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 locals
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
Today, Thiermann uses biographical inventory techniques
to help some 75 local clients make career changes.
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