Saturday, November 21, 2009

Three Keys

At a macro level lets think about the key tactics you need to execute to find a job, they are: fearlessness, consistency and information.

What do I mean?

Fearlessness: You have to want it bad enough to overcome the negative voice inside your head that tells you, "you can't" "this might not work" "your not qualified" etc. I could go on and on. Lose that voice; get ride of it. It is paralyzing you...totally paralyzing you. Insert positive thoughts in your mind whenever that negative voice tries to be heard. Force yourself to stay positive and be optimistic.

Consistency: We all meet people - some we think can help us, some we aren't sure, some we think can't. I would argue that if you took the time to meet them (and you are qualifying your meetings well) there is a small chance they could help you. Manage the relationship, nurture the relationship, consistently evaluate the relationship and, as needed, add value to the relationship - continue to contribute to the other persons world so they can constantly recognize your intellect and respectfully aggressive approach of impressing them.

Information: Knowledge is power. Remain informed as it relates to the other persons world. Specifically do in depth research so you can add unique insight and ideas to your contact so you can differentiate yourself.

Be fearless, remain consistent and gather information and you will secure a job - and a great one at that. Go for it!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

40/60

There is an off-line and an on-line approach to the job search process. Both are important but I believe the off-line - people - approach is the most effective.

I wrote a book about the off-line strategy and tactics as you attach the market to find your perfect job. I will admit, there is a need to utilize the web in your off-line search strategy but it's for research - and primarily research. People hire people, they don't hire paper..or great emails..or great letters - but rather great people.

There are a lot of people right now posting up over their computers day in and day out scouring the web for new postings, more insight, new blogs, new articles etc. I believe the ratio between computer time and people time is 40/60. Spend 40 percent - at the most - over your computer and 60 percent of your time in front of great people. The web is a spring board to gain insight and to create introductions.
Now, I will add, I am speaking about 40/60 day light hours. For those who are really getting after it, use your discretion as to the time you spend at night on the web - the people you could be meeting with are probably sleeping so post up at your computer all night if you wish. So, use 40% of the time to get behind the curtain of the world of the people you are going to meet with and to schedule the meetings with people who you think can hire you or help you. Use the 60% of the time with great people who can hire your or help you. If you do this effectively, I am confident good things will be your result.

I believe life is about utilizing your energy in a positive way - to make a difference at whatever level that might mean for you. Put your energy where it will produce rewarding results for you and those you care about. And never confuse effort with accomplishment. Effort is great, but you get rewarded on accomplishments.

Go for it!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Embrace Your Moments With Stories

I spoke at a Home Depot event recently. A woman, Lori, had reached out to me in advance of the event hopeful that we could meet to discuss her career and her goals. We missed each other at the event, however, we did connect recently at my office. She was diligent and impressive in all her communication to me so I looked forward to meeting with her.

Needless to say, she embraced the meeting. A week in advance of our meeting she sent me a power point about ideas, questions, insights about her that she wanted to discuss in our 30 minute meeting. She based the format of the power point off my book. Some of the points were great, some weren't necessarily relevant, but the thinking was what impressed me. But, what impressed me even more was the stories she used to illustrate her work ethic, her perseverance, her diligence, her ability to build relationships and her background.

She told me stories about queens she met in other countries due to her perseverance married with class - respectful confidence - I like to call it. She told me stories about relationships she built with executives (high high level executives - like CEO's) at Home Depot in light of her awareness and appropriate eagerness to expand her reach.

For example, Lori drove by a plot of land and noticed a sign that started that Bernie Marcus, CEO/Founder of HD, was using the land to build a building for a charity he is involved with. She works in the IT department of HD and so she reached out to Mr. Marcus offering her services to help create a IT platform for the building in her off time time. "Mr. Marcus, hello, my name is Lori P. and I work at The Home Depot. I noticed a sign today about the building you are building for (xyz charity) and I wanted you to know I would be happy to volunteer my time in an effort to help from an IT perspective - and any other for that matter." Shortly after she received an appreciative reply from Mr. Marcus thanking her and taking her up on her offer. You are thinking - sure, clever - a kiss ass. But, her sincere style, follow up, delivery and approach brings clarity to the fact that her efforts were sincere and through that effort a relationship was built.

In our meeting, of just an hour at most, she told me this and other stories that helped bring to life her style, her trust, her relationships, and her sincerity. But, it all came to life via stories. So, my message to you tonight is use stories to illustrate yourself effectively. Go for it!