Blog: Tonya Haynes

 If you missed our October 9 th meeting for the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR), you missed an excellent topic and great opportunity to fellowship with Human Resource professionals from Fortune 500 companies such as NBC/Universal, Time Warner, Fox, Sony, Jobing.com and others.  

Our topic, “Paradoxes of Multiple Generations In the Workforce”, was presented by Tanya Butler, M.S., Employers Group Helpline Consultant. Ms. Butler’s background includes more than 25 years in Human Resources from small and mid – sized companies to Fortune 500s, across varying industries. She has been a college psychology professor and has sat on boards of directors for a variety of community nonprofit organizations. Her master’s studies emphasized community services and adult development.  

At the meeting Tanya did something amazing, non - use of PowerPoint to present the subject matter. She spoke to us on a personal level and invited us to ask questions, interact and really become a part of the learning experience. I appreciate entertaining slideshows as much as the next person but it was especially refreshing not using one.  

The presentation focused on the similarities, differences and challenges of employing Baby Boomers (1946 – 1963), Gen X (1964 – 1976) and Gen Y (1977 – 2000) in the workplace simultaneously. If you are like me and either work with Gen Y or they live in your household, your knowledge would have escalated to a new level. As a member of the Gen X age group, the least spoken about segment, its information stood out as especially interesting. A snippet of the details Tanya Butler shared with our collaborative about Gen X are:

·          The boundaries of the Gen X group are not well – defined and depending on whose using the term, dates may vary.

·          Our “X” tag evolved from our lack of social identity after the wake of the Baby Boomers socialist/constructionist movement

·          Our media persona is that of protective security moms and dads in a post 9/11 world.

·          Gen X is known as one of the most entrepreneurial and tech friendly generations in American history as we’ve driven the majority of the internet’s growth spawning billion dollar tech companies such as Amazon, Google, Yahoo, MySpace and Dell.  

Next month’s meeting is certain to be as remarkable, informative and enlightening and we invite you to participate.  

NAAAHR- Los Angeles Chapter

National Association of African Americans
in Human Resources

Presents:

Leadership, Coaching, and Mentoring Boost Camp: Rocking Your Brand with Valerie Rowe, VisionSpot Consulting

 

  

 

You will learn why so many organizations are introducing coaching and mentoring programs and why they are among the two fastest growing ways to develop employees. Plus learn how you can build a highly valued reputation and legacy personally and professionally that enhances the POWER to THRIVE along with proven techniques that will:  

STRENGTHEN leadership effectiveness

RAISE THE BAR on your bottom line

MAXIMIZE individual and team success

BOOST personal potential to thrive in your career  

This program has been submitted for HRCI credit approval.

 

Tuesday, November 6 th

6:30P - 7:00P Networking & Registration

                            7:00P - 8:00P Program

 Location Change!  Los Angeles Jobing.com Office
310.694.3671
12100 Wilshire Blvd. ,
Suite 320
Los Angeles , CA 90025

Park in Underground Structure and Bring Parking Ticket to Meeting Cost: $10
Cash only pleasehttp://www.naaahr-la.com

RSVP is a must, Click her to RSVP

Please pass on to students and professionals in the HR industry. 

 

  

888.821.0611 | T  888.821.0588 | F  info@phoenixbdg.com

Are you seeking employment? Do you wish to change careers? What about the product or service you offer, do your clients know where you are and how to reach you? 

Learning to network is your best tool for achieving successful answers to all of these questions… 

Why does the mention of networking create visions of eyes rolling into the back of heads, sighs of dismay and accelerated heartbeats? What is networking and why does it cause such apprehension? Networking simply put is a set of connections, contacts, interactions and associations that strategically placed create opportunities, resources and options. 

Networking viewed this way complicates the meaning. Let's relieve the nervousness, anxiety and fear and translate the term into “making friends” and “building relationships.” Psychology tells us that people support, promote, endorse and sponsor people they know, “buddies.”   

Have you heard the adage, “work smarter rather than harder?” Networking has an essential place in this comment. Positioning yourself to connect with the right people at the right time is a vital skill. Critical to gaining visibility and scaling the corporate ladder are identifying key players and positioning yourself to befriend them. The two phrases used by successful people are “how may I help you?” and “let’s do lunch.” 

Whether you are looking for a job, seeking advancement or changing careers, here are five tips for improving your career networking skills:

 Be the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave in the evening. Executive level managers are normally present during these times.

 

 

Volunteer for every project opportunity and overtime request available. Remember: How may I help you?

Create a sales pitch from your accomplishments and tactically place it in front of the right people at the right time

Express your desires for a job, career advancement or change of career to everyone that matters. You will be surprised people will begin looking and advertising on your behalf

Join and participate in Professional Organizations that are interesting to you. 

We go to work to support our lifestyles. Consistent increase in our salaries can only happen when key decision makers are aware of you and the value you bring to the company and organization. 

Ensure your worth is known. Formulate a plan and strategy for positioning yourself successfully.

Build your support team, make friends and GO Jobing!

The Phoenix Business Development Group Team are experts in assisting our clients improve their career and financial portfolio. Call us today for a complimentary consultation.

888.821.0611 | T  , chat with us on AIM at PhoenixBDG1, or visit us on the web at www.phoenixbdg.com

 

 

 Your interview time and date have been set. What’s your next step? 

Do your homework, performing intensive research of the company, gather and create your questions. The best place to start is the company’s website. The areas you want to research and review are “About the Company”, “Mission/Vision”, “Ethics/Values/Philosophy”, and “Investor Relations.” If you know employees, probe them as well. 

Write down any and all questions that come to mind while doing your research and take them with you. Bringing prepared questions and taking notes during an interview is seen as a positive. 

Interviewer’s love it when you know about their company. Doing your due diligence gives the employer insight into the kind of employee you will be; it opens the door for more comprehensive dialogue and helps get you inside the head of the interviewer. When I was a Manager there was nothing more disappointing than taking your precious time to interview someone, giving them this host of information and when you ask them if they have anything…all you hear is crickets. 

In the “about us” you find that a company has 585,000 clients and nearly $8 B in revenue, you could ask; 

• 1.       I understand that your company has 585,000 clients and nearly $8B in revenue, what do you believe are the reasons for the company’s sustained success?
• 2.       What traits do the employees of this company possess that has led to success for this company/department/organization? 

Asking pertinent, specific questions of the interviewer will give you insight into what is expected from you, if hired.  

You read the Mission and Vision statement and discover that the company is committed and dedicated to several things; Quality products, Superior Service, Outstanding Associates, Ethics and a host of other goals, cite some of the statements and ask: 

I see your company is dedicated and committed to “X”, what goals, objectives and tasks does this organization perform to ensure that the company is successful?

How does this organization fit into the company’s strategy for ensuring that the company or department is successful? 

“Ethics/Values/Philosophy” and “Investor Relations” are more for you to determine if you would like to work for the company or not. Value alignment is critical to succeed in a company and within its culture. Investor Relations provides insight into the company’s overall financial health and well being. 

Make the interview personal. An interview is a time to connect with the person. More than likely this will be the person you will directly report or if a panel interview, the people you will most likely work. Ask questions, such as: 

How long have you been with the company?

What are the things about the company you like?

What don’t you like?

What do you like about your job?

What don’t you like?

What are your goals and expectations for the person who fills this position?

Very important…what happened to the person who previously held this position?

If there are any challenges in this department, what would you say they are?

What do you believe is the cause?

Would you say that the employees of this department have the tools and resources to do their job effectively?

At the end of the interview, always ask…what are the next steps? 

Of course the questions would depend on the interviewer and the conversations; however these are a good start. Always remember the purpose of the interview is for you and the company to determine if you are a good fit for each other. If you don't ask questions, you can't get answers.

Relax. Be prepared. Go jobing!

Asking for money has to be the hardest and most uncomfortable subject to broach. Families who come from wealth consider the subject taboo and won’t discuss it. When I first began my business, invoices aged over 90 days because I was embarrassed asking for monies due me. Just like me, you have to get over it and begin asking for and earning what you are worth. How do you begin?  

 

Understand your own financial position. How much do you need to break – even each month? Take a look at all of your expenses monthly/yearly such as mortgage/rent, car payment, home/car insurance, utilities (gas, electric, water, cable, telephone/cell phone), grocery, gym memberships, subscriptions and entertainment. Write everything down you can think of and then add them up. This would be the amount minimally you would need to make each month. There is nothing more dissatisfying than working at a $10 an hour job when you really needed $20 an hour.    

Research what jobs in the industry you are applying or currently in are paying. There are several websites that can aid you in your research, the site I prefer using is www.salary.com . Salary.com allows you to enter job categories by zip code so that you can see what different cities, counties, states are paying for similar jobs. You can also create your personal salary report based on your skills and experience.    

Perform an inventory and assessment of your skills and experience. Determine what gaps may exist between where you are and where you need to be. Is it education, certification, relationship management skills or amount of time in a position that’s the barrier? Prepare a plan for how you are going to decrease the disparity and increase the odds for obtaining your desired salary. 

Create a portfolio of your accomplishments, projects you have led or participated, certificates, positions held, professional memberships and certifications. Write a summary next to each entry explaining what each entry gained you in experience and skill, what benefits it brought the company and how the company’s bottom line was positively impacted. 

Once you've gathered all of your information you are equipped to go into your negotiation. Remember negotiation is not personal, it’s business and solely about your contributions and expanding your lifestyle. Internalize and repeat the following to yourself:

I deserve more.

It doesn’t matter what others think.

I am worthy of more.

I can have the lifestyle I want and deserve.     

In an interview setting never talk about salary until the potential employer makes an offer. If the employer happens to ask you during the interview, “what’s your desired salary?” never provide a number, say your acceptable salary would be at the mid – range. In negotiations you have to be ready to put a stake in the ground and possibly walk away. Don’t be afraid to walk if the offer is not what you expected. I was once offered a job for $700/week. I turned it down and the company counter – offered for $1000, an increase of $15,600/year. Totally worth it and so are you. 

If you do not negotiate—if you do not ask for what you want—then the answer will always be no. So whether your aim is a new job, a raise, or a promotion follow these guidelines to get your best offer.   

Be prepared, relax and Go Jobing! 

For more information Phoenix Business Development Group is available to you at www.phoenixbdg.com or by calling us at 888.821.0611| T

 

I am often asked, “Why is what you wear and how you look so important?” Our human nature causes us to make a dozen or more assumptions about a person in the first few seconds after meeting them or talking to them on the phone. Are you walking your talk? Is the impression you’re leaving the image you want? 

Companies spend billions of dollars a year packaging their products and services to persuade and entice the public’s spending. 2006 statistics for the personal beauty industry stated that Americans spent $40 B on grooming and personal care. In an interview and career setting you are the package. Influence the employer with your appearance to spend your desired salary on you. 

Employers are seeking applicants who are a good fit for their culture, possess the skills they are seeking and ready to roll up their sleeves and hit the ground running. But when it all comes down to it you are persuading people to buy your product. The quality of work you provide will be intimately connected with the details you pay attention to in your dress, appearance and paperwork you present. 

The wardrobe colors that send the strongest professional image are black, dark blue or navy, gray and hunter green. Pay exceptional attention to grooming points such as clean teeth, fresh breath and immaculately manicured hands and feet. Carry gum or mints with you and just before the interview chew a piece of gum or pop in a mint for fresh breath. At interview time be sure to dispose of the gum or mint. It’s a must that what you wear is clean, neat and wrinkle free. 

Ladies if you choose to wear a dress or skirt, the appropriate length is no higher than ½ inch above the knee. When wearing a dress or skirt nylons are a must. Bare legs are considered unprofessional. Style your hair in an up – do or bun, this style oozes no nonsense, and that you are a taking care of business professional. Remember Wonder Women? As Diana Prince, career woman, she wore her hair up to get the job done but when it was time to have fun, she let her hair down. Appropriate lengths for nails are two inches or less. Polish your nails with clear, summery or spring colors. Keep designs conservative. Loud, non – traditional colors and designs are distracting and may send the wrong message. 

Gentlemen pull your pants up to waist level (belts are your friend), get your hair cut, manicure your nails and groom your facial hair. Whether you wear a suit or shirt and slacks add a tie, it leaves a great impression. 

Your potential employer inviting you to interview with him to discuss how each of you can benefit each other is an honor; introduce yourself with a strong, firm handshake, relax and go jobing!

Visit www.phoenixbdg.com or call Phoenix Business Development Group at |888.821.0611| for more information

 

Welcome to Phoenix Business Development Group's blog! We are excited to have joined the Jobing.com community of partners and are looking forward to providing YOU with essential, critical and useful information helping make your career successful and achievable.

Phoenix Business Development Group provides career and business services to women and youth (16 - 24 years of age) with the goal of expanding their marketability, mobility and profitability. Visit www.phoenixbdg.com , email info@phoenixbdg.com , or AOL Instant Messenger to PhoenixBDG1 for more details.

 We look forward to blogging with YOU!