General Motors, GM, GMC, once the largest producer of automobiles in the world. Now teetering on the brink of government imposed bankruptcy. Times have changed.
During its heyday, GM was a leader in design and reliability. After starting out as the holding company for Buick in 1908, it started adding brands, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Oakland(Pontiac's predecessor) and lesser names that have vanished, it grew to include the production of airplanes and locomotives. It's market share grew as well as its overseas operations. During World War II,
its domestic and British products fought against the products of Opel, its German subsidiary.
After the war, it was swept up in the post war boom. Suburbs grew and the demand for more cars spurred growth, both in products and management levels. With the dawn of the 1960's, GM started to have problems with initial quality. Ralph Nader attacked the Chevrolet Covair in his book Unsafe at Any Speed. Problems with handling and suspension were eventually rectified, but it was too late. More of new launches followed in the Corvair's tracks, the Vega, the Citation, the mid-sized sedans of the mid 1980s.
One bright spot was the introduction of the Saturn nameplate. It was a good, competent car, the only problem was it was slightly outdated by its rivals at introduction. With the launch of the second round of models it decreased the gap, but then through the lack of updating and new models it languished until the Aura sedan. The Aura was based on an Opel product and is also the base for the new Malibu. While heading in the right direction, the overall poor health of GM has doomed the brand name.
Acquisitions of Saab and Hummer were not as beneficial as hoped. Rather than Saab's innovation infusing the GM line, it was to become nothing more than a reworked Opel. Europeans will not pay premium prices for a mid range car. The Hummer line was the victim of the gas price increase and lack of product range. While the new models double the mileage of the original, it is still less than 20 mpg. Both brands will either be sold or discontinued like Oldsmobile's fate almost 10 years ago.
With the issues facing GM and its suppliers, the ripples will effect companies nationwide. Parts suppliers will have reduced orders leading to cutbacks. Not all of the suppliers are in the Rust Belt, and almost all areas will be effected by the restructuring of GM. Dealers will also feel it as brands vanish.
If your job or community is highly reliant on the automotive industry, maybe it is time to explore other employment opportunities. Jobs in travel and hospitality can be found on job.travel. Positions range from front desk clerks and waitstaff to executive level in corporate offices. Don't wait for the inevitable to strike, finding a job is much easier when you already have one.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Nothing stays the same
Humans are creatures of habit. We basically repeat our actions from week to week, substituting a minor detail, but overall the same. As these ruts become deeper, a person is less open to change of any sort.
In today's business world flexibility is paramount. Altering schedules, overtime, etc. may become routine. Possible relocation or business trips to cover for vacancies are also possible. Being rigid and inflexible could lead to detrimental results. There are lots of qualified people looking for work these days, and would jump at the chance for ANY position.
I know a person that was not happy of a possible business trip out of state, and they were not going. There is money in the bank and I will just give notice. They came around when I filled in some possible results, like taking a year to find a new position and burning through $40K of savings. But he showed them, he did NOT go to Houston for two days.
If your rut has become so deep, there is no horizon, maybe a new career is needed. Stepping out of a comfort zone can be nerve racking, but the rewards can be great. Job.travel offers jobs in the travel and hospitality industry. Travel and hospitality jobs are worldwide and offer many possibilities.
In today's business world flexibility is paramount. Altering schedules, overtime, etc. may become routine. Possible relocation or business trips to cover for vacancies are also possible. Being rigid and inflexible could lead to detrimental results. There are lots of qualified people looking for work these days, and would jump at the chance for ANY position.
I know a person that was not happy of a possible business trip out of state, and they were not going. There is money in the bank and I will just give notice. They came around when I filled in some possible results, like taking a year to find a new position and burning through $40K of savings. But he showed them, he did NOT go to Houston for two days.
If your rut has become so deep, there is no horizon, maybe a new career is needed. Stepping out of a comfort zone can be nerve racking, but the rewards can be great. Job.travel offers jobs in the travel and hospitality industry. Travel and hospitality jobs are worldwide and offer many possibilities.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Power Point
With the advances in computer programming, making presentations have become very easy. Power Point is a program that makes a presentation extremely easy. Screens can slowly dissolve or appear, elements can slide on the screen either silently or with sound effects.
These presentations can be used for a sales cal, training, etc. With sales call products can be displayed along with their benefits. The customers can see how it will enhance their business. For training it is a great tool since questions can be listed and answers appear individually. Plus with the shots in order, no information is left out of a session. Plus the presentation can be tailored to keep the trainees interest.
Both of these have been utilized for 2Go Media and job.travel. In areas without Internet access the Power Point can illustrate the use of the website. The sequential screens walks a client through registration and purchase of the product. And with the training, it makes the agents more knowledgeable on the products.
These presentations can be used for a sales cal, training, etc. With sales call products can be displayed along with their benefits. The customers can see how it will enhance their business. For training it is a great tool since questions can be listed and answers appear individually. Plus with the shots in order, no information is left out of a session. Plus the presentation can be tailored to keep the trainees interest.
Both of these have been utilized for 2Go Media and job.travel. In areas without Internet access the Power Point can illustrate the use of the website. The sequential screens walks a client through registration and purchase of the product. And with the training, it makes the agents more knowledgeable on the products.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
New Avenues
With the ever changing business environment, it is vital for a company to make an impact. Large established companies with recognizable brand names have a major advantage over small start ups. Names like Coke, Marlboro, Ford, IBM are entrenched in our everyday life from years of advertising and exposure. So how does a small company break into the big time?
Marketing. Yes it is just one word, but it embodies many tasks. Besides getting a firm's name out to the public, it needs to get to the right audience. Spending money on campaigns need to be spent wisely. Targeting the decision makers is imperative.
With the heavy use of the Internet, wise placement of advertisements can boost a firm's visibility and attract new clients. Joining organizations and associations that its members would benefit from a product is a good way to start. By becoming a member is shows interest in the group and builds trust. Being included in official emails, whether by an article or banner ad, draws clients to your site. Since it is only a click away, it is very easy to access a firm's products.
The old fashioned guerrilla marketing is effective too. Small fliers in car doors do work as long as the desired market is present. An airport parking lot would be a good place for advertising a limousine service from house to airport. A gym's parking lot for sports or athletic shoe store. Just make sure the majority of the cars are possible clients. Advertising a child care service in a nursing home lot might not be the best use of resources.
To stand out from the crowd there is a new top level domain, .travel. It is specifically for the travel and hospitality industry, to differentiate it from .com, which is for any industry. With the opening of the new registry, a multitude of names has become available. This allows you to promote your business with an industry specific domain.
For on line marketing solutions, there is 2Go Media. The economical package offered includes a .travel domain, SEO optimized website, directory listing and ad placement, and business cards to name a few. It makes a website easy to build, maintain and be found by searches. Job.travel is included as part of the Business Owners Package.
Marketing. Yes it is just one word, but it embodies many tasks. Besides getting a firm's name out to the public, it needs to get to the right audience. Spending money on campaigns need to be spent wisely. Targeting the decision makers is imperative.
With the heavy use of the Internet, wise placement of advertisements can boost a firm's visibility and attract new clients. Joining organizations and associations that its members would benefit from a product is a good way to start. By becoming a member is shows interest in the group and builds trust. Being included in official emails, whether by an article or banner ad, draws clients to your site. Since it is only a click away, it is very easy to access a firm's products.
The old fashioned guerrilla marketing is effective too. Small fliers in car doors do work as long as the desired market is present. An airport parking lot would be a good place for advertising a limousine service from house to airport. A gym's parking lot for sports or athletic shoe store. Just make sure the majority of the cars are possible clients. Advertising a child care service in a nursing home lot might not be the best use of resources.
To stand out from the crowd there is a new top level domain, .travel. It is specifically for the travel and hospitality industry, to differentiate it from .com, which is for any industry. With the opening of the new registry, a multitude of names has become available. This allows you to promote your business with an industry specific domain.
For on line marketing solutions, there is 2Go Media. The economical package offered includes a .travel domain, SEO optimized website, directory listing and ad placement, and business cards to name a few. It makes a website easy to build, maintain and be found by searches. Job.travel is included as part of the Business Owners Package.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Some more glimmers
The stock market finally finished up for a week. Today, after teh Fed announced a purchase plan for bad-assets from banks it has climbed almost 300 points. Housing sales of existing homes rose a VERY unexpected 5%.
Could this be signs of a major turn around for the economy. Since banks have already received billions of dollars, and the government buying up their mistakes, maybe they can start loaning to consumers again. Since they are already getting bonuses for the way they ruined their employers and the economy. People in most positions would get fired, maybe the banking industry is the place to be.
With home sales increasing does come a fall in prices. To me this is more of a readjustment to a level where prices should be. Living in Fort Lauderdale/Broward County, prices for years were climbing at over 30% a YEAR! That is not a normal rate of appreciation. Prices are falling back to a more reasonable rate, it is just something people that bought at the peak have to deal with. If it is a primary residence and there are no plans to move, then it is a non issue. Just stay until it catches up to where it had been.
People complain about paying a mortgage on a house that isn't worth as much. But these are the same people that have been going out and buying new cars every two or three years and loosing money that way. At least the home will recover its value, unlike a used car. I have known people that pride themselves in never owning a car for more than two years. In my 49 years I have owned a total of 5 cars. Two of these were extremely used cars, two new ones and a certified pre-owned. Detroit does not consider me much of a friend, though one new, and the pre-owned were domestic models.
If these few additional ray of economic hope spur you to consider a new career, try job.travel. Jobs in travel and hospitality are nationwide and can lead to overseas postings with the large corporations. Graduating from college and getting transferred to the operations in Paris should like a good idea to me. Or if if your former position was downsized away, positions are just around the corner and many career paths are covers in the travel and hospitality industry.
Could this be signs of a major turn around for the economy. Since banks have already received billions of dollars, and the government buying up their mistakes, maybe they can start loaning to consumers again. Since they are already getting bonuses for the way they ruined their employers and the economy. People in most positions would get fired, maybe the banking industry is the place to be.
With home sales increasing does come a fall in prices. To me this is more of a readjustment to a level where prices should be. Living in Fort Lauderdale/Broward County, prices for years were climbing at over 30% a YEAR! That is not a normal rate of appreciation. Prices are falling back to a more reasonable rate, it is just something people that bought at the peak have to deal with. If it is a primary residence and there are no plans to move, then it is a non issue. Just stay until it catches up to where it had been.
People complain about paying a mortgage on a house that isn't worth as much. But these are the same people that have been going out and buying new cars every two or three years and loosing money that way. At least the home will recover its value, unlike a used car. I have known people that pride themselves in never owning a car for more than two years. In my 49 years I have owned a total of 5 cars. Two of these were extremely used cars, two new ones and a certified pre-owned. Detroit does not consider me much of a friend, though one new, and the pre-owned were domestic models.
If these few additional ray of economic hope spur you to consider a new career, try job.travel. Jobs in travel and hospitality are nationwide and can lead to overseas postings with the large corporations. Graduating from college and getting transferred to the operations in Paris should like a good idea to me. Or if if your former position was downsized away, positions are just around the corner and many career paths are covers in the travel and hospitality industry.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Politically Incorrect
In today's office environment, the more relaxed atmosphere can lead to issue of harassment. People telling jokes or stories can be viewed as distasteful to some coworkers. The person who takes offense does not have to be involved, just maybe over hear or witness something. People from different backgrounds have varying ideas of appropriate conduct.
This also holds true for out of office setting also. Maybe a group of employees out for drinks after work, or a business trip. Actions that are observed can create uncomfortable situations in the work place. This is grounds for harassment. Even if the interaction is between friends, observers may take it the wrong way.
Acting in a professional manner is important in a business setting, or in a casual setting with coworkers. Even if people chuckle at a comment, they might be doing it out of wanting to fit in, even though they find it offensive. So unless you are certain about the people around you, be careful of your words and actions. If you are in a work environment that condones incorrect comments or actions, maybe a new position is needed. Try job.travel for a job in travel and hospitality, the possibilities are endless.
This also holds true for out of office setting also. Maybe a group of employees out for drinks after work, or a business trip. Actions that are observed can create uncomfortable situations in the work place. This is grounds for harassment. Even if the interaction is between friends, observers may take it the wrong way.
Acting in a professional manner is important in a business setting, or in a casual setting with coworkers. Even if people chuckle at a comment, they might be doing it out of wanting to fit in, even though they find it offensive. So unless you are certain about the people around you, be careful of your words and actions. If you are in a work environment that condones incorrect comments or actions, maybe a new position is needed. Try job.travel for a job in travel and hospitality, the possibilities are endless.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Networking
It seems that the big buzz work these days is networking. There are multiple social sites, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc, along with mobile sites such as Twitter. These are methods for people to keep in touch with friends, both current and past.
I signed up for a few to promote the various websites at work. The LinkedIn site has driven a few visitors to the websites, and some friends from Facebook also. And this is on the small scale since I have a job and cannot spend my day on line typing or on my phone sending tweets.
The face to face networking is more of what I am used to. Meeting for lunch with a presentation or for cocktails after work for a more casual setting. Though business cards are swapped, driving traffic to your website is not as effective.
With the online sites, your website and products are just one click away. In the social setting possible clients need to make a concerted effort to find your website when they reach a computer. And actually, this blog is designed to drive traffic to job.travel. So if yo are looking for a new career in travel and hospitality, click on my link and sign up. It is always free for job seekers..
I signed up for a few to promote the various websites at work. The LinkedIn site has driven a few visitors to the websites, and some friends from Facebook also. And this is on the small scale since I have a job and cannot spend my day on line typing or on my phone sending tweets.
The face to face networking is more of what I am used to. Meeting for lunch with a presentation or for cocktails after work for a more casual setting. Though business cards are swapped, driving traffic to your website is not as effective.
With the online sites, your website and products are just one click away. In the social setting possible clients need to make a concerted effort to find your website when they reach a computer. And actually, this blog is designed to drive traffic to job.travel. So if yo are looking for a new career in travel and hospitality, click on my link and sign up. It is always free for job seekers..
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Change is good
In this ever changing work environment, change comes often and employees and executives need to be flexible. With the drastic downturn in the economy over the last year and the many well publicized layoffs(and many more that did not make the news) job descriptions have been radically altered.
Even with less business, basic functions still need to be performed. Accounting still has to debit/credit, human resources have employees to manage, office services, etc. The list goes on, the difference is there are less people to perform these duties. It is the ultimate in multi-tasking. But having many responsibilities is better than none, plus the additional experience is always beneficial to a resume.
This week I have assumed the duties of sales for a sister company for job.travel, 2Go Media. It is an Internet marketing solutions package. All of the package types include a SEO hosted website, a unique .travel domain, inclusion in directory.travel and search.travel and more features. It is a one stop shop for your Internet marketing needs. It is a great place for a small company to make a big impact on the Internet.
Even with less business, basic functions still need to be performed. Accounting still has to debit/credit, human resources have employees to manage, office services, etc. The list goes on, the difference is there are less people to perform these duties. It is the ultimate in multi-tasking. But having many responsibilities is better than none, plus the additional experience is always beneficial to a resume.
This week I have assumed the duties of sales for a sister company for job.travel, 2Go Media. It is an Internet marketing solutions package. All of the package types include a SEO hosted website, a unique .travel domain, inclusion in directory.travel and search.travel and more features. It is a one stop shop for your Internet marketing needs. It is a great place for a small company to make a big impact on the Internet.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Stay busy
If you were one of the unfortunate victims of a corporate down-sizing, staying busy is VERY important. Sitting home and feeling sorry is good for only the first few days. Staying busy keeps your mind busy.
The first priority is finding new employment. With the advent of the web, job searches are a snap compared to even 10 years ago. Sites like job.travel let you sort opportunities by career path, industry or location. Jobs in travel and hospitality offer many possibilities.
While job search is primary, there will still be lots of free time in a day. Maybe online classes to complete a degree. Or additional courses to obtain certification in your field. If your current occupation is being phased out in this country, maybe a new degree all together?
Improving oneself is always beneficial, it shows a prospective employer you are motivated to learn more. But that will still leave hours to fill and Oprah just isn't that interesting. Volunteering is an option. Even during my last period of unemployment, there are still many people that are worse off. There are food banks that help the truly poor or soup kitchens for the homeless. Check with your place of worship or county services, they can provide lists where a donation of time and a smile will help someone that is truly down and out.
The first priority is finding new employment. With the advent of the web, job searches are a snap compared to even 10 years ago. Sites like job.travel let you sort opportunities by career path, industry or location. Jobs in travel and hospitality offer many possibilities.
While job search is primary, there will still be lots of free time in a day. Maybe online classes to complete a degree. Or additional courses to obtain certification in your field. If your current occupation is being phased out in this country, maybe a new degree all together?
Improving oneself is always beneficial, it shows a prospective employer you are motivated to learn more. But that will still leave hours to fill and Oprah just isn't that interesting. Volunteering is an option. Even during my last period of unemployment, there are still many people that are worse off. There are food banks that help the truly poor or soup kitchens for the homeless. Check with your place of worship or county services, they can provide lists where a donation of time and a smile will help someone that is truly down and out.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Glimmers of hope?
Recent economic news while not earth shattering, has held a few bright spots. Sales in January surged 1.8%, and February were only down .1%, not the forecasted .5% New jobless claims also dipped in recent weeks.
News out of Detroit is better too. While sales of vehicles are down to levels not seen in decades, rays of hope are emerging. Ford has negotiated with the UAW and got major concessions on pay and retirement funding. GM stated they do not need the next $2 billion now. Cost savings have increased their cash position. Guess the fleet of jets were not needed.
The stock market is on the rise for the third day in a row after hitting a 12 year low on Monday. Credit also increased slightly as households made more purchases.
Are these signs of a bottom to the economic issues or just pent up demand? Hopefully it is a sign that people are going to start buying, and help lift the economy. The first take home pay increase as a result of lower taxes starts this week, so more disposable income. Maybe all these small steps will add up to better economic numbers. Though the press seems to prefer the depressing news.
If these little glimmers give you inspiration to change positions, log onto job.travel. Jobs in travel and hospitality are nationwide, and the work experience can be useful for future positions in the industry.
News out of Detroit is better too. While sales of vehicles are down to levels not seen in decades, rays of hope are emerging. Ford has negotiated with the UAW and got major concessions on pay and retirement funding. GM stated they do not need the next $2 billion now. Cost savings have increased their cash position. Guess the fleet of jets were not needed.
The stock market is on the rise for the third day in a row after hitting a 12 year low on Monday. Credit also increased slightly as households made more purchases.
Are these signs of a bottom to the economic issues or just pent up demand? Hopefully it is a sign that people are going to start buying, and help lift the economy. The first take home pay increase as a result of lower taxes starts this week, so more disposable income. Maybe all these small steps will add up to better economic numbers. Though the press seems to prefer the depressing news.
If these little glimmers give you inspiration to change positions, log onto job.travel. Jobs in travel and hospitality are nationwide, and the work experience can be useful for future positions in the industry.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Flying Monkeys!!! Oh MY!!
Who can forget the scene in the Wizard of Oz when the Wicked Witch of the West sends her flying monkeys to capture Dorothy and Toto? How they swoop in and overpower the Tinman, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion and snatch our heroine and her dog away.
This could also relate to today's economy and work environment. Dorothy can represent the average worker trying to make it to retirement(Oz), the Tinman, Scarecrow and Lion can represent careful planning, living on budget, and saving, and the Wicked Witch and her entourage of flying monkeys are out of touch executives and market forces.
Even though Dorothy has lived within her means(staying on the Yellow Brick Road), the flying monkeys still bring her travels to a screeching halt. The market forces(monkey) have beaten her careful planning and savings(the Tinman, Scarecrow and Lion). These monkeys are controlled by the Wicked Witch, who wanted the Ruby Slippers(bonus, big pay). Though her capture did set back Dorothy's arrival, she did achieve her goal of reaching Oz(happy retirement) with the help of the trio of friends. The Wicked Witch met her demise(execs taking the blame, being terminated, government intervention) and market forces allowed to operate naturally(free flying monkeys)
If you have been the victim of a Wicked Witch and band of flying moneys(getting laid off), try job.travel for opportunities in the travel and hospitality industry. With openings across the country, and in many career fields, finding a suitable position will be a breeze. Just remember to be ready, have a big glass of water nearby.
This could also relate to today's economy and work environment. Dorothy can represent the average worker trying to make it to retirement(Oz), the Tinman, Scarecrow and Lion can represent careful planning, living on budget, and saving, and the Wicked Witch and her entourage of flying monkeys are out of touch executives and market forces.
Even though Dorothy has lived within her means(staying on the Yellow Brick Road), the flying monkeys still bring her travels to a screeching halt. The market forces(monkey) have beaten her careful planning and savings(the Tinman, Scarecrow and Lion). These monkeys are controlled by the Wicked Witch, who wanted the Ruby Slippers(bonus, big pay). Though her capture did set back Dorothy's arrival, she did achieve her goal of reaching Oz(happy retirement) with the help of the trio of friends. The Wicked Witch met her demise(execs taking the blame, being terminated, government intervention) and market forces allowed to operate naturally(free flying monkeys)
If you have been the victim of a Wicked Witch and band of flying moneys(getting laid off), try job.travel for opportunities in the travel and hospitality industry. With openings across the country, and in many career fields, finding a suitable position will be a breeze. Just remember to be ready, have a big glass of water nearby.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Cutting back
Up until recently, most people thought nothing of stopping on the way to work and buying a $3 coffee and maybe a $2 muffin to go with it. While at work, a can or bottle of soda for another $1. Lunch another $7-$10. That's $10 to $15 a day on needless items.
Most offices provide coffee. Ours is Maxwell House or Folgers. Yes it is sometimes strong or week, but the price is right $0. If you want/need a muffin, there are plenty of easy mixes, or for the baking impaired, pick some up at the bakery counter or in the freezer. For a soda, most grocery stores or discount stores have soft drink specials weekly, the cost of a 12 pack is less than a week from the machine.
Packing a lunch is easier than ever. Even if the freezer section is your resource, there are complete meals for around $3 or less. Making lunch is not that hard either. A sandwich is easy to make, along with come chips. For the more adventurous, cook on a weekend day for the whole week. maybe variations on baked chicken to break up the week. Something like a nice meatloaf goes a long way and slices can be frozen for subsequent weeks.
Making something like Chicken Chimichangas is not difficult either. Leftover chicken mixed with salsa, sour cream, cheese and wrapped in a flour tortilla then bake. The chicken could be from the rotisserie at your grocery store. Serve with rice and black beans and lunch is a microwave away.
With a little planning in the grocery store and some time in the kitchen, money can be saved easily. Cooking is not difficult or time consuming. When something is in the oven baking, and you are watching television or cleaning, claiming cooking for an hour is pushing it. So with a little planning, budgets can come back into line. Or maybe while something is cooking, you can look at job.travel for jobs in the travel and hospitality industry. Never know when something catches your eye.
Most offices provide coffee. Ours is Maxwell House or Folgers. Yes it is sometimes strong or week, but the price is right $0. If you want/need a muffin, there are plenty of easy mixes, or for the baking impaired, pick some up at the bakery counter or in the freezer. For a soda, most grocery stores or discount stores have soft drink specials weekly, the cost of a 12 pack is less than a week from the machine.
Packing a lunch is easier than ever. Even if the freezer section is your resource, there are complete meals for around $3 or less. Making lunch is not that hard either. A sandwich is easy to make, along with come chips. For the more adventurous, cook on a weekend day for the whole week. maybe variations on baked chicken to break up the week. Something like a nice meatloaf goes a long way and slices can be frozen for subsequent weeks.
Making something like Chicken Chimichangas is not difficult either. Leftover chicken mixed with salsa, sour cream, cheese and wrapped in a flour tortilla then bake. The chicken could be from the rotisserie at your grocery store. Serve with rice and black beans and lunch is a microwave away.
With a little planning in the grocery store and some time in the kitchen, money can be saved easily. Cooking is not difficult or time consuming. When something is in the oven baking, and you are watching television or cleaning, claiming cooking for an hour is pushing it. So with a little planning, budgets can come back into line. Or maybe while something is cooking, you can look at job.travel for jobs in the travel and hospitality industry. Never know when something catches your eye.
Friday, March 6, 2009
No Man is an Island
In the tough times the nation's economy is facing, things do not look too optimistic. Though in February, consumer spending increased and first time unemployment dipped slightly. Hopefully this is a sign that we are reaching the bottom. One can only hope.
Layoffs have been common across all sectors of the economy and regions of the country. Large percentages of workforces have been released. One of our sister companies has faced that situation. When on the wrong end of a layoff, remember you are not the only one, and it has nothing to do with performance. Layoffs are from a bad business environment, being fired is fora specific reason.
As part of a growing number, do not dwell on it, and bottle up feelings, stress or anxiety. Support groups abound where sharing experiences is the norm. On the news last night was a story on a dismissed employee that started a support group for herself and others that had been laid off from the same company. Most local unemployment office offer access to sponsored groups and there is always Google.
With the shift in the United States economy from manufacturing to service, maybe a reassessment of career goals is in order. Additional training in a new field, or pursuing a dream career. Re-inventing one's self can lead to new opportunities. Check out job.travel for a position in the travel and hospitality industry. There is an abundance of positions from entry level to management across the country.
Layoffs have been common across all sectors of the economy and regions of the country. Large percentages of workforces have been released. One of our sister companies has faced that situation. When on the wrong end of a layoff, remember you are not the only one, and it has nothing to do with performance. Layoffs are from a bad business environment, being fired is fora specific reason.
As part of a growing number, do not dwell on it, and bottle up feelings, stress or anxiety. Support groups abound where sharing experiences is the norm. On the news last night was a story on a dismissed employee that started a support group for herself and others that had been laid off from the same company. Most local unemployment office offer access to sponsored groups and there is always Google.
With the shift in the United States economy from manufacturing to service, maybe a reassessment of career goals is in order. Additional training in a new field, or pursuing a dream career. Re-inventing one's self can lead to new opportunities. Check out job.travel for a position in the travel and hospitality industry. There is an abundance of positions from entry level to management across the country.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
More talents
With the downsizing of a company, there is always the issue of who will do those laid off's duties. If the company's business has decreased, the remaining staff can usually deal with most of it, since they have less work.
Sometimes though the work load is more than the staff in a department can handle. This necessitates enlisting the help from other areas. Since the survival of a company is a team effort, helping another department is the only option. Plus, learning a new skill adds to a resume.
In the near future, I will be responsible for promotions at one of the resort chains the company offers. I will write the copy for the promotion and enter the information into the product's database.
Having started here as a reservation specialist, progressed to assisting in developing a website, then to blogging, and now to helping in the product development area. This will be good experience and make me a more valuable employee. Who knows which department I will assist next?
In these tough times remember to keep a good attitude at work. Negativity is contagious and unhealthy. If restructuring had eliminated your position, try job.travel to help find a new one. Jobs in travel and hospitality off many options, locations and schedules.
Sometimes though the work load is more than the staff in a department can handle. This necessitates enlisting the help from other areas. Since the survival of a company is a team effort, helping another department is the only option. Plus, learning a new skill adds to a resume.
In the near future, I will be responsible for promotions at one of the resort chains the company offers. I will write the copy for the promotion and enter the information into the product's database.
Having started here as a reservation specialist, progressed to assisting in developing a website, then to blogging, and now to helping in the product development area. This will be good experience and make me a more valuable employee. Who knows which department I will assist next?
In these tough times remember to keep a good attitude at work. Negativity is contagious and unhealthy. If restructuring had eliminated your position, try job.travel to help find a new one. Jobs in travel and hospitality off many options, locations and schedules.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Decompression
The removal of pressure. Pressure is all around us today. There is the economy, family issues, work environment, the list is endless. After awhile, something has to give, and hopefully not one's sanity.
It is important to release stress and pressure. After a long period, it starts to effect a person's health and personal interactions. Problems at work should not be taken out on innocent family members or friends. Nor should they be bottled up until blood pressure reaches a critical point.
Growing up there was a commercial, and I have not seen it in years. It starts off with a woman's hectic day of juggling family and work, and culminates in her pleading 'Calgon, take me away!' Then the protagonist is seen relaxing in a nice bubble bath. Though today's equivalent is either a whirlpool or hot tub, usually with an adult beverage.
Exercise has been proven to help relieve stress. It also has the added benefit of improving one's overall health. And a healthy body is better able to resist attacks from colds and flu. With all the physical activity you will look better and have a better self image.
Another way is to just relax and remove negative influences. Stop watching CNN during dinner, it just causes indigestion. At night don't watch the latest crime drama, who needs made up murders? Maybe renting a classic movie from your childhood? Who can forget in the Wizard of Oz, the Scarecrow singing 'If I only had a brain' as he danced down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy. Brings back memories of a time when life was much simpler and easier.
Getting out of town is a good way to decompress. New surroundings, new places have a way of making problems and stress disappear. So if a quick escape is needed, try Future Vacations for a long weekend away. Let the trained agents find you the perfect escape for a weekend, or longer, you deserve it.
It is important to release stress and pressure. After a long period, it starts to effect a person's health and personal interactions. Problems at work should not be taken out on innocent family members or friends. Nor should they be bottled up until blood pressure reaches a critical point.
Growing up there was a commercial, and I have not seen it in years. It starts off with a woman's hectic day of juggling family and work, and culminates in her pleading 'Calgon, take me away!' Then the protagonist is seen relaxing in a nice bubble bath. Though today's equivalent is either a whirlpool or hot tub, usually with an adult beverage.
Exercise has been proven to help relieve stress. It also has the added benefit of improving one's overall health. And a healthy body is better able to resist attacks from colds and flu. With all the physical activity you will look better and have a better self image.
Another way is to just relax and remove negative influences. Stop watching CNN during dinner, it just causes indigestion. At night don't watch the latest crime drama, who needs made up murders? Maybe renting a classic movie from your childhood? Who can forget in the Wizard of Oz, the Scarecrow singing 'If I only had a brain' as he danced down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy. Brings back memories of a time when life was much simpler and easier.
Getting out of town is a good way to decompress. New surroundings, new places have a way of making problems and stress disappear. So if a quick escape is needed, try Future Vacations for a long weekend away. Let the trained agents find you the perfect escape for a weekend, or longer, you deserve it.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Training
With the launch of 2GoMedia, training needs to be given for the agents. There is no excuse for dead silence when a possible client calls in. Then agents either need to know the answer or to be able to quickly find it.
Before the launch an over view of the website and products offered was given to all the staff. Individual one on one sessions have been held also. The hands on experience allows the salesperson to walk a client through the registration process. Confidence when dealing with clients is essential.
A good training department is not a luxury at a company, it is VITAL. Having well trained representatives makes for satisfied customers. The training needs to be on the front end, selling and also on the back end, customer service. After a sale, if problems are not addressed quickly, them repeat business is a moot point.
One of the most important aspects of selling is a smile. Whether in person or on the phone, a smile can be detected. Face to face it is obvious, on the phone it comes through as a flat listless voice. An unenthusiastic employee has a direct influence on a customer's perception of the product, and can end a sale after one sentence.
So, if a good training department in the travel and hospitality industry is what you need, check out job.travel. It is a much more economical choice than its .com counterparts.
Before the launch an over view of the website and products offered was given to all the staff. Individual one on one sessions have been held also. The hands on experience allows the salesperson to walk a client through the registration process. Confidence when dealing with clients is essential.
A good training department is not a luxury at a company, it is VITAL. Having well trained representatives makes for satisfied customers. The training needs to be on the front end, selling and also on the back end, customer service. After a sale, if problems are not addressed quickly, them repeat business is a moot point.
One of the most important aspects of selling is a smile. Whether in person or on the phone, a smile can be detected. Face to face it is obvious, on the phone it comes through as a flat listless voice. An unenthusiastic employee has a direct influence on a customer's perception of the product, and can end a sale after one sentence.
So, if a good training department in the travel and hospitality industry is what you need, check out job.travel. It is a much more economical choice than its .com counterparts.
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