In today’s economy and competitive workforce there is no room for mediocre skills.
Gen X & Gen Y are competing for the same jobs as baby boomers. Gen X & Gen Y bring all kinds of digital know- how to the job table. Baby boomers bring years of experience. The younger generations have no clue how to communicate with people (it’s text, Twitter or nothing). Baby boomers are behind the curve when it comes to technology thingies (whatsa widget doo hickey?)
So who gets the job? Sadly, many times it’s the youth. I say sadly because a lot of my baby boomer friends are extremely talented, experienced, highly educated, hard working, reliable, professionals that have been laid off in the past year and have yet to land a position. It’s heart wrenching to see them lose their homes and their self esteem at the same time.
But - take heart boomer buddies because there’s some good news out there! According to a recent survey by Boston College's Sloan Center on Aging and Work it found 40 percent of companies still fear talent drain through retirement will hurt their performance over the next four years. More employers will either wise up fairly quickly or suffer serious consequences.
What can YOU do to stand out from the crowd? (apart from schmoozing employers with truck loads of cookies) Get tech savvy - take a free class on how to work the social media trend that’s here to stay. Find out where the networking events are in your area through LinkedIn and go discover what’s hot. Is there a certification that makes you more valuable? Can you learn a new skill that would bump your resume up to the top of the pile?
To be a leader in your field is to be extraordinary. To be extraordinary your performance must excel.Excellent performance is the new norm for tough times.
Take the first step to mastery and commit to be outside of ordinary. Bravo! You’ve passed mediocrity and won $200.
Theresa@TheresaBehenna.com www.TheresaBehenna.com
Australian born Theresa Behenna is a performance expert. Oh wait, she’s also an award winning speaker, internationally acclaimed entertainer, fun emcee, author, recording artist and is totally unrelated to Olivia Newton John. Laid off from her office job during a recession Down Under, Theresa began playing the piano anywhere that paid money or free food and ended up touring the world. Armed with a positive attitude, a passion for performance and thirty one evening dresses Theresa appeared in some of the world’s most prestigious venues from Tahiti to Tokyo, Singapore to Switzerland, encountering celebrities such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Matt Lauer, Elton John, Princess Grace, ‘James Bond’ and Andrea Bocelli along the way. In 2006 her extraordinary career on the entertainment stage was highlighted when Coca Cola chose her to perform at the Winter Olympics in Italy where she became the only world class pianist to bring back a gold medal. (Minor matter it’s of the candy kind.)
Theresa moved to the United States in 1982 and there after began combining her background as a secretary, professional musician, business owner, actress and TV talk show host with popular songs, Aussie humor and a motivational message that launched her onto the speaking stage. Using mastery of the piano as parallel principles for success, she has inspired thousands of people to become a leader in their field and stand out in today’s competitive work force. With a firm belief that “fear is what you pass on the way to success” Theresa’s audiences gain practical strategies to apply in their lives to realize their own peak performance level.
Four things set Theresa apart from the very crowded speakers’ circuit:
1. She uses the piano to emphasize key points resulting in memorable information & a unique event
2. The funny factor – people learn more when they’re laughing
3. Americans love an Aussie accent - Theresa’s comes free when you book her
4. Extra take away value includes a customized song about the audience
Theresa’s relevant current content, international credentials, humorous speaking style and outstanding musical talent connects her to diverse cultures and multi generations in today’s global workplace. Her universal appeal has engaged, energized and uplifted a wide range of audiences with clients like British Petroleum saying: “You really connected with our group at an emotional level and made a lasting impression! I particularly liked your efforts to tailor your work to our needs for our mastery training event. Many commented on your amazing piano skills!”
Theresa’s goal is to make her meeting planner look like a rock star, give her audiences a phenomenal experience and be the easiest, most well-prepared speaker her clients ever work with. She is most sought after by meeting planners looking to blow people’s socks off at their annual conferences. (Sock collector not included in fee).
As a professional member and past board member of the National Speakers Association Houston Chapter, Theresa was honored to win the John Wolfe Award for speaking excellence in 2007. A contributing author to the anthology "Rekindling the Human Spirit”, She has written numerous published articles for trade associations and currently writes a weekly column, ezine newsletter and very cool blogs.
Her best selling piano CD “Songs for Friends” was recorded in 2001 with her second album soon to be released.
Theresa resides in Houston where she has yet to sound like a native Texan.