Do you make fast, informed and entrepreneurial decisions?

You could win $5,000!!

Reckitt Benckiser, one of the world’s fastest growing global consumer goods companies (think Lysol, Clearasil, AirWick, Veet and more), is sponsoring a challenge to see who can come up with the best product to market to summer music festival goers.

Here’s how:

RB is looking for creative product ideas for music festival goers. They want to hear your original ideas. Why you come up with the idea? And how you would make it the top selling festival product item for the season?

At this stage, the competition is only open to people in the USA, UK, India, Germany, Russia & Brazil but voting and commenting on the idea is open to everyone. (Oh, and obviously RB employees can’t enter either – but your friends can!)

Watch the video at www.reckittbenckiser.jobs/challenge to find out more information. Or, if you’ve already got a great idea – film it and visit the Decision Making Challenge Info Page to upload your entry.

Competition closes on August 21st – so send in your ideas ASAP!

Best of Luck!

In one of my favorite excursions of the year, last week I had the chance to spend two days with some of the coolest (and most well respected) corporate recruiters in America.  Thankfully this particular visit to Minneapolis occurred during the summer – a gorgeous time to see this often blistering cold but intellectually rich city. While the week as a whole was brutally long, it was jam packed with fascinating conversations and presentations from several of the top HR professionals in the business.

For those of you wondering what the heck is happening in the HR departments of the biggest companies, rest assured, I got a good glimpse and some insight for you.

First, contrary to popular belief, most of the recruiters I met said they’re still actively hiring.  While it may be only 20% or so of the numbers they were looking for last year, they’re still working hard to uncover really solid candidates.  Consider reaching out to the companies you’re most interested in, even if you’re cold calling without a referral or lead.  Just make sure you do your research first so you don’t end up wasting your time.

Second, even at the biggest and most stable companies, there’s been a lot of downsizing, moving staff around, and several major mergers and acquisitions.  That means that the people you may have met from a given company and talked to at some point about a job, may very well not be there anymore.  So re-establish contact with them or someone who replaced them to keep your opportunities open, or reopen previously closed doors.

Third, the majority of the companies I spoke to are neglecting one really important  issue -  building or maintaining a solid pipeline of great potential talent.  I don’t completely fault them – the world does after all seem like it’s upside down.  But recruiters without pipelines have to race around to find candidates every time a new position opens up.  If you’re interested in or have your heart set on a particular company, or group, get in touch with their recruiting team and stay in touch!  Check in every two-three months to let them know what you’re up to and see if there are any new opportunities or offices opening up.  The better you build these relationships and get to know one another, the more likely they’ll think of you when a prospective opportunity does open up.

If you want YSN’s advice, go after what you want!  Get out and dig around to find the opportunities that are certainly there and available for the taking.  Tell people what you’re looking for and always be networking.  Persistence and tenacity will speak volumes about you, not to mention land you one of the fewer opportunities out there when you need one.

Jennifer Kushell, President & Co-Founder YSN – Expert Advice on Career Advancement and Tools for Professional Development

Hi! I’m a second year university student who really wants to be a “giant professional” in the banking and financial sector. Currently, I’m pursuing an under graduate degree in Bachelor of Commerce. In fact, I’m torn apart in settling on whether to undertake a second degree in Economics or Finance in the near future, as part of my career planning. I’m humbly requesting for your expert advice. More so, I’ll be pleased if I can be linked to a “big time” professional in my chosen field.

Yours sincerely,
Wisdom

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SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO ask@ysn.com,  AND FIND US ON TWITTER @ysn_careerSOS

As part of our Young & Successful series we love to profile people in all stages of their lives and career pursuit.  It’s my pleasure to have met Andrew on YSN when he connected with me through the network. It didn’t take long for me to see that he’s a special individual with so much positive energy and enthusiasm to share. Learning about young people like Andrew truly helps remind us all that we are never too young to begin our career journey and there are no restrictions on our goals and dreams.  I know you’ll enjoy meeting him through this self-written introduction on what makes him who he is and where he wants to go in his life. – Katie Ketchum

My name is Andrew Pegram and I am a 17-year-old with big hopes and dreams, for myself and for the world. I live in Henderson, NV, which is a city fairly close to the famous (and infamous) city of Las Vegas. In August, I will be entering my senior year of high school at the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts (called LVA, for short).

Last year, I had the opportunity to attend a creative writing workshop where I spent time composing a few short stories, which were later published by the Southern Nevada Writing Project in an online anthology.  As of now, I am working on a new novel that is set in none other than Las Vegas, NV. My goal is to have the book finished by the end of the year, although it will be a very difficult task. I am hoping that even if it doesn’t get published right away, I might still win a writing scholarship for it. I won’t be putting all my eggs in one basket, as far as scholarships go, but this is the main one I have in mind.

Writing is my primary catharsis, and it gives me a vent for many of the emotions I have bottled up inside. I think that it is important for everyone to have something that gives them an opportunity to let off some steam. If you don’t, I find that your emotions can boil and putrefy underneath and, like a volcano; they will end up exploding at some point. This has happened before, and to my detriment. So, I plan on someday publishing works on philosophy, religion, and socio-economics. With these books, I hope that I can plant a few seeds that will eventually manifest as beneficial changes (however minor) in the mindset of human society. These alone won’t do the trick, but they will get the ideas out there, which may find fertile ground in some people’s heads. At this time, I can’t yet articulate all that I would like to say concerning these subjects, but the cornerstones that come to mind involve tolerance, unity, compassion, respect, and freedom.

Science and inventing are two other passions that I have, and they go hand in hand. I want to completely revolutionize technology. Someday, I plan to start my own company and begin to market my inventions. These will involve renewable energy, advanced motor vehicles, advanced forms of medicine, and maybe even nanotechnology. I envision a world where alternative energy is mainstream, and I want to contribute in making that dream come to fruition. I foresee a society that works in harmony with the natural environment.  If my business becomes prosperous enough, I would like to also fund microloaning, systems that combat poverty. Microloaning is an ingenious creation that utilizes the power people have when they come together, however poor they may be, and their ability to generate astonishing ideas for making money. A relatively small amount is lent to the group and it can go far. In India, they have made some incredible accomplishments with microloaning. I strongly encourage reading the book Influencer, for it describes this subject more fully and it provides powerful methods of affecting positive change, on a large and small scale.

Last year, I participated in a program called the Summer Business Institute, which gave me some ground and some good experience. The program itself is meant to educate young people on the basics of the “real world,” including personal finance and social skills. It also provides participants with an internship, usually in an area of interest. I, myself, worked in the waste water management business. I mostly did office work, but on occasion I got to see the sewers and the work involved in maintaining their efficiency. I remember a saying that the field workers said whenever we had to enter the vicinity of sewage: “It’s the smell of money!” I highly recommend internships to anyone looking to climb the ladder, especially if you’re still in school. Some of them pay you, and they give you valuable work experience which may pertain to one’s chosen career path. You can also network with the people you work with and forge some helpful connections.

Now, I know that I have rambled on quite a bit about myself, but I would like to tie it all together and reiterate some important points. My greatest goal, the thing that keeps me going and that fuels my motivation, is to ultimately change the world. Yes, I want to combat poverty. Yes, I want to revolutionize technology. Yes, I want to show that a brighter world can exist. Yet it all boils down to the fact that humans seem to be a reluctant species when it comes to change.

I know two of the biggest hurdles for me in my life have been fear and laziness. Perhaps laziness is even just another expression of fear. If we are to embrace what is beneficial to us, we must not let fear conquer us and make our will inert. People can be deathly afraid of change, and one of my greatest obstacles will be to convince them that there is nothing to really fear, that the benefits outweigh the “risks”.

I see a world in which so many people feel pain and sickness and sorrow and frustration and they don’t need to. I pitied myself for so many years and I hated myself for so many years, but what did that amount to? Anger at everybody, a false need to take out my inner pain on others and make them feel pain. And, deep down, that just made me hate myself even more. So how did I get out of this vicious cycle? I had to force myself to say these words: “I love myself, I respect myself, I honor myself.” It wasn’t easy. I had to have some genuinely caring and guiding hands along the way. I had to be able to let my pain out safely. And, you know what? It’s a process that I’m still going through, on some level, but I’m improving and every day I can only hope to love myself a little more. I find that when one loves, respects, and honors oneself wholeheartedly, those feelings are gradually felt towards others. I would like to promote a more loving and respectful world. I don’t care about the useless pessimism that people have to offer, which derives from their inherent fear. Anything is possible. What is the true steel in your building is absolute belief in success. With doubts come failures. We are the only species on this planet that wars with itself. If we could cast away the bulk of our destructive and selfish tendencies, we could direct our energies more fully towards constructive and progressive ends. I want to facilitate this process, and I have some talented friends who are willing to help me out, too. For the more help we have, the more we can accomplish.

My dream is my elixir. Without it, I have no purpose and I am merely an empty shell going through the motions of life. I remember a saying, though I can’t recall who said it that states “when we fail to dream, we fail to live.” I will be sincerely happy if I can help more people to become more alive. Life isn’t dull. It is meant to be lived, to be felt, to be breathed, not just with the lungs but with the heart and spirit. It is electric and dynamic and ever-changing. So embrace it. It took me awhile to do so, but my grip keeps getting tighter and tighter.

We want to hear from you! If you’re interested in sharing your story, journey, or tips for finding success — please contact us at contributors@ysn.com.  Hearing your stories keeps us motivated too. So don’t be shy — contact us!

This could be considered one of the worst job markets in years! On the bright side, one of the things I’ve been hearing a lot lately is that this is actually a good time for those with an entrepreneurial spirit! Many of today’s millionaires have risen to the top in a time of recession, think Jeff Bezos, Founder & CEO of Amazon.

Okay … I know it’s not that simple. We all have responsibilities, bills, and maybe student loans to pay off. But if you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own business, but are too scared and don’t know where to start — I recommend at least checking out Robert Tuchman’s new book YOUNG GUNS: The Fearless Entrepreneur’s Guide to Chasing Your Dreams and Breaking Out on Your Own.

In this book, you’ll learn how to start your own business through real stories of entrepreneurs making their dreams come true!  Tuchman will take you through real and practical strategies to get you started and running, particularly in this economy. You’ll also learn how to sustain your business for years to come with “reality checks” that will help ensure that you’re on the track to success. For more info, visit www.youngbusinessexecutives.com.

Well … until you get the book, here are some exclusive tips from Robert Tuchman, that every entrepreneur should consider:

WHY NOT ME?

Get into the habit of asking, “Why not me?”  The answer to this question will be the single most important thing in your personal campaign to build a great business from scratch.  The answer to this question will lead you to success: it will strengthen your resiliency, persistency, fortitude and sense of purpose.

THE DECISION

You have to make a decision to make a name for yourself in the field that inspires you.  The decision to change, whether it is catalyzed by unhappiness or otherwise, must come first.  Commit yourself, with all your energy and enthusiasm, without reservation to what you love.

THE BIG IDEA

You need a big idea to transform roadblocks into reasons to move forward.  The big idea will awaken you and ignite your motivation.  Find ONE passion and pursue it—it should be one connected to an activity you love and should engage you emotionally.

THE FIRST TEST… AND THE FIRST PLAN

Once you have the big idea, test it.  If what you are doing reminds you in any way of doing homework or feels like a chore, you have the wrong “Big Idea.” If your work passes this test, do your research and build a plan.  Find a mentor!  Stay focused on your short-term goals leading you to your long-term end.

THE PARTNER PRINCIPLE

Start-ups that feature two people have a significant competitive advantage over businesses in which one person, without consultation, makes all the major decisions.  Picking a partner is analogous to picking a spouse: find someone who compensates for your weaknesses.  Take your time: be positive about your choice as partnering with the wrong person can destroy your business, reputation, vision for the future, and physical or mental health.

GUT CHECK: GETTING STARTING

Prioritize internal workings before external: the external observable processes will not make or break your company in the first year.  Your answer to “Why not me?” will lead you past your gut-check moment.  You will have to expose yourself to short-term pain in order to secure the long-term that you believe you deserve.

PRIORITIES FOR THAT FIRST ALL-CONSUMING YEAR

Make a commitment: three years of long hours, hard work, and high energy.  Your commitment to yourself will shape the commitment others will make with your company.  You should have some main priorities—some of these being building a culture of action and enthusiasm and taking daily action on your business plan.

YOU ARE THE COMPANY

The best entrepreneurs are focused on their “why” that drives them to connect to customers—if you are truly connected you will never stop selling; it will be automatic.  There is no right or wrong way to sell: just jump on the phone and talk to everyone you can with all your passion and enthusiasm.

TECHNOLOGY: OUR GENERATION’S GREAT EQUALIZER

Online, your message must be crafted carefully, resources invested wisely, and potential and actual payoff evaluated closely.  To sell, find out how your customers are communicated and connecting.  Hang out with customers online and in person. There are inexpensive ways to launch and promote a business and its target message.

SERVICE IS WHAT YOU’RE SELLING

Business is all about relationships—it is the service that you deliver to support these relationships that is your one true product.  And that service is all about follow-through.  Be upfront about everything of consequence that affects your client; take ownership of any problem.  Sell light, perform heavy!

BACK UP YOUR SELL

Honesty is the only policy.  There is only one way to build credibility: tell the truth to clients and prospective clients, and then surprise them and deliver more.

INSIDE PLAYERS: YOUR TEAM

Entrepreneurship is not just founding a stage where you as the founder deliver all the good results yourself—it means building a good team.  Delegate!  Hire people who share your values and attitudes.  You should have a strong personal connection with every person you hire.  Keep in mind that the general atmosphere is more important than any one employee.

CELEBRATE FAILURE, REWARD SUCCESS

You learn the least when you succeed, and the most when you fail.  To never fail is an impossibility.  Failure does not equal losing!  You only lose when you halt your momentum and do not move forward to help the people on your team to success.  Learn to bounce back and look for a silver lining.

YOUR VENDOR RELATIONSHIPS MATTER

It is just as important to keep your vendors happy as your employees.  Nurture, sustain and service your relationships with the right vendors. You are placing the future of your business in the hands of the vendors: you relationship with them needs to be one of trust.  The two most important outside vendors you can have are your accountant and lawyer.

BY THE NUMBERS

Find someone who can keep you organized and on top of your expenses and obligations AND who can adapt and expand as the business starts to take off.

WHY NOT YOU?

Over time, you will have to find different ways to answer that question to keep you motivated on your path to success. Find new rituals that engage you in a fresh and motivating way.  Master the art of supporting, learning about, and growing yourself before you try to do the same for your business. 
 
In the end, take energy from taking risks. Live in the spirit of the entrepreneur!

Robert Tuchman is the Founder of TSE Sports & Entertainment, Executive VP of Premiere Global Sports and Author of Young Guns The Fearless Entrepreneurs Guide To Chasing your dreams and breaking out on your own.