Where Will An MBA Take Me?

The Dallas Morning News, March 27, 2011, edition has an article by  Jane Hill  in a special N Section titled “Where Will An MBA Take Me” is very encouraging to MBA students and graduates.  One quotation states:  “A recent survey supports what many have suspected for a while – attaining an executive MBA (EMBA) greatly improves prospects for winning a salary increase or promotion.”

As teacher of MBA students, I am convinced that the thinking, writing, and presentation skills developed in graduate business classes by students are very helpful.  Further, as a night school student and teacher for 50 years, I can state that continuing one’s education can be directly related to success in business.

So I suggest that you pursue additional education and always stay current on what is happening.   One of my favorite cliché is that there are three types of people in the world:

Some make things happen!

Some watch things happen!

And some ask:  What Happen?

Please share your thinking and experiences concerning the value of continuing education.

Thanks!  Glyn

Off to Milan!

Tomorrow, March 28, 2011, we are leaving on an extended cruise to Barcelona, Spain, from Miami, Florida, with stops along the way at Savannah, Charleston, New York City, Bermuda, Madeira, Portugal, and Malaga, Spain.  After landing, we will visit Lagano, Switzerland, Lake Como, and Milan, Italy.

Since I am taking along my laptop computer, I plan to post to this blog along the way.  Perhaps I will encounter employment ideas and suggestions.

Please post any questions are suggestions you may have which will be helpful during our trip.

Thanks!  Glyn

How to Network: 12 Tips for Shy People

 The magazine CIO, December 11, 2007, edition, (www.cio.com/article/print/164300) has an article by Meridith Levinson that provides the following tips for networking:

1.    Start Small – Begin your networking efforts by seeking out familiar faces, such as relatives and friends.

2.    Stop Apologizing – You do not have to apologize for asking for help or wanting to learn more about another person.

3.    Be Yourself – Many introverted professionals think that they have to act like an extrovert. You do have to make an effort, but you should not appear artificial.

4.    Tap Into Your Passion – You should join clubs and attend events that relate to your interest or activity such as attending sporting events.

5.    Ask for Introductions – You should be the first to introduce yourself to others.

6.    Be Generous – You should share your ideas with others by contributing your experience in the conversation.

7.    Be Prepared – You should have in mind several responses to typical questions such as how is your job search going or how are you spending you day.

8.     Follow-Up – It is important that you follow-through on what you have said to someone. For example, if you said you would provide a name and telephone number, you need to email or call the person with the information.

9.    Get Over Your Rejection – You will find people who do not want to help you or care about your situation.  In such cases, move on down the road.  As I say sometimes see a new round of cards.

10. Take Risks – You should be willing to make the first step to begin a conversation. You never know where a simple statement as “how is your day going?” may lead.

11. Seek a Shrink – The article suggests if all else fails, you might see a therapist.  My suggestion is that you find a mentor, close friend, or spouse to discussion your feelings and concerns.  Sometimes when you verbalize your thinking, a plan of action will result.

 Please share with readers of this blog your experience with networking.

Thanks!  Glyn    

Jump Start Your Entrepreneurship

The Dallas Morning News, March 20, 2011, edition has an article by  Christine Durst and Michael Haaren of Creators Syndicate, “Jump Start Your Entrepreneurship Engine,” on page 1J.  The article states that many employment experts are urging individuals to consider entrepreneurship in their career planning. The article points out that numerous companies are gradually shifting toward an independent-contractor workforce and away from employees. Our nation in the old days, before the Industrial Revolution, was a nation of entrepreneurs such as farmers, cowboys, blacksmiths, shopkeepers, fisherman, undertakers, and so on.

I suppose the many unknowns including employment legal requirements, the uncertain economic times, and the cost of capital are at least three reasons why employers are reluctant to hire additional employees.  As previous owner of a contract computer programming business, I can appreciate how attractive independent contractors can be to an organization.

However, before becoming an independent or entrepreneurial opening your own business, one should do his/her homework.  As a Score counselor, I frequently counsel with individuals contemplating opening their own business or becoming an independent contractor.  It is most important that an individual plan to operate a business 3 – 6 months before it will generate sustainable income.  Further, he/she must have a comprehensive business plan including financial and sales projections.

Before starting out on your own, I suggest that you visit Score’s website:  www.score.org  and make an appointment with a Score counselor.  The advice and assistance that you receive will cost you only your time, but it may be the most valuable time you will ever spend.

  

Please share with readers of this blog your experience in becoming an   entrepreneur. 

Thanks!  Glyn    

Publishing My Blog?

I am thinking about publishing my blog on Amazon.  Since August 10, 2009, I have posted approximately 150 blogs focused on assisting individuals find jobs, and I plan to continue this endeavor.  I am wondering if you think that grouping these blogs into categories along with editorial comments is a good idea. Below is a working outline of this compilation:

Getting Jobs by Glyn Jordan (GJBYGJ)

Working Book Outline

I.         Introduction

II.       Glyn Background Summary

III.      Employment Web Sites

IV.      Interview Techniques

V.        Temporary Help Positions

VI.      Consulting

VII.    Career Transition

VIII.  Entrepreneurship and Score

IX.      Volunteering to Employment

X.        Conduct at Work

XI.      Conclusion

I appreciate your comments or suggestions about publishing GJBYGJ.  I recognize that many blogs reflect conditions at the time of their original posting, e.g. census jobs; consequently, current day editing will be needed.

Thanks for your help!  Glyn

     

Job Search/Interview Hints

In searching for ideas to assist job seekers in becoming employed, I found the following suggestions:
 

NEVER disclose anything about your past that you do not have to...but be upfront with direct questions...If personal questions are asked by the interviewer, keep your answers professional and focused on the job you are interviewing for

NEVER disclose anything about your medical history unless you feel that there are changes in accommodations that need to be made...with BP this is totally unnecessary

NEVER discuss family, children etc... if you bring it up they can ask questions...they are not allowed to ask about your personal information such as marriage and children first though...if they do say something first say..."Oh, I didn't think you could ask me those questions"...

NEVER, EVER, EVER bring children with you to a job interview...EVER

NEVER "badmouth" your former employer, boss or supervisor...if you want to be immediately excluded from a job, "badmouthing" and telling an interviewer how the boss made you angry, so you just walked off the job is the way to go...otherwise, try to focus on the positives of your previous employer

NEVER discuss law suits etc. brought against former employers....this could label you as a trouble maker

ALWAYS reveal any criminal background you may have even a DUI/DWI...or spitting on the side walk...too many people do not realize that when a criminal background check is done...even magistrate court counts and paying a speeding ticket is an admission of guilt

ALWAYS list previous employers, but not necessarily your supervisor...a close co-worker is acceptable as a reference, but put the co-worker's title, however, be prepared to answer questions about your working relationship with your supervisor...try to answer these questions in the most positive way possible...never criticize your former supervisor, especially by "name calling"

ALWAYS contact those who you intend to use as references...ask them ... if they prefer not to be used as a reference you will not question and will understand...sometimes people's personal references can be very damaging...be prepared with names, complete addresses and phone numbers when you apply

ALWAYS have a CURRENT typed resume...this makes a BIG impression...but don't make corrections in pen etc.   I keep mine on computer so I can easily make any changes

ALWAYS "over-dress" for the interview...but don't go overboard. It is almost never appropriate to wear jeans and a t-shirt to an office type job interview...then again...you don't want to wear a suit and tie to an interview for a casual position, that's for  business...but even here make sure your clothing is clean, pressed and in good repair...jeans and a button down shirt are great...also make sure you are clean and well groomed no matter what position

IF you have previous positive reviews or evaluations from your employer, bring copies for your application...be careful if everything is marked "EXCELLENT" ...that makes me a bit wary...we all have things we need to work on...and although these are good and show your past history...they don't count with me as much as a  job reference does...

Make Sure you have a firm hand shake...nothing turns me off faster than a "cold fish" hand shake from someone...but don't over power the interviewer...if they are on their knees before you...then you went too far.

Maintain good eye contact during the interview...but DO NOT "stare down" the interviewer.

Try to be as relaxed as possible, don't be afraid to tell the interviewer if you are a "bit nervous"...but try not to break out into a cold sweat...

Be pleasant and smile when appropriate.  A smile really does brighten your face and make you look more positive

PREPARE yourself for the following questions:

Why did you leave your last place of employment?
DO NOT PLACE BLAME HERE.  A good answer is something like, "I feel that I wanted to expand my responsibilities more and I had reached my potential in my position." or "No room for advancement"

What are your best qualities?
 

What are the areas that you feel you need to work on?
(DO NOT ANSWER "I don't know" to either of the two above)

How do you handle conflict with a co-worker? with a supervisor? 

How will hiring you benefit XXXXXXX Company?

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years, 10 years (etc)?

Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration at the end of the interview.  Ask when you can be hearing from them.  Wish them a good day. 

The Internet link containing the above hints is

http://www.bipolarworld.net/job_school/job_search.htm

Please share with other readers of this blog hints that have been helpful during your job interviews. 

Thanks!  Glyn    

Non-Competition Agreements

In theTexas Business Today, Winter 2011 edition published by the Texas Workforce Commission, an article by Marissa Marquez, Legal Counsel for Chairman Tom Pauken, on page 10 discusses non-competition agreements.  Organizations use such non-competition agreements to protect their proprietorship of information and relationships with customers and employees.  When employees or contractors leave an organization, how can the organization keep the departing individuals from immediately selling to the organization’s customers or contacting and hiring away its employees?

While operating a consulting company, I insisted that my employees and contractors sign non-competition and confidentiality agreements. Typically such agreements prohibit the departing individual from marketing to my customers or soliciting to hire my employees for a specific time period.  The question often posed is: are non-competition agreements enforceable?  As the article states, the answer is - it depends.

“In 1989, the Texas Legislature enacted section 15.50(a) of the Texas Business & Commerce Code which states the requirements that make a non-competition agreement enforceable.”  While the issue is most complex and lawyers should be consulted, the following requirements must be met:

1.   Ancillary to An Otherwise Enforceable Agreement: The employee’s promise not to compete must be a part of a related or underlying contract imposing obligations on both the employee and employer.

2.   Reasonable Time Limitations: The code requires the non-competition agreement to contain reasonable time limitation as to how long the employee is restrained from competing.  In some cases courts have held that two – five years is reasonable.  However, the time limitation may be dependent on many factors including the position previously held by an employee and the factors involved in the departure.

3.   Reasonable Geographical Limitations: Here again every case or situation may be different.  The test must be reasonable.  If an organization does business in only one city, an individual could be restricted from doing business in another city.

My advice to job seekers is that you review carefully an employment agreement before signing.  I understand that getting employed is paramount and that you may have hold your nose as you sign and get to work!  

Please share with other readers of this blog your experience with non-competition agreements.

Thanks!  Glyn    

The Power of the Cloud and Internet!

The Dallas Morning News, March 6, 2011, edition has an article by Christine Durst and Michael Haaren, of Creators Syndicate, on page 1J which discusses how the Internet brings magic like mops or perhaps broom sticks coming to life in Fantasia, a Disney movie which enables all kinds of crazy things to happen rapidly and widely unpredictably.  Perhaps in today’s world the Cloud will also produce change and the unexpected. Another article in Bloomberg Business Week March 7 edition on page 52 by Ashlee Vance discusses the power of the Cloud.  Everyone seems to have his/her definition of the Cloud. Here is a definition of cloud computer provided by Wikepedia: 

Cloud computing describes computation, software, data access, and storage services that do not require end-user knowledge of the physical location and configuration of the system that delivers the services. Parallels to this concept can be drawn with the electricity grid where end-users consume power resources without any necessary understanding of the component devices in the grid required to provide the service.     

Whatever your concept of the Cloud and the Internet, it is clear that they are changing the business world as we have known it. Much of present day work can be accomplished by employees in their homes. Data necessary for market analysis will be available almost immediately; consequently, marketing strategies will react on a real-time basis.

So what does this mean to job seekers?  It is imperative that they become technically proficient in using the Internet and how to utilize on line information systems.  Here are a few suggestions: you should be proficient with word processors, spreadsheet software, email systems, and Internet search engines. When asked by a job interviewer about your computer skills, you need to be able to respond quickly in a positive manner citing specific skills that you have.

The future is always in front of us; however, yesterday’s future is here today!  

Please share with job seekers your suggestions as how job seekers should prepare themselves for the future job market.

Thanks!  Glyn