What Does $4 or Less Buy These Days?

For less than this, you can download 'Tailoring the Green Suit: Empowering Yourself for an Executive Career in the New Green Economy.' Photo 2011 D.A. Smolen

• A half-gallon of 100 percent organic locally pressed apple cider;
• A couple of iTunes downloads;
• A hula hoop at Toys “R” Us;
• A gallon of regular unleaded gasoline (maybe);
• A listeria-tainted cantaloupe, and NOW;

A digital download of Tailoring the Green Suit: Empowering Yourself for an Executive Career in the New Green Economy!

That’s right, Amazon and Barnes & Noble have both slashed their Kindle and nook digital downloads of Tailoring the Green Suit to just $3.19.

What else could you buy for such a low price?

Maybe, a half-eaten chalupa?

So, what are you waiting for? Log on today and download your digital copy. When it comes to your career, we guarantee that Tailoring the Green Suit will yield a return-on-investment many more times $3.19!

(And, unlike that cantaloupe, it won’t make you horribly sick!)

Ithaca College Hosts Nov. 3rd ‘Tailoring the Green Suit’ Career Strategy Session

Cross-posted from The Green Suits:

Readers of 'Tailoring the Green Suit' know that one of my mentors--the late "(M)adman" and Ithaca College Associate Professor of Communications Howard S. Cogan--dreamed up "Ithaca is Gorges." Created over thirty year ago and still in use today, it remains one of the world's most recognizable eco-tourism campaigns. Image h/t VisitIthaca.com.

Next week will surely be very exciting!

The afternoon of Thursday Nov. 3 marks my return to Ithaca College. Later that evening, I will present Tailoring the Green Suit: Establishing a Bright Green Career in a Dull Gray Economy. This session will provide ten key strategies which soon-to-be-grads should employ to achieve immediate and lasting career success in green business.

John Bradac is Ithaca College's Director of Career Services. Photo h/t Ithaca College.

And on Friday, I get to sit in on a sustainability course and sit down with the deans of the School of Business and the School of Communications, the Director of Sustainability, and others to learn about Ithaca College’s many important efforts to train and empower The Green Suits.

Twenty years have passed since my last Ithaca College speaking engagement which is much too long of a lapse. But as a result of IC’s warm welcome to this grad–and in particular the generosity of time, resources, and advice already provided by John Bradac (the head of IC’s career services department)–I am certain that my South Hill visit will be a great and memorable one.

I just hope that the snow melts in time for my arrival. (We’re not quite ready for winter!)

Will This Energy Crisis Lead to Green Career Opportunities?

Cross-posted from The Green Suits:

Thanks to the continuing unrest in Libya and other countries in the Mideast and North Africa, the world oil markets are in a state of anxiety. The commodities markets hate uncertainty; that and the fact that some oil-traders/speculators have jacked up the price of crude oil has driven the price at the pump up. WAY UP!

In many parts of the U.S. the price at the pump will soon eclipse $4.00. Could $5.00 a gallon be far behind?

(No.)

We live in a free-market society. That is why so many of us bristle when government leads–or sanctions–conservation and the development of renewable energy technologies.

They would rather let the market decide.

In fact, some freshman members of The 112th Congress would like nothing better than to tear apart the Department of Energy.

But one cost of living in a free-market society is that we become lulled. And when the price of oil dropped considerably from the 2008 highs–remember that experience with $5.00 a gallon?–car-shoppers stopped buying Priuses and other hybrid models and drove bigger, more-powerful, less fuel-efficent gasoline-only vehicles off of dealers’ lots.

Well, $5.00 a gallon is about to make a big comeback. And the shortsighted consumer who opted for that Dodge Durango over the Prius is surely grumbling about the prospects of a $70.00 or $80.00 fill-up.

If there ever was a time for the free-market to embrace renewable technology IT IS NOW. And consumers and businesses alike will surely respond to new renewable energy technologies because money talks.

To aspiring “Green Suits” I say: our time has come. Market demand for green-tech and renewable energy is about to go skyward. Existing businesses and start-up enterprises require our knowledge, our talents, our vision, and our passion to bring dazzling new products and solutions to the marketplace.

I predict that were about to see heightened demand for ambitious green business executives.

And for sure, now is a great time for green-suited entrepreneurs to launch new companies, invent new technologies, and create massive new wealth.

But let us avoid delusion. None of us can ride this green tsunami on our schooling and work-related experience, alone. WE MUST school ourselves in green business best-practices, so that we can lead the development of “next practices.” And we absolutely must build our networks of green-minded executives and innovators, for it will be through real-time information-sharing that we will prosper.

You will be the heroes in this narrative–the talent that responds to the world energy crisis by leading the green business revolution.

I don’t know about you, but I am very excited!

Now, let’s get busy!

Eleven Resolutions in Twenty-Eleven for One Great Green Business Career

Cross-posted from The Green Suits:

Resolutions. (We all make them.)

For some, it is to do less of something like…eat unhealthful food. For others, it is to do a lot more of something like…exercise.

With the economy still reeling and continued uncertainty at the workplace, our stress levels remain high. Holding to New Years resolutions will be a Herculean task!

However, if you fashion yourself an aspiring Green Suit, you must commit that 2011 will be your breakout year. To set your career headed in a new green direction, we suggest committing to these eleven resolutions:

1. I Will Start Drinking. (Oh, that got your attention!) If you are thinking about a green business career–but haven’t decided on the market vertical that interests you most–then we suggest attending Green Drinks events in your community. There are over 750 Green Drinks groups worldwide, and many hold monthly gatherings. Attend one, and suddenly you may find yourself interested in a particular green industry while networking with green business professionals intent on helping you get started.
2. I Will Engage With Helpful Social Media Outlets. Green TV is a terrific social community on the web where you can network with other green-minded people across the U.S. and the planet. By the way, The Green Suits is a member of Green TV.
3. I Will Develop My Unique Value Proposition. Every marketable product or service has a unique value proposition–a UVP–so why cannot you? What is that one quality which distinguishes you from other Green Suits? Perhaps it is an uncanny ability to sell to new customer prospects, or, it could be a talent for corralling business professionals to volunteer hours of their time for the betterment of people and the planet? It’s very simple: your unique value proposition indicates to a prospective employer the problems you are skilled at solving.
4. I Will Revise My Résumé. As I write in Tailoring the Green Suit: Empowering Yourself for an Executive Career in the New Green Economy:
   

   We know that hiring managers are more positively predisposed to the best green trained and educated talent. A busy hiring manager may have an inches-thick stack of résumés to review, and he or she may give any of those documents a spare twenty-five second glance. There is no denying that good résumés elicit more immediate and positive response while not-so-good résumés get tossed in the circular file. This document can open doors to a new job; understanding that it includes valuable real estate will help you make it a more effective job-landing asset.” p. 36

   And the three most important words in real estate? LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. The same holds for résumés. Place the-most important information–such as your UVP–near the top of the résumé, followed by your relevant green-business skills and most-recent employment.

5. I Will Never Stop Developing My Green Business Expertise. Landing a sweet corporate sustainability position or other green assignment takes training, and experience. Many of us are cash-strapped, cannot afford training or degree accreditation, and lack skill. If you are not already in an obviously green job (like Sustainability Manager) then start developing your expertise by turning your existing (not obviously green job) green. Begin by creating sustainability goals for your company or organization and get senior management to immediately support the goals. Identify ways the company or organization can use less energy, save water, and recycle as much as possible–including lunch room waste for composting. Then show management how these steps return money to the bottom-line! If you are already in green business, continue seeking training and experience; the world of green business changes daily, and you must keep up with the change.
6. I Will Continually Seek Knowledge. The number and variety of corporate sustainability training and accredited course offerings continues to grow. Many are terrific, but expensive. If you are willing to enroll in training or accredited courses, then check with your accountant to see if you are entitled to deduct such expenses from your state and federal income tax returns.
7. I Will Strive to Effectively Frame the Benefits of Sustainability. As noted in this earlier post, most senior managers are motivated by one thing: PROFIT. If you have a corporate sustainability plan to present make sure you sell the financial benefits, first. A well developed and implemented sustainability strategy can–in some cases–return millions of dollars to the corporate bottom-line. For that matter, if you are interviewing for a sustainability-focused job make sure you are clear that your motivations are to help the company achieve its financial goals–that green is good for business. Your altruistic leanings are noble, but you may wish to keep those from management until you a) get the job and b) achieve some success with your sustainability initiatives.
8. I Will Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk. Be prepared to represent yourself as an ambassador for the New Green Economy. Get that three-floor elevator pitch ready, the one where you might introduce yourself to prospective employers as someone that knows how to further profitable sustainability in their companies. Seek opportunities to address business audiences by leveraging the knowledge you have gained on the job with your green initiatives. Write op/ed columns on corporate sustainability–a great way to extend your name awareness in the business community as a sustainability expert. And never forget to promote important green work arrangements like tele-commuting.
9. I Will Promote Eco-Entrepreneurism. In the U.S., small companies account for three out off every four jobs. And as Harvard’s Amy Wilkinson writes in the Washington Post: ”A 2010 Kauffman Foundation survey reveals that 40 percent of youth ages eight to 24 would like to start a business at some future point, or have already done so.” Many business start-ups will be in inherently green business markets such as renewable energy, green tech, and water reclamation. Whether we are entrepreneurs or executives working at these companies, we must fervently promote eco-entrepreneurs who are striving to create tomorrow’s green innovations.
10. I Will Be Nimble. While 2011 looks like it will be a much better year than 2010, we must be prepared to adjust to rapid changes in the economy. For instance: if the current rise in oil prices continues, more investors may decide to fund green start-ups. More funding will mean more green jobs. In 2011: never miss an opportunity to seize an opportunity.
11. And, I Will be Bold and Fearless. The Green Suits are not wallflowers. We are hell bent on changing the world. Guided by our skill and talent, we will promote triple bottom line best-practices (and next-practices) to serve the planet and people, and extend profits. We know our best days lie ahead.

Of course, those are our suggestions for you for the New Year. Let us know if you have your own green business career-related resolutions–ones you expect to follow in 2011, to become The Green Suit.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Election 2010: Is This the End of ‘Green Jobs’?

Cross-posted from The Green Suits:

It is the morning after the big “mid-term” elections.

As I write this post, Republicans have grabbed up 60 seats in the House of Representatives and John Boehner, the presumptive Speaker of the House, is measuring for drapes (metaphorically speaking, of course.)

Democrats have retained their majority in the U.S. Senate and actually did better-than-expected, holding on to a three-seat edge.

And in Massachusetts, our friend and fellow green business executive Steve Grossman is now State Treasurer-elect; he won his race by ten points!!! Congratulations, Steve. We send you and the Bay State our best wishes.

Back in D.C., practically all of the Republican victors–and a handful of the Democratic winners such as West Virginia’s Senator-elect Joe Manchin–ran against many of the issues that “enviros” hold dear: Cap-and-Trade; climate change mitigation; and renewable energy from wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal sources.

I predict that–immediately after the swearing-in ceremonies–some of these new lawmakers will take a chainsaw to every bill or existing law with a greenish hue. Thus, it is understandable why–on this chilly and overcast morning–so many of us Green-Suited professionals are feeling glum.

But as is often said, there is a fine line between adversity and opportunity. And The Green Suits need to seize every opportunity.

Last week in New York City, I met over 100 aspiring Green Suits–bright and enthusiastic professionals eager to leverage this executive recruiter’s green job-seeking advice. I was amazed at how almost all of them professed that their primary job-seeking motivation was altruistic: to “do right by the planet.”

Altruism is a noble motivation, for sure.

However, in our dealings with company executives and hiring managers, we must be mindful that (their) motivations are money, profits, market dominance, etc., etc.

How we portray sustainability and green technology–and our value as successful green business executives–must jive with interviewers’ express needs to make ‘Mo Money. We know that the new green economy is about to create lots of wealth and birth many successful eco-start up companies that in turn will create millions of new jobs.

New green jobs.

We all believe that “going green is–first and foremost–good for business.” But we must ensure that our interviewers know that we know that. Further, our credibility will be established when we confidently “speak to the numbers” in the résumé. Thus, let us show skeptical hiring managers how sustainability will add profits to the bottom-line.

Am I suggesting that we shed our core beliefs?

Of course, not. But, more than ever, The Green Suits’ “Job One” is to frame (our) value expressly in the language of corporate profitability.

So let us all repeat our mantra: Green is good for business. Green is good for business. Green is good for business…

Over the years, I have discovered that–when our value propositions are framed correctly–sustainability can be made acceptable to many. Even a climate-denier would have trouble arguing against profit-making sustainability.

And we will build this new green economy with hard work and determination.

The good news from Capitol Hill? Green Business has friends in the 112th Congress! I have often called Sen. Mark Warner the “Green Business” U.S. Senator. Not only does Sen. Warner “get it,” but he shows us all how to frame “green business” in the-most advantageous business-friendly terms.

So, did Election 2010 mark the end of ‘green jobs’?

The answer is no.

(Strike that.)

HELL, NO!

Of this I am certain: our very best days lie ahead.

Framing: The Key to ‘Selling’ Sustainable Ideals

Cross-posted from The Green Suits:

The Green Suit is an ambassador to the New Green Economy, an enthusiastic fire-in-the-belly green business executive motivated to do well–and to do right–making the world a better place.

But many Green Suits have discovered that during this most-volatile political season climate alteration, resource conservation, and corporate stewardship have become, well, dangerous topics of discussion (especially in a room full of strangers).

On a job interview, a business executive who describes his knowledge, training, and career motivations solely in terms of doing right for the planet may not make the cut. In fact, one not-so-green hiring manager I know bellows: “tree-huggers need not apply.” Meantime, The Green Suited candidate who demonstrates how her deep familiarity with corporate sustainability will help the company return millions of dollars to the bottom line will be more likely to get an offer.

More and more, I am finding that our success as Green Suits is a matter of how we “frame” our unique value to employers.

Politicians are experts at the fine art of framing. A Libertarian candidate will likely stoke the passions of the base and open appeals to shift-prone Independent voters by decrying government intrusion and taxation. On the other hand, a Progressive candidate may find the most appeal among those who believe that some societal benefits are best achieved by government.

Well, as is often the case, framing is left to the politicians. But when describing our beliefs on climate alteration or green jobs, many of us–The Green Suits included–pay no mind to framing. And that has to change.

Whether applying for executive employment–or advocating for the green economy–we must always take into consideration how best to frame our pitch for different constituencies, for instance:

• Corporate executives will be most attentive and positively predisposed to sustainability when the issue is framed thusly: Going green is–first and foremost–good for business.
• Members of the military will pay mind to what you have to say when you point out that investing in renewable energy and green technology is a matter of national security. (Actually, the U.S. Department of Defense is–to its great credit–leading the way in terms of adopting smart-grid technology and other energy-saving practices. In fact, some branches are looking into how renewable energy might be used on the battlefield.)
• So-called Tea Party Activists may pause their anti-environmental zeal (at least momentarily) when you point out how companies in the energy efficiency area are reducing energy consumption and saving American businesses and homeowners billions of dollars annually. Show them the money: the energy efficiency part of the New Green Economy is going to be HUGE. And already, companies like three year-old green business start-up OPower are raking in millions in recurring revenue!

Always consider your audience. And when selling your ideals, remember that framing may be the difference between a bad interview and a great career opportunity.

Amazon Drops Price on ‘Tailoring the Green Suit’ Hardcover Edition

Cross-posted from The Green Suits:

Here is some great news for loyal Amazon.com customers!

Amazon has just applied a 10 percent discount to Tailoring the Green Suit: Empowering Yourself for an Executive Career in the New Green Economy. This new $19.79 price matches Barnes & Noble’s best price for the book.

Having trouble deciding on a gift for that recent college or grad school grad? Consider a gift wrapped copy of Tailoring the Green Suit from Amazon.com!

With the economy still not showing signs of enduring growth and stability, entry-level and mid-level executives need all the help that they can get. And if they are motivated to land green jobs or pivot into green business careers, then they must also act strategically!

Tailoring the Green Suit is a must-have resource for any aspiring green business executive. It is a highly useful “process book” designed to help executives start or further successful green business careers.

And now with Amazon’s new discounted price, there is added incentive for you to help that newly minted grad become The Green Suit!

Amazon Drops Price on Kindle Version of ‘Tailoring the Green Suit’

Great news for Kindle readers!

Amazon.com has dropped the price of Tailoring the Green Suit: Empowering Yourself for an Executive Career in the New Green Economy. The new price–$8.99–reflects a 10 percent price cut.

Kindle is a big hit with executives-on-the-go. And now, many more will enjoy Tailoring the Green Suit for less!

UPDATE 8/9/10: For reasons we cannot explain, Amazon.com has restored the hardcover book’s price to the original $21.99. If you are as puzzled as we are, then we encourage you to contact the “big giant head” (a.k.a. Amazon) and vent your spleen! Tell them to restore the sale price to $19.79 or you’ll purchase elsewhere!

Corporate Re-Branding is Complete: Dan Smolen Direct Search is Now The Green Suits, LLC; Start It Up, LLC Officially Launched

To quote the Chambers Brothers, “Time has come today!”

During the past four years, my life and career have gone through an amazing transformation. Finally, I have:

• Merged my over 30-year involvement in environmental causes with work and business;
• Written Tailoring the Green Suit, a career guide for ambitious green business executives that is selling well (thank you!);
• Founded an eco-friendly outsourced marketing and business development resource called Start It Up LLC, and;
• Re-engineered and re-branded Dan Smolen Direct Search–my boutique executive recruitment firm for direct/interactive marketing professionals–as The Green Suits, LLC, a career empowerment resource for executive talent eager to enter the green business space.

The Green Suits, LLC

The world is experiencing a major transformation: a “green paradigm shift.” And, The Green Suits, LLC embraces that transformation.

We are more than executive recruiters. The Green Suits, LLC is a career empowerment company providing green business executives (a.k.a. “The Green Suits”) with the tools and resources that they need to build and sustain rewarding careers in obviously green industries (such as renewable energy, green tech, etc.) and not-obviously-green industries (such as insurance, banking, automobile manufacturing, etc., etc.) which require talent to expertly manage the triple bottom-line: people, planet, profits.

In the coming months, The Green Suits–in partnership with some truly amazing resources–will introduce products and services designed to help business executives drive “profitable sustainability” in their companies and achieve great success in their professional careers. Keep checking the The Green Suits web site regularly for late-breaking developments.

Start It Up, LLC

We bear witness to an eco-entrepreneurial explosion.

Entrepreneurs love to solve problems, invent solutions, and turn their garage operations into successful start-up companies. They possess fire-in-the-belly and vision. And some–perhaps the inventor and manufacturer of smart-energy solutions or the high-end apparel manufacturer selling clothing and accessories made from 100 percent post-consumer waste–will achieve great success.

And the elite among them will–after successful initial public offerings–become overnight millionaires.

It happened in all the past recessions, it will happen again in this one: entrepreneurs–especially eco-entrepreneurs–will drive the creation of wealth and the new jobs that will help return our economy to good health and stability.

Yet despite hard work and personal sacrifice, many start-up entrepreneurs fail to realize their dreams and sustain profitable enterprises. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (The SBA) one-third of new businesses fail within the first two years of operation; about 56 percent of them fail by the four-year mark.

That’s where Start It Up, LLC comes in. We provide entrepreneurs with best-in-class marketing and business development solutions to help their dazzling new companies grow and succeed.

Interested in knowing more, check out the web site at StartItUp.com.

I’ve said it many times: our best days lie ahead. Enjoy the ride!

‘Tailoring the Green Suit’ Now at Barnes and Noble

Cross-posted from The Green Suits:

Great news!

Tailoring the Green Suit: Empowering Yourself for an Executive Career in the New Green Economy is now available at Barnes and Noble.

On April 8th, Amazon.com began selling Tailoring the Green Suit for Kindle; sales have been brisk and our rank among career-related guides for Kindle has risen as high as #21! Amazon is now selling the hardcover edition, as well.

Interested in a green business executive career? Start with your own copy of Tailoring the Green Suit! Order it at Amazon or Barnes and Noble, today!