David Werner International, an executive career marketing firm in the New York area, announced unprecedented services for executives in transition.   The ‘employment experts’ have expanded their career marketing services to include a 3 month service program.  The standard DWIC program is 8 months.  The fees for the optional 3 month program have been reduced – however David Werner is still guaranteeing to deliver the same quality product.

The announcement was put forth to help displaced executives remain positive and proactive in their search for new employment.  As the country faces its worst recession in decades, David Werner wants to ensure that their clients can still benefit from the DWIC career marketing program.

Company President and Founder, David Werner, commented, “We recognize the economic crisis we are all now facing.   However, we are optimistic and not discouraged and we continue to find new ways to help our clients. The fees for the optional program have been reduced but with a greater emphasis on the back end- our success fee.  Furthermore, this new option allows our clients the ability to extend the program, if necessary, beyond the first 3 months.”

About David Werner International
David Werner International Corporation (DWIC) provides personalized, one-on-one confidential marketing services for senior executives, typically Presidents and Vice Presidents who wish to make career transitions.  DWIC is also retained by Fortune-size companies to provide high-level outplacement services for senior executives (on a one-to-one “basis”).

Mr. David Werner is recognized as one of the foremost experts in Marketing Senior-Level Executive Talent. As noted in the Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times, David Werner International Corporation (DWIC) holds a distinguished global client portfolio highlighted by a 30-year history of success. His expertise on employment matters has been featured in Forbes magazine in an article entitled “Headhunters in Reverse,” and he has received broadcast attention on both FNN and CNN channels. David Werner plays an instrumental role in maneuvering throughout the global business network in harmony with industry trends and market climate on behalf of Senior Executives.

Executives or corporations can find more information on these and other services offered by David Werner International by visiting them online at http://www.dwic.com

In a hostile job market where layoffs are being announced by the thousands,  executive employment experts, David Werner International, are extending a hand to executives who suddenly find themselves in transition.  Company President, David Werner, offered these sensible solutions to help seniors get back in the game.

.

1. Credit Cards: Ensure enough credit is available-if needed-to supplement lost income during a period of unemployment. Capture as much as possible.  This is easier to do while still employed.
2. References: References are part of a larger network.  Individuals should choose four or five but there would be no harm in asking 10 or 15 – “Jim, we have no known each other for a number of years and I would like to ask a favor – would you be prepared to be a reference for me?  I will of course tell you before who will be calling and when.”  Invariably, Jim will counter by saying – “what would you like me to say about you?”  This is the opportunity to have a third party reinforce any accomplishments and is so much more powerful having someone else say it.
3. Support: People need a trusted person who can review their work and help them stay on track.  What is most often neglected and ignored is the information chosen to give to a potential employer and the resulting perception that employer may then have.  Candidates should only give information they want the employer to have.
4. Networking:  Executives in transition should let any network bases know of their employment status and availability.  It is futile to hide the fact.  Many believe that networking is the best way to find a new job.  Sending out a letter can be a less intimidating approach:  “Jim, as you may know, Consolidated Industries has had a major cutback and I am now in the job market.  I would like to ask you a favor – and I am not referring to United Industries, your company.  Your eyes and ears are closer to the ground than mine.  Perhaps in your travels you might come across a company in the industry that could benefit from my international experience.  I enclose my business card where you will find my Web Portfolio (my resume on the web). Any ideas you have would be greatly appreciated.”
5. The Right Marketing Tools:  Vital marketing tools are needed such as: a resume which separates candidates from all the others, appropriate letters, access to data banks (Recruiters Venture Capital, and Private Equity firm, US and Foreign Corporations with operations in US) as well as specialized listings. The resume should not be used as a marketing tool – it should be offered only when requested.  A one-page letter – if properly and persuasively written – should serve as an opener.
6. Elevator Speech:  Prepare a one minute elevator speech, “Tell me a little about yourself”
7. Business Card: Create a business card with all phone numbers and the web address of your online resume.
8. For Those Moving Out Of Financial Services:  Executives in transition must not lose confidence.  Good executives are hard to find.  Any potential hiring company is very fortunate to be meeting you as you have unique talents and experiences that can make a valuable contribution very quickly – believe it.  For those moving out of financial services into a new industry, this is very important – rehearse the following statement:  “If I were to join your team Mr. Brown, I could do three things for your company.  First, I could ???   Second, I could ???? and Finally,  I could  ????   I have done it all before as my previous CEO will be happy to confirm.”

About:

David Werner International is one of New York’s top executive career marketing companies with over 30 years experience in executive career marketing and outplacement services for Presidents and Vice Presidents.  The company now harnesses the power of the internet where they have created personalized career portfolios for their candidates which act as a virtual showcase of a candidate’s history and proven success record. In addition to helping top executives transition companies, DWIC is also sought out by leading executive corporations to provide specialized marketing services to senior executives.

Throughout their 30 years of successful search and placement, DWIC has provided services to primary corporations such as Viacom, Shell, BFGoodrich, Mobay/Bayer, Pfizer, Time Warner, Alco-Standard, The Equitable, Contel/Executone, Booz-Allen, Tribune Broadcasting, Commercial Union, Revlon and more.  Executives or corporations can find more information on these and other services offered by David Werner International by visiting them online at http://www.dwic.com

Here is some information on previous and current clients who have received favorable results from the services of David Werner International.

Craig S. (SVP Commercial Banking-$500K) -August 2008)

Werner Letter was far, far more productive than mine under my name. It generated over 12 initial conversations, nearly a 5% response rate to the campaign. This second distribution generally returned only polite canned responses from corporate HR firms.

The list of dialog and activity has been impressive, with a total of 4 appropriate opportunities moving to interviews: two of these opportunities (which were fairly ideal) died on the vine as a function of budget cuts and hiring push outs. One of the remaining two came close but suffered a slight match issue – I was beat out by a more tenured candidate. The final interview suffered my own failure to properly close the deal.

Based on all the good progress and learning thus far, I’m very encouraged and optimistic. I continue to view your product and service as uniquely valuable and expert in both composition and delivery.
Meanwhile, I accepted a lucrative consulting assignment which I shall maintain until our next launch in January 2009

Don W  (CEO/owner-recently sold marketing company – $1.5 million) -2007

We targeted 28 Business Brokers, 550 Venture capital firms, 50 New York based Media and Consumer companies and a hand full of recruiters.  More than 20 meetings were held with various investor groups.  He finalized a deal to head up a new venture backed company focused on a consumer telecom product.  He invested $1 million, negotiated a 20% stake and attracted $35 million from a VC company.   He is now Chairman of the company.

H. L (Managing Director and EVP -direct, internet and retail marketing company – $400K base) 2007/8

We targeted 350 publishing and internet companies in North America, 650 recruiters and VC firms (by email) in November 2007 and by Feb 2008 he had accepted his new position in Canada.  Two other opportunities had emerged but the one he took wanted him immediately.  Salary came with a major options package.

John H  (Managing  Director  Asia  Pacific, of a software company, earning $350K base)  –May 2008

We targeted 1150 software and technology companies in the northeast and central area, as well as 800 recruiters and VC firms.  Five interviews were generated through the Werner Letter, three through recruiters, and a job accepted in September with a software company where he had had to go through 6 interviews with 6 decision makers.  Start date was September 29. 

S.D (Self-employed – CEO/Chief Marketing Officer – $520 K) 2007

We targeted 100 ad agencies, 150 marketing companies, 320 insurance firms and banks, and 400 recruiters and 300 VC firms. Six interviews were generated.  Acceptance of job was made before press release on July 31 2007, 4 months after starting as a client.

Advice From David Werner International

Severance

The more senior you are and the more time with the company, the greater may be your severance. It is my experience that those earning over $300K and with at least two years with the company can negotiate one year’s salary plus benefits plus options. Those earning more and with more time under their belt can sometimes capture two years severance. However, beware that bonuses are trickier to negotiate – if you are no longer there to earn them.

A non-compete requires the employer to pay your salary during the period. This can often backfire as it can lead to complacency and a false sense of security and make it more difficulty to re-enter the market – unless of course you move into a different industry.

Outplacement is often provided by the employer . . . to smooth the exit. However be aware that there are three very large firms providing these services- temporary office accommodation, a phone service, resume and letter writing help, “counseling,” etc. Find out how they differ. It is my opinion that most senior executives have home offices and do not want or need to commute to a center point – the outplacement office – each day. Therefore, find out what the outplacement services comprise. You may wish to use the money allocated to the outplacement company to some other firm, perhaps a marketing company.

Remember, once you have finished your exit negotiations and signed off, you can not go back and renegotiate the conditions.

Credit Cards

You will need to make sure you have enough credit available – if needed – to tide you over a period of unemployment. Make sure that, should you fear for your future employment, that you capture as much as possible. This is easier to do while still employed.

References

References are part of your network. You may chose four or five but there would be no harm in asking 10 or 15 – “Jim, we have no known each other for a number of years and I would like to ask a favor – would you be prepared to be a reference for me. I will of course tell you before who will be calling and when.” Invariable, Jim will counter by saying – “what would you like me to say about you.” Here is your chance to have a third party reinforce your accomplishments – so much more powerful than you saying it.

Support

You will need, as well as the obvious support from family and friends, a trusted person who can review what you write and say and make sure you stay on track. What is most often neglected and ignored is the information you choose to give to a potential employer and the resulting perception they might have of you. Remember to give only that information you would want to have if you, hypothetically, were in the other person’s position. That, after all, is the art of negotiation.

Networking

Your contact base should know about your availability. Don’t hide the fact that you are looking. Many believe that networking is the best way to find your new job. This can be far less threatening if you approach the task with a very brief letter: “Jim, as you may know, Consolidated Industries has had a major cutback and I am now in the job market. I would like to ask you a favor – and I am not referring to United Industries, your company. Your eyes and ears are closer to the ground than mine. Perhaps in your travels you might come across a company in the industry that could benefit from my international experience. I enclose my business card where you will find my Web Portfolio (my resume on the web). Any ideas you have would be greatly appreciated.”

What Marketing Tools Will You Need

A resume which separates you from all the others, appropriate letters, access to data banks (Recruiters Venture Capital, and Private Equity firm, US and Foreign Corporations with operations in US) as well as specialized listings (e.g., Top Solar Energy Companies).

The resume should not be used as a marketing tool – it should be offered only when requested. A one-page letter – if properly and persuasively written – should serve as an opener.

Example from a client of an email exchange November 17, 2008:

Client receives an email from Vicki responding to his letter and which
requests a resume be sent: “Vicki, thank you for your note. My resume is attached. Please let me know if it is possible to schedule a call with Mr. Balham.”

Vicki writes back: “Thank you for your quick response. I have forwarded your resume to Brian Smith, our Vice Chairman. He will be the one that you will most likely be speaking with first. I will let you know when he is available.”

Elevator Speech: You will need to prepare your one minute elevator speech, “Tell me a little about yourself”

You will need a business card with your phone numbers and the web address of your resume.

Finally

You will need to maintain your confidence and enthusiasm. I coach my client to believe that a potential hiring company is very fortunate to be meeting you, that you have unique talents, unique experience and can make a value contribution very quickly. In fact I like them to rehearse the following statement: “If I were to join your team Mr. Brown, I could do three things for your company. First, I could ??? Second, I could ???? and Finally, I could ???? I have done it all before as my previous CEO will be happy to confirm.”

Many client emails have poured in to our inboxes over the last few months, and we wanted to take time out to recognize and give our thanks for each and every one of them. It seems as though the strained economic climate had cast fear and doubt in the mind of our clients. I guess they thought there were no jobs out there.

The truth of the matter is, there are plenty of senior level jobs in the market, and our clients are living proof. Clients who take part in our career marketing services are amazed with the volume of responses and the speed at which they come. Within the first few weeks of a campaign, many clients will attend not one, but 3 or 4 interviews for viable senior employment opportunities for example, Todd and John H. (see next week), and Craig S. (see below).

We’d like to thank Craig S., a Senior Executive in position who wrote to us regarding our services, “found that the initial Werner Letter which was issued from your desk was far, far more productive than the letter distribution which came from my name. The original letter generated over 12 initial conversations, nearly a 5% response rate to the campaign.”

With the help of DWIC, Craig accepted a lucrative consulting assignment in May and is continuing to work on his career marketing portfolio to discover the job that will most suit him properly.

Craig went on to write, “The list of dialog and activity to date has actually been quite impressive, with a total of 4 appropriate caliber opportunities moving to interviews. Based on all the good progress and learning thus far, I’m very encouraged and optimistic. I continue to view your product and service as uniquely valuable and expert in both composition and delivery.”

We personally would like to extend our thanks to Craig and the many others who have written to us of their similar experience, once again proving that the job market is alive and well. At least at David Werner International it is.