Comments for Dale Callahan

Comment on Join us for Career Focus Spring 2012 by Cassidy Cash

Cassidy Cash — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:01:45 +0000

I am so excited to see a local group addressing career focus. What time of day is this offered? And is this a conference or a lecture? Thanks!

Comment on How to conduct a reverse interview – a guaranteed method to find a job by Lance LeBrun

Lance LeBrun — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:08:22 +0000

The reverse interview works well. I have used the technique three separate times with individuals who provided immediate positive feedback and distinctly useful information.

Whether you are looking for a new career/job or looking to explore another path, I am a true believer moving forward. I will add this one to the tool belt for decades to come-simple and effective. Who would have thought?

Comment on 3 ways for you to make more money by Daniel Wilson

Daniel Wilson — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:13:57 +0000

I agree with your basic logic, that it should be easier to figure out what your customer wants and provide more if it; thereby earning more money because you gave more of what they value. Unfortunately, I think one of the ways corporate America is most successful is in removing the ability to offer increased compensation. It almost seems like no one really has the ability to provide increased compensation, but everyone in management has the ability to identify more goals.

I think that one of the reasons people leave companies is because they feel like they are working for an unknown entity. They do not know who pays them. Therefore, they can rarely figure out what that person wants more of. After a few years at this cycle, I believe people start trying to do #s 1 or 2.

Comment on 3 ways for you to make more money by Phil Stilber

Phil Stilber — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 23:26:52 +0000

I find that #1 is the easiest of the three provided options. A second job doesn’t have to be going to work for someone else earning a paycheck. Most people have a hobby they could earn extra income from without turning that hobby into a “job”.
Think of all the things you like to do outside of work. Why couldn’t you teach someone how to play guitar in your free time? Maybe freelance for your local paper?
I think that being innovative and looking for ways to make money doing things you already love doing is the key to breaking out of the corporate mold.

Comment on When to quit your day job by Chris Acree

Chris Acree — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 13:29:48 +0000

This is a great topic. I understand John Asbeck’s concern about the unintentional inertia created from a service based model that could prevent you from transitioning to building a product but that concern is manageable. I can say from experience that it is certainly possible to transition the customer to another service provider and maintain credibility if you are completely honest and help with the transition in any way you can. Once the customer is transitioned you are wide open for your product.

I think Dale’s intentions with this article are to encourage people to get started doing something not related to their day job and consulting is an excellent first step for those wanting to minimize risk. Consulting also helps focus the developer on customer service, an area that can get lost to those of us who love code. I also think there is no faster, cheaper way to go from 0 to credible. If you think about it, your customer is paying you to learn about their domain while telling you, no, urging you towards your next great product idea/opportunity.

Comment on 3 ways for you to make more money by Jess Alexander

Jess Alexander — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 20:47:56 +0000

#2 is great. Being paid more frequently is always the way to go. It shows that the customer trusts you, and it is reliable, ongoing cash for you. Ideally, you are charging for little or no time spent by you. That’s why this is a great chance to try outsourcing.

Comment on Modern Slavery in America by Arletha Jones

Arletha Jones — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:46:42 +0000

I’ve been reading the posts and it has really made me stop and think. Modern day slavery is a reality and not only affects us individually but also affects us as nation. Our personal ways of handling our finances, having a lack of drive and feeling entitled have lead us to vote for leadership that will cater to our fancies. So now we have a growing national debt that we don’t even have a plan to pay for and the average person doesn’t seem to care.

So what now….is change possible? If I change will it really matter? Pope John Paul II said “As the family goes so goes the nation and so goes the whole world.” so maybe if I work on me and those and in my circle of influence who knows what the ripple effect could be.

Comment on When to quit your day job by Ronique

Ronique — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:11:32 +0000

This topic is very interesting. When I look at many who have started their own business and continue to work their day job. That job acts like a leash that is holding them back. So many people have a great model and just need to step out. They keep waiting for this magical revenue number before they take a break for it. I do understand that we are to minimize our risk. Especially, when there are families involved. But, when opportunity knocks please answer the door. It is understood that my statements do not relate to all situations.

Comment on Modern Slavery in America by Wesley Sims

Wesley Sims — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 23:40:22 +0000

This is a serious issue in our society. I do not think the masses of society understand this concept of new age slavery and are conditioned to just follow the norm. There were some great points mentioned in earlier comment posts, but I have a story that i would like to share. I am a teacher in the inner-city school system and I interact with children on a daily basis who are products of enslaved families. WHile having a conversation of youth engaging in adult activities, I asked a student who was too young to get a job and support herself what she would do if she found herself pregnant. She responded that she would be fine and taken care of because “Welfare WIC and food stamps.” This was her response. She could not algebraically solve for x in a two-step equation, but she understood the concept of receiving government assistance for living expenses. THis is a problem. When I attempted to explain that these type of government programs were created to provide temporary assistance for those trying to get on their feet until they could become financially independent, she expressed her family’s long-term use of government funds for survival. I tried to explain that her family having to wait on a check every month is modern-day slavery. You can’t even go to the grocery store until the government says so and sends you a check. This is a perpetuation of the stereotype and a huge problem in our society. I hope the light comes on sooner than later.

Comment on The Good, the Bad and the Ugly by Wesley Sims

Wesley Sims — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 23:24:14 +0000

This was a thought provoking article. It speaks to the harsh reality of adulthood and one’s potential. I feel that I am a pretty analytical individual. Sometimes I tend to over-analyze things, but I feel like I make calculated decisions that I will not regret in the future. SO I would like to think that I am preparing myself to be amongst the “GOOD” five years out from undergraduate studies. However, as I approach three years post undergrad, I find myself among the BAD. I say that in reference to the “be looking for another job” part of the above mentioned “BAD” option. This comes as me not working in the field of my desire or what I went to school for. This comes as result of the economy and job market. However, I am financially stable and am filled with youthful vigor so I don’t fall into the “Ugly” category. So half way from the 5-year post undergrad benchmark, I am positioning myself to be among the Good and headed to Great. I see no light at the end of the tunnel. Success is a never-ending tunnel. Keep setting goals as you achieve others.