CAREER GURU LEADS LOCALS TO JOB HAPPINESS
WHEN DAVID THIERMANN says "Get a job," people
perk up and pay him by the hour.
The professional career consultant helps clients dissatisfied
with their careers see through their personal and professional inhibitions
- and teaches them to follow their dreams.
"There are many people out there who need to clarify
and diversify their career goals," says Thiermann. "They
need a glimpse of their true potential."
Thiermann himself has pursued a variety of careers,
including a stint in Africa teaching handicapped people job skills
such as the making of musical instruments.
THE I.D. PROCESS
Since 1987, Thiermann has used biographical techniques
to help some 2000 international clients make career changes and
upgrades.
His approach to securing his clients' goals differs
from that of other career counselors - by emphasizing support, unconditional
acceptance and what he calls The ID Process.
"I get to know someone very well. I use biographies,
surveys, testing, and gather information for a portfolio,"
says Thiermann.
This surprisingly personal biographical technique is
applauded by Thiermann's clients - more than half of whom are referrals.
"Thiermann hears your words, senses your feelings
about relationships to your past career experiences, and sees the
directions and signs that you can most fruitfully follow."
explains former client Tom Griggs.
MARKETING IS EVERYTHING
Job happiness requires 10 percent talent and 90
percent marketing and communication, according to Thiermann. So
the next step in the process is marketing. Thiermann teaches his
clients to market whatever they want to market: themselves,
their product, service or business.
"In the process of working with David, an unexpected
event occurred," says consultant Elizabeth Evans of Capitola.
"I began to really believe in myself. Previously I had been
unaware of a subconscious fear that had prevented me from promoting
what I have to offer, from getting out there and taking risks."
THE MAINTENANCE FACTOR
The final - and perhaps most important step - is maintenance.
"The follow-up is important," says Thiermann,
who helps his clients establish a long-term management program.
"People have more success when they are managed over a period
of time.
"They don't tend to fall back into old methods
of inhibitive thinking. It helps to have a coach - or at least a
team approach."
- Robert Ward, Good Times
