Bailouts, better get a bigger bucket

With the economy in rather bad shape, our leaders in Washington are throwing lifelines to struggling industries. The Financial sector has $700 billion dollars to keep them afloat, GM and Chrysler have received loans, and there is another $800 billion in the works for government spending on projects and tax relief. When will it end?
Companies have been forced by stockholders to make more money. If you do not perform, out with the management and in with some that will make money. Bonuses based on company performance is an incentive to take risks. Somewhere in the greed for money and to get rich in three to five years, people lost sight of reason. I'm talking from corporate presidents to homeowners.
Growing up in the middle of the baby boomers, living within one's means was the standard. I can count on one hand the new cars my parents purchased. There was one television, two phones, and no designer labels. Credit cards were used as needed and paid off quickly. Houses had one mortgage, and it remained there until the house was sold or it was paid off. Refinancing? what is that? The value a home increased meant a nice one the next time.
Today it seems that every family member needs a phone, a television in their room, a car when they get their license, and maybe their own credit card. No wonder both parents have to work these days. With most of the niceties provided during their childhoods, what is going to happen when the real world strikes and they move out on their own?
Besides industries and homeowners, local governments are in trouble. Living in south Florida, I have problems understanding why. With limited land available for building, new homes are mainly restricted to in fill or new condo towers. Okay there have been six of those built in the past seven years I have lived here, but that is a small percentage of the homes in Broward county. The value of real estate has climbed at dizzying rates lately, but unless I am wrong, if a house was worth $75,000 in 1995, and it is now worth $750,000, does it take 10 extra people to send out the tax bill? does adding the extra '0' necessitate more staff?
Maybe the population needs to step back and realize what is needed for a nice life, and what is perceived as one. There are stories in the news where with cutbacks, families are spending more time together. Meals are at home, entertainment is playing games or watching a movie. Is this a bad thing? Could this lead to parents actually knowing where their children are and what they are doing?
If part of the bailout was the loss of your job, try job.travel. Most careers are part of the travel and hospitality industry. The opportunities are there across teh country, and jobs in travel and hospitality usually include perks. Sometimes free meals and cheap or discounted hotel stays.

Ever changing world....

It is amazing how things have changed and how the pace has picked up. Do you realize that 30 years ago every one's phone was plugged into the wall and the television wasn't, and now it is the reverse. The Internet was a novelty at first, but now is used constantly for commercial and personal use.
In business, meetings are now held with people around the world connected electronically. No more 5 hour flights for a three hour meeting. Not only is this easier on the employees, but it comes with a great savings for the company since there is no travel expense for the out of town attendees.
The savvy marketing department needs to keep abreast of current trends in possible clients' habits. 30 years ago, there were the three main networks and only a few PBS or other local stations that people tuned into. Now with the explosion in cable networks, there are hundreds of stations offering a multitude of view options. Deciding where to place advertisements is much more difficult.
Junk mail is no longer confined to the mailbox in front of your house, it not proliferates in your on line account. Just like the trash from the postal service, junk email goes straight to the trash bin on line. Most people do not even bother to open the email, especially with the abundance of viruses and spy ware programs.
With the advent of caller I.D., people do not answer the phone if the number is unknown. If it is an important call, they will leave a message is the usual approach of the receiver.
So where does a business spend its advertising dollars? The main Internet search engines have very detailed information on Internet advertising. They also offer help in placing ads within a company's budget to get maximum exposure and results. Flashy ads with movement catch the reader's eye when a new page opens, but restraint is needed so that it does not become annoying.
With the shift to the Internet, to survive a company needs to be a presence there. Job.travel is a web based employment website for jobs in travel and hospitality. The offerings are nationwide, and soon to be international, and in almost all career paths. So next time you are surfing the web, stop by job.travel and maybe start a new phase of your life with a new job in the travel and hospitality industry.

What to do, what to do.......

The conversation with the boss is over, the packing of personal items is done, the tearful good byes are in the past, now what? Being laid off, terminated, or downsized, it all produces the same result, unemployment and job searching.
The most common reaction is feeling sorry for oneself, but do not let that keep you from starting a new job search. Updating your resume and getting it out there is the number one step.
There are a gazillion websites to help you obtain a new position. Some charge the job seeker, if you are looking for a premium job, but most garner revenue from the employer postings and are free to the seeker. Job.travel is a the new premier website for employment in the travel and hospitality industry, and is free for the job seeker. And quite a deal for employers too.
Jobs in travel and hospitality encompasses most career paths and parallel positions in manufacturing and retail for the most part. Employment in travel can provide discounts or freebies, and who doesn't like a room in a resort at a budget price? And as opposed to say manufacturing facilities, jobs in travel and hospitality area nationwide, and in fact worldwide.
So if you are currently in the market for a new position due to a lay-off, or just to start a new chapter in your life, try job.travel. It has an extensive list of jobs in travel and hospitality industries. If it has been a long time since your last job searh, the Career Center has hlpful information on resumes, job searched and interviews.

Cake?

Well, today is my birthday, 49, just one more before the BIG 5-0. I have received well wished from the people I have seen. My boss gave me a card with Powerball tickets in it. Maybe I will win the $30 million tomorrow night. Dana spent her afternoon yesterday making a pineapple/banana cake(sounds like the beginning of a pina colada), and key lime pie. I also got an email from the CEO of the company wishing me happy birthday.
Yesterday was the celebration of a coworker's birthday that was on Sunday. I brought in a cake and a card was sent around. On Thursday there are two more birthdays, our immediate boss and a man in accounting. So more cake and celebrations.
The atmosphere is very relaxed and people are friendly even with other departments. In the past I have worked where one are would not socialize or even associate in the break room with people from another departments. Was a lot of US/THEM mentality. Employees need to work together for a company to survive. Other departments are not the competitors, but allies in success.
If your current position is not conducive to birthday cakes and good department relations, maybe a change is in order. Look at the opportunities on job.travel. Jobs in travel usually offer the benefit of discounts to see the country or the world. So take teh first step in the rest of your life, an unhappy work environment is not good for time away from work. Only you can start teh process and job.travel is there to help.

Can't teach an old dog....

new tricks. Or so the saying goes. I think it also applies to people. They are so used to the daily routine that it is easier to continue it than change. Whether it be work related, personal issues, or living arrangements. But it is never too late to change for the better.
People just plod along at their old job because looking for a new one would take up too much energy. But considering that we spend the vast majority of our waking time at work, shouldn't it be enjoyable? Spending over 40 hours a week in an energy sapping environment is not good for one's health, both physical and mental.
Or living in a city just because you were born there. If the town is not a fun place to relax, maybe a job in a place you have always wanted to be is in order. Maybe a oceanfront city like Miami, or a mountain city like Denver, or just a happening place like Chicago or New York.
If this sounds like a good idea, check out job.travel, it offers plenty of jobs in travel and hospitality. They range through most career paths and experience levels. And with the addition of the new Directory pages, you can do a little on line research before you commit. So check out job.travel, and change your life!!

One for All, and All for One!!!

Yes, the 3 Musketeers, and I'm not talking about the candy bar. The slogan represents teamwork. When one person's actions is for the good of the group, and the group looks out for each of its members. Sounds a little far fetched in today's society of ME!
But in the business world it spells success. When each team member looks out for the good of the company, the results benefit everyone. From the owners to the management to the frontline employees. Success ensures job security, and usually boosts morale in the work place. And there is the added knowledge that you as a team member contributed to that success.
Volunteering to help in other areas when there is free time during the day. In the complex world of business today, rarely is there just one area of business inside the average company. The operations my be closely related but might cater to a different clientele or aspect of the industry. By working in several areas, an employee becomes more valuable to management, and resumes are enhanced.
If you are a team player working in an environment of MEs!! Or you wish to find a position that will let you grow as an employee and expand your knowledge and experience, try job.travel. It offers jobs in travel and hospitality fields. Check out the website, the opportunities are varied and located across the country. Use the Directory pages to research a possible move.

Value, Value, Value....

Value is probably one of the most important qualities in today's market place. When something seem to good to be true, it usually is. A high price tag does not mean better quality, it means a more impressive name on the label, or logo. Not to say that brand names are inferior, but with the economy in its current state, designer brands might not be the best purchase.
In the online job search world, there are a few BIG names that dominate the scene. These websites offer positions from minimum wage clerks, to secretaries, to landscapers, to nurses, to dentists. The opportunities are mind boggling. And the cost of these giants are in proportion. Single job postings cost several hundred dollars each, resume searches are an additional cost.
With job.travel, opportunities are in the travel and hospitality industry. And more importantly, the cost for a one year member is is $198. This entitles the company to unlimited job postings and resume searches. This is less than one posting on the big name job boards. With budgets being slashed to keep costs in line, doesn't it make sense to use job.travel?
Some people think that Craig's List is the way to go. In the past it was free to post in all categories. There has been a fee in San Francisco for posting a job for 10 years. And now, it has expanded to a $25 fee in the large markets. But at $25 a posting, the cost will quickly overtake the $198 from job.travel for a year. Plus the ability to search resumes is a great feature. So log onto job.travel and Post, Hire, and SAVE!!!

The Beginning of a new one......

Yesterday was the swearing in of the 44th President of the United States. Since it was such a momentous occasion, the owner of the company declared it a holiday. The office staff was given the day off, the reservation agents scheduled to work were paid double time. It was quite the nice surprise.
Only time will tell with this presidency. The economy is in the dumps, people are getting laid off, housing is almost at a stand-still. It is going to take some belt tightening to get the U.S. back on its feet. People will go back to buying what they can afford, not what they want. And maybe the Federal government will actually pass a balanced budget, and stick to it.
With the passing of the baton in Washington, D.C., maybe a fresh start in a new career is in order. If the economy has downsized your job, check out job.travel. It is an employment website for the travel and hospitality industry. The career paths are varied, from front desk, to accountant, to maintenance,to general manager. The positions are similar to most manufacturing or service industries, so take a look, and check out your options.

End of an era.......

Tomorrow is the inaugeration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. George Bush will retire to his ranch in Texas or his house in Dallas. He will write a book, build a library, and ride his horses. This is an employment website, not a political one so comments will be short and brief.
GW has been blamed for the current state of the economy/credit crunch/housing meltdown. Does the general population realize that by over extending themselves, buying houses they cannot afford, refinancing to purchase new cars, might be the reason? living in South Florida, during the boom years, property prices were climbing at over 30% a year. This is not a natural rate, houses being flipped after 3 months for a 25% profit? The general population never wants to accept blame for their own actions. GW, the Federal Reserve, or Congress did not force people to live beyond their means. People were greedy and got caught.
But tomorrow is a new start with a new President, same Congress though. I wish Mr. Obama the best, he has a tough road in front of him. The population of the United State will have to start living with in their salaries, and not on credit. The Federal government will have to step up regulations on lending practices, and banking overall.
Along with the new start in Washington, how about a new start in your career? Job.travel offers a multitude of opportunites in most lines of work across the country. So after the inauguration, post your reseme, and start a new page in your career.

New Understanding of Career Paths

Job.travel is a Senior Partner with Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration's Center for Hospitality Research. The premise for the Center of Hospitality Research is to relate occupations in travel and hospitality to positions in other industries. Here is the link to the currents press release from Cornell:

http://www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/research/chr/news/press/prdetails.html?id=541

So, if you are on the outside looking in, try job.travel to help in entering the travel and hospitality industry.

Happy Birthday to me, happy birthday to me, ooopps!!

Today is the 15th of January, a bit on the chilly side for Ft Lauderdale. I was surprised by a coworker bring me a birthday cake. It was quite a surprise, since my birthday is the 27th. The baker and I have been friends since I stated here over five years ago. She has actually been here for over 20 years.
It has a homemade strawberry cake and was VERY good. She also made a Key Lime pie since one of coworkers cannot eat strawberries. I had some of that too and it was just as good as the cake. The afternoon sugar rush was a welcome respite to the routine of work.
After my first year of work here, the same person made me another homemade cake. I had a subscription to a cooking magazine and would make the marshmallow frosting on the cover cake. After I had finished with the magazines I would lend them to whoever would want them and that is how I got the whole cake recipe of the cover. It too was very good.
Since I have a culinary degree, birthday cakes usually originate in my kitchen. So when I get to have the another's baking it is wonderful. I will have to bake around my birthday since there are two birthdays the same week as mine. One being my boss. So break out the Kitchenaid and preheat the oven
If you would like to find a work place with as much friendship, try job.travel, The Travel Job Matchmaker. The opportunities are endless and the potential to start a new year in a new city is possible. The new Directory pages offer information on over 100 cities and soon to be 500.

Responsibilty for one's actions or inaction....

Everywhere you look today, the signs of a slumping economy abound. From the retail sales report, to unemployment, to the stock market. Things are tough, that is a fact.
Companies are being forced to lay off long time employees because of the change in the business environment.
So employees need to step up and do their part. Yes, some employers are expecting much more from their remaining staff. Grumbling is common. But honestly, there are a lot of people that spend a good part of their work day on personal tasks.
I'm not talking about checking on the kids making it home from school okay, or checking personal email accounts. I'm referring to people with chat windows open on their computer screens, people on personal calls to friends, or the current craze texting. If you have enough time to do all these things during the day, maybe your boss is right in giving you more work. After all, if you are being paid for being in the office, there is a responsibility to perform your assigned tasks. Otherwise, an employee willing to do the job will be found.
So if you are laid off, was it totally due to the economy? Or were you an employee that took no iniative to excel or at least to perform your duties? If you were an unfortunate victim of teh economic downturn, try job.travel. There are opportunities in all aspects of business, available across the country. If this is also a time to move to a place you have always wanted to live, check out the Directory pages for relavant info regarding a possible new locale. Also, employers, check out job.travel for qualified candidates to fill positions from turn over, or an increase in business(hopefully soon).

Multi-tasking

In the business environment of today, rarely is there an operation with just one line of business. In the office where I am there are an assortment of 'mini-companies' operating.
The main operation is Future Vacations, with its spin-offs, Discovery Future Vacations, Damron Vacations, and Caribbean Weddings. All of these deal with booking vacation packages for clients, either directly or through a travel agent. There is also job.travel where I work, and various offerings from the .travel domain.
During the course of the day I receive various emails from organizations in which I have participated. Today was the MackPlanet email about social networking. The emails got out weekly and also for special events. The recipients would be the target audience for the Damron Vacations brand. After reading this week's email, I printed up the media kit and passed it on to the Director in charge of the brand. It is an inexpensive way to get the name out there, which helps when an internet search is performed.
This less than five minute task, could possibly lead to more business through the direct advertising, or from the enhanced searches of possible clients. In these tough economic times, people need to help in any area of their companies operation if the company is to survive.

Only one chance for a First Impression

In this day of the internet and social networking, first impressions when meeting individuals is not like it was in the past. Whether for dating, just being friends or part of a group, the first face to face has usually been preceded by multiple e-mails, phone calls, IMs, texts, etc. Though the results might not work out for the best, it is not always for the worst.
In the are of business, be it a job interview, or opening a new business, the first impression has profound results. Let's discuss the job interview. If you have made it to the interview stage, your resume has displayed that the ability is there, no for the personality part. Though interviews will ask about experience, how you say your answer is as important as what you say. A neat professional appearance is a must. Better to be overdressed in a suit, than under-dressed for the office atmosphere. When responding, look at the person in the eye and do not fidget. Some nervousness is expected, just do not get too wound up about the process. A firm handshake hello and good-bye along with confidence in speaking goes a long way. And keep away from negative aspects of past supervisors or positions.
With a new business operation, everything must be PERFECT when those does open. In the case of a restaurant, the staff needs to be well trained, the kitchen operating smoothly and the food needs to be fantastic. If things are perfect, people will spread the word, if not they will spread it like WILDFIRE. Anyone and everyone they know will be told. Not good for an on going operation. People use referrals a lot when making decisions about where to eat.
The same holds true for any king of business venture, if it is not up to snuff, people will not come back. No matter how much you improve you operations.
So to get that perfect staff, try job.travel if you are hiring in the hospitality and travel industry. The candidates recommended meet your needs, and it is very cost effective, even for small companies. So if your company needs new employees, job.travel.
Post, Hire, and SAVE

The Sound of Money......

Thank you for calling.......

Yes it is the official busy season for the travel industry. The first three months of the year historically are the busiest of the year. The holidays have passed and people are planning the yearly vacation.
The phones on the reservation floor seem to be on the busy side today. Maybe the year will not be as dreary as expected. I know the buyers have been working with our hotel suppliers to offer some fantastic deals, A room filled with a discount guest is better than an empty room at full price. So try Future Vacations, and see if a deal piques your interest.
If you would like to become part of the travel industry, whether working in a call center, not all are in India, or for a major hotel or airline, try job.travel. There are positions available in all aspects of operations from coast to coast.

Meetings, meetings, meetings

It seems that some people in charge like to hold meetings. There meetings to plan strategies, meetings to implement strategies and meetings to review strategies. Some even hold meeting to schedule future meetings. Do they not realize that if people are in meetings, they cannot be getting their work completed.
This is not to say meetings are useless, but need to be planned and kept on schedule. Sometimes meeting for corporations are held in a central location for the attendees. Though a resort in Hawaii or the Caribbean usually is not central, but if you're going to fly somewhere......
To help with the planning of these away meetings, try the experienced representatives at Future Vacations. They can arrange the flights, accommodations and land transportation for everyone attending and provide contact information for the conference manager to work out the details of the meetings. The staff's knowledge of out destinations is immense, and attention to detail is unsurpassed.
So if the meeting will be at the corporate headquarters, or a convenient compramise, contact Future Vacations for your group travel needs.

Busy Season?

Traditionally, the first three months of the year is the busy season for the travel industry. Well it is the first full week of the year and everyone is waiting. Yesterday the phones were busier than in the previous few weeks, which is a hopeful sign. Maybe with the new administration taking over, things will loosen up and people will start to travel.
Though recent surveys show that people are still planning on traveling some, though not as extensively or lavishly as in years past. The dollar is gaining on the euro so that will help Americans planning a visit to the old world. Lots of cruise lines are offering incredible discounts on future cruise to fill ships.
Here in Fort Lauderdale, there are a few new large resorts set to open soon on the beachfront, and City Center in Las Vegas will be opening in the next few months. These projects will increase the need for employees. So there are a few bright spots in the economy. So with the new year still in its formative stage maybe a new job is in order? Try job.travel, there are all levels of employment across the country. With the new Directory pages, information on cities for possible relocation is available

New Year, New Start.......

Well, the ball has landed in Times Square, hangovers are recovered from and it is the 2nd of January in 2009. Most people have returned to work though some lucky ones have a nice four day weekend. Unfortunately, I am sitting at my desk.
Lots of people make resolutions for the New Year. I'm sure there are billions of pounds that will be lost, more family time, exercise, etc. Perhaps for more family time, a vacation would help. Maybe an extended family trip to an all inclusive resort. That way no one has to worry about cooking or cleaning. Plus, all inclusives are great for people on a budget. There is no unknown about the cost of meals, beverages or entertainment. The resort provides it all, so just pack your toothbrush and passport and head out. Future Vacations has an experienced group department that can handle groups of 10 or more. Their knowledge of destinations and the resorts we offer make it a breeze to organize that family trip.
Perhaps a career change too? Job.travel offers options around the corner and across the country. Check out the possibilities. With the Directory pages, information is a click away about a possible new city.