Posted by Mark Brousseau
It’s that time of year again! Time for all those get-togethers that come with the season. If you’re one of the millions of Americans looking for work, however, you’re probably not in much of a celebrating mood. And spreading good cheer at party after party is likely the last thing you’ve felt like doing. For you (and so many others), it’s job search crunch time.
Maribeth Kuzmeski stresses that if you’re seeking employment or looking to take that next step in your career, this is the year you should focus less on the open bar and those trays of tempting hors d’oeuvres and more on maximizing events to make connections that will land you that great new job.
“The holiday season means plenty of opportunities to meet new and interesting people,” says Kuzmeski, author of The Connectors: How the World’s Most Successful Businesspeople Build Relationships and Win Clients for Life and the new book …And the Clients Went Wild! How Savvy Professionals Win All the Business They Want.
“There’s no other time of the year when you’ll have so many events to attend that also translate to more opportunities to network! If you go into them armed and ready to make the most of your time with everyone you encounter, you just might walk away with a ton of new job contacts and maybe even an interview.”
Kuzmeski is an expert at helping businesses and individuals create strong business relationships that will help them get ahead regardless of their professions.
“Great networkers are capable of leaving something behind with everyone they encounter—a thought, a memory, or a connection. This is exactly what you need to do if you are currently in the job market. You need to make strong connections, become a relationship builder. You want to be the first person who comes to mind when someone in your network hears about a great job opening.”
Below Kuzmeski offers advice for how you can network your way to a great new job for the New Year:
Think like an introvert—if you have to go, have a plan. Social events can be nerve-racking, especially when you have so much on the line, as many unemployed partygoers will. But instead of succumbing to your clammy hands and being a wallflower all night, formulate a plan of action ahead of time that will help you make the most of every event. Doing so will ensure that you make all the right connections, and it will help to alleviate all that pre-party social anxiety.
“First, think about which contacts are the most important to you—maybe the HR rep for a company you’ve been eying is there or maybe there are a few people you want to ask about possible openings at their companies—and make a point to speak to each of them during the event (instead of hiding behind the dessert bar the entire night!),” says Kuzmeski. “Find out who will be attending the event. Do some research online or on social networking sites like LinkedIn to learn about attendees. You may even want to consider asking the host for a guest list. Pick five people with whom you definitely want to speak while you are there, and don’t avoid the big names. Make sure you challenge yourself by making an effort to connect with at least one top dog.”
Let them do the talking. (You ask the questions!) There’s nothing worse than coming away from a great networking opportunity realizing that you never got to the point. For example, maybe you learned a big-time CEO’s favorite basketball team, but you have no idea if he is planning on hiring in the new year. As you work the crowds, be sure to have more in your arsenal than small talk. Kuzmeski suggests coming up with a list of questions to use on your fellow party guests. Here are a few great ice breakers to get the ball rolling:
Where did you grow up?
Do you still have family there?
How are your kids?
What do you think about…? (Complete this question with something from current events, your town or city’s local news, or a recent event in your industry.
Remember, it is always a good idea to avoid topics that can lead to contentious conversations, e.g., religion, politics, etc.)
Once the conversation is flowing freely, then you can move on to the questions that might help you land the new job:
How did your company do this year?
I heard you have a great (fill in your expertise) department. Do you think you will be expanding any time soon?
What’s your biggest challenge? (After you hear the answer to this one, if you can, describe how you might be able to help this new contact overcome his challenge.)
“After he answers you, it’s always a good idea to follow up with a secondary question that encourages him to tell you more,” Kuzmeski adds. “The more he talks and you listen, the more he will like you because you are showing genuine interest in him. Pretty soon, he will be asking you questions, and a valuable business connection will have been made!”
Be prepared to pitch yourself in fifteen seconds. It’s no doubt that you have a lot of qualifications and experience. So much that you could probably go on for hours about yourself. But the harsh reality is that no one (except for your mom!) wants to hear that much about your accomplishments. Kuzmeski says that when you’re meeting new people at parties, you should resist the urge to start presenting your résumé word-for-word. Instead, prepare a short, fifteen-second elevator pitch that hits on your career high points and top skills. Think about what’s unique about what you have done and what will stand out in a room full of people who are also talking about themselves. Be sure that whomever you speak with will still remember you at the end of the night.
“The key to an effective pitch is keeping it short while still including your biggest wins,” Kuzmeski explains. “For example, I’ve had great success with the following pitch about myself: ‘Hi! My name is Maribeth Kuzmeski. I own a marketing consulting firm, Red Zone Marketing, which employs seven people who are all focused on helping companies find more business. I’ve worked with an NBA basketball team, with U.S. senators, financial advisors, and mutual fund companies. I’ve even closed a sale while upside down in an aerobatic biplane at 3,000 feet above ground.’ I find that it is hard for most people to walk away without asking me about that last part or which NBA team or U.S. senators I’ve worked with. Be creative and think about how you can frame your accomplishments in a way that gets other guests’ attention. Once you have their attention, the door is open for you to tell more about yourself, find out more about them, and start connecting your way to a new job.”
The party may end, but your connection shouldn’t. It’s a busy time of year, and if you’re meeting tons of people at parties and other networking events, it can be hard to keep track of what you told to whom, who gave you what advice, and whom you agreed to meet with to discuss your qualifications next Monday. Following an event, be proactive. Spend ten minutes cementing your connections by creating a database that allows you to keep track of all the connections you’ve made. Include reminders to yourself of interesting or remarkable things that people said or that you learned so that you won’t forget them and can refer back to them in later conversations. And be sure to use social media to keep in touch.
“Use LinkedIn or other social networking tools to invite your new contacts to connect with you,” Kuzmeski says. “Share something the person said to you at the event that you really enjoyed or remind her of a connection point you made. (For example, if you discovered you both like the same sports team, you might say, ‘Let’s hope the So-and-Sos get a win this weekend!’). If you can, send her something that shows you care about her business. It might be an article about her industry or even a referral for someone you know would benefit from that company’s help. Whatever it is, create a course of action that will help you further connect with these important individuals. Soon, they will be seeking you out because you’ve piqued their interest with the impression you have made!”
Remember, who they know matters too. You’re going to meet a ton of people during the height of party season. Some of them will have direct connections to companies you want to work for, but many others will not. Remember, just because “Sam,” who manages a small widget-making factory in Reno, isn’t going to hire you for his company doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have a brother-in-law who happens to have a best friend who works at a software company that’s hiring.
“The focus of networking should not be on gaining an immediate job offer from the people you network with,” says Kuzmeski. “In fact, that tactic almost never works. The goal should, instead, be to build a mutually beneficial relationship with someone who may never even be able to give you a job, but might know someone who can. When you start a conversation with someone, commit. Follow it to its conclusion and you never know what you will find out. Giving up on someone just because you don’t think he can help you is the absolute opposite of being a master connector.”
Even family functions are networking opportunities. Sometimes the most obvious connections are the ones most easily ignored. Just because you may be at a mandatory family meal doesn’t mean there’s no opportunity for networking. When you are building your network or considering who might be able to lend you a helping hand during your job search, don’t forget about the fruit closest to the ground.
“Again, think about the people close to you, who might have huge networks of their own,” says Kuzmeski. “For example, maybe your mom is or used to be a teacher. She’s had contact with tons of parents over the years who just might be working at a company that could hire you. Or maybe your best friend is in a completely different industry from you, but he has a huge network of friends on Facebook. Maybe your sister-in-law has a client who told her he is desperate for help. You never know how a great opportunity will present itself. Don’t count anyone out of your networking efforts, especially those who are the closest to you and therefore the most willing to help.”
Give yourself the gift of a professional organization membership. If you’ve been avoiding joining the association of your profession, there is no better time to make the move than right now. First of all, they might be offering a special holiday membership fee. Secondly, what better way to find a job doing what you love to do than by joining a group of like-minded professionals whose employers just might be hiring?
“In order to meet people within your industry this time of year, add trade shows and seminars to your list of holiday parties,” recommends Kuzmeski. “These events and organizations provide great opportunities to help you get your name out in your industry. Again, you might not find someone who is going to hire you on the spot, but you will have the chance to meet people who have the potential to hire you in the future. And while you can’t exactly lug a stack of résumés to your wife’s work party, you can certainly take hard copies of your résumé and of course business cards to these kinds of events. The more people within your industry or profession who know you the better.”
Volunteer. When you think of volunteering, you might not immediately think, Great job finding opportunity, but it actually can be. It’s the time of year for tons of holiday parties, but there are also tons of volunteering opportunities that offer a great way to sneak in some networking. For example, if you are in marketing, volunteer to work with a nonprofit and offer to send out a fundraising/marketing piece that will help them tap into people’s giving spirit and raise some money for the organization. “There are usually many hands that go into keeping a nonprofit running,” says Kuzmeski. “Volunteering provides you the opportunity to meet them. And remember, you don’t necessarily have to be doing anything that is connected to your profession. Simply volunteering at a place with a cause you are passionate about will provide you the chance to get in front of a lot of great connectors you might not have met otherwise.”
“If being unemployed or just unhappy in your current job has zapped all of the energy and motivation from you, don’t throw out those party invitations just yet,” says Kuzmeski. “RSVP with a ‘yes!’ and resolve that you won’t leave any event without having made a couple of great new job connections. Approach each party as the first step to getting a job interview. Put yourself out there, make the first move, and be yourself. It is the best way to kick off 2011 sitting in your office at a great new job.”
What do you think?
Showing posts with label career change. Show all posts
Showing posts with label career change. Show all posts
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Why It's a Great Time to Look for a Job
Posted by Mark Brousseau
You've been on the job hunt for months—maybe even all year—and you're looking forward to the coming respite from search-related stress and disappointment. The holidays are here, after all. And it's "common knowledge" that nothing happens on the hiring front from Thanksgiving to New Year's. You might as well give the pavement pounding a rest and focus on decking the halls for a while...right?
Wong. In fact, says Kate Wendleton, now is exactly the time to hit your job search the hardest.
"Although most job seekers don't realize it, conditions are ideal for them this time of year," confirms Wendleton, president of The Five O'Clock Club (www.fiveoclockclub.com), a career coaching and outplacement network. "While they won't 'officially' tell you, many organizations are planning to hire in January. That means now is the perfect time to put yourself on their radar."
Wendleton knows all about helping people navigate the complicated job market, regardless of the season. Hers is the only career program in which members meet with professional coaches and peers on a weekly basis in a friendly, club-type format. It offers small group career coaching across the U.S. and Canada. And its website—www.fiveoclockclub.com—provides hundreds of free articles and audio recordings on job searching and career development.
"It may come as a big surprise, but looking for a job this time of year actually increases your chances of getting hired," Wendleton promises. "You have less competition, and many companies are in a hiring mood. It's the perfect storm—in a good way—for job seekers."
Read on for the case as to why you should keep on keepin' on...and some suggestions from The Five O'Clock Club for how you can maximize your momentum amidst the merriment:
Why you shouldn't wait 'til January:
'Tis the season for your competition to take a breather. Nearly everyone believes the "no one gets hired during the holidays" myth, so the majority of your competition is taking a break while you're still filling out applications. The fact is, it's much easier to out-class and out-perform the competition when there's next to none of it!
"It's amazing how many people retire from the job-hunt battle this time of year and leave the field wide open," Wendleton says. "At no other time will it be easier for you to really distinguish yourself from the pack. For one thing, hiring managers will have fewer résumés to distract them; plus, they'll be impressed by your drive and persistence, because most of your peers are taking it easy."
Managers are planning their post-Auld Lang Syne moves now. Here's a valuable tip for job hunters: January is often one of the biggest hiring months of the year. However, no organization will say that it plans to hire in January—right now, all you'll hear is that there are no openings at present (which is technically true). And guess what? Those upcoming positions won't go to folks who kicked back by the fire with a cup of eggnog—they'll be offered to the people who expressed interest and met with hiring managers in December.
"Right now, organizations are doing their budgeting for 2011," Wendleton explains. "For example, one company The Five O'Clock Club spoke with said they will not do any more hiring this year because they want to keep the numbers looking good, but they will fill those positions ASAP in the New Year, and they might even consider making offers now. Who is going to get those jobs? The folks who throw their hats into the ring during the holidays!"
The business world isn't pressing pause just because the halls are decked. The fact that the annual alcohol-laced karaoke party has been scheduled doesn't mean that business as usual stops. Think about it: The stock market is trading. Stores are still open. Deals are still being negotiated. And—shocker!—hiring managers are still reading résumés that land on their desks. (If anything, the seasonal good cheer will put them in a better mood when they do.)
"No hiring manager in his or her right mind would ever say, 'Okay, it's December, so I can't look at any résumés or communicate with any prospective applicants until January,'" Wendleton points out. "Certainly, this time of year comes with a special set of distractions, but underneath the trimmings, it's business as usual. If there's hiring to be done, it will be done."
Your momentum won't sustain itself through the merriment. Unless your job hunt started last week, you've built up some amount of momentum. You've made contacts. You've gotten your foot in some doors. You've started to prove how wonderful you are. Don't let all of that effort go to waste by slacking off now! If you do, it'll take you weeks to make up the lost ground.
"I can categorically say that the slackening of momentum is one of the greatest job-hunt saboteurs we see in The Five O'Clock Club," Wendleton shares. "When people fail to have lots of things in the works, they concentrate on the one great job that they really want—and they're devastated when they come in second or the company puts a freeze on hiring. Then, it takes them two or three weeks to dig out of the depression...and who knows how many great opportunities have slipped by in the meantime?"
What you can do to improve your job search:
The Five O'Clock Club says that there are three stages to a job search: 1) being in touch with six to ten people in your target market on an ongoing basis, 2) getting those people to actively express interest in having someone like you on board, and 3) inspiring them to discuss real jobs with you. The following strategies will help you get to Stage Two (which means you're approaching the right people and positioning yourself correctly)—and once you're there, Five O'Clockers promise, Stage Three will take care of itself.
Reconnect with the year's contacts. You've sent out cards and good wishes to friends and family...so why not extend that tradition to all of the job-search contacts you've made throughout the year? Send a card or email thanking each person for his or her help, wishing them a Happy New Year and include an update on your situation. You never know when the right memory might be sparked!
"Reconnecting with the year's contacts in a friendly, well-wishing way will remind them of who you are, what you do, and what you're trying to accomplish," Wendleton explains. "One of your main goals should be to stay on the radar of as many people in your network as possible. It takes hard work and discipline, yes, but as was the case recently for one Five O'Clock Club member, a friendly email can prompt a contact to forward your résumé to someone else, which might lead to an interview...and a job."
Expand, define, and redefine your targets. You may have a short—or long—list of companies on which you're focusing, but that list isn't definitive by a long shot. The last thing you want is a skimpy or sloppy group of targets that lacks breadth and depth. Plus, you never know when you might discover a new company you never knew about that's an ideal fit.
"You can expand your list of targets by revisiting what your skills and strengths are (maybe there's something you've overlooked!), brainstorming with friends, and doing more internet research," suggests Wendleton. "Many people are amazed to discover, after months of job hunting, an organization that isn't rich or famous but is nevertheless a great place to work."
Focus on avenues you've neglected. Everyone has a preferred method of getting meetings, whether it's through ads, search firms, networking, or direct contacts. During the next few weeks, focus on the avenues you normally skimp on. You'll probably identify new hiring trends, new contacts, and new positions. And (as we've established) now's the ideal time to get your name out there.
"Many people neglect networking and direct contacts, because they're the most labor-intensive," Wendleton shares. "If you fall into that category, challenge yourself to launch a targeted mail campaign this holiday season. Imagine what the impact might be if you send out ten intelligent cover letters per week, and then make follow-up phone calls a few days later. At the very least, you'll be a familiar name to a bevy of hiring managers."
Don't withdraw from your support network. Five O'Clock Club members attend a weekly meeting in order to receive support, advice, and help in their job searches. If you belong to such a group, don't use the holidays as an excuse to skip meetings. One of your primary goals should always be to make sure your search is moving forward.
"Accountability and outside input are crucial in helping you stay on track, and they also ensure that your job search doesn't lose originality and momentum," Wendleton says. "If you don't have a support network and are worried that you'll slack off despite your best intentions, ask a friend or family member to serve as a sounding board and check in on your progress."
Accept those party invitations! You might be tempted to become a hermit because you don't want to field questions about "what you're doing right now" or "how your job search is going." To some extent, that's understandable, especially if your situation hasn't changed in a long time—but avoidance is the wrong attitude to have. This is a party time of year, so get out there and network! Tell people you're looking for your next situation, and be sure to tell them the kind of job you're looking for.
"Take advantage of as many opportunities to meet new people as possible, and be ready to share your 30-second pitch on what you're looking for," advises Wendleton. "And if it's appropriate, ask for a more formal meeting at a new contact's office in the near future. Also, remember that those who are in a direct position to hire aren't your only allies. If you favorably impress a project manager, for example, she might mention you to her boss...and bingo—you've got an interview."
"Remember, keep adding to your job-search to-do list...and check it twice," concludes Wendleton. "There's absolutely no reason why you can't start out the New Year with one resolution already crossed off your list—a job you're excited to accept."
What do you think?
You've been on the job hunt for months—maybe even all year—and you're looking forward to the coming respite from search-related stress and disappointment. The holidays are here, after all. And it's "common knowledge" that nothing happens on the hiring front from Thanksgiving to New Year's. You might as well give the pavement pounding a rest and focus on decking the halls for a while...right?
Wong. In fact, says Kate Wendleton, now is exactly the time to hit your job search the hardest.
"Although most job seekers don't realize it, conditions are ideal for them this time of year," confirms Wendleton, president of The Five O'Clock Club (www.fiveoclockclub.com), a career coaching and outplacement network. "While they won't 'officially' tell you, many organizations are planning to hire in January. That means now is the perfect time to put yourself on their radar."
Wendleton knows all about helping people navigate the complicated job market, regardless of the season. Hers is the only career program in which members meet with professional coaches and peers on a weekly basis in a friendly, club-type format. It offers small group career coaching across the U.S. and Canada. And its website—www.fiveoclockclub.com—provides hundreds of free articles and audio recordings on job searching and career development.
"It may come as a big surprise, but looking for a job this time of year actually increases your chances of getting hired," Wendleton promises. "You have less competition, and many companies are in a hiring mood. It's the perfect storm—in a good way—for job seekers."
Read on for the case as to why you should keep on keepin' on...and some suggestions from The Five O'Clock Club for how you can maximize your momentum amidst the merriment:
Why you shouldn't wait 'til January:
'Tis the season for your competition to take a breather. Nearly everyone believes the "no one gets hired during the holidays" myth, so the majority of your competition is taking a break while you're still filling out applications. The fact is, it's much easier to out-class and out-perform the competition when there's next to none of it!
"It's amazing how many people retire from the job-hunt battle this time of year and leave the field wide open," Wendleton says. "At no other time will it be easier for you to really distinguish yourself from the pack. For one thing, hiring managers will have fewer résumés to distract them; plus, they'll be impressed by your drive and persistence, because most of your peers are taking it easy."
Managers are planning their post-Auld Lang Syne moves now. Here's a valuable tip for job hunters: January is often one of the biggest hiring months of the year. However, no organization will say that it plans to hire in January—right now, all you'll hear is that there are no openings at present (which is technically true). And guess what? Those upcoming positions won't go to folks who kicked back by the fire with a cup of eggnog—they'll be offered to the people who expressed interest and met with hiring managers in December.
"Right now, organizations are doing their budgeting for 2011," Wendleton explains. "For example, one company The Five O'Clock Club spoke with said they will not do any more hiring this year because they want to keep the numbers looking good, but they will fill those positions ASAP in the New Year, and they might even consider making offers now. Who is going to get those jobs? The folks who throw their hats into the ring during the holidays!"
The business world isn't pressing pause just because the halls are decked. The fact that the annual alcohol-laced karaoke party has been scheduled doesn't mean that business as usual stops. Think about it: The stock market is trading. Stores are still open. Deals are still being negotiated. And—shocker!—hiring managers are still reading résumés that land on their desks. (If anything, the seasonal good cheer will put them in a better mood when they do.)
"No hiring manager in his or her right mind would ever say, 'Okay, it's December, so I can't look at any résumés or communicate with any prospective applicants until January,'" Wendleton points out. "Certainly, this time of year comes with a special set of distractions, but underneath the trimmings, it's business as usual. If there's hiring to be done, it will be done."
Your momentum won't sustain itself through the merriment. Unless your job hunt started last week, you've built up some amount of momentum. You've made contacts. You've gotten your foot in some doors. You've started to prove how wonderful you are. Don't let all of that effort go to waste by slacking off now! If you do, it'll take you weeks to make up the lost ground.
"I can categorically say that the slackening of momentum is one of the greatest job-hunt saboteurs we see in The Five O'Clock Club," Wendleton shares. "When people fail to have lots of things in the works, they concentrate on the one great job that they really want—and they're devastated when they come in second or the company puts a freeze on hiring. Then, it takes them two or three weeks to dig out of the depression...and who knows how many great opportunities have slipped by in the meantime?"
What you can do to improve your job search:
The Five O'Clock Club says that there are three stages to a job search: 1) being in touch with six to ten people in your target market on an ongoing basis, 2) getting those people to actively express interest in having someone like you on board, and 3) inspiring them to discuss real jobs with you. The following strategies will help you get to Stage Two (which means you're approaching the right people and positioning yourself correctly)—and once you're there, Five O'Clockers promise, Stage Three will take care of itself.
Reconnect with the year's contacts. You've sent out cards and good wishes to friends and family...so why not extend that tradition to all of the job-search contacts you've made throughout the year? Send a card or email thanking each person for his or her help, wishing them a Happy New Year and include an update on your situation. You never know when the right memory might be sparked!
"Reconnecting with the year's contacts in a friendly, well-wishing way will remind them of who you are, what you do, and what you're trying to accomplish," Wendleton explains. "One of your main goals should be to stay on the radar of as many people in your network as possible. It takes hard work and discipline, yes, but as was the case recently for one Five O'Clock Club member, a friendly email can prompt a contact to forward your résumé to someone else, which might lead to an interview...and a job."
Expand, define, and redefine your targets. You may have a short—or long—list of companies on which you're focusing, but that list isn't definitive by a long shot. The last thing you want is a skimpy or sloppy group of targets that lacks breadth and depth. Plus, you never know when you might discover a new company you never knew about that's an ideal fit.
"You can expand your list of targets by revisiting what your skills and strengths are (maybe there's something you've overlooked!), brainstorming with friends, and doing more internet research," suggests Wendleton. "Many people are amazed to discover, after months of job hunting, an organization that isn't rich or famous but is nevertheless a great place to work."
Focus on avenues you've neglected. Everyone has a preferred method of getting meetings, whether it's through ads, search firms, networking, or direct contacts. During the next few weeks, focus on the avenues you normally skimp on. You'll probably identify new hiring trends, new contacts, and new positions. And (as we've established) now's the ideal time to get your name out there.
"Many people neglect networking and direct contacts, because they're the most labor-intensive," Wendleton shares. "If you fall into that category, challenge yourself to launch a targeted mail campaign this holiday season. Imagine what the impact might be if you send out ten intelligent cover letters per week, and then make follow-up phone calls a few days later. At the very least, you'll be a familiar name to a bevy of hiring managers."
Don't withdraw from your support network. Five O'Clock Club members attend a weekly meeting in order to receive support, advice, and help in their job searches. If you belong to such a group, don't use the holidays as an excuse to skip meetings. One of your primary goals should always be to make sure your search is moving forward.
"Accountability and outside input are crucial in helping you stay on track, and they also ensure that your job search doesn't lose originality and momentum," Wendleton says. "If you don't have a support network and are worried that you'll slack off despite your best intentions, ask a friend or family member to serve as a sounding board and check in on your progress."
Accept those party invitations! You might be tempted to become a hermit because you don't want to field questions about "what you're doing right now" or "how your job search is going." To some extent, that's understandable, especially if your situation hasn't changed in a long time—but avoidance is the wrong attitude to have. This is a party time of year, so get out there and network! Tell people you're looking for your next situation, and be sure to tell them the kind of job you're looking for.
"Take advantage of as many opportunities to meet new people as possible, and be ready to share your 30-second pitch on what you're looking for," advises Wendleton. "And if it's appropriate, ask for a more formal meeting at a new contact's office in the near future. Also, remember that those who are in a direct position to hire aren't your only allies. If you favorably impress a project manager, for example, she might mention you to her boss...and bingo—you've got an interview."
"Remember, keep adding to your job-search to-do list...and check it twice," concludes Wendleton. "There's absolutely no reason why you can't start out the New Year with one resolution already crossed off your list—a job you're excited to accept."
What do you think?
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
7 Steps to a Career Change
Posted by Mark Brousseau
It happened. Your worst recession nightmare came true. You strolled into work securely (if unenthusiastically) employed and stumbled out, pink slip in hand, jobless in an overcrowded market. Gripped by the fear of not being able to pay the bills and worried that opportunity won't knock twice in this down economy, you rush into the first job your quickly updated resume leads to. Sure, you might end up being just as unhappy as you were before, but at least the check coming every two weeks will keep you from becoming destitute. However, Robin Fisher Roffer stresses that even in these difficult times you shouldn't confuse activity with progress.
She says that whether you're newly laid off or simply desperate for a career change, if you change your focus from just keeping your head above water to becoming a fearless fish and going after the job you truly want, you'll be setting yourself up for a happier life in the long run.
You're probably thinking, But wait! Isn't this the worst possible time to pursue the new career I've dreamed about?
"Not at all," says Roffer, author of The Fearless Fish Out of Water: How to Succeed When You're the Only One Like You. "Actually, it's the perfect time to search your soul, muster your courage, and become a fearless (career changing) fish out of water. That may mean finding your dream job, entering a new industry, or even venturing out on your own as an entrepreneur."
Despite the bad economy, Roffer stresses that opportunities do exist. That's why she says it's more important than ever to create a personal brand identity and to shine a light on those qualities that make you different and more desirable than the rest. Playing up what makes you special could be the very thing that gets you your next job and keeps you in business.
In her new book, Roffer teaches that—contrary to popular belief—standing out is a good thing. Being different gets you noticed and it's the first step to gaining influence.
"Your unique personality, outlook, appearance, or background—really, any attribute that sets you apart—is not a liability but an asset," says Roffer. "If you're looking for a new job or just want to make the career change you think will make you happier, there's never been a more important time to put your unique self out there."
Read on for Roffer's seven steps to being a fearless fish out of water and how they can help you get the job you've always wanted, even in a down economy:
STEP 1: Go Fishing for the Real You. No one knows what's special about you better than you do. So, don't squander it...focus on it! In today's economy, there's no room for generalists. We are in an era of specialization—where being different is good. As a free agent making a significant career change, you've got to put a flag in the ground and declare who you are and what you're good at. If you haven't done this, I promise that others have done it for you. But, they might have gotten you wrong. And, that's the danger.
"To write your next chapter, peel away all the layers you've built up playing the game for others and hone your skills to become an expert at something that's valuable right now," says Roffer. "Perhaps you've been in marketing at a big company and you want to break out and start your own firm. Think about what makes you special in the marketing arena and go with that. For example, maybe you can market any kind of product or service, but where you really excel is in multicultural marketing. If that's your vein of gold, and where you can drive revenue to your client's bottom line, then that's where you might want to place the focus of your new business."
STEP 2: Use Your Differences as a Lure. If you've gotten the pink slip and some severance pay, the natural tendency in extraordinary economic times like these might be to just hunker down, cut back on expenses, and try to hold on to the money. Newsflash! That's exactly the strategy that could hang you in the long run. Because if you're not standing up, standing out, and standing for something important right now, you will become irrelevant.
"Ask former colleagues, clients, customers, and friends what they think makes you positively different at work," says Roffer. "What qualities do you possess that attract people to you and the work you produce? Use the strengths of what makes you different to find your career destiny. Choose a path that feeds your passion and builds on who you are deep inside. Don't just do the logical thing or the expected thing. Do what resonates with your soul. When you do what you love, you'll get positive recognition and the money will come."
STEP 3: Find a Few Fish Like You. Next you'll need to build relationships and make connections. Finding people who have faith in you is like finding an anchor in rough seas. Now is the time to connect with others in your situation who believe in your dream and can cheerlead you on. Start attending luncheons, trade shows, or seminars in the industry you want to be in to find people who share your passion. Find out how you can help each other get ahead in these difficult times.
"Hire a business coach or find a mentor who can help you strategize your transition," says Roffer. "Reward cheerleaders in your personal and professional circles for their loyalty and support and let go of naysayers and time wasters whose negativity will only hold you back. This is the moment to deepen positive relationships to ensure your security and your future."
STEP 4: Swim in Their Ocean Your Way. One way to differentiate yourself from the pack and stay true to the core you is by the way you dress. Put on what's acceptable in your industry and then kick it up in unexpected ways to become unforgettable. Every great brand has packaging that reflects what's on the inside. Think in those terms the next time you go shopping. Does a dress say "school teacher" when it needs to say "business development"? Does your computer bag say "accountant" when it needs to say "web designer"? Are you wearing a golf shirt when a tie would speak volumes about your business acumen? Bottom line: Look the part you're playing and you'll play it better.
"Once you get inside your new company, adopt the culture without getting lost in it," says Roffer. "As a person in transition, who feels like a fish out of water, it can be deadly to get so entrenched in someone else's culture or demands that you can't find the real you. Instead look for what resonates with you and don't buy into what doesn't feel right. Stay true to your core values. If you don't, at the end of this recession, you may not recognize yourself."
STEP 5: Put Yourself Out on the Line. Fearless fish are perfectly positioned to make a difference in the world. Think of Oprah, Bono, and Bill Gates. It's not the wallflower who's going to help their customers go green, or the conformist who will invent the new business model. Getting behind a cause is good for business and makes you look like a hero. Volunteer, join a board, make a major donation.
"Each year a percentage of my company's revenue goes to The Aquarium of the Pacific to save our oceans and the animals that live there," says Roffer. "We put that fact right on our invoices. It makes our customers feel good about working with us. Figure out a way to give back as you transition to your new career. Or better yet, choose a career that is a cause! You may be paralyzed by fear and feel like every minute you need to push that rock up the hill. But shake it off. Give to others instead and watch what you receive in return."
STEP 6: Evolve by Casting a Wide Net. Conformity is not distinguishing. The way to live deeply is to keep reinventing yourself, changing with the times and with your customers. Holding onto the essential you while updating your style, your website, your advertising, and your thinking is the fastest way to the top. Step 6 of being a fearless fish asks that you use your place outside the circle to always be relevant to your company and industry.
"If you've been pigeonholed, now is the time to change perception by learning a new language, taking classes that will sharpen your skills, becoming an apprentice to someone you aspire to be like, and polishing your web presence so that you shine online," says Roffer. "Identify the next peak you want to climb and take the necessary steps to evolve who you are to get there. It's about staying true to the essence of who you are, and then recasting your image to feel brand new."
STEP 7: Reel in Your Unique Power. It's easy to succeed when things are going right. What determines real character is what you do when faced with adversity. To muster the strength to succeed, look back at other times in your life when you rose to the occasion. You'll realize how brave you really are!
"Uncertainty makes everyone question their personal value and the value of their skills," says Roffer. "However, the fearless among us overcome these doubts by practicing their ABCs—action, belief, and courage."
"It's time to stop wringing your hands and start raising the bar on who you can be and where you can go," says Roffer. "The way you see yourself can either propel you forward or hold you back. When you start going after jobs, remember, the story that you tell about yourself is what others will believe. Use your unique power to make them believe that you are indispensable and that is exactly what you will be!"
What do you think? Post your comments below.
It happened. Your worst recession nightmare came true. You strolled into work securely (if unenthusiastically) employed and stumbled out, pink slip in hand, jobless in an overcrowded market. Gripped by the fear of not being able to pay the bills and worried that opportunity won't knock twice in this down economy, you rush into the first job your quickly updated resume leads to. Sure, you might end up being just as unhappy as you were before, but at least the check coming every two weeks will keep you from becoming destitute. However, Robin Fisher Roffer stresses that even in these difficult times you shouldn't confuse activity with progress.
She says that whether you're newly laid off or simply desperate for a career change, if you change your focus from just keeping your head above water to becoming a fearless fish and going after the job you truly want, you'll be setting yourself up for a happier life in the long run.
You're probably thinking, But wait! Isn't this the worst possible time to pursue the new career I've dreamed about?
"Not at all," says Roffer, author of The Fearless Fish Out of Water: How to Succeed When You're the Only One Like You. "Actually, it's the perfect time to search your soul, muster your courage, and become a fearless (career changing) fish out of water. That may mean finding your dream job, entering a new industry, or even venturing out on your own as an entrepreneur."
Despite the bad economy, Roffer stresses that opportunities do exist. That's why she says it's more important than ever to create a personal brand identity and to shine a light on those qualities that make you different and more desirable than the rest. Playing up what makes you special could be the very thing that gets you your next job and keeps you in business.
In her new book, Roffer teaches that—contrary to popular belief—standing out is a good thing. Being different gets you noticed and it's the first step to gaining influence.
"Your unique personality, outlook, appearance, or background—really, any attribute that sets you apart—is not a liability but an asset," says Roffer. "If you're looking for a new job or just want to make the career change you think will make you happier, there's never been a more important time to put your unique self out there."
Read on for Roffer's seven steps to being a fearless fish out of water and how they can help you get the job you've always wanted, even in a down economy:
STEP 1: Go Fishing for the Real You. No one knows what's special about you better than you do. So, don't squander it...focus on it! In today's economy, there's no room for generalists. We are in an era of specialization—where being different is good. As a free agent making a significant career change, you've got to put a flag in the ground and declare who you are and what you're good at. If you haven't done this, I promise that others have done it for you. But, they might have gotten you wrong. And, that's the danger.
"To write your next chapter, peel away all the layers you've built up playing the game for others and hone your skills to become an expert at something that's valuable right now," says Roffer. "Perhaps you've been in marketing at a big company and you want to break out and start your own firm. Think about what makes you special in the marketing arena and go with that. For example, maybe you can market any kind of product or service, but where you really excel is in multicultural marketing. If that's your vein of gold, and where you can drive revenue to your client's bottom line, then that's where you might want to place the focus of your new business."
STEP 2: Use Your Differences as a Lure. If you've gotten the pink slip and some severance pay, the natural tendency in extraordinary economic times like these might be to just hunker down, cut back on expenses, and try to hold on to the money. Newsflash! That's exactly the strategy that could hang you in the long run. Because if you're not standing up, standing out, and standing for something important right now, you will become irrelevant.
"Ask former colleagues, clients, customers, and friends what they think makes you positively different at work," says Roffer. "What qualities do you possess that attract people to you and the work you produce? Use the strengths of what makes you different to find your career destiny. Choose a path that feeds your passion and builds on who you are deep inside. Don't just do the logical thing or the expected thing. Do what resonates with your soul. When you do what you love, you'll get positive recognition and the money will come."
STEP 3: Find a Few Fish Like You. Next you'll need to build relationships and make connections. Finding people who have faith in you is like finding an anchor in rough seas. Now is the time to connect with others in your situation who believe in your dream and can cheerlead you on. Start attending luncheons, trade shows, or seminars in the industry you want to be in to find people who share your passion. Find out how you can help each other get ahead in these difficult times.
"Hire a business coach or find a mentor who can help you strategize your transition," says Roffer. "Reward cheerleaders in your personal and professional circles for their loyalty and support and let go of naysayers and time wasters whose negativity will only hold you back. This is the moment to deepen positive relationships to ensure your security and your future."
STEP 4: Swim in Their Ocean Your Way. One way to differentiate yourself from the pack and stay true to the core you is by the way you dress. Put on what's acceptable in your industry and then kick it up in unexpected ways to become unforgettable. Every great brand has packaging that reflects what's on the inside. Think in those terms the next time you go shopping. Does a dress say "school teacher" when it needs to say "business development"? Does your computer bag say "accountant" when it needs to say "web designer"? Are you wearing a golf shirt when a tie would speak volumes about your business acumen? Bottom line: Look the part you're playing and you'll play it better.
"Once you get inside your new company, adopt the culture without getting lost in it," says Roffer. "As a person in transition, who feels like a fish out of water, it can be deadly to get so entrenched in someone else's culture or demands that you can't find the real you. Instead look for what resonates with you and don't buy into what doesn't feel right. Stay true to your core values. If you don't, at the end of this recession, you may not recognize yourself."
STEP 5: Put Yourself Out on the Line. Fearless fish are perfectly positioned to make a difference in the world. Think of Oprah, Bono, and Bill Gates. It's not the wallflower who's going to help their customers go green, or the conformist who will invent the new business model. Getting behind a cause is good for business and makes you look like a hero. Volunteer, join a board, make a major donation.
"Each year a percentage of my company's revenue goes to The Aquarium of the Pacific to save our oceans and the animals that live there," says Roffer. "We put that fact right on our invoices. It makes our customers feel good about working with us. Figure out a way to give back as you transition to your new career. Or better yet, choose a career that is a cause! You may be paralyzed by fear and feel like every minute you need to push that rock up the hill. But shake it off. Give to others instead and watch what you receive in return."
STEP 6: Evolve by Casting a Wide Net. Conformity is not distinguishing. The way to live deeply is to keep reinventing yourself, changing with the times and with your customers. Holding onto the essential you while updating your style, your website, your advertising, and your thinking is the fastest way to the top. Step 6 of being a fearless fish asks that you use your place outside the circle to always be relevant to your company and industry.
"If you've been pigeonholed, now is the time to change perception by learning a new language, taking classes that will sharpen your skills, becoming an apprentice to someone you aspire to be like, and polishing your web presence so that you shine online," says Roffer. "Identify the next peak you want to climb and take the necessary steps to evolve who you are to get there. It's about staying true to the essence of who you are, and then recasting your image to feel brand new."
STEP 7: Reel in Your Unique Power. It's easy to succeed when things are going right. What determines real character is what you do when faced with adversity. To muster the strength to succeed, look back at other times in your life when you rose to the occasion. You'll realize how brave you really are!
"Uncertainty makes everyone question their personal value and the value of their skills," says Roffer. "However, the fearless among us overcome these doubts by practicing their ABCs—action, belief, and courage."
"It's time to stop wringing your hands and start raising the bar on who you can be and where you can go," says Roffer. "The way you see yourself can either propel you forward or hold you back. When you start going after jobs, remember, the story that you tell about yourself is what others will believe. Use your unique power to make them believe that you are indispensable and that is exactly what you will be!"
What do you think? Post your comments below.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
