InStep Consulting Founder to Teach BizAcademy for NYC Youth

Beginning Monday July 31, I'll be teaching BizAcademy to high school students from Opening Doors and Building Bridges Youth Development & After School Program. Sponsored by salesforce.com/foundation, BizAcademy offers offers students from underserved urban school districts an opportunity they might not otherwise receive – the chance to run their own business.

In this ten-day entrepreneurial workshop, high school students will gain hands-on experience while learning business basics. Teams will be responsible for managing all phases of their businesses including prototyping ideas, pitching to investors, manufacturing, marketing and selling office-related products. Participants will use salesforce.com’s on-demand CRM solution to track revenues and expenses and to manage contacts.

I'm excited to help these youth gain fundamental business skills and discover their competent advantageTM!

Stay tuned for more posts about their accomplishments -- including a “Sales Bazaar” at the West Side YMCA on Thursday, August 10th.

Ladies, Do You Know What You're Worth?

According to Linda Babcock, Carnegie Mellon University economics professor, many women sacrific more than $500,000 over their professional lives by not negotiating their salaries. She surveyed 2002 and 2003 MBA graduates and found that 52% of the men had negotiated their salaries, while only 12% of the women had done the same.

Babcock, author of Women Don't Ask, found those who negotiated received 7% to 8% more than they were initially offered. So, what holds us back?

We've discussed this topic previously in this community. In fact, Nina pointed us to another Babcock 2003 Harvard Business School study that described three key factors:

1. Socialization: being taught that it's not appropriate to ask for what we want
2. Penalization: being reprimanded or denied opportunities because we are seen as being "pushy" when negotiating
3. Frustration: leaving the situation instead of using our skills as leverage points for growth

In the spirit of career portabilityTM, I'd suggest that we must resist the socialization trends and make the ask. Try to minimize penalization by being conscious of your communication style and attempting to adapt your communication techniques based on your target audience.

And, most of all, don't let frustration cause you to leave something on the table! Be prepared -- know what you have accomplished in your current (and previous) roles. Know the average salary ranges for your industry and position.

Ladies (and gents), I'd love to hear from you. Do you have success stories to share? Lessons that you've learned? Advice that you'd like to pass along?

Meet Komal Gulzar -- Intern with InStep Consulting

As I mentioned in my last post, InStep Consulting has an intern from Brooklyn College. I asked Komal to share some initial thoughts on her internship experience. Read on ... I think we ALL can gain some career tips from Komal!

CE: Why did you decide to do an internship this summer?
KG: I wanted to explore a new field in business management and learn about what this industry has to offer me once I graduate with a bachelor’s degree. I had the opportunity to get insight into the accounting and finance fields last year. So, I chose Business Consulting this summer. I was curious about what role a consultant plays and how he/she helps businesses. So far, I have learned that a consultant helps the employer and the employees bond to improve communication and effectiveness on both sides.

CE: What do you hope to gain from your internship?
KG: In the end, it’s all about the experience. Experience helps us make better choices and decide which career to pick. Why would we choose one career and not the other? It all depends on the quality of experience we have.
In my opinion, there are two types of internship experiences: one where we just "kill time" to fulfill the program requirements. We play a passive role and just expect the internship to be a good experience.
The second type makes all the difference. This is when we really put a lot of effort into it. We’re curious and ask a lot of questions. We want to know every little detail about every thing at the host site. We not only ask how something is done, but also why not do it some other way. Even if we’re not really interested in this field, we take it as a challenge and try to meet our goals.

CE: What advice would you give your fellow JFEW interns? (Jewish Foundation for the Education of Women)
KG: In short, we should treat our internships as if they were our first jobs. We should clarify that what we do in an internship is not for the supervisor or somebody else, but for ourselves.
Yes, we do help the company in the process; but the goal is to learn. And, if we don’t put our hearts into it, we’re not helping anybody, but wasting everybody’s time. Think of it as if it were for your own business or company. Wear what you do.

CE: Tell us what YOU think!
KG: Your answers to these questions might be different – maybe you want to explore a new field or to discover something new about an industry you’re already interested in. Don't take my word for it; experience it for yourself and then share your thoughts with the rest of us. We would love to hear from you!

InStep Consulting has a Summer Intern!

I'm excited to report that my company, InStep Consulting, is benefiting from a young woman who is taking advantage of the summer to develop her skills and advance her career.

Komal Gulzar, a senior at Brooklyn College, is helping out with market research and business development activities. She comes to InStep via the College's Magner Center for Career Development and Internships. It's been great working with her and sharing some insight into the world of consulting.

I've invited her to share her perspective on the internship and her career goals with this community. So, keep an eye out for her postings over the next few weeks!

Take Advantage of the Summer

The days are longer -- the weather is warmer (hopefully it's not raining where you are). How will you take advantage of the summer to further your career objectives?

Is there one NEW activity you can try that might help you achieve a short-term goal? How about finding a NEW ...

• Volunteer opportunity that enables you to enhance a key skill -- maybe there's even an outdoor component! OR ...
• Magazine or journal that will update you on latest trends in your industry -- handy for those long bus/train rides to the beach!

Switch it up a bit -- check out the local cafes in your neighborhood as you walk home. Maybe one of them has a special evening for networking activities (book club, meet-'n-greet, etc.) -- great ways to take advantage of the air conditioning AND meet new people!

What do you think? Post your suggestions for fun ways to take advantage of the summer!

Competent Advantage Session June 13 at 6:30 PM

For those of you in the New York area, please join me tomorrow evening for a Competent AdvantageTM networking event hosted by the Black Ivy Alumni League.

The event is Tuesday, June 13 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM in midtown Manhattan. As usual, it will be an interactive workshop in which you'll have the opportunity to analyze your personal competencies for personal growth and career advancement.

RSVP NOW! Save $3.00 if you pre-pay in advance via PayPal.

The Black Ivy Alumni League is committed to cultivating the community of over 50,000 alumni of African descent by serving as a professional development resource and promoting civic engagement. I am honored to be part of their activities. I hope to see you tomorrow!

Is Your Job on the Endangered Careers List?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for some jobs is expected to decline rapidly between now and 2014. Due to technology advances and factory automation, some of these declining job functions are “Operators,” including:

• Computer Operators (believe it or not!)
• Mail-Machine Operators
• Telephone Operators

Also mentioned were Stock Clerks, Telemarketers and Secretaries (EXCEPT Legal, Medical and Executive Secretaries). Even if your current job function isn’t on the BLS Endangered Careers list, you should be proactive and figure out your Career Portability™ Factor.

What do I mean? Well, Merriam-Webster Online defines portable as: “capable of being moved especially with ease.” From a career management perspective, it means determining what things you can easily take with you from one job to the next. No, I’m not referring to your stapler or mouse pad! I’m talking about your skills and work-related qualities that will help you succeed in your next opportunity.

The first step in figuring out your Career Portability Factor™ is a self-assessment. You might start by answering the following question:

If you had to pack up and leave your job tomorrow, what skills would you put in your briefcase?

Your answers will come from reviewing your assignments, accomplishments and responsibilities in your current role. What have you done? How have you added value to your organization? Under what conditions have you achieved your success? For each of the accomplishments and responsibilities, make a list of the associated skills and qualities. This is the first component of your Career Portability Factor™.

Later, we’ll talk about how to position your Career Portability Factor™ when you're seeking new opportunities.

What's Your Summer Outlook? (audio)

Discover Your Competent Advantage on May 17!

Just a quick reminder ....

The Manhattan Chapter of National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. will host my next Competent AdvantageTM seminar on:

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

6:00 - 8:00 PM

at

281 Park Avenue South (at East 22nd Street)

Donation: $20.00
RSVP: ncbwmanhattanchapter@yahoo.com
Phone: (212) 642-3758

Come out to Refresh, Renew and Review Your Career!

What's Your Career Portability Quotient? (audio)

Refresh, Review and Renew your Career in May!

Spring is finally here -- time to shake off the winter cobwebs and refresh, review and renew! We kicked it off in March with an FUN anniversary party at Mannahatta -- thanks to all who came out to support! We're going to continue with three upcoming Competent Advantage TM seminars.

On Wednesday, May 3, I'll be helping Brooklyn's best and brightest graduating seniors from 14 colleges and universities market themselves to prospective employers. The Brooklyn College to Career Expo at the New York Marriott at Brooklyn Bridge will host 75-100 actively recruiting employers. The Competent Advantage TM seminar, at 9:30 AM in Salon A, will focus on practical strategies to develop a personal marketing pitch and enhance your job search portfolio.

On Wednesday, May 17, the Manhattan Chapter of National Coalition of 100 Black Women is hosting a Competent Advantage TM seminar to educate members and the wider community on career advancement and leadership development. At 6:30 PM, we'll be discussing practical ways to leverage your strengths and succeed in the workplace. The Manhattan Chapter of NCBW is dedicated to advocacy, leadership, and gender equity. This is accomplished through mentorship and a series of conferences, networking and special events. I'm excited to be part of their spring professional development programming!

On Tuesday, May 23, I'll be chatting with women entrepreneurs at the Network Enterprise, hosted at the Grace Institute. From 6-7:00 PM, we'll be talking shop about marketing and expanding small business enterprises. Like me, the Grace Institute believes in building a base for continuous professional and personal growth. I can't wait to meet all of you fabulous entrepreneurs!

How will YOU refresh, review and renew YOUR career this spring?

If Your Career Were a Snake, Would It Bite You in the ...?

I had an illuminating experience last week that led me to pose this question to you. The experience involved shipping and packaging. So, you might ask: “How is this related to my career development?” Please indulge me, and read on!

My company, InStep Consulting, recently submitted a proposal to an organization seeking training and development services. Due to the critical nature, I decided to call the Purchasing department on the due date to confirm our proposal had been received. I’d already tracked the package via FedEx, and noted it had been recorded as delivered at 9:37 AM. However, at 10:00 AM, the Purchasing department could not locate our proposal. I made a follow-up call to FedEx to confirm what I read on their website. Of course, the representative could not offer any new information; however, he did offer to contact the driver to confirm that the package had been delivered to the organization’s office (not just the building). In the meantime, I emailed a copy of the delivery confirmation I’d downloaded off the website to the Purchasing director.

I’ll fast-forward to my last conversation with the Purchasing director that afternoon, which went something like this:

PD: “The delivery confirmation you sent does not show a delivery address. Are you sure that your package was addressed correctly?”
CE: “Yes, the package was addressed to your organization to the attention of your proposal reviewer. I provided your shipping address to my production company, Printers-R-Us. Printers-R-Us shipped my proposal to you directly.”
PD: “Wait a minute, did you say Printers-R-Us?”
CE: “Yes, why do you ask?”
PD: “Oh, I have a package from Printers-R-Us right here – it’s been here since early this morning! I was looking for a proposal from InStep Consulting. You’re all set!”

Ok, maybe you’re still wondering why I chose to recall this story. Upon reflecting on my experience, I thought of some potential applications. When things are too close, we can’t always see the whole picture. For example, when you hold a book too close to your face, the words are too blurry to read.

In your career, have you ever missed out on a project or opportunity that was right “under your nose?” When you found out about it later, did you wonder how you overlooked it? Luckily, in this story, I was able to help the director find the proverbial “snake” (or proposal) by describing a bit about our production process. That conversation helped her to “adjust her lens” and find the package on her desk. Are you able to step back and “adjust your lens” to discover potentially hidden career opportunities?

The miscommunication described in my story also can apply to career development and exploration. The director was looking for a proposal (and, thus, a package) with my company’s name. While the proposal inside clearly indicated my company name, the package more clearly referenced the production company. Does your “career packaging” – perhaps in the form of a resume or cover letter – convey the best impression of your accomplishments?

Just food for thought -- let me know what you think. Take care, and don’t let the career “snake” bite YOU!

Spring Forward into 2nd Quarter!

So, did you remember to turn your clocks ahead today? Besides entering daylight savings time (well, those of us in the US whose states follow this protocol) we've just "sprung" into a new quarter.

How will you stay on track and leverage your Competent AdvantageTM in the second quarter?

Last April (in preparation for tax filing), we talked about federal education tax credits and company tuition reimbursement programs -- two great options to help you receive training and keep your skills current.

• As you think about your upcoming projects and responsibilities, what new skills would be helpful to learn in this quarter?

In February, we talked about how a change of scenery can help us to stay motivated. It's important to take breaks and "unplug" so that you can retain the right level of energy to fulfill your goals and commitments.

• As you think about the next few months, how will you recharge and get re-energized?

With warmer weather often comes the desire to get out of the house and socialize! Professional associations and volunteer opportunities are superb options to network and meet people in/outside your industry.

• As you think ahead, what events or activities would be relevant for you to attend?

These are just a few suggestions that come to mind. What do YOU have in mind?

More Thoughts on Staying Motivating at Work

On Wednesday, I was on the Martha Stewart LIVING show on Sirius Radio 112. I had a BLAST chatting with Career Talk host Maggie Mistal about ways to stay motivated in the office. People called in from as far away as Indiana!

We talked about motivation from both the employee and manager perspective. Today, I wanted to share my TOP 3 Strategies for Managers to Motivate their Employees:

1. Set appropriate expectations – as you create job descriptions and define project responsibilities. Give people a “line of sight” on how what they do contributes to your company’s success. People want to see where their jobs might take them. Help your employees see the internal career paths so you don’t lose their intellectual capital to your competitors!
2. Keep communication lines open – Talk with your employees to find out how they’re doing on a regular basis, not just during annual performance discussions.
3. Use creative incentives – Effective incentives can include non-monetary recognitions of a "job well done," such as a feature in the company newsletter, or an opportunity to represent your team or company at a special event.

Thanks, again, to Maggie for having me on her show! :-)

Reminder: Get Sirius about Your Career on March 15th!

Just a quick reminder that TOMORROW, March 15th at 6:00 PM EST, I’ll be on Martha Stewart LIVING Sirius Channel 112. I’ll be a guest on the Career Talk show sharing tips on staying motivated in your career exploration.

As a preview, I’d like to share my TOP 5 Strategies for staying motivated in the workplace:

1. Recruit the right team: surround yourself with people who both support and challenge you. This can be a mix of people you work with, friends, family or other colleagues. Pick the RIGHT PEOPLE and you’ll get the RIGHT ENERGY!
2. Create the right environment: figure out where in your office you are most productive. This might be at your desk, in a conference room or the cafeteria. When you need to focus on a task, go to that space to heighten your concentration. If you have less flexibility to move around, envision a FUN WORKSPACE, then CREATE IT!
3. Plan for small successes: “chunk” your projects and goals into short-term objectives. That way, you’ll have little WINS to celebrate along the way.
4. Build rewards into your work plan: celebrate as you achieve your short-term objectives. Remember to value your accomplishments, even as you plan ahead for future endeavors.
5. Do the work: find a way to get started. Start with an aspect of the task that you enjoy or that is simple to complete. Then, work your way up to the less pleasing, more challenging aspects. The sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll be done – “just do it!”

What do you think? Post your questions and comments here, or call into the show TOMORROW at: 866-675-6675.

Sell Yourself into your "Dream Job!"

On the first birthday of Competent AdvantageTM, I’m excited to launch a NEW FEATURE for our online community. Each month, one of my HR colleagues will give us an “inside scoop” on career development and transition strategies.

Our first HR professional to share her views is Karen Robinson, Account Manager with Career Blazers, Inc. Career Blazers offers Temporary Staffing, Legal Staffing and Permanent Placement services to Fortune 500 companies in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.

Since January 2003, Karen has managed recruiting for Career Blazers’ premier clients. (Think financial services, advertising, and other leading industries!) Karen describes recruiting as a “puzzle” – the client has one piece, the candidate another. She enjoys helping make the pieces fit together. Blazing her own trail in staffing and recruiting since 1992, Karen knows a thing or two about how to position oneself during a job search or career transition.

Here are Karen’s TOP 10 Suggestions to “Sell Yourself into Your Dream Job!”:

1. Network, network, network – in creative environments so that you can practice telling your story in a relaxed environment.
2. Join and participate in organizations – be active so that you can be noticed for your talents and “competent advantage.TM”
3. Identify the trends and changes in your field of interest.
4. Incorporate visualization into your life. – If you can see it, it will become your reality.
5. Research, research, research – identify competitors, latest news or anything that will give you an “educated edge.”
6. Set goals – daily, weekly and monthly to help you plan ahead.
7. Incorporate time management into everything you do.
8. Have a current reference letter from a former supervisor or someone in upper management that highlights your accomplishments.
9. Go on “Interview Runs” – Seek out opportunities to practice your interviewing skills, especially if you have been out of the market for a while.
10. Once you “land,” spend the first few weeks getting the lay of the land. – Figure out who’s who, how the team works, and how upper management handles team relations.

So, what do YOU think? Have you tried any of these strategies? Which ones have worked best for you?

It's hard to pick the best one, but I rely a lot on # 5 – research. With all of our gadgets and technology, you can stay on top of trends in your industry in so many ways! It’s important during a search or transition to demonstrate how you can add value to an organization (using your skills and competencies). Staying aware of “in-demand” skills in your industry will help you know which previous experiences to highlight in an interview, or what training you might seek to improve your proficiency.

Thanks, again, to Karen for sharing her tips with the Competent AdvantageTM community!

Colette gets “Sirius” about Career Development on March 15th!

SAVE THE DATE!

On Wednesday, March 15th at 6:00 PM Eastern, I’ll be on Martha Stewart Living Radio revealing tips on how to stay motivated during your career exploration.

You will have three ways to ask me questions and share your experiences:

1. CALL IN to the show at 1-866-675-6675
2. POST your question here in the Competent Advantage TM community
3. EMAIL your question to me at info@instepconsulting.com

If I answer your question or share your story on the air, I'll be sure to keep the source confidential unless you tell me otherwise.

If you’re not already a Sirius satellite radio customer, you can sign up for a FREE TRIAL at: http://www.sirius.com/WhatIsIt/TryIt

Hope to chat with you on March 15th!

Competent Advantage will be 1-Year Old NEXT MONTH!

It's hard to believe that the Competent Advantage community began with the first post on March 1, 2005! I'm looking forward to another great year of dialogue and information exchange.

Stay tuned for exciting programs and events to celebrate this milestone! This includes my upcoming feature on Martha Stewart Living Radio!

Take care, Colette

Get Motivated with a Quick Change in Scenery

View of Salt Lake City landscape from The Garden at Temple Square (2/2/2006)

In the Competent Advantage TM workshop, we ask: If you had a completely free day, what would you do?

We ask that you reflect on your "free day fantasies" as a first step to discovering your personal motivators and drives. A key goal of the program is to help you align your role/function with your motivators to create opportunities for career success.

"So, what does this have to do with Salt Lake City?", you may ask. Well, a change in scenery often can be motivational. I had the opportunity to visit Salt Lake yesterday on business. I didn't have a completely "free day;" but, I did have time to enjoy my view of the Wasatch mountain range during my lunch break. I walked away from the trip rejuvenated -- open space and great landscapes just do that for me!

How does this align with my career/business?

1. I am determined to explore ways to develop additional business west of the Mississippi
2. And, I took advantage of a new technology -- mobile blogging -- to share this picture with you!

How will you leverage your "free day fantasies"?

PS -- I sent this message using PIX-FLIX Messaging service from Verizon Wireless! To learn how you can snap pictures with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/getitnow/getpix.

Can Pension Plan changes impact your Career Development?

Alcoa recently announced changes to its defined benefit pension plan (no longer will it be offered to new employees beginning March 1, 2006). The plan for new employees will be replaced by a 401(k) plan with defined company contributions and company match of employee contributions. Recent accounting regulation changes suggest that Alcoa will not be alone in making adjustments to company retirement plans.

Not linked to career development, you may think? What does this trend signal for your career?

Employee contributions to retirement and healthcare plans have become the modus operandi for most companies. I’m sure most of us have become quite accustomed to it. However, these aren’t the only HR arenas in which some of the responsibility has been shifted to employees.

Another trend has been the move towards self-directed learning. “What’s that?” you may ask. Well, you may recognize it as e-learning or online courses you can take at your desk, on your laptop or even from your home computer. Or, maybe you have the ability to apply for tuition reimbursement that enables you to continue your education or pursue an advanced degree.

I’m not necessarily debating the pros or cons of self-directed learning (although I’m eager to hear your views). However, this trend strongly suggests you adopt a proactive approach to your career development:

• Make it a point this year to become aware of all learning options (formal and informal) that your organization offers.
• Figure out which ones will be beneficial for your current (or your next) opportunity.
• Create an action-oriented development plan … in other words, “just do it!”

Let 2006 be the year you take charge of your career!