A recent email I wanted to share....

This was from a gentleman who attended the alumni event I spoke at in Dallas...nice words about the book and the event I wanted to share for those interested in learning first hand how the thoughts in this book can help you.

Steve Novak wrote....

"Since your visit, I have read your book and applied some of the principles to my own career. First, I have a better understanding of what my dream job is, and the types of roles that provide satisfaction to me. Although my current role and
industry are not exactly my dream job, I have found the elements within it that bring out my passion. Additionally, I’ve begun to create my brand around those elements. It has provided me not only with greater satisfaction in my current role, but also a better understanding of what I am bringing to the table. From this, I have a better understanding of my market value, and am in the process of creating options for myself (both inside the company, and out). For all of that, I cannot THANK YOU enough.


Thanks once again,
Steve Novak
stevenovak19@hotmail.com

Steve, exactly what you shared is why I spent 2.5 years at a coffee shop writing this book for a couple hours a day. Thank you for your kind words and I am hopeful it can continue to be a tool for you throughout your professional career.

Molly

Be A Five Tool Player In Michigan

I returned to Atlanta Wednesday after two busy, but rewarding days in Michigan.

After processing my trip, speeches and various conversations I want to reiterate to everyone to hang around five tool people. People who have passion, are fearless, have a game plan, are eager to execute so that together you can create choices for yourselves.

Many people in Michigan are dealing with such tough economic times it was heart wrenching to talk with some of the people who are dealing with these issues. I hope my talks helped insert energy into people who are dealing with these discouraging times. I talked to young people who are working hard to insert themselves in the work force and older people who are working to reinvent themselves. One of the most important ingredients to ones ability to succeed is a great attitude. It is the one thing everyone can control so do everything you can to remain positive and surround yourself with five tool people. Please, I promise, it matters.

Heading to Michigan

Wheels up on Monday to the great state of Michigan. I am looking forward to speaking to two different groups. Monday night in East Lansing and Tuesday night in Troy. Landing on Michigan soil is always special. Many people have been through so many tough times as of late in light of the economy. I am hopeful that my job search philosophies will insert spirit and hope - and a game plan - in so many great Michigan people! Follow me on Twitter for quick updates of the trip.

Atlanta Journal Constitution BIZ VOICE

BIZ VOICE AJC Article

Finding a Job is like finding a soul mate
Here is a strategy to build a network that multiplies opportunities for that perfect match

I have always told people, if you ask for advice you get a job and if you ask for a job you get advice. This is no different than dating. If you ask someone on a date, you might end up finding a wife. If you ask someone right of the bat to marry you, you might never get a first date.

My husband, Fred, didn’t ask me to marry him out of the gates. He got to know me. He realized I watched more ESPN than he did, and that when we walked into a stadium we walked down not up – but he also realized I couldn’t cook quite like his mother. Meanwhile, I found out as much as could about him as well. He was smart, funny, and would be an even better husband and father than a boyfriend. It didn’t bother him that my phone rang late at night with players who wanted to discuss each pitch from that evenings outing and it didn’t bother him that I couldn’t whip up a gourmet meal.

Treat business meetings like you’d treat dating. Start by being prepared:

• Make a list of at least twenty people, ten people you know, like and respect and ten people you don’t know. On that list should be people you think you want to be or people who work closely with people you think you want to be.


• Find out everything you can about these twenty people – personally and professionally so you are "in their world."


• Call or email them and ask if they would be kind enough to meet with you for fifteen minutes in an effort for you to get their advice.


• Secure the meeting. Once you have the meeting, send a hand written note thanking them in advance for the meeting, their time and their advice.


• Once the meeting is secured, be prepared in the meeting– by that I mean know everything that you should know about their world and know a few things they don’t think you should know about their business.


• During the meeting, secure three names of people they like and respect and that they believe you should meet with in light of what you have shared as your career passions.


• After the meeting, continue to "date" the person by sporadic, phone calls, handwritten notes, informational emails about your world and their world – show value by being respectfully aggressive.

Done right, you should have been on twenty "dates" and have twenty people who are aware of your career aspirations. Equally as important, you should have sixty more people to meet with.

It may take sixty dates to find the person you want to marry. Hopefully it will take less then sixty meetings to find the job you love.