Ways to Attract and Retain Employees

 

The number of shortages in the work force have many industries scrambling to find workers. The Gaming industry is no exception. While the demand for gaming entertainment grows, the personnel that provides the experience is understaffed. The guest experience is the same but there will be noticeable lapses in some service areas. Where the normal time to wait for a beverage would be between 10-15 minutes, expect the period to double. If you. The availability of games and units to play are still at an optimum level. If team members call off or leave a company unexpectedly, this affects the day-to-day operation profoundly.  When this happens, the intelligent organization goes into demand and profitability mode. What units the public wants to play and which of them brings the most level of profitability to the company are the primary concerns. Since this situation has not changed since the pandemic of 2020, the next step is how to alleviate it.

While job fairs and increase in pay are two ways to attract candidates, the competitors in your region are offering a comparable experience. Offering a job referral incentive to current staff extends the reach of the organization. Use social media to highlight job events and promotions. If the organization is doing something that has philanthropic or community involved, share this information on the website. The impression is that you are appealing to work for.

When all things are equal between you and your competitors, you must go the extra mile. Be creative in how you approach a prospective employee. Be more proactive in retaining the staff you have. The cost of replacing someone is greater than what it would take to keep them. A new employee has a learning curve that an experience one is not subject to. Direct attention toward individuals that have worked in the industry and pay more for that. In Atlantic City recently, the casinos joined together and held a job fair where all the hotels have representation.

Factor the location of your facility into your job promotions. The cost of gas is important to an applicant and the cost of a commute is a prevalent factor in accepting a position. If you are near public transportation, highlight that to the applicant. Initiate rides share programs that make commuting more appealing.

Lastly, utilize flexibility in the job hiring and retention process. Example:  Your organization has 3 shifts of 8 hours that start at designated times. If you have enough interest in a particular start time that is not part of the normal scheme, consider incorporating it.  Let it correspond into what you currently offer and make it work for you by implementing it during a period of peak demand. Want more ways to attract people. Keep following me!

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Dawn Staley:Philly Girls Rock!

As we continue to celebrate Womens History Month, I have to pay tribute to Philadelphia's own, Dawn Staley. Dawn is legendary in the city of brotherly love. Her legendary journey started back in high school as she led Dobbins to 3 Public League Championships. She was named the National High School Player of the year by the USA Today.

She went on to the University of Virginia where she led them to 3 consecutive Final Fours. She went on to play professionally in the ABL and the WNBA. In 2004, she was given the honor of carry the torch in the Olympics. In 2011, Staley was named one of the top 15 best players in WNBA History.

Staley began coaching while still playing in the WNBA. She started coaching at Temple University in 2000. She turned them into a top ranked program that went to 6 NCAA tournament and won 4 conference tournament titles. The success at Temple made other teams take notice. The University of South Carolina pursued her, and she became their head coach in 2001. Staley rebuilt the program. The Gamecocks improved every year and won the National Championship 2017. Staley was named the coach of the 2020 Olympic team that won the gold medal. 

Dawn is the only person to ever win the Naismith Award as a player and as a coach. She had a foundation that helps middle school children in the areas of academics and mentorship. So, with all these accolades to her credit, Staley is a real genuine person and is proud of her Philadelphia upbringing.

My favorite Dawn Staley moment is personal.  My daughters were attending her basketball camps at Temple University, Staley was going to play in the WNBA All Star Game in Washington DC. I made a request to her to have some of the players sign a basketball as a memento of my family attending the game.  I met her mother coincidentally after the game and she contacted Dawn. Dawn came out and got multiple players to sign the ball. That why I chose Dawn Staley to honor on my website & blog during Womens History Month. Because Philly Girls Rock!

Check out this video of the top women's teams heading into the 2021-2022 NCAA tournament.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram for March Madness. #MarchMadness with Mims.

 

The sports betting coverage of the New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC markets will have the thousand of viewers looking for an edge. I would normally just focus on Las Vegas, Philly and Atlantic City.I expect this to be the most action ever wagered on professional sports over the next calendar year. So I will expand with my Gaming Guy News minutes into the 3 top cities on the East Coast.

The New York Giants play the Washington Football Team on Thursday Night Football. The Giants are getting 3 and the total is 41. The Giants lost to the Denver Broncos and were not able to establish a running game. Giants only gained 60 yards on 20 carries. I am not expecting a great deal of production from Saquon Barkley. This will be two games in 5days after a major injury. Daniel Jones must eliminate the turnovers, Washington lost QB Ryan Fitzpatrick for several games due to a hip injury.

                                                   Eagles +3.5 vs the Niners- Total 50

                                                   Jets +5.5 vs the Patriots - Total 43

The surprise of the week was he play of the Eagles. I thought the Birds could win but I was not thinking domination. I am not as confident with the Niners coming in. It is the 2nd straight road game for San Francisco.

Jets must protect  QB Zach Wilson better in Game 2 against the Pats. The Panther's sacked Wilson 6 times. New York did close with 5 with under 2 minutes to play. Jet have lost 10 straight to the Patriots,

                                                       In The NBA

The Brooklyn Nets improved their team by adding several free agents. Patty Mills, James Johnson and DeAndre Bembry will add depth to the star studded lineup.They will be better defensively. Grade B-.

The Sixers signed Andre Drummond and George Niang to replace Dwight Howard and Mike Scott. While Howard brought energy,Drummond will be more level headed.  Niang is a better shooter than Scott. Grade B+.

The New York Knicks made the biggest impact in free agency with the signing of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier. The resigning of Derrick Rose means the guard play will improve dramactically. Grade: A.

The Washington Wizards signed Spencer Dinwiddie. If he return to his 2019 numbers of 20.6 points and 6,8 assists,the Wizards are getting a steal of a player.Grade B.

                                                       And now, A Sports Betting Tip

Follow me for more in depth coverage on NFL and NBA on Twitter and Bettors Insider My website  is Smart Responsible Gaming.

The Metro Report: Sports Betting in Philly,New York & Washington DC

 

The sports betting in the New York,Washington DC & Philadelphia markets is about to explode with the start of the NFL. I will share how I think the teams in those regions will fare in their repective divisions.

The New York Giants will finish second in the NFL East. I have them winning 8 or 9 games. If Daniel Jones can eliminate the turnovers and interceptions,they could challenge for the division title.  Sports Illustrated is predicting the Dallas Cowboys to win the NFC East. 

The Washington Football Team will finish third with 8 or 7 wins. I am not convince that a 38 year old Ryan Fitzpatrick will be able to improve this ream signifigantly. No NFC East team has repeated as champion since 2004. This statistic eliminate Washington Football.

The Eagles win finish last with 8 or 7 wins. Philly will be better than last year but not enough to make the playoffs. They will be a run oriented team and Jalen Hurts will operate from the pocket.He will run enough to keep the defenses honest. Expect a good year from Miles Sanders.

The Jets will finish last in the AFC East. I have them winning under 4 games and losing to every team in their divison for the 2nd consecutive year.

Now I will look at individual accomplishments. Which of these teams will have a 1000 yard rusher.It is a little easier to achieve because of the 17 game schedule.

                                                                    Eagles - Miles Sanders

                                                                    Giants- Saquon Barkley

Which one has a quarterback that throws for over 4,000 yards?  

                                                                          None of them

                                             The best reciever on each respective team is

                                                      Washington Football - Terry McLaurin

                                                                     Eagles - Zach Ertz 

                                                                     Giants - Kenny Golladay

                                                                      Jets - Elijah Moore

I am getting ready for the NBA season early. I plan to go to the Barclay Center to see the Nets play the Los Angeles Lakers on 1/25/22. The story lines in that game are exceptional. Russell Westbrook against Kevin Durant. Lebron James and kyrie Irving on opposing teams 5 years after winning a championship together. Add in Anthony Davis against the stat line of James Harden. I chose this game over seeing the Lakers against the Sixers because of the uncertainty of Philly's roster.

 Follow me for more in depth coverage on NFL and NBA on Twitter and Bettors Insider My website   is Smart Responsible Gaming.

The Casino Outlook for the Summer 2021

The wait is over. Casinos have been  given the green light to increase the number of guests they can  accommodate to pre Covid 19 levels. This is welcoming news for the gaming and entertainment industry.The gaming operators have been forced to be resilient over the past 14 months. Most have found challenges with employee retention and acqusition. While that was eased because of the reduction of gaming space,the effort to attract employees must now intensify. Casinos on each coast are offering job referral incentives to current workers and propective hires. One consideration could be to reach out to former employees to gauge their interest in returning in a flexible or part time capacity.

There will be several revenue streams that will recieve a spike in the next 3 months. The Food and Beverage departments along with  hotel  occupancy will approach the historical month to month numbers of 2019. Entertainment will also be a draw to customers looking to go out to shows and concerts. The professional teams are going to full capacity for indoor events so the casinos should be looking to follow suit. Looking at local talent would be a win - win as a gate attraction. 

FYI for those looking for the two hottest concerts in Las Vegas. First is Usher at Caesars Palace. Here is a glimpse of what to expect from the IHeart Radio Awards 2021 and his residency . 

Performance: Usher Sings "Confessions/Love In This Club/My Boo/Yeah" | iHeartRadio Music Awards 2021 - YouTube 

Sports is the vertical that the casinos are betting on. Partnerships with professional teams will boost the use of mobile gaming and sports betting apps.  The marketing opportunities are not just related to wagering on the pre match odds. Extended options involving futures and in game betting should be explored. 

Atlantic City's  revival will be peak during the summer season. Las Vegas will see an increase in their mid week business. The covenience markets like Philly,Washington and Baltimore will have to become creative because they will be competing with other comericial venues for the entertainment spend in those respective cities. 

The leader in all of the aforementioned markets must find their niche and promote themselves effectively. Determine who your customer is and keep that person connected to you. I could expand and give concepts but it would behoove me to share those thoughts in a conversation. For now, you can follow me on LinkedIn and Twitter. 

I will have some exciting news to provide to all you very shortly. Enjoy your summer.

The second performance is Bruno Mars who will be performing at the Park MGM in July. 

Performance: Silk Sonic Sings “Leave The Door Open” | iHeartRadio Music Awards 2021

Follow me on Twitter where I discuss #sportsbetting and #gaming entertainment.  Check out my articles in Bettors Insiders and in the January edition of Igaming player. 

  

 

Sweet Sixteen

The Sweet Sixteen is set. Not exactly how I envisioned it. But that is the beauty of the tournament. Let's look ar the matchups and try to get an Elite Eight.

Gonzaga beats Creighton: Gonzaga is the most explosive team and have scored over 80 points in both of their games. Creighton does not have enough firepower and must play exceptional just to hang around. Bulldogs -13.5 and 158.

Oregon over USC: Oregon controled Iowa and never let them in the game. I expect the same again when they play the Trojans. Should be a high scoring game. Ducks -2.5 and 139.

Alabama destroys UCLA: Alabama is the 2nd best team in the tournament right now. They will shoot exceptional from distance. Bruins run out of the gym. Bama -6 and 145.5

Michigan defeats Florida State: Michigan is deeper and more talented. They wear State down in a close game early and pull away late. Wolverines -3 and 143.5.

Houston over Syracuse: Houston will solve the Cuse zone and dominate the glass. Defensively sound enoughto hold Buddy Bonheim under 20 points. He has to get 25 or more for Orangeman to stay in it. Cougars -6 and 140.5.

Loyala Chicago beats Oregon State: Loyala control the tempo and wins this game. I can't go against Sister Jean after she prdicted the win over Illinois. Pac 10 have been impressive but styles dictate a Ramblers win. Ramblers -6.5 and 125.

Oral Roberts upsets Arkansas: The high powered Golden Eagles continue their impressive run and defeat the Razorbacks. Oral Roberts +11 and 159.

Baylor over Villanova. Nova is tournament ready and surprise me to get this far without Collin Gillespie. Baylor is too strong and will wear the Wildcats out. Bears -6.5 and 140.5.

My bracket that I selected prior to the tournament needs wins from Baylor, Houston,Gonzaga, Alabama and Arkansas to stay in the hunt. In making my selections, I looked at how the teams are playing now. If you view the entire remaining teams as a reseed then it is easier to evaluate the field. When you get to the Elite Eight I would look at the higher seeded team winning in each game. So they will be one or wo more upsets left before the Final Four.  To quote Jay Z, "Choose One".

Hopefully your teams will be on to the next one and meet in the Elite Eight. Follow me on Twitter where I discuss #sportsbetting and #gaming entertainment.  Check out my articles in Bettors Insider and in the January edition of Igaming player. 

The Metro Report: Sports Betting in Washington DC, Philly & New York

Since the advent of Sports Betting the coverage of the New York, Washington DC and Philadelphia markets are essential to prognosticators. So I will expand with my Gaming Guy News minutes into the 3 top cities on the East Coast.

Washington Football stunned the fan base and media by cutting Dwayne Haskins from the team. This season has not been very good statistically for the 1st round pick of 2019. He had 5TD and 7 interceptions this year with a rating of 73. Haskins had 5 fumbles and was sacked 20 times. He was receiving more attention for his off the field actions that resulted in him losing his captaincy and being fined 40,000 for violations regarding COVID protocols. He was not claimed on waivers but there is interest around the league. Expect him to be in some NFL camp next summer.

The Eagles are eliminated from the playoff picture after losing to the Cowboys. They play Washington on SNF. If Washington wins, they clinch the division. The Giants play the Cowboys earlier in the day. The winner of that game makes the playoffs if the Eagles defeat Washington. Washington Football is favored by 1.5 and the over/under is 43.5 The Cowboys are favored by 3 with a total of 44. 

The Nets lost Spencer Dinwiddie for the remainder of the season due to a partial torn ACL.  They are extremely deep, so expect Landry Shamet and Caris LeVert to get more minutes. Earlier this week, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving sat out because of back to back games. This is something to expect with the shortest off season in NBA history. Here is a sports betting minute that will help you wager on the NBA. 

On Tuesday, the Sixers beat the Raptors 100-93. Joel Embiid lead the team with 29 points and 16 rebounds. They play again on New Year's Eve against the Orlando Magic. Sixers should be a slight favorite. 

The Knicks are playing inspired basketball and have won two straight.  They demolished the Bucks by 20 and proceeded to beat the Cavaliers 95-86. Julius Randle had a triple double with 28 points,12 rebounds and 11 assists. They play the Raptors on New Year's Eve on the road. Raptors should be favored by 7 to 9 points.

The Wizards are off to a disappointing start of 0-4 with 3 of those losses coming at home. Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal have played well but the team is not strong defensively.  Beal is averaging 32 a game and Westbrook flirts with a triple double every game. Expect the Wizards to handle the Bulls in the 2nd game of a back to back. 

The sports betting action in New York is being done with Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment at the PointsBet Counter. The hours of operation are 11-6 PM, seven days a week. They are not open on holidays. If you are in New Jersey, you can do live and traditional pre match betting via mobile app. PointsBet has received accolades for their unique weekly promotions.

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Metro Report: Sports Betting in Washington DC, New York & Philly

Since the advent of Sports Betting the coverage of the New York, Washington DC and Philadelphia markets are essential to prognosticators. I would normally just focus on Las Vegas, Philly and Atlantic City but times have changed. So I will expand with my Gaming Guy News minutes into the 3 top cities on the East Coast.

Nets had their season opener on Tuesday Night. They defeated the Warriors 125-99.  Kyrie Irving had 26 points. Kevin Durant scored 22 and had 5 rebounds. The Warriors were led by Stephen Curry who scored 20 and had 10 assists. I see the Nets winning the division and having the best conference record. They should get a better test against the Celtics on Christmas Day.

The Sixers open tonight against the Wizards. The defense did not look formidable in the Wizards pre season games. The Sixers are favored by 7.5 and the total is 229. Joel Embiid looked sharp in his one preseason game. His prop bets total are 26.5 in points and 11.5 in rebounds. I am looking at the chemistry of Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook. Great players can figure things out.  

Washington Football is still leading the division with 2 games left. Dwayne Haskins is starting as of this report. He will go against the Carolina Panthers. Panthers just held the the Packers to 3 points in the 2nd half of their game on Saturday. The extra day of rest will help them. Haskins threw 55 times against Seattle. Keep that in mind when you look at his projected attempts this week. Washington is favored by 2.5 and the total is 44.5.

Giants are in 2nd right now a game in back of Washington. The Giants can't score with Colt McCoy under center. He showed he can move the team but they are poor in the red zone. This week they play the Ravens. Ravens are playing lights out and are favored by 11. Total is 45. Lamar Jackson is playing at the MVP level of last season. Giant chance of winning the division is 16%.

Eagles and Cowboys will play with the loser being eliminated from contention. Jalen Hurts will make his 3rd consecutive start. Cowboys have won two straight. Both teams need to win and get help to make the final game of the season be meaningful. The Eagles are -2.5 and the total is 49.5.

Sport Business and Wagering News: Rivers Philadelphia posted strong numbers in November. The Sports Betting Handle was approximately 27.4 million with 70.8% generated online. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, the retail operation will be closed until after the New Year. I would anticipate the handle to increase with some of the retail play shifting over to mobile, 

Follow me on Twitter for conversations and watch my videos on Instagram. Merry Christmas!

GQ, BOYDS and Me

 

Last week, I was able to have one of the best moments in my life. I was asked to interview for a segment of the Conde Nast and GQ installment, "The Breakdown”. The episode was focusing on Pit Managers.  I was pleasantly surprised when contacted. The surprise did not stem from the being asked questions about gaming and casino operations. I have always been a fan of GQ and patronized the magazine for information and visual inspirations for what to wear.  

My business attire comes from Boyds of Philadelphia. The store is one of the best men stores on the East Coast and has been mentioned several times in GQ.

Some of the questions posed to me by the producers were about my background and some of the places that I have worked. The questions about the relationship between the dealers and the players is what I want to share with you. The dealer is really hoping that the player does well so he will receive a tip or gratuity. The players have the impression that the dealers are their adversaries. The dealer makes most of his money from tips, so it is important to build a synergy with the player.

The best and most popular games are Blackjack and Baccarat.  The odds are player friendly and the availability of a game is generally high. While Covid 19 has changed the amount of people allowed to play at one time, the public demand has not diminished.  The producers seemed pleased with my responses. They laughed when I told them I subscribe to the magazine. That 35 minutes was my WOW moment. It was done on Zoom. I dressed up as if I were going to work. They noticed!

I felt like I has received an Academy Award nomination. 

                                 And the winner is

Just to be considered means all the social media posts, the articles and the blog post are being noticed by people and organizations that I have the utmost respect for. Keep watching and get ready for my next big move. Look for me at the G2E.

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Gaming Forecast for the remainder of 2020

I decided to assess what I see for 3 gaming regions. The regions are Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Everything that I hypothesis is based on COVID 19 levels. The CDC has projected a rise in cases this fall. The cold and flu season is approaching and will impact the public willingness to convene in crowded venues.

I will focus on the major cities in each of the regions. Las Vegas will still be slow to move toward recovery. Airline flights are still under capacity with extremely limited international passengers. All major convention business has been scrapped for this year.  There is talk of some concerts being scheduled in show rooms. Usher is planning a residency performance in 2021 at Caesars Palace. There are tremendous deals on room rates during the week that may tempt you to fly out for a three day - two-night getaway.

Atlantic City is still one of the top ten trip destinations in the United States according to Trip Adviser.  The casinos just received a boost with the return of dine in restaurant service. Casino restaurants, like every other restaurant, must observe the many restrictions put into place including 25% percent capacity, tables spaced 6 feet apart, patrons required to wear masks while not eating or drinking. This will entice visitors to come to the shore during the months of September thru November. The price of gas is relatively low and will motivate patrons to take a drive to America’s greatest playground. I would strongly suggest having a reservation if you are dining. Atlantic City is allowing the resumption of smoking on the casino floor. This is not in the best interest of the employees and patrons at the casinos. It allows the shore to offer something that will bring in additional revenue. The risk does not appear to be worth it. 

 

 

Philly has also extended the amenities to include food. This is consistent with the casinos that are operating outside of Philadelphia County. 24-hour gaming is going to return on September 18.  The casinos have beefed up their efforts to keep the facilities clean and have maintain temperature check policy that protects the guests and the employees. An increase of deep cleaning and disinfecting the front and back of house areas is already underway. When the capacity levels are increased to accommodate more guests, the challenge the casinos will face will be staffing. If the capacity level were increased to 40-50% by October 31, that would be a treat. Lastly, Poker should be revisited and opened with a limitation on the amount of people allowed at a table. Other modifications should include no smoking, changing cards frequently and online reservations during peak times of play.

My view is this week's Monday Motivation of optimism. The gaming industry will return to profitable levels in convenience and urban markets quicker than the resort areas. All operators must find ways to create the environment that places safety first while providing an exceptional entertainment experience. The opinions expressed are my own. The creativity I shared is to inform you of what can be accomplished during difficult circumstances.

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Managing a Casino floor during Covid-19

Here is a glimpse of what the  responsibilities are now during a pandemic. This is a dramatic change from March 12th. The parameters are in place to insure a safe gaming environment.

The protocols for wearing a mask, sanitizing your hands and temperature checks before entering the

venue are adhered to. There is an occasional  reminder to be given regarding the mask covering the 

nose but the guests and employees are compliant when ask to do so.

The challenges that present themselves are in the areas of social distancing. The players that come

with a group or companion still stay together in close alignment while near the games or slot machines. While they are doing what  seems natural, they are not exercising social distancing. This requires that 

the management team must politely request that some degree of separation must be maintain, especially around the table games. This provides a level of comfort for the staff that is dealing to the patrons.

The limitation on occupancy makes scheduling games and deploying staff a creative process. You are now going with the demand for play as oppose to offering a full compliment of all the games. If three  people are requesting a baccarat game and one person is requesting Three Card Poker, I can tell you without hesitation the game I am opening first. Certain slot machines are not operable to make social distancing a mandate.

There is more area to cover during the work day because the gaming floor is more spread out. Pre Covid configurations were based on games being adjacent to each other. Plexiglass shields and visors are available at each game. This is for the safety of the employees and guests. 

How should you manage a casino floor during a pandemic?  You should follow all of the things I mentioned above. In addition, look to be innovative in how you connect with your guest. Use social media to let them know that you appreciate their business and that you want them to know that. Maintain a staffing level that allows for flexibility and gives you the ability to react to the unforeseen.

                   

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                  Here is my latest sports betting  & sports business article in Bettors Insider.

PIVOT (2)

Lebron about to pivot

This is the second part of my PIVOT post on Smart Responsible Gaming.  The use of the term pivot in basketball is to help a player avoid a defender and find an opening on the court to take a shot, make a pass or drive to the basket. It opens up the court to you. You are that player and the world is your court.

The next letter in the acronym is O.

O is for optimistic about what you are trying to do. Don't expect the road to be easy. But never

become downtrodden or thinking you should give up. If not today then tomorrow. If not this week

then the next.

T is for tenacity in your pursuits. You refuse to be easily dispelled. Denzel Washington gave a motivational speech and stated "Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship."  "Without commitment you will never start and without consistently you will never finish." He ended by saying, "see you at work."

                                       
                                                         SEE YOU AT WORK!

                                              Part one of PIVOT can be read here.

PIVOT

This is my latest series of post that will be a part of Smart Responsible Gaming.

As a percentage of the gaming, casino and hotel industry returns to work, many 

co-workers are still on furlough or in between job opportunities. Since we 

are all in this together, this series is to help make this transition a successful one.

That is why I have chosen the acronym PIVOT in the form of initialism. I will 

share the 1st three letters today. 

The P is for planning what your next move will be. First, find out when the next 

wave of call backs to your current employer are projected for. Then you can 

determine how long you may have to wait. You can gauge the length of your 

unemployment benefits and and take advantage of any training module that may 

be available to you.

The I is for intelligently mapping out your strategize. Reach out to other members of 

your professional network and let them know that you are looking for opportunities. 

Update your resume. Have 2 copies available. One is for the type of job that you had

previously. The second will be tailored to industries that are hiring your skill set. 

Highlight the characteristics that make you appealing to a recruiter. Be prepared to have 

a phone interview or a virtual meeting via Zoom.

The V is for value you place on your self worth. You must decide how much you should be 

compensated for what you can do. Then negotiate with yourself and determine what percentage

 you could accept from any employer. Keep in mind this is a competitive job market.

I will complete the PIVOT acronym in my next blog post.

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Monday Motivation: Build A Better You

If you read last week's post, you are ready now to navigate back into the workforce. If you need to catch up with us  read here. In order to prepare effectively you must think about what you bring to the table. Oprah Winfrey is quoted as saying "When you bring excellence to a room. they will find you a seat." I will share two points we can add that will make us appealing to a new opportunity or invaluable to the employer that furlough you.

If you are looking for a new job situation, be prepared to practice "The Power of Nunchi”. This is a book written by Euny Hong. The word "nunchi translates into eye measure and listening skills. This can be incorporated into a job interview. It enables you to make assessments about a business or social situation quickly. Your chances of success increase when you can read a room, make connections, and come across as well informed.

The listening aspect of Nunchi is utilize by hearing what the interviewer wants from you and being able to convey that you can deliver. Be prepared to offer a solution in case you are ask a hypothetical question. Do some research that goes beyond the job posting that got you in the room.

If you are navigating a return to a place or industry of prior employment, bring flexibility back with you. The thought of "I 've been doing this for 5,10 years or longer and I know what I am doing" may have been acceptable in March. Now factor in social distancing, wearing a mask and the other possibilities that await you. Are you ready? A limited capacity is projected initially in hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues. The measure of flexibility may extend to you. Ask yourself how flexible you can be if you could return next week. That would give you time to mentally prepare. An NFL coach can motivate an entire 53-man roster to get ready for a game in 6 days. We only have to motivate ourselves.

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Monday Motivation: The Return to Work Blueprint

So far, my Monday Motivation posts have been designed to help us stay the course thru COVID-19. Each one,for the past four weeks, has given concepts and suggestions as to what to we should do in the meantime. Now multiple states are planning some form of re-opening. The last phase in each anticipated re-opening are hotels,casinos and entertainment venues. Since that is the majority of my colleagues and followers, this Blueprint was crafted for the gaming. tourism and hotel industries.

We are fortunate that a large percentage of the aforementioned industries have employees that reside in states that are taking the "let the data determine the date" approach. They include Pennsylvania, New Jersey. New York, Nevada and Michigan. If the numbers of people infected does not get to a level  determined by the state as a green stage then there is no choice but to wait until the pandemic subsides.

So when we return to work, the Blueprint requires that the operators and owners of each organization have placed the ultimate value on the safety and well being of the employees that will be returning to the workplace. They will be the most valuable asset the companies have in helping the business return to pre COVID levels. There should be a meeting that informs everyone via phone, email or zoom as to what the strategic plan will be.

That plan must consist of testing of the staff so everyone can feel save interacting with each other. Step two will require a social distancing policy that must be adhered to without exception. It will include the requirement of wearing a mask to protect the staff and the guests from each other. Step 3 will mandate a dedication to having the cleanest work area conceivable. This will gain public confidence that all measures are being taken to insure safety. Step four has a compulsory level of contact tracing. If there is a reported case of a guest or employee being diagnose with Coronavirus, you can have a general idea as to who that person can in contact with. This will be a proactive method to keep the virus from spreading.

In order for the Blueprint to work, there will be changes to the Standard Operations Procedures (SOP). A level of flexibility must be inherent because of a natural tendency to do things the way we have previously. Unfortunately, we won't have the ability to do that initially. Every one must buy in! If we are practical and patient, we will be thriving and fiscally successful. Each organization will have to develop partnerships to move the business incrementally. I can go into more detail but that should be part of a formal conversation. I have some time now, as most of us do, to welcome such an exchange.

This is the moment where we see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you have missed some of my earlier posts on Monday Motivation, I have included two that will bring you to the level we are now.

                                           When this is over  and Casino Life after COVID 

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Gaming and Wagering: Monday Motivation against COVID-19

We are headed in the right direction with our continued practice of social distancing. But if you are 

like me you can't practice social distancing from the refrigerator. So let's work on that as a two part way to promote Monday Motivation. Step one is to start drinking more water. Not more alcohol! The more water you drink the less food you will want to consume. Health authorities suggest the 8 by 8 rule which is 8 glasses of 8 ounces per day. After 9PM limit or shut down all food in take. You will feel better and become more equip to take on the 2nd phase of motivation.

Next step is think about what you want to improve about yourself. Take a moment to think about it..

Now that you have the one area you want to upgrade, go to Amazon or Barnes & Noble  and order the how to book or motivational author's latest work that you have in mind. If funds are limited then find the book on eBay. Commit yourself to read a chapter every day. Whatever you order can not be purely for entertainment or fiction. We got Ozark, reruns of the Wire and Tiger King for that. 

Where we are headed is a better tomorrow. But we won't be prepared to go next level unless we start now. So watch this video and get ready for when tonight to meet tomorrow. It's never too late to follow your dreams!

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Gaming and Wagering: COVID-19 call to action

Whether you are in Philly. Atlantic City or Las Vegas, if you work in gaming and hospitality, we are all experiencing the unimaginable right now. All of the casinos and hotels are closed. The "non essential" businesses which includes everything that is not related to health care and food distribution are shutdown as well. Which brings me to you.

My question is where is your glass?  In a virtual sense because we can't get together unless we Facetime or Zoom.

My next question is where do you see your glass? If you see your glass as half empty because of the pandemic, the words associated with that perception are void, not filled and desolate. If you see your glass as half filled. the words associated with that view are optimistic, prospective and engaged. All of us are binge watching and wishing this would end tomorrow.

My point is that we all got the same glass. Perhaps not the same situation. But it's not where you're at, it's what you going to do about it. So since we all got to be alone together, let's be creative together and figure out the next move. Not the next 2 months. That may be overwhelming. It is for me! But I can manage this day and the gift that was given to me. We can all do that. This was my last post on LinkedIn. It will tell you how to do it. Fill your glass!

Every Monday, I will share some Monday Motivation as long we are alone together. Share this post if you find it beneficial. Have a phenomenal week!

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