Improve Your Writing Skills; Shorten Your Job Search!
Jim Weber – Managing Partner, ITB Partners
Jim Weber will show you how to avoid writing mistakes that sabotage your job search. Learn how to craft a resume that makes an impact, write a cover letter that positions you as a savvy professional, and create an interesting bio people will read. Additionally, Jim will discuss how blogging shortens your search time.
Prior to forming New Century Dynamics Executive Search in 1999, Jim Weber spent 22 years with Fortune 500 companies in the Food Retailing Industry where he developed a broad-based portfolio of “hands-on” line and staff experience in growth and turnaround situations. A proven executive with exceptional leadership skills, Jim has a strong financial background and heavy operations experience in specialty retail stores, quick-service restaurants, manufacturing, and distribution.
ABOUT GREAT CAREERS – BENG:
The Atlanta chapter of Great Careers – The Business Executives Networking Group (BENG) is a multidiscipline, independent group of job seekers, those currently employed and business networkers, who are willing to help others. Current membership includes mid to senior-level executives with over ten (10) years of business experience. Past attendees have come from financial management, information technology, legal, manufacturing, engineering, transportation, logistics, distribution, and general management industries. We actively seek new members from all disciplines.
Without a doubt, 2020 will be unforgettable. To say, “it was the year that everything changed,” maybe an overstatement, but not by much. However, it is safe to say the pace of change accelerated in 2020. You know exactly what I am talking about. There is no need to recap experiences that are still fresh in your mind.
One unfortunate effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic mitigation efforts has been an increase in unemployment, especially for Senior Executives. My clients and the people I work with. Even as the economy recovers, many industry segments struggle to find and maintain a defensible niche. This has led to terminations as employers adjust to remain profitable.
ITB Partners has not been spared by the events of 2020. The lock-down resulted in a loss of business for many of our consultants. Demand for Executive Search has plummeted, although my coaching business is up. One consulting client has kept me particularly busy. More recently, the demand for our services has increased, often in unexpected ways. Our consultants recognize the need, to maintain contact with their clients and prospects, to stay connected. Overall, the membership at ITB Partners has remained stable. People still need our services.
My work is focused on helping senior executives, mostly Baby-boomers. They need help in finding their next job or a new career path. They seek counsel to understand their options in the 21st Century, the New Normal. For these people, the next situation will be entrepreneurial; with emerging companies and established mid-caps. Likely, their next employer will be a portfolio company owned by a Private Equity Group. Some have a better grasp on the situation than others, but most have difficulty understanding the digital economy and working with Millennials. They want to be relevant and contribute. They have the skills to be successful in this environment but do not know it. The irony is their greatest strength is lacking most in the culture, interpersonal skills. They need professional help to navigate this environment.
A Career Coach can quickly assess and validate their clients. The process of validating a candidate is designed to determine if their experiences and skills are supportive of an employer’s company life cycle position, their product line or services, and their company culture. It is a skill I learned in Industry, then honed over 22 years conducting searches. Leadership is the fundamental skill set employers seek in a Senior Executive. It is the starting point of the evaluation process.
Begin with the Fundamentals
Straightforward concise communications
Strategic problem-solving skills, ability to prioritize at a high-level.
Leadership skills: vision, alignment, motivation, and accountability
Appreciation for culture, values, norms, tradition
Situation awareness: matching strategy with life cycle position
Integrity: models ethical behavior – their strength of character
My good friend and ITB Partners co-founder, Stan Stout uses a five-point model he calls The Five Cs.
Stan’s 5-C Model
Competency
Character
Culture
Changeability (adaptability)
Cultivator
Communications.
Using these criteria, candidates are probed for the experience that demonstrates competency as a leader in their field.
Understand Your Relevant Skills
Secondly, career coaches identify the candidate’s unique selling proposition, (USP). The USP are the skills and attributes that make one ‘stand out’ among the competition. They identify the theme of the person’s career story and determine how to present it most effectively. It provides focus and direction for one’s search. It is the candidate’s job search strategy.
Effective Communication is Required
Finally, career professionals help their clients communicate their relevance through the various media in play, resume, biography, intro letters, LinkedIn profile, etc. Their clients have good overall communication skills but find it difficult to present themselves. I was surprised to learn that this is common even among the best sales and marketing professionals. They can sell another’s product but not themselves. A career professional will help them craft and communicate an effective message.
The result of this approach is the clients find the best situation in the least amount of time.
It is said that a man who represents himself as his own attorney in a court of law has a fool for a client. I must agree! There are times when we need the expertise of others. We cannot possess all the skills necessary to handle every situation. A different perspective can be valuable. Hiring a professional career coach can be a good investment, especially in this uncertain environment.
I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox. Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.
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The October 2020 issue of Atlanta Magazine, in partnership with an independent research firm QMI Research, named Kevin Garrett as a 2020 FIVE Star Wealth Manager. This is the seventh consecutive year (2014-2020) that he has received this award and the eighth (2012) in nine years. Kevin is a partner of Integrated Financial Group, a consortium of professional advisors.
“I’m appreciative of the recognition of this award. While it’s great to be included in this group, we always strive to improve our client’s experiences, like our Return On Life program which is designed to give our clients the best chance to live their ideal life,” Garrett commented.
Kevin specializes in employee compensation planning such as stock options for business executives. He also works with women going through a life transition such as a divorce or death of a spouse, as well as professional athletes and their family.
The Five Star program is the largest and most widely published wealth manager award program in North America. As part of the updated research process for the Five Star Wealth Manager program, firms and peers nominate award candidates. Award candidates are evaluated against 10 objective criteria to determine the Five Star Wealth Managers in more than 40 major markets.
The updated Five Star Wealth Manager award process includes:
Eligibility Criteria – Required:
Credentialed as an investment advisory representative or a registered investment advisor.
Actively employed as a credentialed professional in the financial services industry for a minimum of five years.
Favorable regulatory and compliant history review.
Fulfilled their firm review based on internal firm standard.
3,314 Atlanta wealth managers were considered for the award; 268 (8% of candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers
You can see the listing in the October edition of ATLANTA Magazine.
Integrated Financial Group
Kevin Garrett – Integrated Financial Group
My firm specializes in working with people that experience what we call “Sudden Income.” Typically the income came from one of these events:
1) Accessing and Managing Retirement Assets
2) A Performance Contract (Typically a Sports or Entertainment Contract)
3) Divorce Settlement
4) Inheritance or Insurance Payout
5) Sale of a Business or Stock Options
6) A Personal Injury Settlement
I believe the unique nature of these events requires specialized professional experience, empathy, and communication to deal with both the financial changes and the life changes that inevitably come with them.
My clients value my ability to simplify complex strategies into an actionable plan. They also appreciate that I am open, non-judging, and easy to talk to about their dreams and fears. Each client defines financial success differently and my goal is to guide them from where they are now to where they want to be. As my client’s advisor, my goal is to provide them with a lifetime income stream, improving returns, protecting their funds, and managing taxes.
Firm Specialties:
Retirement Planning For Business Owners & Executives
Woman’s Unique Financial Planning Needs
Professional Athletes
Investment/Asset Allocation Advice
Estate Planning
Risk Management
Strategic Planning
Kevin was listed in The Wall Street Journal as “One of the Financial Advisors In The Southeast That You Need To Know”
Kevin was listed in Forbes Magazine’s Annual Financial Edition as a Five Star Financial Advisor
Kevin has been awarded the Five Star Professional Wealth Manager in Atlanta Magazine in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017,2018, and 2019.
Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers.
KEVIN GARRETT, AWMA, CFS
Integrated Financial Group
200 Ashford Center North, Ste. 400 | Atlanta, GA 30338
Wednesday night, I did something I have not done in a long time. I am glad I had the opportunity to do so! When I say, ‘a long time,’ I mean long before the appearance of Covid-19. Wednesday, I enjoyed a five-hour dinner meeting with a friend and his business associates. The venue was my favorite Cigar-friendly Steakhouse in the Northern Suburbs of Atlanta. This meeting included cocktails and a fabulous dinner followed by cigars. As we began our meeting at 6:00 p.m., I made it home before midnight. It was beyond my usual bedtime, yet manageable.
The Invitation
At the beginning of the month, my friend Tom asked if I was available to join him on the 21st for Steaks and Cigars. He said that a friend was coming to town on business and we should meet. As I said, the location is a personal favorite. I happily accepted. Fifteen years ago, I placed Tom as a CFO for a regional restaurant brand. He recently retired from that company, having survived several ownership changes. It was a long but productive evening.
Arrival and Introductions
Cabernet Steakhouse
I arrived promptly at 6:00 p.m. and joined our party already in the first round of drinks. Tom greeted me, then introduced Jeff, our host. Then Jeff introduced his colleagues. We spent the next hour getting to know one another over cocktails. As this was our first meeting, we took our time, sharing background information, both personal and professional. It was a free-flowing conversation, often taking short detours to discuss tangential topics. We found that we shared many interests. No one was in a particular hurry to order dinner.
Getting to Know you
We enjoyed a good exchange of ideas. We shared perspectives and insights about the state of the economy and explored how we might work together. We also discussed opportunities that may present themselves. Tom told us that although he was retired, he is open to interesting opportunities. He talked about his consulting work with a mutual friend. I encouraged him to consider work as a fractional CFO. This role is in great demand and would provide him a lot of flexibility. In fact, our host came to realize that he needs the benefits of a good CFO. Tom may have landed his first gig, with a little help and encouragement from me.
It was not all business of course. Much of our discussion was about where we grew up, places we lived and visited, and personal interests. We found that we shared many interesting experiences. It was a great time, catching up with an old friend and meeting new folks.
Food – Beverages – Cigars
Cabernet Steakhouse
Thankfully, I maintained discipline over my food and drink intake throughout the evening. Two pints of Guinness over five hours is well below my limit. Although the quantity of food ordered was more than ample, I controlled myself in that area too. The remainder of the evening was for casual conversation with fine cigars and cocktails. After six hours of sleep, I felt completely normal. My self-control meant that I was better equipped to connect with my hosts.
The Turning Point
I am convinced that this week was a personal turning point. This is the first time, since the beginning of the pandemic, that I feel that I am back to a normal routine. Tuesday night I attended a live event with another group. Although it was of a shorter duration, it included over 50 people. As I write this post, I am looking forward to two more ‘one-on-one’ meetings before the end of the week.
My Takeaway
Cabernet Steakhouse
One should not underestimate the value of personal contact. Hearing different perspectives from people you know and respect, is most useful. For example, Tuesday I received validation for my strategy working with a coaching client. I received further validation regarding my belief that tenures are shortening, especially for more seasoned executives.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to close a business deal without building a relationship. It requires a personal connection. It is difficult to become more effective without speaking to people who have faced similar situations. I cannot be sure, but I believe it is time to get on with our lives, including a renewed focus on strengthening personal relationships.
I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox. Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.
Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.
It’s that time again! Time to make New Year’s resolutions. I suppose I’m like most people who revel in the excitement of starting a new year. In many respects, the new year offers the promise of a new beginning or an opportunity for change. It’s fun to share New Year’s resolutions and I’m sure that we’re all serious about achieving our goals. Regrettably, within a few months, most people have given up on their New Year’s resolutions. Business, on the other hand, is a different story. Companies don’t have New Year’s Resolutions. They have a vision and objectives. My experience is that a business is more likely to achieve its goals. Why is that?
I talked with many people over the past few weeks and have learned much about their plans for 2020. My friend Faith plans to start a supper club to explore new food dishes and to get back to the art of dining at home. One of my Associates at ITB Partners has created a strategy to develop multiple blogs, monetized through advertising and affiliate programs. He realizes that becoming profitable may take as much as two years, but he is excited about his prospects.
I am working with clients who want to change careers in 2020. Some are between situations and have the flexibility to explore new options while others are gainfully employed but desire a better situation.
These conversations were most interesting. Of course, the most typical resolutions are about personal development; simplifying lives, losing weight, improving diets, and to follow a healthier lifestyle. Continuing education and developing new skills are also popular. I also enjoyed hearing from those who didn’t have plans to change anything other than to do better executing their current strategies.
My favorite morning talk show host is changing his strategy to include more knowledgeable pundits who can talk from a strategic perspective. I have a few initiatives that I want to pursue, including a seminar program to attract more clients.
While preparing my thoughts for this post, I found an article that listed 20 goals for entrepreneurs in 2020. Whereas the goals proposed are relevant for most, the focus of the article was on goal setting. The article even recapped the SMART formula. It didn’t devote any ink on how to achieve those goals. Maybe that is part of the problem.
Exploring this issue over the Holidays, I reviewed my favorite YouTube and podcast channels. One point that resonated profoundly was made by James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits. He talks about making small, manageable changes that generate other changes, which cumulatively make a big impact. I like that idea. I like the thought of finding a linchpin to provide leverage for other goals.
Another point Clear makes is that one needs a system to achieve their goals. This opinion is shared by Scott Adams, the creator of the Dilbert cartoon. Adams is much more direct as he says “goals are useless, without a system.” I concur with this point; a system is required to achieve a goal. Another word for a system is routine.
I find this to be a valid perspective! It reminds me of my early career in strategic planning and analysis. The planning process we followed included strategies and tactics (a system) to ensure the desired result. We also established timetables and mechanisms to track our progress. It was a useful process that required serious thought about how to realize our goals. We had a system. Our focus was on executing the strategy.
This year, my primary resolution is to lose the ten pounds I gained between Halloween and New Year’s Day. I am confident I will be successful, as I have a plan and a system to achieve that goal. I have several important business goals for 2020 as well. I haven’t completed the plan to achieve those goals yet. However, as I consider planning one of my greatest strengths, I am confident that I will achieve those goals as well.
Thank you for visiting our blog.
I hope you enjoyed our point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox. Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.
Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is very important to me so; please leave a comment.
It is Prime Time! The end of 2022 is upon us, and the celebration is beginning. You may be attending a lot of parties and networking events. In keeping with the season, it makes sense to offer some advice and guidance to ensure you have a productive month.
The Holiday Season is all about bringing people together. It is a time of celebration, reflection, and anticipation for the New Year. It’s a time for networking groups to schedule events to close the year. This month, you can meet people you want to add to your business network or social circle. These events are target-rich environments to identify and connect with influencers. Although each event will have a specific focus, you can exercise some leverage. In other words, social events can generate proper job-search connections, while professional networking events may result in social opportunities.
As you contemplate your calendar for December, begin with a plan. Determine what you want to accomplish this month. If you are between situations or looking to move, you may be looking for people to help you locate your next job. In this case, you should try to attend as many events as possible. Of course, you will necessarily want to prioritize your time for friends and family. Religious activities are an essential consideration. If there is a conflict, all things being equal, opt for the event that best supports your objectives for the month. In some cases, you may be able to attend multiple events, dividing your time between them on the same day.
Set a goal for each party! Begin with the guest list. Who do you want to meet? Plan to meet specific people who may be helpful. Learn who will attend each event and determine who you want to meet. Researching guests is a lot easier today, as more and more event planners are using online applications to manage attendance. Those applications will notify you as others accept the invitation, so you will know who plans to attend. Then, you can cross-reference individuals to their LinkedIn profiles.
Time is short. Be strategic! The objective is to meet influential people, gain their interest, and schedule a follow-on meeting. Make a good impression, so they will want to help you. Leverage your friends, family, and acquaintances to help identify these influencers. Ensure your elevator pitch and appropriate variations are well-honed and committed to memory. Bring business cards to distribute. Make notes on the back of each card you receive to send a personalized message. Remember, ask to schedule a meeting. Additionally, become connected to these folks on LinkedIn. Everyone is a potential lead to a job, so introduce yourself to someone new.
Stay focused on your objective. Your approach will differ depending on whether the event is business-related networking or more of a social event. If the event is for business networking, stay focused on business. If the event is a social gathering, be sociable. As you get to know the other party, there is nothing wrong with learning about their occupation, whether in a social setting or their interests, if at a networking event. Begin with casual conversation. Ask questions, including advice. Listen with interest. Stay away from religion, politics, or other potentially sensitive issues, unless you are talking with like-minded friends or associates
Here are some parting thoughts. Maintain a friendly, positive attitude and smile. You will attract more interesting people. Dress appropriately. You don’t want to stand out negatively. Eventually, most people will migrate in your direction. Don’t overindulge in food or alcohol. Remember to thank the host before leaving, and later, send a thank you note. Enjoy yourself; the Holiday Season can be a lot of fun!
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you enjoyed my point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox. Toward this end, 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.
Without a doubt, 2020 will be unforgettable. To say, “it was the year that everything changed,” maybe an overstatement, but not by much. However, it is safe to say the pace of change accelerated in 2020. You know exactly what I am talking about. There is no need to recap experiences that are still fresh in your mind.
It is Prime Time! The end of 2022 is upon us, and the celebration is beginning. You may be attending a lot of parties and networking events. In keeping with the season, it makes sense to offer some advice and guidance to ensure you have a productive month.