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Retirement Dreams or Nightmares.

 ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’

Transition counselor offers a free roundtable workshop for the first 10 seniors to respond.  Starting…

…NOW!

By Steven V. Dubin

What do you want to be when you grow up? So, you still haven’t figured it out.  Don’t worry neither have I.

Are you nearing or at retirement age? 

You are in luck. Help is on the way!

Transition Counselor Beth Davis, a Plymouth, MA resident, is offering a free three-session roundtable discussion group to help you figure it out.  Specifics of the facilitated, self-discovery group are being finalized, but the general format is to meet once a month for three months for an hour and a half, late afternoon, 4 p.m. or so, at a comfortable Plymouth location.  The Plymouth Center for Active Living and the Plymouth Public Library are leading venue candidates.

Beth has over 25 years of experience as a professionally trained coach, facilitator, business leader and entrepreneur. Additionally, she is a real estate agent and home renovator with her husband Steve Feldman; they are agents with the Plymouth office of Keller Williams Realty. Beth has helped many seniors to transition from a “life of success to a life of significance.”

After selling the business she founded and nurtured for close to a decade, she re-focused her career on coaching and developing others through the stages of lifecycles. Her coaching clients place a high value on learning, life planning and design, and creating positive change.

Don’t expect a heavy load of homework or pop quizzes.  Beth will suggest numerous books and exercises that will be helpful in the quest for self-discovery, but there will be no official syllabus. Among the titles on the recommended reading list will be “Flourish” by Martin D.P. Seligman, “The Retirement Life” by Matthew Kelly, and “Transitions” by William Bridges.

Some questions to be pondered during the self-discovery workshops are What scares me?  What holds me back? 

Contact Beth Davis directly to reserve your seat.  She can be reached at beth@planningwhatsnext.com.

Additionally, if you know of a senior who is doing something interesting with their retirement, I look forward to hearing from you! Please email me at SDubin@PRWorkZone.com

Steven V. Dubin is the founder of PR Works, a lightly used Public Relations firm based in Plymouth, MA, which helps small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies navigate the overwhelming options of advertising. Steve lives in Plymouth with his wife Wendy.  He is a contributing author to “Get Slightly Famous” and “Tricks of the Trade,” the complete guide to succeeding in the advice business. He recently authored “PR 101,” an E-book.

Retirement Dreams or Nightmares.Read More

TELL US YOUR RETIREMENT DREAMS—OR NIGHTMARES

This new South Shore Senior News monthly column explores the next big step—or misstep.

By Steven V. Dubin

At age 67, I bump into old friends and colleagues and invariably the first thing they say – after telling me how great I still look, of course – is “Are you retired yet?”

Do I look that tired?  That successful?  I’m not sure what to make of that question.  Or how to answer it.

You may or may not as well.  I encourage fellow readers of South Shore Senior News to respond and add to our monthly exploration of this new monthly column titled “Retirement Dreams or Nightmares?” 

We’d like to share the secrets of your retirement success.  Or failures.  Or refusal to retire at all.

In running a “lightly used” public relations company based in beautiful downtown Plymouth, I am torn.  I really love the work our 4-person staff does each day.  There are no simple answers.  We solve a new puzzle each morning – attempting to win hearts and minds for clients.  Not any easy task, but wonderful at it unfolds. 

But I have FOMO – Fear of Missing Out.  Should I be traveling, fine-tuning my pickleball game, micromanaging my children’s lives?

Or take one from column A and another from column B?  Work a little, play a little?

Maybe you’ve completely left the workforce and are entirely happy being a nuisance at your local health club.  Or you meet the gang twice a week for coffee. 

On the other hand, perhaps you gave your notice on Friday and begged for your job back on Monday.

Or maybe you just love what you do and refuse to leave until the authorities come for you.

Your thoughts and comments can provide insight for us all.

I look forward to hearing from you, our readers! Please email me at SDubin@PRWorkZone.com

Steven V. Dubin is the founder of PR Works. Steve lives in Plymouth with his wife Wendy.  He is a contributing author to “Get Slightly Famous” and “Tricks of the Trade,” the complete guide to succeeding in the advice business. He recently authored “PR 101,” an E-book.

TELL US YOUR RETIREMENT DREAMS—OR NIGHTMARESRead More

The underrated and underutilized benefit of Zoom

People are now used to appearing on camera.

That’s it.

How is that a benefit? Well, if you’re looking to get testimonials for your business it adds a new wrinkle.

First, a video testimonial will usually provide more options than simple text. You can use it on several different social media channels, your blog and even on the home page of your website—what better way to introduce people to your business than a satisfied customer/client?

Now, the person giving the testimonial may not like how they look or sound. No problem if you record the session. Microsoft Word has a transcribing function that enables you to get a fairly accurate transcript of the interview. Then, it’s just a matter of cleaning it up and utilizing the best quotes. Here’s an example of that below:

Now, the person giving the testimonial may not like how they look or sound. No problem if you record the session. Microsoft Word has a transcribing function that enables you to get a fairly accurate transcript of the interview. Then, it’s just a matter of cleaning it up and utilizing the best quotes. Here’s an example of that below:

There is some finesse involved in getting a decent testimonial. Particularly if the person is not necessarily a comfortable speaker. A few ways to get your interviewee comfortable is send a few questions in advance of the call so they can prepare. You will also want to have a little friendly chit-chat prior to getting into the questions as a warm up.

You really don’t need to many questions. It can be as simple as:

  • What was the situation that necessitated you hiring my company?
  • What did my company do?
  • What was the end result?
  • If you had to pick only one aspect of the service you received what would it be?

The answers to these questions typically provide enough material for at least one short testimonial. Usually more than one.

One caveat to using Zoom for testimonials. As stated above, people are now comfortable using Zoom. Too comfortable. They may not show up as dressed up as you would like a testimonial to be. They may not be logging on from a quiet, well lit place. So you really have to emphasize that you will be recording and possibly using the testimonial in promotional materials. This may take several reminders.

If this sounds like something you would like to do for your business but you don’t have the bandwidth or background to take this on, drop a line and we can discuss a testimonial strategy.

The underrated and underutilized benefit of ZoomRead More

Straight talk on office ergonomics to save your neck, back and shoulders. Complimentary webinar discusses the dos and don’ts for better office ergonomics, Sept. 22, 9am

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Jen Graham of Ergo Consulting, LLC and Steve Wilson of Office Furniture Consulting

From a very young age we’re told to sit up straight. Unfortunately, many people are sitting up straight but looking down at their screen or cell phone. Or perhaps we’re sitting in an office chair with no lumbar support or set at the wrong height. All these scenarios can be a real pain in the neck, back and other places. Hence, the topic of ergonomics for the upcoming Straight Talk on Office Ergonomics webinar set for Thursday, September 22 at 9am.  The webinar is free, but reservations are recommended.

The free online webinar features Jennifer Graham of JG Ergo Consulting, a certified ergonomic assessment specialist and licensed physical therapist, and Steve Wilson, owner of Office Furniture Consulting. To RSVP, please visit shorturl.at/joPX3.

As part of her PT and ergonomic assessment practice, Graham offers in-person and virtual assessments of workstations and overall office ergonomics for companies of all sizes. She works hand in hand with human resource departments, facilities managers and business owners.

As owner of Office Furniture Consulting, Wilson provides space planning, quote specification development, ergonomic research, relocation services, and office furniture procurement services.

“Ergonomics has become even more important as people split time between a home office and/or a traditional office. Having proper ergonomics at both locations can prevent any nagging problems or conditions from occurring and recurring,” said Joe D’Eramo, of PR Works and founder of My Pinnacle Network, a B2B networking organization that’s one of the sponsors of the webinar.

In addition to My Pinnacle Network which hosts monthly meetings for business-to-business professionals at six locations throughout Massachusetts (Braintree, Wrentham, Newton, Marshfield and Westborough), the event’s sponsors include: South Shore Networking Professionals which connects business people monthly at locations throughout the South Shore; and Rockland Trust, offering a wide range of banking, investment, and insurance services to businesses and individuals through retail branches, commercial lending offices, investment management offices, and residential lending centers located in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as through online, mobile and phone banking.

The business community is welcome to attend. To RSVP, click here or call Steve Dubin, My Pinnacle Network, at 781-582-1061 or admin@mypinnaclenetwork.com.

Straight talk on office ergonomics to save your neck, back and shoulders. Complimentary webinar discusses the dos and don’ts for better office ergonomics, Sept. 22, 9amRead More

Is there any Proof of Social Proof?

Social proof. We’ve all heard the term by now. But what does it REALLY mean?

“Cool”, “authentic”, “reliable”, “well designed”. Social proof often comes in the form of social media posts or other testimonials recommending your product or service. It can create the bandwagon effect.

Oddly enough, social proof is not the newest notion on the block. The term was coined in1984 by author Robert Cialdini in his book Influence.

The best summary of the concept is by Andy Crestodina, who offered, “When YOU say it, it’s marketing. When THEY say it, it’s social proof.”

We are highly impressionable animals and the praise and endorsement by others can be the tipping point for our decision. With the ever diminishing trust of “traditional” advertising, social proof—AKA third-party approval—can be impactful.

Ninety-eight percent of fashion purchases recently noted that authentic customer reviews were THE most important factor in their decision making, according to Yotpo, an industry leader.

While you might not believe a TV ad extolling the virtues of the latest wonder drug, you are likely moved by a news article quoting individuals who wax poetic about the health benefits. 

Forms of social proof are news stories, consumer reviews, industry awards, industry expert commentary, social post testimonials, speaking engagements, E-books, podcast appearances and other communications.

More in the near future about the five types of social proof and the more than a dozen channels it can be implemented.

Want to create more social proof. Contact us for campaign ideas.

Want to see social proof, visit our Google Reviews. 

Is there any Proof of Social Proof?Read More

PR Pointer – The power of recommendations

Joe D’Eramo

By Joe D’Eramo

One of the worst kept secrets around is that yours truly writes a Substack newsletter entitled My Home Office Hacks. As the name implies, the newsletter shares ideas on how to improve the work from home/home office experience. This week was a particularly monumental week for My HOH (my nickname for it). We gained 14 new subscribers in one day.

How did that happen? While I’ve been fairly proactive in asking people to subscribe, I hadn’t done much to promote My HOH over the last two days. Except recommending two or three Substack publications I typically read.

Well, as it turns out, the publishers of those publications reciprocated with a recommendation of My HOH in their newsletter. And that’s where the new subscribers are coming from.

This phenomenon has me thinking about marketing efforts we do on behalf of PR Works clients. In particular, testimonials.

We tend to think of testimonials only in terms of the recipient of the flattering words or the five-star Google Review. It’s also an incredible way to promote your business as well. Particularly if you can incorporate your business and what you do in the testimonial. For example:

“In writing My Home Office Hacks, I focus on people who work from home or have a home-based business. Many of those folks do not have a dedicated IT staff or resource. Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter provides usable, practical IT pointers a non-techie can understand to keep their computers and other electronics humming.”

Yes, the testimonial talks about Rick’s newsletter. Yet it also contains something about mine. This opportunity exists in every testimonial or review opportunity.

So the next time somebody asks you for a review or testimonial, don’t think of it as doing somebody a favor. On the contrary, they just did one for you. Plus, the beauty of the review or testimonial is you don’t have to wait to be asked to give one. Just do it and see what comes your way beyond a reciprocal review or testimonial.

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Pre-taping Tips for Podcasting. Prepare for success. Avoid disaster. 

Tom Ricciardelli, SelecTech

How do you make the MOST of being a podcast guest? Make sure you look great, sound great, maximize the opportunity?

Nowadays, one of our major focuses as a PR firm is to arrange for guest opportunities for our clients. There is nothing better than leveraging someone else’s broadcast audience, social media reach and credibility.

What are some the simple PREP TIPS prior to going “live”? This quick list will make it easier for you look and sound great.

  • Check video background. Too cluttered? Too funky – does it look like you’ve been taken hostage in someone’s basement? It is okay to have personality and personal effects, but the general goal is to have your background space look like an office or home office.
  • Check “name” under video headshot. Make sure to use your full name and either your company name or your solution. Example, Steven Dubin, PR Works. Or Steven Dubin, PR/Marketing.
  • Turn off cellphone, landline. Simple. Don’t let another call interrupt you.
  • Close windows. Sirens, birds, lawn mowers, loud neighbors are to be avoided.
  • Note on door. Warn/alert colleagues, family, and intruders. Amazing what a Post-it note can do to remind people not to barge in.
  • Prepare for the allotted time (typically 30 minutes). Don’t over schedule yourself and be stressed.
  • Note – 1 take. Most podcaster do little or NO editing of the first and only take. That being said, relax, take your time and articulate.
  • Show opening. Have prepared introduction. Provide the host with verbiage for your introduction. This makes it easier for them and you.
  • Show close. Have a prepared summary. How do you want listeners to find you? What are you asking them to respond to? Free E-book, 15-minute complimentary audit, sign up for E-Newsletter?
  • Cue for wrapping up/ending the segment. Many hosts will alert you to wrap it up. Be prepared as you hear a key phrase like “And my final question…”

Be prepared for your podcast appearance and be a media darling.

Let us know if we can help book you on targeted podcasts that attract your best potential audience. We use a number of paid and free online websites to match your topic with appropriate shows.

Pre-taping Tips for Podcasting. Prepare for success. Avoid disaster. Read More

26 Ways to attract the Best and Brightest. Recruiter/HR professionals outlines an integrated plan. Free webinar outlines Tuesday, 5/24, 9 -10 a.m.

Recruiting and retaining talented, resourceful and engaged employees is more critical than ever.  But how does a company compete?

Debra J. Parent, PHR, SHRM-CP, CHHR has developed a 25 step “Recruitment Playbook” that helps companies surround candidates with positive messages and entices them to take the next step.  She will reveal that formula in a free webinar scheduled for Tuesday, 5/24, 9 -10 a.m. You can RSVP by clicking here.

From video greetings by the CEO to voices of middle management to creative and mutually beneficial partnering with schools and universities, there are many tactics a company can employ, right now, to attract candidates and help them win the war on talent; creative, ambitious and aggressive tactics with a long-term focus.  

Parent is a certified coach, former adjunct business professor at UMASS Dartmouth and Bristol Community College, and Supervisory and Leadership Skills Grant Trainer for Bristol Community College. She is an active member of the UMASS Dartmouth Charlton College of Business Advisor Board, ProVisors, and successful business owner of an HR recruitment and consulting firm with clients throughout New England.

Parent assists companies develop and implement effective recruitment and retention strategies, fill key hard to recruit positions, design a well-thought out HR program, smart HR policies, and provide workable HR solutions to respond to workforce challenges. She leads with integrity, balancing company and employee interests, and has a forward-thinking approach.

Parent will outline how the implement numerous recruitment and retention efforts, including –

Careers Web Page Enhancement – Having a thorough and positive clarification of why the company is a great place to work.

Glassdoor Campaign – Encourage staff to post positive comments.

Maximize the Employee Referral Bonus –  Have a formal program and fund it.

Partnership with Schools – Be the first job for the best and brightest.

Targeted Direct Market Advertising on Social Media Streaming Rich Graphic Ads – Reach young candidates where they are. Leverage GoogleAds, Facebook, Linkedin, and Instagram.

Engage an Employer Branding Consultant – Capture and convey your positive image.

Sign on Bonus – Cash is still king.

Competitor Poaching – There are various tools to research your competition. Use them.  

Job Site Postings – Indeed, LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter are some of the familiar names.

Maximize Professional Associations – Immerse your company with the trade/professional association and utilize its many channels.

Recruiter Scheduling Responsibilities – Interviewing goes beyond weekdays. Assign a weekend interviewer.

Google Search – The majority of job searches begin on Google.  Get candidates before they search further.

Artificial Intelligence – Cross-reference LinkedIn with Artificial Intelligence to obtaincandidates emails, phone numbers, and current employers

Radio Spot, Newspaper, and Bill Board Advertising – Best to reach passive candidates.

Best Workplace Awards – Win an award and drive candidates to your door.

Flyer Campaign – Engage in flyer campaign at local schools, community centers, churches fitness facilities and other areas where postings are allowed, etc.

Provide a “Company Insider” Sign up and Quarterly Newsletter for Applicants – Allow applicants to express interest in your company and provide a sign up for them online.  Email a quarterly newsletter for interested candidates to keep the company, “top of mind”.

Hold an Annual Combination Open House/Job Fair – Semi-annually hold open house to include tours, refreshments, presentations about the company, the positions, the leadership, and product and services, etc. 

Annual Conference Based on Industry –  Annually, sponsor a well-publicized conference.  The goal is to become known in the local industry for holding a gala event offering learning, networking, refreshments, time to talk to people in the local industry, and hear from a well-known speaker. 

Establish a Monthly Industry Group – Actively participate, or lead, an industry “meet up” group, in person or virtually, for those in the area who, both employees, candidates and others in the industry, to network and discuss the industry trends and challenges. 

Military Recruitment – Actively post on Military.com, Recruit Military, Hire Heroes USA, Hire a Veteran, Military Hire, Hire Veterans, and partner with the US Depart of Labor and Recruit Military and other organizations that help place military veterans.

Recruit People with Disabilities – Post on job boards for people with disabilities, such as, Ability Jobs, Recruit Disability, Word, Inc., and MA Rehabilitation Commission, and Disabledperson. 

Annual Scholarship Program – Invite company employees and customers, to apply for an annual scholarship. 

Recruit Declinations – Create a develop a database of past candidates who have declined for semi-annual schedule regular outreach via emails, phone calls, mailings, Christmas cards, etc.

Re-Recruit – Regularly reach out to past employees you would love to have back.  

Provide Each New Hire with their “1st Four Assignments” Card – Make on-boarding personal and comprehensive.

The business community is encouraged to attend. The event is sponsored by three leading organizations including My Pinnacle Network which hosts monthly meetings for business-to-business professionals at five locations throughout Massachusetts including Braintree, Mansfield, Needham, Pembroke, and Westborough; South Shore Networking Professionals which connects business people monthly at locations throughout the South Shore; and Rockland Trust, offering a wide range of banking, investment, and insurance services to businesses and individuals through retail branches, commercial lending offices, investment management offices, and residential lending centers located in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as through online, mobile and phone banking.

To RSVP, please click here or call My Pinnacle Network at 781-582-1061.

26 Ways to attract the Best and Brightest. Recruiter/HR professionals outlines an integrated plan. Free webinar outlines Tuesday, 5/24, 9 -10 a.m.Read More

Is your business heading South? Free webinar outlines the signs of business trouble and what to do about it.  Virtual event is set for Thursday, April 28, 9 a.m.

Sales are way off.  Costs are way up.  Taxes are due.  Employees are grumbling.

These are just some of the signs that your business is heading South. A lifeline is available. Click on and RSVP for this free webinar that outlines the signs of business trouble and what to do about it.  

The free webinar features Leo Charpentier of Dynamic Business Solutions, a seasoned Business Turnaround consultant, is scheduled for Thursday, April 28, 9 a.m.To RSVP, please visit http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=8qgmbkcab&oeidk=a07ej40gz5715602cde

Charpentier helps financially struggling, small, privately-owned companies regain control of their business finances, relieve immediate pressures and carve a lasting path to improved operations, positive cash flow and a return to profitability. His typical engagement involves business owners who are open to change, accountable and willing to share authority for 6-18 months as Charpentier becomes their part-time COO/CFO. Geographic focus is Rhode Island and South of Boston for companies with annual sales between $ 750K and $ 10M.

The business community is encouraged to attend. The event is sponsored by three leading organizations including My Pinnacle Network which hosts monthly meetings for business-to-business professionals at five locations throughout Massachusetts including Braintree, Mansfield, Needham, Pembroke, and Westborough; South Shore Networking Professionals which connects business people monthly at locations throughout the South Shore; and Rockland Trust, offering a wide range of banking, investment, and insurance services to businesses and individuals through retail branches, commercial lending offices, investment management offices, and residential lending centers located in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as through online, mobile and phone banking.

Please RSVP for the event at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=8qgmbkcab&oeidk=a07ej40gz5715602cde.

Or call My Pinnacle Network at 781-582-1061.

Is your business heading South? Free webinar outlines the signs of business trouble and what to do about it.  Virtual event is set for Thursday, April 28, 9 a.m.Read More