To that end, Career Path has added employer profiles so you can learn before you burn.

Even more delightful is their use of the new Junglee technology which means you save time. (To learn more about this dynamite new technology, see the 11/2 column in our sister newsletter Electronic Recruiting News.) Junglee makes it possible for you to search through several corporate Web site's offering job postings--without having to leave Career Path. Quite a nice touch since we like anything that saves us time and clicks.

Ready, Set, Jump

June 02, 1998

So, are you set to go it alone or with virtual partners? How will you start?

Once you've decided to give entrepreneurship, cyberpreneurship, or virtual partnering a try, pick a field where you're needed.

A Manpower survey cited in PR NewsWire says that companies will be more aggressive and creative in their recruiting efforts due to a shortage of labor. In particular, several industries were highlighted as needing additional workers.

• 38% of those involved in wholesale and retail trades need additional employees while only 7% expect to make cutbacks.
• 31% of durable goods manufacturers say they will add staff and just 7% will cut back.
• 26% of the educational sector expects to continue the hiring efforts begun last year, with only 4% reporting a decline in staffing.
• 23% of non-durable goods manufacturers and those involved in transportation and public utilities expect to need additional workers, while 7% expect to reduce their workforce.
• 24% of the service industry anticipates additional hiring with 7% believing a decline is in store.
• 21% of those polled in the finance, insurance, and real estate trade foresee a need to hire, while only 5% see cutbacks looming.
• 17% of the public administration sector plan to boost hiring; 9% plan to trim the rolls.

If you fit neatly into one of those categories, terrific. If not, find a way to mesh your abilities with the needs of one. Or look to see where they may overlap. Then take a look at the business links below to get you started.

• Entrepreneur's on the Web provides a lengthy list of links to entrepreneurial organizations, resources, assistance, and references.
• Cyberpreneur's Guide offers an alphabetical list of items of interest, as well. They include multiple newsgroups and mailing lists, as well as links to financial sites, the SBA, and credit agencies.
• The State University of New York offers a classic list of links focusing on small business startup information.

Virtual Partners

June 01, 1998

Cartoon characters like Dilbert have it relatively easy compared with workers in real life who are faced with cubicles, nasty bosses, ridiculous management fads, overtime, downsizing, and double-speak.

In their book, A Simpler Way, Meg Wheatley and Myron Kellner-Rogers, recognize that as individuals we work best when we "relied on the passion evoked when we connect to others, purpose to purpose. So many of us want to be more. So many of us hunger to discover who we might be together."

Are you better off than Dilbert? Do you experience that needed connection to others?

If so, wonderful. Read no further. If not, consider leaving. Go on your own.

After all, outsourcing is growing exponentially. In fact, 50% of the businesses in the Antelope and Santa Clarita, CA valleys expect to hire temporary employees this fall. And that's only one small part of the world.

Mind Tools poses questions to help you determine what it is you want out of life. Answer their questions. Think of all the pros and cons you can. Decide what it is that you want to do.

Then, consider virtual partnerships. Virtual partnerships unite you and other service providers in loose, on-line confederations to offer clients a centralized, one-stop source for their needs.

This is not an unusual concept. For instance, C Studio is looking for partners to create new outsourcing work groups. In particular, they're looking for people who are:

• organized and decisive
• loaded with interpersonal skills and unique salesmanship
• global learners
• able to handle numerous responsibilities or projects simultaneously
• entrepreneurial thinkers and doers
• ethical, trustworthy, knowledgeable about diversity and multi-cultural needs

Teamnet List is also looking. They want researchers, consultants, and businesspeople to build a network of people to discuss collaboration in business.

Or, consider asking your current employer about telecommuting. Telecommuting will allow you to work from home (at least some of the time). Although this may not be your best bet for a long term solution, it may ease some of the current pressure.

Talk to Citicorp Chase Manhattan Corp., and First Union Corp. (Or other financial institutions) who are among those allowing employees to work from home.

In any event, consider your options.