Today I announced that the City of Atlanta’s Equal Business Opportunity Program (EBO) has certified firstPRO Staffing and Executive Search as a Female Business Enterprise (FBE). Certification lasts for a period of two years and entitles the firm to be included in EBO plans submitted by contractors bidding on City of Atlanta projects.
We are thrilled to be acknowledged by such a widely recognized certification program. It has always been a goal of ours at firstPRO to encourage equal opportunity in the workplace. Earning our FBE certification was just another step in reinforcing our status as a woman-owned company and our commitment to diversity.
As a member of the EBO program, firms are encouraged to maximize their contracting opportunities throughout the city. Outlets for this include outreach sessions, local trade and business organizations and diversity programs. For more information, visit www.atlantaga.gov
Friday, March 13, 2009
Gender Protocol
At firstPRO Staffing and Executive Search, we were recently certified by the City of Atlanta’s Equal Business Opportunity Program (EBO) as a Female Business Enterprise (FBE).
Our certification as an FBE has also been a great marketing tool. While we have always been majority women owned, we had never gone through this particular process. Over the years, however, several of our large clients encouraged us to get our certification, and last year we saw no reason to miss this opportunity. Companies who have made commitments to a diversity program or do business with the government set aside a certain percentage of their vendor business for minority-owned businesses, and our certification automatically puts us in that category.
As a woman business owner, I believe that gender protocol has evolved in many (albeit subtle) ways. Today females are viewed more as individuals and defined more by the position they hold, their work ethic and performance results. Twenty years ago, however, we were still viewed simply as “women” and assumptions were made based on that fact. Male co-workers had difficulty not seeing us as females first, and were confused about how to treat us with respect but as work peers. But as awareness has evolved, there are less off color comments, sexual overtones and unacceptable, rude behavior. In regards to proper behavior and manners, I believe that the protocol for this should be gender-free as well. In other words, it is not a “ladies first” environment, although when it comes to ordering at a restaurant or getting off the elevator, it is still polite to allow women in the group to go first. As women, we need to make certain that we dress, speak and behave in a more neutral way.
At firstPRO, we work in a very results-oriented environment, and opportunities are created for individuals (not just women) based on those results. I do not believe that women can expect preferential treatment if they want to be taken seriously in the workplace.
Our certification as an FBE has also been a great marketing tool. While we have always been majority women owned, we had never gone through this particular process. Over the years, however, several of our large clients encouraged us to get our certification, and last year we saw no reason to miss this opportunity. Companies who have made commitments to a diversity program or do business with the government set aside a certain percentage of their vendor business for minority-owned businesses, and our certification automatically puts us in that category.
As a woman business owner, I believe that gender protocol has evolved in many (albeit subtle) ways. Today females are viewed more as individuals and defined more by the position they hold, their work ethic and performance results. Twenty years ago, however, we were still viewed simply as “women” and assumptions were made based on that fact. Male co-workers had difficulty not seeing us as females first, and were confused about how to treat us with respect but as work peers. But as awareness has evolved, there are less off color comments, sexual overtones and unacceptable, rude behavior. In regards to proper behavior and manners, I believe that the protocol for this should be gender-free as well. In other words, it is not a “ladies first” environment, although when it comes to ordering at a restaurant or getting off the elevator, it is still polite to allow women in the group to go first. As women, we need to make certain that we dress, speak and behave in a more neutral way.
At firstPRO, we work in a very results-oriented environment, and opportunities are created for individuals (not just women) based on those results. I do not believe that women can expect preferential treatment if they want to be taken seriously in the workplace.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Jim Thorsten Promoted to Vice President of Sales - Traditional Staffing at firstPRO Staffing and Executive Search
firstPRO Staffing and Executive Search announced today that Jim Thorsten will serve as Vice President of Sales in the Traditional Staffing division. Jim has a long history with firstPRO and understands the process of reaching and keeping customers. He puts the needs of the prospect or client at the forefront, and this makes him an invaluable consultant for his clients.Prior to joining firstPRO, Thorsten worked for Westvaco Corporation in their Sales and Marketing Group. He began at firstPRO in 1988 where he served as a Branch Manager. In this new position, he will supervise the day-to-day operations of the department and work with employers to build and manage an effective and profitable workforce. “I am particularly looking forward to working with client partners to explore ways to improve workforce utilization management,” Thorsten says. “This is a challenging time for businesses and workers alike, but I believe those that are willing to make appropriate change will prosper.”
A 1983 graduate of Georgia Tech, Thorsten is a member of The Georgia Tech Letterman’s Club. He is also on the Executive Board of Partnership Gwinnett, and serves on The Manufacturing and Logistics Council of Gwinnett County. Thorsten lives in Dunwoody with his wife, Selden and is the proud parent of daughter Sidney, a first year student at the University of Virginia.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Power of Women Atlanta Hosts a Winter Luncheon
“This series is a great opportunity to explore a variety of topics that are of interest to the city’s top women,” says Donna Kain, President of The Buckhead Community Bank, Private and Entrepreneurial Banking Division. “Our goal is to fill an hour with highly sought-after panelists and intriguing topics. From health and fitness to gender stereotypes and proper business etiquette, we cover it all.”
As CEO of firstPRO Staffing and Executive Search, I am the powerhouse behind one of the largest privately owned staffing and executive search firms in the United States. During an interactive Q and A session, she offered her tips for becoming “first” in your field. Denise Elsbree, President of TRIO Media Group and Donna L. Kain of The Buckhead Community Bank facilitated. The lunch was sponsored by The Buckhead Community Bank, TRIO Media Group and Atlanta INtown Newspaper. For more information on upcoming events, please visit www.powerofwomenandmoney.com.
Cultural Diversity in the Workplace
As a Woman Owned business, firstPRO is particularly sensitive to maintaining and growing diversity among our staff. I believe that a diverse workplace makes good business sense and it encourages a more culturally diverse client base. By embracing this, we can better understand the culture of more companies and ultimately bring new ideas and new perspectives to our own business. There have been studies that prove that a more diverse workforce does in fact contribute to the bottom line. When you think about it, we all like to do business with people we like and are comfortable with, so a diverse company naturally appeals to prospective customers.
At firstPRO, we bring in outside firms to conduct “sensitivity training” with our staff, and we keep an open door policy for discussion and follow-up. This is very eye-opening in training, because we are asked to leave our comfort zone and listen to the views and experiences of others.
In terms of communication, men and women do this very differently. Men tend to be short and to the point; they view communication as a means to solving a problem. Women, on the other hand, are more detail oriented and ask more questions. We have also found that men make decisions more quickly, but women tend not to change their mind once they have been made. Men talk more about facts, whereas women talk more about people, relationships and feelings. It is everyone’s personal responsibility to continue to evaluate their own views and biases while still maintaining their own ideals and moral compasses. Our true values don’t generally change, and we need to stay true to ourselves. At the same time, however, it is a big and ever-changing world, and those who don’t recognize that will be left behind, especially in business. As a working professional, we must understand our own perceptions, behaviors and communication styles because it is these things that will contribute to your overall growth and prosperity.
At firstPRO, we bring in outside firms to conduct “sensitivity training” with our staff, and we keep an open door policy for discussion and follow-up. This is very eye-opening in training, because we are asked to leave our comfort zone and listen to the views and experiences of others.
In terms of communication, men and women do this very differently. Men tend to be short and to the point; they view communication as a means to solving a problem. Women, on the other hand, are more detail oriented and ask more questions. We have also found that men make decisions more quickly, but women tend not to change their mind once they have been made. Men talk more about facts, whereas women talk more about people, relationships and feelings. It is everyone’s personal responsibility to continue to evaluate their own views and biases while still maintaining their own ideals and moral compasses. Our true values don’t generally change, and we need to stay true to ourselves. At the same time, however, it is a big and ever-changing world, and those who don’t recognize that will be left behind, especially in business. As a working professional, we must understand our own perceptions, behaviors and communication styles because it is these things that will contribute to your overall growth and prosperity.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Paul Voss is Featured Speaker at firstPRO Staffing and Executive Search Diversity Lunch
On Wednesday, February 4, 2009, firstPRO Staffing and Executive Search continued their Diversity series with a luncheon at the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown. The program featured April Nagel, CEO of firstPRO, and special guest speaker Paul J. Voss, President of Ethikos, Inc., a company specializing in ethical decision making for the 21st century.
The Diversity Series gives us a platform for bringing together the top HR Executives in Atlanta in a setting that allows us to share insights, experience and discuss the best practices. Our speakers lead the discussion with thought provoking issues, and everyone leaves with knowledge and ideas that can help their companies. Voss’s presentation focused on intellectual diversity and how to apply ethics in today’s trying times. He also offered his tips for understanding the dynamics of different mindsets and how they add to a better work environment.
firstPRO is making this Diversity Series a quarterly event, and future panels will cover issues of interest to top executives in Diversity Hiring positions. Key industry leaders from many of Atlanta’s Fortune 500 companies will be in attendance. For more information on the Diversity Series, contact Michelle Kennedy at 404.252.9422 x 442 or visit www.firstproinc.com.
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