Eric P. Butts

Career Coach. Management Consultant. Writer. Marketer. Accountant.

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Bandwagon sports fans might be onto something smart for your career

When it comes to baseball, my kids are San Francisco Giants fans first.

It hurts my heart a little bit because I represent Chicago in all things sports (and pizza!), but there’s a good explanation.

When we moved to the bay area in 2010, the Giants were really good — like, so good it was a decent bet they were going to win the World Series if it was an even year.

Then there was the fact that my Chicago Cubs were underperforming…

… again…

There was so much disappointment growing up a Cubs fan, where this infamous moment was probably the lowest point:

So the reason I somewhat begrudgingly stood by and allowed such a thing to happen is this…
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What’s the common thread between Baskin Robbins, Dr. Pepper, and Management Consulting?

This idea randomly popped in my head today about the similarities between Dr Pepper, Baskin Robbins, and the world of management consulting.

The answer: flavors. I’ll explain.

Many will recognize Baskin Robbins as having 31 flavors of ice cream but fewer probably are aware that Dr Pepper supposedly has 23 flavors making up that sweet nectar.

Similarly, most people think of consulting as one thing. Those people would be woefully incorrect in that assessment. [Read more…]

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What to do when you hate your project

Consulting Project Exit Plan

I can’t remember a time when I’ve seen so many colleagues leaving the firm. Some people are jumping because of a unique opportunity not available within the firm. Others quit go to a competitor (ouch!). I remember when I made a change to a competitor and there were a whole lot of questions about the why. Part of me just needed a change but I also knew that the firm’s timing wasn’t going to work for me, so I acted accordingly.  [Read more…]

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3 Reasons Average Students Should Have Confidence They Can Become Good Accountants

bad student can become great accountant

 

Do you believe an average student can become a good accountant?

That was all the message I received this morning said. No context, no nothing. I ignored it at first and then considered writing an equally short response of “it depends,” but thought there are probably other people questioning if they can go from “average” student to rockstar accountant. [Read more…]

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3 Reasons Your Management Consulting Resume Didn’t Get a Call Back For An Interview

Management Consulting Resume Should Stay on Script
Standing out cuts both ways…

You ever apply for a management consulting position you KNOW is perfect for you but never got a call back?

You send a follow-up email to the recruiter or hiring manager only to be met with silence?

You made sure your resume was FILLED with accomplishments since you entered the working world. In fact, you have so many wonderful things you’ve done, you can’t even fit them on one page. How could nobody call you back for this position?

Without even seeing what you submitted, I can give you a some direction on where you may need to change your approach to improve your odds on the next application.

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6 Career Tips for Aspiring Accountants

So you want to be an accountant

At least a couple of times a week, I get a message from someone on LinkedIn or someone who read a post on my blog looking for advice on going into accounting. Sometimes the questions focus on education path, and sometimes they focus on the job or career you can have once you obtain the CPA designation. I’ve gotten enough questions and had enough conversations now to notice some themes I think are worth while to address in long form. [Read more…]

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3 Words That Will Kill Your Career

3 words that will kill your career
In today’s working world, people are asked to do a lot, to fulfill roles which may not come naturally to them. Part of this stems from companies becoming “leaner” with their staff. Everyone has their primary role but then everyone also has to pitch in a little in other areas to make sure businesses continue to run smoothly. I remember in business school studying Southwest Airlines and how they have such high on-time rates. It came down to two things.First, they stayed away from the worst airports, so no O’hare and no JFK, to name a couple. Second,

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How Far Would You Go to Avoid Wearing a Collared Shirt?

Shirt Collar With No Shirt
This actually happened…

A couple of weeks ago, a guy walks into the office wearing a v-neck sweater with nothing under it but a t-shirt. Said guy’s manager advises him to hit the mall to buy some collared shirts to go under those v-necks. After all, perception is everything in this business.

This week, I go into one of the conference rooms — at the client site — to take a phone call, shut the door, and I find this hanging on the back of the door…

It would appear that said guy, a manager at a consulting firm, chose to go with this feaux collar instead of taking the time to wear a shirt under his sweaters. One could look at this in one of two ways:

  1. Genius innovation for speed and comfort
  2. An odd manifestation of immaturity in the workplace

Which one do you think it is? Let me know in the comments.