Are you ready for September’s YPIowa Conference?

Come out and Jump Start Your Network at this free-to-attend event!

Engage both your professional and social networks with other YPs from across Des Moines next Tuesday August 25th at Miss Kitty’s.

Grab a cocktail and Kick-off the evening with a session featuring Consultant, Trainer and Coach Isaiah McGee. For the following interactive World Cafe, leave your comfort zone behind as you interact with YPs at several stations to discuss topics ranging from Des Moines nightlife to the power of social media.

Topics:

• Sports
• Des Moines Nightlife
• Volunteering in Des Moines
• Social Media
• YP Iowa Conference
• Marketing/Branding
• Leadership
• Health and Fitness around Des Moines
• Economy, Finance, Personal Finance
• Education / Higher Ed

The evening will then wind down with a happy hour including discounted drinks and complimentary appetizers.

DRAWING = Two tickets to YP Iowa’s Conference will be given away (valued at $89 per ticket). Must be a YPC Member to win.

Event is open to members and non-members. Registration is recommended, please visit http://is.gd/2mR0p.

Bonus points if you bring your own set of cables…

-

Information and resources to help you build and retain a high-performance company

Knowing how to motivate your team to excellence can be one big mystery. Each employee may possess a different skill set and, even more critical to knowing how to coach them, may have needs of their manager that vary from the needs of other team members.

We designed this issue of Profiles Advantage to help you lead your workers from weak performance to peak performance.

• What does luck have to do with hiring the right people for the job? Not much, says CEO Jim Sirbasku. Read “Good Hiring Requires More than Good Luck” to find out more.
  -
• Team dysfunction is funny only in the funny papers—never in real life. Discover how Profiles Team Analysis™ helps create a harmonious office atmosphere by guiding leaders to develop goal-driven, successful teams.
  -
• How well do your employees understand their responsibilities and the organization’s expectations? Take our pop quiz to find out if you’re helping your workers focus, or if you’re just making the picture blurry.
  -
• In our case study, managers at a healthcare organization grow more confident in their hiring practices by using the ProfileXT® to create a Job Match Pattern for enrollment specialists.
  -
• In this month’s offering from the book 40 Strategies for Winning in Business, authors Jim Sirbasku and Bud Haney attack the underperformance problem from the other side: What smart employees do to become—and stay—productive. Read all about it in “Day Before Vacation.”
  -

Once you know why you’re getting lackluster performance from smart employees, you can correct the problems and ask for the success you know is possible. What are you waiting for?
-
Click Here to Read the Full Profiles Advantage!

-

]]> http://yourfullcircle.net/archives/1230/feed 17 http://yourfullcircle.net/archives/985 http://yourfullcircle.net/archives/985#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:19:42 +0000 Jason Kiesau http://yourfullcircle.net/?p=985 I just got out of a great meeting with two coaches and HR professionals; Tim Bianchi with Trilogy Solutions and Jean Baker with Red Lantern Group, LLC.

We talked about a number of things, but one area that each of us are passionate about is human resources.   When I think of a human resource department within a company I think of:

• Hiring
• Benefits
• Rules and Laws

We continued to talk about different types of human resource departments.   Big companies have HR departments with specialist in each area. Many times small businesses have a single HR person who also wheres many hats.    We concluded that in businesses . . . regardless of size don’t see there HR department as a profit center.    The question is why not when there are statics ‘out there’ that say otherwise.

• A gallop poll shows that 56% of the US Workforce are disengaged in the jobs and another 17% are actively disengaged.
• SHRM says that for every $8.00 an organization loses it costs in the area of $3,500.00 to replace them.
• Findings from the Psychological Bulletin (September 1998) show a significant difference in performance between superior and average workers.   See ‘Cost of Average‘ for Breakdown

Each of areas directly impact an organization’s bottom line.   What are organizations doing to combat these stats and improve them in their organization?  The three areas above can be a result of a breakdown in one or more of the areas below:

• Recruiting
• Hiring
• Training
• Management
• Leadership

Which of these areas are responsible for improving the stats above?  Is it not HR?   The statistics clearly show that when there is a breakdown it has measurable financial impacts on an organization.   Couldn’t the same be said that if an HR department is doing the best job it can it would become a profit center for an organization?

Here are four ways an organization’s HR department can be a profit center.

1. Know Your Employees
2. Give Your People What They Need to Be Successful in Your Company
3. Give Your Management and Leadership What They Need to Be Successful with Their People
4. Promote Based on Successful Management & Leadership Competencies rather than Tactical Success

Now, I’m not going to go in to detail in this posting with how to do these four things.   I will write post of each point in the near future.

The bottom-line is this:  Right now companies are spending millions of dollars and a great deal of time understanding their target market, as in their ideal customers.   The people in charge know and if they understand how their customers think, behave, and motivations they will be able to be more intentional with their marketing, lead generation, and sales efforts.   They know that understanding their customer gives them the greatest chance of success.

• What would happen if only 27% of your customers liked your product or service?
• What would happen if your client retention was poor and it costs you $3,500 to replace a customer?
• What would happen if the customers you do have weren’t consistent?

The reality is you would probably go out of business.  You know:

No Customers = No Business

We’ll guess what: 

No Employees = No Business

]]> http://yourfullcircle.net/archives/985/feed 2 http://yourfullcircle.net/archives/946 http://yourfullcircle.net/archives/946#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:17:49 +0000 Jason Kiesau http://yourfullcircle.net/?p=946

Flickr Photo by Mr. T in DC

There are a large number of people “out there” who are looking for a job!

Whether they have a job or not, millions of people are doing the same thing everyone else is doing; going on the internet, posting their resume on the job sites, and applying for jobs.    If they’re lucky their resume will WOW who ever is reviewing them and they will get moved on to the next round in the process, typically a phone or face to face interview.

If you are doing things like everyone else, what are you doing to be different or separate yourself from everyone else out there?

A few years ago I submitted my resume to a fairly large organization that posted their opening on the internet.   At the top of my cover letter and resume I put a quote that an industrial psychologist had said about me a few years before when I interviewed for a copier sales position

Her quote was:

“He is the type who manages to see the bright side of challenging situations.  If anything, he may underestimate the level of difficulty a situation might be.”

When I received the call from the regional manager he said he received hundreds of resumes and mine was the only one to catch his eye right away.   Eventually he offered me the position.

My point is . . . DON’T BE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!

Starting with your cover letter & resume and all the way through your interview process, I believe there are three things you HAVE got to communicate if you are going to have any shot and landing a position.

1. You Are Focused

   If you are applying for a sales position in a technology company you better be able to articulate your focus in that area.   We have a million distractions on a daily basis . . . that is one complaint about the younger generations.   Distractions ARE NOT profitable and if they sense you are not focused you will not be considered.

2. You Are Stable

   This means both physically, mentally, and emotionally.   You have got to be able to communicate that you are at a stable place in your life ESPECIALLY in times like this.  Today people are applying for jobs out of reaction and fear and when they are talking to a potential employer they are showing instability and fear.   These are not good qualities . . . and certainly not ones that an employer are going to invest money in.   It doesn’t matter your past.  It doesn’t matter your current situation.   If you give any indication of instability that will not be looked at favorably and could cost you that opportunity.

3. You Are Profitable

   Bottom-line . . . if you can’t make the company money they aren’t going to hire you.   If you do get hired and you aren’t making the company money . . . you aren’t going to be around long.   Anyone who is applying for a position needs to understand how the company makes their money and most importantly how you can help them do that.   If you can communicate that during an interview you will have the person eating out of your hands.   The bottom-line is the businesses bottom-line . . . it’s about making money.

I remember when I was 21 and I got my first job out of college as a graphic designer at a growing advertising agency.   The Creative Director I interviewed with was so impressed with my portfolio and professionalism he created a position and hired me.  I only worked there for one year.   Looking back I know I was focused and stable, but I didn’t know how to be profitable for them.  After the first year I thought I deserved a raise simply because I showed up everyday.   It was a painful, but great learning experience.

Whether you are unemployed or just seeking other opportunities, your ability show that you are focused, stable, and profitable can be the difference between landing the ideal position or having to keep on looking.

Be different!

Pete is passionate about Des Moines and is involved in a number of ‘difference making‘ activities.  I encourage you to visit Pete’s site as he does a great job at keeping people in the ‘know’ of all that is great in Des Moines.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership will be launching a new marketing campaign next week called I Believe. The campaign ‘aims to celebrate Greater Des Moines, its opportunities and the people whose conviction and spirit continually pushes this community toward greater success (even in tough times).’

The campaign is a partnership between local media, and many community partners, who are all going to work together to formulate the local rally cry for our community. This is a very interesting effort by the Partnership to build community interest during tough economic times. They plan to focus their efforts to illustrate the current local economy, with features of local community members, both individuals and businesses. It will be great to shift the focus from the national media, who continue to sensationalize the current economic situation as a national phenomenon when many areas of the country have not been as hard hit as others. That shift will focus their efforts on local success stories and opportunities for central Iowans.

It will be exciting to see what comes of this and if Iowans are truly willing to rally around each other during these tough times. I know there are many here who are thriving and working to ensure the community continues to flourish, it will be great to see their stories broadcast with this campaign. It will also be great to have the focus on job opportunities in the metro and testimonials that feature many of the great aspects of our city.

Check out the official launch of the campaign on May 4th at Principal Park with live music and entertainment preceding the ICubs game that night.

Anytime we are facing a challenge, many times the first resource we should check with is ourselves, but we don’t.

Moments after my friend and I walked to our cars, this song came on my radio.   This was the first time I had heard it.   Instantly I sent a text message to my friend to turn on the radio.
-

-
The chorus of the song really jumped out at me.

Tell me please . . .

Will you one time . . .

Let me be myself . . .

So I can shine . . .

With my own light . . .

Let me be myself . . .

For a while . . .

If you don’t mind . . .

Let me be myself . . .

So I can shine . . .

With my own light . . .

Let me be myself . . .

That’s all I ever wanted from this world . . . is to . . .  let me be me!

-

I see a lot of people doing things because of other things or people.  I hear people talk about how they want things to be, but make excuses for why it can’t happen.

I love this song, but it’s asking another person for permission to live your life.  How about starting by asking youself and granting yourself permission to live your life.

When you do this . . . your life will change!

Today’s executives are under more pressure than ever to get results.

As competitive as the workforce is, if things aren’t getting done, there are others who are waiting for the opportunity.

I have heard executives say they feel they are caught “between a rock and a hard place.” They have a massive responsibility in front of them, with very little support . . . that’s why their paid the big bucks right?  They can’t talk to the people they report to as they fear their leadership and ability may be perceived differently.  As well, they can’t talk to their employees because they are dealing with high-level and confidential issues.
-
There is a quote I love:
-
“It’s hard to see the forest, when you’re standing in front of a tree”
-
I don’t care what position you’re in . . . executive or part-time receptionist; it is very difficult to hold a strategic perspective while you are focused on fires burning in front of you every single day.

That’s where I come in!

• I am your strategic partner for your business and life.
• I hold the big picture perspective of your business, responsibilities, and goals.
• I help you organize your mind and actions so you are as confident and productive as possible.
• Everything is confidential and I want to help you take things to the next level.

-
I know you’re curious . . . let’s set up a time and chat.

I had an email exchange the other day with this younger adult . . . he’s 24 . . . I’m 31 . . . (I can say that right?)

Anyway . . . Out of the blue I received a LONG email from him over MySpace trying to either A) sell me Monavie or B) try to get me interested in his Monavie business.  I read about five lines and clicked reply . . . better than me just closing it and moving on right?

My email to him said this:

“You are young and ambitious . . . and that right there differentiates you not only from your age group, but the majority of society.   You lose your difference when you send an email like this because you look like EVERY other internet marketer that fills up my spam folder everyday.”

I told him I didn’t have a magic bullet for him, that I fight the same fight . . . but if we are different we need to stand out.

He replied back to me:

“Great advice.  Anything specific that you would advise?”

I replied back to him:

“Before I can advise I must understand.  You are 24, which is the same age I was when I figure out what my life was about and where I was going.   What is your ‘by 30′ goal? Don’t focus 100% on $$$. I know it’s important, but can lead one down the wrong path.”

His reply:

“My main goal is to be 100% free by 30.
Actually, I want to achieve that within the next year or so.”

What the hell does that mean?

Here’s the deal . . . this kid has something special about him . . . simply because he sees the world differently.  He is ambitious enough that if he keeps driving he will get places . . . the question is . . . will it be the place he wants.

What probably happened is he saw my question “what is your by 30 goal?” and he responded before he gave a single thought to it.  I hope he goes back and thinks about it because if he takes that single question seriously his whole future can change.

Dammit you’ve got something . . . You’re Young!  You’re Ambitious . . . just THINK!

Just start to think about it . . .

Keep going . . . think a little more . . . just keep thinking!

The more you think about it . . . the clearer it becomes . . . and when it becomes clear . . . you have control!

I have two points with this . . .

1. Think about the target, the result, the goal . . . THINK THINK THINK THINK THINK THINK THINK!
   -
   
2. When you have someone with more experience . . . someone who is trying to help you . . . someone that might know a thing or two about what you are trying to do . . . SHUT UP and LISTEN!

-
I have fallen down more than one time because I didn’t listen . . . I was young . . . I was on fire . . . I was doing it my way.  That’s great, but be smart and be efficient.

Here’s the reality . . . when it comes down to it . . . unless your road of hard knocks get’s published . . . nobody is going to care how hard the road was.

The real world just cares about the results!

“I wake up every evening, with a big smile on my face
And it never feels out of place”

“And your still probably working at a 9 to 5 pace
I wonder how bad that tastes”

“Now where’s your picket fence love
And where’s that shiny car,
And did it ever get you far”

“You’ve never seem so tense love
I’ve never seen you fall so hard,
Do you know where you are?”

“Tomorrow you’ll be thinking to yourself
Where’d it all go wrong, the list goes on and on”

I think this is a great song for a couple of reasons.  For starters, it’s a catchy tune and I seem to like songs where crowds of people are singing together just as they are toward the end of this video . . . something about the power of the group.

The bigger factor in me liking this song is the lyrics.   This song is from the perspective of some one who is doing things their way. In this world there are people who follow ‘the plan’ and then you have others who write their own plan. I would like to think that I am one who writes my own plan.  My business is all about helping others write their plan as well.

They most powerful line in this song is “Do you know where you are?”

Ask yourself the same question . . . if you have a hard time answering it, I recommend you look a little harder.

Everyone deserves to wake up with a big smile on their face . . . regardless of the time of day!

Every company says they care about their people, but what does that mean?  They really need to REALIZE their employees are their greatest asset.  The right employee and an employee’s level of engagement can be the difference between average and superior performance, turnover and retention, and failure or success. Each scenario can have significant measurable financial impacts on a company’s bottom-line. You decide!

Where does it start?

a) Recruiting & Hiring
b) New Employee Training
c) Employee Development Programs
d) Leadership & Management
e) All of the above.

The ideal scenario would be e) All of the above.

Great companies have recruiting and hiring processes in place to identify candidates who are the best fit for a position.  They have development programs in place that promote professional and personal growth.  There is an understanding by management and leadership of an individual’s long-term career and personal goals and initiatives in place to help each employee reach their goals. Most importantly leadership and management are flexible and adaptive with each person, yet consistent with their message and follow through.

With such a diverse and dynamic workforce mixed with future shortages in leadership, management, and skill positions it has never been more important for companies to recruit the right people, engage, and retain them.

This could be the difference between survival or extinction.

For more information about retention, engagement, performance, and leadership development solutions click here.