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Friday, October 03, 2008

Back in the mix

I start a new career on Monday. This should be exciting if not initially financially rewarding. However times being what they are I'm willing to work from the bottom up. I'm still looking to start a business on the side with my son. We just haven't gotten any good ideas yet. I've been reading book on what people did during the great depression to survive.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Help wanted?

In this day and age when much more is required from each employee I take this very seriously. I was asked to start a paperback book distributor. When I was hired I was given the keys to the building and had 2 folding chairs and a phone sitting on the yellow pages. I proceeded from there to build that business into the best company in the business. I did everything from clean the toilets to becoming the network administrator.. If you need a person who has a multitude of skills, the ability to multi-task and the proven background to fill several positions (which means to you a more healthy bottom line) than we should talk.

Monday, August 04, 2008

Career Moves

I am diligently seeking an opportunity to advance in my career. I am now beginning to think that I need to look in a totally different direction. But, I can 't seem to be able to think outside the "box'." I'm stuck on this.

August 14,

Although now I see I'm not alone.


Downsizings force baby boomers to reinvent careers

12:00 AM CDT on Thursday, August 14, 2008

By BOB MOOS / The Dallas Morning News
bmoos@dallasnews.com

After a decade or more of corporate downsizings, baby boomers are looking
upon cradle-to-grave job security with the same nostalgia as Hula Hoops and
45 rpm records.

When boomers entered the workforce, many thought they could spend their
careers with one employer. But prompted by buyout offers or layoffs, they're
reinventing themselves.

Too young or too broke to retire, boomers are becoming consultants or
independent contractors, starting their own businesses or returning to
school to learn new skills.

Forty-three percent of workers switch jobs after 50, and 27 percent change
occupations after 50, according to the Economic Policy Institute.

Boomers intend to work longer than their parents, partly because few of them
will have the retiree health coverage and traditional fixed-benefit pensions
that previous generations enjoyed, the institute says.

"If you're in your 50s and have been downsized, you shouldn't expect to land
another job like the one you've had," said Dallas career counselor Helen
Harkness. "Many jobs are just disappearing, so changing careers is often the
only thing to do."

Ms. Harkness, who owns Career Design Associates Inc., works with clients to
make the transition. She's helped a public relations specialist become a
chef, a lawyer turn into a gerontologist, and an investment banker start as
a financial adviser.

Find a purpose and then pursue it with a passion, she tells them.

At the Career Connection, a support group for jobless professionals that
meets every Tuesday at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas, boomers
in their 40s, 50s and 60s are in the majority, said director Lisa Miller.

Hundreds crowd into meeting rooms to exchange job leads and learn how to
write résumés, prepare for interviews and land offers.

"Looking for a job is a struggle, especially for workers over 50. Although
age discrimination is against the law, people still run into it," Ms. Miller
said. "But they can overcome it and succeed if they don't lose faith in
themselves."

James Hill, 55, of McKinney lost his job in the tech bust. So he rented out
a room in his house to a boarder to help pay the mortgage and scrambled for
any kind of work.

For a couple of months, he remodeled an office building.

"I have a master's degree, but I was glad to be sanding and painting," he
said.

Mr. Hill became a regular at Career Connection. "It's unbelievably
depressing to be unemployed and feeling like you're on your own," he said.
"The networking was a big morale booster. It helped me realize the economy
was the problem, not me."

Learning to adapt

So he figured out a way to adapt to it.

After months of searching, he landed a contract job with an India-based
company that edits and designs technical journals and books. He now makes
sales calls from his home office to U.S. and foreign publishers to persuade
them to outsource some of their work.

He values the freedom and flexibility of his home-based job. And he's spared
the long commute to Dallas and gets to spend more time with his 14-year-old
son.

"The wolf isn't at my door anymore," said Mr. Hill, who adds that he now
earns 50 percent more than he did before he got laid off. "But I look over
my shoulder all the time. Losing a job makes you paranoid. Things are going
well, but how long will that last?"

Downsized boomers have also regained control of their working lives by
starting businesses. One in three self-employed older workers became their
own boss after 50, says the AARP Public Policy Institute.

Therese Tetzel, 52, of Dallas figured she had had enough of the corporate
world after two downsizings.

"The meetings, the 12-hour days, the constant turnover – I just got worn
out," she said. "Plus, I didn't want to hand over my future to someone else
again."

Drawing on her marketing experience, Ms. Tetzel is launching Business Modern
to do strategic planning and marketing for other businesses. She's using her
personal savings to finance the venture, which she expects to oversee well
into her 60s.

"I understand what customers want, and I can do it," she said. "I don't need
to work for other people anymore."

Boomers who have been bought out or laid off also are returning to school to
sharpen their skills and restart their careers.

Back to school

At 50, Patti Bradley expects to be among the oldest students when she begins
classes at the Dallas campus of the University of North Texas this month.
But that doesn't deter the Dallas woman from her goal of obtaining a
bachelor's degree.

"I haven't been able to find a job as a paralegal with my associate degree,
so I'm headed back to college to get the credentials that law firms are
demanding," she said.

She plans to take part-time jobs to support herself while in school. And
having been laid off from secretarial positions, Ms. Bradley hopes paralegal
work will give her more job security.

"The job market has changed, so you must change with it to survive," she
said.

Ed Hagan's midlife odyssey began when he left a telecommunications company
at 51 after growing weary of the never-ending reorganizations and
downsizings.

But getting e-mail messages from his supervisor at 2 a.m. was the last
straw.

The unforeseen

He first thought that finding another position would be no problem for
someone with his experience. Two months later, 9/11 occurred and the economy
crashed.

"Suddenly, there were no jobs for middle-aged managers," he said.

So he became a real estate agent and supplemented his commissions by working
at an athletic club.

"Although I realized it usually takes several years to build your business,
I thought I'd give it a try," he said. "The money was minimal."

Then Mr. Hagan borrowed from the equity in his house and, with a former
associate, opened a drive-through coffee shop in San Antonio. After three
years of struggling to turn a profit, they closed the business and moved on.

He next enrolled in an alternative teacher certification program and applied
for a job in Dallas after graduating. He began teaching social studies at a
middle school in February and will return this month for his first full
year.

"Financially, it was a mistake to leave my telecommunications job, though I
was able to climb off the roller coaster," he said. "The upside has been
that I had the experience of starting a business, and I've ended up in a
rewarding career. It's been a fair trade."

Boomers aren't likely to collect the gold watch their parents did after a
lifelong career, said Ms. Harkness, the career counselor.

"There's no such certainty anymore," she said. "Boomers who want or need to
work into their 60s will have to carve out their own futures."

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Back in the job hunt again

This new venture was certainly a roller coaster. First off I loved it. Never thought I'd enjoy making 80 to 100 outbound prospecting calls a day. But, I loved the business model and believed in it. I truly was a great job. Problem was it was a start up and straight commission. Nobody there ever made the numbers they were promising and the turn over was tremendous. They just kept throwing people at the problem. Unfortunately, when I was looking at a part time venture to help keep this thing afloat one of the top dogs asked if I could recommend him. He wasn't making it either. You had to have lot's of reserve money or other income to have the staying power. So, its back in the hunt.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

New Venture

Well tomorrow I start in a new venture. I broker commodities to oversea's markets. I feel global trade is going to be the right place to be in the "new economy."

Sunday, May 11, 2008

A simple solution

Selling in its most simple form is nothing more than a transfer of feelings. The single most important emotion in selling, is enthusiasm. Yes, it's more important than sales skills, listening skills, or even product knowledge. Enthusiasm is a sign of belief that your prospects and customers can sense and feel. If you can get them as enthusiastic as you are about your product or service, they will buy. The more excited you are about what you're offering, the more excited your prospects will become.

Best sales effort ever. See video of Mr. Rogers before congress. Twenty million dollar sale!



Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Hire me

In this day and age when much more is required from each employee I take this very seriously. I was asked to start a paperback book wholeseller. When I was hired I was given the keys to the building and had 2 folding chairs and a phone sitting on the yellow pages. I proceeded from there to build that business into the best company in the business. I did everything from clean the toilets to becoming the network administrator.. If you need a person who has a multitude of skills, the ability to multi-task and the proven background to fill several positions (which means to you a more healthy bottom line) then we should talk.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Looking for people who want to succeed

I want to dream for a moment. I want a chance to work with positive people who have a hunger for success. I want to be part of a group of people who are willing to work hard, be ethical, and help make this world a better place. I want to have a job that uses my talents as the bible says. I want to have Jesus say to me, "Well done good and faithful servant," Matthew 25:21. Please, Lord send the rain in the due season.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

resume

DAVID ROCKEY

2117 Adams Drive, Arlington, Texas 76011 rocktexas@netscape.net

General Manager
Sales / Marketing / Personnel & Facilities Management

Diverse and adaptable entrepreneurial manager. Substantial record of achievement having demonstrated success in multi-million-dollar sales growth while also providing the highest level of customer satisfaction and retention in highly competitive markets. Adept at driving growth of company revenues and improving team performance. Exceptional team leader, mentor and coach. Excel at building new business, securing customer loyalty, and forging strong relationships with external business partners.

Core competencies include:
Strategic Marketing Position
Territory Growth/Development
Network /Technology Administration
Key Client Relationships/Retention
High-Impact Sales Presentations
Excellent at Staff Development

Professional Experience
Export Facillitator, Global Trade Base , June 2008 - July 2008
Called on small to midsize American food producers to retain them as a client to market and export their product over sea’s. This requires prospecting, cold calling by phone, and closing, using a three step sales process.
Sales Representative, Point-of-Rental March 2007- April 2008


POR is high-end software company specializing in selling enterprise software to small to medium size rental businesses. Generated leads by cold calling prospects. Set up appointments and demonstrated product to business owners on site. Composed sales and marketing letters, drafted RFP’s and proposals. Maintained communication through long sales cycle.

Self Employed, April 2006 – October 2006
Crestcom International Franchise

Leadership and management training business. Called on presidents, CEO’s, VITO's, & business owners to introduce them to a leadership and management training course. Gave 30 minute presentation designed to lead to a workshop which sell seats at seminar.

Manager, TEP, 1987- April 2006

TEP, a division of Adams Book Co., is one of the fastest growing book distributors in the US. Adams Book Company is one of the largest book distributors in the nation.

Started TEP and oversaw all sales, marketing and business functions, including catalogs, fliers, brochures, sales promotional materials and newsletters. Successfully promoted the company at national, regional and local trade shows. Negotiated and secured highly successful bids and contracts with suppliers and vendors. Interacted with educators, principals, supervisors, bookstore managers, book authors and vendors, establishing constant growth. Negotiated advantageous property lease. Purchased equipment and maintained every aspect of the physical plant and facilities. Proven track record of long lasting relationships and respect in our business. Have been on the cutting edge of using and implementing technology in the sales process.

Selected Achievements

Accomplished a win-win relationship with a Texas state agency where we became a premiere vendor that brought us free advertising and promotion as well as prestige.
Met and maintained business quotas while keeping overhead at a minimum and profitability high in a very competitive business with thin margins.
Developed and implemented our web based e-commerce business.
Expanded TEP’s territory from Texas only to 17 states.
Maintained and upgraded computer network.


Merchandise Distribution Manager, Margo’s, 1984-87
Division of Elder-Beerman, Columbus, OH

Responsible for merchandising and personnel training for shoe departments in a 118 store retail chain. Facilitated new allocation and redistributed existing stock to maximize mark-up and turnover. On site evaluation of product needs, setting up new and remodeled departments. Trained staff on site and at seminars. Provided valuable input and advise to shoe buyer.

Selected Achievements
Highest percent of volume increase in company.
Consistently outpaced the growth of the stores where the shoe departments were located.

Regional Manager, Cincinnati Shoe Company, 1972-79, 1983-84
Division of U.S. Shoe Corp., Cincinnati, OH

Responsible for regional field operations for the second largest shoe leasing company in the nation. Duties included training staff, merchandising stores, hiring personnel and being a liaison between home office and field and between leased departments and leaser.

Selected Achievements
Rapid advancement from salesman to assistant manager in four months. Promoted and transferred to manager three months later. Became district manager in one year. Started the original operation of leases in Burlington Coat Factory. Rehired in 1983 during critical time in Burlington’s expansion.
Won recognition and awards in both sales and management.

Related Skills and Training


Professional Development Courses
New Horizons - Completed 8 courses in web design and IT classes
CCI – MCSE coursework completed. Microsoft Certified Professional
Fred Pryor - Management Skills, Conflict Resolution Courses
Franklin Covey - What Matters Most, 8th Habit
Toastmasters - Competent Toastmaster Certificate
Crestcom International - Bullet Proof Manager Training
Education – accrued about 28 hours college coursework and over 20 CEU’s. Devoted to lifelong
learning. Have read over 500 self improvement, motivational and business related books.

Friday, April 04, 2008

Back in the job hunt

After 13 months in what I thought was the greatest job I fell victim to the economic slowdown. I didn't even have a snowballs chance to get this off the ground. I don't care about what anyone says or thinks, I gave it my best shot worked my tail off and gave it all I had. All I want is a chance to prove that hard work, integrity, and perseverance still are valued. I begin my career quest anew.
God be with me.

Monday, March 31, 2008

My happy place

I am by nature happiest multi-tasking. I took a small business from the ground up from 0 to $2.5 million in revenues. I eventually ran all fazes of the business. I hired, trained, and oversaw everything. I trained and developed a self sufficient workforce. I ran all aspects of a small warehouse on a shoestring budget. Set up and purchased equipment and maintained facility. Negotiated leases, wrote RFP's and proposals, and made sure business ran profitably. Responsible for all sales, marketing and customer service. Learned knowledge of computer programs and network administration to effectively maintain small business.Sold our product at trade shows, on site presentations and internet demo's. I set my sites to be like a “Swiss Army Knife- manager” able to do many tasks well. I thrive in this environment.

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Recession Business

Just wondering? What kind of businesses flourish during a recession? What would be a good business to get into given that times will be tough ahead? Any thoughts?

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Networking

I want to build a network of people who can help replace the old worn out network marketing and multilevel marketing idea's. Too many are all hype and some are scams. People want and are going to need supplemental income but have become jaded by the same old hucksters. All the same I think a fresh approach is needed. Any thoughts?

Sunday, January 27, 2008

outside looking in

I'm not the only one ever to make this complaint. But I have several times been close to success and have smelled and tasted it. But never have been able to find it. Two instance's that still bothers me is that I had an been asked to set up an Internet book seller -IN 1994!! I had a great concept and it was starting to take off. Then the owner handed it over to his incompetent son who totally ruined it. Then I had the idea with a couple of techie buddies to start a serious online networking site. This was opposed to the chat rooms etc of the early days. I bought the website www.networkinggrouponline.com in 2000. But Myspace, LinkedIn, Facebook came in later and did what I wanted to do. I'm sick and tired of being usurped. The next time I will come up with a cutting edge trend it will succeed or I will die trying. I am sick of living in the world of "what might have been." I am not going to meet my Lord and say I buried my talent in the ground. I want to hear "well done, good and faithful servant."