W W H H A A T T I I S S T T H H E E D D A A T T A A T T E E L L L L I I N N G G U U S S ? ? EMPLOYMENT | ENTREPRENEURSHIP | ECONOMY J ANUARY ~2011 WWW . ALTRUISTICLEADERSHIP . COM SPECIAL REPORT DAY OF OPPORTUNITY EDITION Essentials Do you have what it takes for the 21 st Century? Endeavors Opportunity Knocks Everyday! A A L L T T R R U U I I S S T T I I C C L L E E A A D D E E R R S S H H I I P P HELPING BUSINESS UNDERSTAND COLOR 1 1 6 6 . . 2 2 % % Real rate of unemployed & under-employed people-of-color
16.2% --either unemployed or under-employed for Blacks. For Black males, it is in
the 20‟s. So, “What is the data telling us?” High unemployment for people-of-
color—we get that. What else is it saying? Moreover, how are we responding?
As a small business owner, data is essential to running a business. HOWEVER, I
believe in snuffing out of the tradition examination, calculation, and projection of
financial data. If you start with numbers, you will end up with a flawed strategic plan
that fits nicely within your numbers but that is void of innovation, lacks velocity, fails
the agility test, and inhibits success. So, what am I saying? Stick with me here, I
believe that understanding data beyond the “math” will help you manage your career
(diversity) style and put you on the right plan. The 16.2% screams opportunity—to
me. I‟m going to share resources & data to help you become a better problem solver
& problem solving is essential to helping to make sense of it all.
A little about me I’m naturally a researcher and that makes me instinctively want to master the art of
problem solving. We are in turbulent times and problems are all around us. To
solve a problem, we need data. The data I will share with you comes in the form of
resources that you may not be aware of.
I am a spotter—someone who can research data, spot it, gathers it, study it, shift it,
trend it, and convey it in a way that values your time. I won‟t steal your time.
But mostly … I am someone who believes that as a steward (your steward), I will use well the
God-given talents & abilities entrusted to me to present to you data that may help
you in your career endeavors and life.
At this point, you‟re deciding whether you should keep reading or stop; well, before
you make a decision there is some you should know.
It’s tough right now, I know; that’s not lost on me. You are at this Day-of-Opportunity
event today—January 18, 2011—needing resources. The goal of this document is
to provide you with a synthesis of accessible & practical materials in a thoughtful and
entertaining format. Enjoy!
Annalisa Adams-Qualtiere is the Founder and President of Altruistic
Leadership, a career management and leadership enhancement company.
During her 20+ years in corporate America, Annalisa held executive,
senior management and key roles at Fortune 500 companies: Hewlett
Packard, Automated Data Processing (ADP), PricewaterCoopers, as well as
small to mid-sized organizations in the insurance, technology, and consumer
services industry.
Annalisa created, researched, designed, developed, and deployed an enterprise-
wide African American Leadership Program. This program was a critical
component for the organization receiving a Diversity Best Practice award in 2008. The program was featured in the inaugural issue of
Diversity Executive Magazine in 2008.
Annalisa is the creator and sponsor of a nationwide internet radio program:
Take-A-Lesson—Uncovering Hidden Mentors for Diverse Leaders. Take-A-Lesson invites successful corporate
leaders, non-profit executives, entrepreneurs, activist, and academics
to share thought-leadership, trials, triumphs, tripping points, and
techniques. The sole purpose of the program is to build up leadership capabilities and promote career
trajectory.
To learn more about Annalisa: www.annalisa-adams-qualtiere.com
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Altruistic Leadership® 2635 North First Street, Ste 243
San Jose, CA 95134
All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotation in printed reviews, without the prior permission of Altruistic Leadership. All internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.), references, and telephone numbers printed in the document are offered as a resource. Altruistic Leadership cannot vouch for the content of these sites or statistics
for the life of this whitepaper.
Table of Contents A little about me ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2
What is the data telling us about unemployment? ................................................................................................................... 5
The Economic Policy Institute .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Where do I find “must know” data? .................................................................................................................................. 5
How do I easily track what is happening in the economy? Here ...................................................................................... 5
What is the data telling us about choosing entrepreneurship over unemployment? ................................................................ 6
How does Race and Entrepreneurial Success play out in this picture? ............................................................................... 6
What‟s the SCORE? ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
How do I avoid the pitfalls? .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Does opportunity knock? Every day! ................................................................................................................................... 9
Are there Startup Quick Strategies? Of course! ................................................................................................................. 10
Don‟t sacrifice opportunity for perfection ........................................................................................................................ 10
Use external resources .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Master the art of the iteration cycle ................................................................................................................................ 11
What else do I know to know? The Art of Start, that‟s what! ......................................................................................... 11
What is the data telling us about leadership essentials? ....................................................................................................... 13
How can Altruistic Leadership help me? ................................................................................................................................ 14
Should I head back into Corporate America? You have choice! ............................................................................................ 18
What can we learn from Ted Williams? ............................................................................................................................. 18
What you should know before you go! ............................................................................................................................... 18
Rev up your résumé ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Update your LinkedIn profile .......................................................................................................................................... 19
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Choose the right places to apply .................................................................................................................................... 19
Don‟t become frustrated ................................................................................................................................................ 19
Get back into action ....................................................................................................................................................... 19
Stop dealing with your career by yourself ...................................................................................................................... 19
In Closing ............................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Popular Blog-post by Annalisa ........................................................................................................................................... 20
Sideway Opportunities—Posted June 8, 2011 ............................................................................................................... 20
Don‟t waste this recession!—Posted April 11, 2011 ...................................................................................................... 20
Where is your job security?—Posted April 22, 2011 ...................................................................................................... 20
Credits, Resources, and Recommendations.......................................................................................................................... 21
What is the data telling us about unemployment? Well it isn‟t good, and you didn‟t need me to tell you that. Here‟s a question: where are you getting your resource data? Watching
the nightly news maybe be a good resource, but from this point on you want and require the best. Check out this source...
The Economic Policy Institute
A reliable and informative source is EPI: The Economic Policy Institute, is a
non-profit Washington D.C. think tank, created in 1986 to expand the
discussion about economic policy to include the interests of low- and
middle-income workers: the unemployed and underemployment. This
resource is a strong voice for the American worker becoming the “gold
standard” in that field.
Where do I find “must know” data?
http://www.epi.org/
Launch page for access to key research and data.
How do I easily track what is happening in the economy?
http://www.economytrack.org/mainchart.php
Know before you go! Jumping out of the fire into the frying pan isn‟t pretty.
Learn what‟s going on in that state, statistically speaking. This site has tools,
resources, and data to track the recession and unemployment statistics with
the ability to focus specifically on trends by state, race/ethnic group, gender,
occupation, and education level. Slicing data is critical. You can bloom where
you‟re planted, but not if it‟s amongst rocks!
Current Research on this site:
12/9/2010: State of Working America preview: Whites more
upwardly mobile than blacks—ouch!
“America is often called the land of opportunity, and that class
mobility has long been a popular tenet of American culture. Mobility
is not always upward, particularly for black children raised in
middle-class families who often find themselves in lower income
ranks as adults.” While these headlines may not be what you want
to see, it‟s what you need to know to position you and your family
to make income & spending choices, education investments, and
Altruistic Leadership (wink) all started during periods of economic recession.
Here‟s a truth you need to know: periods of uncertainty fuel tremendous opportunity because the deck is reshuffled and the rules
of the game are changed, AND no one is sure of what is the new normal.
Starting a business during a recession is easier. Why?
Resources are cheaper: offices, equipment, etc.
Larger available talent pool
Large organizations are focused on sustainment, not innovation, and lose
opportunity, while…
Small companies are players that are more agile—I love that part!
Jeremy Gutsche‟s book Exploiting CHAOS is another (excellent data) resource I share with
you. His topics include SPARKING A REVOLUTION, TREND HUNTING, ADAPTIVE
INNOVATION, and INFECTIOUS MESSAGING—truly an A+ book.
Two more resources I highly recommend:
The Truth About Starting a Business: What does it mean to do what you truly want to do?
What’s Stopping You? Shatter the 9 Most Common Myths Keeping You from Starting Your Own Business
Both of these books
by
Bruce
Barringer
provide a voice of
reason demystifying
start-up
misconceptions
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Are there Startup Quick Strategies? Of course!
Partner—Companies that start with partnerships minimize your financial risk and instantly expand your knowledge base. Choose
partners with skills & capabilities complementary to your own. Do not partner with people who are exactly like you—there‟s no fun
(or creativity) in that. Imperative: use agreements and set ground rules.
Bootstrap—It is very difficult to raise capital in this market, and besides, you probably don‟t need as much as you think. Use
savings, lines of credit with terms as a means to starting your business. Also, ask all partners to tap into their own savings so that
everyone has skin in the game.
Nearly 80% of the self-funded companies were profitable! Bootstrap as far as you can possibly go, then once you reach the point where you absolutely need outside funding, go to
traditional sources.
On the CD, you have a copy of The Bootstrapper’s Bible, a manifesto by Seth Godin.
Excellent resource that you MUST read through at least once, then keep it for ongoing
reference. In this reference, Seth highlights entrepreneurs who focus and work to start a
great business from scratch with no (or almost no) money.
Remember that having limited resources often forces you to make better and more
informed decisions. Starting out financially disciplined but not overly cautious will serve you
well as you grow.
Don’t sacrifice opportunity for perfection—I‟ve seen that happen far too often. If you
have a good product or service, get it out there—your clients or customers will help you
refine your product. When I launched Take-A-Lesson, my website was so-so, process for
the show was good but not great, yet we moved ahead with scheduling guests and
delivering the show. Where I drew the line and did not skimp was execution. Being known
for our approach and flawless execution built a powerful brand and excused the early
raggedy edges. Our guests helped improve the process according to their own needs. We
utilized an iterative process—but more about that later.
Use external resources—there are more available free resources than you think. We talked about SCORE and also the SBA—
more traditional and widely known. You might start with your alma mater; they routinely have small business resources to assist
alumni. Ask people in the industry for help. If they are in noncompetitive markets, they will be surprisingly helpful and it shortens
your learning curve. Finally, come to Altruistic Leadership for workshops, coaching, counseling, connection, and business space
options. I have to plug my company. We also offer experienced sales, marketing, and business training and staff that can help
promote your business.
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Master the art of the iteration cycle—Getting your product & service to market, testing it, refining it, and before the final product
is NECESSARY work, and, yes, a lot of extra effort. Your planning & release approach should include iterations. I‟ve seen too
often, even with focus group data, a “waterfall” approach with fingers crossed that the final product is what your target market
wants and needs. Forget it! You lose more than you gain. People are more forgiving than you think of honest business people.
What else do I know to know? The Art of Start, that’s what!
To complement your library of great resources, I strongly recommend reading The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki. His humorous
approach to explaining business practices helps complete the picture.
Every chapter begins with a GIST: Great Ideas for Starting Things—an overview; and each chapter ends with a FAQ—not the FAQ
you think. FAQ stand for Frequently Avoided Questions, the questions we tend to hide from. Slay your dragons—that comes a
little later in the leadership section—and acknowledge the lizards per Seth. He has also provided exercises throughout the book.
In the chapter “The Art of Bootstrapping,” here are the three BIG ideas:
1. Manage for cash flow, not for profitability—for example, on the revenue side, pass on sales that are profitable but take too
long to collect. You need to establish a stream of income early on. On the expense side, stretch out your payments—but
DO NOT become delinquent in paying them!
2. Bottom-up forecasting—which means start with real-world variables like the example given in his book: Salesperson X
can make N number of calls to produce X number of conversion to revenue. Check out page 82—great example to use
as a template
3. Focus on function, not form—this can and has derailed start-up efforts. What‟s important is the function you need
performed from a service-provider perspective, not a Fortune 500 accounting firm to review your financials. Make sense?
Rather than looking at models,
let’s focus on the Leadership Skills you’ll need for your future!
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What is the data telling us about leadership essentials?
This is a complex world, sometimes feeling as if it is spinning out of control, leaders absolutely will need improved skills and to
understand more about what drives decisions, people, and their customers. Strategic plans that used to last five years, last five
months; and competitive advantage that used to last five months, now lasts five minutes. Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook (and
other social media platforms) are game changers for leaders in business, large & small.
On top of this being a complex world, it is also transparent. Generation X & Y move in networks; Boomers who don‟t (there‟s a
Take-A-Lesson topic). Moreover, most corporate structures are struggling with the concept that “greater access to information at
greater speeds actually means more ambiguity, not less,” to quote The Conference Board—and they are spot on. I love this quote:
According to author Douglas Rushkoff, “Survival in a purely digital realm—particularly in business—means being able to scale, and
winning means being able to move up one level of abstraction beyond everyone else.” Awesome! So let‟s begin by looking at
leadership drivers businesses are looking for based on data from The Conference Board—a respected and reliable source.
Leadership Drivers for the 21st Century
Annalisa’s commentary
Complexity The target is always moving. Factors influencing decision can change within minutes. Be open to changing your path.
Speed of change The new normal is change! The speed of change is changing as well. Innovation is consent & required.
Diversity (fragmentation) Generalization is out; precision is in.
Sustainability / corporate responsibility
Corporations (and small businesses) must be socially responsible. Deliver to both the bottom line & social accountabilities.
Customer sophistication / value proposition
Access to information by clients‟ demands constantly upgrading the value you bring to them.
Regulation Learn to deal with and become more comfortable with regulations and regulators. Non-compliance costs will continue to escalate—why, we‟re broke, remember!
Communication / transparency Talk, but also listen, and that includes what‟s written in blogs, websites, etc. The CEO as the rock star is dead and it doesn‟t take a boulder to kill „em. A small smooth stone in the shape of a well-placed blog entry can have you attending a funeral metaphorically speaking. Be honest and communicate (talk back) at the right time.
Managing polarities / multiple time horizons
Be a Solomon—be wise. This vs. that exists in every business. Define & comprehend the most significant external & internal factor that will influence business & decide.
Changing expectations of The workforce
People are looking for meaning to their jobs—particularly during this time. The “you gotta paycheck” approach is as dead as the CEO is as a rock star. It‟s also buying you an Exodus in the long-term. Engage them; provide CLARITY of vision, and truly value diversity & integration, not assimilation. That’s where Altruistic Leadership can help you personally!
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How can Altruistic Leadership help me?
I often ask my business associates, “What is the new normal?” As the economy begins to rebound, are you wondering when
things will get back to normal for your business? If you believe the prognosticators and pundits, there will be no “back to normal.”
We‟re looking at a “new normal” that we haven‟t seen in a long time, if ever.
A recent study from the Pew Research Center says,
“Of the 13 recessions that the American public has endured since
the Great Depression of 1929-33, none has presented a more
punishing combination of length, breadth and depth than this one.”
It has led to lowered expectations among the public about their
children‟s futures and their own retirement; a new frugality in
spending and borrowing habits; and an expectation that it will take
several years for the value of their homes and other investments
to recover.
One thing is for sure: Nothing is for sure.
The future is uncertain, and uncertainty is the playing field of the entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, I tend to adjust quickly to
whatever “the new normal” is. Agility is one of the greatest advantages you have over most competitors. You have the ability to
anticipate and adjust to significant trends faster, quicker than large corporations that are heavily vested and entrenched in their
current markets, models, and practices. You can transform potential threats and weaknesses of being a small business in this
market into strengths and opportunities.
Leadership Skills Wanted Now!
So, what are the key Leadership Skills cited to take full advantage and leverage this market? Let‟s go back to The Conference
Board. I‟ve taken their research of Leaderships Skills need for the 21st century, slightly modified the language for our purposes,
and added my commentary and resources to further your development.
Leadership Skills for the 21st Century— Conference Board—modified by Altruistic Leadership
Build Trust Is so easy to build trust: just never lose it. Once you “intentionally” lose the trust of another, it is difficult to gain it back. We are in an open-source world, networked more than ever before.
Foundations Workshop | 360 Assessment (Proprietary AL Assessment)
2-Hour TuneUp & Profiles/Assessments: Influencing / Emotional Intelligence, Change Leadership (Each assessment is its own individual 2-hour session)
Be reflective Be willing to slow down action; have a willingness to step back to leap forward. Sounds clichéd but its true—go slow to go fast.
2-Hour TuneUp: Emotional Intelligence Assessment
2-Hour TuneUp: Leadership Effectiveness Profile
Be an influencer
Be honest and communicate (talk back) at the right time. Use inquiry & advocacy to seek understanding & to be understood. Manipulation disguised as influence is no longer tolerated.
2-Hour TuneUp: Influence Profile
2-Hour TuneUp: Emotional Intelligence Profile
2-Hour TuneUp: Listening Effectiveness Profile
2-Hour TuneUp: Coaching Effectiveness Profile
Coaching Program: Business or Operational Leadership
Be a T-shaped thinker Hone your primary skills & become the expert in the area of education, exposure, and experience. Know the external and internal drivers (as discussed previously) for what drives your business, client, or market.
Foundations Workshop | 360 Assessment (Proprietary AL Assessment)
Coaching Program: Strategic or Business Leadership
Finding the Career That Fits You (A Biblical Perspective)—1 Day Workshop
2-Hour TuneUp: 2x2 Framework Inventory Series—This series has 23 Strategic & 13 Organizational Framework Sessions
Facilitate the possible
Learn to connect the dots for yourself & others; casting vision and making linkages for decision-making
Facilitation Workshop—2 Day
Coaching Program: Strategic Leadership
2-Hour TuneUp: Force-Field Analysis
2-Hour TuneUp: 2x2 Framework Inventory Series—This series has 23 Strategic & 13 Organizational Framework Sessions
Deal with ambiguity Learn to shift gears comfortably. You don‟t need to have things finished before moving on. Learn to decide & act without the total picture.
Influencing for Results Workshop—1 Day
2-Hour TuneUp: Emotional Intelligence Profile
2-Hour TuneUp: Listening Effectiveness Profile
Coaching Program: Business or Operational Leadership
Build networks Find common ground quickly & solve problems; encourage collaboration & be candid but not RUDE!
Networking & Building Relationships Workshop—1 Day
2-Hour TuneUp: Networking Styles Profile
2-Hour TuneUp: Listening Effectiveness Profile
Mine, synthesize, & distribute information that tells a compelling story
Disseminate information in a timely way; provide information so that decision becomes easier. Reframe from providing too much information.
2-Hour TuneUp: 2x2 Framework Inventory Series—This series has 23 Strategic & 13 Organizational Framework Sessions
Coaching & Counseling Program: Emphasis on Informing
Become good at & participate in brainstorming. Learn how to predict & communicate how ideas can play out in the marketplace.
2-Hour TuneUp: 2x2 Framework Individual Inventory Series—This series has 12 Framework sessions
Coaching & Counseling Program: Emphasis on Informing
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Slay dragons
Attack the fears that are inhibiting your growth. Acknowledge the Lizards from our friend Seth. Acknowledge key skills deficiencies; remain open to tutors, courses, & any learning to improve proficiency.
Foundations Workshop | 360 Assessment (Proprietary AL Assessment)
2-Hour TuneUp: Emotional Intelligence
2-Hour TuneUp: Leadership Effectiveness
Coaching & Counseling Program: Customized
Delegate responsibility with accountability
Let direct reports and others finish their own work; broadly share your responsibilities; trust people to perform.
2-Hour TuneUp: The Art of Delegation
2-Hour TuneUp: Managerial Effectiveness Profile
Learn You (know thyself)
Know your strengths, hone your T-shape, and balance your “non-strength” with collaboration & partnership so that it does not become a weakness & interfere with your own ability to perform to expected levels or interfere with others‟ ability to do their work.
Foundations Workshop | 360 Assessment (Proprietary AL Assessment)
2-Hour TuneUp: Emotional Intelligence
2-Hour TuneUp: Leadership Effectiveness
Coaching & Counseling Program: Customized
Fail Forward (design for failure)
Fail early, fail often, and fail forward. There is ZERO value in developing guilt tendencies because of a failed attempt. There are key reasons why people make mistakes.
Coaching & Counseling Program: Customized
2-Hour TuneUp: Leadership Effectiveness
Foster and capitalize on the wisdom of the crowd (harness the energy)
Collection of ideas can solve almost any problem. That said, for the crowd to be smart, certain conditions must be met and diversity is key, so it incentives. Share credit for success.
Foundations Workshop | 360 Assessment (Proprietary AL Assessment)
2-Hour TuneUp: Negotiating Skills Profile
2-Hour TuneUp: Diversity Profile
Where can you meet with Successful Executives,
Entrepreneurs, and Educators all willing to share their
leadership journey?
Only One Place
Altruistic Leadership Presents:
Take-A-Lesson: Uncovering Hidden Mentors for Diverse Leaders
A conversation with today's diverse leaders on thriving
vs. surviving in today‟s economy.
Call in and speak with executives at …
Your Host
Annalisa Adams-Qualtiere
President
Altruistic Leadership
Co-Host
Ed Harris
Principal Consultant
Monika Brooks
Diversity Consultant
Broadcast Producer Tammy Rainer
And More!
Join us Wednesdays
9:00 Pacific / Noon Eastern
917.889.3394
On the web
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/altruisticleadership
On-demand
http://www.altruisticleadership.com/al-podcast/
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Should I head back into Corporate America? You have choice!
What can we learn from Ted Williams?
Kevin Donlin, an expert on executive job search, recently blogged on the key takeaways any job seeker can
learn from the Ted Williams experience:
1. Ted got out of the house and met people;
2. Ted didn‟t use an ordinary résumé;
3. Ted didn‟t interview, he performed;
4. Ted kept a positive outlook; and
5. Ted kept this craft tuned—that one’s mine.
Kevin Dolan has been featured in USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, CBS Radio and elsewhere.
