Recent Articles From EvanCarmichael.com http://www.evancarmichael.com/ http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Communication--Whats-the-Best-Way.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Communication--Whats-the-Best-Way.html We are experience many different communication challenges in our workforce everyday given the different communication styles of each of the generations in the workplace. Is one generation’s style more correct than another? Is there one communication style that is better than another? It depends…on the people you work with, the clients you interact with and the culture of your company. As part of our research for Bridging the Generation Gap, Linda Gravett, PhD, SPHR, CEQC and I asked 500 individuals in each of the generations what their preferred communication method was in order to learn more about the different communication styles. We quickly learned there were definitely preferences based on the generations. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Recognition-and-Rewards--Whos-Got-the-Time-These-Days-Not-to-Mention-the-$$$.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Recognition-and-Rewards--Whos-Got-the-Time-These-Days-Not-to-Mention-the-$$$.html With statistics, such as Salary.com’s February 2009 survey reporting that 68% of employees are actively looking for new jobs NOW, HR needs to find a way to retain workers before the economy regains strength and they jump ship. A report by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) identified employee recognition as a key factor in retaining top performing workers. Employee recognition seems simple enough…knowing this, what’s holding us back from firing this magic bullet? Is it time? Is it money? http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Networking-The-Key-to-Successful-Marketing.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Networking-The-Key-to-Successful-Marketing.html Nearly every marketing opportunity requires strong networking skills to be successful. However, even the word networking can be intimidating. But, do we understand the value that can be gained by networking? Do we always do the appropriate preparation prior to and following a networking event? Let’s discuss networking in more detail and how we can tie it into marketing for success. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Developing-a-Strategic-Plan-for-Your-Consulting-Business.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Developing-a-Strategic-Plan-for-Your-Consulting-Business.html Strategic planning is like creating a map for an exciting journey you are about to take. The map will help keep you on course if you start going in the wrong direction but it isn’t so stringent that you can’t check out different roads along the way. After seven years of consulting, this is exactly what my strategic plan has done for me. Each year, I map out where I am, where I want to go, and how to get there. During the year, my plan is a guide for what I should be focusing on as well as a resource to help me do a "check" whenever I am tempted by something new and different. Sometimes, I rewrite my plan based on changes (i.e. technology, client request, economy, emerging trends) but many times it has helped me realize what is important and make the right decision with various opportunities and threats to ensure my long-term goals are met http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Preparation-The-Key-to-a-Successful-Interview.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Preparation-The-Key-to-a-Successful-Interview.html The success of an interview does not rest solely on your performance in an interview but also how well prepared you are. If you are well prepared, you will present yourself in a very confident and professional manner because you will be much calmer and better organized. Plus, you will have a better chance of obtaining the necessary information to make an effective decision about the company and position. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Is-Your-NETworking.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Is-Your-NETworking.html Many of us would immediately answer yes to the question "Is Your NETworking?" But do you realize what networking really is? Do you understand the value that can be gained by networking? Do you do the appropriate preparation prior to a networking event? Do you follow-up after meeting a potential network contact? What are some resources available to help promote your networking opportunities? Let’s find out... http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Do-You-Deserve-a-Salary-Increase.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Do-You-Deserve-a-Salary-Increase.html Because of the recession that began in 2001, many employees have sat idle in their jobs with no salary increase or even a salary reduction for a number of years. However, within the last year or so, things have been changing and employees have been getting salary increases again. If you aren't, why not? http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/There-is-a-Storm-Brewing--A-Labor-Storm.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/There-is-a-Storm-Brewing--A-Labor-Storm.html How long will this storm last? Have you prepared? Do you have an umbrella? Are you ready to head for the basement when the sirens roar? Unfortunately, we don't have the technology to literally see the future. So, we must depend on studies and the research of futurists to be our crystal ball. We know a labor storm is brewing but we just don't know how intense it is going to be. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Retention-What-Can-I-Do.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Retention-What-Can-I-Do.html Has the market turned on us? Are we actually in a recession? Then why is retention still such a huge issue for all of us? This is one of the most amazing economic states that we have experienced in quite some time. Although there has recently been a huge number of layoffs, there is still a labor shortage. This means that companies are still battling the retention issue. But, we are all quickly learning that having an effective retention program is the right thing to do in any economy because it provides us with a competitive advantage. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Part-2-Is-This-a-Solution-to-Help-You-Become-More-Strategic.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Human-Resources/3433/Part-2-Is-This-a-Solution-to-Help-You-Become-More-Strategic.html Business changes come as waves gathering shape, gaining energy and momentum, then crash across the companies that find themselves in their path. Those companies that anticipate and respond quickly to these waves of change can often rise with the tide; those that don't are often crushed on impact." - Michael F. Corbett with Corbett & Associates, Ltd. In our Emerging Issues in HR article last month, I presented you with the steps involved in deciding whether or not outsourcing is a solution for your organization to consider: Step 1: Create a Team Step 2: Conduct a Process Review Step 3: Review Strategic Plan Step 4: Identify Core Areas Step 5: Decide What to Outsource If you moved to Step 5 and still felt outsourcing may be a solution for you, you then decided what you may want to outsource...