We have just started a brand new company called Better Life Group where we will be selling a new type of personality and employee testing/assessment program. IT would take far too long here to explain it, but if you go and visit our website, www.betterlifeanalysis.com you'll see what it's all about. It's not religion, spirituality or anything like that at all. It's all about self improvement on the personal side and making better hiring decisions as a company.
I hope that you'll go and check it out...
Friday, June 5, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Feel Better in a lousy economy
ALL IN A DAYS WORK:
If you’ve gotten to know me at all in the last thirteen years we’ve been in business, you know that it would be easy for me to write you some sort of “feel good bulls#%t” that would leave you thinking everything is going to be fine and dandy. I could tell you that at any moment roses and lollipops and new jobs for everyone would be falling out of the sky, but then that would have about as weight and honesty as a Paula Abdul American Idol review.
But you know what? Even though things out there are really bad, it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of everything or that it’s time to panic. In fact according to my watch, the time to panic doesn’t officially come until next week. So see, there’s absolutely no pressure or anything to worry about.
Look let’s be honest, we’re not getting the same number of job openings we did a couple of years ago. A good number of the positions we’ve been recruiting on have gone on hold. But there are still clients out there looking for and hiring quality people.
As Recruiters/Salespeople that means we have to work harder to find new clients/positions and so far we’ve been able to do that on a relatively frequent basis.
What does this mean for you?
It means that given the tight market, if you are on the outside looking in your resume needs to be sharp and to the point. It means that your interviewing skills need to be at your very best. These two things, Crossroads Consulting can help you with.
Crossroads has a top notch resume service that charges far less than any of the other services I’ve seen out there
Crossroads can also help your interviewing technique. We have an affordable service for that as well.
Those are the basics. However, what is your mental state of mind? Are you putting yourself in a position mentally when you go on these interviews to excel at them? Trust me on this one, if you’re feeling the heat and it shows on your countenance, then you’re in trouble, not only on interviews but for your personal well being also.
Because I’m feeling the heat as much as any of you, maybe more since we’ve lived on straight commission for the last thirteen years and have to support a wife and two kids, and pay the mortgage AND the business expenses to boot. I’ve been struggling emotionally with dealing with this as much as any of you out there.
I went looking for some answers to try and deal with all of this and I think I found an answer that has really helped. I wasn’t and am not interested in a religious answer, been there done that, and we’re far too skeptical to get wrapped up in some sort of oddball New Age nonsense either. What I found was a great company run by Mike Hartman who was a member of the 1994 New York Rangers Stanley Cup Championship team. Since leaving hockey, Mike has dedicated himself to learning and studying the “axiology” of success and successful people. As a result, Mike has become one of the few Certified Axiological Practitioners in the world. If you’re unfamiliar with what “axiology” is you’re not alone. I had no idea what it was either. What it means, is “the study of values.” It’s a new science that was initiated by a Nobel Prize nominee and is one of the most fascinating areas of human development I’ve ever seen.
I took what is called a “Valuescan.” To be honest, I was VERY skeptical of this thing being anything more than a just another personality test that would show nothing and basically be a waste of time. However, what I discovered was just how wrong I was. The results of the test as Mike shared them with me were some of the most eye-opening and revealing things I’ve ever experienced.
Ever since I took the test I’ve begun doing the various steps of what is called “The Playbook.” It’s a thought provoking eighteen month process to a better state of mind/attitude and instructs how to be better in my ability to focus and accomplish whatever task(s) at hand.
For me, this has been nothing short of a miracle. Despite all the negativity and problems I’m still facing...and believe me there are a TON of them, as a lifelong insomnia sufferer, I’ve been getting restful and peaceful sleep for the first time in as long as I can remember. I’m feeling “real” hope, not the lyrical nonsense being espoused in Washington and I’ve begun taking better care of myself for the first time in years. My mood is better and I’m getting back into the game.
As a result I’ve partnered with Mike’s company, Better Life Training, and formed my own company that you can find on the web at BetterLifeAnalysis.com.
The Valuescan test and individualized analysis from Mike himself normally costs $200. If you wanted to buy “The Playbook” its $240 more. It can be paid in a lump sum or can be financed at zero percent interest by credit card at $40 a month.
However, for those who sign up at BetterLifeAnalysis.com and make the onetime $200 payment we will include the Playbook FREE. You SAVE $240 just for making the onetime payment.
I sincerely believe in this service and wouldn’t offer it to anyone if I wasn’t thoroughly convinced that it will help you as much as it has helped me. Ultimately, it should pay off for you not only in a better job, but a BETTER LIFE as well.
We’re back again with you next month.
Till then, let’s “unlock your peak performance...”
If you’ve gotten to know me at all in the last thirteen years we’ve been in business, you know that it would be easy for me to write you some sort of “feel good bulls#%t” that would leave you thinking everything is going to be fine and dandy. I could tell you that at any moment roses and lollipops and new jobs for everyone would be falling out of the sky, but then that would have about as weight and honesty as a Paula Abdul American Idol review.
But you know what? Even though things out there are really bad, it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of everything or that it’s time to panic. In fact according to my watch, the time to panic doesn’t officially come until next week. So see, there’s absolutely no pressure or anything to worry about.
Look let’s be honest, we’re not getting the same number of job openings we did a couple of years ago. A good number of the positions we’ve been recruiting on have gone on hold. But there are still clients out there looking for and hiring quality people.
As Recruiters/Salespeople that means we have to work harder to find new clients/positions and so far we’ve been able to do that on a relatively frequent basis.
What does this mean for you?
It means that given the tight market, if you are on the outside looking in your resume needs to be sharp and to the point. It means that your interviewing skills need to be at your very best. These two things, Crossroads Consulting can help you with.
Crossroads has a top notch resume service that charges far less than any of the other services I’ve seen out there
Crossroads can also help your interviewing technique. We have an affordable service for that as well.
Those are the basics. However, what is your mental state of mind? Are you putting yourself in a position mentally when you go on these interviews to excel at them? Trust me on this one, if you’re feeling the heat and it shows on your countenance, then you’re in trouble, not only on interviews but for your personal well being also.
Because I’m feeling the heat as much as any of you, maybe more since we’ve lived on straight commission for the last thirteen years and have to support a wife and two kids, and pay the mortgage AND the business expenses to boot. I’ve been struggling emotionally with dealing with this as much as any of you out there.
I went looking for some answers to try and deal with all of this and I think I found an answer that has really helped. I wasn’t and am not interested in a religious answer, been there done that, and we’re far too skeptical to get wrapped up in some sort of oddball New Age nonsense either. What I found was a great company run by Mike Hartman who was a member of the 1994 New York Rangers Stanley Cup Championship team. Since leaving hockey, Mike has dedicated himself to learning and studying the “axiology” of success and successful people. As a result, Mike has become one of the few Certified Axiological Practitioners in the world. If you’re unfamiliar with what “axiology” is you’re not alone. I had no idea what it was either. What it means, is “the study of values.” It’s a new science that was initiated by a Nobel Prize nominee and is one of the most fascinating areas of human development I’ve ever seen.
I took what is called a “Valuescan.” To be honest, I was VERY skeptical of this thing being anything more than a just another personality test that would show nothing and basically be a waste of time. However, what I discovered was just how wrong I was. The results of the test as Mike shared them with me were some of the most eye-opening and revealing things I’ve ever experienced.
Ever since I took the test I’ve begun doing the various steps of what is called “The Playbook.” It’s a thought provoking eighteen month process to a better state of mind/attitude and instructs how to be better in my ability to focus and accomplish whatever task(s) at hand.
For me, this has been nothing short of a miracle. Despite all the negativity and problems I’m still facing...and believe me there are a TON of them, as a lifelong insomnia sufferer, I’ve been getting restful and peaceful sleep for the first time in as long as I can remember. I’m feeling “real” hope, not the lyrical nonsense being espoused in Washington and I’ve begun taking better care of myself for the first time in years. My mood is better and I’m getting back into the game.
As a result I’ve partnered with Mike’s company, Better Life Training, and formed my own company that you can find on the web at BetterLifeAnalysis.com.
The Valuescan test and individualized analysis from Mike himself normally costs $200. If you wanted to buy “The Playbook” its $240 more. It can be paid in a lump sum or can be financed at zero percent interest by credit card at $40 a month.
However, for those who sign up at BetterLifeAnalysis.com and make the onetime $200 payment we will include the Playbook FREE. You SAVE $240 just for making the onetime payment.
I sincerely believe in this service and wouldn’t offer it to anyone if I wasn’t thoroughly convinced that it will help you as much as it has helped me. Ultimately, it should pay off for you not only in a better job, but a BETTER LIFE as well.
We’re back again with you next month.
Till then, let’s “unlock your peak performance...”
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Death of Common Sense
Obituary printed in the London Times - not a joke and makes you think
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who
has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was,
since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He
will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the
worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend
more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children,
are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy
charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended
from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for
reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the
job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly
children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental
consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could
not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an
abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses;
and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a
burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to
realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in
her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by
his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who
has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was,
since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He
will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the
worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend
more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children,
are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy
charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended
from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for
reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the
job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly
children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental
consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could
not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an
abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses;
and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a
burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to
realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in
her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by
his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
CANDIDATE PREPARATION...INTERVIEWING TIPS
* Remember most of this information is clearly common sense but it never hurts to review it again. We go over this with every person no matter what level they are at in their career.
PART ONE: PREPARATION FOR THE INTERVIEW
* Get familiar with the interviewing company’s background by visiting their web site at VERY LEAST a couple of nights before the interview.
* Make sure you have at least 2 copies of your resume with you with our company’s name written in the upper right hand corner with our phone number.
* On a note or legal pad write down a complete list of questions to ask that you want answered before you leave the interview. Be thorough. So when the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for me,” that you aren’t staring off into space trying to think of some. Nothing makes you look more unprofessional than having nothing to ask. When it is your turn, turn the interview around and interview the hiring person.
Ask them stuff like:
- What is your (the interviewer’s) background?
- What made you (the interviewer) join the Client Company?
- Where do you (the interviewer) see yourself going?
- Where do you see the company / this position going, Company goals? Etc.
* It is important not to ask questions on ANY topic that’s already been addressed in your meeting unless you’re looking for clarification. Then simply state that “we spoke about (whatever) earlier and I was looking for a little more information about…”
* Remember to bring your note pad, resumes and questions into the interview with you.
PART TWO: THE INTERVIEW ITSELF
* For Men: Wear a professional, conservative business suit and tie (NO jacket and dress slacks) Please be clean shaven and go easy on the cologne if you use it, no earrings or other distracting jewelry.
* For Women: Wear a professional conservative business suit, or appropriate length skirt or dress (knee length or lower) or dress slacks and blouse…nothing exposing too much flesh. Use Conservative Make-Up and go easy on the perfume and no distracting jewelry.
* FIRST, remember there is no need to be nervous. You are simply two people talking and you are not there to beg. Remember, they need to sell you on being with their company as much as you need to sell them on hiring you.
* Be honest and truthful in the interview at all times. You won’t have any nervousness because you will always say the same thing. It also establishes what you would hope would be an honest relationship with the company. Have the attitude that if you are forthright and honest and then you do not get the job, it’s their loss.
* Be sure to arrive at least 15-20 Minutes early to fill out whatever paperwork/application the company has and fill it out completely, do not skip anything.
* NEVER write “see resume”. A company is looking to see if you can follow directions and not take unnecessary short-cuts. Many interviews have been blown right there.
* Establish the Tone with a FIRM Handshake. No dead fish, leper grip.
* To eliminate that terrible “Pit feeling” people get in their stomach, sit-up straight in the chair. Put your butt all the way to the back of the chair and make sure you can feel your shoulder blades on the back of the chair as well. This does 2 things.
1) The slouched seating position collapses the diaphragm, which makes it more difficult to breathe and to talk which is where you get nervous.
2) When you sit up straight it lifts your chest up which creates an image of confidence & someone who is in a “Position of Authority” In other words, this situation doesn’t intimidate you and neither will anything that is thrown at you in the course of your employment.
* Be very outgoing and personable. Remember to smile…people hire who they like and a smile will make people feel all warm and fuzzy.
* Make direct eye contact. Eyes darting all over the room gives interviewers the impression that you are lying… making things up or searching for something to say. You also come off looking weak and unsure of yourself.
* DO NOT INTERRUPT THE PERSON SPEAKING WITH YOU! Remember that’s why you brought the notepad in the first place. When someone is speaking and they say something that you want to ask about, write down some key words and come back to it at an appropriate time.
* Under NO circumstances should you ever make personal or NEGATIVE Comments about former employers. Interviewers feel like “what would they say about me?” It’s a super NO-NO!
* Be prepared for the difficult questions like, what is your area of weakness? What would you most like to improve on? Answering the question any way other than this kills your chances, as this is a knock-out question. “I consider myself to be a very good (whatever) but I am not perfect and I am sure over the course of my employment here you are going to find things that you want me to work on and I want to assure you that I am open to constructive criticism when it arrives.”
* AGAIN, always answer questions honestly and truthfully. If they ask you a question that you don’t know the answer to, do not try to make something up. Companies will often ask you something they already know the answer to and are trying to see if you will answer honestly or not. If you don’t know the answer, simply say “I DON’T KNOW.” Never leave that hanging alone though. Follow it up with either: “I only need to be shown things once…”or better yet, in your own words tell the interviewer how and what steps you will take to obtain and provide them the answer.
-OR-
“I will have that answer for you by (fill in the blank)” and then make sure you do!
* Close the Sale…When you are on an interview and you like what you are hearing, and only if you are ready to move forward, (this is EXCEPTIONALLY important for people on Sales job interviews) ask for the job. Tell the interviewer “I like what I am hearing here today and I know that I will be successful as an employee of (company name) how do I become a member of your team? Asking for the job can be the difference between getting hired and not. Nobody likes to ask someone to the prom when they don’t think they are going to get a yes. It also shows you can make decisions. You should also ask any subordinates or other interviewers during the process if their recommendation is going to be a positive one or not and if they are not sure how you can change that view. In other words what additional information do you need to make clear to that person and what will it take to get a positive recommendation moving forward.
* Remember also to let us do the negotiating for your salary. Never tell a company what money you want. Just tell them what you are currently earning in base and tell them they should make an offer through us. We have been doing this a long time and have handled a ton of these negotiations and because we are experts at this and will get you the most that the company can offer.
* Get their Business Card and make sure that their e-mail address is on it so you can send a proper and professional “Thank you” note. We will send you a template that you can use.
* REMEMBER, if you have any questions at all about this you can call me at 203-459-9969 x100
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