Cher Forman
"Ask Cher"
Cher Forman has over 20 years of domestic and international Human Resources experience in organizations ranging from startups to $3B. As Director or Vice President, she has managed Human Resources groups at Applied Materials, Stanford Telecom, Ask Computer Systems, Teledex and Tri-Data Corporation and consulted on H.R. philosophy, values and infrastructure with many start-ups as well. Cher has managed several of these firms through rapid expansion and significant organizational challenges. While at Applied Materials, she led her business unit as the company grew from 6,000 to 16,000 employees in three years. Ms. Forman has specific expertise in employment, corporate legal compliance, development of cost effective compensation/benefit strategies, organization development and international HR management. She has a degree in Organization Behavior from the University of San Francisco and has participated in advanced training at several other colleges and universities.
Please Login or Signup to Email Cher or Post Comments
Login to Comment
0 Comment
Independence, Control & Fun
July 22, 2011 by Cher Forman
Question:
Dear Cher:
I probably don’t fit your standard mold. I’m 67, currently working in a full time job which I don’t think is particularly secure. I’ve worked for 30+ years in the IT field as a software developer, and, now for 10+ years as a project manager. Most of this time was as a contractor. I don’t have any emotional issues about age discrimination, no self-confidence issues. The job boards work fine for finding contract jobs, and even in this bad economy I’ve gotten interviews. I figure it takes about 10 interviews to get one contract job. What I am is just damned tired of going through this process once or twice a year. I would really like to start my own business and get some independence and control (and some enjoyment). Any suggestions here? I don’t have a lot of money to invest in this, or time – I’ve got a 10 and 15 year old who keep me busy. But, I’ve got a lot of motivation, and can make the time. Thanks for any suggestions. Also, I assume this is confidential
B.W.
Answer:
Dear Dear B.W.,:
What in the world is a standard mold anyway? One of the great things about living right now is how fascinatingly different we are. Many, many humans have come to the realization that we are not necessarily meant to do one thing our entire life, or believe in one thing forever. Our minds gurgle and bubble as we think about new things, and our interests follow. You may be a little head of the pack in doing things your own way, but the pack is watching you and it likes what it sees.
Definitely, go ahead and start planning a business that will give you the independence, control and enjoyment you want out of life. What you do depends totally on your interests and passions, your hobbies, your current work, and to a large degree, your familys’ idea of a good time. Your children are at great ages to begin this new adventure with you, and I’ll bet even their mother would revel in a new challenge. That is, of course, unless she is already engrossed in following her own passion. Then, the rest of you may want to even consider joining her.
Meanwhile, do some brainstorming together about starting a family business. No idea is too small or silly, just jot them all down and pull out those that get the most “yeas” when you read off the list. Consider what you have come up with. Your may not identify a potential winner on the first try, but once everyone sees you are serious about this, and really do value their input, they’ll do nothing but ponder the question until you get together to try it again. Meanwhile, you’ll get a glimpse of everyone’s passions, one of which will be strong enough for all to want to follow.
Okay, it may not be that easy, but keep it up, and you may find there’s one idea you all keep coming back to, even though it doesn’t seem practical. Explore it, who knows? If there’s a way to monetize it, that may be the perfect starting place for your planning.
Now is the time for research to see if you have any competition in this arena, and how srong it is, and even , if there is room enough for one more business. Now think about putting together a business plan. You can find samples on the Web.
You can each start on a part that looks the easiest for you, until you all get the hang of it. Remember, your business plan may become your roadmap and bible, so give it the attention it deserves. Change what needs to be changed. Work it until you have confidence it is a good, workable plan. Include in the plan the criteria for any one of you giving up your “day job”, to devote full or part time to the new. Don’t quit until you are really ready for the consequences.
Enough said by me! There are many resources to peruse regarding starting your own business, and even buying a franchise. Look on the web for a good list.
Best, Cher
Dear Cher:
I probably don’t fit your standard mold. I’m 67, currently working in a full time job which I don’t think is particularly secure. I’ve worked for 30+ years in the IT field as a software developer, and, now for 10+ years as a project manager. Most of this time was as a contractor. I don’t have any emotional issues about age discrimination, no self-confidence issues. The job boards work fine for finding contract jobs, and even in this bad economy I’ve gotten interviews. I figure it takes about 10 interviews to get one contract job. What I am is just damned tired of going through this process once or twice a year. I would really like to start my own business and get some independence and control (and some enjoyment). Any suggestions here? I don’t have a lot of money to invest in this, or time – I’ve got a 10 and 15 year old who keep me busy. But, I’ve got a lot of motivation, and can make the time. Thanks for any suggestions. Also, I assume this is confidential B.W.
Answer:
Dear Dear B.W.,:
What in the world is a standard mold anyway? One of the great things about living right now is how fascinatingly different we are. Many, many humans have come to the realization that we are not necessarily meant to do one thing our entire life, or believe in one thing forever. Our minds gurgle and bubble as we think about new things, and our interests follow. You may be a little head of the pack in doing things your own way, but the pack is watching you and it likes what it sees.
Definitely, go ahead and start planning a business that will give you the independence, control and enjoyment you want out of life. What you do depends totally on your interests and passions, your hobbies, your current work, and to a large degree, your familys’ idea of a good time. Your children are at great ages to begin this new adventure with you, and I’ll bet even their mother would revel in a new challenge. That is, of course, unless she is already engrossed in following her own passion. Then, the rest of you may want to even consider joining her.
Meanwhile, do some brainstorming together about starting a family business. No idea is too small or silly, just jot them all down and pull out those that get the most “yeas” when you read off the list. Consider what you have come up with. Your may not identify a potential winner on the first try, but once everyone sees you are serious about this, and really do value their input, they’ll do nothing but ponder the question until you get together to try it again. Meanwhile, you’ll get a glimpse of everyone’s passions, one of which will be strong enough for all to want to follow.
Okay, it may not be that easy, but keep it up, and you may find there’s one idea you all keep coming back to, even though it doesn’t seem practical. Explore it, who knows? If there’s a way to monetize it, that may be the perfect starting place for your planning.
Now is the time for research to see if you have any competition in this arena, and how srong it is, and even , if there is room enough for one more business. Now think about putting together a business plan. You can find samples on the Web.
You can each start on a part that looks the easiest for you, until you all get the hang of it. Remember, your business plan may become your roadmap and bible, so give it the attention it deserves. Change what needs to be changed. Work it until you have confidence it is a good, workable plan. Include in the plan the criteria for any one of you giving up your “day job”, to devote full or part time to the new. Don’t quit until you are really ready for the consequences.
Enough said by me! There are many resources to peruse regarding starting your own business, and even buying a franchise. Look on the web for a good list.
Best, Cher
|
Login to Comment Comments:No Comments |
You will find these interesting:Background checks part 1: ReferencesWhat are the Top Three Things I Need to Pay Attention to in My Job Search? Do I Use a Resume to Apply for a New Position? This article was posted in:EntrepreneurAsk Cher (HR Executive) Changing Jobs or Careers Career Plan Career Management & Transition Click on a category name above to read more on the subject |
