Phoenix, Ariz. (Feb. 5, 2010) — As a business owner, you know you need to let people know about your company, but you may be stumped on which components are the most important and how to best achieve your goals. What’s a reasonable cost for an advertising strategy? Should you advertise on television and radio? Where is your target audience and how do you reach them? Business owners need to balance working “on” their businesses with working “in” their businesses, and it’s impossible to be an expert at everything, so where do you begin?

Alma Steger and Chris Pollack, partners in Untitled Advertising and Public Relations, have been successfully placing clients in media outlets both in Phoenix, Ariz., where the firm is based, and across the country. As small business owners themselves, they understand the challenges others are facing in driving traffic while maintaining a manageable budget in the process. As Ms. Steger shares, “You truly need a strategy in media relations; you can’t write one press release and call it good. It’s an ongoing process to keep yourself in front of press contacts to become the go-to expert in your field.” In fact, Ms. Steger cautions potential clients that a firm that offers ala carte services may not be the best approach. “The first promotional piece may not catch anyone’s attention, but after they’ve heard from you a few times, editors get curious. You have to maintain interest.”

Steger and Pollack will be providing their guidance at The Grammar Doctors‘ monthly brown bag series in February, discussing the pros and cons of building your own media strategy vs. hiring a professional firm. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about all of the components involved in creating a successful media strategy, leaving with valuable information on how to get started achieving more exposure immediately.

Untitled Advertising and Public Relations and The Grammar Doctors are strategic partners, providing marketing communications and media relations support for businesses and corporations to enhance outreach efforts. Untitled also has a strong presence in the local Hispanic market.

Business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to attend this free workshop on Tuesday, February 16, 12 pm – 1 pm at the office of The Grammar Doctors, 3420 E Shea Blvd, Ste 200, Phoenix, Ariz. Sign up online or call 602-953-5278 for more information.

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Phoenix, Ariz. (February 5, 2010) — With the unemployment rate rising on a seemingly daily basis, the competition for the best jobs has increased. In fact, by some counts, nearly 70% of positions aren’t advertised anywhere – so how are they found? Finding a new job can sometimes be a job in itself, but without some training, many job seekers are at a loss as to which tactics are the most effective.

Amanda Collins, chief of staff of The Grammar Doctors, a Phoenix-based boutique marketing communications and résumé design firm, has some suggestions: “Although having a well-written résumé is certainly a huge component of a successful job search, it’s not the end-all, be-all. Job seekers need to be leveraging social media, local job-seeker support groups, and networking events to really make a dent in this competitive job market.”

Ms. Collins will be sharing her accumulated knowledge with those on the job search on February 18 at her monthly brown bag series for job seekers. Covering a variety of job-search techniques, both online and in person, the workshop allows attendees to ask questions about which sites to use, what to write in their LinkedIn profiles, and how to effectively convey their marketability during 30-second commercials at networking events.

“Too many of my résumé clients feel that this new piece of paper will be the magic elixir to land that dream position, so they begin posting it on job boards – and then sit back and wait. The truth is that job seekers need to be proactive, and too many aren’t leveraging the numerous – and often free – opportunities available to them,” Ms. Collins stresses.

Job seekers are invited to attend this free workshop on Thursday, February 18, 12 pm – 1 pm at the office of The Grammar Doctors, 3420 E Shea Blvd, Ste 200, Phoenix, Ariz. Sign up online or call 602-953-5278 for more information.

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Over the last few months I have gotten this question a few times, so I thought it would be a good time to address it. The good news is in most cases yes, so keep all your receipts!

According to H&R Block, your job search expenses are deductible if :

• You look for a job in the same field.
• You are looking for a job at a similar level to your most recent job.
• The total of all of your miscellaneous itemized deductions is more than 2% of your over Adjusted Gross Income.

I asked Aaron Garabedian from The Garabedian Group, an accounting and consulting firm in Fresno, CA, to explain this in plain English, “For instance, if have been out of work for six months and your total adjusted gross income for the year is $25,000, you would need your total miscellaneous itemized deductions to be more than $500.  This is the total of all miscellaneous deductions not just job-search related; some other miscellaneous, itemized deductions are professional or union dues, work tools, protective work clothing, and tax preparation fees.”

Here are the items that you can generally deduct:

• Employment agency fees (like Climber.com http://www.climber.com/url/t/x0ZGE63789654): If your fees are repaid by an employer in a later tax year, you will have to declare the reimbursement as income.
• Résumé Preparation / Marketing: Printing, postage, advertising, and other fees associated with creation and distribution of your résumé.
• Travel: Unreimbursed airfare, automobile mileage, meals, and lodging are all covered.

Tax Tools and Services:

• H&R Block – Helpful online tax preparation: http://www.climber.com/url/JgrjA63316619
• TurboTax Online –  The faster way to file online: http://www.climber.com/url/9hla263316997
• No-Cost Taxes Online – No-cost and low-cost tax filing: http://www.climber.com/url/xaJxi63317156
• Income Tax Calculator – Calculate your income tax online: http://www.climber.com/url/WLw4z63317250

Something you have to know about me first: I don’t like to read. I know you’re thinking that, as a writer, words would likely be my salvation and I would love to read. I think I got burned out on it, and it’s not like I can read while watching TV or working on the computer. So, these days, I really only read when I’m doing the cardio part of my workout. I’m at the gym six days a week, so I get in my (almost) daily reading, mostly of books that will help in my business, or non-fiction.

Pretty much from the minute I started reading GALTDS, I was captivated. Michelle reads the way most people talk, so you’re immediately in the conversation. I want to buy about 20 copies of the book and give them to people I know, might meet, or drop them off randomly. In my opinion, pretty much everyone needs this book – sucky life or no – because it’s a great reminder of how to be happy.

One of the first points she has about not having a sucky life is to really choose how you live and what you do. That got me thinking… How many people truly CHOOSE their lives? Most seem to be riding as passengers on the bus that someone else is driving, and they build resentment about where life has taken them.

So my question to you is: Are you choosing your life? Every day; this isn’t just about the big decisions. We can choose to work out, be on time, tell the truth, and be extraordinary. If you aren’t at the helm of your own life, who is? And why did you put that person in charge? How might your life change if you started to forge your own path and go forward?

Sure, choosing can be scary, there’s no doubt about that. I’ve had a rough few years where I felt completely out of control. My husband, the “love of my life,” chose to end our marriage. How did I choose that? However, I can choose how I respond to his choice. Now, granted, in the heat of the moment, it’s kind of hard to see clearly, but it’s worth it to step back and start determining how you can choose to move forward. You can choose your life and be empowered by those choices. Whether you’re a business owner, employee, or job seeker, you create your directions.

My suggestion to you, my friends and readers, is to just choose. For good or bad, at least you can be responsible – and that in itself is extremely freeing.

Glendale, Ariz. (December 21, 2009) – With the unemployment rate climbing each month and no end in sight, the job market is getting more and more competitive. The same skills used just a few years ago may not work in quite the same way with employers today. As job seekers look at entering 2010 without a job secured, they are seeking alternatives to the more traditional means of approaching the job search.

The Résumé Writers Council of Arizona (RWCA) has a solution. On January 4, 2010, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., RWCA will host a free job-search strategies panel at the Glendale Public Library, 5959 W. Brown, Glendale. The panel will consist of RWCA members, including professional résumé writers, interview and job coaches, and career counselors. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn best practices in résumés and interviewing as well as some innovative and proactive methods for conducting a successful job search.

This presentation will shed some light on many of the misnomers about job seeking. For instance, “a résumé doesn’t need to be one page and is not merely a summation of your work history,” states Donna Tucker, president of RWCA and owner of CareerPro Résumé Center. “A résumé is a marketing document, and if it takes two pages to share the value you offer a new employer, that’s okay.”

While a résumé’s objective is to get an interview, the interview is the means to the job. “It’s just as important that the job seeker have the opportunity to ask questions of the interviewer at that crucial meeting. The trick is to know the right questions to ask,” says Martha Rockwell, interview coach and owner of A+ Résumés and Career Coaching. “An interview should be viewed as an opportunity,” says Rockwell, “and the prepared job seeker stands a much better chance of securing the position.”

Did you know that your online résumé should be updated every three weeks or so? “Recruiters are looking for the recent applications, typically those posted in the past few weeks. If yours appears to be older than that, it might be overlooked,” shares Amanda Collins, résumé writer and owner of The Grammar Doctors. It’s tips like this that can give job seekers an edge in today’s environment.

The Résumé Writers Council of Arizona is a professional organization of résumé writers and career champions dedicated to enhancing and improving the résumé writing and career search industry of Arizona; ensuring quality work, fair prices, and ethical practices; and remaining current with changes in the industry. The RWCA advocates community service, and this panel is a representation of that charge. The free event is open to the public. Attendees are invited to bring their current résumés for review by the professional panel following the formal presentation.

For more information, please contact Donna Tucker at 602-788-3121 or jobsaz@att.net.

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Accounting and Finance
1. Tax accountant: Companies seek tax accountants who can help their organizations achieve bottom-line savings through effective tax management strategies. Businesses also need their guidance to comply with tax regulations. Tax accountants with one to three years of experience at large companies, defined as having more than $250 million in sales, are expected to see an average national starting salary of $46,500 to $61,500.

2. Compliance director: Companies need professionals who can help them comply with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission mandates and prepare for the potential transition to international financial reporting standards. New regulations that are issued as a result of the financial crisis may generate further demand for professionals with the requisite compliance expertise. The starting salary range for a compliance director at a small company, defined as having up to $25 million in sales, is forecast to be $83,750 to $108,500.

3. Credit manager or supervisor: Companies need professionals who can reduce inefficiencies and enhance profitability. As a result, credit and collections specialists who can evaluate credit risk, manage delinquent payments and help improve cash flow are in demand. Base compensation for credit managers or supervisors working in small companies is projected to range between $42,500 and $57,500.

4. Senior financial analyst: Businesses need professionals who are able to evaluate financial plans, forecasts and budgets, and identify ways to improve profitability. A senior financial analyst at a midsize company, defined as having $25 million to $250 million in sales, is expected to earn $57,750 to $74,000 in starting salary in 2010.

Information Technology
5. Network administrator: Cloud computing, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Software as a Service (SaaS) have significantly increased the complexity of and requirements placed on networks. Further, network administration remains an in-demand skill, according to chief information officers interviewed by Robert Half International. Network administrators can expect to see starting salaries of $54,500 to $80,250 in the coming year.

6. Information systems security manager: Protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information from internal and external breaches is crucial for companies of all sizes, making security professionals integral to the IT department. The salary range for an information systems security manager is expected to be $96,500 to $130,750.

7. Systems engineer: As companies implement new technologies, technical services roles remain critical to the organization. Systems engineers are in demand to help companies develop and maintain technical infrastructure, hardware and system software components. Base compensation for these professionals is projected to range from $64,250 to $93,250.

Administrative and Office Support
8. Medical records clerk: As more hospitals and health care organizations transition from paper to electronic medical records, facilities will seek medical records clerks who can help supervise the scanning and processing of patient data. These individuals can expect to earn a starting salary of $23,750 to $31,500 in 2010.

9. Customer service representative: In the current economy, hiring managers consider customer service the function most critical to their organizations’ success, according to the 2009 Employment Dynamics and Growth Expectations (EDGE) Report from Robert Half and CareerBuilder. The salary range for a customer service representative is projected to be $22,750 to $30,750.

10. Executive assistant: Companies with leaner teams are looking for employees to take on a wider range of duties. Executive assistants who can wear many hats, support multiple managers and adapt readily to change are in particular demand. These individuals are likely to see starting salaries of $35,000 to $47,000.

Visit http://www.rhi.com/SalaryGuides for more information about the Salary Guides, which include the “2010 Salary Guide” for accounting and finance, produced by Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting and Robert Half Management Resources; the Robert Half Technology “2010 Salary Guide” for technology professionals; and the “OfficeTeam 2010 Salary Guide” for administrative positions.

Mark has worked with some heavy hitters, Mitel and Intel among them. He has played an active role in creating opportunities, both for clients and the company, through business analysis and strategic planning. While some people are content to have an employee mindset, Mark is able to call on his entrepreneurial spirit to ensure that projects get completed when they’re supposed to at a quality level that exceeds expectations. A customer service advocate, he makes himself available during consultations, midway through implementations, and post-sales. Calling on acquired technical abilities, Mark is able to troubleshoot issues before and as they arise to mitigate further complications. His dedication has been recognized time and again by his customers and managers.

The best compliment a sales professional can receive is for his honesty – and this is where Mark excels. He once told a hard-to-reach potential customer that he would only call on him when there was something of value to offer. Following through on that promise, Mark soon gained a new client for his company.

Mark is a talented solutions consultant who lends a higher level of service to each interaction. Just don’t call him a salesperson.

Want to get in touch with Mark about opportunities in your organization? E-mail me and I’ll connect you.

Chris has a depth of experience in print production. While you may be thinking that print is dead, let me assure you that the skills Chris has acquired will readily transfer to another industry. When I met with Chris, I was extremely impressed with his vast set of talents, not only in the print industry but also in business development, IT / technology, training, and project management. Chris is used to working within extremely tight deadlines – like putting out a daily paper. To him, there is no alternative when it comes to completing projects, and he always finds a solution.

Another fantastic value Chris will offer his next employer is the ability to translate creative jargon into technological directions – and vice versa. He is just as comfortable working with graphic designers, ad agency executives, systems administrators, clients, and production line workers. Not only can he change hats quickly, he treats each person with respect. And if they don’t know what he’s trying to convey, he takes the time to train them and really communicate, an art often overlooked in today’s fast-paced work environment.

Chris is currently seeking an opportunity as an IT Production / Print Manager. He will help the company with which he works expedite and streamline processes and stay on task moving into the next decade. He can analyze business directions and create strategic marketing plans that result in increased revenue – all with a smile on his face.

Want to learn more about Chris? Send an e-mail and I’ll get you connected.

One local business owner has the answer. Amanda Collins, chief of staff with The Grammar Doctors, has been writing interview-getting résumés for more than a decade and explains that, at their core, résumés are marketing documents. “If you think of yourself as the product you’re trying to sell, you get the idea. A résumé’s primary goal is to get you an interview, so it needs to market you well to the reader.” Ms. Collins has been featured on various local news and radio programs, sharing information with viewers and listeners about résumé design.

Starting this month, The Grammar Doctors will be hosting a brown bag series for job seekers. Each month, speakers will help job seekers navigate the path back to gainful employment, particularly in this competitive market. The first in the series will take place Thursday, December 17, 12 pm – 1 pm, at the Corporate Office Centers, 7047 E Greenway Pkwy, Ste 250, Scottsdale, Ariz. The topic will be “What is a résumé?” Attendees will learn the key points employers are looking for on résumés and how to help theirs stand out. Guests are invited to bring a lunch and learn some tools to aid their job search. The presentations will be free of charge, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize at each session.

For more information, please contact info@grammardocs.com or 602-482-3495. Register online.

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So what’s the better way to find a job in today’s technologically charged world? Although there’s certainly not one “right” answer, you can really increase your chances of finding a position by having a multifaceted approach.

Networking
Most major cities have job seeker support groups. No matter where you are, you’re likely to find a group of people who are looking for jobs. Check with community colleges, churches, and temples. These groups offer not only support but often training. I have spoken at a few resource events about résumés, and they invite sales coaches, networking experts, and career counselors to provide free or low-cost training. Even if you don’t get to a group, start telling people that you’re looking – and for what. Post a status on your Facebook or Twitter. You never know who’ll be reading.

LinkedIn
Recruiters are scouring LinkedIn for quality employees. Susan Healthfield, in her article “Use LinkedIn for Recruiting Employees,” gives employers hints on how to use the networking site, and many of her hints can be reversed and used by employees. Make sure your profile is complete; your résumé serves as its basis and the site is pretty simple to use. When you connect with people, share your value proposition. Do research on the companies or positions you’re targeting. Ask for informational interviews to learn more about people and companies. Post and answer questions. If you’re active on the site, people will notice.

Recruiters
Are you working with a recruiter in your job search? They don’t charge you anything, and by putting yourself on their radars, you will know about those unadvertised positions that might be a great fit. There are many national recruiting companies, as well as a number of local specialists in a variety of arenas. (I work with a few, so if you need some names, let me know.) Although recruiters may not have the multitude of positions on their dockets they did a few years ago, they can still provide another resource – especially if you’re exactly what one of their clients needs.

The old saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” certainly applies to job seeking as well. Explore options and stay positive. That next great job is out there.