Client Got a Fee in Their Bonnet About Agency Prices

Client Got a Fee in Their Bonnet About Agency Prices Okay. Time to talk about something in agency recruitment which can cause all sorts of problems for newbie consultants, and even seasoned ones: the percentage fee. Most recruitment companies work to a set percentage fee based on the basic yearly salary of the candidate; this tends to be somewhere around the 20% mark. Now, clients begrudge paying recruitment companies anything as in their eyes all we do is trawl job boards and bung across any old CV that might fit the bill. So, when the newbie is having a good old chat with a potential new client and the topic of  fees comes up, the conversation quickly goes south (unless the newbie knows how to combat incredulous wails and downright hostility). What do the cries sound like?     What?? 20%????  The recruitment company I usually deal with does all placements at 8% if you want to work with me you’ll have to drop your rates. A newbie consultant might not know how to combat this given they are, you guessed it, new. So how can they (and you) deal with this constant pushback about prices and terms? 1. Acknowledge the  clients concern Consultants  neednt get nervous or worried when they  get pushback from clients about prices and percentages. The first step to mitigating friction over this is to acknowledge the clients issue or concern, perhaps by repeating it back to them, empathising with them by saying, at a first glance the price might seem high. The  next step involves making a great case to support the expense. 2. Explain  why, clearly and concisely This involved explaining the process you  go through to find your clients the perfect Widget Noodler, for that manned site in Samlesbury Bottoms. You  know, the one the other recruitment company couldn’t fill for the last 6 months? The explanation should go a little something like this Firstly, Fred, I will find you 3 candidates who fit the specification you have just given me. I’ll make sure they have Noodled for at least 5 years and that they know how to Firtle with the best of em. Then I will vet them to make sure they have no skeletons in the closet which could cause issues further down the line.  I’ll get them across to you with prospective dates for interview (bearing in mind Fred, all of this work is free). Ill make sure my  candidates can meet you at a time which is good for you to interview them. At that point Ill get you to tell me what you think about each of the.  If one  proves to be your  ideal candidate who  you believe  would be an asset to Fred Quimby Noodlers PLC, and if you then decide to make them an offer, then great! I will then speak to the candidate and put your offer across to them, if they accept, then and only then does the fee come into effect. That is, a fee for the candidate you truly believe  is ideal for the open role with your c ompany. Quite possibly, Fred will  still quibble over percentages,  but the newbie consultant  should still be able to keep him realistic about pricing for your service. You know, the one which is TOTALLY FREE  until they decide to hire. Clients need to know how much work actually goes into finding people for them. Lets face it, if it was as easy as they try to make out it is, then they would fill the job themselves. Be proud of your hard work and let  your clients  know how laborious, carefully thought-out and consultative the process is that goes into  finding the best person. After all,  that’s why the 20% fee is in place, and that’s why YOU  will fill the role with the ideal candidate,  not that 8% CV mail shot crew who he referred to as his  usual recruiter. 3. Stand your ground If youve got a client who just doesnt want to play ball, dont be afraid to walk  away.  Time is money and your time is valuable, so make sure your prices reflect that. *Samlesbury Bottoms is a small village in Lancashire with a rather large underused RAF base *Widget Noodlers are making a comeback (possibly just on this blog though) *Firtling is alive and well

How to get onto a film degree course

How to get onto a film degree course Do you want to pursue a career in film but don’t know where to start? Worried about which subjects to take at A level? There are several things which you can do to kick start your career and improve your chances of getting onto a film degree course; continue reading to find out more! Your UCAS application is complete and you have decided what potential universities you would like to attend. Now what? The end of your A level studies is near and you are passionate about the film industry and what you can contribute to it. The adventures which university can offer are an exciting prospect but there are a few specific steps which need to be taken to ensure your place on a film degree course. Firstly, depending on the university, entry requirements will vary with an average of 260-300 UCAS points (or equivalent Level 3 qualifications) needed, alongside A level English and a minimum of a grade C in GCSE English. Each university you apply to will state the UCAS points required to be a successful candidate. Usually, if you do not get the results you expect, there is the option of ‘clearing’ where left over places can be applied to by those who unfortunately did not attain the grades they had hoped for. Although English is one of the main subjects required, other subjects such as IT, Media or Business studies will enhance your general film-related knowledge as a whole. Remember; do not just rely on your A level studies. Carry out your own research and discover how some of the most famous film-makers made their way into the industry. There are several different routes to achieving your goals. If your application is successful, you will most likely be offered an interview prior to being offered a place. You may be expected to demonstrate previous experience which you have attained, for example contributing to school plays. Show some initiative! Although work experience isn’t imperative, universities look for unique applicants who can talk passionately about why they love film so much. This may include technical knowledge with reference to cameras, lighting and video editing or a familiarity of networking with awareness of marketing a film successfully within the industry itself. Not sure where to start? Gain some video editing work experience here!  Ask yourself this: can you talk passionately about at least two of your favourite films? Secondly, how are you going to talk avidly about your love of film if you have no experience to base it on? You will be earning major brownie points if you can boast about volunteering at a local film festival, for example. If you get the chance, say yes! It can only go in your favour. It’s so easy now to make videos and edit them using free software available online. Make a couple of short videos to show your skills or even just to gain experience and add a little something to your portfolio to show the University you’re applying to. Rest assured, you will not be expected to know everything there is about the film industry. This is the reason why you’re about to embark upon a degree course in the subject; so that your knowledge of film can flourish and so that your mind can be opened and your horizons broadened. Make sure you are prepared, because even though the two years of A level studies are a challenging process, you are about to enter a whole new level of higher education. Be excited but cautious! Do you feel ready? The rest of your career awaits you so embrace your talents and pursue life to the best of your ability. This post has been written by undergraduate student Chloe, who has experienced the UCAS application process and knows all too well the dos and don’ts of how to get into uni!  photo credit: Dr. RawheaD via photopin cc 10

Product Design Career Profile - VocationVillage

Product Design Career Profile - VocationVillage For this Product Design career profile, VocationVillage.com interviewed Emma Roscoe, self-employed artist and owner of Red Delicious.How would you describe the main responsibilities of your product design career?I design handmade bags and related accessories in limited editions. My primary responsibilities are to make and sell my products. I spend a couple of days per week on production and three days per week setting up a booth at Pike Place Market or attending other arts and crafts shows, mostly in the holiday sales season. To keep things running I also have to source and buy all my supplies, such as fabrics and hardwear, maintain my website, and do all the necessary administrative tasks.What does a typical day look like in your business?It depends on whether its a production day or a sales day. Every day starts on the computer, dealing with email and admin tasks. If its a sales day, I have to be at the Market by roll call time, which changes depending on the day of the week and ti me of year. After selecting my space for the day it takes about an hour to set up my booth completely, then Ill be a salesperson through the day until foot traffic drops off usually between 4 and 5 pm. Then I have to take down the booth and put everything back in my storage locker at the Market.On a production day, I spend the day in my sewing room making bags and accessories. I have an assistant who cuts out all the fabric for me, so I just have to put each item together. I know pretty well how many of each style I can make in a day, and I usually spend about seven hours sewing. Some days Im just replacing items I sold on recent sales days, others Im sewing a set of bags in a new fabric. Most weeks I have some custom orders to fit into the production schedule.What do you like best about your work?The quality of my life is immensely good. I have a creative outlet in spades, and all the freedom and flexibility I wanted from self-employment. Im not rich but I do OK and there are many opportunities to make more money if I work at it (which I am). Its not perfect, no job is, but I never, ever dread getting up in the morning.What are the most challenging things about a product design career like yours?The financial insecurity of being self-employed and selling a non-essential item can be psychologically challenging. My monthly income fluctuates a great deal through the year, so to deal with it I save and plan my spending very carefully. It can also be difficult to switch off, particularly as my business is based in my home. I make an effort to include sufficient leisure time in my week and rarely work in the evenings.What were your first steps in launching your business?I started making bags for my own use at the same time as being exposed to professional artists and crafts people, and I quickly realized that this could be the creative business idea for which I had been searching. I had some positive reactions to my designs, so I figured out the label name (delici ous describes the bags, red is my favorite color and its memorable because of the apple), then I spent about six months developing my style and designs and honing my sewing skills before beginning to sell the bags at crafts markets and holiday shows.What was your professional background before you launched Red Delicious?I spent 14 years in journalism as a writer and editor. I knew I eventually wanted to work for myself doing something creative, so I sought jobs in which I could develop my design skills and build experience in how to develop and grow a small business. I particularly gained experience in product launch and development.What is your educational background?I studied journalism in college.What skills are most important to succeed in a product design career?Obviously I need to be good at making my product design and sewing. Sales skills are vital. Good organizational skills are definitely required to run a small business.What advice do you have for someone who wants a pro duct design career similar to yours?Choose to focus on something about which you are passionatethat is essential to get you through the tough times. Be original because that will shine through and make your work stand out from the crowd. Be prepared to make sacrifices, particularly in terms of income and leisure time in the early years. Persevere because it may take some time to find the right niche for your work.Are there any commonly held misperceptions about a product design career that you would like to clarify?Not all artists are starving! It is possible to make a living, sometimes a very good living, from being a full-time artist/crafts person if you work to create a saleable product and find the right outlets.In a product design career, what is the income range?Its hard to say, because what a business earns and what the artist takes out can vary widely depending on the medium they work in, the price points for their work and where they sell their work. Anecdotally, I know of artists whose businesses gross from $20,000 to $100,000 annually.What are your long-term goals in your product design career?I want to grow the business so that I am more responsible for pure design and and management and less for hands-on production. I am following a business plan to make that happen.Thank you, Emma!. Update: Emma Roscoe made a career change and landed a new job. She said, Im combining a decade of running my own business with my previous career skills as an editor to work as an account manager with a small digital marketing company in downtown Seattle. I run the web development department, working with clients and our team of developers and creatives.Congratulations, Emma!. Read more career profiles. .

Favorite Stocks, Favorite Brands

Favorite Stocks, Favorite Brands I had a really fun conversation with a stock analyst I met at the dog park today.   This conversation confirmed my belief that great branding goes way beyond creative ad campaigns and cool in-store displays.   It also confirmed my beliefs about the way women invest. It all started because the woman next to me heard me call to my dog.   My dogs name is Giada (like Giada De Laurentiis) and of course, the fantastic new Giada De Laurentiis for Target kitchen line just came out.   My new friend, well call her Jill, told me she was just researching this new product line for work.   Then we started talking about some of the stocks she loves and holds in her personal portfolio. Not surprisingly, this very financially savvy woman (who I later found out has held some VERY impressive job titles at top financial firms and also happens to have an MBA from The University of Chicago-WOW) invests in brands she believes in.   She reads about the companys philosophy, what they do differently, how these brands make her feel and what values these companies are founded on.   But its not all fluff. She also does in-depth quantitative research on financial performance and trends. But when push comes to shove, a brand she believes in tips the scale. Consider the connection between financial performance and brand performance. Remember that in the stock market, perception plays a huge part in driving the market price.   Therefore, could strong branding keep stock values on an upward trend, even in a down economy? Perhaps. Do Top Female Brands= Top Female Stock Pics? Do women invest where they shop?   Here are four of Jills personal favorites. Lululemon Jill and I LOVE Lululemon for so many reasons.   Lululemon sells yoga-inspired apparel for healthy living. This store is more than a store.   Its a lifestyle.   Its a chain store that feels like a local boutique.   Its a place where employees are encouraged to grows people. Where neighbors can stop in for a free Sunday morning yoga class. And its a brand that has (in my opinion) no direct competitor.   No one can touch this brand right now.   They entered early, they entered with personality and they love what they do.   Their brand is way beyond nice work out clothes, its contagious! Petsmart Jill and I are dog owners so we may be a bit bias, but we both agreed that Petsmart is doing it right in the pet sector.   People love Petsmart because of its variety, caring staff and impact on the community. Not to mention that I dont like carrying a 40lb bag of dog food through the city in heels, Petsmart offers premiere brands, price matching, in-store returns, easy online shopping, dog training, boarding, day camp, local adoptions, grooming and many other services that make it more than just a store. As long as they do their branding and customer service right, I think well see Petsmart outlast its competitors. Kohls This conversation MAY have started in a whipser. Yes world, we like Kohls.   A few minutes later we laughed because we knew that brand snobs would be missing out big on this stock.   Theyd also be missing out on some serious sales.   Anyone who has shopped at Kohls knows about their pricing strategy. What woman doesnt love [and justify excessive purchases because of] a sale.   I mean for real, Kohls, you are rocking!   In fact, Jill thinks they are in the process of putting out brands that even beat out Targets cheap chic products.   An example is Lauren Conrads clothing line. Energizer Holdings Yep, batteries and tampons ladies.   We all need em, right?! We all know about the energizer bunny but most of us probably didnt realize that Playtex products (which includes many consumer goods way beyond tampons) also falls under this brand category.   Regardless of the economy, we all need these products. We also trust them and depend on them.   Many of Energizer Holdings brands fall in the middle in terms of price point but have very trusted names with the perception of high quality and longevity- key factors in picking stocks. Do your favorite brands mirror your favorite stocks? What are your favorite brands?   Do you love these brands enough to buy their stocks if you were looking to invest?   Which stocks do you own and why? *Curiosity Question* after seeing the media coverage on the recent oil spill, how does this affect your views of BP as a brand?   Would you have bought their stock 6 months ago?   Would you buy it now?

How to Write an Effective Executive Resume

How to Write an Effective Executive ResumeExecutive resume writing at Atlanta GA is the art of writing a CV that makes you stand out from the rest. It is a necessary and vital part of the resume process, not just for the job interview, but to get you noticed by your prospective employer. There are several important things that you need to include in your executive resume.You need to write an executive resume as per the company requirements. This means that you should have the company name, address, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail id on your CV. Do not include company names in your CV but write a summary of your work history in such a way that it relates to the work experience the employer is looking for. For example, if you have worked in the food industry for five years, you can mention in your summary the time when you served as a supervisor in the food business, which would be more relevant.Your executive resume should contain the complete contact details of your referenc es. The contact details should be related to the job description, while the description should be about the company that you are working for, how you will be benefited by the job, and whether or not you can get along with the company culture. In addition, your references should be related to the job application, which means that the information contained in your references must match the requirements of the company you are applying for.Presentation is a top priority. When you are writing your CV, you need to keep in mind that your CV is a representation of your skills and knowledge, your past achievements, and your personality. You need to write the CV accordingly and do not forget that no matter how qualified you are for the job, a CV is just a representation of your skills. You should look at the CV as a tool that can bring about a positive change in the job interview, which is the final step in the hiring process.You should avoid the use of abbreviations and acronyms on your exec utive resume. The written word should flow smoothly and can give an impression of professionalism. Using abbreviations can cause a problem with the reader, which may not give you the chance to explain the difference between an abbreviation and a common term.Do not use your LinkedIn profile as your executive resume. This is considered a waste of time and money. Even if your resume is based on your LinkedIn profile, it will not be able to reflect your actual skills and knowledge.When writing your CV based on your job profile, you can use words that are related to the position that you are applying for. Do not take words from your job profile and place them in your CV. It would be best to make use of the words from your job profile and use them for brainstorming purposes. You can also consider using adjectives and modifying them to suit the job description, so that it does not seem like an improvised CV.This is the most important aspect of writing a CV - your CV should be based on your own interests and skills, and can connect to the needs of the company. You can do this with the help of executive resume writing at Atlanta GA.

3 Rules For Running A Great Care Home Business

3 Rules For Running A Great Care Home Business As the average age of the population continues to rise, care for the elderly is becoming more and more important. That’s why getting into the care home business could be a great opportunity for you. You can earn a good amount of money running a care home and you’ll be offering a very important service. However, people are paying a lot of money for their loved ones to stay in your facility and they need to be sure that they’re being cared for properly. That means you have to make sure that your care home is top of the line and you’re offering a better level of service than all of the other care homes in the area. Here are some handy tips on how to make it in the care home business. Don’t Cut Corners With Staff The most important aspect of your care home business is your staff. Having well trained and experienced staff to look after all of your residents is essential. Your staff costs can be quite high but if you try to cut corners, the service will suffer. You need to make sure your staff to resident ratio is good and you haven’t got a few members of staff trying to look after loads of people at once. If you do that, you can’t make sure that people are being cared for properly. You also need to make sure you’re equipped to deal with any staff illness. Even losing one staff member can cause you problems which is why you need to use medical staffing services that can provide temporary staff to fill in. It’s also important that you’re hiring plenty of staff with proper medical training and pay a good salary so you get the best people for the job. Always Check Standards Running a care home can get pretty hectic and there are a lot of things to handle on a daily basis. That means it’s fairly easy to take your eye off the ball and let standards slip a little. Making sure that care is up to scratch and everywhere is clean and tidy etc. is important so you need to constantly check those standards. Do daily checks on everything and always keep up to date with your staff and ask whether there are any problems. If you let standards fall, you’ll struggle to get more new residents in. Build Relationships With The Family A care home isn’t just somewhere for people to take their elderly relatives when they don’t want to care for them anymore. It’s a place where families can come when they are no longer equipped to give their loved ones the care that they need. The families of those people still want to have a relationship with them and be kept in the loop. That’s why building a good relationship with the families of your residents is so important. Stay in contact with them regularly and always be on hand to answer any questions they might have. Running a care home is a great business venture but you need to follow these rules if you want it to be a success.

Finding Your Own Career Path - Exploration and Development

Finding Your Own Career Path - Exploration and Development In a recent blog What is the best career for me? I showed you how to find the best careers by looking at your natural tendencies and finding a work environment that allowed them to thrive. Based on some questions we received, Im following up by addressing job seekers who are wondering how career coaching can help them identify the best career path before applying for jobs. Before jumping in, there are two assumptions behind how we address finding ideal jobs for clients: You must know yourself and the criteria for jobs/careers that fit. Even the best careers require molding and shaping before you can call them the best. Career Exploration How will you know when you have found an ideal career path? How do you know if one job is better for you than another? The answer is that you must have a framework for comparing careers and jobs and then a prioritized set of criteria. At Wolfgang Career Coaching we regularly help clients establish a framework and determine their unique criteria. We call it Career Exploration. We help clients identify their skills, personality, interests and values and then show the client how these can guide career and job selection. With this insight you are much more empowered to assess a job description before you apply for it, you know what questions you need answers to, and you can pinpoint red flags about jobs. Even with all of this, you may never really know if the job you chose is the best job. Career Development Heres the bad news: all new jobs will fall short of your criteria for best. Whether you have to settle for some shortcomings up front or whether you realize them after a month or two, no job is perfect. Heres the good news: you can turn many jobs into a fantastic career that you love. With the right analysis and strategy (and flexible managers), its possible to take your job and make it the one youve dreamed about. At Wolfgang Career Coaching we regularly help clients formulate a vision of a better career and then form a strategy and action plan for getting there. We call it Career Development. In summary, finding the best careers start with understanding who you are and having a criteria to compare jobs and careers. Once you choose a first step, then you must develop your skills and mold your role to become the best career for you. Please post any comments or questions you have below. Were happy to answer them!