February 28, 2006

Jim,

It has been a great journey from the start of my transition in August, 2005 to my successful employment that will start in March, 2006.  You have been an integral part of that journey and the advice you provided contributed to my success.

Among the many things you provided that benefited me are:

1.  Previewing the journey that I was to start in August with my wife and me… all the ups and downs … and how to stay focused and positive

2.  Providing Erin to do the research on all the potential employers that I was to interview.

3.  Helping me with my resume and introduction letter to the recruiters and mailing them.

4.  Helpful hints on how to set up my home office to network and job search.

5.  Reviewing with me the transition message that is so important to prospective employers.

6.  How to manage references.

7.  Sharing with me what the interview process and perspectives are from the employer as well as the recruiter.

8.  Providing positive feedback after every interview.

9.  Providing networking contacts who were helpful in preparing me for interviews….e.g.  providing CNOs so that I could get their perspectives of CFOs…

10.  Our biweekly calls were always on time and productive.

11.  Advice on reentering the work routine.

Jim, the last seven months have been all work.  I do not recall golfing more than 4 times.  But it has paid off and I am grateful for counsel.

Do you recall how difficult it was for me to “sell myself” to a prospective employer?  Well with your help I wound up with two offers in the same week.

You are one of the best.  I look forward to continuing the friendship we have established.

Thanks again,

Name Withheld for Privacy

May 1, 2006

RE:  Wiederhold & Associates Letter of Recommendation

In the late winter of 2004 I found myself in transition for the first time in my 27-year career in healthcare administration.  While many of my colleagues spoke about the transition experience as if it were second nature to them and others, I found myself feeling as though I was lost in a foreign land.

I was fortunate enough to have a friend who referred me to Jim Wiederhold.  I immediately placed a telephone call to Jim’s office.  His answering machine accepted by call and within one hour I found myself talking directly with Jim about my situation.  I learned early on about the level of commitment and personal attention that Jim Wiederhold offers to his clients.

Jim was able to very efficiently develop a game plan for my situation that started with gathering specific data about my professional background and my family environment. Shortly after our initial telephone conversation I met Jim in a face-to-face setting where we reviewed the arrangement associated with my transition in an agenda-driven format.  Beginning with a critical analysis of my professional background,  we then moved on to the organization of tasks associated with the transition phase along with the creation of an effective professional Resume’.  From there we discussed steps necessary to surface professional opportunities and identified suggestions and the mechanics for achieving success.  Along the way Jim provided access for me to a variety of informational resources including a list of recommend networking participants who were equally appreciative of the value of networking relationships.  In addition, he kept in close contact with me to assist me with issues that I had encountered.

I was fortunate to have been in transition for a relatively short period of time.  Within four months I was able to land a position.  Along the way I developed a relationship with Jim and other members of his network that will last a lifetime.

It is without reservation that I recommend Jim Wiederhold and Wiederhold & Associates for anyone who is in need of transitional support and related services – regardless of the basis from which the transition may have occurred.  As I found out in my own situation, the reason for one entering into transition takes a clear back seat to the manner in which one approaches the transition process.  I was fortunate to have made the professional and personal acquaintance of Jim Wiederhold and his colleagues.

Sincerely,

Name Withheld for Privacy

July 6, 2007

Re:  Letter of Recommendation

Potential Clients:

In considering the selection of a firm which provides outplacement resources, the experience of others is an essential criterion. I spoke to multiple individuals, and found that only a few names came up consistently, and only one was mentioned every time – Wiederhold and Associates. My initial contact with Jim Wiederhold was reassuring, and served to help me initiate a process which was completely unfamiliar to me after twenty-five years in healthcare leadership.

Outplacement activity began with establishing a clear understanding of my perspective on the changes which had occurred, the tasks which were required, and clarification of my personal and professional expectations. The first face-to-face meeting was rigorous but satisfying, helping me better understand the personal commitment which was required, and focusing my efforts in a productive manner.

Jim served as mentor, guide, friend, and taskmaster throughout the search process, and continued to provide support as I transitioned into my current position as President and CEO of a small Ohio healthcare system. He always expressed his concern for me as a person, not just a client. This philosophy was also evident in the many contacts he provided, from an extensive network of individuals who were committed to helping me in my search. Jim’s referral consistently resulted in constructive discussion, and additional contacts.

I am grateful for the support of Jim Wiederhold throughout my search, and that of his staff. With his guidance, my search, and transition to a new position were positive, focused, and successful. I would be happy to share my experience with anyone who inquires.

Sincerely,

Name Withheld for Privacy

President and CEO

June 4, 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

I began working with Wiederhold and Associates in June of 2006. I had worked for a large health system in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for nearly ten years. A reorganization created concerns that my position may be in jeopardy. A friend recommended that Wiederhold and Associates could provide me with support to ramp up my job search.

Initially, Jim Wiederhold met with for two days reviewing job search resources and strategies. He specifically went over the use of networking in the job search. I was provided with a large list of individuals that I was able to enlist for assistance with my job search. We also went through a mock interview process that helped take the rust off a skill set that I had not used for many years. Over a year down the line, I met with Jim in Chicago to conduct an additional mock interview. Jim recommended that we meet because I was generating interviews without landing an offer. Immediately after this meeting, I had a number of interviews with excellent results.

During my year and a half process to find a position, I had phone conversations with someone from Wiederhold and Associates. Typically, Jim provided this service himself. These conversations helped with the ups and downs I was experiencing during the long search process. These meetings were an excellent way to maintain my motivation and to discuss strategy.

Unlike many out placement firms, Wiederhold and Associates stayed with me until I secured a new position. They worked with me beyond what the contract stated. The networking resources and the regular phone conversations are features not typically offered by other companies. Jim also helped me with the negotiations for an interim assignment and with the permanent position I began in May 2008.

I really needed assistance in the job search but it was the moral support that really made the difference. I appreciated the fact that they stuck with me. As a follow up service, Jim has continued monthly phone conversations to assist me with the transition to the new job.

This service was invaluable to me. More important, it was provided in a consistent and professional manner. In addition to securing a new position, I have also developed many new friendships with people in the Wiederhold Network. I count Jim among these friends and I expect to maintain that connection for years to come.

I would recommend Wiederhold and Associates at the highest level to any individual going through a job search. I also would Wiederhold and Associates to any company providing for executives who have been displaced.

I am very thankful that I decided to select this company. Thank you to Jim and his staff for all of their support during my long siege.

Sincerely,

Name Withheld for Privacy

July 27, 2008

Dear Jim:

Thanks for the coaching and support you have offered me during this past year.

When you first began working with me last year I was in the midst of a blinding storm. I knew it would eventually pass, but did not know if I would end up on the rocks or lost at sea. Your encouragement, insight, accountability, and ability to ask the right questions helped me to successfully hold our ship together, save the crew, maintain integrity, and move to the helm of another ship with even more opportunity.

The best thing I did was to engage your services while I was still employed rather than wait until I was on the rocks. This definitely shortened my transition period. You were able to “talk me through” some difficult issues that enabled me to successfully exit on a high note with my integrity intact. Your coaching made me see that I had indeed achieved great success even during those periods I did not feel successful. You helped me maintain and strengthen my confidence. Your networking introduced me to many other leaders who had experienced similar trials, as well as to several good opportunities.

Your coaching absolutely helped prepare me for the interviews. My interviewing skills improved 100%. You taught me how to tell my story with confidence in a concise manner. The “insider information” you were able to provide through your network was invaluable in preparing for interviews.

Even now that I have successfully transitioned into a new job, you continue to call to check on me, offer sound advice, and “service after the sale.” 

Jim, I truly appreciate what you have done for me and am proud to call you my friend.  Please continue to call me anytime I may help you and don’t hesitate to refer others to me whenever you think I may help. Thanks a lot, my friend!

Sincerely,

Name Withheld for Privacy