matters. There is only the Internet and the need for an IP interface to access it.

Finally, with ubiquitous broadband and endless WiFi networks, AOL seemed to be as relevant as phone cords and packaged software.

I don't think there is a magic bullet which could have saved AOL. It had its time and place and now will reside in the pantheon of companies which once existed in the US landscape.

Enjoy the memories, but refocus on finding the future AOL in your life.

In an unrelated forum, I read that many AOL employees were being given four month severance packages. This is very generous and comes at a good time for obtaining a job. Had these cuts been in December, hiring and interviews would have been few and far between.

I also hope that many AOL'ers took advantage of the potentially huge network of contacts available after having worked at AOL. This alone is the best asset any of them have when determining their career future.

Layoffs stink. I have been through my share of them. However, layoffs are also an opportunity. Leaving a company which is in the midst of a major late-life identity crisis could be the best thing to happen to any person. It opens the doors to a thousand different possibilities all which are better than the last.

One last time "You have mail". Done.

Happy hunting,

Marketing Me! Tuesday marklets

2007-10-16T09:34:00.000-05:00

Generally, short pithy posts are saved on blogs for Fridays. But with as busy as I have been lately, we are doing a Tuesday roll out.

LinkedIn Answers - Do you participate? Have you tried? I think Answers is a fine way to build your personal brand name. The more you answer, the higher your profile is ranked and exposed to your fellow LinkedIn'ers.

Another thing I have noticed on your LinkedIn home page the "Who has viewed my profile?" feature? I mentioned this last year as a "want" for my LinkedIn list. This feature, albeit much richer, is available on MyBlogLog and seems like an afterthought for LinkedIn.

But the profile view is a fun tool. Couple of things: I wish we could add photos to LinkedIn (can we? Paging LinkedIn expert Jason Alba at Jibber Jobber). It would also be nice if we could add more than three links to our profile or Answers.

Finally, LinkedIn overkill, do you tag your LI profile with del.icio.us? You should. And StumbleUpon as well.

Speaking of StumbleUpon, do you use it? If so, wouldn't it be nice if SU showed the popularity of channels. I bet Wiccan is not as popular as Business, but we wouldn't know would we? The reason I ask is when I submit my personal brand sites, I would like to know the best channels and keywords to optimize.

I set up a profile on FastPitch but have yet to update it. Besides the emails, what are your thoughts on this service? Is it as good as they say?

Article marketing (submitting self authored articles to directories and web sites for personal brand recognition) is one of my favorite guerrilla methods to Market Me.

Digg is always listed as one of the top submission sites, but take a look at the home page for Digg. Nearly everything is OS, Linux, Mac, IT or politics related. Even the submission channels are limited.

Want to get on the first page of Digg? Submit an article lambasting George Bush for cheating AdSense with a hacked Windows server. Betcha that will put you up front.

My but I had some interesting feedback about the 3 Hour Parent yesterday. If only people would comment instead of emailing. How about some comments on this stuff?

Let's get out and kick it today. Let's bring in that big sale, arrange that meeting or finish that project today. I don't know why it seems urgent today, but the clock is ticking and I want to take it up a notch.

Happy hunting!

Marketing Me! The 3 Hour Parent

2007-10-15T08:52:00.000-05:00

I have three children and consider them my greatest accomplishment. They are more important than the big deal I closed last week, my job title or the promotion I want next year. The investment I make in my children pays off with greater dividends than any "job" ever will. With that in mind and with a great number of anecdotal incidents for reference, I came to know the the 3 Hour Parent.

Of all the social demographics, the greatest increase in population comes from the 3 Hour Parent. Now, you may have never heard this term before, but this person lives in your community, attends your church, has children in your school and may live in your own home today.

The 3 Hour Parent works part-time at the hardest full-time job created; the role of parent. I call them the 3 Hour Parent because this is the average amount of daily time they are exposed to the children.

The 3 Hour Parent can be the mother or the father or both. Besides full time employment outside the home, the 3 Hour Parent fill their waking time with activities such as socializing, sports, leisure activities, travel or shopping.

To the 3 Hour Parent, self-fulfillment is more important than the actual care and raising of their children.

Consider the following activities of a normal 3 Hour Parent. You may recognize someone you know..

- The 3 Hour Parent awakes early. Sometimes as early as 5 or 6 o'clock. They may exersize, then bathe, dress, grab something quick to eat or drink, head for the bus or car and never pause for the children they brought into this world. Other 3 Hour Parents may sleep late and rise only after their child has left for school.

- The 3 Hour Parent works with fervor and commitment at their place of employment or at personal activities. They hold the best positions, always make the wining team and receive high fives and slaps on the back for a job well done. They may be the chairperson of a charity or social event planning committee. Or perhaps they have the best tennis or golf score at the club. Yet the 3 Hour Parent rarely makes an appearance at their child's school whether that be for volunteer work, teacher-parent conferences, fund-raisers or sometimes, even just to drop off or pick up their children.

- The 3 Hour Parent returns home in the evening, complains about how tough their day was, expresses their need to "decompress" and demands "down time" for cocktails, television or quiet reflection all without the noise or interuption of children.

- The 3 Hour Parent takes dinner, if they eat dinner, either alone or with their spouse, only. They desire adult interaction and become annoyed if they have to eat with children and deal with the their spills and rambunctiousness at the table.

- The 3 Hour Parent becomes cranky early in the evening and alerts all in the home that they need their rest because of "a tough week ahead" in the office, or because the demands of house and shopping have become too much for them. Children are sent to bed or to placed in front of the television and ordered to be still and quiet.

- The 3 Hour Parent's weekends are devoted to personal activities such as golfing and shopping on weekends. Saturday night is spent at social functions or with friends. Sunday mornings are for "sleeping in" while the rest of the day is scheduled for watching television or sports. Somewhere along the way, the children and their activities have a lower priority or no priority at all. The children's bicycles, balls, and games collect dust in the garage or closet because their simply isn't time.

- The 3 Hour Parent advocates television and video games for children's unscheduled time because it is more convenient for the parent's schedule.

- The 3 Hour Parent, (who ironically follows fad diets and restrictive eating zealously for themselves), are oblivious to the poor diet and junk food consumption of their own children. "How did the children put on so much weight?" they wonder out loud.

- The 3 Hour Parent often forgets the date of their children's birthday or even their exact age. They rarely witness important childhood occasions such as the loss of a first tooth or first steps. They miss soccer and Little League games, ballet and piano recitals and graduations.

- The 3 Hour Parent heavily depends upon the services of baby sitters, housekeepers and nannies. They also think nothing of leaving the supervision and responsibility of their children to friends, neighbors or relatives.

- When confronted with the actual chore of direct child care, the 3 Hour Parent frantically makes phone calls to grandparents, friends and neighbors for assistance. They stare dumb faced at the little people in front of them, become quickly annoyed and demand immediate relief from any and all available. After all, the 3 Hour Parent's personal life is too consuming or demanding for the trivial care of children.

- And when a crisis occurs with the children, the 3 Hour Parent waves their finger at their spouse, sitter or nanny and places the blame firmly and squarely on them for failing to do their duty.

I know dozens of 3 Hour Parents. In many ways, I think I know more of them than not.

I understand the demands placed upon us in our professional lives. I know the rigors of unreasonable bosses, customers and financial obligations.

I understand the need for relaxation for improved mental concentration and physical health.

But I don't understand parents who have children they don't want.

How can anyone look at the excited, open face of their own child, the child who desperately wants and needs their parent's approval and love and disregard them so easily?

How can any parent feel good about missing nearly every landmark event in their child's life and be able to justify it with tee times, department store sales and meetings?

How can any parent, after investing so little time in their child's life, be so surprised when delinquency, poor grades, disciplinary problems and abuse occur with the same child?

So what can we do?

Whenever I feel the short term anxiousness of the 3 Hour Parent calling, I take a deep breath, close my eyes and imagine the first time I held each of my children after they were born.

I remember the first time they came to me, tottering along, holding a book or toy, wanting my immediate undivided attention.

I remember the first time my child pointed at every person, place or thing and called it a "Ball" "Dog" or "Cat".

I remember the first time they fell asleep in my arms and carrying them to their bed at the end of a long day.

I remember the first time they stood in a soccer field or on a baseball diamond or on a stage searching for me in the crowd just to make sure I was there.

I remember them running to my arms in an airport, after school or when I first walk in the house after work.

I remember the sloppy kisses, the peanut butter on my best suit, the art projects of glue and pop sickle sticks and the finger painted distorted caricatures labeled "DADDY" hanging on the refrigerator door.

I remember the fear on their faces melting into joy when I let go of the bicycle and watched them pedal furiously to stay upright.

I remember the birthdays' Christmases, Halloweens, car trips, Father's Days, kindergarten graduations, pageants and recitals and all the normal days in between.

Then I realize how everyday I received the greatest gift not from my own accomplishments, but from the little lives I created and raised. How can I have been so fortunate and blessed by their presence and how can I repay them?

If you are the 24 Hour Parent - congratulations and welcome to the fight. We now know we are going to win.

If you are a 3 Hour Parent, read this again. It will be our secret I won't tell anyone at the club or office.

But let's make a change today. Let's take off early, get out of that mall and go spend some time with your child today. You won't be disappointed. And you will make a huge difference in the life of the best people you have ever met in your life. Your children.

Happy hunting!

Marketing Me! Gitomer and personal branding

2007-10-11T10:19:00.000-05:00

I am re-reading Gitomer "Little Red Book of Sales".

First lesson is you should review and read over old material often. I know it sounds crazy, but when ever I get down or feel at loose ends, I dig out a classic like Little Red Book or Never Eat Alone and get back on track.

One of the points Gitomer makes again and again is big sales (and jobs) got to those who market themselves and their personal brand. We have been saying that for years at Marketing Me!

One suggestion he makes is to register your name as a domain name. Jeffrey has at www.gitomer.com. I checked for my name, but someone else grabbed it about a million years ago in internet time, so I registered a few others instead.

I always use GoDaddy for my registrations and so far have registered about a dozen or so domains for different projects I am working on. The name is important because that is how your customers, prospects, employers and contracts will find you.

There are still many domain names available and getting the right name is not hard. I like using GoDaddy because of their excellent customer service - I mean it's good. They call me after every transaction on their website and constantly offer discounts on renewals and new products.

Once you have your name established, be ready to build a site which reflects you and your product well. I cannot stress how important it is to have the right look and feel to your web site or blog which will attract visitors and regular readers.

I use Linked In, Plaxo and other online networking tools to direct prospects to me rather than my company. Customers buy and companies hire individuals, not corporations!

Network and market yourself constantly for best affect. Pick up Jeffrey's book for a great list of ways to do this effectively!

Happy hunting!

Marketing Me! Goodbye letters and emails

2007-10-10T17:12:00.000-05:00

Saw this on Jobacle today. All about goodbye emails at the office.

There are some great points included in this entry and if you are about to leave the present position and are the type to share your thoughts with the department or company at large - please visit this site first!

I have seen my fair share of goodbye emails - fortunately, I never sent one myself. Goodbye emails are sappy emotional outbursts which do more harm than good.

First, you are leaving the company/job. Once gone, you will be remembered, in most cases, for about five minutes after your exit.

Second, a wise man once counselled, "let your reputation grow hair before you brag about it". In other words, let your name become legend amongst former co-workers - if you were worth it.

Next, why are you marketing yourself to former co-workers? After all, sending that goodbye email is exactly what you are trying to do; making sure nobody forgets you or the valuable contributions you made. If you were so valuable, your work speaks for itself.

Finally, don't leave former co-workers with anything which might be misconstrued or could be used against you in the future. A goodbye email fraught with emotion and tears might be remembered as a sign of a demented unstable person. Not the type of referral you had planned on.

Here is the secret. Put in your notice, be pleasant and go away. You will be much more happy if you follow this advice.

Happy hunting!

Marketing Me! How agile are you?

2007-10-09T10:34:00.000-05:00

Think you are agile? Think you have what it takes to make those lateral-upward moves in down markets?

Check out my friend Don.

I met Don when he was a technical recruiter in the height of the "dot com" days. Don placed dozens of people with my IT startup during a two year time frame. I had a good idea what he was making per placement so I know he was doing well with the technical placement company he worked for.

So what did he do?

He went solo and for a year and a half made even more money filling key job positions. Rather than do the shotgun approach, he specialized in placing minority candidates with technical companies. He made even more money.

During this time period, Don bought his first house. He saw how the real estate market worked and how home values were rising. He also was considering real estate as an investment strategy for all the money he was making in recruiting.

So, not one to go halfway, Don went to real estate school nights and got his license a few months later.

Don starting selling one or two homes a month on weekends.

Then the "dot bomb" bust happened, so Don went from part time real estate agent to full time.

Don focused on up and coming neighborhoods in older sections of town. Sure enough he hit another home run and until last year was making more sales and more money then ever before.

With the real estate market going the way it is, Don is moving back into recruiting. This time, he is reaching out to all those entry level techs he placed a decade ago and finding many of them are higher ups responsible for hiring.

Don is well placed to start picking up where real estate dropped out.

How about some personality traits of Don?

- Incredibly optimistic. Never a bad word or negative statement from him.
- Energetic and hardworking.
- Higher faith. Don has strong convictions which are reflected in his work.
- Honesty.
- Goal oriented.

Are you cut of the same cloth? Consider your options and see what you are doing to be as "nimble" as Don. Most of us follow the same old, "the company let me go - I wasn't planning on this!" lament.

Don has never waited for this to happen. He keeps his eyes and ears open for opportunity at all times.

If you don't have a similar plan for your life, why not make one today? Why not get busy on figuring your four or five plays and what fits for you?

Happy hunting!

Marketing Me! Jobs, Layoffs, Finding Work, Get excited about your work

2007-10-09T10:27:00.000-05:00

And more..

Yes, I have been away for awhile. There are about 30 blogs I subscribe to and about half of those I read religiously.

None of them miss a few days of posting. None miss a week and none miss two weeks like I have done.

Sometimes, blogs of note, use a backup writer to compose and post fresh stories for them. More likely, however, good bloggers write several posts on slow days and save them for busy times like my recent schedule.

So what happened?

First, the third quarter ended and in the real world, quarters ending is the busiest time for me. I have to close deals, upsell an existing client or two and sometimes, have to count on the generosity of a current customer to order something extra for the quarter.

All so the company can make their numbers. That's business.

Next, my wife and I are expecting. Thank you. We are happy about it too. But we have had some complications - nothing serious, thanks for asking, but time consuming complications which have prevented me from getting more outside work done.

Never fear, in a few weeks the blessed event will be upon us and I can get back to full time employees, part time writer/speaker/presenter and full time dad. Wait, those numbers don't add up!

Next, I have been busy undertaking some financial projects which have been a real bear. They always are.

The following posts are entries I have been "head writing" for the past two weeks. Thank you for your patience.

Marketing Me!

Marketing Me! NYT and WSJ abandon subscription model, join twenty-first century

2007-09-26T17:21:00.000-05:00

The New York Times and Wall Street Journal will/have abandoned the idea of subscriptions to read news off their web sites. Read it here.

I think it is big time funny.

For years, if you wanted to read the NYT on line, you had to subscribe and hand over all kinds of personal information.

Meanwhile, all the other news sites were handing content over in favor of your eyeballs viewing loads of sometimes, very creative ads.

The Times thought that subscribers, the old model, would benefit the Gray Lady better than new-fangled, unreliable, Internet advertising. Great thinking.

Guess who won? Not hard to determine with the Times decision today.

Okay, so how does this apply to Marketing Me?

First, how hard are you making your life to prospective revenue sources? You know people and companies who are willing to pay for your time and talent?

Difficult people require all sorts of protection and firewalls which keep revenue at arm's length.

Freewheelers, people who move fast and rely on personal marketing, remove every barrier possible to making things happen. Further, they find ways to monetize every potential customer opportunity.

Difficult people love certifications, trial periods, apprenticeships, reviews, check boxes and any other roadblocks which makes their life feel worthwhile, yet often, unprofitable.

No different than the Times and their subscription model. Make your best customers go through the ringer in order to protect a short-sighted, old-fashioned, "because we always did it that way" goal.

Got a suggestion for you: Stop making it hard for your customers to give you money.

Happy hunting!

Marketing Me! GM Strikes, Iranian visitors, Cracker Jack and inevitable quarter demise

2007-09-25T08:56:00.000-05:00

General Motors Strike

The UAW hosted a labor strike at GM plants around the country on Monday. I can't see why this is big news anymore.

- GM is losing money.
- UAW member and retireee benefits are in serious trouble
- Toyota is gaining market share.

The key word is relevancy. Both sides speak in broad terms and with generalized goals - "return to profitability", "job security" and "health benefits".

GM makes cars. There are two goals that matter: Make cars people want and will buy (key word) and make a profit on the sale.

Everything else is secondary.

Ranting about "quality" and "productivitiy" is a moot point.

In my world, the solution lies with the Big Three becoming the "Small to Medium 300".

Tragically, this all comes at the same time Michigan comes close to shutting down state government operations due to a massive budget shortfall.

Iran

The president of Iran spoke at Columbia yesterday and will speak at the United Nations today.

Who cares?

Why does the media still think that 19th century country borders and their leaders matter any longer?

I would rather read Shoemoney or hear his speech from last week.

Cracker Jacks

I received a bag of "Original" Cracker Jacks today at my children's school.

Hint: Original Cracker Jack was in a skinny box with a platic toy enclosed in the blue stripe packet - (I am too young to remember tin toys, thank you).

This product did not taste like Cracker Jack, had a cruddy prize and not enough of those burned peanuts in the bottom of the bag.

Sort of tee-d me off this morning.

The Quarter is still going to end this week

I tried to push back, but the calendar got in the way.

Marketing Me! Business 2.0 bites the dust

2007-09-21T09:19:00.000-05:00

Business 2.0, the magazine "that could" in my opinion, has announced the next issue will be their last.

Actually, I read it first over on TechCrunch, a wonderful blog BTW, which has had a close relationship with B20 for some time now.

When magazines fold, it often goes unnoticed. Circulation is down, readers are scarce or content is poor. One day they are there, the next day a blank space at the news stand.

Business 2.0 was different. Everyone read it, perhaps only on airplanes, but it was read all the same. Unlike an similarly demised magazine, Fast Company, B2.0 focused on how the internet was changing businesses and business models.

Where as the DotCom boom of the late 20th century focused on traditional leverage or new companies, B2.0 reported on the creative, and generally more successful ways, new businesses were using social networks, blogs and "click" technology to build revenues.

My favorite part of Business 2.0 were the small stories. The paragraph or two about a great idea or product which might not change the world, but would shine some light in one corner of it.

I always read each issue cover to cover (a common comment about B2.0) and walked away inspired and energized to keep this dream of Marketing Me! going.

I will miss Business 2.0 and look forward to the innovator (who shares my passion for this space) who brings us the next revision of a publication created in the same vein.

As I stated over on TechCrunch, buzz me if you want some input or collaboration!

Until then, happy hunting!

Don't forget, Just Sell reminds us: There are only 6 days left in the quarter and month! Get busy!

Marketing Me! Feeling left out?

2007-09-17T09:02:00.000-05:00

Jeffrey Fox in How to Become CEO makes a recommendation about when to know you won't make it due to circumstances beyond your control.

By "make it" I refer to the road block many of us have hit during our career inside of our place of employment - we just can't seem to make it up the ladder.

I recently explained to a group I was speaking to the reasons this happens.

1) History -
Often, the top executives have a long history together of which you were not part. Your company could be the latest of a long string of companies which has bound these executives together and closes you out of the loop.

2) Proximity -
The top team could have attended the same university or MBA program. Or originally hailed from the same region or city. Either way, you started at the wrong place as far as they are concerned.

3) Cultural -
Like it or not, often times top executive team members have a similar cultural background which bars entrance to all others. Call it what you will, it happens and often by those first to call foul in other arenas.

4) Traumatic effect -
This circumstance is overlooked or ignored. Take a group of top team members who have suffered through a common disaster, say a bankruptcy or layoff. That event has bound them together like passengers of a lifeboat and it could be guiding their entire management philosophy - "Green Banana, Inc. will never make the mistakes that Plump Tomato, Inc. made!". Since you were not part of the original disaster, you can't participate.

5) The Profession Factor -
It could be that everyone in top management has an engineering background or some other nearly impossible achievement which you cannot match despite all efforts. If the resumes all read the same, most likely you won't be asked to play.

Remember, when the gate comes down or your career approaches the local glass ceiling, do not take it the wrong way. Recognize the signs, make sure the doors are entirely closed and make plans to move on. Do yourself the favor.

Until next time, happy hunting!

Marketing Me! Friday snippets

2007-09-14T12:31:00.000-05:00

A busy week with work has me struggling for blogging time, but Marketing Me! will not suffer!

LinkedIn - Have you seen Barack Obama question on LinkedIn?

1) It won't matter what your answer was - 1300+ the last time I checked! This was some skillful, but small scale political posturing. Expect to see more of this on other Web 2.0 sites.

2) Several complaints about politics on LinkedIn from users; "Isn't this site for networking and work, only and not politics?" is the general gripe. Haven't heard about anyone canceling their membership though.

Speaking of LinkedIn, check out Jason Alba's new book. Jason runs Jibber Jobber! which is also a neat site.

Things I have learned being in sales..

1) Silence is golden. Listen to your prospects, spouse, friends, etc when they are talking, nothing is more powerful. Also, when "debating" any subject, silence has more power than any argument. Make your point, shut up.

2) Persistence counts. Call, visit and write. Often. People reward persistence and hard work.

3) You don't get anything in life without asking first.

Have a great weekend, and happy hunting!

Marketing Me! Dressing for success

2007-09-11T09:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, when writing about the Britney Episode, I mentioned dressing and a few rules to follow...

Dress for success - It is far better to be overdressed than under dressed. It is far better to be subdued than over the top. It is always better to be timeless rather then trashy. All common sense points, but all to often forgotten on stage and in the office.

Although most of you have no problem dressing or with your wardrobe, it never fails to amaze me the number of people who still go to work clothed awkwardly and without sense.

Some advice and ideas when one is not sure what to wear for work..

Go classic - khakis, black (slacks, skirts, dresses), grays, blue, whites

Go timeless - Suits rather than sport shirts, dresses rather than slacks

Go traditional - Traditional business clothing (suit, tie, business suit, etc)

Dress up rather than down - Wear coat and tie when meeting with client for instance

Avoid trends or flashy styles - If your favorite hip hop artist, professional athlete or diva is wearing it, you most likely do not want to do the same!

Shorts, sandals, flip flops, t-shirts (especially with witty sayings or pictures), halter and tank tops, anything political or controversial is a no-no.

In 25 years of business, I have never regretted wearing slacks, shoes and pressed shirts to work.

You won't either.

Happy hunting!

Marketing Me! Lessons from Britney Spears

2007-09-10T09:51:00.000-05:00

I am not that big into pop culture - guess that dates me in some circles. But my wife pointed out the awful mess Miss Spears made this weekend.

Marketing Me! is not a celebrity news site. Our position is the celebrity is you. However, many celebrities know quite well how to market themselves successfully and keep their personal brand going long after critics have deemed them "washed up". (Google Billy Ray Cyrus sometime..).

Britney Spears, in case you just dropped in from Mars or recently awoke, Rip Van Winkle style, is a pop singer who attained notoriety about a decade ago at the age of 17. Since that time, her life has had it's fair share of ups and downs as they often do in that tumultuous business called entertainment.

After a long down period in her life, Miss Spears had the opportunity to perform at the Video Music Awards in Las Vegas this past weekend. Put before her, was the chance to redeem her recent foibles and gain back some accolades for the talent which brought her to this point earlier in her life.

Instead, viewers were witness to a dazed, badly dressed (unfortunately under dressed) young woman who clearly needs some help and attention. It was very, very sad.

Lessons learned from this event which we can appreciate in our own professional lives.

1) All the world is a stage - An interview, presentation or speaking engagement gives us one shot to impress or depress our audience. Practice, practice and practice before hand. Get professional and personal feedback on our presentation before hand.

2) Dress for success - It is far better to be overdressed than under dressed. It is far better to be subdued than over the top. It is always better to be timeless rather then trashy. All common sense points, but all to often forgotten on stage and in the office.

3) You are judged on every moment - both fairly and unfairly. Critics call your worse your standard and your best a fluke. Anticipate criticism but offer no fodder to your critics!

4) Don't let your personal life interfere with your talent! Keep it separate always.

5) Your name is your brand, your work your calling card and your resume your testament. Do not let your brand become usurped by others, your calling card to be discarded or your resume misunderstood or unfocused.

Britney Spears is ready for a personal (re)Marketing. Clearly she has talent and can accomplish great things given the right personal direction.

You can too.

Get aware, get busy.

Happy hunting!

Marketing Me! Sales - Final Quarter!

2007-09-07T23:26:00.000-05:00

September marks for some, the last month of the third quarter (Q3) for 2007.

That meas the mad dash to close the final business of the quarter is here!

If you are in sales, where are you for your numbers? I hope you are right on target to meet your personal goals and professional quotas.

If not, here are some quick sales tips to help you close some last minute business. Remember, you still have a couple of weeks left in the quarter!

The Golden Rule of Sales - It is easier to sell to existing customers than to find new ones.

Concentrate on your existing pipeline!

Getting started...

1) How much more did you want to sell this quarter?
Let's say you wanted an additional $100,000.00 in sales this quarter. You have checked your pipeline and there simply is not a single opportunity which will help you make this number.

Consider adding together three or four opportunities to reach your target. It may take seven or eight smaller customers, but the number can be reached if it is broken up.

Which leads us to...

2) What is the current state of your pipeline?
Do you have any customers who consistently order $5000.00 to 20,000.00 at a time yet who are not in this quarter's forecast?

When was the last time they placed an order?

Now is the time to get on the phone to these prospects and line up an unplanned sale for the quarter. That customer who has placed $25,000.00 and 50,000.00 orders might need an additional, but smaller order now. If you can find three or four of these customers, you will be that much closer to your goal!

3) Check your channels; partners, distributors, and resellers.
Where do they stand? Do they have any opportunities which have not closed?
Do they need your help with the final call?
Have your channels optimized any and all leads and prospects sent their way?

Have these team members come in for the final big push and bring some business over the line.

4) How about inventory?
Is there any excess inventory? What about closeouts or end-of-life products?
Get with your company CFO and Operations people and find out what your can clear off the shelves.

These types of sales are generally high-margin or can be sold at a discount.
Remember: Your customers are just like you. Everyone loves a bargain!

5) What about those new prospects?
Sure, they may not be placing production sized orders, but they may be ready to put in that demo or pilot order.

Yes these orders may be small, but it might be the few small ones which push you over your number.

Notice!!!

Before you start with point 1, do the following:

Check your attitude at the door - Anger, depression or bitterness have no place in sales.

Deal with the facts - Summer is traditionally a slow time and credit has been tight in some markets. This may be why you are below your number. Accept it and move on.

You cannot build a pipeline in the last month of the quarter - Pipelines are built over time through careful prospecting and networking. "Last minute, gotta have it, just walked in the door, Big Sales customers" are the stuff of sales legend and myth.

If you sold anything this quarter, 'you done good'. If you sell more, 'you done better'.

Most of all, start building for the fourth quarter which I have always said is a tougher quarter because of the holidays and shorter work time.

Hang in there! Happy hunting!

Marketing Me! August was tough!

2007-09-06T23:15:00.000-05:00

August was a tough month all the way around.

It started with a bouncy, topsey-turvy stock market.

Then rolled into the wonderful news about the sub-prime housing market.

Then comes the credit/cash crunch. Some businesses lamented that there wasn't a dollar to be found on the street.

And all of this happens in what is traditionally the deadest month of the year for business, not only in the U.S., but worldwide, August.

Could not have happened to a nicer month!

Somehow, someone forgot to mention that little fact. August is "roll up the streets" time in Europe and other parts of the world.

In the States, many take their final vacation of the summer.

For families, work comes second to back to school and the related activities.

Finally, the whole thing ends with ironically and aptly with Labor Day - in other words, "Get back to work day!".

Last week, I heard my final "I am out of the office" voice mail and instead started off with the phone ringing off the hook. Today was no different and I found myself at the office an extra hour this evening just answering calls.

I fully expect next week to be more of the same and so it will continue through the end of October as businesses close out their fiscal year.

November will bring in some additional business and the 2007 business year will come to a grinding halt around the second week of December (for some, not all. I make some great, end-of-year, Yule deals in the final two weeks of the year!).

2008 will be another thing, what with the fallout from the sub-prime market and a presidential election. But that is next year, we only care about what we are going to do tomorrow, right?

I don't know where you stand today or tomorrow. But try not to let August and the summer doldrums get you down. Tomorrow is another day and don't forget, it is Friday!

Until then, happy hunting!

Marketing Me! Are you entitled?

2007-09-05T12:34:00.000-05:00

About ten years ago, while managing an IT workforce, I welcomed a new technician to the company. After giving him a tour of our office and outlining our processes, I asked if he had any questions.

His first, "How do I park in the covered parking garage? Do I need a pass?".

"There is limited covered parking and is shared by all the tenants", I replied. "Because of the demand, the cost is prohibitive and we only have a few parking passes included with our rent. Such as it is, most of us park in the open lot out front or around back".

The look on the technician's face suggested that I had suggested he eat dog food for lunch. "You mean I don't get to park in the covered garage?", he responded.

-----

A year or so later, another technician interviewed with our company. Upon viewing his workspace, he requested that the lights above his desk be removed, that he be given a floor lamp, a pad under his rolling chair, a new rolling chair of a certain make and model, an ergonomic keyboard and mouse of a certain model and after hours pay outside of his generous salary.

I showed the prospect the door with the standard, "We will let you know what we have decided".

-----

During the post 2001 dot-com meltdown, an prospect was scheduled for a customary phone interview. After the job description and standard questioning, the prospect informed me that she was interested in the position and would be happy to start the next week. Naturally, she would be working from her home and wanted to know how the arrangements would be made to accommodate her.

I informed the candidate, that the person we were hiring would be required to relocate to our city and would work in the office with the rest of the development team.

The candidate informed me that was unacceptable and was sure the situation could be altered for her specific requirements and that relocation was out of the question; she loved where she lived and would never think about living where our company was headquartered.

I thanked her for her time and ended the call.

------

Was my reaction appropriate with each situation? Should I have been more flexible and understood the requests of the employee or job candidate? Should I have asked more questions and worked with their specific requests?

The right answer(s):

I should have hired the best person for the job and based their employment upon the need of the position and my desire to have that certain person be part of my company. Superstars are not entitled; they earn their "perks" because they are worth the price paid.

The superstar candidates or employee should have had the power to make certain demands and be ready to back them up with proven results and incredible potential. Superstars make superstar requests because they not only talk the talk, they walk it.

Work has changed. But not in all cases. Some positions are such that working from home or in special surroundings is necessary for the RESULTS desired. Results is the keyword. If the candidate can produce the necessary results in the right surroundings than they are worth the price. If they are self entitled or high maintenance, rightfully screen them out.

Where do you stand? Are you entitled? Do you feel so? Does your employer think so? Have you earned it? Could you earn more? Or are you on dangerous ground?

We live in a society which is moving in two directions.

The first sees the writing on the wall - move fast, provide value and set your asking price.

The other sees work as the environment which is obligated to reward tenure and loyalty with the same measure as results and profitability.

Which one is right? More important, which one is right for you?

Happy hunting.

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Marketing Me! From Seth Godin...

2007-09-04T11:06:00.000-05:00

Some people (a precious few, so far) are realizing that this temporary recession is the best opportunity that they've ever had. They're working harder than ever -- mentally -- and taking all sorts of emotional and personal risks that are bound to pay off.

- Seth Godin

Wonderful quote. Is it true?

With recession, I see more people rethinking risk and dwelling on mistakes ("I should have opted for that 30-year fixed loan and avoided that ARM!"*).

(Or "I should have stayed with that big stable company in avoided the layoff I just went through!" - DotCom employee, circa 2001.)

But the risk is worth it. It is knowing when the risk is risky and dangerous vs. being rewarding with possibility. It is a hard.

But the risk is worth it.

I am a big believer in part-time risk. Build that website at nights and on weekends. Build an audience. Fill a niche. Find a buyer.

If it fails, try again. Try two or three opportunities at a time. Try, fail, try again.

Keep your day job. Work hard to leave it.

Risk is worth it. Stagnation is death.

Happy hunting.

* The ARM loan is worth it if you take advantage of the 3, 5 or 10 year term and pay down the principal.

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Marketing Me! When is retirement? 56!

2007-09-04T09:42:00.000-05:00

I was reading a publication for seniors over the weekend. The featured article was about companies who have curtailed or canceled retirement health plans. Unfortunately, companies which either underfunded their health care plans or have had financial setbacks are cutting back on retirees.

Noted was a retired employee of a Fortune 100 company who was upset that his retiree health plan premiums could potentially increase several hundred dollars. But here's the rub: The retired employee was 56 years old.

56.

Where has this guy been the last 25 years!

Nobody retires at 56 unless they are a professional athlete or have won the lottery.

At 56, a retiree is realistically facing 25 years of retirement. Figure how much you would need to live on for 25 years. I won't even through out any numbers because the cost of retirement in Boston, Mass is far different than that of Beaumont, Texas.

With 25 extended years on a fixed income and savings would have me worrying about my health care premium after I figured out "What will I be eating if I get to eat, and where will I live?".

56.

Who sold this guy the dream he could retire at 56 and would be financially comfortable not to worry about his cost of living increasing? Ask any financial planner and unless one is sitting on a considerable nest egg with zero debt, retiring at 56 would be a no-brainer. It ain't gonna happen!

Consider for instance expected cost increases such as taxes (on property, against social security payments, interest on savings, etc.), food, gasoline and utilities. And now consider the possibility of debilitating illness or injury such as a broken hip. 56 seems like the beginning of a long road towards uncertainty.

By the time I am 56, I most likely will be working for my 20th company or more. And with the state of pension plans, Social "Security" and health insurance, I actually expect be working at 66, 76 and possibly 86 if at all possible.

Once upon a time (1900), the life expectancy of a man was 54 years of age in the U.S. 56 would be considered old age and possibly a suitable time for one to relax and enjoy a few precious months with loved ones and friends.

But this is 2007, not 1907.

The rules changed 25 years ago. Maybe longer, but unlikely more recently.

56 is not the time to retire, but the time to start that second or third career.

I believe a person has so much potential and there are so many great opportunities that is almost seems like a crime to give up and retire at such a young age. Even at the ripe old age of 56.

Happy hunting!

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Marketing Me! Labor Day

2007-09-04T08:51:00.000-05:00

Here in the U.S., we celebrated Labor Day yesterday. Labor Day has its roots from a little over a hundred years ago when several labor groups (read industrial and agricultural organizations) petitioned for a annual holiday to celebrate their contributions to the American way of life.

All fine and dandy, but the reality of life in the 21st century is the concept of "labor" has changed since its' Victorian age introduction.

Statistics have show that industrial and agricultural occupations have shrunk in recent years whereas office based work has grown.

Even more important, is the explosion of non-full time and non-permanent workers in our modern economy. Contractors, part-timers, temp workers and consultants are filling more and more open slots.

Opponents argue that these non-traditional employees are either victims of evil corporations (for failing to provide them benefits, insurance, etc.) OR the enemy (for taking away positions which historically would have gone to full time workers).

Regardless, the argument overlooks a few international trends...

The cost of full time employees, for any number of reasons, has grown. Many employers have opted out of the traditional management/labor template spelled out over the past hundred years.

The employment border is broken. One hundred years ago, employee availability was limited to walking distance from a central operation. Today, an employee for a New York based company might be in Bozeman, Montana or Bangalore, India.

Income Evolution

At Marketing Me! we do not play the game of what's right or wrong. We play the game of income evolution. We go where the money is. If it is full time work today, it may be part time work three years from now. Or contract work. Or consulting.

The opportunity to make income from work means evolving with the market place and work trends in order to maximize our ability to profit from a changing and expanding market.

Ability Security

What matters in income growth is ability security. There are no more "secure" jobs. Only secure abilities. The skills and adaptability to earn money for our employers combined with personal branding and marketing guarantees us the security of moving to greener pastures constantly.

I hope you had fun with the traditional Labor Day festivities yesterday. An extra day off, maybe a fun activity with family and friends.

However, the historical basis of Labor Day has changed forever. Start planning your own Marketing Me! Day instead!

Happy hunting!

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Marketing Me! The signs of a bad company

2007-08-31T10:07:00.000-05:00

Working for the wrong company can spell disaster for your career. Besides, it is frustrating and stressful being at the wrong place anytime.

Besides the eternal signs (finances, layoffs, etc.) there are some other signs of a bad company.

High turnover - Does the HR office have a revolving door? If the average tenure of the employees is six months or less, it might be wise to look elsewhere.

Dirty offices or a bad neighborhood - An banker once told me before he gave a business a loan he made an on site visit to their offices. One of the first places he checked during his inspection was the employee restrooms. If they were messy or covered in graffiti, he could safely say the employees had little respect for the company. Not a good sign.

Who runs the company? Generally, successful companies are most product of the products and services they produce. These companies have innovative product developers, knowledgeable sales persons, exciting marketing and caring customer support people.

If a company is run by "line people" who only care about time on the clock, benefits and grievances, you most likely have a stagnant, unhappy place of business.

How empty are the halls? I find good companies have a bustling and energetic staff. Company offices which resemble ghost towns during normal business hours are possibly a sign of tardiness, absenteeism, high turnover or illness. Avoid these depressing places.

Office space - Is the office open, bright and positive? Or is it a warren of dark corridors, closed office doors and bland interiors. Would you want to work there?

Lack of eye contact - Bad companies are run by untrustworthy people. If anyone in the interview process has a hard time making eye contact, it might a sign they are trying to hide something about the company. I would keep my eyes on the front door!

Bad companies eventually fail. Don't be on the losing team! Be aware of obvious and sometimes not so obvious signs of the bad company.

Happy hunting!

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Marketing Me! Squidoo!

2007-08-30T14:45:00.000-05:00

Did you know I had a lens on Squidoo?

I am proud to say Marketing Me has been on Squidoo for a little over a year now. Squidoo is a great way to market yourself, your company or a product you are really jazzed about.

Check out my lens and if you do not have a lens yet, get one!

Happy hunting!

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Marketing Me! Second income

2007-08-28T10:20:00.000-05:00

With all of the economic news going around, many of us are feeling the pinch in our pocketbooks.

So-called experts advise all of us to tighten our belts and cut back on spending. Generally, they throw out that "cut the Starbucks daily habit" or "take your lunch to work" suggestion as ways to increase your monthly bottom line.

Nonsense. Most of the people I know bring their lunch or skip eating out altogether. And during my morning commute, I am seeing fewer and fewer people clutching their Starbuck's styrofoams in the car these days.

The real answer to dealing with financial burdens is MAKE MORE MONEY. But how you say?

First, eliminate this 1950's 9-5, time clock work mindset you may feel entitled to. That reality has gone the way of the phone booth and airline meals.

Next, put together a few ideas you know you can accomplish for increasing your company's (YOU) income.

Here are some suggestions:

Task - start a blog, include advertising on the site, build readership, sell a few affiliate products, make some extra dollars. Don't plan on big bucks, but it can grow your name and lead to other outlets.

Task - start a storefront website and sell a few key, niche items. Amazon and affiliate programs make this sort of work a cinch. In a later post I can show you ways to do this.

Task - Write an e-book. Pick a topic or two and research them. Is there a need for what you have to offer? Self help, recipes, how-to and health related titles are all big. And most titles sell in the US$7.00 range with certain websites. Expect 50-100 pages in PDF format.

Task - Write a book. Same as above, perhaps mixed with your blogging efforts. This happens frequently but requires long term commitment and dedication.

Task - Contract. Have you ever had a friend talk about the problems at their company? Perhaps how hard it is to keep their office LAN running, how bad their website looks or simply how disorganized their office is? Offer your night and weekend expertise.

Task - Consult. A step up from contracting. Offer to help a fledgling company get off the ground with sales, marketing or operational help. Remember, they need not provide you with health care, with holding or unemployment. Only a 1099 contract check when work is completed.

Task - Actually take a second, part time job. What did you do in a previous life? Telemarketing? IT work? Tech support? All jobs which have after hours employment available.

The nice thing about nearly all of these suggestions is they take very little out of pocket expense on your part. Just time. Which you might have been wasting in front of the television anyway, right?

Happy hunting,

Marketing Me! Housing bubble blues

2007-08-27T16:48:00.000-05:00

An recent review of posts over in an economics forum read like two sides of the same book:

"The lending/home loan crisis means I cannot buy a home!"

"Homes are so expensive, I cannot afford one where I live!"

"My home just lost some of it's value and my ARM has expired! Here come high payments for a home which has lost it's value!"

The common thread I kept seeing in black and white was "I cannot afford to live where I do!".

Why do people continue to live someplace they cannot afford?

I am stunned when I read about housing prices on the East and West Coasts and the financial juggling good people go through to afford two bedrooms, a bath and street front parking.

What drives someone to stay in an area with 600K home prices while they live on a 40K annual salary?

The answer is simple: Move. Here, big letters. MOVE.

Portland, New York, DC, the Bay Area.. all nice places, but not that great if you live in a 400 sq foot apartment with a view of a brick wall.

And what is so great about your job which requires your staying?

Get online. Research some other parts of the country. Call friends or networkers and land some interviews. Go visit. There are replacements for nearly everything you do in your overpriced town right now.

And if you make the move, you might end up a new affordable home you actually own! Wow.

I pointed this out to a friend who was dropping 2K a month on rent! I told him about wonderful homes in my home state in the 200-250K range. Four bedrooms, suburban, pools, schools, the works. He was blown away.

Stop reading about ARM's and start repeating .. MOVE. MOVE. MOVE.

Happy hunting!

Marketing Me! Four Ways to make a Bad Job Good

2007-08-24T15:28:00.000-05:00

Here is the link.

The article makes four suggestions to improve your work place when you are not happy at work.

* Make a friend at work.
* Decrease your work time by moving closer to work.
* Know when it is not about your job (it is you with the problem).
* Do good deeds.

Alrighty then. It's Friday and I want to get on with my weekend so I will keep this short.

If your job is "bad", there is one solution. One. 1.

* Find a new job and quit the bad one.

This article suggests..

1) That bad job is the only employment option you have. There is no hope.

2) Making friends makes any place bearable. Even a concentration camp or prison.

3) Move closer. Who cares about neighborhoods, pricing, your children, let's cram everyone and their jobs into one cracker box and call it Big Happy!

4) It's your fault. You will never be happy. Work is freedom. Get professional help.

5) Do good deeds. You are unhappy at work because you are a bad person. Give service and serve others you evil worker.

No thanks.

Marketing Me! How to Win-Win at Work

2007-08-23T13:54:00.000-05:00

You cannot afford to sit back, like our fathers did, punch a card 9–5 and expect to bring home enough bacon to buy a house, a car, and support a wife with three kids. It’s almost the year 2008; get into the eighties, will you?

- Mike Rogers

Ran across this wonderful article somewhere on the Internet today and read twice. Although I have never heard of Lew Rockwell before, this contribution came from a gentleman named Mike Rogers and is worth a read.

If you are looking for work, or have an unhappy job or maybe are about to graduate from college, read this article. Better yet, read it two or three times. Even better, print it out, stick it on your mirror and read it every day!

This article basically sums up what I have been trying to do at Marketing Me for the past two years.

Summary:

Nobody owes you a successful life.
No job or company is going to take care of you.
Success is based solely upon how well you market yourself and market your successes - not necessarily how hard you work or how productive you are.
You are responsible for branding and promoting yourself both through your work - nobody else can or will do this.

Maybe I am preaching to the choir, maybe I sound like a broken record, maybe it gets tiring hearing the same old song at Marketing Me.. but this stuff works!

Get busy marketing and promoting yourself for REAL job security.

P.S. I dropped Mike an email to see if he has a website or blog and to let him know about this post.

Marketing Me! Certification over compensation?

2007-08-21T22:51:00.000-05:00

While checking the visitor logs, I noticed a Google search for "add Microsoft certification after name in signature file" as a search string.

Hmmm...

Please, let me blunt.

How many MBA's include

John Smith Harvard MBA in their signature file?

Okay, how many people with ordinary college degrees include

John Smith BA History State U.?

More obtuse, does an astronaut sign his name, Buzz Aldrin, (CMA) Certified Moon Astronaut?

Another question, do a Google search and find how many people sign their name, John Smith MCP/MCSE/etc? A whole bunch I'll bet. If so, how will you stand out?

Try this instead!

John Smith
Exceptional Microsoft IT Innovator and Outstanding Support Resource

There. Doesn't that have more panache?

BTW - Some professions demand a smattering of initials or abbreviations after a name. PhD or (ret.) come to mind as notable exceptions.

For the rest of us, we need to be more original on our "personal shingles".

Happy hunting!

Marketing Me! Resume Assistance

2007-08-21T09:57:00.000-05:00

In the email box, a software based service which promises to get your resume "to the top of the heap". How enticing.

A conversation with a business colleague; an anecdote about a friend in the tech industry who hides industry related keywords in white font heavily throughout his resume. His rationale for doing so? That most resumes are scanned electronically and his hidden keywords will place him at the top of the hiring manager's list.

Look, these tricks may help get a resume in the "pile", but they are no guarantee of employment. Employment and steady work are the goal, not getting to the top of the "pile".

Networking, done correctly and constantly, results in less employment downtime.

Networking means more opportunity before and after the hire date.

Play resume games if you will, but concentrate on your personal network and leave the games, piles and heaps to the amateurs.

Happy hunting!

Marketing Me! Profit Diversity!

2007-08-20T10:12:00.000-05:00

While looking over career listings on a company website, I saw a disclaimer which read "something" like this..

"Company XYZ promotes and believes in diversity and it is reflected in our hiring!"

Why don't companies start having a policy which reads something like this?

"Company XYZ believes and promotes hiring for profitability. We hire any candidate who can help our company become wildly profitable and successful! If you have the ability to increase our bottom line and can make XYZ gobs of money, we want to talk to you today!"

Companies which are profitable:

- Pay their employees
- Make money for their investors and shareholders.
- Pay their bills on time (vendors love this!).
- Pay their taxes.
- Do not lay off employees.
- Do not go out of business.

To be a profitable company, it has to make money. And making money takes profit minded people.

When will companies make profitability Job One?

Marketing Me! What to do if you have been laid off

2007-08-16T07:59:00.001-05:00

Allegedly, this list came from the newspaper Washington Post, but I cannot find a record of it on their site. This was forwarded to be by The Career News, a newsletter I subscribe to.

I found this list a bit old fashioned and out of touch with modern reality.

Ask about severance pay. But don't bank on it. There is no federal law requiring an employer to let you take your half-empty notebooks with you, much less a couple weeks worth of pay.

My comments: Sure ask, it cannot hurt. Regarding notebooks and such, keep copies with you before the layoff happens.

Apply for unemployment benefits. This seems obvious, but young white-collar workers sometimes forget that such benefits apply to them.

My comments: I agree. Too many of us think unemployment is welfare. It is not. It is a system you and your employer have paid into. BUT - collecting benefits is a pain in the butt. The "gubermint" should make this an easier and online process.

Pare back discretionary spending, immediately. You want your savings to tide you over until you find the right job. Otherwise, you may have to take something awful just to stay afloat. It's rarely a good idea to let your bank balance completely drive major career decisions.

My comments: Common sense here. Also consider another form or two of income in the meantime. Working part time, contract work or consulting will help pay the bills and not be construed as replacement work.

Take a little time off. You may need a day or two to recalibrate, especially if the announcement came as a complete surprise. But don't let this drag on.

My comments: Wrong. Hit the ground running as soon as you are out the door at your old job. The early bird gets the worm. ALSO.. you should have had your network in place before this happened to cushion the blow. If not, get working on it now!

Perk up your resume. You will be handing it out plenty in the next few weeks or months, so take the time to make it perfect. If you need help, seek out a professional resume writer.

My comments: Wrong again! Don't spam the world with your resume. Bring it up to date but keep it ONLY for interviews and for select distribution. You know my opinion on professional resume writers. Better save your money and check out free online resources if you need help or guidance.

Distribute your resume. Once your resume is ready make sure you distribute it widely to job sites, personal contacts, employers and recruiters.

My comments: Why not make a thousand copies and throw them off the nearest office building onto a busy downtown intersection? Resume spam is no guarantee of a new job much less an interview.

Turn to your friends. Make sure you have a way to contact former co-workers and supervisors. You will need references, and a mass layoff can scatter your contacts to the wind.

My comments: This is called a network. You should have one in place now. Get busy before this situation occurs.

Don't burn any bridges. It's understandable that you will feel frustrated, even angry, but channel that anger in ways that won't damage your reputation with your former colleagues.

My comments: Rather, have a new position lined up and show these people what a mistake they made later.

Good luck!

Marketing Me! Out of office telephone rules

2007-08-16T01:39:00.000-05:00

Out of the office for business or vacation means letting others know how to reach you by telephone.

I always leave the following greeting on my voice mail the day before I leave the office:

"Thank you for calling [My Name}. For the week of/day(s) of [Date] I will be traveling and away from my office.
Please leave a detailed message and best way to reach you. If this is urgent, you may contact me on my cellular phone
at [number]. If I am meeting with a customer, leave a message and I will call you back when available.
Thank you and have a great day"

On a related note, it drives me crazy when a business programs its phone system with a recorded message directing callers to either send an email or visit a website.

When someone uses the telephone, they want to speak with a person! Give them the means to do so!

Marketing Me! What to do about the gold brick at work?

2007-08-14T00:38:00.000-05:00

Your know the gold brick.

Maybe he is the guy the boss spoon feeds sales leads to and helps close every deal.

Maybe he is the guy who goes to meetings, blabs his big mouth off, but has never successfully launched a product. Yet you just found out he is going to be managing your next project because everyone else thinks he is sooo charming.

Or perhaps he is the stellar non-performer who plays a mean game of golf with the boss and now has that cushy corner office while you linger in cubeville?

Okay, so what to do?

The fast answer is leave. Find another job and get away from a company which promotes this type of loser.

The medium answer is to deal with the problem by ignoring him and hoping he does not affect you too much.

The long term answer is to out do this yahoo and show him or her up at every opportunity. Remember, the gold brick bum does not work, does not like to work and rarely produces anything. Use this to your advantage.

Also... make your own alliances. Be it with the HR staff, the support team or operations people. Build your own army of rabid followers within the organization but outside of your own team.

Finally, keep your emotions in check. Gold bricks love people who lose their cool and make wild claims. The gold brick will roll his eyes and turn to your boss with some sarcastic remark about your behavior.

Most of all, keep building your network and fan base outside of the company with your clients, peers and competitors. Nothing is permanent but success!

Marketing Me! Questions

2007-07-31T12:11:00.000-05:00

A random sample of inbound questions..

I hate my current job, what should I do?

Quit. Better yet, find a new job and then quit.

I just gave notice where I work. My company requires an exit interview, should I tell them the real reason why I am leaving (co-worker) or should I give the standard answers?

Unless there is the possibility of legal action on your behalf (harassment, wrongful termination, etc) I would keep my thoughts to myself or at the very least, present them as positive as possible. Remember to thank your old employer for the opportunity and the meeting.

As I am job hunting, I am considering a resume service. Which one do you recommend?

None of them unless you are really struggling with your resume. A resume service charges several hundreds of dollars to do something you could do yourself with a good resume guide.

College degree or technical certification?

Degree. A college degree in English Literature awarded in 1973 is more valuable than a Microsoft Certified Professional certification from 1999 any day.

I am thinking about starting my own consulting firm but my wife thinks I should stay with my secure 9-5 job. What do you think?

Too many things to consider here, but my first gut reaction is do both for six months if possible. If going alone is bringing in the change, make the jump. Support your family first!

Which part of the country has the best job opportunities?

It depends upon what you do. There are people working out of Bozeman, Montana almost exclusively online who are making six figures a year. Geography is quickly becoming irrelevant.

Should lawmakers prevent jobs from going overseas?

Not much they can do about it. More and more jobs are nearly virtual anyway.. think telephone customer service, insurance, IT.. so many jobs can be done with Skype and the Internet they can be done from anywhere. Rather think about how this can benefit you. You might be able to do your current job from somewhere far more fun than where you live now.

I am thinking about learning a new language to increase my job skills. What do you think?

Depends upon what language and what you do. Twenty years ago, everyone wanted to learn Japanese. I guess that would be fun now, but Chinese might be far more valuable today. Concentrate on what you are saying and the value it brings than in how you say it.

My company is shutting down operations in our city. Should I take the severance package or relocate with the company? (The package is quite a bit of money).

First and only question: Do you like your job? If so, move with it. If you are considering the money I bet you hate your job enough to take money to leave it. Take the money and do something you love.

How important is networking?

Let's put it this way, if you are down and out, you can always turn to your family. Think of your network as your professional family. They will be there when you are in need.

Is your name really Jack?

Nope - and that is not my picture either!

Marketing Me! The Ladders Tips for the Unemployed Job Seeker

2007-07-30T11:05:00.000-05:00

The Ladders delivered a great list for job seekers. A quick synopsis..

No matter your timeline, get your name out - Let's say you have been given a 90-day notice your position will be going away. Get busy NOW putting the word out your availability. (Too many job seekers are in shock the first 30 days or procrastinate).

Stay up to date in your field - this truly matters for technical workers, insurance, workers comp, HR and other certification heavy fields. Don't get caught with a resume full of ten year old acronyms!

Keep tabs on the Job Market - You might be surprised how much your field has changed now that you are looking again.

Get expert assistance - the author recommends a professional resume service, coaching and recruiters. I have had mixed results... no dismal results with professional resume services. I know myself better than they do. But a good coach is mandatory.

Use your network - in a top ten list for job hunters, this would be numbers one, two, three and ten on my list. The best jobs are found in your network.

Set goals - No doubt. Have them for your career and make sure your job searches match your career plans!

Be aggressive - assert yourself with hiring managers. That is who they remember.

Don't act on fear - the author advises against taking the first job that pays money and requires a warm body. You most likely will be unhappy in short time.

Know when to compromise - Which is kind of funny because it refutes "Don't act on fear" above. However, put it in the perspective of a laid off auto worker in Detroit. Compromise means sell the house in Michigan and get outta Dodge to a part of the country with jobs.

Do what you love - Always. Remember, a hobby is something you do for a living but don't get paid for it. Find a way to get paid for your hobby!.

Marketing Me! What blogs can learn from garage sales

2007-07-23T09:34:00.000-05:00

Garage sale, yard sale, tag sale, rummage sale.. all names for very similar events.

People pulling their unwanted things out of the house and putting them up for sale in the front yard or garage.

The idea is that with enough advertising and drive-by traffic (and coupled with good pricing and an understanding of what sells), one can make a few extra dollars on a Saturday morning.

This past weekend I got together with a few neighbors and held a garage sale. We started around 7:30 AM and knocked off at 2:00 PM that same day. All in all, it was pretty successful; I ended up netting a couple of hundred bucks!

But the process made me think about the similarity between blogs like Marketing Me! and holding a garage sale.

1) Garage sales fail unless someone knows you are holding one.

For our sale, we placed signs at both entrances to our neighborhood as well as two nearby busy intersections. We put the signs out Friday night and checked them again on Saturday AM just to be sure they were still there.

We placed large signs in front of the hosting home (facing both directions). We put out orange traffic cones in the driveway and directly in front of the house to keep the view unobstructed and to draw attention to the sale home.

The result was plenty of traffic on our street targeted for our garage sale (as opposed to house buyers for instance).

Although we did not place ads in the local newspaper, we could have greatly increased our targeted traffic by using this tried and true method.

Your blog is the same.

What sort of signs are you placing in your neighborhood to drive traffic to your blog?

And if you get traffic, is it targeted to your blog or just readers stopping by for a few seconds?

Do you Digg your blog entries? Stumble? Use Squidoo? Technorati?

How are you promoting your blog outside of your "neighborhood"?

Are you taking advantage of tried and true means to drive traffic to your site?
Like AdWords or MS Adcenter?

2) More than one garage sale in the same location can increase traffic.

Besides the garage sale we held, another neighbor held his own.. next door. We doubled our traffic due to walk up traffic coming to his garage sale which he heavily advertised. The idea of convincing several of your neighbors to hold sales on the same day increases your chance of receiving more traffic.

Your blog can receive more traffic it is associated with another well-trafficked site.

For instance, is your blog directly linked to your company website? Or your personal web site? Or perhaps your blog is directly related to another more popular blog by subject or author relationship? Are you taking advantage of this organic traffic?

3) Know what your buyer wants.

In garage sale Nirvana, finding a priceless antique or an under priced designer outfit is the measure by which garage sale buying success is judged.

Now I didn't put any of those sorts of things up for sale (if I had any!), but I have held garage sales in my neighborhood and I know what type of customer to expect and what they are looking for.

I knew that children's and women's clothing, bedding, electronics, and certain furniture sells well. Then again, I also knew that used children's toys, dishes and standard housewares typically did not move.

So I matched my products according to my market. Based upon my revenues, I must have planned right.

I began the day with three carloads of stuff. I ended the day with only enough leftovers to fill my backseat. Obviously I matched my product to what the market wanted.

Does your blog match your market? Or does your resume assistance blog regularly wander into political discussions? Or maybe what you did this weekend?

If you are driving traffic to your blog, "sell" what your readers want.

On a related note, what type of ads, if you run them, does your blog feature?

Are your ads and offers related to your topic or are they hit and miss?

4) Sell other products are your garage sale to increase overall revenue.

My son and daughter got into the act at the garage sale. They baked a few dozen chocolate chip cookies, made several quarts of lemonade and filled an ice chest with sodas, juice boxes and Gatorade.

The day was hot and the kids sold out of lemonade, cookies, Gatorade and most of the sodas ( the juice boxes did not move; I guess the lemonade matched the demographic better ).

At the end of the garage sale, selling cookies and lemonade at a quarter ($.25) each, my children pulled in over twenty dollars! That was revenue I had not expected nor planned for when putting out my items for sale.

At our next garage sale, we plan on having more beverages, a better point of sale fixture and more cookies. We think we can double our revenue that way.

If revenue from your blog is important, are you optimizing every possibility?

If you are in sales, are you optimizing the way your customers can buy product from you?

In addition to AdSense or other contextual ads, are you offering subscriptions, other affiliate products or even asking for donations to offset your hosting costs?

Blog revenue comes in many shapes and forms. Have you setup your lemonade stand yet?

5) Service matters in every business including garage sales.

Customers like good service.

For my garage sales, I made sure I had plenty of change. I offered to carry purchases to buyer's cars. I provided tie-down rope for large purchases. I thanked my buyers. I welcomed early shoppers and waited for the late comer. I made deals based upon the request of the customer. I "threw in" freebies in order to close bigger deals.

What service do you provide on your blog?

Do you respond to reader's comments? Or do you turn comments off altogether? Do you thank your readers with helpful links, free e-book downloads, link backs to their sites?

6) Measure success and expand upon what works.

When a product moved quickly at my garage sale (let's say baby items), I responded by moving similar items to the front of the sale area. Result? Customers wanting baby items quickly found them and purchased!

Furthermore, I worked up a list of some other steps I will take to improve my garage sale revenues.

a) My next sale will be in front of my house which will allow for better parking and some interesting traffic (and less hauling for me!).

b) I will put out more items which I know will sell and might even contact friends who may not necessarily want to participate in a garage sale, but might want to give me some merchandise to unload for them. (affiliate sales!).

c) I will let my neighbors know it might be a good time for them to hold a sale the same day.

d) I will place more signs in high traffic areas and will run a classified ad this time.

e) I might even use Craig's list to advertise the site (garage sales meet Web 2.0!).

f) And I definitely will have that lemonade stand out front. Goal: Forty dollars in refreshment sales!

What is your plan for your blog? Do you measure your traffic? Do you know what works and what doesn't?

Do you routinely rearrange your website based upon what your readership clicks?

Study your blogs stats and make appropriate changes. If possible, split test your site and take the better results.

A blog is only as good as the stats it generates and the changes which are based upon those findings.

If clutter in the home has you down, plan a garage (stoop, tag, rummage or yard) sale and shrink your material footprint and you might make some great spare change.

If your blog is going nowhere, think about revising, revamping and re-releasing using the garage sale plan and start building some great traffic and you might improve you page ranking a make some real money!

Marketing Me! Squarespace

2007-07-19T09:34:00.001-05:00

I recommend that everyone trying to market their own personal brand setup 1) a blog and 2) a website.

Not having either these days is like looking for a job without a phone, resume or business clothes.

Although I am not currently a customer of Squarespace, I have to say, after looking at their site, they have some of the best looking templates and examples I have ever seen.

Although I have been planning on migrating Marketing Me to Wordpress and seriously looking at Dreamhost (because of the one-button Wordpress install and good reviews) for my hosting account, I am considering putting a personal page on Squarespace simply because they have such incredibly good form and function.

Also, I am a big advocate of *good* support documentation. Squarespace has excellent tutorials and tips online.

Finally, check out some of the examples online. These are not your typical cheesy websites. They are all high-quality, well designed sites.

If I sign up with Squarespace, I will let you know if the customer experience is as nice as their website appears to be. I sure hope so!

Marketing Me! When it is time to move on

2007-07-18T22:57:00.000-05:00

Work is work. But when does going to work seem like more work and less fun?

Work should be part of your passion for life. You should wake up in the morning and feel the creative part of your brain come alive as you plan your daily strategy.

However, if going to work fills you with dread or doom, it is time to move on.

Here are some signs, you may be ready for a move.

Irritability
If your customers, boss and co-workers are starting to annoy you at each turn, it may be a sign to start updating the resume and contacting the recruiter.

Tardiness, absences, leaving early
All indications that the stress of being at the office is getting to you.

Illness, lethargy, apathy
Your body and mind are fighting the office. Pay heed and analyze why.

Dishonesty
How many times have you missed work because of a sick child, out of order automobile or emergency recently? And how many of those excuses were fraudulent?

Does this sound like you?

Be honest with yourself and consider the problem. Perhaps you are in need of a vacation. Maybe there is something else going on in your personal life which is causing this stress?

Identify the problem and if it not something which can be corrected with a long weekend maybe it is time you started planning your exit?

Marketing Me! Business vs. Utopian Dreams

2007-07-05T11:15:00.000-05:00

All businesses should:

Be environmentally friendly.
Encourage diversity in their hiring.
Provide excellent health care coverage and other benefits.
Encourage education through training and tuition reimbursement.
"Give back" the local community.
Provide a safe, clean and caring work environment.
Create regular philanthropic opportunities for the employees.
Insist the company be run based upon input from all employees.
Provide goods and services without obscene profits.
Make lead into gold.
Bring world peace, cheap gasoline and free beer.
And give it all away in the name of global harmony.
Blah blah blah...

All this and somehow not go bankrupt.

I had a friend who ran her small company along these lines.

Rather than make the core business the top priority, she put employees needs first. She ran her business like a democracy where every decision was the result of employee discussion and consensus. That included client relations, accounts payable and hiring/firing.

After a year and a half of missed deadlines, lackluster performance and lost sales, her business folded. Along the way to bankruptcy, her employees had plenty of meetings and gripe sessions all with catered lunches, chair massages and foosball breaks.

Is it impossible to have a caring business and still be successful?

Sure it is. There are many companies which provide wonderful work environments and have wonderful, happy employees and long work application lines.

Take the Container Store for instance.

Consistently rated as one of the best places to work, The Container Store is successful not because of tuition reimbursement or health care coverage, but because The Container Store sells neat profitable stuff that customers want to buy. To make the experience easy, The Container Store hires helpful people and places their store locations in easy to find, high trafficked areas. It works.

Also, my hunch is the employees of The Container Store love their work not only because of the benefits, but because of the vision and commitment of the business. It makes work fun, interesting, challenging and worth doing.

If you own or run a business, don't try to create a workers utopia - you will fail as you try and put the cart in front of the horse.

First, be identify and be successful at your core business.
Figure out how to delight and amaze your customers - be it with good value, innovation or excellent service.
If you succeed, your business will grow, you will make good money and can use that money to hire and retain talented motivated employees.

And if you have a true vision and are able to clearly share it, your employees will love working with you and serving your customers.

Focus on being a successful business and good employees will come willingly.

Marketing Me! Certifications - Waste of time!

2007-07-02T11:22:00.000-05:00

A number of years ago, I worked in the IT field. At that time there were two races on; to get stock options and to get certified.

Certifications were all the rage. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers, Sun, Cisco Network Associates, and even the oddball Novell certified technicians seemed to sprout like mushrooms everywhere.

Everyone wanted a list of funny acronyms and abbreviations after their name like MCSE, CCNA, PM, etc.

The problem was that many certifications were nothing more than awards for successfully taking and completing a test. Thus, many certified tech people had lots of letters after their name, but very little actual experience. Not good.

So how well do certifications stack up today? In the IT field, most of the survivors (and successful) people I know have few if any certifications. Usually, that CCNA or RedHat cert was something their boss or supervisor paid for in an effort to use up a training budget before year's end.

The best IT people I know are good not because of a certification class they completed but because they really care about what they are doing. These people want servers to serve, networks to deliver packets and firewalls to keep bad guys out.

Further, certifications cost a lot of money with little guarantee that the cost will result in a great job offer. Ask the glut of MCSE's a few years ago about what they went through back then.

Yes. In some fields certification are required and mandated for employment. My own opinion is this sort of mandatory certification requirement is not based upon capability but rather a punch list created by HR or some group trying to protect their own status within a company.

My advice is to skip certifications. In some fields, the piece of paper may be necessary, but otherwise, it is a waste of time and money.

Marketing Me! Layoff anouncements

2007-06-29T12:29:00.000-05:00

Checked Google News for layoff information around the U.S. Here is what I found..

Micron announces a "headcount reduction".

The City of Tampa Bay eliminated a number of city jobs.

VOIP provider Sunrocket is allegedly planning a round of layoffs.

Banking and credit card company Capital One has announced 2000 layoffs this week.

And The San Jose Mercury News has a number of layoffs planned for employees.

Okay, so we have an established high tech company, a city, a start up, a financial company and a media outlet all announcing layoffs.

What is the point?

There are no safe jobs. I hear from job seekers frequently asking about industries with "safe and secure jobs" and "job security".

Answer: there are none. There are no "safe" jobs. Not anymore. And you know the reason why. Don't ask for "safe" jobs anymore because either they do not exist (as proven above) or they aren't worth the time to do.

Solution: Stop wanting work to be safe and start thinking about what your want to do. The golf pro who teaches part time at the municipal range is doing what he wants and is living his dream. There are no guarantees that he will have enough students willing to pay 60.00 an hour to improve their swing, but if he gets just enough, he will be making money just helping someone play golf - a game he loves anyway!

Think about what makes you happy and if there is a way you can make a living doing it. Once you get there, the real security begins as you start living your dream doing what you want.

Have a great weekend,

Marketing Me! How to make sales

2007-06-28T14:39:00.000-05:00

You are sales professional for a company with a real product (no vaporware reps, please).

You want to make money from commissions or compensation based upon sales.

Now that we have that established, I am going to tell you a few hints for making sales in today's consultive selling environment.

First, what I won't tell you is:
- how to get leads.
- how to make contacts, network or get referrals.
- how to market yourself for lots of inbound traffic (you should know that already by regularly reading Marketing Me!).

Now, how to make sales.

Love your product - sell it everywhere you go. Explain to anyone you meet (on plane, at events, picking up your kids at school, etc) what your products or services do and why you love what you do. This is practice which with repeated performances will make it easy when meeting real economic decision makers.

Talk and listen to your customers - Quit wasting time talking to the other sales folks, your secretary or friends. When working, talk with customers. Even if they have no intention of buying anything today, your customers and prospects will buy from you when they are ready IF you have invested hours getting to know them and understanding their needs.

Ask for sales - 99% of all sales fail because this simple rule is not followed by so-called sales professionals. Training, classes, consultive selling approaches and second guessing have decreased close rates for sales professionals. Practice asking for the sale. If you followed the second step and understand your customers and prospects, you will have no problem getting business when you ask for it.

Sell again - After the agreement is in place, thank youf customer and reassure them of their purchase. Do this frequently. Call (better yet, visit) your customer regularly and let them know the status of their order and when they can expect delivery. Let them know about upgrades, enhancements, new products and endorsements your product has received. Let their decision be validated repeatedly.

Sales is not hard. Closing is hard if you are not prepared. But sales is easy. Follow the steps above and make more sales every quarter.

Q2 is almost over. I hope you made your numbers. If so, congratulations. If not, go try harder next quarter.

Exercise tips and advice for business travel

2007-06-27T14:12:00.000-05:00

Starting an exercise program is easy according to my last post on this subject. But what does the road warrior do under their busy travels?

First, I make a point to exercise before any business trip. If my flight is at 7:00 AM let's say (which is pretty typical), I wake as early as possible and go for a quick run (20 minutes or so) and lift a few weights.

Now this works for me because I built my exercise program around the home rather than at a gym.

When I arrive at my destination, I attempt to stay in hotels with fitness centers naturally. I also check the locale and see whether it lends itself to running in the hotel neighborhood if possible. This usually is not a problem, but running in Vegas near the strip is an experience unto itself.

Also, one piece of advice I offer to anyone is watch what you eat when travelling, get plenty of rest, drink lots of water and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

By no means am I a fitness freak or exer-Nazi; However, I realize the benefits of being fit physically in business, whether working or interviewing.

Exercise tips and advice

2007-06-26T09:24:00.001-05:00

In business, sales and marketing, we are in a marathon, not a sprint.

Sounds cliche, but it is true. That being the case, it is important that you stay sharp mentally and physically fit.

A few months ago, I took a look at myself in the mirror. I had put on a few pounds, felt tired and run down and lethargic.

I needed to change my diet and start exercising - but how to start.

The first impulse all of us have, usually around the beginning of the new year or when warm weather is upon us, is to run out and join a gym. My wife belongs to one and pays thirty dollars and change monthly for the privilege. The problem is getting up and going to the gym.

Even if the gym is close, it is ten minutes to get dressed, fifteen minutes to make the drive and five minutes to get checked in and set up. In that same 30 minutes, I have completed more than half of my workout routine.

My suggestions for exercise from someone who recently got back into "getting in shape".

First, consider running or walking. The equipment is the cost of a decent pair of running shoes. I picked up mine at a big box sporting goods retailer for less than forty dollars.

Today, those shoes are worn and the seams are starting on one shoe, but what a return on my investment.

Next, plan a time and course for a run/walk. For location, I chose my neighborhood because the barrier to entry would be walking out the front door.

For time, I chose the early hours of the day, around 6 AM.

The hardest part was getting up in the morning and getting started. I wanted to sleep in and start the next day. Lying in bed, I told myself, "If I start running today, I will be late to work."

But I got out of bed anyway and got started.

I planned on running for a straight twenty minutes. As I started, I wondered "How many miles will I make today?". Instead, I ended up walking most of the way and only making it around the block, (with shortcuts).

The next day, agony. My back and legs felt like I had been in a car wreck. My head hurt. When I woke up, I could not find my running shoes or shorts. I was starting later than the day before. I almost rolled back into bed and called it a day.

But I got out of bed and went anyway.

And so it went for the next three months. Day in and out. Rain or shine (ever run in the rain?).

Three months later, I still run every day. I change my course and try to add new streets and neighborhoods just to keep it interesting. Despite early meetings, out of town trips and even a short vacation, I stick to my running schedule.

A couple of weeks after I started running, I began lifting weights. Again, I refused to join a gym. Rather, I went into the garage and used those weights I had bought piecemeal over the last decade.

I started with some curls, butterflies and presses.

Again, the sore factor was in overdrive the next day. But I kept on. Today, I cannot imagine a day without some sort of weight lifting or exercise like pushups or situps.

The result of my three month experiment: More energy, less stress, lowered blood pressure and decreased cholesterol. I have been more patient and less angry. My focus has improved as has my critical, long term thinking. I don't know why, it just has happened.

Also, I have lost weight and my spare tire is running on empty. My wife noticed for the first time this weekend, how different I look. Clothes are starting to fit again and my children have not remarked lately on my "fat stomach".

All good in my book.

Remember, exercise is not a gym, expensive equipment or trainers. Pick up those dusty running shoes and get out for a walk, then run. Ride that bike in the garage. Clean off the clothes hanging on the treadmill or machine in the corner of your bedroom and get started.

Just get started. You new body is waiting for you in the near future.

Now get back to work.

Airline Service Frustrations

2007-06-20T12:12:00.000-05:00

Travel story for the week of June 18th.

1. Arrive at airport at 6:43 AM for 8:10 flight.
2. Go to self-service kiosk for airline boarding pass (in line with about 100 other travellers).
3. Airline self-service system cannot find ticket based upon my name or destination city.
4. Go back to airline terminal entry and retrieve flight number from monitor.
5. Input flight number in airline self-service kiosk (after waiting turn a second time, there are 100 other travellers in check-in line) - still no workie.
6. Go to airline baggage counter and ask for assistance from airline agent. "We are too busy, get in check in line for assistance" was told. Line is about 20-25 deep and moving 1PPH (1 Person Per Hour).
7. Get in checkin line and call 411 for number to airline reservation desk. 411 operator short with me because I do not know the city of number requested.
8. Five minute hold with reservations. Airlines reservation attendant says try this code for flight at self-service kiosk. Two minutes later, I find my flight reservation. But it is now 7:23 AM, too late for check in for flight. Reservation lady on phone says reschedule for 1:55 PM flight later that same day. Bzzt! Have meeting at noon. That is a no-go so I cancel my flight.

I ended up taking a 8PM flight that evening (on different airline) and rescheduling the meeting for the next AM.

Note to self - print e-ticket before leaving for airport.
Note to airline - Dear Airline CEO, please visit Gate B at your hub. It is a testament to disorganization and customer service apathy.

The next day ... Coming home...

1. Arrive early at airport for 7:15 flight. Rain delay, flight leaves at 7:30 instead.
2. Arrive at connecting flight airport with 20 minutes to take off - 9:20 take off now 10:20.
3. Connecting flight delayed again until 10:55.
4. Pilots not on plane until 10:26, flight delayed; boarding commences at 10:55.
5. Traffic jam at gate prevents the plane from pulling back for 30 minutes.
6. Pull back from gate and wait an additional 30 minutes for slot on runway.
6. Arrive at home airport at 2:30 this AM.

Air travel has devolved in the U.S. from glamourous and exciting to third world conditions. Some days I expect someone to board my flight carrying a goat or a cage of chickens. Nearly every flight I have been on in the past six months has been delayed or cancelled the day of the flight.

When I voice my frustration, my fellow passengers shrug their shoulders and say the same thing, "What can you do about it?".

I don't blame the flight crews. They do a great job with positive attitudes despite having to deal with layoffs, missing benefits and salaries (not to mention surly passengers).

I don't blame the gate or ticket agents, most who do an incredible job keeping a half dozen balls in the air at any time.

Rather, I blame the airline management for squeezing every dime out of customers without showing the minimun amount of respect to the people who pay their salaries.

I blame the FAA and federal government for creating as many idiotic rules and obstacles as possible most of which only serve to incapacitate and inconvinience law abiding, taxpayers.

Hint for airline management: If a flight is late, for any reason, don't blame the feds, the unions or the weather. Empathize with your paying customers and toss them a bone. Maybe a gift card, a sandwich, a few hundred frequent flier miles.. any act which says "I appreciate your business and I realize you are late to a business meeting or getting home. I can't change the world, but I want to make you feel a little bit better by showing our appreciation". How hard can that really be?

As for the feds.. please seek advice from airline gate employees about security, neccessary safety rules and proper procedures. They have some great ideas. Also, apply a little common sense at those security checkpoints. Please.

I will still fly. I have too. My job depends upon it. I would only like to get to my destination on time occasionally and with fewer problems.

Please consider the paying passenger and figure out a way to make travel a little more fun and glamourous. Like it used to be.

Reading this week

2007-06-14T13:58:00.000-05:00

What I picked up for light reading.

Overachievement by John Eliot.

I have really enjoyed this book so far. Author Eliot dismisses the "Zone" thought process which proponents have described as the success spot for high flying athletes, corporate professionals and individuals. Rather, Eliot says obsession and stress are the keys the winners use to overcome barriers and become the top performers they are.

Especially targeted are performance coaches and sports/business psychologists who Eliot believes look for problems rather than develop innate qualities for success.

There are plenty of real world anecdotes and personal stories from sports and business lumunaris. Definitely worth a read from your local library, bookstore or Amazon.

Freeters

2007-06-08T12:54:00.000-05:00

You may of not have heard the term 'freeters' in the popular press lately. The idea comes to us from Japan. More information can be found here, here naturally, here and here.

Freeters, for those new here, are 20 and 30-something Japanese professionals who are underemployed (working temp or contract jobs) and effectively cut out of mainstream society. In a country like Japan which prides itself of long-term, stable employment and company loyalty, freeters are a black eye in the land of the rising sun.

Freeters live on the fringe's of Japan's society. Eating at street stalls, sleeping in Internet cafes, and juggling temp work and Internet storefronts for extra money, a freeter's life is not enviable.

Many move back in with their parents or hope to meet a gainfully employed potential spouse.

In Japan, some freeters are actively campaigning for better job opportunities and housing. On the other hand, some freeters are trying the opposite; they are embracing the freeter lifestyle as their own form of rebellion against traditional Japanese society.

According to some of the news stories online, many freeters essentially live in Internet cafes paying rent by the hour in between jobs.

When I first read about freeters, I immediately thought of the character "Hiro" in Neil Stephenson's groundbreaking and hilarious novel, "Snowcrash".
If you have not read it, make a point to pick up a used copy from Amazon or check you local library.

Snowcrash follows Hiro's adventures in the Southern California of the near future where the Mafia delivers pizza, the US Government is run by a hodge podge of franchises, computers are wearable and the skateboard riding couriers "poon" cars on the freeways.

Hiro lives in a storage unit with a Russian illegal immigrant rockstar, hijacks power and cellphone networks when necessary and practices Samurai sword fighting with virtual reality goggles.

The connection is Hiro's lifestyle, while far more exciting, closely mirrors freeter's lives in Japan. Hiro essentially drifts between freelance information technology and programming jobs which is enough to keep his cellphone active and an occasional shower at the nearby Scrub-up franchise.

Meanwhile, back to reality...

Since I live in the U.S., my question is "How many American 20-somethings are living the freeter lifestyle?".

I think there are some (perhaps in the Slashdot crowd) who find the life Hiro led in Snowcrash as sort of cool. However, I really wonder how many are living a life similar to Japanese freeters only with an American twist to it.

I think in the U.S., one is far more likely to find an underemployed and/or underachieving freeter back at home with Mom and Dad rather than sleeping in a Starbucks between tech support jobs.

I think the American freeter is more likely to have big plans ("I need to find a start up tech company I can latch on to, help design a product and get acquired by Google") yet still hold basically a cynical outlook on work and jobs in general.

I think the American freeter is more likely to be in school (university) or between schools (dropped out) rather than graduated and actively looking for full time work.

Unlike Japanese culture, work in the U.S. is often tied to "where" one is rather than one's hirability. Before the tar-and-feather mob shows up at Marketing Me, consider the tech worker in California as opposed their counterpart in Michigan. Most likely there are alternatives readily available in the Golden State which are not a possibility in Detroit, let's say.

Further, there is less of a social stigma in the U.S. (as opposed to tradition-bound Japan) against drifting between low-paying jobs and searching for one's self. In fact, in many cases it is encouraged. There is a glamour in the U.S. with "dropping out of the system" and living to the beat of your own drum.

I don't think the pure "freeter" lifestyle will appear in the U.S. any time soon. I don't think Starbucks will allow overnight squatters. But I do think that freeters are another manifestation of our global economy and how it is changing society.

Where do sales come from?

2007-06-06T10:05:00.000-05:00

First, I am kicking myself for my lack of posts the past 30 days. I have been working double time at my "real job" and combined with a short family vacation, have had a hectic past few weeks.

During a recent sales review, I was asked, "Where do your sales come from?". The answer can apply to any field of sales; in the workplace or for your own personal marketing endeavors.

Networked referrals - Probably 50% of my sales come from here. These sales referrals come from professional contacts and partners in my industry. These do not come easy. I had to prove myself and my products and gain other's trust and sales. It took about 12 months to build a reliable and profitable sales pipeline with networked referrals.

Customer referrals - Another 20% of monthly sales on average. Again, trust and reliability determine customer referrals. But remember, the customer who has invested in your product is more likely going to tell others about their good experience! Also, you can't get the sale or the referral unless you ask for them. Prepare an email, letter and phone call ahead of time in which you ask your customers for referrals.

Front door leads - Often sales leads come to your company from interested parties. Grab these low hanging fruits and run with them! These count for 5% of my new sales monthly.

Personal Marketing - I use LinkedIn, Plaxo and others for building my brand and product reputation for new sales. Sometimes I see 5 or more leads per month this way. Also, consider building a website touting you and your company products. I like to use my personal website and Squidoo for this type of sales activity.

Events - Trade shows, conferences, and any other get together of professionals and decision makers can open new sales doors. Take advantage of anything your company has access too.

Sales is not easy, but new sales leads can be made more easy with a diverse lead strategy. Find yours today.

Top 10 underrated U.S. cities

2007-05-15T15:48:00.000-05:00

First, articles like this are annoying because they start with the supposition that NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, etc. are the bomb for life, work and the pursuit of happiness and EVERYONE knows that.

Many cities, towns and villi ages in the U.S. are great places to live. And most are overlooked by the flyover crowd in the media.

It is a shame that anyone has such a haughty attitude because there are many wonderful places to live and work in the U.S.

The other problem I have with this article is one measure of a city's success is measured by the author.

Accolades are given based upon the artistic and cultural activities in a particular city...

..And further praise is heaped upon city leaders who have completed massive public works projects like a waterfront or downtown area restoration.

What they leave out are the real reasons why people move to another city.

If I were marketing a city like myself, I would promote compelling examples which would induce people (and companies) to relocate to my city.

For instance..

- Job base. What sorts of industries and jobs are available in a city. Is everything based upon a single industry or employer? Automotive (Detroit) or government (Washington D.C.), for instance. Diversification of jobs is good.

- Now, how stable is the job base? How long have key industries and employers been in an area? Are there new jobs and opportunities? How many are private based versus public works opportunities? Is there a chance that one or more key industries will be relocating to other cities, regions or countries?

- What is the real cost of living? Is the average wage for a family of four sufficient for good housing, taxes, utilities, etc? Or will the average wage be adequate if a 45 minute morning commute to work is included?

- Explain the tax burden to a private citizen. What are the City, State and County taxes. What are the fees for automobiles, water, trash, and various licensing?

- What percentage of the population is employed? How many are seasonally employed? What is the current unemployment rate?

- What is the ethnicity of a particular city? This matters more than people want to admit. If I was a an Orthodox Jew, a Sikh, or Buddhist, would there be a community for me? Would I be able to find the culture, religion and staples I require for daily life?

- What is the crime rate? What type of crimes are most reported? What is the city's plan and policy on reducing and preventing crime?

- Tell me about the schools. Not just the government sanctioned schools, but the private and parochial options as well. Are there viable options?

- Give me a breakdown of the neighborhoods. Where is the growth? What are the popular areas right now? Tell me about the hot neighborhoods. Tell me where the families live, the singles, the retired.. Also, tell me about the cruddy neighborhoods, the neighborhoods in transition and the steps being taken to reclaim and improve these areas.

- Who cares about the "Big Project" a city government has completed; tell me about the dozens of small projects.

All too often the focus is on the new stadium downtown or a new arts center. Most citizens "may" use these benefits once a year. Rather tell me about the little victories which make a city livable.

For instance, I read once was about the revitalization of Texas City on the Gulf Coast of Texas outside Houston. This oil refinery town was turned into a top U.S. city by through hundreds of small projects like removing graffiti, replacing broken windows in homes and storefronts, building soccer fields and planting trees downtown.

Writers of the articles above love to harp about the new urban experiences and distractions found in the "other" cities of America. But most of us care more about where we will work and how our families will live. I would love to see a story along those lines someday.

But perhaps that is too boring of a topic for the press to consider.

Airline power management

2007-05-15T10:40:00.000-05:00

So you just boarded your flight and plan on getting some work done on the old computer. Uh-oh, your laptop battery is just about dead! What to do?

Not a problem on some flights.

Look for a lightning symbol on the bulkhead just below the overhead luggage bin. That means there is an electrical outlet in the row of seats below.

Look underneath the middle seat (ask your seat mates if they mind; people have a problem with others reaching beneath their feet unannounced).

Under the seat there should be an outlet like one found in your automobile (in the old days, they were called cigarette lighters, but now they are known as power outlets).

You will need a power adapter which will plug into the plane power outlet and provide your computer or cell phone with a standard AC outlet. I found a neat one on Amazon which works quite well. this product

Now your computer, cell phone and laptop can all be charging in flight while you work. Pretty neat.

Remember to not leave your adapter or power cable behind on the plane!

Airline internet, freeters

2007-05-11T09:38:00.000-05:00

First, it has been a bit since my last post. I have several in draft form, but none posted because of time, travel and work.

Airline Internet -
I was on a flight this week which was 3 hours 20 minutes each way. Further, we sat on the ground (common these days) for a total of 1 hour 30 minutes waiting to take off. This is a grand total of 8 hours and 10 minutes (a working day) which could have been spent doing something far more productive than reviewing PDF files, editing power point presentations and reading the airline magazine.

I want Internet access on commercial airlines tomorrow.

Top things I want to do with commercial airline Internet:
- Catch up on email. All of it; work, GMail, Yahoo, etc.
- Register and manage domains. Every time I come across a neat name and idea, I cannot register it until I hit the airport. Very frustrating.
- Work on websites. No phones, so a great time to get some web work done online.
- Blog and manage blog postings.
- Catch up on favorite, yet ignored blogs and websites.

This is 2007. Why can't we have this service today?

Freeters -

Have you heard of this? Freeters (combination of Free and Arbeiter - Deutch for work) are a Japanese phenomenon coming to a town near you.

Apparently, there is a trend among young people, called freeters, in Japan to work sporadically or at contract jobs and live, literally live, in Internet cafes. Yes, freeters sleep and eat in these places when not at work or doing other socializing.

Seems there are several Japanese internet cafes which cater to freeters. These cafes provide semi-private cubicles with recliners to sleep in, showers, and clothes hangars for a few dollars a night.

Although social activists in Japan are decrying the freeter situation, they seem to be missing the point. Many of these young freeters are living this life by choice (according to what I have read).

Rather than living the traditional business life of long hours and company loyalty expected in Japan, freeters choose to work part time when they please. Yes, there is a high cost of living in Japan and long commute times which many freeters cite as reasons for their living situation, but the key reason is that freeters drop out on purpose.

I expect we will see a version of this soon in the U.S., perhaps in some of the more costly cities like San Francisco, Boston or New York.

What do you think?

One piece of toilet paper?

2007-04-24T10:39:00.000-05:00

A quick note..

Singer Sheryl Crow has proposed individuals use only one square of toilet paper when wiping.

I think this is a joke. A very entertaining one indeed.

Did anyone point out to Ms.Crow how much paper is wasted on superfluous things like music CD covers, concert tickets, entertainment magazines, celebrity pictures/posters, autographs, newspapers (which are carrying this fluff story), contracts and the scads of other papers which line her life?

Will the first person who takes Ms Crow's advice be the first in line to shake her hand for this fine suggestion? I am sure she will appreciate it!

Walmart vs Neimans

2007-04-23T13:48:00.000-05:00

I ran into the problem over the weekend - "I am a Walmart employee in a Neiman Marcus world".

It's not there is something wrong with Walmart, it is that the rules have changed. Where there was once a preponderance of line jobs, (show up, punch a time clock, put widgets in widget holder, etc), there are now a wealth of specialty jobs.

Walmart is cheap. The goods are bought in huge amounts and priced with little margin. The win is in the bulk buy. If enough people buy products, Bentonville makes a tidy profit.

However, if a product marketed at Walmart does not move, it is dumped.

Compare that with Neimans. Neimans carefully selects products which meet the discriminating tastes of it's shoppers. Products are unique and priced accordingly.

The idea behind Neiman Marcus is a customer will pay more for products which are above and beyond what one can purchase elsewhere.

Jobs are the same.

Once upon a time, US Steel and General Motors packed them deep. Hundreds of thousands employees across dozens of cities. Company towns. Mass production. Assembly lines.

When the product moved (and the market was closed) there was plenty of work. When the product ceased moving or became too expensive to produce, the Walmart jobs disappeared.

Today's job market is all about the Neiman Marcus concept. Employers will pay a premium price for key people who are unique and talented. Companies are smaller and as likely to be global as they are lean and nimble. And the people products are priced accordingly.

The decision for today is whether or not you are a Neiman's employee waiting for the offer, or a Walmart employee waiting for the callback.

Either way, make sure you are not in the returns line.

Next.