Advice to Senior Executives, Keep Up With Internet Technology

Recent news addressing the job market and the economy suggest both may be moving into “more positive” territory and that the stock market may have already seen its lowest point in March.  Of course we have no way of knowing if this is a new trend or a false alarm.  However, we do know - to quote Jim Stewart at <a href="http://www.stewartgroupassociates.com">www.StewartGroupAssociates.com</a>  (a senior level networking group dedicated to sharing information and leads on meaningful roles in the economy) that “in these unprecedented economic times, ‘elder statesmen’ executives are facing difficult transitions, especially those 55+ years of age who were highly compensated, in a single industry most of their careers and are unwilling to relocate.” Therefore the question that begs itself is - What advice can we give elder statesmen executives?  How can elder statesmen stand out in the crowd?  In my twenty odd years advising senior executives in transition, I can point to four areas below which they need to focus on to stand out in the crowd and, in doing so, they can address any concerns the hiring company might have. 1. The best way to stand out in the crowd is to have someone make a third party introduction on your behalf.  For example:  “Fred, I suggest you see this guy; I hired him as an attorney to work with me to assist in restructuring the Company and I got more than I expected.  Not only was he hard working, dedicated and a man of high principle, he is also a multi-talented executive.  He made me a chunk of money.” 2. Keep fit and look younger than 55.  That means ensuring that you are perceived to be younger (note the difference between perception and reality) –i.e. don’t give an aura of a smoker or drinker; imply you exercise a lot (even if untrue); avoid discussions about grandchildren.  At interview, move quickly and shake hands with greater than normal energy, speak louder than you might otherwise do, be up to date with the sports scores and if your daily hobby is tennis or jogging, make sure the interviewers know. 3. Be up-to-date with technology – join the younger set!  Ensure that computer tasks performed by those younger than you present absolutely no challenge to you: email, Microsoft Office, Power Point, Google, Yahoo, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook</a>.  You don’t have to be a programmer.  Indicating you use both PC and Apple would be a big, big plus.  Don’t use AOL (too family oriented); I suggest gmail.  Subscribe to Citrix’s “<a href="http://www.gotomeeting.com/">GoToMeeting</a>” and to “<a href="https://www1.gotowebinar.com/?Portal=gotowebinar.com">GoToWebinar</a>” and also “GoToMyPC.”  Become a member of “<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/">Linked In</a>” and join “Twitter” and “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a>.”  In other words let people know that “you get it.”  Consider putting your computer and Internet skills on your résumé. 4. Older executives work harder and are more persistent: They have operated in both good and bad times, are less greedy about salary and bonuses, often don’t need health insurance (already covered by prior employment), are more flexible, can accept interim or part time assignments, are prepared to travel back home at weekends and do what is necessary to “get back into the game’ knowing that when the good times return they will be perfectly placed to hit the ground running - having collected a wealth of new business contacts. Above all, older executives have many more references to fall back on; use them.  Surely, it’s much better others talk about you than you about yourself.  However the references must be from senior, credible leaders within your industry. Why not introduce yourself as:  “When I left GE last year to join a smaller company, the well-known CEO said to me ‘What do we have to do to make you stay?’.”  (We actually used this to great effect.) Remember the goal:  to get back into the game (and I don’t mean the golf course).  Finally the four thoughts above always at the forefront of your mind: be flexible; appear energetic; How am I perceived?  Am I employable? Am I offering value?  Finally, finally:  remember what Clement Stone (founder of Combined Insurance) described in his book “The Success System that Never Fails”  He was referring to Probability Theory: “The more people you present the policy, the greater is the probability of a sale.”  He also said: “Tell everyone what you want to do and someone will want to help you do it.” 2009-06-01T21:37:07Z

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advice-to-senior-executives-keep-up-with-internet-technology

2009-06-05T08:57:27Z

2009-06-05T15:57:34Z

According to executive placement specialist, David Werner International, senior execs need to keep up with Internet trends in order to stand out in the crowd.

Advice to Senior Executives, Keep Up With Internet Technology

2009-06-08T15:24:14Z