Who are the most important people in your life?
The most popular answer to that question is: “My family.” For most of us, “family” represents those individuals who believe in us and trust us to provide them with the necessities of life.
I now ask you to begin thinking of your family as your Personal Board of Directors. These are the people to whom you have the greatest responsibility and who will benefit the most from your successful job search. They are also the individuals who endure hardship if your search is unproductive and there’s no other source of income. Put another way, your Personal Board of Directors deserves to have you working at nothing less than peak performance during your search.
That’s why learning to detach from the grip of The Black Hole is so essential. While The Black Hole is a no-brainier to use, that personal comfort level comes with a steep price tag: no acknowledgment of resumes and cover letters, no status updates via e-mail or phone calls, and no invitations for interviews … just to name a few. And getting miserable results like that does nothing to support your Personal Board of Directors.
I don’t know about you, but if I’m in a job search and I have a choice between an approach that’s easy to use but lightweight on results or a methodology that requires me to work hard but produces consistently favorable results, I’ll go with the more demanding option every time. Why? There’s simply far too much at stake.
To get started and overcome the addictive force of The Black Hole and Black Hole-style thinking, I require all new members of the ETP Network to commit wholeheartedly to the following paradigm:
Each individual will promote himself or herself to the position of CEO of ME, Inc. and make a conscious decision to run his or her own career as a business.
What’s the benefit? By segmenting your job search into “branches” or “divisions” (e.g., Research & Development, Sales & Marketing, etc.) that correlate with a traditional corporate structure, you can train yourself to develop two key attributes that are missing from the Black Hole: personal accountability and workload distribution. Together they are an unbeatable combination compared to piling all tasks into one overstuffed filing cabinet in your brain — which often leads to chaos and the need to assign blame when the load becomes unmanageable.
This ME, Inc. paradigm is also the centerpiece for my 7-Step Job Search Methodology. The beauty of the program is that new ETP Network members learn how to integrate their business divisions into a meaningful, end-to-end process that’s sensible, manageable, and measurable; that’s right — you can develop metrics that will tell you if you’re making progress and help you pinpoint any disconnects.
About the ETP Network (Empowering Today’s Professionals)
The ETP Network has engineered an entirely new type of job search built on four key interrelated goals. Members will:
1. Develop and refine all networking skills
2. Adopt the CEO of ME, Inc. mind-set
3. Create powerful and compelling value propositions to attract potential employers
4. Use a precise, step-by-step approach that leverages the connecting power of advocates to help you “network your way” to key people in the hiring process
The power of this system is its ability to reduce the time between the next suitable opportunity and the call for an interview. It will help you connect the dots — but only if you work it properly. And that is a key point: first you need to learn it, then you need to “work it.”
I’d like to welcome you to this incredible organization. We are all about power networking, power business ownership, power value propositions, and an incredible new power job search methodology all rolled up into one.
Best wishes and keep networking alive,
Rod Colón
Chief Executive Officer
Empowering Today’s Professionals Network
Running the Business of "ME"
www.ETPNetwork.com
rod@etpnetwork.com
732.367.5580
Order Your Copy of My Book Today – Win The Race For 21st Century Jobs
Connect with me on:
http://RodColon.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/RodColon
http://www.linkedin.com/in/RodColon
http://www.facebook.com/RodColon1
My Career -- Am I on an Emotional Rollercoaster?By Amanda Sherman, ETP Charlotte Network Group
For several years I have been on an emotional rollercoaster on what my career is supposed to be. Have I really grown up yet? What do I want to be when I grow up? What is my passion? Am I on an emotional rollercoaster? What is the best career choice for me?
I am looking to be an Entrepreneur - Can I start my own business? What kind of training do I need? Will I be successful? Looking back on my family tree I noticed that my grandparents were business pioneers, my great grandparents owned their own businesses – so should I follow my heritage?
So, I decided that I would get off of this emotional rollercoaster. Yes, I am making a run for it. I fled the corporate world; I sat in that seat for almost 20 years. The corporate world was glamorous and paid well but I was tired. I no longer want to listen to the manager who is 25 years old, the lead who is 18 years old tell me – ―Oh, oh, I need you stay and finish this last report that was due two days ago.‖ Nope, not anymore, I am not getting back on the rollercoaster. I do not want to get a ticket at this fair anymore.
Yes, I am free! It is kind of ironic because now that I am no longer on that emotional rollercoaster in the corporate world. I am back at the fair purchasing another ticket to get on the rollercoaster of my choice. The difference is I will enjoy the ride. I have turned my ‗6x10‘ space dining area into my office. (Hey the kids are gone no more sit down dinners). Entertaining with friends and family has moved to the living room. Now, I have created my office space, set up my desk, purchase my copier, fax and postage machine and I am in business for myself. Goodbye to my emotional rollercoaster in the corporate world.
I have chosen to be an Event/Wedding Planner. I love planning things and I feel that this is right up my alley. I am happy with my choice. All my business comes from word of mouth through effective networking. I don‘t have the fabulous platinum weddings yet or the black tie high society events but I know they are coming soon.
―Recent research on self-employment has emphasized the specific dynamic of the rise of female entrepreneurship. But self-employment is still dominated by men. Only about 25-30% of the self-employed are women and the female self-employment rate is often only half as high as the male self-employment rate.”
Amanda Sherman is the CEO & Founder Gala Affairs By AtUrBest
704-502-0312
704-625-7136 (fax)
http://www.GalaAffairsByAtUrBest.com
http://AtUrBest.blogspot.com
Emails: wedsaturbest@yahoo.com
Do you Own your Career?
www.etpnetwork.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/amandasherman
The Ribbon Gift of Choice : www.tsherman2.ordermygift.com
I am looking to be an Entrepreneur - Can I start my own business? What kind of training do I need? Will I be successful? Looking back on my family tree I noticed that my grandparents were business pioneers, my great grandparents owned their own businesses – so should I follow my heritage?
So, I decided that I would get off of this emotional rollercoaster. Yes, I am making a run for it. I fled the corporate world; I sat in that seat for almost 20 years. The corporate world was glamorous and paid well but I was tired. I no longer want to listen to the manager who is 25 years old, the lead who is 18 years old tell me – ―Oh, oh, I need you stay and finish this last report that was due two days ago.‖ Nope, not anymore, I am not getting back on the rollercoaster. I do not want to get a ticket at this fair anymore.
Yes, I am free! It is kind of ironic because now that I am no longer on that emotional rollercoaster in the corporate world. I am back at the fair purchasing another ticket to get on the rollercoaster of my choice. The difference is I will enjoy the ride. I have turned my ‗6x10‘ space dining area into my office. (Hey the kids are gone no more sit down dinners). Entertaining with friends and family has moved to the living room. Now, I have created my office space, set up my desk, purchase my copier, fax and postage machine and I am in business for myself. Goodbye to my emotional rollercoaster in the corporate world.
I have chosen to be an Event/Wedding Planner. I love planning things and I feel that this is right up my alley. I am happy with my choice. All my business comes from word of mouth through effective networking. I don‘t have the fabulous platinum weddings yet or the black tie high society events but I know they are coming soon.
―Recent research on self-employment has emphasized the specific dynamic of the rise of female entrepreneurship. But self-employment is still dominated by men. Only about 25-30% of the self-employed are women and the female self-employment rate is often only half as high as the male self-employment rate.”
Amanda Sherman is the CEO & Founder Gala Affairs By AtUrBest
704-502-0312
704-625-7136 (fax)
http://www.GalaAffairsByAtUrBest.com
http://AtUrBest.blogspot.com
Emails: wedsaturbest@yahoo.com
Do you Own your Career?
www.etpnetwork.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/amandasherman
The Ribbon Gift of Choice : www.tsherman2.ordermygift.com
"How to Get The Salary You Want" By JOE LIGHT, WSJ Careers
A tight job market might have taken away some jobseekers' leverage in a salary negotiation, but that doesn't mean they should roll over and accept the first offer, says New York-based executive coach Rabia de Lande Long. To get the top compensation possible—without putting a sour taste in your potential employer's mouth—take these steps.
1. Do your research.
It used to be hard to find out what your coworkers and other professionals in your industry get paid. But now, several resources have attempted to opened that black box, says Ms. de Lande Long. Salary.com and Payscale.com give salary ranges to expect based on a job seeker's position, location, and experience. Employees at the actual company you're applying to might have also posted their salaries at GlassDoor.com.
2. Don't give out the first number.
You'll be pressured to do this through the application process. "What's your salary requirement?" "What salary range are you looking for?" "What do you get paid now?"
Whatever you do, never give out the first number, says Ms. de Lande Long. If your answer is too high, you might not make it to the next stage. Too low, and an employer will either think you're not qualified or desperate. So, if possible, write "NA" on applications.
If you're pressured to say how much you make during the interview process, try giving your "total compensation," which many large employers will break out for you on the company's internal human resources website. If your current employer doesn't do that, just spell out your salary, benefits, bonuses, and anything else your current employer offers, says Decatur, Ga. career coach Walter Akana. If the new company doesn't offer some of similar benefits, the HR manager will know that your new salary would have to be bumped up to reflect that, he says.
Getting the salary you want requires smart negotiation.

If the interviewer still presses for a required salary, try giving a range of $15,000 rather than a specific number, Mr. Akana says.The low amount should be the minimum you'd be happy with and the high amount should be what would make you happy.
3. Don't lie.
"It's so easy to get someone in HR to verify a salary, even if they're not supposed to," says Ms. de Lande Long. Even if you make it to a job offer, the false salary could come out during a background check, which could result in an outright retraction of the offer or at least upset an employee's new boss. "And from that point onward, you might face trouble in negotiations not just with your new employer, but with everyone in your industry who has heard. Word gets around," says Ms. de Lande Long.
The author of "Death by Meeting" and "Five Dysfunctions of a Team" is taking questions about managing people, projects and workplace dilemmas from WSJ readers this week. Click here to submit a question.
4. Don't take the first offer.
Most employers expect candidates to try to negotiate. So they leave room in the first offer for a raise, says Mr. Akana. If possible, try to arrange a face-to-face meeting with the hiring manager rather than someone in human resources. The hiring manager is more likely to be flexible, says Mr. Akana. "
Say that you're flattered to have an offer and really want to join the team, but that there are a couple specific items that you're sure you could resolve if you put your heads together," says Mr. Akana. Despite the pressure on salaries during the downturn, a good rule of thumb is to ask for a 10% higher salary, says Ms. de Lande Long.
If the hiring manager says budget restrictions keep him from going as high as you'd like, it might be that the position is "graded" to be within a certain salary band by HR, says Mr. Akana. It's worth asking if the boss can ask the appropriate person for the job to be re-graded. The worst he can say is no.
5. Once that's locked in, go for other benefits.
Despite what you might have heard, many benefit packages aren't flexible, says Ms. de Lande Long. So, while it's worth asking, it might be difficult to modify the health plan. Your success in getting more vacation days depends on the employer, says Ms. de Lande Long.
Your potential boss might be hesitant to give you more days if it will make other employees think they're being treated unfairly. Instead, focus on things that are easy for the employer to provide, such as a work-from-home arrangement for one day a week, if the employer has made such arrangements in the past, says Mr. Akana.
If you still feel your package is too low, ask if it can be reviewed again in six months. "That way, you can show them that you're worth the money," he says.
"Act Local. Think Global"
----------
Carl E. Reid, CSI
Chief Operations Officer
Empowering Today's Professionals Network
http://Twitter.com/etpnetwork
Tel: 201-222-5390
Sent via my BlackBerry, sponsor of newly released book "Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs" http://www.etpnetwork.com
1. Do your research.
It used to be hard to find out what your coworkers and other professionals in your industry get paid. But now, several resources have attempted to opened that black box, says Ms. de Lande Long. Salary.com and Payscale.com give salary ranges to expect based on a job seeker's position, location, and experience. Employees at the actual company you're applying to might have also posted their salaries at GlassDoor.com.
2. Don't give out the first number.
You'll be pressured to do this through the application process. "What's your salary requirement?" "What salary range are you looking for?" "What do you get paid now?"
Whatever you do, never give out the first number, says Ms. de Lande Long. If your answer is too high, you might not make it to the next stage. Too low, and an employer will either think you're not qualified or desperate. So, if possible, write "NA" on applications.
If you're pressured to say how much you make during the interview process, try giving your "total compensation," which many large employers will break out for you on the company's internal human resources website. If your current employer doesn't do that, just spell out your salary, benefits, bonuses, and anything else your current employer offers, says Decatur, Ga. career coach Walter Akana. If the new company doesn't offer some of similar benefits, the HR manager will know that your new salary would have to be bumped up to reflect that, he says.
Getting the salary you want requires smart negotiation.

If the interviewer still presses for a required salary, try giving a range of $15,000 rather than a specific number, Mr. Akana says.The low amount should be the minimum you'd be happy with and the high amount should be what would make you happy.
3. Don't lie.
"It's so easy to get someone in HR to verify a salary, even if they're not supposed to," says Ms. de Lande Long. Even if you make it to a job offer, the false salary could come out during a background check, which could result in an outright retraction of the offer or at least upset an employee's new boss. "And from that point onward, you might face trouble in negotiations not just with your new employer, but with everyone in your industry who has heard. Word gets around," says Ms. de Lande Long.
The author of "Death by Meeting" and "Five Dysfunctions of a Team" is taking questions about managing people, projects and workplace dilemmas from WSJ readers this week. Click here to submit a question.
4. Don't take the first offer.
Most employers expect candidates to try to negotiate. So they leave room in the first offer for a raise, says Mr. Akana. If possible, try to arrange a face-to-face meeting with the hiring manager rather than someone in human resources. The hiring manager is more likely to be flexible, says Mr. Akana. "
Say that you're flattered to have an offer and really want to join the team, but that there are a couple specific items that you're sure you could resolve if you put your heads together," says Mr. Akana. Despite the pressure on salaries during the downturn, a good rule of thumb is to ask for a 10% higher salary, says Ms. de Lande Long.
If the hiring manager says budget restrictions keep him from going as high as you'd like, it might be that the position is "graded" to be within a certain salary band by HR, says Mr. Akana. It's worth asking if the boss can ask the appropriate person for the job to be re-graded. The worst he can say is no.
5. Once that's locked in, go for other benefits.
Despite what you might have heard, many benefit packages aren't flexible, says Ms. de Lande Long. So, while it's worth asking, it might be difficult to modify the health plan. Your success in getting more vacation days depends on the employer, says Ms. de Lande Long.
Your potential boss might be hesitant to give you more days if it will make other employees think they're being treated unfairly. Instead, focus on things that are easy for the employer to provide, such as a work-from-home arrangement for one day a week, if the employer has made such arrangements in the past, says Mr. Akana.
If you still feel your package is too low, ask if it can be reviewed again in six months. "That way, you can show them that you're worth the money," he says.
"Act Local. Think Global"
----------
Carl E. Reid, CSI
Chief Operations Officer
Empowering Today's Professionals Network
http://Twitter.com/etpnetwork
Tel: 201-222-5390
Sent via my BlackBerry, sponsor of newly released book "Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs" http://www.etpnetwork.com
Tip 220 - The Ultimate Time Management Principle
Excellent tip by Keith Ferrazzi, author of the ETP networking bible "Never Eat Alone". Get a copy at www.etpnetwork.com >Readers are Leaders menu option.
As proud as I am of the program we created for Relationship Masters Academy, I’m even more proud of the content that’s being published there by users themselves.
Here's one idea I loved, the ultimate time-management principle: Always tell the truth. That wisdom was served up on the RMA forums by Jason Womack of the Womack Company.
Simple but powerful!
Think of how much easier everything would be if you just told the truth. You wouldn’t have to waste energy posturing, or track the little white lies. Even better: Think of how much easier everything would be if everyone else told the truth! Office politics would fade away and solutions would be achieved so much more quickly.
To wit: A 2008 study by Salary.com found that office politics were a time-wasting distraction for almost half of American workers. Pull yourself out of the political posturing and experience an immediate jump in focus and effectiveness!
John Smith, another RMA participant shared the following story in the forums:
“A long time ago I was a supervisor for the Air Force recruiting mission in central Iowa. The first piece of advice I provided to new recruiters was to tell the truth. Your integrity is yours and how others measure you. Telling the truth saved time, because we did not raise false expectations. We did not have to scramble to apologize or correct our mis-truths. When I started out my team was ranked 203/207 three years later we were consistently in the top 10. I believe our simple philosophy worked well.”
Being unfailingly honest not only builds character and integrity, it is also efficient!
As the old saying goes – honesty is (truly) the best policy. Do office politics waste your time at work? Share on the blog! Warmest, Keith --------
Posted by Carl E. Reid, CSI
Chief Operations Officer
Empowering Today's Professionals Network
http://Twitter.com/etpnetwork
Tel: 201-222-5390
As proud as I am of the program we created for Relationship Masters Academy, I’m even more proud of the content that’s being published there by users themselves.
Here's one idea I loved, the ultimate time-management principle: Always tell the truth. That wisdom was served up on the RMA forums by Jason Womack of the Womack Company.
Simple but powerful!
Think of how much easier everything would be if you just told the truth. You wouldn’t have to waste energy posturing, or track the little white lies. Even better: Think of how much easier everything would be if everyone else told the truth! Office politics would fade away and solutions would be achieved so much more quickly.
To wit: A 2008 study by Salary.com found that office politics were a time-wasting distraction for almost half of American workers. Pull yourself out of the political posturing and experience an immediate jump in focus and effectiveness!
John Smith, another RMA participant shared the following story in the forums:
“A long time ago I was a supervisor for the Air Force recruiting mission in central Iowa. The first piece of advice I provided to new recruiters was to tell the truth. Your integrity is yours and how others measure you. Telling the truth saved time, because we did not raise false expectations. We did not have to scramble to apologize or correct our mis-truths. When I started out my team was ranked 203/207 three years later we were consistently in the top 10. I believe our simple philosophy worked well.”
Being unfailingly honest not only builds character and integrity, it is also efficient!
As the old saying goes – honesty is (truly) the best policy. Do office politics waste your time at work? Share on the blog! Warmest, Keith --------
Posted by Carl E. Reid, CSI
Chief Operations Officer
Empowering Today's Professionals Network
http://Twitter.com/etpnetwork
Tel: 201-222-5390
"New Member Orientation" call
Click here to register now for
"New Member Orientation" call Wednesday June 23, 2010 at 9PM EST. Rod Colon will host this call, with other ETP leaders in attendance.
Get your CEO of ME, Inc. business started right. Learn how to "Own Your Career" by leveraging ETP educational methodologies, benefits and tools.
Who should attend?
- New Members
- Members who need a refresher on ETP benefits and business intelligence tools
- ETP Network Leaders who wish to intelligently share ETP Network benefits with others
ETP Network Member Services - "Own Your Career"
Have a question? Membership@etpnetwork.com
ETP Network communities: ETP Networking Meetings | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Keep up with ETP Network happenings! | Dial In for WEEKLY Job Search Q & A Call
-----Inline Attachment Follows-----
"New Member Orientation" call Wednesday June 23, 2010 at 9PM EST. Rod Colon will host this call, with other ETP leaders in attendance.
Get your CEO of ME, Inc. business started right. Learn how to "Own Your Career" by leveraging ETP educational methodologies, benefits and tools.
Who should attend?
- New Members
- Members who need a refresher on ETP benefits and business intelligence tools
- ETP Network Leaders who wish to intelligently share ETP Network benefits with others
ETP Network Member Services - "Own Your Career"
Have a question? Membership@etpnetwork.com
ETP Network communities: ETP Networking Meetings | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Keep up with ETP Network happenings! | Dial In for WEEKLY Job Search Q & A Call
-----Inline Attachment Follows-----
Think, Speak and Act Like a Business Owner
Excerpt from Win The Race For 21st Century Jobs: Put CEO Power Into Your Job Search And Your Career
The Business Owner Persona
In taking on the persona of a business owner, you need to adopt the attitudes, values, and guiding principles of a business owner. Anything less is insufficient.
Examples:
· Get used to handling rejection. It happens every business day.
· Learn how to manage risk.
· Make smart, calculated decisions.
· It’s your move. Whatever you decide to do, you’re responsible.
· Use the ETP Network to help evaluate individual risk.
· Develop a CEO mind-set so you can create a "business-to-business" entity.
· Run your career as business.
· Build and leverage your network from a CEO’s perspective.
The Personal Branding and Marketing of ME, Inc.
The total relationship people have with you gives them a certain perception of you. This perception is your brand. As the CEO of ME, Inc., your brand helps others decide if they want a relationship with you or not. (Learn more about Personal Branding in Chapter 12, Break Away From the Pack).
Here are some of the hallmarks of brands:
· You only get “credit” for what you do consistently.
· The reliability of your behavior establishes your brand.
· Brands are based on actions, not intentions.
· Inconsistency weakens brands and suspends belief.
This is how your brand will affect your job search:
· It establishes your value.
· It establishes trust.
· You consistently deliver value, therefore …
· You can negotiate!
Remember this important marketing principle: Benefits Always Trump Features. If a new car dealer tells you about 8 cylinder engines, state-of-the-art emission controls, moon roof, and racing stripes, she’s describing the car’s features. However, if she tells you things like, “It will easily save you over 50% on gasoline”, or “the front and rear sensors warn you if you are too close to another vehicle”, she’s describing the car’s benefits to you as the potential owner.
Since you are the CEO of ME, Inc., always try to emphasize how you can solve someone’s problem or save them money rather than going on and on about all the achievements you’ve racked up in your professional career. If people begin to associate you with consistently providing benefits, which will become part of your BRAND — and you’ll be remembered for it!
Benefits Always Trump Features.
Remember this phrase when we get to Chapter 4, The Magnet: Your Value Proposition and Chapter 5, The Methodology: The 7-Step Job Search Methodology. When you learn how to prepare a powerful, targeted resume and cover letter, you’ll want to reflect on this phrase because more than any single aspect of your resume, demonstrating benefits makes you G O L D E N.
Learn to differentiate yourself from your competitors. Always provide value. Bring something to the table they can’t. Find a niche that shows the world you are someone with unique skills and talents and that you know how to use them!
Best wishes and keep networking alive,
Rod Colón, Career Coach
Founder
Empowering Today’s Professionals
www.ETPNetwork.com
rod@etpnetwork.com
732.367.5580
Order Your Copy – Win The Race For 21st Century Jobs
Connect with me on:
http://RodColon.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/RodColon
http://www.linkedin.com/in/RodColon
http://www.facebook.com/RodColon1
The Business Owner Persona
In taking on the persona of a business owner, you need to adopt the attitudes, values, and guiding principles of a business owner. Anything less is insufficient.
Examples:
· Get used to handling rejection. It happens every business day.
· Learn how to manage risk.
· Make smart, calculated decisions.
· It’s your move. Whatever you decide to do, you’re responsible.
· Use the ETP Network to help evaluate individual risk.
· Develop a CEO mind-set so you can create a "business-to-business" entity.
· Run your career as business.
· Build and leverage your network from a CEO’s perspective.
The Personal Branding and Marketing of ME, Inc.
The total relationship people have with you gives them a certain perception of you. This perception is your brand. As the CEO of ME, Inc., your brand helps others decide if they want a relationship with you or not. (Learn more about Personal Branding in Chapter 12, Break Away From the Pack).
Here are some of the hallmarks of brands:
· You only get “credit” for what you do consistently.
· The reliability of your behavior establishes your brand.
· Brands are based on actions, not intentions.
· Inconsistency weakens brands and suspends belief.
This is how your brand will affect your job search:
· It establishes your value.
· It establishes trust.
· You consistently deliver value, therefore …
· You can negotiate!
Remember this important marketing principle: Benefits Always Trump Features. If a new car dealer tells you about 8 cylinder engines, state-of-the-art emission controls, moon roof, and racing stripes, she’s describing the car’s features. However, if she tells you things like, “It will easily save you over 50% on gasoline”, or “the front and rear sensors warn you if you are too close to another vehicle”, she’s describing the car’s benefits to you as the potential owner.
Since you are the CEO of ME, Inc., always try to emphasize how you can solve someone’s problem or save them money rather than going on and on about all the achievements you’ve racked up in your professional career. If people begin to associate you with consistently providing benefits, which will become part of your BRAND — and you’ll be remembered for it!
Benefits Always Trump Features.
Remember this phrase when we get to Chapter 4, The Magnet: Your Value Proposition and Chapter 5, The Methodology: The 7-Step Job Search Methodology. When you learn how to prepare a powerful, targeted resume and cover letter, you’ll want to reflect on this phrase because more than any single aspect of your resume, demonstrating benefits makes you G O L D E N.
Learn to differentiate yourself from your competitors. Always provide value. Bring something to the table they can’t. Find a niche that shows the world you are someone with unique skills and talents and that you know how to use them!
Best wishes and keep networking alive,
Rod Colón, Career Coach
Founder
Empowering Today’s Professionals
www.ETPNetwork.com
rod@etpnetwork.com
732.367.5580
Order Your Copy – Win The Race For 21st Century Jobs
Connect with me on:
http://RodColon.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/RodColon
http://www.linkedin.com/in/RodColon
http://www.facebook.com/RodColon1
The Men of The Hour
On April 29, 2010... Charlotte ETP Network had the pleasure of having two Great Guest Speakers, Mr. Carl E. Reid Founder, CEO and President of a successful technology consulting firm NetTECH Systems. Mr. Reid is publisher of the Library of Congress recognized newsletter blog "Savvy Intrapreneur" and is engaged by companies as a professional blogger and social media consultant, as well as COO of ETP Network.
Our Guest Speaker for the evening was Mr. Rod Colon Empowering Today's Professionals (ETP) Network Founder and CEO Rod Colón, and Author of Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs: Put CEO Power Into Your Job Search and Your Career.
A good time was had by all as the ETP Charlotte networking meeting. It went off with great success the attendees were intrigue by both Carl and Rod’s backgrounds as well as their enthusiasm for leadership.
The group’s responses to both Carl and Rod were as if they were eating up their knowledge of valuable information. Their energetic speaking style not only motivated the group but provided them with the ability to feel apart of a wonderful team. Rod made the meeting feel as if it was just a regular family gathering. The group had many questions pertaining to the CEO of Me, Inc.
Rod's also pointed out the need to grasp, master and integrate four critical skills:
1. Exceptionally effective networking
2. Thinking and acting like the CEO of a large corporation
3. Developing a bulletproof value proposition to make you as attractive as possible to decision-makers
4. Expertise at following a precisely-targeted 7-step job search methodology that leads you directly to an interview
Rod and Carl both provided us with creativity, leadership, teamwork and knowledgeable information this held the group’s attention and kept us involved throughout the evenings event.
We had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Carl & Rod on a one on one bases. The training and the coaching that these two men of the hour provided us with was an experience that no one could have imagined unless they were in ear shot.
We had the opportunity to network after the meeting was over with the rest of the attendees. While Rod autographed his book Win The Race for 21st Century Jobs. We also had a drawing for Rod’s book and the winner was Ivy Sanchez.
I would like to thank all the attendees for coming out and spending the evening at this great networking event. Look forward to seeing everyone and out next monthly event.
I would especially like to thank Weeping Willow AME Church, for allowing Charlotte ETP Networking Group to be able to utilize the fellowship hall for our monthly meetings.
10 Powerful Networking Tips Using Business Cards - Global Edition
Many thanks to the Los Angeles Chinese Learning Center, Rod Colon Consulting, Net-Temps, EzineArticles, iPower Global Solutions, Asian Business Cards and Scott Ginsberg for being prominent champions to publish the original article.
The world has become smaller. Developing personal and business networking relationships requires acting local, but thinking global. The changing world landscape of diverse cultures now surrounds us down to your next door neighbors. Career and business survival dictates learning savvy approaches and etiquette for using business cards in various situations.
Whether you are looking for a job or running a business, giving out business cards is crucial to marketing your skills or services. Even as a job seeker, develop the mindset of running the business of ME, Inc. Business cards speak volumes about who you are, what you offer and how serious you are marketing ME, Inc. as a business. Oh! So, you have a resume and don't need business cards. Can you carry 10 resumes in your wallet? Do you or can you carry your resume everywhere you go? A church bell ringing lets people know they are open for business. Your business card is your bell. Here are some proven tips using business cards to increase your chances of landing a job or creating a business opportunity.
1. Never leave home without them. Before leaving home, your checklist should be expanded to include business cards, as part of "do I have my wallet/money, house keys, driver's license'" Any 'per chance' meeting is an opportunity to give out a business card. A morning run or a quick trip to the local store could be an opportunity to network. My wife and I always ask each other 'do you have business cards', before leaving the house. Make it a habit to carry business cards.
2. Use proper business card etiquette. In the United States, Canada and the UK business card etiquette is less formal. Whenever you give a business card, ask for a business card. When given a business card, don't just take it and place it in your pocket. Make the person feel important by looking at their card for a few seconds. You might see something that could be a topic of discussion. Write comments on the card such as date, location and common points of interest. These comments will prove valuable when following up with that person. This also demonstrates a sincere interest in the other person. Then place it in your wallet.
This lets people know they reside in a special place with you. Skill with People by Les Giblin is a book that expands on this approach. Make people feel important, in order to make yourself important to them. In other countries like India, Japan, China and Korea there is immense ceremonious formality or protocol associated with exchanging business cards. Make sure you do your homework to understand the cultural nuances when meeting with a particular group of people.
3. Be generous. Give business cards out to everyone, including family and friends. Don't let vanity stop you from giving out your last business card or giving 2 at a time to each person. I have met many people who have totally missed the purpose of a business card. I once asked a person for a second business card, so I could refer his services. His response was "I only have a few cards left and I need them", as he looked again at his name on the card. Hoarding your business cards only makes your wallet feel full, not your bank account.
4. Ask for referrals. When giving a business card, people feel more comfortable when you ask; 'I would appreciate a referral, if you know anyone that could use my services'. Don't make people feel like they are on the spot. This approach disarms people much better than asking them, "is your company hiring" People naturally like to do favors for people. Saying 'could you do me a favor by referring my services to someone'. This always places you in a better position with them. They will feel better about helping you. Give them 2 cards.
5. Maximize every "per chance" meeting. You never know when you might meet someone who can help you. Family or friends social events could produce unexpected encounters with people. Don't discount those events. So you're going to a birthday party for your friend's kid. You never know who you might meet. At a family holiday gathering, I met someone that has been instrumental in developing our business. Who would have thought this could happen by giving him a simple business card.
6. Place yourself at the right place at the right time. Have you been to a job fair or business conference and been disappointed with the networking results? Turn the tables around. Consider volunteering to help out at the job fair or other types of events. This puts you in a better strategic position for presenting your resume or business card. Company representatives might view you differently, if they know you are willing to go the extra mile in helping them make their presence easier to manage.
Get involved by visiting the event calendars on LinkedIn, Networking Event Finders, FullCalendar, Craigslist, Speakers & Sponsors or Empowering Today's Professionals. This provides you with opportunities for giving out your business card. Volunteering for events has been a very successful resource for my business partner and me to expanding our business. Zig Ziglar, one of the most successful sales trainers in the world says "if you help enough people get what they want in life, you will get what you want in life".
7. Use email as your electronic business card.
An email sent to just 2 people, who know you, can exponentially get the word out about your business. That single email to 2 people could potentially go out to 2,000 people in less than 1 hour. It's a natural phenomenon inherent to email, called viral marketing. Your Email Signature is THE most important advertising area for you. This area is your billboard. It's also your electronic business card. This is the area where you tell people about your business.
Insert your [business] name, logo, tag line or slogan, telephone number, web site, email address and maybe your snail mail address. www.WiseStamp.com provides an awesome tool to create email signatures.
8. Use "In Your Face" follow up. After a business card exchange, ideally you want to follow up 24 to 48 hours with the new person(s) you met. Pay attention to global time zones when making follow up phone calls. This is especially crucial with sending emails. To increase the chances of your email getting noticed, read and a response, the best times to send email is Monday through Thursday 10:00AM to 2:00PM LOCAL TIME FOR YOUR CONTACT.
Although times may vary, after 2:00PM the siesta is a traditional midday sleep or time off in many countries, like Spain and many Latin American countries. Brazil stands in cultural contrast, as an exception. Afternoon sleep is also a common habit in the Philippines, China (called wujiao), Vietnam, Bangladesh (bhat-ghum meaning "rice-sleep"), India, Southern Italy, Greece, Croatia, Malta, the Middle East and North Africa. Islam suggests an afternoon sleep between Dhuhr and Asr prayers. So follow up emails may not get read during this time. Keep your note short so your email signature (tip #7) shows on the same screen.
Did you ever have a job interview or meeting with a recruiter, potential client or employer and wonder why they never called you back' 'Out of sight, out of mind' is the operative phrase to remember. Today's economic climate dictates you might be competing with 20, 50, 100 or more other people for the same position or contract. It's quite a task for people to keep track of each individual meeting.
So it's up to you to give a person a reason to call you back. Immediately after a meeting, snail mail a hand written note thanking the person for their time. Insert your business card. Now you're in the driver's seat in standing out from other people. If you get no response, do it again. Patience and persistence pays off.
9. Leverage staff promotions to promote ME, Inc.. Newspapers often have stories of people being promoted to high levels in different organizations. This is an opportunity for you. Consider getting some invitation size blank greeting cards. Use the Internet's search capabilities to find out the address of the company's executive offices.
Send the blank invitation type card with a hand written note sincerely congratulating a person on their promotion. Insert your business card. For the cost of a stamp, you have just made person's day and may create an impression that makes a person feel compelled to respond back to you. Make it a habit to do this once a week. Remember '6 Degrees of Separation'. You just never know . . . People open invitation type envelops faster than any others.
10. Brand yourself with a slogan. Print a slogan or on your business card that answers the question 'What is in it for me, if I hire you' Or ‘What makes you different from your competition’. A catchy tag line or slogan insures people ALWAYS associate you or your company with your product or service. People remember even after the commercial is over. That's called branding.
Companies invest huge amounts of money to advertising agencies to come up with these lasting slogans. Consider doing the exact same thing on your business card. This is your insurance people remember you, after you meet. Don't just put Hortence Smiley, Accountant on your business card. Add something like "Financial Services With Integrity". A slogan makes all the difference between getting hired or not, because people will remember you long after a meeting.
Social Media Business Card Tip: Prepare a business card signature for online Internet encounters. Similar to your email signature, add the same contact information at the end of comments made to blog or news articles. Be sincere and make sure your comment stays on topic.
This can also be done when answering questions on LinkedIn. When it comes to Facebook, comments with your business card signature on business pages is acceptable, but be very careful on personal pages. If a person is asking for help related to your expertise on their personal page, contact information may be appropriate with your comment.
Happy trails networking . . .
About the Author: Carl E. Reid, CSI
"Success Synergy thru Intrapreneur Savvy, Human Capital and Tech Strategy"
With corporate travels from the mail room to the board room, Carl E. Reid knows what it takes to be successful. He has over 40 years of business experience, including 27 years as a technology expert, 16 years as a business career coach and 18 years as a successful entrepreneur. Carl has been a professional blogger and social media strategist since 2004. In addition to being a sought after speaker and published author, he has coached and inspired hundreds of people to land jobs and start successful businesses. Carl is Chief Operations Officer for Empowering Today's Professionals and "Foreword" author in fast selling book Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs. *** Tel: 201-222-5390 - Email: CReid3005[AT}gmail.com ****
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Being Nimble is Key to Survival in Job Market
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Being Nimble is Key to Survival in Job Market
There is a difference between nimble and flexible. After landing a job, employees must be flexible to daily management priorities. Whether employed or in a job search, being nimble requires continuous forward thinking to respond quickly to dynamic company or economic shifts. One organization provides education programs that teach members to be nimble thinkers.
Charlotte, NC April 28, 2010 -- Developing interdependent network relationships is a learned skill to remain agile in keeping your business options open. With networking as a core foundation to accomplish this, Empowering Today’s Professionals (ETP) Network has established quite a track record helping hundreds of people land jobs in the last 12 months.
With much success holding “self empowering” career management meetings in the New York and New Jersey area, ETP Network is expanding south into Charlotte, NC. Led by ETP Network member and CEO of Gala Affairs by AtUrbest, Amanda Sherman, the ETP Charlotte Network Group will hold its 3rd meeting on April 29, 2010 at 6:00PM at Weeping Willow Fellowship Hall 2220 Milton Rd Charlotte, NC 28215. “The fact that professionals and business owners are taught to be their own CEO of ME, Inc., success is more assured in the current economy. This is why I’m proud to be associated with ETP Network. I look forward to hosting ETP Network CEO, Mr. Rod Colon as guest speaker at our meeting” says Ms. Sherman.
Beyond college and MBA programs, knowing the approaches and etiquette for properly developing network relationships positions professionals to stay poised for reacting to unknown business changes. “To empower our members to hit the ground running, our member services team bundles our book Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs as part of every membership package”, says Rod Colon, Founder and CEO of Empowering Today’s Professionals Network. Rod further states “combining our weekly job search training calls with our proprietary 7 Step Job Search © allows members to multi thread advocates to facilitate scheduling job interviews quicker”.
So being ready to adjust at a moment’s notice is really what nimble is about. This can only be achieved by aligning oneself with a global organization, such as ETP Network. The synergy of a network supporting each individual to succeed makes all the difference for ongoing success, no matter how economic factors impact corporations. “Our secret weapon for keeping members nimble is our newly implemented ETP Network Angel program. Our angels inside companies help ETP Network members to get placed at the head of the line for interviews. Our benefits package has proven to work for both career professionals and business owners. No other organization teaches members how to network. We do.” states Carl E. Reid, ETP Network Chief Operations Officer.
About Empowering Today’s Professionals (ETP) Network
The mission of ETP Network is to encourage, train, support, mentor and advise fellow CEOs of ME, Incorporated in all aspects of defined responsibilities to their personal Board of Directors. ETP's proven education programs and methodologies guide each member through "HOW" to specifically land a job and develop self empowering career management goals. Web: www.etpnetwork.com Tel: 732-367-5580
The mission of ETP Network is to encourage, train, support, mentor and advise fellow CEOs of ME, Incorporated in all aspects of defined responsibilities to their personal Board of Directors. ETP's proven education programs and methodologies guide each member through "HOW" to specifically land a job and develop self empowering career management goals. Web: www.etpnetwork.com Tel: 732-367-5580
Contact
Phyllis Shelton, Public Relations Director
iPower Global Solutions
Tel: 646-201-6597
Web: http://www.iPowerGS.com
Phyllis Shelton, Public Relations Director
iPower Global Solutions
Tel: 646-201-6597
Web: http://www.iPowerGS.com
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