April 2011
CareerTips
Are You Entrepreneurial?
by Kyle Pertuis
 en•tre•pre•neur noun
One who organizes, manages and assumes the risk of a business or enterprise
Our friends at Merriam-Webster make the definition of an entrepreneur sound pretty simple. Statistics have shown that more Entrepreneurs came out of the Great Depression than any other time in history. Considering our country’s current economic status, we are once again seeing the entrepreneurial spirit rekindle. The entrepreneurial dream is often one of ultimate freedom, wealth, and perhaps fame, however the challenges and difficult times that entrepreneurs often face are seldom discussed.
What does that say about the drive, determination and resilience of these individuals and how do you know if you have what it takes to be "entrepreneurial"?
Working with entrepreneurs over the past 20 years, I have found them to posses most - if not all - of the attributes listed below:
1. Creativity- the ability to continuously identify ways to improve their product, service, and position in the market.
2. Passion- knowing exactly what their purpose is for their business or venture and letting that drive their actions.
3. Determination- the mindset that will not allow anything to prevent or block them from fueling their passion.
4. Dedication- the commitment to see their work is complete and successful as they may define it.
5. Self confidence- the ability to frequently step out of their comfort zone and constantly affirm the positive belief
that they will succeed.
6. Leadership – the ability to inspire, motivate and encourage others to do the right things without being told.
7. Flexibility- capable of making quick decisions and dealing with change on a regular basis.
Click here to keep reading about entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial qualities.
Class of 2011, Now What?
By Myles Golden
 Yes, it is another tough job market for college graduates. I heard recently that for the class of 2011 more than 70% will return home and continue on their parent’s payroll, a fact that strikes fear in the hearts and minds of their parents not to mention the shock and cultural change for both parties. With over seven million jobs lost since June 2007, you can bet the 2011 graduating class will have a challenge finding jobs. A parent once called me and said, “My daughter has not lived at home in nearly five years. We love her but we are not looking forward to this experience.” When I met with her daughter I found the feelings were mutual. She lamented, “I love my parents but the thought of living with them scares the heck out of me.”
Unfortunately, most parties are not prepared for this experience. And unfortunately, most of our academic institutions are not properly preparing these graduates for a transition into the world of work. Sure, many have placement offices, counselors, job fairs, websites with information on resume development, interviewing tips and even career assessments. However, when I ask students I find that many never took advantage of the service provided by the institution, and when I ask the counselors of the institutions they tell me it is impossible to give each and every student the time and attention they really need. Therefore, many graduate without an inkling of what their first job should be and they certainly are not prepared to compete for a job in the worst job market in over 40 years. Many have not figured out how to use their college experiences and summer part time jobs to enhance their resumes and interviewing skills. So, here are a few tips for both you students and your parents:
Click here for valuable tips for both students and parents.
The Ten Principles of Influencing Others
(Author Unknown)
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Influence can only occur if you get people’s attention.
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Success is a function of how well you learn to navigate the terrain.
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Persuasion is more about how you make people feel than what you say.
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The better you understand a situation, the better your chance of achieving your objective.
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When you know what’s important to others, they will make what’s important to you important to them also.
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Influence is more than having a good time…it’s connecting with your audience one-on-one.
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Differentiate your message by differentiating yourself.
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Research is the secret weapon of effective persuasion.
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Communicate in the language of your audience.
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Everyone is a salesperson. Only a few do it for money.
Spring into Action ~ Volunteer!
 Volunteer opportunity:
Reedy River Duck Derby,
May 7, 2011, 10 AM – 4 PM. www.reedyriverduckderby.com
Especially needed are adults to help cordon off the banks as “river guards” to keep people out of the river during the race. It’s also the best view of the race! Other needs are traffic, sales booths, information booth, helping with vendor set-up and take-down, wear the Duck Suit, run errands. Does not have to be the entire day.
Contact Ann Golden at agolden@goldencareerstrategies.com or 864-527-0425.
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
 United Way agencies
Ready 4 Reading
Habitat for Humanity
Mauldin Miracle League
Greenville Literacy
Meals on Wheels
Greenville County Library System
American Cancer Society
Greenville Area Opportunities
- searchable by category
Golden Career Strategies Speaks:
Recent Speaking Engagements & Sponsorships
Myles Golden conducted a workshop for The Commerce Club of Greenville on “Branding for Membership Development and Retention” on January 6, 2011.
GCS ~ Silver Sponsor for GSATC (Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson Technology Council)
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