At Work

At Work

"Dresses For Success"



Last Friday the talent behind At Work participated in the show's theme of
"Dressing For Success." Our Guest,Career Fashion Consignment shop owner, Judi Gerhardt spoke about the importance of appearance in the workplace.



At Work Host Valarie Edwards along with our resident career counseling experts, Brandon Smith and Emory Mulling, were on hand to answer questions live from phone callers.













At Work Co-Producer Myriam Levy and Phone Operator Amanda Scott decided to spruce up their look for the office as well.

The At Work team took the initiative to exemplify one part of the At Work Career Makeover Challenge. Our career makeover candidates will be mentored through the process of re-creating themselves to become more marketable in their job search and career.














Join us this week when we talk about personal branding. At Work airs live this Friday at 3pm on www.gpb.org and on 88.1fm Columbus,Ga. Log on to www.gpb.org for how you can listen to GPB Radio on your local GPB Station.

WHAT'S YOUR BRAND?
(Fill in the blank)



Your most personal product is you... On the next At Work - Brand You. Become the best you, you can be. Our experts are ready with advice - here to answer your workplace questions. Join us for the next At Work this Friday at 3 here on GPB.

On the next At Work, for some, Dressing for Success has meant the old standard...dark suits and power shoes. On this week's show, how "Dressing for Success," has taken on a whole new meaning.
Hear what local hiring managers have to say. That's at work this Friday afternoon at 3pm on GPB, or log on to our chat room at www.gpb.org/atwork to post your comments.

Also, meet local business and clothing shop owner, Judi Gerhardt. After Hurricane Katrina, Ms. Gerhardt has had to rebuild her consignment business more than once and will be talking about starting over and recreating your passion during times of disaster and recession . For more information about Judi log on to www.careerfashionconsignment.com.

(Photo Credit: Patrick Q.)

We are looking for a man and a woman interested in a full career make-over. The chosen candidate will work with our career experts and will be "made-over" from top to bottom. This make-over will include video and resume coaching, and a career consultation.

The following services will also be donated:

Wardrobe Consulting by Opulant Elegance
A professional ensemble/outfit by Career Fashion Consignment
Hair Cut and Make-Over by Sweet Pea Spa

If you are interested or know someone that needs a professional make-over, please send us an email to atwork@gpb.org. Please include a resume, the reason you would like a career make-over for yourself or someone else, and please include a full body shot.

Disaster survivors can still receive one-on-one help at Disaster Loan Outreach Centers. The Disaster Recovery Center has been transitioned into an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in DeKalb (see address and hours below). SBA Customer Service Representatives can 1) Answer your questions 2) Issue and receive applications 3) Assist with completing applications and 4) Provide other SBA disaster loan related services.

DeKalb County
Browns Mill Recreation Center
5101 Browns Mill Road
Lithonia, GA 30058
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday

Commissioner Thurmond announces Oct. 28 application deadline for DUA

ATLANTA -- State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that workers in nine Georgia counties – Bartow, Catoosa, Coweta, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, and Rockdale -- have until Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, to file initial claims for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to compensate for loss of income directly resulting from the severe storms and flooding beginning on Sept. 18, 2009, and continuing.

DUA is a federal program established to help workers whose primary income is lost or interrupted as a direct result of a disaster declared by the President. Federal DUA differs from the state’s regular unemployment insurance program in that it provides benefits to self-employed business people, farmers, diversified farming operations, loggers, commission paid employees and others who are not eligible for Georgia’s regular unemployment insurance benefits. The maximum weekly benefits amount is $330.

In applying for benefits, applicants will need to provide their social security number. Self-employed applicants should be prepared to provide information related to their previous year's earnings, such as income tax forms or quarterly estimated income tax records.

Under certain circumstances, DUA benefits also may be available to family members who become the primary breadwinners of households where the head of that household died as a direct result of the disaster. Proof of the death of the head of household, such as a death certificate or affidavit, should be presented at the time the claim is filed.

Potentially eligible workers should contact the nearest Georgia Department of Labor office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Workers may call the Georgia Department of Labor’s toll-free customer service line at (877) 709-8185 to obtain career center information.

At Works Mentoring Tips 101 continued!

Last Friday our show was all about mentoring in business and personal life. We discussed how to find a mentor, what look for in a mentor and importantly the mentor mentee relationship.

We took to the streets of Atlanta,Ga to find out whats on your minds about Mentorship:

Helene Lollis, President of Pathbuilders








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Sarah O'Brien, CFO and Director of Operations for Dental System Group of Carestream Health








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Erin Wolf, Managing Partner of Suite Track








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News reports say the recession is over --- But is it?

And what does that mean for people laid off?

Are you ready for what comes next?

On the next At Work: Managing your career post recession.

We’ll hear what the experts have to say and listen in on an interview with At Works Valarie Edwards and Jeffrey Rosensweig, Associate Professor of Finance at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University in Atlanta,Georgia.

Join us this Friday at 3 here on GPB.

At Works Mentoring Tips 101!

Last Friday our show was all about mentoring in business and personal life. We discussed how to find a mentor, what look for in a mentor and importantly the mentor mentee relationship.

We took to the streets of Atlanta,Ga to find out whats on your minds about Mentorship:

Brent Herd, AOL







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Brenda Freeman, Turner Broadcasting








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Jacqueline Welch, Turner Broadcasting








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Julia Wallace, Atlanta Journal Constitution and AJC.COM








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Laura Balsar, Balsar Companies








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Like any relationship, mentoring can shape lives and propel careers. On the next At Work: Finding Your Mentor. How mentoring can guide your career and personal progress.

Our guest this week is Dr. Susan Kossak. A "Jill of all trades,"Dr. Kossak came together with Georgia Public Broadcasting on a documentary narrated by Jane Fonda, The Road Beyond Abuse, featuring the life story of her mentee, Johnnetta McSwain. The Road Beyond Abuse aired on GPB TV and also on GPB Radio with At Work host Valarie Edwards. Learn more about her at
"Discover The Power Of Us."

And as always our experts are ready to answer your questions.

Join us for At Work this Friday @ 3 here on GPB.

This is a no-nonsense career guide on how to weather America's stormy job market. Limited copies available: send us an email: atwork@gpb.org





Best selling author Connie Glaser has plenty of insight when it comes to communication skills between men and women in the workplace. Limited copies available, send us an email: atwork@gpb.org

GPB's Consumer Call In returns this Friday. We'll have representatives in the studio from FEMA and the Small Business Administration to talk to you about disaster relief. And as always, if it affects your pocket or your pocket book - we're here to answer your questions. It all comes your way this Friday at 3 here on GPB.

Workers in four Georgia Counties may now be eligible for Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to compensate for loss of income directly resulting from the severe storms and flooding beginning on September 18, 2009, and continuing. The counties are Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas and Paulding. Presently, these are the only counties authorized for DUA benefits, but other counties may be added as federal officials assess the damage.

DUA is a federal program established to help workers whose primary income is lost or interrupted as a direct result of a disaster declared by the President. DUA differs from state unemployment insurance in that it also provides benefits to self-employed business people, farmers, diversified farming operators, loggers, commission-paid employees and others who are not eligible for Georgia’s regular unemployment insurance program.

In applying for DUA benefits, applicants will need to provide their social security number. Because verification of income may be required, applicants are strongly urged to bring proof of earnings for the most recently completed tax year. Examples of acceptable documents include: copies of their most recently completed income tax returns, copies of quarterly estimated income tax payment records, or similar documents.

Under certain circumstance, DUA benefits may also be available to individuals who become the breadwinner or major support of a household because the head of household has died as direct result of the disaster.

Potentially eligible workers should contact their nearest Georgia Department of Labor Career Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Workers may call the Georgia Department of Labor’s toll-free customer service line at (877) 709-8185 or visit www.dol.state.ga.us to obtain career center information.

Toll Free Number to call for more information: 1-877-709-8185

Say you've got no interest in rejoining the rat race after being laid off... Why not freelance Your Way to Success? On the next @ Work, our experts show you how.And as always, we answer your workplace questions... Tune in to @ Work this Friday at 3, right here on GPB.

Check out these websites for freelance opportunities:

freelanceswitch.com — offering 101 ideas to get more freelance work
getafreelance.com — where you can bid for a job; fields with the greatest demand include engineering, telemarketing, scientific research, graphic design and marketing. (This is a for fee site.)

**Neither @ Work nor GPB recommends any particular website or service.**

Mompreneur Resources

http://www.ladieswholaunch.com/magazine/mommy-launching

http://www.ladieswholaunch.com/magazine/resources-for-mompreneurs

http://www.millionairemom.com

http://www.metromom.com

5 Tips for Mompreneurs

1. Start with a clear vision

For a vision to be compelling and inspiring, it needs to be more than just a list of things you are going to accomplish. For a rich vision to move you it must be about what you’ll do – and who you’ll be – and how you’ll impact others’ lives.

2. Have a plan that works for you

The idea of a traditional business plan can be intimidating. What’s key is that you’re clear about your goals, that you have them on paper, and that you have a timeline in which to accomplish those goals. The plan and the timeline will undoubtedly change, but having a timeline and a taskline will keep you moving forward.

3. Create a success support team

Ask for help. Delegate whenever possible. Even if you are bootstrapping, be alert to “partnering your weaknesses”—barter, trade, negotiate – get creative in outsourcing those tasks in your business that don’t require your unique talents.

4. Make self-care part of your business plan

Balancing business and family responsibilities requires that you treat self-care like any other business essential. Set boundaries with both the business and with you family. Have “office hours” for yourself (even if they are anything but “regular”) and stick to them. Schedule self-care “meetings” with yourself and honor those commitments.

5. Find a community of support

Don’t try to go it alone. Women seek a nurturing environment whether with family or friends and leverage relationships in a way that makes sense and moves people forward. Using your natural connecting abilities, and find a supportive environment, either online, in-person, or both.


Launching and Growing a Business during an Economic Downturn

In spite of troubling economic times, launching or expanding your business doesn’t have to be out of reach. Here are five tips to consider when making your decision to start or grow your business:

Organic approach. Connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs and offering to exchange services to help each other’s businesses grow is a popular and effective strategy in launching on bootstrap budget. That is why it is so important to have professional organizations where you can meet and connect for support, tools and resources.

Side Launching. Transitioning from your full time job into your business is often a more comfortable starting point for entrepreneurs. Use evenings and weekends to start slowly on the side of your full-time job. This will give you the chance to measure success and determine whether your idea is truly viable before committing to it full-time.

Online Distribution of your product or service is often a more affordable entry point for those launching businesses. It reduces the costs of the traditional brick and mortar store fronts and allows for global accessibility to products immediately

Technology has changed the scope of how anyone can do business. Blackberries and Wireless Internet have made working from home or even the carpool line an acceptable method of doing business.

Investing in startup instead of stock market. It is possible taking a chance on starting a business or investing in a person you trust starting a business in some ways feels safer to those who are scared of the stock market right now.

Employment Issues - More sites to help you with your search:

http://atlantajobleads.wordpress.com/ (job listings)

http://www.skyresumes.com/job-board.aspx (job listings)

http://misspinkslip.wordpress.com/

http://www.joblanta.com/

In light of the recent events at Yale University, we took a different route on last week's show. We were joined in the studio by Mark Victor Hansen, inspirational and motivational speaker,



trainer and author - to talk about loss, forgiveness, and passion. He is the co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul and has recently authored a new book called, Cash in a Flash. If you would like a copy of the book, send us an email to atwork@gpb.org, we still have several copies left... Listen to this episode

Tune in to this week's show - as we resume with Freelancing - ... Join us this Friday at 3 on GPB!

SCORE: Counselors to America's Small Business, is a website that aids entrepreneurs in growing their businesses. It also features a resource page specifically for women entrepreneurs and compliments today's AT Work theme: MOMPRENEURS.Take a look!

http://www.score.org/women/site.html

Each week on At Work we welcome two professionals in career development in the studio, LIVE as our At Work experts, along with a new guest. Brandon Smith and Emory Mulling have been sitting in with Valarie Edwards to give advice and answer your questions about your career and the job place.


Brandon Smith is a Co- Founder of Core Growth Partners, where he works with client organizations on discovering and developing their core strengths to continue success in their specific marketplace. Brandon is a professor currently at both Emory University's Goizueta Business School and Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business.







Emory Mulling is Chairman and Founder of the Mulling Corporation. Emory comes to At Work with a background in Human Resources which has lead him to consult with and mentor individuals to find the right career path for themselves. Emory has been an expert with At Work since the beginning of its conception in fall 2007.

Did you know that women are twice as likely to start their own business then are men? Some say that's because running a business is a lot like raising a family. On the next At Work, a new breed of small business owners: The Mompreneurs.





We'll tell you what it takes to start your own business and why calling the shots may be the smartest business move a woman can make. Join us this Friday at 3 for At Work here on GPB.




This weeks guest is Angela Stalcup.Angela is the Atlanta co-leader of Ladies Who Launch, a website and network of women entrepreneurs that come together to promote and support each other in launching and growing successful businesses and projects. For more information about Angela and her work log on to the links below.





Ladies Who Launch

Curvy Life

Angela Stalcup & Co.

More and more people are going it alone … striking out on their own and launching a business. Find out what makes Georgia a friendly place to be for entrepreneurs. Our guests include one woman whose product landed her on the Oprah Winfrey show, not once but twice.


Websites To Help You Launch a Business in Georgia:

www.georgia.org/smallbusiness

Greater Women's Business Council: www.gwbc.biz

www.ladieswholaunch.com

Websites To Help With Procurement and Getting Your Product To The Market:

www.takeittothemarket.com

GA Tech Procurement Assistance Center: www.gtpac.org

www.aptac-us.org

Website for Coaching Parents Who Live Apart:

www.weparent.com