Tag: James E Weber

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The Catering Wave Part 5 – Maneuvering The Crest

Byron Duncan (New Catering Connections) and I (RevGen Marketing) are hosting The Catering Wave Part 5 – Maneuvering The Crest next Wednesday, May 13, at 4:00 EST:

Registration: Webinar Registration – Zoom

As we head into one of the busiest times of the year for catering, one of the biggest challenges Catering Sales Managers face is balancing the day-to-day demands of September and October — managing orders, quotes, service, and execution — while simultaneously preparing for the Holiday Catering wave that follows right behind.

This month, we’re diving into strategies and ideas that can help from both the Catering Sales Manager and Leadership perspectives, so teams can stay organized, proactive, and positioned for success during the busiest season of the year.

We’re also excited to welcome two special guests:
·      Christina Ogle — Director of Marketing for DMAC (a 100+ unit McAlister’s/Moe’s franchise organization), who leads a very busy catering sales team and will share valuable leadership insights, operational tips, and lessons learned from managing high-volume catering programs.

· Skip Kimpel from Magicgate — a true tech expert and tremendous source of knowledge. We’ll be discussing what’s happening now with AI, what’s coming next, and how restaurant brands should begin incorporating AI into their business and catering strategies.

Please join us — this is going to be a great conversation with actionable takeaways for operators, marketers, catering leaders, and restaurant teams alike.

And as always, please share with anyone who may benefit. If you can’t attend live, no worries — everyone who registers will receive the webinar recording afterward.

Register:  Webinar Registration – Zoom

Everything is stored on: www.thecateringspace.com

The Catering Space | Mission Control for Catering ExcellenceThe Catering Space | Mission Control for Catering Excellence

thecateringspace.com

Thank you

About the Authors

Danielle Guzzetta

@Danielle Guzzetta is the Founder of RevGen Marketing, helping restaurant brands build high-performing off-premises programs that drive sustainable growth.

@Christian Hilty is the VP of Partnerships at DeliverThat, the industry leader in brand-safe catering delivery and off-premises orchestration.

 

 

I appreciate your interest in ITB Partners.  For further information about ITB Partners and its Value-Added Strategy, please visit our website at www.itbpartners.com, or contact Jim Weber.

 

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our perspective and would like to receive regular posts directly in your email inbox. To this end, please put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue publishing articles you want to read.  Your input is important to me, so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

 

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Navigating a Challenging Hiring Situation

Turning uncertainty into a structured, low-risk hiring decision.

Longstanding Professional Relationship

I have known Jack, not his real name, for more than twenty-eight years, ever since I started my career as an executive recruiter. Even though we never worked for the same company, we developed a lasting friendship and often collaborated professionally. Over time, we became sounding boards for each other, frequently sharing our experiences and frustrations within the industry.

Recent Conversation and Context

About two weeks ago, Jack reached out to me. After exchanging pleasantries and joking about life, he explained the reason for his call. Jack had presented what he believed was the ideal candidate for a client, but was unable to close the deal. Frustrated and confused, he sought my advice. He wanted to know if I had experienced a comparable situation and my resolution. Before offering any suggestions, I asked Jack to provide a complete overview of his assignment.

Assignment: COO Search for Restaurant Group

Jack described the objective of the search: to find a Chief Operating Officer for a small restaurant group with two to three locations. The group’s owner is a millennial. Jack identified a candidate who met all the requirements for the position. The candidate has experience as a manager at high-volume casual-dining restaurants for established brands. He also has excellent references from individuals known to the client. Despite the candidate’s strong qualifications, the client is hesitant to make an offer, but he is unable to articulate his discomfort.

The client’s sole complaint was that the candidate was overly talkative in interviews. Considering the candidate’s twenty-year tenure at his previous job, it should be no surprise that he has limited recent interview experience.

Potential Issues and Benefits

One concern I raised was that the candidate’s long tenure at his previous employer,  while admirable, might pose a risk for the hiring manager. Assimilating into a new company culture after twenty years in one organization can be challenging. However, the risk of assimilation can be mitigated. The client could plan appropriate measures to facilitate a smooth transition.

I also asked Jack if the client’s discomfort was due to the candidate’s age. I have found that some Millennial hiring managers have a bias against Baby Boomers and Gen Xers. Their rationale is multifaceted, with technical competence and the ability to relate to younger generations as the primary justification. Jack did not seem to know if this was part of the client’s thinking. It would be most unfortunate if the Client had a bias against the candidate because of his age. After all, the candidate has demonstrated success under the exact circumstances. Furthermore, Millennials’ job tenures are notoriously short, as they prefer frequent job changes as a career advancement strategy. Mature candidates offer greater stability.

Benefits of Hiring Mature Candidates

    • Baby boomers and Gen Xers are dependable employees.
    • They possess experience in their fields.
    • They tend to change jobs less often, offering greater stability to employers.
    • They have received excellent training and development from major brands.

Recommendations for Moving Forward

I advised Jack to try to help the client become more comfortable with the candidate. One option would be to engage an industrial psychologist to speak with the candidate, including diagnostic assessments, to better understand his personality and management style. Another approach could involve hiring the candidate on a limited-time contract to evaluate his performance in live operations.

Current Status and Reflections

Two weeks after our conversation, I followed up with Jack to see how the situation had progressed. Unfortunately, nothing had changed. As Jack described, the process is still in limbo—the client has not rejected the candidate but has not shown interest in moving forward either. A meeting with an Industrial Psychologist was not scheduled. Jack resumed his search for additional candidates.

This outcome is regrettable. The client may have missed an opportunity to hire an excellent manager. I empathize with Jack, given the effort he invested in the search. He cannot compel the client to hire the candidate. However, he may be able to guide the client toward clarification of his trepidation. A low-cost, low-risk solution would be to contract the candidate on a 1099 basis for a trial period, allowing the client to assess his performance firsthand. It may be useful for the client to discuss this situation with an industrial psychologist. If he has not done so, it might be useful for the client to take a diagnostic assessment to better understand his strengths and weaknesses in decision-making.

I appreciate your interest in ITB Partners.  For further information about ITB Partners and its Value-Added Strategy, please visit our website at www.itbpartners.com, or contact Jim Weber.

 

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our perspective and would like to receive regular posts directly in your email inbox. To this end, please put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue publishing articles you want to read.  Your input is important to me, so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

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The Paradox of Choice: Navigating the Simple vs. Sophisticated Tech Divide

In the modern enterprise, “more” is often marketed as “better,” yet many organizations find themselves drowning in features they never use. Striking the right balance between simplicity and performance is the ultimate challenge for leaders who must maintain agile operations while demanding high output. Finding this equilibrium requires a shift from chasing trends to adopting a philosophy of “essentialism in infrastructure,” in which every added layer of complexity must justify its existence with measurable returns.

The following guide explores how businesses can avoid the “complexity trap” by focusing on scalability, visibility, and strategic expert guidance.

The Trade-off: Efficiency vs. Power

Choosing between a streamlined tool and a complex system is rarely a binary decision. It is a spectrum of utility. Small businesses often thrive on “all-in-one” platforms that prioritize ease of use, while maturing enterprises may require specialized, “best-of-breed” systems to handle high-volume data or intricate workflows. The danger lies in “over-tooling,” where the overhead of managing a system exceeds the productivity gains it provides.

Comparative Framework: Simple vs. Complex Systems

Feature Streamlined Solutions Advanced Complex Systems
Learning Curve Low (Hours to Days) High (Weeks to Months)
Integration Standardized, Plug and play Custom APIs, High Customization
Maintenance Minimal, Managed by Vendor Dedicated IT Resources Required
Cost Structure Predictable Subscription High Initial Outlay, Variable Support
Scalability Limited to specific tiers Virtually unlimited with configuration

Strategies for High-Performance Decision Making

To maintain a lean but powerful stack, leaders must look beyond the user interface and into the long-term operational impact. Recent data on strategic issues for tech organizations suggests that organizations focusing on clear outcomes rather than feature counts achieve higher ROI. When evaluating a new upgrade, ask whether the feature set addresses a recurring bottleneck or merely a theoretical “nice to have” scenario.

For many, the move toward complexity is driven by a lack of insight into current performance. Adopting a comprehensive observability strategy allows leaders to consider your choices for better network visibility by leveraging AI and machine learning. These platforms automate the heavy lifting of troubleshooting, allowing businesses to keep their primary tools simple because the underlying monitoring layer handles the complex work of performance optimization and cost reduction.

Essential Steps for Evaluating Business Technology

  • Audit Current Utilization: Identify tools in which fewer than 40 percent of features are regularly used.
  • Define the Performance Ceiling: Determine the exact point where your current simple tool will fail to meet demand.
  • Calculate the Complexity Tax: Account for the time spent on training and troubleshooting when considering a more advanced system.
  • Prioritize Interoperability: Ensure new tools can integrate with legacy systems without manual data entry.
  • Focus on User Adoption: A powerful system is useless if the team finds it too cumbersome to use on a daily basis.

How to Implement a Scalable Technology Strategy

  1. Analyze current bottlenecks: Document exactly where delays occur in your current workflow.
  2. Research industry benchmarks: Look at top strategic technology trends to see which innovations are becoming standard.
  3. Consult with specialists: Sometimes, internal teams are too close to the problem. Engaging [ITB Partners] can provide an outside perspective to ensure you are not overbuilding for today while ignoring the needs of tomorrow.
  4. Run a pilot program: Test complex features with a small subgroup before a full company rollout.
  5. Review infrastructure reports: High-performance tools often require more robust software and enterprise deployment to protect sensitive data and ensure uptime.
  6. Evaluate total cost of ownership: Include the price of centralized and interoperable systems and ongoing support in your budget.
  7. Finalize the roadmap: Set clear dates for when a simple tool will be officially “retired” in favor of the new system.

The Role of Expert Guidance in Growth

Scaling a business without introducing technical debt is a delicate art. Many leaders fall into the trap of selecting systems that do not scale, leading to a painful and expensive migration later. Expert advisors help bridge this gap by evaluating actual operational needs against future growth projections. This prevents the “unnecessary upgrade” cycle and ensures that every piece of software aligns with the broader business mission.

Understanding the technologies shaping the coming decade is also critical, as automation can often replace the need for complex manual software suites. By integrating smarter, leaner tools, businesses can maintain a high-performance culture without the weight of an oversized tech stack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs that my business technology is too complex?

If your employees are finding workarounds to avoid using your official software, or if the time spent on system maintenance is cutting into core business hours, your stack is likely too complex. High training costs and frequent user errors are also major red flags.

How do I justify the cost of an advanced technology upgrade?

Justification should be based on a combination of time saved, risk mitigated, and revenue enabled. If an advanced tool can reduce manual labor by 20 percent or prevent a costly security breach, the return on investment becomes clear, regardless of the initial price tag.

Can a business be too simple in its technology approach?

Yes. Relying on manual spreadsheets or outdated legacy software can create a performance ceiling that prevents growth. Simplicity should never come at the expense of data integrity, security, or the ability to meet customer expectations on time.

Summary

Balancing simplicity and performance is not about finding a middle ground, but about choosing the right tool for the right stage of growth. By utilizing observability platforms for better visibility and seeking expert consultation to avoid over-engineering, leaders can build a resilient infrastructure. The goal is to create a system that stays out of the way of the people using it while providing the power necessary to drive the business forward.

I appreciate your interest in ITB Partners.  For further information about ITB Partners and its Value-Added Strategy, please visit our website at www.itbpartners.com, or contact Jim Weber.

 

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our perspective and would like to receive regular posts directly in your email inbox. To this end, please put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue publishing articles you want to read.  Your input is important to me, so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

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Baby Boomers: Consider the Hiring Manager’s Risk Assessment.

Board Meeting

From time to time, my network reaches out for guidance on job searches. Often, these requests come from individuals who have spent months diligently searching for a new opportunity without success. It is not surprising that most of these individuals belong to my generation: the Baby Boomers.

 

A Call for Help

This week, I received one of those calls from Jack, whom I have known for over twenty years. Jack is among the last of the Baby Boom generation and could easily be mistaken for a Gen Xer. He has enjoyed a solid career and gained valuable experience, including serving as Chief Marketing Officer at several restaurant companies. However, his tenure at his recent jobs has been relatively brief. Jack has been searching for a new position for 6 months. Frankly, I am surprised he had not reached out sooner.

Seeking Guidance

Jack shared with me his struggle to understand why finding a full-time job has been so difficult. Someone had advised him to speak with a coach to improve his interview skills, but the $ 500-per-hour fee made him hesitant to pursue that option. Jack called me for a second opinion, and I asked him to provide full background of his situation.

Jack’s Situation

Jack is six months into his job search and has participated in approximately fifteen interviews. He is seeking a senior-level sales and marketing position and is open to various industry segments. His approach has been traditional, focusing on emerging companies that are inherently volatile. As empty nesters, he and his wife have flexibility regarding job location, though his preference is to stay at their current residence. Jack’s main concern is that he is not connecting with millennial hiring managers. He believes improving his interview presentation will help address this issue.

Marketplace Situation

Without a doubt, the current market is challenging for senior-level professionals, particularly for Baby Boomers. Ageism presents a real obstacle. Most hiring managers are millennials who harbor concerns about Baby Boomers’ energy and drive, technology proficiency, and ability to relate to younger staff and customers. Fortune 500 companies are generally uninterested in Baby Boomers unless they are prominently recognized in their field. These companies prefer younger professionals with the potential to grow with their brand, even though the average tenure currently stands at two to three years. Changing companies to elevate one’s career level has become the favored strategy. For Boomers, the most viable opportunities exist with smaller, emerging companies, though these roles carry greater risk and offer lower compensation.

MY RECOMMENDATION

Many senior executives have successfully navigated today’s challenging job market by adopting a flexible approach, such as offering a 1099 consulting contract. This arrangement allows the hiring manager to evaluate a candidate’s skills and fit without the risks associated with committing to a long-term hire. From the hiring manager’s perspective, the biggest concern isn’t just poor performance; it’s the financial and legal consequences of making a bad hire, including potential litigation and severance costs. By proposing a 1099 contract, candidates demonstrate an understanding of these risks and position themselves as low-risk, high-value options.

The advantages of a 1099 contract are clear. It gives both parties the opportunity to test the working relationship, assess performance, and ensure alignment before making a full-time commitment. This “try before you buy” model minimizes legal and financial exposure for the employer, while also allowing the candidate to showcase their abilities and gain valuable experience. If the arrangement proves successful, it often leads to a full-time offer. For example, an executive I know accepted a 1099 consulting contract with a mid-sized tech company. After delivering strong results and building trust, he was offered a permanent leadership role within three months.

However, there are potential drawbacks to consider. The candidate may forego employee benefits and job security during the consulting period and must ensure the contract complies with IRS guidelines. Still, proactively addressing the hiring manager’s risk assessment demonstrates professionalism and adaptability—qualities highly valued in today’s marketplace. By presenting themselves as a solution to the employer’s concerns, senior job seekers can stand out as reliable, low-risk hires, increasing their chances of securing the right opportunity.I believe this strategy is so important that I created ITB Partners, a platform designed to support candidates pursuing this path.

In summary, Baby Boomers seeking full-time employment must modify their job search strategy to consider the hiring manager’s risk assessment. Offering a consulting contract is a viable option for validating one’s viability without committing to full-time employment. Understand, the candidate and the hiring manager must fully understand the Federal Guidelines to be considered an independent contractor.

I appreciate your interest in ITB Partners.  For further information about ITB Partners and its Value-Added Strategy, please visit our website at www.itbpartners.com, or contact Jim Weber.

 

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our perspective and would like to receive regular posts directly in your email inbox. To this end, please put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue publishing articles you want to read.  Your input is important to me, so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

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March Catering Webinar Video is Live

 

Last Week’s Catering Wave Webinar hosted by RevGen Marketing (Danielle Guzzetta) and New Catering Connections (Byron Duncan) was a Huge Success.

 

For those of you who missed it, you can catch it here. See Below

 

Video link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgWWmeBodtQ
Website content link:  https://www.thecateringspace.com/webinar/catering-wave/webinar-3
Mini site:  https://learnmoreaboutncc.lovable.app/ (catering calendar, and full NCC presentation is here!)

Interested in getting more information on how to best leverage your Catering Program or how to Stand Up a Catering Program to capture an additional revenue stream? Go To revgenmktg.com to set up a call.

Need inbound/outbound catering assistance? Go to: https://calendly.com/solutions-thenccgroup/30min to set up a call

We are working on bringing in an amazing vendor and guest for April, so stay tuned.  Registration Link for APRIL Webinar is here:  https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S3QlkDBCTSq6p0RyYQtRaQ

About the Authors

Danielle Guzzetta

@Danielle Guzzetta is the Founder of RevGen Marketing, helping restaurant brands build high-performing off-premises programs that drive sustainable growth.

@Christian Hilty is the VP of Partnerships at DeliverThat, the industry leader in brand-safe catering delivery and off-premises orchestration.

 

 

I appreciate your interest in ITB Partners.  For further information about ITB Partners and its Value-Added Strategy, please visit our website at www.itbpartners.com, or contact Jim Weber.

 

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our perspective and would like to receive regular posts directly in your email inbox. To this end, please put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue publishing articles you want to read.  Your input is important to me, so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

 

Posted on

Peak Catering Season Webinar

Just in time to capitalize on peak catering season!

Notification of  Catering Webinar – March 11 at 4:00 PM EST 

Danielle Guzzetta

RevGen Marketing (Danielle Guzetta) and New Catering Connections (Byron Duncan) are hosting a catering strategy-packed webinar. Join us Next Wednesday, March 11th, 4 pm EST.

Here is the link to register:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pfsO_H4DT867J1h-C6gsNg

 

If you can’t attend, please still register. We will send you the call recording, content, and additional goodies after the Webinar!

We are changing things up a bit for this call with three distinct sections, so no one gets left out.

When you visit https://www.thecateringspace.com/   – you will see we are breaking this one up to support:

– Brand Leaders

– Owners/Restaurant Operations Leaders

– Catering Sales Managers

 

We will focus on May and June Catering Opportunities, and how your time is best spent ONCE you get to May and June

So, we will have deeper discussions around:

– Sales Execution from a Sales and Communication Standpoint (not operations, but communication and relationship development)

– Sales, Maintenance, and Relationship Nurturing during dead zones

– A Strong Back-to-School Strategy

– List Building Exercises for July 15th-September 30th (June activities)

 

Excited to see everyone next week. Please share with your peers and industry friends.

 

About the Authors

@Danielle Guzzetta is the Founder of RevGen Marketing, helping restaurant brands build high-performing off-premises programs that drive sustainable growth.

@Christian Hilty is the VP of Partnerships at DeliverThat, the industry leader in brand-safe catering delivery and off-premises orchestration.

 

 

I appreciate your interest in ITB Partners.  For further information about ITB Partners and its Value-Added Strategy, please visit our website at www.itbpartners.com, or contact Jim Weber.

 

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our perspective and would like to receive regular posts directly in your email inbox. To this end, please put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue publishing articles you want to read.  Your input is important to me, so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.

Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

Posted on

Kitchen Connections Lands a Major Home Remodel

Johns Creek, Georgia:  Kitchen Connections, LLC, and Jill Weber are pleased to announce the contract for a Major Home Remodel for a property located in Roswell, Georgia.

The scope of this remodel includes: a complete upgrade of the kitchen and Master Bathroom; and the creation of an Open Living Concept on the Main Floor.  Additionally, this project includes the Creation of a sunroom and a rebuild of the outdoor Deck.

About Jill Weber and Kitchen Connections

Award-winning Kitchen and Bath Designer, Georgia State Licensed Residential Contractor;

NARI Certified Remodeler, Home Builder, and Remodeler in Metro Atlanta 2005-Present.

Responsibilities: Design and build functional residential home spaces. Complete responsibility for working with homeowners on design and selection of materials, including cabinetry, countertops, tile, appliances, flooring, etc. Organization of work and daily management of builders, trades, and vendors.

International, National, Regional, and Local Professional Awards: Trends Magazine (International Publication): 2012 Award for Design and Remodeling as one of “50 Best Kitchens” As Voted On by Readers over the 10 Year Life of the Magazine.

2011 NARI Walk of Homes Participate 2008 Junior League Walk of Homes

2008 Southern Builders Showcase House (Kitchen, Baths, Laundry Room, Bookcases) 2008 NKBA Calla Awards 2007 Junior League Walk of Homes

2006 NARI Region II Contractor of the Year: (Kitchen Remodel $60,000-$100,000) 2006 Atlanta Homebuilders Gold Award (Kitchen Remodel under $73,000) 2005 Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle:

2005 Kitchen of the Year 2005 Atlanta Homebuilders Gold Award (Bathroom $20,000 2005 NARI Atlanta CotY Award (Master Bath over $70,000)

2004 Design with Decora: Best Kitchen Design, National and Southeast

2004 Atlanta Homebuilders Gold Award (Kitchen Remodel $30,000 + Up)

 

Jill Weber, Owner and President of Kitchen Connections, LLC

For more information about Kitchen Connections, LLC and what we can do for you, visit http://kitchenconnections.biz

770-650-0632

Kitchen Connections, LLC
JDW@kitchenConnections.biz
(678) 410-0483

Thank you for visiting our blog.

 

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners;

President, New Century Dynamics Executive Search

I hope you enjoyed our perspective and would like to receive regular posts directly in your email inbox. To this end, please put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read.  Your input is important to me, so please leave a comment.

Posted on

Introducing Your Custom Hotel Booking Platform

ITB Partners Logo

ITB Partners is excited to share a new partnership that can help your team save on travel while generating revenue for your business.

Introducing Your Custom Hotel Booking Platform

Through our partnership with HotelPlanner.com, we can now provide our partners with your own branded hotel booking engine – complete with your logo and company branding. This isn’t just another travel discount program; it’s a revenue-generating tool that works for you.

Here’s how it benefits your business:

Whether your team is traveling for client meetings, attending conferences, or planning company events, this platform streamlines the booking process while putting money back into your business.

See it in action:

Check out our branded platform to get a feel for how your customized version will look and function:

https://itbpartners.hotelplanner.com

Interested in learning more?

Reply to this email so we can connect you with the team. The setup is straightforward, and you could be earning commissions within days.

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Best regards,

Thank you for your interest in ITB Partners.  For further information about ITB Partners and its Value-Added Strategy, please visit our website at www.itbpartners.com, or contact Jim Weber.

 

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our perspective and would like to receive regular posts directly in your email inbox. To this end, please put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue publishing articles you want to read.  Your input is important to me, so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.  Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

Posted on

Your Writing Skills Will Shorten Your Job Search

“I would rather die than engage in public speaking.”   A common refrain about the fear of public speaking.

 

I understand the trepidation of public speaking. I remember my personal journey to become comfortable speaking in front of a group. I saw public speaking skills as a career development opportunity. Competency as a public speaker is generally considered a key component of success. So, I worked to become proficient in this area.  That skill has served me well.

 

I have, however, learned that there is a corollary to public speaking phobia.  Apparently, for many, writing articles for publication is more frightening than public speaking. Writing is not only important while you are gainfully employed. Writing skills are required to support your job search.  General correspondence, including intro letters, biographies, and resumes, is a critical component of a job search.  Additionally, professionals can effectively reduce their time in a job search by writing articles and blogging.  This kind of writing expands the candidate’s exposure to potential employers.  It also provides one’s network with material to facilitate important introductions. The failure to use this skill is an unfortunate, lost opportunity.    Wise professionals employ their writing skills to shorten their job search.  The lack of writing articles while seeking employment will likely result in a longer job search duration

 

Temporary unemployment is not a crime. Unless you’re unemployed because you committed a crime. That is another matter altogether. Temporary unemployment carries no stigma.   There is no shame attached to temporary unemployment. For most professionals, it is a natural part of the modern economy. Mergers and acquisitions, organization restructuring, new technologies, and other cost-cutting measures are common reasons for turnover.  Job loss under these circumstances is beyond the employee’s control. Most professionals understand this phenomenon.  They have experienced unemployment during their careers.  Most are willing to help others reconnect.  They are grateful for the help they received when they were between jobs.  They understand the value of “paying it forward.”  It is the job seeker’s priority to minimize the time between jobs.   In this regard, the job seeker must help their network help them.

 

Writing provides a legitimate opportunity to ask a potential employer to contribute to your articles.  Executives have a large body of knowledge, and they are willing to share their learning within ethical boundaries. My experience is that, given their time constraints, Executives are open to providing their thoughts on industry matters. Most are happy to contribute, including interviews within certain boundaries. They appreciate being credited for their thoughts in the article.  It is a win/win.  You initiate a non-threatening networking contact while helping that person enhance their industry reputation. The obvious benefit of writing articles is an increased awareness of your accomplishments.   It helps reinforce your professional acumen.  It improves your ability to gain access to key executives.

 

One of the many benefits of my coaching practice is to help my clients regain employment.  I advise them to take a systematic approach to their job search. I advise job seekers to engage in extensive networking, to send resumes to prospective employers, and to make time to enhance their professional skills.  These three job search strategies seem to be obvious, and they are.  I recommend that they create a mailing list of friends, relatives, business associates, and other networking contacts.  Then, to keep these folks updated on their job search, with periodic updates. Believe me, your network wants to hear from you so they can be helpful. You are not an annoyance. At some point, we have all been in the same situation.  However, some activities I recommend may not be obvious components of these strategies.  One such activity is writing articles, blogging, and/or reacting to other published articles.  ITB Partners helps job seekers craft relevant articles, publish them on our website, and further distribute them through our network marketing platform.

 

Conclusion

The three primary strategies for a successful job search are extensive networking, sending resumes to prospective employers, and sharpening your professional skills.  Networking is about building a team to help you.  Sending out resumes to prospective employers is about getting in the queue for their internal recruiting process.  Sharpening your professional skills improves your marketability.  Publishing articles is a proven technique to shorten one’s time in a job search.  It is a difficult concept for many to accept. The lack of confidence as a writer may increase the duration of your unemployment.  ITB Partner’s platform is designed to help distribute articles

Thank you for your interest in ITB Partners.  For further information about ITB Partners and its Value-Added Strategy, please visit our website at www.itbpartners.com, or contact Jim Weber.

 

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

I hope you enjoyed our perspective and would like to receive regular posts directly in your email inbox. To this end, please put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue publishing articles you want to read.  Your input is important to me, so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.  Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com

 

Posted on

Position your Catering Program For Success in 2026 – Webinar

Notification of  Catering Webinar – January 14 at 4:00 PM EST 

Danielle Guzzetta

Join Byron and me on Wednesday, January 14, at 4:00 PM EST for a powerful webinar on setting your catering program up for success in 2026.

We’ll share proven strategies to help you maximize every catering opportunity, drive incremental revenue, and get the most out of your catering efforts all year long. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e3BNdhXj

Joining us as our Vendor of the Month will be our friends from MONKEY Media Software as we welcome Ben Pidduck CEO of Monkey. Nicolas Wilson their CGO, and Courtney Smith Head of Brand Partner Catering Operations. Here is the link to register: >>>> https://lnkd.in/e3BNdhXj

And remember, you don’t have to join live, but please register so we can send you the video, content links, and other information post-call! Please share with your industry friends, peers, and family. The more the merrier. We are so excited to kick off 2026. I personally believe The Catering Wave, if mastered correctly, can generate the Catering Sales you are looking for. So please join us next Wednesday!

Register here: https://lnkd.in/e3BNdhXjPOsition

 

About the Authors

@Danielle Guzzetta is the Founder of RevGen Marketing, helping restaurant brands build high-performing off-premises programs that drive sustainable growth.

@Christian Hilty is the VP of Partnerships at DeliverThat, the industry leader in brand-safe catering delivery and off-premises orchestration.

 

 

I appreciate your interest in ITB Partners.  For further information about ITB Partners and its Value-Added Strategy, please visit our website at www.itbpartners.com, or contact Jim Weber.

 

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

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