Dear Friends,

While much attention has been focused on the approximately 6 million unemployed people in the United States, not much attention is being given to those working and remaining at their organizations.

Most clients we speak to have been through one or two rounds of layoffs, while others have experienced pay reductions, reduced work weeks, bonus elimination, hiring and salary freezes, increased work pace and workload, and other measures, which will likely continue until the end of 2010.

These experiences can stir up a lot of feelings: grief and loss, as fellow workers are laid off, and compensation and incentives are reduced; stress and anxiety, as workloads get heavier and bank accounts shrink; scarcity and fear, as new management takes over and we worry if our position is next to get the axe. Most of us are told to feel lucky we still have a job.

Yes, we are all experiencing a lot of change. But let's shift this, and hopefully others will get on board as well.

This month's EC article, "Dealing with Change at Work" offers five sound strategies for successfully remaining optimistic, resilient and astute in the face of all this change. And while change at work can be unsettling, and sometimes scary, we encourage you to focus on the personal branding opportunities that arise in times like these--opportunities to take initiative and show the people above you that you are ready to move up to the next level.

The strongest companies (and executives) we know are using this downturn to gain market share by out-performing their competitors, by adjusting their value propositions, by tweaking products and services to respond to current market opportunities, and by maintaining a positive outlook about the future.

If you will plot a new, dynamic course for the future, you will be well-positioned not only to handle changes at work but also to capitalize on the new opportunities that present themselves both within and outside your organization.

Laura Berman Fortgang puts it this way: "Remember that 80% of people are paralyzed with fear right now. That leaves a lot of opportunity on the table for the 20% who can keep moving."

So we want to give you permission to keep moving forward like a thoroughbred with blinders on, focused only on where you are going and charging forward with courage to make it happen.

Bottom Line: As Albert Einstein so famously quoted: "The significant problems we face today cannot be solved from the same level of thinking that created them." What are you doing differently? What is the one most important thing you did, have done or are about to do in dealing with change? We want to hear from you.

All the best,

Jeff Gundersen, CEO jgundersen@executiveconnects.com
and Lorraine White, Chief Coaching Officer lwhite@executiveconnects.com
Executive Connections, LLC
Executive Search, Executive Coaching & Consulting for Top-Level Executives
Direct: 941-323-8300 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              941-323-8300      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
http://www.executiveconnectionsllc.com

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Dealing with Change at Work

The world of work is changing at an extraordinary pace. The old rules no longer apply, and new rules are being written and rewritten all the time.

These changes can be unsettling, whether they're potential or actual, positive or negative. You may be gearing up for a promotion, staring at a wide open field of new prospective clients or launching new products and services. Or you may be hunkering down in the face of outsourcing, downsizing, mergers, takeovers, and local and global competition.

Read full article.

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NOW WHAT? What's Next for You?

The reality: Many talented executives are either on the sidelines these days, having recently been displaced, or feeling stuck on a dead-end career path and craving something more.

The reality: Fewer executive positions are forecast in the financial, media and marketing services sectors even after the economy recovers.

The possibility: If you are a senior executive in this group, NOW is the time to take stock of your strengths/weaknesses, core/transferable skills, future goals (financial and personal), and vision/values. NOW is the time to identify new career directions and possibilities/passions for repositioning your personal brand. NOW is the time to obtain exciting, new growth opportunity.

Announcing the NOW WHAT? Executive Coaching Program!

Are you:

• Re-evaluating your career or personal brand?


• Ready to explore new opportunities??


• Needing to do something radically different?

The NOW WHAT? program is the perfect springboard to dynamic career change that is satisfying, rewarding, affordable and sustainable for the long term. This program, combined with our highly regarded Executive Connections Transition Program, is led by LORRAINE WHITE, our Chief Coaching Officer, and promotes dynamic change for both individuals and groups. Click here to learn more about this life-and business-changing program.

We know times are tough. Call Lorraine today and have her design a specific program tailored to maximize your time, talent and money. Start with a complimentary one-on-one coaching session. Write nowwhat@executiveconnects.com or call her directly at (941) 323-8333.

Learn more about Lorraine.

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Wondering Why You Should Join the "Power Circles" Program from Executive Connections?

Over the next few weeks, EC will create a few "Power Circles" of senior executives and provide executive coaching, consulting and advising in both a group call and one-to-one. You"ll receive a blended coaching and advisory solution and derive great benefits from new relationships with other Power Circle members.

Just a few of the myriad benefits:

• Expand the number of relevant, C-level senior level connections available to you.
• Become part of an exclusive, invitation-only, C-level executive "virtual" club.
• Gain new insights and fresh perspectives from discussions with C-level professionals in a private group setting.
• Discover EC connections that can help you land jobs and close deals.

Learn more about Power Circles - Contact Jeff at jgundersen@executiveconnects.com or 941-323-8300

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Don't forget to get great one-on-one complimentary laser coaching through the Ask Our Coach site by emailing us your question at lwhite@executiveconnects.com or jgundersen@executiveconnects.com.

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"Hi, Jeff. I find your newsletter, Executive Connections, to be very newsworthy and totally relevant to what is happening in today's economy. The tips you provide are right on and the need for your services couldn't be greater right now. Thank you."

~Becky Mills, Vice-President Marketing, Combined Insurance

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DM Days NY 2009
Tue, Jun 16 - Thu, Jun 18
a seamless blend of the best of new and traditional marketing
Registration: https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/ar?evt_uid=753
Website: http://www.the-dma.org/cgi/dispannouncements?article=1250