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June 2012
Executive Errands eNewsletter
Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands....
In This Issue
Our Favorite Things - The Tower Garden
Interior Landscapes
A Beautiful Outside
Short Term Rental - Updates
Building Relationships
Money & Time Saving Apps
Charitable Updates
Don't Forget!
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List

Greetings!    

 

bureau of laborLast week the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the recent unemployment numbers indicating the economy was little changed at 8.2%* This news caused stocks to tumble on June 1, but.....is this unemployment figure really a cause for such upheaval?

 

It seems worthwhile to actually check the data to see for ourselves what is actually happening.  Here goes:  The 12 month average (April 2011 - April 2012) indicates unemployment held steady at 8.7%.

 

If you look at the unemployment figures since 2008**, when the housing market collapsed, the percentage is 8.4%. So basically the data remained steady for the last 4 years.

 

If we go back a little further, say over the last 10 years, the unemployment average percentage is only 6.5%**

 

And if you look back further still, at the unemployment data over the last 32 years (since 1980), the average unemployment percentage is right at 6.4%**

 

So at 10 years and 32 years, there is a trend of approximately 6.5% unemployment. 

 

jobsBut, and this is interesting, if you take the 4 years from 1980 - 1983, the average unemployment percentage was 8.5%

 

So what does all this mean? Based on my understanding of statistics, it is a fair hypothesis to say it means unemployment will either drop over the next few years so the trend will conform to that of the last 32 years or we've established a new 'normal' and the (give or take) 8% rate is where we'll stay.

 

Either way, there are several socioeconomic factors affecting the current unemployment rate and which may continue to affect it into the future:

 

1.  It is nearly impossible in this day and age to submit a job application in person so an applicant never gets the opportunity to create a rapport with an HR person or with a company. Resumes and job applications are submitted via online processes and culled through mercilessly which leads to the second factor... 

 

resume review2.  The people reviewing resumes often make an arbitrary decision that someone is overqualified and won't want to take a lesser position or that the applicant will be bored and dissatisfied over the long term - and they do this without ever speaking with the applicant; instead basing this opinion on the resume alone.  

 

In fact, many of the people who are looking for work are more than willing to try something new and/or take a job making far less than they used to because they understand the need to get a foot in the door. Unfortunately, they rarely get the chance to say this because there is so little personal contact in the resume process.   

 

3.  Salaries have recalibrated for many industries and in some cases pay little more than unemployment benefits; therefore when faced with an opportunity to get a job that pays a few hundred dollars more per month (especially if it is pretax) than unemployment, many people opt to stay home.

 

4.  Some people fail to understand salaries have recalibrated and won't even consider taking a job for less than they used to make. Over and over people refuse to work simply because they have an artificial or inflated sense of the job market.   If you used to make $50/hr and all you can find are $18/hr jobs in your line of work, then it's a safe bet your industry has recalibrated. Despite how harsh it sounds, you either need to accept it or find a new line of work.

 

jobs availableSo what does all this really mean? I think we may be seeing a new normal. I believe jobs are out there, but they may be different than we think they are. We may well need to reinvent ourselves and reevaluate what we want to be doing. And we may need to revamp our resumes so they are more apt to grab someone's attention.

 

Should there have been a major stock market impact from the release of the current unemployment figures? I don't think so, but who really understands how these things work? What I do know is there are many people who are giving up "W2" jobs in favor of starting their own businesses.

 

Those are the truly inspiring stories. You have to respect someone who reinvents his or her self in the midst of what the media would have you believe is a failing economy.   There are so many success stories......

 

--There is the man who worked in the flooring industry for more than 30 years who reinvented himself by starting a successful vending machine company.  

 

--There is the general contractor who reinvented himself as the king of dog poo..... yes, poo. His company picks up pet waste and he's made quite a successful business out of it too.

 

entrepreneur fish--There is the woman who lost her fancy New York computer support position who created her own computer consulting business and is quite busy training and tutoring.

 

The point is, if you can't find a job, make one.  Look at all this recalibration, downsizing and employment rule changing as an opportunity to follow your heart and your passion.  

 

As Martin Luther King once said "All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence".

 

It isn't so much about what you do, as how you do it.  Look at life in a new way. Examine your skills to see how you can use them in a new industry. For those with the ability to see options and opportunities, there is always a way. Make your way in the world; don't listen to the media and by all means, take a chance... you'll be so happy you did...

 

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References: 

 

*Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

 

** Research & Analysis Unit, Indiana Dept of Workforce Development http://www.nidataplus.com/lfeus1.htm

 

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When you start building your own business, let Executive Errands help! A personal assistant will help you deal with the myriad of tasks in front of you!  760.898.9604 www.executive-errands.com

Our Favorite Things... Simply Hired...  


simply hiredThere are so many places for companies to post job openings, it can be overwhelming to the applicant. How do you know where to go to find the best position? Is it better to search locally or nationally? What is the best way to narrow down the search?

 

We just ran across a wonderful website called Simply Hired. Simply Hired www.simplyhired.com takes all job postings from the web, company sites and job board postings and consolidates everything in one central location.

 

Simply Hired claims they have over 5 million job postings. Given there are 217 million*** people over the age of 18 and if you subtract the 40 million over age 65, that means there are approximately 177 million people of working age.  

 

jobs for peopleIf you subtract the approximately 7 million people in prison at any given time, then that leaves a net of 170 million people available to work. At 8% unemployment, that means there are approximately 14 million people out of work.

 

Therefore, if Simply Hired has 5 million job openings, then that's roughly 1 job for every 3 people.

 

Obviously these are basic numbers and do not take into account experience levels or job prerequisites or kids in school not working or over 65's who aren't retired, but it does give a fairly decent "rough order of magnitude" representation of the job market.

 

job openingsSo that means, if you're looking for a job, you need to be as efficient as possible and able to identify new opportunities as soon as they arise.  To improve your odds, check out Simply Hired.  

 

You can narrow your search using a variety of factors. Simplify your search and your life!  Good luck and happy job hunting!   

 

Job Openings at your fingertips! - Simply Hired, one of our Favorite Things..

References:  ***2003 Census Bureau numbers  

["Our Favorite Things" gives us an opportunity to share people, places, events and things that we truly love and that you might too.  We have no business affiliation with any company or individual featured here.  We just want to share good things with you and if our recommendations help build business for someone else or saves you time or money, GREAT!!!]
All Things Golf Carts...

 

helmet golf cart
Yes, this is a golf cart 
One of the fun things about living here in the desert is the fact many of us have golf carts.  While they are necessary for the golf course and clubhouse, golf carts are also handy for making quick runs to the market, the pool or the mailbox. 

For many, a golf cart is as important as the vehicle we drive and we often like to have our golf carts make a statement.   Executive Errands can now assist you to be bold with your golf cart whether you want a new one, to customize your existing one or if you just want to upgrade the batteries or other components.

luxe car
We do regular carts too 
We offer regular preventative maintenance and repair services that can, in some cases, be performed at your home or we can pick up the golf cart and take it to the shop.  Either way, your cart will be good as new after service.

And don't forget the Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, this year being held October 28th!  The theme is American Pride!  A patriotic theme right before the National election is quite appropriate.  It's not too early to begin planning to decorate your golf cart!

For more information about golf cart modifications, customizations, new carts, sales or service, please give us a call at 760.898.9604 or visit our website at www.executive-errands.com

 

Specialty Services...

 

resume with a photoResumes should include a good head shot, just like you can include on Linked In. It sometimes helps to see who you are considering hiring and it makes the job application far more personal. A head shot may just be the edge you need to get that all-important in person interview.

 

But is a candid shot enough? No. Cell phone cameras have come a long way but it's worth the investment to have a professional photographer take your picture. He/she can make you look like you're worth a million bucks - and at very little cost.

 

Executive Errands offers a professional photographer and videographer who can make your resume standout or who can turn your vacation into a once-in-a-lifetime memory by cataloging your entire trip. We offer wedding, birthday, party and event photography and can work within most budgets.

 

As you're planning your next event, consider professional photography. It's far more affordable than you might think and definitely more professional than placing those disposable cameras on all the tables.

 

To schedule your resume head shots or for more information about event photography, please call 760.898.9604 or www.executive-errands.com

 

Announcements!... 

 

PDVPExecutive Errands is very pleased to announce we have partnered up with Palm Desert Vacation Properties. Palm Desert Vacation Properties is an affiliate of iTrip.net. Since 2008, iTrip.net has been in rapid international expansion mode in the vacation rental property management industry.

 

iTrip.net is an innovative Vacation Rental Management Company with 35 affiliates operating 70+ locations throughout North America, Canada, Mexico & South America including Palm Desert Vacation Properties headquartered in Palm Desert, CA. Todd Calish, President of Palm Desert Vacation Properties, brings his 35 years of commercial real estate development and construction management experience to this new company.  

 

itrip logoPalm Desert Vacation Properties specializes in short term rentals in both Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage and they are responsible for all bookings and guest interface as it relates to the rental aspect of their client visits.

 

Executive Errands, as the Operations arm, is responsible to 'turn' the property, providing housekeeping and home maintenance services. Executive Errands also provides guest concierge services to help make each visit more enjoyable and we are Palm Desert Vacation Properties'  local emergency contact as required for short term rental properties by the cities of both Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage.  

 

concierge bellWe are very pleased to be partnered with Palm Desert Vacation Properties and anticipate a bright and mutually beneficial future!

 

For more information about Palm Desert Vacation Properties, or to inquire about listing your home as a vacation property, please contact Todd Calish at 760.422.5574 or by email at [email protected]  

 

For more information about Executive Errands partnering opportunities for vacation rental property companies, please contact us at 760.898.9604 www.executive-errands.com 

All Things Windows...

 

window vleacimgWindows are the gateway to your home and just like your resume photo, your windows need to reflect a clear and cheery reflection.  Did you know Executive Errands offers all manner of services related to your windows? It's true. Window cleaning, check. Screen repair, check. Blind, drapery and shutter cleaning and repairs, Check!

 

Would you like to update your window treatments? New blinds, shutters, draperies - yes, we can assist you. Need to replace those single pane windows with double pane? Yes, we can do that too. Need low E? Yep, just ask.

 

blind cleaningIn fact, we can pretty much support everything you need for windows, sliding glass doors, or French doors.

 

Let Executive Errands help keep your windows and window treatments sparkling, serviceable, up-to-date and fresh.  

 

Especially with the cleanings. It's one thing to have dirty glass (and you shouldn't) but it's always amazing how long people will leave their blinds and shutters go without cleaning. Do you realize how bad dust mites and dirt are for your allergies? Clean them today! We'll do it same day....


To discuss or sign up for any of these services, please contact us at 760.898.9604 or www.executive-errands.com
Money & Time Saving Apps....    

pocket resumeBy anyone's estimation, resume creation can be stressful. One way to help simplify the process is by using an app called Pocket Resume.

Pocket Resume converts your Linked In profile to a PDF or RTF format using multiple style options.  Why reinvent the wheel?  If you already have a Linked In profile, save yourself some time and use Pocket Resume.

Business Insider says "the PDF rendering technology" employed by Pocket Resume "makes the process as easy as possible" - Business Insider, March 2012 and it carries a 5 star rating from more than half the reviewers at iTunes.

You can find Pocket Resume at www.pocketresume.com or available through iTunes for $2.99. Pocket Resume is available for both iPad and iPhone.

Executive Errands at 760.898.9604 or www.executive-errands.com 

Looking Pretty...

 

home spaBefore you have any pictures taken, resume or otherwise, you might want to consider scheduling a few preventative maintenance appointments - not for your home, but for yourself!

Did you know an in-home massage is far more relaxing than one out somewhere else?  That's because when it's over, you can just curl up on the couch or go to bed instead of getting dressed and then hopping in the car to drive home. 

Likewise for in home facials and manicures/pedicures.  One of these days you should treat yourself to the luxury of having the services come to you.  A massage and a facial will turn even the gloomiest day around.

If you're interested in having in-home spa services, let us schedule them for you!  Relaxation, and thus better photos, are just a phone call away. 
To schedule any of these services, please contact us at 760.898.9604 or www.executive-errands.com
Charitable Updates... 

 

SHOH 30On May 5th, we participated in the inaugural 6K race presented by the Foundations Recovery Network out of Nashville TN. 

By anyone's definition, this race was a huge success!  There were over 75 runners, a half dozen vendors and a beautiful cool morning to enjoy.

And the race brought awareness to removing the stigma of alcohol and drug abuse and mental illness.  People should never be ashamed to ask for help.

All in all it was a lovely event and Soroptimist House of Hope is receiving a $1000 donation as a result of this race.  Thank you FRN!  Thank you Michael's House!  Thank you Jeff and Ziggy!  We can't wait for next year! 


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FINDExecutive Errands, Tarbell and the Ironwood Community Association
gathered over 100 pounds of food during the first ever "Pantry Raid" held May 7th Ironwood onsite Tarbell office.

Homeowners leaving for the Summer donated all sorts of non-perishable food from their pantry - all of which went to the FIND food bank. 


Everyone loved the idea and we'll be sure to hold another Pantry Raid next year!

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Don't Forget...

 

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1)  If you enjoy this newsletter, then this is a reminder that all of our newsletters are available at our archive by clicking here: EE Newsletter Archive 

  
2) We have a dedicated Executive Errands page on Facebook - www.facebook.com/executiveerrands - each day we post at least one service, helpful hint, charity update or other news.  If you haven't yet visited and 'liked' us, please do so today!

3) We also have a dedicated Concierge Business Solutions page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/conciergebusinesssolutions If you haven't yet 'liked' us, please do.  We post regular business, marketing, sales, and networking tips on this page.

4)  As always, both client testimonials and newsletter testimonials are available on our website at www.executive-errands.com

 

5)  If you'd like an electronic copy of our Homeowner Reference Brochure, please give us a call at 760.898.9604

inspirationI am continually inspired by those who start their own businesses. If you've ever tried it, you know it is extremely difficult. It's not just the cost of it - very successful people have started off on a shoe string - no, it's the working in a vacuum, the need to stay self-motivated, and the constant 'one foot in front of the other' mentality that you must cultivate if you have any hope to survive.

 

When you own your own business, every action depends on you. Especially in the beginning. The networking. The marketing. The relationship building. The finances. The scheduling, budgets, action items... and there's one very important aspect that people rarely speak about - the belief in your own worth.

 

self worthTime and again I've seen people struggle and/or fail when they had a fantastic idea or possessed incredible talents. They fail because when someone doesn't believe in their own worth, they are easily discouraged and will undervalue their products and services.

 

Being an entrepreneur is a soul-baring, gut wrenching, make you question your own sanity, pain in the..... And it's the most fun and the most rewarding thing anyone can do.  

 

We joke all the time that when you're your own boss, you can work any 16 hours a day you choose. It's true. But it's also true that you are in charge of your own schedule and if you don't occasionally sneak away to the movies in the middle of the day (or to do some other equally fun thing) then what's the point of being your own boss?

 

add valueIn this day and age, when the media is squawking about the lack of jobs and the high unemployment rate, consider taking matters into your own hands and start your own business. Build a better mousetrap. Find a need and fill it. If I could think of other clich�d axioms, I would add them as well.  

 

Take a CHANCE....and above all else, believe in yourself and your own self-worth. We all have value. We all ADD value. Believe it..... 

  

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Congratulations to all the graduates, especially my grandson who graduated from Jr High and is now officially a high schooler - where does the time go? 

Until July, 

(Don't forget to 'Like' us on Facebook!) 

 

Leslie Spoor, CCS

President, Executive Errands& Concierge Business Solutions
760.469.2487
CL #944447
We value our clients' privacy.  Therefore we do not, distribute your email address to anyone, ever.

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