The Man of Many Voices

I was saddened today to learn of the passing of entertainer Danny Gans at the age of 52. Not many people outside of the residents and visitors to Las Vegas knew of him, but he was known as “The Man of Many Voices.” By all accounts, in addition to his great talent, he was a devoted family man, devoutly religious and dedicated to helping others less fortunate.

Gans’s drive for success and attainment of his goals is a good example for all who continue to work towards success in their chosen field, even when life’s challenges seem insurmountable. And in his life, he was literally and figuratively thrown the proverbial “curve ball.”

Recreating Himself
A gifted baseball player in the Kansas City minor leagues, his sports career came to an abrupt end after an injury left him unable to play. After a period of feeling lost and unsure of his future direction, with encouragement, guidance and faith he decided to develop his other talents, namely a strong singing voice and a keen ear which gave him the ability to recreate the voice, mannerisms and performing style of other entertainers. Once Gans studied a performer, he could masterfully replicate that person’s singing or speaking voice, gestures, gait, etc. In some cases it would appear as if he channeled them as much as impersonated them.

Gans took his act on the road and performed around the country, mostly at corporate functions, over 200 times per year. He maintained a grueling schedule for several years in to pursuit of his dream of success in this second career, to provide for his family, and continue to develop his talent and performing abilities.

In 1996, Gans accepted a job as the permanent in-house entertainer at a small hotel in Las Vegas, leaving his lucrative corporate performing career behind, in order to spend more time with his family. He established roots in the community with his church, schools and charities. After four years, hotel mogul Steve Wynn was so impressed by Gans that he built Gans his own theatre at the Mirage hotel, where his reputation and audience continued to grow. Earlier this year, Wynn built him a second, more elaborate theatre in Wynn’s new Encore hotel.

The marquee for the Danny Gans Theatre at the Encore is the largest marquee in the world. Gans won the coveted Entertainer of the Year award eleven out of the last thirteen years. His career was at the point where he filled the 1,500 seat theatre each night he performed there. His contract with Wynn is believed to have been for 200 million for 10 years. Even with his great success, he was a family man, several local charities depended on him for his ability to raise funds, and he was a fixture at his local church and in the community. He had attained his goals through talent, values, hard work, determination, sacrifice, and a vision for his future...

Then, sadly, at the young age of 52, he inexplicably fell ill and died, leaving a loving family, a community and a professional organization stunned, overcome with grief and overwhelmed by the loss.

Lessons from a Great Career
I saw Danny Gans perform on three occasions. The first time was early in his career (and mine) as the entertainer at a Johnson & Johnson National Sales Meeting. He was unknown at the time and it was a tough crowd, but he handily won over the audience. Five years later, I was in Las Vegas for a business seminar and saw the giant marquee on The Strip with this name and likeness. I was surprised that someone could advance so quickly in such a competitive field. I saw his performance that night and was again wowed by his talent. (He gave a much more polished performance than I recalled from five years earlier in a hotel conference room.) The next time I was in Las Vegas, I took my family to see him perform and they, too, were dazzled. He even brought his father up to the stage to sing! I will always remember that evening.

Although I am saddened to learn of his passing, we can take away and be reminded of a few simple but powerful life lessons from Gans’s story: Find your passion, pursue your dream, live each day to the fullest, cherish those you love and give back to those in need. That is what any person's life should be about.

Mark

There But for You Go I

The current “official” unemployment rate hovers around 8.5%, not counting those who are underemployed or have given up on their job search. So, roughly 91% of the workforce is employed in some fashion.

This post is directly aimed at the 91% of you. In many ways you are in a very powerful position whether you realize it or not. You can choose to lend support to those looking for work, or you decide not to afford an individual the opportunity to connect with you. You may be saying to yourself: “How can I help? I am not in a position to hire anyone” or “I’m trying to hold on to my own job. What can I do?” Well, as it turns out, there is plenty you can do.

If someone tries to network with you, be receptive. Don’t make that job seeker call or write to you several times before you reply. It is difficult enough for most people to ask for help. Their confidence has most likely already been shaken by the loss of a job. Meet the person for a cup of coffee. Don’t just mildly listen to the person, but really hear and understand what he is trying to ask or convey. Offer some guidance, support and hope. If you commit to circulating a resume, do so and give a date when he should check back with you. Think about whom else you may know that this person could network with.

If you hear of a neighbor or casual friend who has experienced a job loss, reach out to that person. It may sound like a potential intrusion, but trust me, as someone who has been in this position, it is often greatly appreciated. Even if you can’t help him professionally, invite him over for a visit or include him in the Saturday morning softball game. This gesture will most likely boost the person’s spirits immeasurably.

I know we are all busy and many of us barely have time to add anything to our daily agenda. Think again. Given the challenging economy and employment landscape these days, at any moment the tables could be turned and you could be asking this individual for assistance. I am a firm believer in “what goes around, comes around.” I have experienced this many times in my life. You probably have as well.

So, to the 91% of you. We’re all in this thing together and I can guarantee you that a kind gesture and helping hand will be repaid or reciprocated some day in some way. The lyric of the song “There But for You Go I”, by Alan Jay Lerner expresses these sentiments very well. We should all take it to heart.

I saw a man with his head bowed low.
His heart had no place to go.
I looked and I thought to myself with a sigh:
There but for you go I.
I saw a man walking by the sea,
Alone with the tide was he.
I looked and I thought as I watched him go by:
There but for you go I.

Keep Careering Today and Everyday.

Mark

Your Best Investment Strategy

There has never been a better investment strategy than investing in you. As we are acutely aware today, our finances go up and down, the value of our home rises and falls, and the Dow Jones has recently moved like a jet propelled elevator. There is only one on-going investment you can make that will pay long term dividends for you and your loved ones. That investment is in you.

We are all trying to cut back expenses these days out of necessity, desire and/or fear. In addition, many are trying to save money and cut credit card use for the first time in many years. As a result, almost every industry has seen a downturn. Home and auto purchases, travel, clothing, dining out, home furnishings and others expenses are being cut back by consumers and those industries are suffering as a result of diminished consumption.

But some areas seem to be doing modestly well when compared to others. One is Education. Why? People are seeking additional training, new careers or brushing up on their skills at record levels. The community colleges and trade schools are busy, public colleges have no shortage of applicants, and many private colleges and universities report a better than expected number of applicants, although securing loans is a challenge given the current tight credit markets.

If you are unemployed, concerned about finances or living on a strict budget, try to find offerings in your community to learn new skills or enhance your current skill set. Join the local Toastmasters club to enhance your public speaking and presentation skills. Go to networking or civic group meetings in your community. Avail yourself of the resources at your town or county library. Check out a consignment shop to update your interview wardrobe. Use the community park to exercise and get fresh air and enjoy the scenery to relax you. You get the idea.

For those of you who are working or for those not working but not in financial straits, commit to dedicating time, energy and resources to enhance your skills. This can be stronger skills in your current field, new skills for a new career, a computer skills upgrade or developing your so-called “soft skills” such as public speaking, presentation skills or interviewing. And, be certain to mention these activities to prospective employers. They love candidates who are motivated to find ways to grow and development both professionally or personally.

As I said, finances and wealth will go up and down, often for reasons outside of your control. There is an ebb and flow throughout most of our adult lives. But one investment is certainly within your power and will pay the greatest dividends and the best return on the investment. And that investment is in Yourself.

Always Be Careering.

Mark

The Job Fair Fairy

I’m struck by the reports I have seen on the news about the volume of the unemployed workers attending job fairs. As a career recruiter, with the exception of college job fairs for new grads, my experience with job fairs has been mixed at best. And, that was during better economic times with a less severe unemployment picture.

To get a job through a job fair these days, you literally need a job fairy or perhaps an angel looking out for you such as the one assigned to Jimmy Stewart in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The volume of candidates is too great, the process too rushed and the likelihood of making a lasting impression on the overwhelmed recruiters too unlikely. This is especially true if you may not be a traditional fit for a particular job (a “square-peg-in-a-round-hole” scenario).

I think the best positive outcome in attending a job fair is you will feel as if you have taken a tangible, positive step in your job search, made contact with companies that have alluded you, and met other people in the same boat with whom to commiserate. But actually landing a job? You may want to take the company brochures you pick up at the fair, put it under your pillow before going to bed, and hope the Job Fair Fairy leaves an offer letter for you when you awake.

I hate to sound so cynical, but I have your best interest at heart. Go to the job fairs if it makes you feel productive, but level set your expectations. Trust me, I am only interested in your well-being.

A better use of your time? Take the list of companies planning to attend the job fair, go to LinkedIn or other social media sites and start networking.

Keep on Careering Today and Everyday!

Mark