Friday, September 30, 2011

Weekly News & Agenda for Tuesday, 10/4/11

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 10/4/11:

0700-0730: INTRODUCTIONS & ASSISTANCE

During the first portion of the meeting we'll go around the room for informal introductions, with special emphasis on advice and referrals for those seeking networking assistance.

0730-0800: PROGRAM/SPEAKER

This week I (Joe) will share experiences as a volunteer for Project Sanctuary. Project Sanctuary's mission is to help military families reconnect, especially post-deployment, via 5-day therapeutic retreats in the mountains of Colorado. www.projectsanctuary.us

2. UPCOMING TUESDAY PROGRAMS:

10/11/11: Chuck Jones (USMA '68) will talk about life as a FEMA Rep. Chuck has been working for FEMA much of this year, in the upper midwest.

If there's a speaker you'd like to invite for an upcoming Tuesday, or if you'd like to lead a discussion yourself, just let me know (panicciaj@aol.com) and we'll get it on the schedule.

3. BIZNET SUCCESS STORY:

Sarah Brown (USNA '91) writes as follows:

I just wanted to thank the Denver BizNet group for your sage advice and excellent networking opportunities. I recently left corporate america after a restructuring and wanted to explore all of my options to include entrepreneurship or franchising.

I met David Weaver, FranChoice consultant, who was a guest of Kurt's and that session coupled with my networking helped me make the leap into franchising. I am the new Regional Developer for Synergy HomeCare in Colorado and I am developing the Synergy HomeCare franchise throughout the state. Synergy HomeCare has one location in Denver and will open a 2nd office in November (one office covering three territories). Prior to my entrepreneurial venture into Synergy HomeCare, I was an executive at Boston Market and multi-unit leader for Kaplan and LCA vision, but without listening to some BizNet members who have successfully franchised I don't know if I would have moved as quickly or confidently into this new endeavor.

Thanks again,
Sarah Brown, USNA '91
sarah@shccolorado.com
720-775-5289


===================================================

Have a good week.

Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)
BizNet Coordinator
panicciaj@aol.com

Service Academy BizNet of Denver meets weekly on Tuesdays at 0700, in the Marriott Hotel at the Denver Tech Center. From I-25, exit Belleview east, then turn north onto Syracuse Street. While the Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), you can park for FREE across the street at Garcia's Restaurant (we have their permission). Look for us in the seating area inside the Marriott's coffee shop. RSVP is not required. Dress is casual. Attendance is open to graduates of the federal service academies (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA). Our schedule, roster and other information are posted on the web site at www.academybiznet.org

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Weekly News & Agenda for Tuesday, 9/27/11

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 9/27/11:

0700-0800: OPEN FORUM

This week the floor is open for expanded introductions and discussion on topics of interest. It's also an opportunity to assist in greater depth on any individual networking needs.

2. UPCOMING TUESDAY PROGRAMS:

10/4/11: Joe Paniccia (USMA '84) will share experiences as a volunteer for Project Sanctuary. Project Sanctuary's mission is to help military families reconnect, especially post-deployment, via 5-day therapeutic retreats in the mountains of Colorado. www.projectsanctuary.us

10/11/11: Chuck Jones (USMA '68) will talk about life as a FEMA Rep. Chuck has been working for FEMA much of this year, in the upper midwest.

If there's a speaker you'd like to invite for an upcoming Tuesday, or if you'd like to lead a discussion yourself, just let me know (panicciaj@aol.com) and we'll get it on the schedule.

3. ARTICLE: The Question You MUST Get Right in the Interview

Most job seekers, present or future, would benefit from this blog article. While it centers on one particular interview question, there is other good advice as well.
http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2011/09/22/the-question-you-must-get-right-in-the-interview/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl16%7Csec3_lnk2%7C98390


===================================================

Have a good week.

Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)
BizNet Coordinator
panicciaj@aol.com

Service Academy BizNet of Denver meets weekly on Tuesdays at 0700, in the Marriott Hotel at the Denver Tech Center. From I-25, exit Belleview east, then turn north onto Syracuse Street. While the Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), you can park for FREE across the street at Garcia's Restaurant (we have their permission). Look for us in the seating area inside the Marriott's coffee shop. RSVP is not required. Dress is casual. Attendance is open to graduates of the federal service academies (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA). Our schedule, roster and other information are posted on the web site at www.academybiznet.org

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Agenda for Tuesday, 9/20/11

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 9/20/11:


0700-0730: INTRODUCTIONS & ASSISTANCE

We begin with roundtable introductions and assistance with networking needs. Feel free to mention anything new in your world, especially anything we might be able to help with. We'll do our best to assist with advice, referrals, business information, job search coaching, and other networking assistance.

0730-0800: PROGRAM/SPEAKER

This week Dave Jackson (USMA '73) will talk about Quick Response (QR) codes, which are those square-shaped, barcode-like graphics you're seeing in various forms of print media. What's a QR Code? Why do you need one? How could it help your business? Dave will educate us on this communication tool which has been around for some time overseas, and is now becoming much more common in the U.S.

2. UPCOMING TUESDAY PROGRAMS:

9/27/11: TBD/Open Forum.

If there's a speaker you'd like to invite for an upcoming Tuesday, or if you'd like to lead a discussion yourself, just let me know (panicciaj@aol.com) and we'll put it on the schedule.


===================================================

Have a good week.

Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)
BizNet Coordinator
panicciaj@aol.com

Service Academy BizNet of Denver meets weekly on Tuesdays at 0700, in the Marriott Hotel at the Denver Tech Center. From I-25, exit Belleview east, then turn north onto Syracuse Street. While the Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), you can park for FREE across the street at Garcia's Restaurant (we have their permission). Look for us in the seating area inside the Marriott's coffee shop. RSVP is not required. Dress is casual. Attendance is open to graduates of the federal service academies (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA). Our schedule, roster and other information are posted on the web site at www.academybiznet.org

Monday, September 12, 2011

Financial Advisers for Alliance Bernstein - Seeking Grads

Financial Advisers for Alliance Bernstein. AB will hire at least 25 people between now and the end of the year. These positions are spread out around the country, however as we discussed, both Denver and Tampa have committed to hire graduates from the service academies. (Specifically West Point.)

They will guarantee new hires a minimum of 4 years at $150k plus commission. They are looking for people with sales experience in or out of the financial service's industry. 

One of the top names in private wealth management is seeking Financial Advisors to help grow their nearly $100 billion portfolio of investments in private capital for families, individuals, foundations and endowments.

The Financial Advisor is a critical position: he or she plays the central role in cultivating new clients and advising existing ones. We therefore seek intelligent, well-educated, and seasoned professionals, with a proven record of building relationships based on advice of the highest quality and deep mutual trust.

Before joining our client, most Advisors excelled at developing business, with over ten years of experience on average. While Sales is the ideal background, successful Advisors have also come from accounting, law, consulting, and commercial real estate.

To be a successful, an Advisor must:

Build deep relationships with a range of clients
Establish credibility as a source of trustworthy advice
Excel at building a business
Demonstrate excellence at client service
Develop a consultative, rather than a transaction-oriented, approach toward clients and prospects
Cultivate relationships with third party referral sources, e.g., attorneys

The role of the Advisor is to understand the needs of clients and guide them in making proper portfolio allocations. Moreover, Financial Advisors, often working in concert with clients' other professional advisors, help clients address critical planning issues, such as transferring wealth, giving to charities, and selling a business. This places Advisors at the very core of clients’ investment decision-making experience, guiding them through such issues as the trade-off between current spending and future wealth and the implications of various investment plans.

In building their business, Financial Advisors have access to extensive resources. They identify prospective clients primarily through introductions from other clients as well as accountants, attorneys and other professionals. We therefore place a premium on nurturing Advisors’ knowledge and skills throughout their careers:

-All Advisors complete an intensive training program that introduces them to the "Client approach" and provides the foundation for being an Advisor.
-Training in a broad investment- and planning-based curriculum continues over the ensuing two years. (All Advisors must pass the Series 7, 31, and 66 securities exams.)
-Throughout their careers, Advisors partner with our investment and planning professionals to bring our best thinking to clients’ specific circumstances.
  -Advisors report to Managing Directors, whose role is to ensure an Advisor’s success and can guide Advisors in developing sales strategies, implementing a business plan, cultivating sales and servicing skills, and capitalizing on meetings with clients, professionals, and prospects.

-Each Advisor is supported by a group of highly qualified Private Client Associates who become an extension of the Advisor in handling a significant proportion of routine client inquiries and other logistical matters.
-Our Financial Advisors do not function in the traditional role of brokers by selecting securities. Rather, investment decisions are made by our Investment Policy Groups, who have an outstanding long-term record.

Contact:

John W. McClaugherty
John McClaugherty
Partner
404.771.6261

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Weekly News & Agenda for Tuesday, 9/13/11

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 9/13/11:

0700-0800: INTRODUCTIONS & OPEN FORUM DISCUSSION

The floor is open this week for expanded discussions on networking needs and topics of interest.

During introductions, simply give your name, academy and class, and current occupation (or what new opportunities you're seeking). Then feel free to elaborate on any specific networking needs, or comment on any topics of interest. When we have no speaker scheduled, as is the case this week, there is more time to go into greater depth on any topic you'd like.

2. UPCOMING TUESDAY PROGRAMS:

9/20/11: Dave Jackson (USMA '73) will talk about Quick Response (QR) codes, which are those square-shaped, barcode-like things you're seeing in various forms of print media. What's a QR Code? Why do you need one? How could it help your business? Dave will educate us on this communication tool which has been around for quite some time overseas, and is now becoming more common in the U.S.

9/27/11 and beyond: If there's a speaker you'd like to invite for an upcoming Tuesday, or if you'd like to lead a discussion yourself, just let me know (panicciaj@aol.com) and we'll put it on the schedule.

3. WEST POINT & THE CIVIL WAR - A Talk by Author Rich Adams (USMA '67):

This week on Tuesday evening, 9/13/11, 1800-1900, author Richard Adams (USMA '67) will speak at the Koelbel Library in Centennial. Here's a description of this event from the library's web site:

America began commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War this April. Now, local author and West Point graduate Richard Adams will enthrall you with the story of a little known part of history. His recently-published book, "The Parting: A story of West Point on the Eve of the Civil War," follows a band of brothers who find themselves on both sides of the war in 1861. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the end of the program.

Registration is required for this event. Register on the library's site, at http://host4.evanced.info/arapahoe/evanced/eventsignup.asp?ID=24108&rts=&disptype=&ret=eventcalendar.asp&pointer=&returnToSearch=&SignupType=&num=0&ad=&dt=mo&mo=9/1/2011&df=calendar&EventType=ALL&Lib=5&AgeGroup=ALL&LangType=0&WindowMode=&noheader=&lad=&pub=1&nopub=&page=&pgdisp=

The Koelbel Library is located at 5955 S. Holly St in Centennial. Their main web site is at http://www.arapahoelibraries.org/ald/location-details?location=ko

4. ARTICLE: 5 LAZY MISTAKES JOB SEEKERS MAKE

Thanks to Bob Fretzs (USAFA '71) for passing along this article by Ruth Mantell at MarketWatch. Beyond the good advice it offers, note also the strong parallels with the value of your BizNet network.

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — Summer is a season to relax, unless you’re a job seeker.

Given the steep competition for jobs, people who are energized and organized — and those who avoid lazy mistakes — are the likeliest to land a spot.

“It’s not all down to the economy — it’s often about how productive people are during their job search,” said Richard Jordan, a staffing management panel member at the Society for Human Resource Management. “The Internet has made it really easy for people to get a sense of false security about how productive they are.”
That means avoiding the “post-and-pray” technique in which job seekers apply to positions online, and then wait for the offers to roll in.
“Just applying through an online job search doesn’t do anything other than throw your résumé into a pile with [those of] hundreds, if not thousands, of other job seekers,” said Dan Ryan, an executive search consultant based in Nashville.
Another red flag: submitting résumés and cover letters with errors, said Holly Paul, U.S. recruiting leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers, a New York-based accounting and consulting firm.
“I see spelling mistakes, I see punctuation mistakes, I hit delete in two seconds. I don’t even bother to continue reading,” Paul said.

Here are five more mistakes to avoid:

A. Asking only what your network can do for you

Networking lets you tap the hidden job market of positions that are never advertised. To do it effectively, you should be in regular contact with the people in your network.
“The mistake a lot of people make is that the only times their network hears from them is when they have a favor to ask,” said Charles Purdy, senior editor at jobs website Monster.com. “They don’t think about how they can help the people in their network and build that goodwill.”
Purdy recommends keeping up with the interests and projects of those in your network, and reaching out. “If you find jobs that sound interesting, but aren’t quite right for you, don’t ignore that job. Think if there is anyone who might be interested,” he said. “I always remember very fondly and well the person who said: ‘I thought of you when I saw this job posting.’ That’s a great way to build goodwill in your network.”

B. Using a stock résumé

Résumés need to be tailored to specific positions.
“The old method of taking the same résumé and sending it to every job posting doesn’t work anymore,” Purdy said. “Customize it to the company you are applying to. Do the research.”
But don’t expect your résumé to do too much work for you. “It’s easy to sit home and bemoan the fact that you are not getting any interviews, but sending out lots of résumés, coming up with one iteration of your résumé after another, writing a cover letter for every ad you see,” said John Challenger, chief executive of outplacement consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas in Chicago.
If that’s how you’re spending most of your time, he said, “it’s not lazy, but it is misguided.”

C. Misusing social networks

Job seekers might tweet or post a note on Facebook about looking for a job, but real networking takes more work.
For instance, use social networks to research the industry. “It’s about following the companies you are interested in, finding out what problems the company is trying to solve,” Purdy said.
Also, don’t use the informal language of social networking in professional communications.

D. Outsourcing your job search

Job seekers can pay for services that distribute their applications for them, but don’t go this route.
“You are not doing your own work, or putting your own care into really understanding what the company needs before sending your résumé,” Purdy said. “Time and energy could be better spent in doing work that makes you a better employee. Do a mock marketing plan that shows what a creative thinker you are. You don’t have to be getting paid for something for it to be a valuable piece of experience on your résumé.”

E. Asking hiring managers to do your work for you

Another red flag for Paul: Job applicants who send notes asking her to review their résumé. With 150,000 applicants for U.S. positions in a year, Paul said she and her team aren’t interested in dealing with such requests.
“Job seekers come to me and say: ‘I like your company, here’s my résumé. Please do all my work for me, and tell me what would be a good fit for me.’ I do not move forward with those sorts of applications,” she said.
Paul said she looks for applications showing an investment of time and effort. “They are not just looking for a job; they are looking in areas of interest to them where they have some experience. It shows me that they have done a bit of work, and gives me the direction to steer them in.”
It’s also important to indicate which business unit you’re interested in, she said. “I’m looking for those applicants that have good experience, but can also relate that experience to what we do” at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Paul said. “It will give that job seeker a leg up because they have moved the ball forward.”


===================================================

Have a good week.

Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)
BizNet Coordinator
panicciaj@aol.com

Service Academy BizNet of Denver meets weekly on Tuesdays at 0700 in the Marriott Hotel at the Denver Tech Center. From I-25, exit Belleview east, then turn north onto Syracuse Street. While the Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), you can park for FREE across the street at Garcia's Restaurant (we have their permission). Look for us in the seating area inside the Marriott's coffee shop. RSVP is not required. Dress is casual. Attendance is open to graduates of the federal service academies (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA). Our schedule, roster and other information are posted on the web site at www.academybiznet.org

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Productions Supervisors Needed

From Jason Connor Cl of '02;

Seeking several FULL-TIME Production Supervisors (Job ID:  211001225) in Boulder Colorado.

As a global, $10+ billion healthcare products leader, Covidien delivers outstanding results and innovative solutions for challenging problems. Through progressive thinking and cutting-edge technologies, Covidien is well positioned to lead the way in today’s rapidly changing healthcare industry. Whatever your specialty or ambitions, you can make a difference at Covidien – both in the lives of others and your career.

At Covidien, we strive to fully understand our marketplace, customers, communities and employees, and we enter into relationships with a sense of honesty, fairness and trust.
We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  •  Provides direct supervision and leadership to Production Team Leaders (PTL’s) and other production personnel. Facilitate staff meetings; 1:1 with direct reports; weekly pocket meetings; and monthly safety/quality meetings.
  • Responsible for on-going training and development of subordinates including written performance appraisals, Rewards and Recognition program participation, employee coaching and counseling, Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and disciplinary actions.
  • Interviews, hires and directs training of new production personnel. This includes appropriate short and long-term staffing analysis:
  • Capacity planning and escalation process.
  • Supervisory support of weekend staff overtime – potential to be on-site on Saturdays and/or Sundays.
  • Value Stream owners – drive improvements within Value Streams through the use of available data. 
  • Spend 20-25% of time on the Manufacturing Floor including, but not limited to:
  • Pass-down meetings for start, middle and end of shifts.
  • Lead trouble-shooting efforts for urgent issues
  • Direct involvement in Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
  • Communication board meetings
  • to see the full job offer click here
 

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Weekly News & Agenda for Tuesday, 9/6/11

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 9/6/11:

0700-0800: INTRODUCTIONS & OPEN FORUM DISCUSSION

The floor is open this week for expanded discussions on networking needs and topics of interest.

During introductions, simply give your name, academy and class, and current occupation (or what new opportunities you're seeking). Then feel free to elaborate on any specific networking needs, or comment on any topics of interest. When we have no speaker scheduled, as is the case this week, there is more time to go into greater depth on any topic you'd like.

2. UPCOMING TUESDAY PROGRAMS:

9/13/11: TBD/Open Forum.

3. SPECIAL EVENT AT WINGS OVER THE ROCKIES - Tribute to a Fighter Pilot:

On Friday night, 9/9/11, 1800-2200, Wings Over The Rockies Air & Space Museum will host A Tribute to a Fighter Pilot. This special event will honor Brigadier General Steve Ritchie, USAF (Ret.). BG Ritchie was a Phantom pilot and Vietnam ace, and the only American pilot to down five MiG-21s. The event will include hors d'oeuvres and cash bar, as fighter pilots famous and infamous abound with tales and tributes. Registration is required, at WingsMuseum.org, or call Alex at 303-360-5360, x110.

4. WEST POINT & THE CIVIL WAR - A Talk by Author Rich Adams (USMA '67):

On Tuesday evening, 9/13/11, 1800-1900, author Richard Adams (USMA '67) will speak at the Koelbel Library in Centennial. Here's a description of this event from the library's web site:

America began commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War this April. Now, local author and West Point graduate Richard Adams will enthrall you with the story of a little known part of history. His recently-published book, "The Parting: A story of West Point on the Eve of the Civil War," follows a band of brothers who find themselves on both sides of the war in 1861. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the end of the program.

Registration is required for this event, at http://host4.evanced.info/arapahoe/evanced/eventsignup.asp?ID=24108&rts=&disptype=&ret=eventcalendar.asp&pointer=&returnToSearch=&SignupType=&num=0&ad=&dt=mo&mo=9/1/2011&df=calendar&EventType=ALL&Lib=5&AgeGroup=ALL&LangType=0&WindowMode=&noheader=&lad=&pub=1&nopub=&page=&pgdisp=

The Koelbel Library is located at 5955 S. Holly St in Centennial. Their main web site is at http://www.arapahoelibraries.org/ald/location-details?location=ko


===================================================

Have a good week.

Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)
BizNet Coordinator
panicciaj@aol.com

Service Academy BizNet of Denver meets weekly on Tuesdays at 0700 in the Marriott Hotel at the Denver Tech Center. From I-25, exit Belleview east, then turn north onto Syracuse Street. While the Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), you can park for FREE across the street at Garcia's Restaurant (we have their permission). Look for us in the seating area inside the Marriott's coffee shop. RSVP is not required. Dress is casual. Attendance is open to graduates of the federal service academies (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA). Our schedule, roster and other information are posted on the web site at www.academybiznet.org