Sital Ruparelia

FREE TELESEMINAR

“Rethink, Reposition and Thrive In 2010″

Saturday 6th February 2010

3pm UK Time

4pm Central Europe, 10am Eastern Standard Time

Learn more and book your spot now

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During this 75 minute call, you’ll discover:

• 3 big shifts we’re beginning to see within the workplace during 2010 which will accelerate by the end of this year and into 2011

• Key predictions I’m making for the employment market in 2010

• 3 biggest challenges every employee and freelancer will have to adapt to this year

• One big mindset shift you must make in order to thrive in the coming year

• The 5 key steps you will need to take to reposition yourself and ensure you’re one of the winners who thrive in 2010. Which means you’ll learn:

• How to reinvent yourself without having to change job or careers

• The 2 keys to standing out in what is still a very challenging job market

• 3 ways to increase your income this year (even if salary budgets are capped)

• The key to finding meaningful work (without taking a pay cut and making a huge change)

• The 2 time-tested principles you must follow in order to achieve that elusive work-life balance you’re searching for

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Whether you’re working in a permanent role, consulting, freelancing or looking for a new job or career – this is a must-attend free teleseminar. I’ll demystify all the changes going on this year and ensure you thrive in 2010.

Don’t miss it!

Click here to learn more and reserve your space on the complimentary call.

Have you ever been go-carting?

Or maybe driven on a real racing track?

I’m not much of a race driver myself, but there are two rules I do remember learning when I first went go-carting:

1. As you approach a sharp bend – slow down

It’s hardly rocket science, but very true. Slow down, pay close attention to what’s happening around you and you’ll be safe and secure.

2. As you come out of the bend – step on the gas and push on quickly

If you don’t, you’ll get left behind. And once you’re chasing the leading pack, it becomes incredibly difficult to catch up without taking crazy risks.

We’re now at that same stage of the recovery cycle that resembles turning the corner on the bend of a race track. In fact, later today we’ll receive official confirmation that the UK economy has turned the corner and finally come out of recession.

So if you’re running a business, now is the time to be more visible, more aggressive in marketing your offering and work harder at building your brand so as to differentiate your business.

If not, you’ll get left behind as your competitors step up a gear.

If you’re managing your career, the same rules apply.  You need to be more visible, more aggressive in marketing yourself and work harder at building your personal brand so that you can stand out from the crowd.

If not,  you’ll be left behind.

And just like that race track, once you’re left trailing your competitors, it’s so much harder to catch up. So put your foot on the gas NOW and start building some momentum before everyone else gets ahead of you.

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By the way, if you need some advice on “how to step on the gas”, you may be interested in my upcoming teleseminar: “Rethink, Reposition and Thrive In 2010.” It’s completely FREE so click here to learn more and reserve your spot on the call.

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Reinhold Niebuhr

You’re employer is going through a major restructuring process and you don’t quite know what will happen to you or your job.

You’re department has reorganised and you’ve ended up in a make-shift role that is unclear.

You’ve been given (what seems like) a pointless project to work on. You get the distinct impression that you’re being ‘frozen out.’

Your firm is cutting costs and you feel vulnerable

Sound familiar?

Click here to read the rest…

In the UK, the 1980’s recession had a lasting impact on what remained of the dying Primary Sector industries – namely, coal mining and quarying. The recession wasn’t totally responsible for killing off the jobs in those sectors, but it did act as the catalyst which sped up the transition of workers from the primary sector to the manufacturing and service sectors.

The recession accelerated the structural changes already under way within the employment market and so, in time, created new opportunities and prosperity for workers in another sector.

The 1990’s recession hit the Secondary Sector (manufacturing) and became the catalyst for the loss of countless blue collar jobs and an acceleration in the shift in employment patterns from the manufacturing sector to the service based sector. The career transition and re-training of factory workers and colliery workers to become call centre workers in the North of England being a case in point.

Again, the recession didn’t cause the shift in employment patterns, but merely accelerated the trend. And over time, created improved working conditions, new opportunities and prosperity for most of the workers impacted.

The 2008-09 recession has been dubbed the “Middle Class Recession” in view of the number of ‘professionals’ laid off.

Click here to read the rest…

Last Christmas, I spent two days volunteering at the Crisis homeless shelters in London.

Crisis is a charity that runs centres each Christmas to provide London’s homeless people with food, shelter, entertainment and companionship through the Christmas period. In fact they ran the biggest ever volunteer event in the UK, with 9,000+ volunteers over a 10-day period.

I’d never done anything like this before but, having read about the record numbers of people becoming homeless last year due to the financial crisis, I thought I would volunteer my time on the 23rd and 24th December – after all it was just two days.

I was part of the “Learning and Skills” team of volunteers who helped the homeless ‘clients’ improve specific skills such as literacy, numeracy, language skills, computer skills, artistic skills etc. Given my background, my main focus was to offer advice and help to people about finding work. After all, finding work and earning money has a knock-on effect on being homeless. Helping a homeless person find work could literary change their life.

But in reality, most people that come into the shelters are looking for a warm meal and people to chat to rather than for advice on how to improve their skills. So on Christmas Eve I found myself and a fellow volunteer (Carol), chatting to a homeless 60-year old Irish man over a cup of tea in the canteen of the school that was hosting the shelter.

Click here to read the rest…

I am excited to announce a series of instantly download able Audio and Video Programmes to help you deal with specific career related matters

These extremely affordable solutions feature me speaking directly to you from my couch about how to deal with your biggest career related problems and head aches.
The programmes will launched and available from the beginning of January to help you kick start your career in 2010. But starting from today – for 14 days only – I’m offering all 9 programmes at a 35% discount special pre-launch price

Take your time to look through the summary below or go straight to webpage by clicking here

The final newsletter of 2009 comes out on Friday with some big news - so keep a close eye on your inbox

Best Wishes
Sital
Sital Ruparelia
P.S. As I mentioned in my mail last week, this note should have come out on Monday – but we’ve had some technical hitches and so it’s been delayed. So instead of a 10 day holiday sale, we’re running the sales for 14 days until 30th December. After which all programmes will be at full price.
P.P.S. Have you a friend, colleague or family member struggling with a career related problem? Could one of these programmes be a nice little Christmas present for them?

Focused Audio and Video Sessions on Specific Career Related Areas

These programs are instantly download able audio and video programmes. All programs are between 60 and 75 minutes long and feature me talking directly to you about a specific career related area along with an accompanying resources to download (e.g. a transcript, sample documents or templates).

All programs cost only £17 (that’s approximately $28 USD or EU €19) and come with 100% money-back guarantees.

Individual Audio and Video Programmes – Only £17 each (approx $28 USD)

- Instantly downloadable audio or video onto your computer (between 60 – 75 minutes in length)

- Plus an accompanying resource to download (transcript or sample documents or templates)

- 100% money back gaurantee

- All programmes available to download from January 2010

- But purchase before January and take advantage of our special pre-launch 35% pre-launch offer

PRE-LAUNCH OFFER: 35% Off – £12 each (approx $19 USD)

Offer valid until midnight (UK time) Wednesday 30th December 2009

All programmess are listed below: Just click the link for further information and details of how to make your purchase

Once purchased, you will be emailed your programmes for download onto your computer at the beginning of January when all the programmes are officially launched

THE PROGRAMMES

1. GETTING UNSTUCK: HOW TO FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WANT TO DO NEXT

A 60 minute Video Programme along with Self Assessment Worksheets to help you get further clarity on what it is you want to do next

Are you at a major career cross roads? Are you trying to figure out what it is you want to do next? Feeling stuck? If you said ‘yes’, click here for further details

2. CAREER CHANGERS: HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY MARKET AND SELL YOURSELF INTO A NEW CAREER

A 60 minute Video Programme along with Sample CVs and Resumes Used By Career Changers

Are you struggling to find opportunities and secure interviews within a new field? Click here for further details on how you can stop getting rejected

3. SITAL’S TOP 10 RECOMMENDATIONS TO RAMP UP YOUR JOB SEARCH

A 75 minute Audio Programme plus a full 25 page word-by-word transcription of the recording

Are you struggling to find your next job? Fed up with all the rejections? Looking for some fresh ideas? If so, click here to learn more about this unique programme

4. HOW TO STAY POSITIVE AND MOTIVATED THROUGH A JOB SEARCH CAMPAIGN

A 60-minute Video Programme along with a 15-minute ‘Pep Talk From Sital’ MP3 audio which you can listen to as and when needed.

Are you struggling to stay motivated consistently through your job search? Know you need to be positive but find it extremely difficult to do so? Need some help and inspiration to keep going? If so click here to see how I can help

5. HOW TO GET A JOB USING YOUR NETWORK

By Sital Ruparelia and Andy Lopata

A unique 60 minute audio programme delivered alongside one of Europe’s leading networking experts, Andy Lopata. Plus a copy of the “50 Networking Tips For Job Seekers” check list to help you progress much faster.

Struggling to find your next job? Know you need to network much more, but don’t know quite how? Want to improve your networking skills but need some help? If so, click this here now.

6. SEVEN WAYS TO FINDING YOUR NEXT JOB USING LINKEDIN

A 55 minute Audio Programme along with a complete 21 page word-by-word transcription of the whole audio

Not quite sure what LinkedIn is? Using LinkedIn but need some fresh ideas on how to use it to attract job opportunities? If so this Audio Programme will help. Click here for further details.

7. CREATING A CV OR RESUME THAT STANDS OUT

A 60 minute Video Programme along with a series of downloadable templates and sample CVs and resumes

Not sure how to create a resume/CV? Fed up with all the rejections and looking for a way to stand out? Want some some smart, time efficient ways to improve your CV/resume? If this sounds like you, then click here for further details

8. HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT YOUR NEXT INTERVIEW

A 60-minute Video Programme along with a list of 50 interview questions which you can print off and use to help you prepare for virtually every interview question you’ll face.

Preparing for an upcoming job interview? Need to brush up on your interview skills? Having difficulty converting interviews into job offers? If so, this video programme will definitely help you.

9. SALARY NEGOTIATIONS MADE EASY

A 60-minute Video Programme along with a preparation check-list to help you prepare, plan and execute salary negotiations

Are you about to negotiate on a new job offer? About to negotiate for an internal position and want to avoid getting ’screwed over’ on the package? Hate talking about money and want some help and advice? Then this is for you. Click here for all the details

Please remember that the 35% discount price only applies until 30th December 2009. So if you’re looking to kick start your career in January, treat yourself now to some resources and advice to start 2010 with a bang!

Click here to see a full summary of the products and make your purchase

I recently interviewed the economist and media commentator Mitul Kotecha who wrote guest articles for us at the end of Qtr 1 and Qtr 2 about the prospects for the economy and employment market in 2010.

Mitul is a regular guest on TV news channels CNBC and Bloomberg TV to discuss his views on the global economy and is frequently quoted in publications such as the Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times.

As you’ll see from the transcript of the interview below, he’s cautiously optimistic about the prospects for 2010 – despite the recent concerns about Dubai’s debt problems and the possibility of  a ‘double-dip’ recession.

“Cautious Optimism For 2010“

As we approach the end of 2009, what’s your view on the global economy? Click here to read the rest…

With a 6 month stock market rally and many economies around the world starting to turn the corner, many forward-thinking organisations are gearing themselves up to take advantage of the recovery – even if it turns out to be a somewhat shaky path.

If you study the history of previous downturns and recoveries, you’ll see that it’s these organisations who thrive during an upturn and not the ones who are insistently focused on cost-cutting into a recovery.  The ones that thrive are the ones that invest in their business, their people and their products / services so as to grow the top line instead of trying to further squeeze the bottom line.
 
But in the modern work-place we are all now self-employed freelancers (even if you have a ‘permanent’ contract of employment) and consequently must think like a business looking to rebound. 

So whilst others will be trying to “sit tight” – as a forward thinking CEO of You Inc, your focus in the coming weeks and months should be to invest in YOU because those that invest early get the early advantage through a recovery. Plus the fact that you’re the safest asset class in your investment portfolio with the very best ROI over the long term.

Click here to read the rest…

Whilst there may be fewer job vacancies in the market compared to, say two years ago, there are actually more problems for organisations and businesses to contend with.

Organisations are stretched – they’re operating with fewer people whilst trying to maintain market share, grow revenues and deal with increased regulatory controls.

So with the continued pressure on costs and a shaky path to economic recovery, the safe bet is to hire contractors/interim managers and consultants who can help take the pressure off – yet not be a cost burden if there is another dip in the market. Individuals who can provide solutions to specific problems in an efficient and flexible manner. Which in turn creates opportunities for consultants and interim managers.

But how do you find such opportunities? Based on personal experience, here are what I consider to be the 3 most effective strategies to secure consultancy work or interim management / freelance opportunities in a tight job market.

1. Networking

Having strong relationships with decision-makers who have problems which you can fix is the fastest way to find consultancy work.  That’s how I found my first interim project after leaving my job in 2003 – and in fact how I’ve found pretty much every consultancy/freelance/contract role in the last 6 years – through a contact or referral.
 
I’m a guest author for several online publications - which are helpful for marketing purposes and establishing credibility in the eyes of potential clients. Again, all these opportunities came via introductions from contacts.  I have a regular slot on national radio as a career expert. Surprise surprise – this again came via a referral.
 
Am I lucky?  Not really.  I’ve just focused on building and maintaining genuine long-term relationships, tried to be clear about what I want and ensured the people around me have been aware of that.
 
How about you? How much time are you investing in cultivating a strong network?  Are you networking effectively in the new world of social media and face to face interactions or is your networking one dimensional? How clearly can you articulate the problems you can solve, the value you can offer and the types of people and opportunities you want to attract?
 
2. Writing

I’m constantly amazed at how people from all corners of the world read my articles on blogs such as this one. Yet the vast majority of readers have never met me or had even heard of me prior to reading the articles. Some are kind enough to link back or forward on articles to others and so effectively become my unpaid marketing team.
 
That’s the power of writing and openly sharing your ideas and intellectual property in the modern economy.  When you do it consistently and in a way that adds value to readers, you position yourself as an expert and thought leader. It helps you stand out from the crowd, build trust with your target audience and increase your earnings potential. All of which ensures that consultancy opportunities come to you rather require you to go looking for them.
 
So tell me, what’s your expertise? What are the problems that you are adept at fixing? What’s the value you deliver?

Now what’s stopping you writing/sharing your ideas and opinions in a white paper, on a blog or even in a one-off article? Which publications or events can you submit your articles to in order to generate some free publicity for you?
 
Don’t tell me “I can’t write”. You don’t need an English degree to write. If you can talk – you can write. If you have ideas and opinions that are of value to others then start sharing them.

3. Speaking
 
Like writing, speaking allows you to position yourself as an expert and thought leader and so attract opportunities. But it also allows you to create a personal connection with people and so enhance relationships and trust.
 
So if you’re out of work, offer yourself as a guest speaker to people in your network.  It doesn’t have to be a key-note speech at a major conference – a simple talk at a team meeting, an off-site event or a professional association meeting is fine.
 
It’s an opportunity to share your ideas and insights, offer incredible value whilst putting yourself in the spotlight with a bunch of people who could use your services.  And all in an environment with zero competition.  You don’t have to be a world class public speaker -  just competent and engaging. The polish, stories and humour can come later as you do more speaking.
 
Also,think beyond geographical barriers by creating a pod cast and publishing it on your site/blog or that of others. Run a teleclass or webinar on a topic you consider yourself an expert on from the comfort of your home.

So if I were to ask you to give a talk on a topic, what subjects are you confident speaking about?  Who are the key people in your network that would benefit from such a talk?  What’s the next step to setting up that talk…?
 
When you focus on networking, writing and speaking consistently, all 3 activities feed off each other. Your networking generates more readers of your content. The writing creates speaking opportunities. Your audience become avid readers of your articles and start sharing them with others and so on.  In time you start building a critical mass.  A following which creates more and more opportunities for you.
 
Is all this easy? No, but it’s effective in getting you results if you want to find consulting or interim freelance work.

And here’s the bonus: In addition to helping you find your next consultancy project or  interim opportunity, these 3 strategies will strengthen your personal brand and significantly enhance your long term career prospects. All of which make you immune to future downturns.

Whilst some individuals find the notion of being positive to be a little ‘fluffy‘ – intellectually, most people understand that your state of mind and how you feel has a direct impact on your actions and the results you achieve in your career – and indeed elsewhere in your life.

Here are 13 tips which may help:

1. Keep your mind focused on solutions instead of problems. In every market there are opportunities – but you’ve got to stop focusing on all the noise about how bad things are in order to see the solutions and potential opportunities.

2. Don’t stress about stuff you can’t control. The economy, lay-offs and a shortage of opportunities are out of your control – so quit worrying about them. Focus 100% of your mental energy and time on those things which you can control or influence. It’s far more productive.

Click here to read the rest…