PlayTime Inc. Team Building & Leadership News

From our BEST Customer, if you're interested, I HIGHLY recommend you send a resume through me...

Ed Cohen is one of the most amazing people I know and have in my life. From his incredible personal development to his business acumen, I learn something new from Ed everytime I work with him.

If you meet the qualifications and feel you are a good fit, please send me a resume and I can forward it to Ed.

-John

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Due to our rapid growth, we currently have some very exciting opportunities. If you know of someone who might fit the qualifications, please pass this along to them.
Thanks,
Ed

BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON

Recently ranked number four on Training magazine's 2004 Top 100 list and rated "Best in Class" honor in the Professional Services Company category for the second year in a row, we have several opportunities available in Booz Allen’s Center for Performance Excellence.

Booz Allen, a global leader in strategy and technology consulting, provides services to major international corporations and government clients around the world. Our major areas of expertise include strategy, organization and change leadership, operations, information technology, and technology management. In Fiscal-Year 2004 — which ended on March 31, 2004 — the firm recorded $2.5 billion in annual sales. Staff has increased to 14,500 members located in offices on six continents.

Learning Specialist Level III (2 openings)
Located in McLean, Va, New York or Atlanta, organizes, develops and facilitates programs and participates in special projects that foster performance improvement. Assists in identifying, recruiting, and certifying subject matter experts for programs.

Skills:
o Bachelor’s degree (Masters preferred) in Adult Learning, HR Management, Education, Communications, or related field
o 7+ years experience in design, development & delivery of training programs
o Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communications skills and consulting skills
o Ability to work in a team environment that includes team leadership and project management experience

Frontline Leadership Learning Manager
Located in McLean, Va, New York, Atlanta, or San Diego, design and implement programs to build the firm’s intellectual capital and further the firm’s people strategy. Maintain curriculum integrity as it pertains to content design, facilitators, speakers, etc. Ensures building block integrity within the subject to avoid design redundancies. Works collaboratively across the sub-teams.

Skills:
o Bachelor’s degree (Masters preferred) preferably in Adult Learning, HR Management, Education, Communications, or related field
o 7+ years Professional Development experience including platform facilitation, design, management, and evaluation of training programs; or other relevant experience
o Excellent writing, presentations, interpersonal, and consulting skills required
o Ability to assess and understand complex interpersonal and inter-group issues
o Comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge of relevant subject matter in the areas of management development, learning methodologies and technologies, business strategy, and organization development
o Ability to work in a team environment that includes team leadership and project management experience

Culture Manager
Located in McLean, Va, lead initiatives and programs designed to maintain and evolve the firm’s culture that are created as a result of the Firm’s People Strategy results and in response to the firm’s rapid growth in the region. Ensures quality of client deliverables. Leads, coaches, and develops staff. Develops, manages, and overseas the budget for program areas.

Skills:
o Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree or certificate in Adult Learning, HR Mgmt, Education, Organization Development, or related field; or 10+ years of relevant experience
o 5-7 years of consulting experience with preferred experience/expertise in change management and large-scale organization development projects
o Excellent writing, presentation, interpersonal, and consulting skills

Immersion Learning Manager
Located in McLean, Va, leads the Immersion Team, which is responsible for developing and delivering all new hire programs. Manages trainers, designs and implements immersion programs, builds and expands client relationships. Develops, manages and oversees budget for program. Leads, coaches, and develops staff.

Skills:
o Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree or certificate in Adult Learning, HR Mgmt, Education, Organization Development, or related field; or 10+ years of relevant experience
o 5-7 years of experience in the design, development, delivery, and evaluation of training programs; or other relevant experience
o Excellent writing, presentation, interpersonal, and consulting skills
o Strong project management skills required with a proven track record
o Supervisory experience preferred
o Experience working on assignments that require systems thinking skills
o Comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge of relevant subject matter in the areas of management development, learning methodologies and technologies, and business strategy

Program Manager
Located in McLean, Va, leads the Program Management (PM) functions for the firm’s corporate industry. Functional oversight includes administration of all PM activities. Works with Program Management Office to develop strategic plans and measures to ensure effectiveness and consistency regarding Center Program Management Services. Manages the call center, project standards and deliverables, evaluation and measurement, as well as oversight for all major projects..

Skills:
o Bachelor’s degree (Masters preferred)
o 8-10 years of business experience that includes 3-5 years experience managing complex projects
o Acute Experience with Microsoft Project
o PMI Certified or close to certification
o Experience formalizing processes and making process improvements.
o Experience conceptualizing and using automated reports for management of the department.
o Experience and proven track record of success in a customer service driven environment.
o Experience in building relationships and business management.
o Experience working under tight deadlines with strong organizational skills.
o Ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff, including senior management.
o Requires excellent oral and written communication skills.

Note: Booz Allen will assist with relocation costs. Interested applicants should email their resume with a cover letter and salary history to Nicole Shell at SHELL_NICOLE@BAH.COM

Team Tip: It's About The Greater Good

We just completed another great event with a brand new client, WaMu or Washington Mutual for you non-locals. This is just the 3rd team that has completed our event at the highest level. One key theme that continues to emerge with our highest performing teams is that It's About The Greater Good.

Level 1 Collaboration - Teams start in competitive mode. They bond together only with themselves, they don't share information or maybe give mis-information, refuse to talk, are guarded and create strategies where they win and others lose. Individual teams perform, but rarely do they achieve the company goal or the highest score.

Level 2 Collaboration - Teams collaborate just enough to achieve the company goal. They talk to each other, they strike deals, they divide and conquer, they coordiate, they give feedback to each other or a central agency, and most importantly, they know they have achieved the company goal. They share information, yet teams continue to guard, withhold or time certain information such that they achieve the company goal AND they attempt to end up in first place. These teams score high, but they continue to leave revenue on the course.

Level 3 Collaboration - Teams collaborate to achieve the company goal AND maximize their revenue. It requires out of the box thinking, flexibility, working with new team members, selling your ideas to the other teams, leadership, organization and teamwork. 2x to 3x the results can be produced in the same or less time, yet it is much more complex to plan and execute. This requires a high degree of communication and trust to pull off a Level 3 collaborative solution. In addition, if you're exceptional at this game, you also find a way to keep your team just one step ahead.

Every group in the debrief says the new teams gel when they know their purpose. When they know it's about how to achieve the company goal and to maximize revenue, teams are willing to give up resources, share resources, commit to go the extra mile and volunteer to make sure it just gets done.

If you're having a challenge with one of your teams, ask what is the purpose of the team? Then check, is the purpose about the greater good or just to further that single team along?

Wendy's International, Inc. Announces Management Transition at Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

Baja Fresh is one of our 2003 clients, here's some updated news on our growing family!

http://biz.yahoo.com/cnw/040405/oh_wendy_s_baja_fresh_1.html

Call That Bluff! - Applying Poker Skills To The Business World.

I met Davis at the last NW Next meeting and we hit it off immediately. He will be competing in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas in the upcoming month as well as being a totally cool guy/immigration lawyer.

If you love poker, or you're interested in how the pros on TV do it, come join us as MY guest and learn how either you can become a 40<40/NW Next member or sponsor.

-John Chen
CEO, PLAYTIME Inc.

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April Event of NW Next - The Official Alumni Organization of the PSBJ 40 Under 40
(Not affiliated with PSBJ in any way)

Call that bluff!

Applying Poker skills to the business world.

Join us for a hand of poker and learn about using poker skills to win at business.

This month's event features Forty Under 40 honoree
Davis Bae
President of The Bae Law Group

Join us

When: Wednesday, April 14th, 2004 from 6 pm - 9 pm.
Where: The Columbia Tower Club
Bank of America Tower
701 Fifth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
206.622.2010

Cost: Member price - $35; Member guest - $35
Non-member - $50; Non-member guest $50

Register now at: http://www.acteva.com/go/nwnext

Directions: http://www.columbia-tower.com/about/directions.htm

We hold events the second Wednesday of every month,
so mark your calendars.

Win the Garage of Your Dreams Contest

Laura Leist is one of my good friends and a fellow PSBJ Top 40 Entrepreneur Under The Age of 40. We recently became clients and Laura gave us some key organization ideas that I've NEVER heard before! I know I'm entering my garage and I highly suggest you do the same!

-John
CEO, PLAYTIME Inc.
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Win the Garage of Your Dreams Contest

In case you have not seen the announcements on Evening Magazine,
I wanted to let you know about this amazing contest we are sponsoring.

Here are the details....

Eliminate Chaos and Garage Tek are teaming up to provide one lucky winner with the garage of their dreams.

The winner will receive the following
1. Hands on Organizing Services by 5 Eliminate Chaos Organizing Consultants
2. Product and Installation from Mike Seal of Garage Tek
3. Removal of all Garbage by Trash Busters - donated by Tyler Kornelis

We estimate that the total value of this prize will be worth over $10,000!


If you would like to enter this contest, you will need to submit pictures of your garage and 50 words or less why you should be the winner.

For more information on how you can enter, please visit http://www.king5.com/eveningmagazine/content.html?garage

Entries must be submitted no later than April 13th to Evening Magazine.

If you would like more information on our services, click on www.eliminatechaos.com
If you would like more information on the Garage Tek product and service, please click on www.garagetek.com.

Please - no phone calls regarding the contest - all rules are posted on Evening Magazine's website.

Good Luck!

Laura Leist
Business & Residential Organizing
Eliminate Chaos, LLC
Office: 425.670.2551
Cell: 206.250.7669
www.eliminatechaos.com

Job Opportunity - Marketing Director in Seattle

Got this request from Michelle, a good friend of mine who used to work at TAF, works with NW Next and now for All Star Directories.

Contact her if you want more info or have a candidate.

-John
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The company I work for, All Star Directories, is looking for a Marketing Director, and I thought you might know some stellar contacts.

If you know any incredible candidates, looking for a leadership role in Marketing for a profitable and fast-growing, web-based company (they really do exist), please let me know! The company was founded in 2001 by Mike Mathieu, a former Microsoft Exec, Harvard Grad, and REALLY SMART GUY (I’m a HUGE fan)!

If you have a personal contact, please have them forward their resume to my work email is Michele@allstardirectories.com

Thanks guys!

Here is the description:

Director of Marketing
In a fast growing business, it takes individuals with equal amounts of skill and enthusiasm to create and sustain momentum for long term growth.

That’s the charge of the Marketing Director at All Star Directories. We work with more than 1,000 colleges and universities to help them recruit students using the Internet. And after a year of 300% growth and solid profitability, we’re ready to set our sights higher.

The ideal candidate possesses excellent marketing and business analysis skills, well-developed strategic thinking, strong written and verbal communication, and a thorough understanding of technology and its uses in interactive advertising.

Responsibilities
Create and implement long-term marketing strategies that drive revenue, build customer loyalty, and drive faster adoption of All Star Directories services.
Formulate business and marketing strategy, then execute the strategy through product positioning, PR, partnerships, and promotions.
Direct business-to-business lead generation and qualification activities, including performance-based advertising, tradeshows, and email.
Devise and execute marketing communications including research, branding, advertising, events, PR, sales tools, and the corporate website.
Develop pricing strategies and sales forecast.
Create and execute site promotion plans and site launch activities.
Provide support to sales force in the form of advertising, brochures, technical information, training, etc.
Prepare and manage the marketing budget.
Qualifications
Knowledge of modern marketing management, product planning, product management, and sales forecast principles, methods and practices.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated success designing, developing, and executing business to business marketing programs.
7+ years of success in a classical marketing environment.
An MBA is strongly preferred.
Michele E. Weingeist

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What if opportunity was colorblind?

www.techaccess.org

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So, you're a PSBJ 40 Under 40, what's next?

www.nwnext.org

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Give Them An Experience - More Than Just A Limo by Jerry Clark

My sister Anne forwarded this very cool article to me. Our business is about experience, we have we can perform to this "Limo Level", and so do you...

GIVE THEM AN EXPERIENCE...by Jerry Clark
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5:15am the phone rings and I reach over to answer it...A friendly voice is on
the other end, "Good Morning Mr. Clark, this is your wake up call." I say
"Thank you." I get up and take a shower, get dressed and at 5:38am another call
from the Front Desk, "Mr. Clark, would you require some assistance with your
luggage?" I say, "That would be great." Three minutes later the bellboy comes
and gets my luggage and I find myself at the reception desk at 5:45am to check
out... "Did you get a peaceful rest Mr. Clark?"... I smile at her and nod my
head yes... "Mr. Clark, when will you be returning?" "In March" I reply. "We'll
be sure to have your room waiting for you upon arrival sir." (They somehow
manage to have the same room available for me when I go to this hotel... I
almost feel like they built the room just for me... By the way, it's the Amara
Hotel in Singapore in case you're curious... Ok, back to the story.) "Thank you"
is my response. "By the way Mr. Clark, your driver is here for you. Have a
pleasant journey back to Dallas." So far this is normal... Just going through my
regular routine... I proceed to the Mercedes Benz that's waiting for me and my
luggage is already loaded so I tip the bellboy and a cheerful driver opens the
door for me smiling from ear to ear... "Good Morning Mr. Clark my name is
Jeffrey Tan Sir." Jeffrey is not my usual driver but that's ok, any guy who's
that cheerful and excited before 6am is ok by my standards... "Top of the
morning to you Jeffrey." I respond... I get in the Mercedes (nothing special,
just a regular 4-Door sedan) and I immediately notice three TV screens in the
car... Hummm, this is typical in the stretch limos, but this was just a regular
4 Door Sedan E-Class Mercedes Benz... Jeffrey says, "Mr. Clark I understand you
are from Plano Texas (I'm thinking, I wonder what else he knows about me... I
better check to make sure I still have my passport)... "Yes, I live in Plano
Texas, have you ever been there." "Not yet Sir, but I'm sure it's a beautiful
place to live." This is a pretty cool guy I think to myself... He proceeds, "Mr.
Clark, since your regular driver wasn't available, the Hotel wanted to send you
a World Renowned Driver... I've been featured on CNN, BBS, and other channels
throughout the world because I have the only Mercedes that has a fully equipped
Karaoke Singing Station in it... There are over 1,000 songs programmed in my
system and I sing in 8 languages... Do you sing Mr. Clark? "Only when the
Government is trying to quickly evacuate a building," I laughingly respond... He
chuckles and says, "That sounds like me in my past life... (I let him
continue)... Before getting into the transportation business, I was a Sergeant
in the military for 30 years and a few years back I retired." Just when I
thought he was joking with all of this Karaoke stuff, he starts a video showing
feature stories of him in all of these TV programs that he had mentioned... I
watch in amazement for about 7 minutes... Then, this guy puts on a headset,
turns on a song and starts singing Karaoke to an Indonesian Song... I couldn't
believe what I was seeing or hearing... He was actually pretty good... Then,
before I knew it, he turns around and hands me a Microphone... "What is this, I
think to myself as if I've never seen a microphone." Do you know the Beach Boys?
"Ummm... Yea, I've heard of them." (I'm trying to worm my way out of what I
think is about to happen)... All of a sudden, the Beach Boys entire catalog of
songs came strolling down the screen... Do you know this one he said, "Born To
Be Wild?" Well I... Before I could say anything, the video began and the words
started to appear on the screen... "Oh, just speak directly into the microphone
for better results Mr. Clark." The next thing you know, I'm singing full fledge
BORN TO BE WILD by myself in a Mercedes going 70 miles per hour down a freeway
in Singapore at 6 something in the morning with full reverb and all... Right as
the song was finishing, we pull up at the airport... I was just starting to get
into it... I got out the car, gave this guy a tip that consisted of all the
Singapore Dollars I had in my pocket, thanked him for the experience, promised
to call him when I'm back in Singapore so we can proceed with part two, and
walked away saying WOW!

I mean just when you thought you've seen it all, you encounter something like
that... As I walked into the airport terminal I thought about something Jeffrey
said when I was watching one of the interviews of him... He said that he does
Karaoke because we live in a stressful world. He said that people are stressed
about a lot of things and so he simply wants to assist them in de-stressing ?
even if it's just for a little while... I certainly felt de-stressed and more at
ease and alert and ready to take my 24-hour journey back home...

So what's the point you might ask... The point is that Jeffrey Tan didn't just
give me a ride to the airport, he gave me an experience... But not just any
experience, an experience I won't ever forget... In fact, I thought about it the
entire flight from Singapore to Japan, which is where I am waiting for my next
flight and writing this message to you... The point is why don't we do the same
thing for our customers... Why don't we give them an experience... The next
training or event you have for your group, give them an experience... Think of
ways you can do what you do different and better that will ad value to the end
user... The bottom line is I'm looking for ways to create positive and impactful
experiences for you... Why don't you do the same for your customers? Experiences
that you will always remember and that you will surely tell other people
about... Experiences like the one Jeffrey Tan provided for me... By the way, if
you are ever in Singapore and feel like brushing up on your Karaoke skills, then
you can e-mail Jeffrey and ask him to pick you up... His e-mail address is
jefflimo@singnet.com.sg. Can you believe that this guy even has a website...
It's http://www.jefflimo.com. You see what happens when you provide someone with
a positive experience... You get referrals automatically... These are all
Network Marketers who do a lot of traveling... I think Jeff may need a few more
Mercedes soon... Ok, my flight is about to board... Until Next time...

PLAYTIME Inc. to Present at Seattle Chamber's Tradeshow 2004 on Apr 28th, 2004 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Event Details
REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Date: Wednesday, April 28
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Chamber members: $12 pre-paid, $18 after Mon, Apr. 26
Non-members: $18 pre-paid, $25 after Mon., Apr. 26
Place: Seahawks Stadium & Exhibition Center, 800 Occidental Avenue S, Seattle
Registration: REGISTER INDIVIDUALS ONLINE or contact Events Registration at 206.389.7245 or by email.
Tables: Email Emmy Jordan to enquire about table availability.
Parking: Parking is available in the Stadium North Lot.

ANNUAL TRADESHOW

Looking for that contact in the haystack?

Don't miss out! Attend Seattle's Best Tradeshow and Networking Event.

Enjoy the food while painlessly making those new contacts.

Experience the great range of superior products and services available from Chamber members.

Browse exhibitors' displays of products and services while networking to build business relationships.
The tradeshow is an evening networking event where exhibitors rent tables and provide detailed displays of their products and services. To enquire about the availability of display tables, email Emmy Jordan or call 206.389.7247.

Our tradeshow is hosted by the Seahawks Stadium & Exhibition Center. Where else can you raise money, extend your product line, tie the knot, cut a rug and buy a boat--all in one place? Seahawks Stadium & Exhibition Center is your place for space. From fundraisers, seminars and luncheons to pre-games, proms and weddings, the Seahawks Stadium & Exhibition Center can accommodate events of nearly any style and size. Enjoy incredible views, world-renowned catering and state-of-the-art amenities at this ideal environment for trade/consumer shows, concerts and sporting events as well as corporate events and special occasions.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR HOST

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Seahawks Stadium & Exhibition Center
800 Occidental Ave. S, Seattle 98104
Note: There will not be a Mariners baseball game in Seattle on the day of the tradeshow.

From I-5 Both Northbound and Southbound
Take exit #164 (marked for Safeco Field: exit 164 if southbound and exit 164B if northbound).
Follow signs to Fourth Ave. S and turn right.
Turn right at the first light onto S Royal Brougham Way.
Turn right onto Occidental Ave S. Turn right onto S King St.
Turn right into the Stadium North Lot.

From Inside the City of Seattle
First Avenue Route: Follow First Ave. south to S Royal Brougham Way. Turn left onto Occidental Ave S. Turn right onto S King St. Turn right into the Stadium North Lot.
Fourth Avenue Route: From Fourth Ave., turn right onto S Jackson St., turn left onto 2nd Ave S, and proceed into the Stadium North Lot.

From I-90
Follow signs to Fourth Avenue S and turn right. Turn right on to S Royal Brougham Way.
Turn right onto Occidental Ave S. Turn right onto S King St.
Turn right into the Stadium North Lot.

Parking
Park for $5 in the Stadium North Lot. Enter at the junction of 2nd Ave. S and King St. and park in the southwest corner of the lot (the portion of the lot near the stadium and the entrance to the NW VIP Lounge).

Entrance to the tradeshow
Proceed through the large gates on the North Plaza into the NW VIP Lounge. Take the elevator to Club Level (C) and proceed to the West Club Lounge. There will be signs to direct you along the way.

John Chen to host a table with CEO Stan McNaughton, CEO of PEMCO

http://www.seattlechamber.com/servlet/page?_pageid=129&_dad=portal30&_schema=PORTAL30&P_DATE=2004-04-27&p_event_id=1285&p_item_id=REGISTRATION

Just let the Chamber know you're with me, hope to see you there!
FYI, CEO John Chen is an active member of the Seattle Chamber on various committees, partially responsible for getting Richard Tait to show at last year's Salute to Small Business and will be showing at the Chamber 2004 Mini-Tradeshow at Seahawks Stadium.

Event Details
REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Date: Tuesday, April 27
Time: 12:00 noon-1:30 p.m.
Cost: $30 per person, $300 for table of ten
Place: Washington Athletic Club, Crystal Room, 1325 Sixth Ave.
Registration: REGISTER ONLINE or contact Meghan McLaughlin at 206.389.7262
Parking: area parking lots

MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce's Spring Membership Meeting will take place on April 27, 2004, noon-1:30 p.m. at the Washington Athletic Club and will feature Stan McNaughton, Chairman and CEO of PEMCO Insurance. Mr. McNaughton will speak about corporate responsibility in today's business world. We hope you will join us for the first Membership Meeting of 2004.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From I-5 Northbound
Take the Seneca St. Exit. Stay to the right and take a right onto 6th Ave.

From I-5 Southbound
Take Union St. Exit. This will take you to 7th & Union St. From Union St., turn left at Fifth Ave. Turn left at University Street. Turn left at Sixth Ave.