The Day Has Come, Companies are Finally Giving Something Back to Employees

For the last three years during the 'Great Recession' employees have felt nervous to ask for more from their employers, worrying that their jobs were at stake. But, the day has finally arrived that companies are giving back to hard workers.

Economic analysts say that often when the market resets, some companies' high-potential employees will start looking or new opportunities because they hung in their during tough times and want a fresh start. In order to survive, many companies have cut all of the perks they used to give - pay raises, flexible hours, even free coffee - but more businesses are realizing that if they want to hold on to their best employees they need to give them back the things they enjoy.

FedEx, the St. Paul Hotel, Ford Motor Co., Winnebago and the McKnight Foundation are among many of the companies starting to restore their perks. This is because many of their competitors are sniffing for talent. Another main reason companies are bringing back lost perks is because it's expensive to replace works and in the next decade many of the baby boomer generation will be retiring already.

As the economy recovers, employers are bringing back the goodies. Some are conducting employee surveys, hiring humorists or just bringing back the coffee and cookies that have disappeared. Here are other examples:

Aveda is lifting its ban on employee travel

FedEx and MPR are reinstating 401(K) and 403 (b) matches.

Ford Motor Co., which was thought to be closing soon, actually saw a raise in sales this last year and plans to hire 7,000 U.S. employees

The St. Paul Hotel has said that business has picked back up and they are restoring most of its 275 hourly works to full-time status. Also, they are breaking out the brownies, cookies and popcorn to revive its all-employee meetings

3M Co. froze wages in 2009, but now has reinstated merit pay last year.

Cambria Inc. rehired about 70 laid-off factory workers last year.

The Marsh fitness club in Minnetonka held its first staff party January 7th after a three-year hiatus.

Besides the fun job perks bring, they provide a lot more - employee satisfaction, and when you happy employees they are going to want to stay and create a happy company.

More optimism is buzzing than ever since 2007 and companies see that now that they can afford some perks, they need to give them, especially since turnover costs a lot more. I think is only going to get better from here.

The White House Teams with Monster.com To Connect with Job Seekers

Due to the uproar last Tuesday and claim that congressional leaders are not helping the economy produce jobs, the White House is teaming with Monster.com to answer employment questions from the public.

Starting today, November 8th and running through Sunday November 14th, job seekers and members of Monster.com community can go to the Monster.com Facebook page and pose a question to the Obama Administration with regard to America's unemployment state. The questions that get people talking and rack up the "Likes" will be answered by the White House, who will video tape responses and post them online.

The Obama administration has used social media many times before to reach out and communicate. President Obama has answered questions on YouTube and recorded video responses, and recently the White House has answered questions on Twitter. However, this is an interesting public relations move by the president, because he is going right to the people who are affected by jobs congregate.

Human Billboard Show Signs of Success for Some

Imagine this: you're driving down the street by a strip mall, look over at the corner while waiting for the stop light and find a person dressed up in a statue of liberty costume for the tax service business or holding a sign for a deal to a pizza place, car shop or hair salon. Think for a moment about this work ad: "Employee needed to work outside. Smiling and waving required. Dancing encouraged. Bring your headset." I've been seeing more of this type of advertising happening and it's got me to thinking about whether or not this advertising actually works?

Companies seem to be pulling out all bells and whistles to attract business. Many are trying new marketing such as doing social networking on Facebook and Twitter and coupon sites such as Groupon, but some have gone back to their roots and are bringing back old-fashioned methods.

The human billboards are a variation on an old marketing strategy, the sandwich board. What you're truly looking at though is an inexpensive outdoor ad. Businesses that sell luxury items such as jewelry have had a hard time these past two years. Some have moved to smaller locations where city ordinances wouldn't allow them to put a sign in the window. Instead, some of them have taken to the streets, dressing someone up in 'loud' clothing and holding a sign on a busy street. Other small businesses such as hair salons have reported that when they hire someone to dress up as a large pair of scissors and hold a sign on a busy street their business more than doubles.

But, then if this advertising works, why isn't everyone doing it? It really depends on who they hire. The person standing still, looking at the ground doesn't attract the attention someone jumping, smiling and laughing does. The second type of person pulls outsiders in. However, the 'waver' needs to be brand appropriate.

Research says that generally the concept works best for a spontaneous purchase, such as an oil change or a pizza. Some pizza places have someone stand outside from 4 to 7 holding a sign. It's perfect because those people tired, hungry and heading home from work see it. Most of the human signgs must try to have fun on the job, so it works best for a business with a sense of humor. Tax services don't usually elicit a lot of yuks, but Liberty Tax Service is trying to change that. Every tax season, from mid-January to mid-April, at least one employee from its 39 Minnesota locations is dancing near a busy intersection, drumming up business dressed as the Statue of Liberty.

The company employs wavers, an official title, in the coldest season of the year. Fortunately the costumes are baggy and can hide a coat underneath. It also helps that Liberty employees are encouraged to bring headphones. The wavers are a big part of Liberty's business model and auditions are held after applications watch videos of the company's favorite wavers. Prospects get suggestions such as saluting police officers who drive past and arm-pumping to get truck drivers to honk. But, does this actually make people choose a tax preparer because someone was in fun costume and waved at them? Liberty says that it helps potential customers who are nervous about filling out their tax forms feel more relaxed about the process.

So, what your probably wondering is who is the right person for this type of job? Old class clowns maybe? Turnover is high in these jobs, the pay is usually minimum-wage, and most wavers don't get commissions, despite the uptick in sales. Doesn't sound very good does it? On the other side, breaks are frequent and shifts rarely last more than four hours.

There are More Unmarried Couples Living Together than Ever Before, Why? Is it the Recession or just a New Social Norm?

Recently, more and more young couples are living together and not getting married and the reason being seen as is the economic downturn. Further, this number is rising faster here in Minnesota, but why?

New U.S. Census estimates show the number of unmarried couples living together has spiked nationally during the recent recession and rose even faster in Minnesota. Demographers believe the increase is couples delaying marriage because of the cost, avoiding marriage altogether or moving in without a long-term plan because of short term financial pressures. While cohabitation has increased over the last 30 years, the recent uptick has surprised most experts. The Current Population Survey showed an increase nationally from 6.7 million unmarried couples living together in 2009 to 7.5 million couples in 2010. That's a huge jump!

The reason for this increase is unclear. Joblessness might be one of the reasons why couples say 'ok, do we really need two addresses?' It was determined that couples who recently moved in together were less likely to have jobs than couples who lived together more than a year. Beyond economics, a major reason for more cohabitation is couples who have children, but don't get married. Many couples today just see moving in together as a natural extension of dating. First, you have a toothbrush, and then maybe some clothes, and then eventually it doesn't make sense to pay rent on two apartments.

It's unclear why cohabitation is rising faster in Minnesota. The state has more married couples living together fewer divorces and separations, and fewer multiple-generation households. Who knows, this could create a new social norm in which unmarried couples also want to live together if it hasn't already.

The negative stigma surrounding unmarried couples living together has lessened in the last three decades, but hasn't disappeared. The old "living in sin" idea has changed since the time when landlords would deny apartments to unmarried couples, but instead today some couples find it a challenge to find a church to perform their wedding ceremony unless they first get legally married or agree to move apart. It is common for most unmarried couples living together to split up or get married within two years. It's been concluded that only 14 percent of couples are unmarried live together after five years.

Really, there are pros and cons to living together before marriage, the debate is still on. Time will only tell if this pattern becomes the norm and if it improves the stats of divorce. It's an interesting situation. Why do you think this is happening and what do you think the future will be for unmarried couples who have decided to try living together?

Hazardous Resumes

The job market is still rough and there are many out there still struggling to find work; since it has been reported that there are more inaccuracies in resumes. It has long been the case that job seekers buffer their resumes to make themselves look like a stronger, but recently more candidates are downplaying their work histories instead of exaggerating so that they won't appear overqualified for a job.

You may think that the highest group of unemployed people are young professionals and recent college grads. However, it's been said that the greatest number of those looking for work are those who are middle age and have been laid off. This is why some experts say 'dis-embellishment' is happening. This group of individuals have the experience, but can't find jobs to meet their years of work. Typically, this group needs a steady income somehow to pay for things such as their houses, kids, food, etc, so they are willing to take almost any job that, even one that requires much less experience.

Advice: Bottom line is tell the truth. Any work of fiction on either end poses for risk. Further, if any hirer does some research, they can find out the truth themselves.

If You're Going To Quit Your Job, Don't Jump Off A Plane, Quit With Class

People have been buzzing over the epic departure of JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater, who quit his job in a dramatic fashion often reserved for movies and daydreams; just after this flight landed in New York City, he unleashed an expletive-laden tirade over the plane's public address system. He then deployed the inflatable emergency-exit ramp and left for his home in Queens, where he was promptly arrested. (However, I wouldn't be surprised to see him on the late night TV shows in the near future with all the publicity and fame he's getting for this incident.)

With economic recover still stalled, quitting any job requires some serious intestinal fortitude, but the sheer audacity of Slater's departure from his job might serve as a shining example of those tired of being abused or misused in the workplace. However, simply swearing your way out of the office lacks a certain je ne sais quoi.

Here are some ways to quit your job with class:

1. Keep Your Remarks Short: Don't rant your frustrations with the job. Just say what you need to and get out.

2. Make Your Reasons For Leaving Clear: Give your box something to think about so they don't drive away another valuable employee in the future. Whatever it is that is making you quit, be clear about it.

3. Have A Plan: If you're going to quit, at least know what's coming next.

4. Make An Impression: No swearing, no tantrums, no throwing stuff. If you leave respectfully and calmly, this will make a greater impression than lashing out.

5. Get Closure: If there's a way to make your departure more real in your mind, make it so. Don't dwell on your decisions. You're gone; now move on.

About the picture: This is a picture from Steven Slater's MySpace, a flight attendant for Jet Blue Airways Corp., looked pleased and relieved after cursing out a passenger on an airplane public-address system, grabbing some beer from the galley and using an emergency slide to hop off another passenger said Tuesday, August 10th. Steven Slater lost his temper after a passenger accidentally hit him on the head with luggage on the ground at Kennedy Airport on Monday police said.

Guide to Making the Most of Networking Events and Working a Room

I'm going to a networking event soon and have been doing some research of how I can make the most of the evening. Here is what I've concluded as my guide to preparing for a networking event and working a room.

Before the evening even begins, do some prep work. Prepare by researching the group of expected attendees, and pre-contact some of the attendees. Make business cards and have your self-introduction ready. Lastly, before you head out the door, make it clear as to what your are trying to accomplish. That will help you determine your actions for the evening.

You're at the event, there will be a ton going on and you may not know where to start. Don't be afraid! Here's all you need to do:

1. Be memorable, in a good way. I'm sure you've attended an event, gotten someone's card and when you look at it later you can't remember who that person was? The more memorable you are, the more effectively you will be able to follow up with those you've talked to.
2. Collect information. Giving out your business cards isn't nearly as important as collecting others' and making notes, either written or mentally, that will allow you to follow up effectively.
3. Create value for others. This is the essence of networking. Look for opportunities to be of service and you'll benefit in the long run as well.

This may sound like a lot, but if you take these action steps, you'll be ok, and get what you want done.

There are three people that you always want to be sure to network with at an event: The speaker, the event host/organizer, and the person doing registration and sign-in. The person at the front door sees everybody, including heir name, and also is usually aware where the host is and can point you in their direction. Plus it just starts you off on a positive note as you enter the room. You're not a movie star hitting the red carpet. Your goal isn't to make a grand entrance, but to leave a wake of happy people behind you.

Idea: Talk with the registrar. Ask them about the organization, the agenda for the event, get their card, etc. Ask the name of the host, if you don't already know, and have them point you in their direction. Sometimes the hardest part of an event is just walking in, especially if you don't know a soul. So, take a deep breath, start tall and walk into the center of the room, rather than stopping just inside the door to clog traffic or bee-lining for a dark corner. If the host isn't available, or once you've talked with them, scan the room for people you already know to start mingling. Don't just head straight for the bar, the buffet or your seat. If you don't know anyone, find a high-traffic area or place where people seem to be congregating and make your way there.

Introduce yourself. Introducing yourself to an individual and introducing yourself to the group are two totally different things. If you have the opportunity to introduce yourself to the whole group, or even a large dinner table, then you'll want to use your "pitch": a concise (25 words or less) and memorable introduction that describes both what you do and how it benefits others. But one-on-one, that can get in the way of natural conversation. You want to describe what you do in a memorable way, but don't go off into the benefits - you'll sound like a bad salesman, rather than someone that is there to learn from the program and build relationships with the other attendees.

Idea: For some guidance on putting together your group introduction, see Introduce Yourself with a Personal Commercial. You can also use the Pitch Wizard to help you tie it together. For one-on-one introductions, Roger Willcocks has a more conversational approach to how to introduce yourself professionally.

Make conversations. Small talk is highly under-rated. In this kind of setting, it is how you build rapport and discover common ground. Some networking gurus recommend asking questions that get the other person doing all the talking. It's true that people do love to talk about themselves, but good conversation is a two-way street. But, if all you do is ask questions, what do you bring to the table? You want to create value and contribute from your experience as well.

Idea: Be fully engaged and fully award of the people you interact with. You can break this down into smaller, somewhat mechanical pieces -- listen well, respond promptly, maintain eye contact, etc. But, if you are truly present in the moment, those things will naturally happen.

Collect card and make notes. The cards you give out aren't nearly as important as the ones you take in. Sure, give out cards if people ask for one, or if you want to reinforce your conversation, but more importantly, get cards from the people you want to follow up with.

Idea: I recommend getting a two-compartment business card holder or an organizer if you're so inclined. This way your cards won't get damaged and you can store other's cards easily. Also, carry a pen with you so you can easily take note about someone on the back of their card.

Say goodbye. Your exit if as important as your entrance. Don't just disappear. Thank the host and speaker. Touch base with the people you spoke to earlier in the event and briefly reaffirm any commitments you've made.

Idea: In case you get bored of the same old "goodbye", you can learn how to say good bye in over 450 languages, plus some other alternatives in English. (However, "I'm outie" isn't probably the best choice in a business setting).

Networking events work best as part of a total networking strategy, which includes picking the right events, preparing for them well, and following up effectively. The follow-up is the most important of these. If you're not prepared to follow up, you might as well not even go to the event.

Still Looking For Work? Here's an Idea: Act Like You Already Have the Job you Want

Next time you're at a job interview for a position you really REALLY want, forget trying to sell yourself as a candidate and imagine you're a consultant and ask thoughtful questions.

At last count, there were just over four million books published on the subject of interviewing for jobs. They tell you how to dress for success, how to sell yourself and how to answer all the tricky questions. Most importantly, they give you the confidence that only comes with having read a book or two.

Here's how it usually goes: On one side of the desk sits you, the candidate, waiting to hear from the interviewer why they should hire you of all people. On the otherwise of the desk sits HR, your potential manager, President or whomever, waiting to make a judgment of you. It's a standoff. There's nothing about this situation that isn't awkward.

Here's an idea: Stop being a candidate and imaging instead that you're a consultant, already being paid a non-refundable $10,000+ consulting fee to attend this meeting.

How does this change things? First, you don't worry about selling yourself. No posing, no posturing, no tap dancing of any kind. You're there to be helpful, to identify the needs of your 'clients.' You simply want to add value, to give them their $10,000+ worth of empathy and understanding. If you deliver, they're likely to come back for more of your time and advice. Second, now you can sit on the same side of the table (metaphorically speaking) and ask the hard questions. Not as skeptic, but as a doctor might do while conducting a thorough exam. You'll want to hear where the organization has been, where it is today and what type of goals it would like to achieve. What's the history of this particular role? How did the leaders come to define it as such? How will they recognize top performance, and by what method will they calibrate results?

Then, listen to how they self-diagnose while you make your own private diagnosis. Consider whether your assessment matches theirs. Never mind whether you're the right person for this role. You can think about that later.

What will stick with them is that you asked the right questions, paid close attention to the answers and really fathomed what their organization is all about. The more you want to be taken as a serious candidate, the more you should forget that you are one.

Use Facebook Ads to Make Employers Hunt You Down

If you pay attention to the news, you may think that anyone looking for a job should immediately cancel his or her Facebook account and never sign up again. Headlines read: Bank Intern Busted by Facebook, Employers Look to Facebook Too and Employers Snoop on Facebook. There's rarely anything new in the stories, but somehow they continue to pop up. More and more companies are using Facebook as a recruiting tool, but for the most part any press that has included the words "employer" and "Facebook" has been negative. Not anymore.

When you sign on your Facebook account, you may notice an ad on the right side of the screen. Facebook allows you to target your ads very specifically. More than ever, employers are trying to leverage Facebook to find great entry-level talent, but not many are doing a good job.

An organization called One Day, One Job came up with an idea, what if you reverse the role and have the employee target the company her or she wants to work for with Facebook ads? Basically, they wanted college grads to create an ad for themselves. The goal was to sell yourself with a picture and a few short sentences which would convince any recruiter seeing their ad to click through to their resume, web page, contact information, etc. Most importantly they needed a target. This target would be based keywords, location or company. Targeting by the company is the most likely to succeed, because they could guarantee that they would actually reach people who work at companies that might consider hiring them. How they target would depend on what kinds of jobs they were looking for. Yes, this process does cost some money, but overall when looking at its success rate, it's pretty cheap.

To learn more about this idea and how to set up your own Facebook ad click here.