Ask Diana

Feeling baffled and confused about unemployment benefits?
Been downsized and believe you are likely eligible for assistance?
Not sure where to start to get information and your questions answered?
You are not alone.  Nearly all of my clients and colleagues in this situation are uncertain what to do. Since we have been in the working world for so [...]

Most, if not all, of us are closely watching our funds these days.
As I talk with clients, colleagues, and friends who have been downsized or are in job search mode,  I am amazed when I hear comments such as  “We can last 9 months without changing our lifestyle”.  If there is a change in your [...]

Remember all those business books we read, such as Tom Peter’s In Search of Excellence? Many of those books reflected a few key themes:

A bias for action, active decision making-”get on with it’
Be close to the customer-learn from the people served by the business
Entrepreneurship-foster innovation and nurturing ‘champions’
Productivity through people- treating rank and file employees [...]

In these days of economic concern, most (if not all)  of us are watching our spending and how we use the income we have.
Here is a great article that outlines the “91 Ways to Save on Almost Everything” from Kiplinger.
There are great ideas in these 8 areas:

Investing
Food
Transportation
Travel
Utilities
Phone service, Internet and TV
Credit, debt and banking
Entertainment

Click here [...]

How to Become a Natural Networker?
By Maureen G. Mulvaney, MGM
Most children are natural net workers. The minute we were mobile, we began making friends – on the playground, at the dentist’s office and in school. To reclaim your ability to network naturally, all you have to do is reclaim your childlike curiosity. It’s as easy [...]

During times of layoffs and economic downturns, many laid-off professionals decide to turn away from traditional employment and begin thinking about the option of being an independent contractor or consultant.
On the surface, this may look very attractive. You say to yourself  “There is very little (if any) security within companies anyway. How great to be [...]

What a great telecall we had Tuesday evening on the topic:
The Truth About Surviving a Downsizing After Age 40.
If you are a professional who is facing a downsizing (or thinks you might be soon), you’ ll want to listen to the recording and learn

6 things you absolutely must do to rebound from the situation [...]

Many who are in the job search situation and are over 50  seem fixated on age being a major obstacle. Not so, my friend! There is much to be said for experience and maturity in the workplace, so put out of your head those thoughts that age is holding you back.
The truth is this: Success [...]

So you’ve landed your first interview after being downsized or taking that early retirement package. In the last post, we discussed the top 3 interview mistakes.

Lack of professionalism

Preparation failure

“Buy first, sell later” attitude

Today we will cover the last 3 interview mistakes.
Money matters most: Don’t ask too soon about benefits and financial information. Doing so can [...]

So you’ve landed your first interview after being downsized or taking that early retirement package. Now what? Few people really like job interviews:  You have to be “on,” the stakes are high, and you have to show off your expertise and intelligence every step of the way. To be successful in interviewing, you have to [...]