What is your biggest challenge, at this time?

[Vincent Wright]

We have no shortage of vehicles available to us but, as with automobiles, if we don't know where you want to go, we don't know where to point the vehicles we have. So, if you'd like help, help us answer this question: "What is your biggest challenge, at this time?"

Thanks, and Keep STRONG!!
Vincent Wright
Online Community Manager
MyLinkingPowerForum.ning.com | MyVirtualPowerForum.com | MyLinkedinPowerForum.net |
VincentWright.com (Linkedin) | VincentWright.net (Facebook) | VincentWright.org (Google) | VincentWright.us (Twitter) |
Skype/Gtalk = MyLinkedinPowerForum | [phone]

[Henry Schneider]

I am a process improvement consultant, an Software Engineering Institute (SEI) -certified SCAMPI Lead Appraiser and CMMI Instructor for the CMMI for Development, CMMI for Acquisition, and CMMI for Services. So far this year it has been a challenge to find clients and/or students to enroll in the Introduction to CMMI class. l received an email from the SEI over the weekend alerting me that in order for me to maintain my CMMI Instructor credentials that I will have to teach the class at least once by December 31, 2009. In my 7 years as a CMMI Instructor, this is the first time that I have been in this situation. Losing my Instructor credentials would then severely limit my market presence. So my biggest challenge is finding an opportunity to teach the Intro to CMMI class in the next 4 to 5 months. So what kind of help can the members on this forum provide to help me successfully meet this challenge?

Thanks,
Henry Schneider

[Vincent Wright]

Hi, Henry,
At least one person has sought a CMMI instructor at this Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/agilecmmi/browse_thread/thread/f81ea...

(Not necessarily recommending this or this TYPE of opportunity but, the first request on that page is for "i want CMMI instructor to provide training in UAE - abu dhabi or dubai .... instructor can speak arabic or english i hope it is ok ti can ask about it in this group ...)

Thanks, Henry,
+Vincent

[Henry Schneider]

Hi Vincent,
Thanks for the information. I am a member of this group, as well as other CMMI related LinkedIn groups. These types of requests are typically for one person. My challenge is finding enough students (at least 10) to justify the expense and effort to put a public offering of the class together.
Henry

[Mari-Lyn Harris]

getting Heart based clients. Is what I have a challenge with. (this is something no one wants to talk about) I guess we are all used to the hard sell, and certainly don't share yourself with anyone. I guess that's why I like social media - it's relationship based. My audience for SM has been creative professionals. My pie business is women, they love to please their man. Guys love pies..some women do too. Women buy them.

I would like to create a viral campaign with the pies. I have a twtqon - every pie that is ordered, $2.00 goes to the food bank and $2.00 the customer will get a coupon. If someone could help me do a viral campaign for pies - I would really appreciate it.

Mari-Lyn
PS. Vincent - Explorer recognizes errors in code, there aren't errors - they just aren't as forgiving as Firefox and Safari.

[Vincent Wright]

Mari-Lyn,
I want to be very careful in my response to you and your note above but, IF those are REAL-world pies, I might be able to help you with your viral campaign - however, I will need several samples per week! :-)

Couple of suggestions:
1. Network with people like Bill Austin in Phoenix and offer fresh-baked pies as inducements to attend job fairs/networking events. (I know that that's an anomaly but, if voiced the right-way, I think it could work)

2. Give part of your pie receipts to local charities. (Buy 5 pies and we give x percentage to local food kitchen/pantry, end-hunger-now campaigns.) (After all, people don't live off of just protein alone - sometimes, a little pie adds to the zest, the enjoyment of life. Got me feeling better just THINKING about how I used to LOVE my grandmother's pies and cakes! :-) )

3. Work with MeetUp.com or Ken Rochon of PerfectNetworker.com (http://mylinkingpowerforum.ning.com/profile/KenRochon) or Michael Sachleben of BlitzTime (http://mylinkingpowerforum.ning.com/profile/MikeSachleben). You find them both here on MyLinkingPowerForum.com (Offer to become their pie supplier of choice for local events they may have.)

4. (More ideas upon receipt of pies! :-) (Just TEASING! )

Let's chat during the week, ok?

Keep STRONG, Mari-Lyn!
+Vincent

[Michael Murphy]

Overcoming the 'over 50' barrier to reentry into the job market.

I get the 'over qualified' reply or the 'nothing matching your background at this time' reply; which is code most of the time.

This is my greatest challenge.

Michael

[Vincent Wright]

Hi, Michael,
Have you seen this?: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Job-Hunting-Tips-2307/2008/12/qualified.htm

She provides some helpful insights, in my opinion. However, one I'd like to add is that you seriously network with people who KNOW you and your abilities. If you can get referrals from those who know you - AND - who may have connections inside companies with appropriate openings, I believe it can be of tremendous value. (It may not be easy but, it can be one solution is pursued persistently.)

Keep STRONG, Michael!
+Vincent

[Catherine White Creates Worth]

I hear you Michael, in fact this is my BIGGEST challenge.

Retaining a healthy outlook about my age in a youth obsessed culture will make the difference in respect to my longevity in the market place. It's my outlook, now how the world views age that counts!

[Vincent Wright]

Catherine,
I sometimes use humor to help with the age issue by reminding those who may be concerned about my age that, "My age is not *MY* fault!" :-)

On a more serious note: I think Boomers are making a HUGE mistake by focusing so heavily on environments which indicates they aren't valued rather than on using our infamous energy in creating NEW environments where we ARE wanted. If Boomers have as much money as it's claimed we have then, I'd encourage entrepreneurial Boomers to pool resources to build better vehicles for us to be ourselves without having to relentlessly justify our existence to those who don't value us, want us, or need us. We shouldn't be maudlin about addressing the issue that some segments don't embrace us, rather, we should first embrace ourselves - AND - those who embrace us back - irrespective of THEIR ages...

Thanks, and Keep STRONG, Catherine!
+Vincent

[Ravi Punjabi]

My Biggest challenge is studying regularly for my Law degree, i need to continue this regular study and participation in college for next 2 years, until mid 2011. At the same time, i ensure that my work is completed flawlessly and efficiently and i keep my my personal ( fitness) and family commitments!

[Vincent Wright]

Hi, Ravi,
Have you looked into listening to audio of your courses while exercising?

Also, what do you think of Hieros Gamos http://www.hg.org/

Keep STRONG, Ravi!
+Vincent

[Vaughan Jones]

Hi there,
Challenges ther are; a-pleny. My biggest challenge is that of network marketing my services of writing, proofreading, editing and business mentoring/advice. I have written a number of business management related books and a book called One Life-Love-Energy. I seem to battle to become known and sell the books & services. I'm clearly doing something or many things wrong; the frustration though, is what am I doing wrong or not doing at all.
Cash strapped presents an added dimension.
Kimd regards,
Vaughan Jones