If you are looking for an interesting read today, check out www.drewsmarketingminute.com. The author, Drew McLellan, has some excellent thoughts regarding your personal brand. In short, he makes the point that although your personal brand is important, it is HOW you share your brand with the world that makes all the difference.
In the end, building a reputation based on credibility, consistency, and generosity is what it's all about. Which of these areas can you improve upon during the Holiday season?
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends...
I was checking out Bucks on The New York Times this morning, and came across this excellent article about helping your unemployed friends and family during the Holidays. The article had great suggestions, from providing free baby-sitting to simply listening to them talk about their situation - it can be so frustrating at times!
Sometimes, the only thing that our unemployed friends and family need to hear is that we're there, supporting them and doing what we can to make their burden a bit easier. It doesn't take much - even just a phone call, email, or a handwritten note. What can you do to help the people you love during the Holidays?
Sometimes, the only thing that our unemployed friends and family need to hear is that we're there, supporting them and doing what we can to make their burden a bit easier. It doesn't take much - even just a phone call, email, or a handwritten note. What can you do to help the people you love during the Holidays?
Friday, December 11, 2009
Add Value - Period.
I recently had a friend and client going in for an interview. I spent time on the phone prepping him for the interview, discussing potential questions to expect from them, their needs, their challenges, their opportunities and more. As our conversation evolved it became more of a role play – I was acting as if I was interviewing him and he was responding as if he was in the room – in the interview. Great practice – healthy process by the way. I recommend this at home.
Without exception his answers to my questions would regress back to “getting this job is so important to me” or “this job would make my year…my life.” After listening for some time I finally said to him, “this isn’t about you, it’s about them. Sadly, but candidly, they aren’t worried about you, they are worried about how you are going to make their product better, how you are going to add energy to their team, add value to their team, sell and enhance what they do and how they do what they do. Come ‘on” I said, “you know that.” He said, “yep, yep, yep – you are right. But it really would Molly.” I said, “I know it would, but just say it once – say it sincerely and move on to illustrate how you can add value to them.” The reality is, to many references to how much you want it– you look needy and they will offer you a dollar a day (no not really – but you know what I mean). So, hold back, control that overwhelming desire to just explode with “I WANT THIS SO BAD.” And take all that energy, all that passion and talk about how you can ADD VALUE – not about how they add value to you.
It’s a dog fight out there; it’s more competitive than ever. But when you drill right down to it, it’s about adding value. You can create positions for yourself by simply demonstrating and communicating that you can add value.
People hire people and people invest in people who can add value consistently, uniquely and quickly.
GO FOR IT! BE FEARLESS!
Without exception his answers to my questions would regress back to “getting this job is so important to me” or “this job would make my year…my life.” After listening for some time I finally said to him, “this isn’t about you, it’s about them. Sadly, but candidly, they aren’t worried about you, they are worried about how you are going to make their product better, how you are going to add energy to their team, add value to their team, sell and enhance what they do and how they do what they do. Come ‘on” I said, “you know that.” He said, “yep, yep, yep – you are right. But it really would Molly.” I said, “I know it would, but just say it once – say it sincerely and move on to illustrate how you can add value to them.” The reality is, to many references to how much you want it– you look needy and they will offer you a dollar a day (no not really – but you know what I mean). So, hold back, control that overwhelming desire to just explode with “I WANT THIS SO BAD.” And take all that energy, all that passion and talk about how you can ADD VALUE – not about how they add value to you.
It’s a dog fight out there; it’s more competitive than ever. But when you drill right down to it, it’s about adding value. You can create positions for yourself by simply demonstrating and communicating that you can add value.
People hire people and people invest in people who can add value consistently, uniquely and quickly.
GO FOR IT! BE FEARLESS!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
How do you create opportunities?
A young woman came into my office today who use to be one of my interns. She is a nice, sharp girl - Julia Gates. She is taking a risk and moving to Australia to work. I am proud of her; she will return (I hope) to the US a new person in many ways. During our conversations today, we discussed something that struck me as an interesting blog topic.
How do you identify opportunities for yourself?
At the most basic level, you identify a need or a hole inside a company or an organization; you identify the ways in which that problem can be fixed; you identify ways in which you can help solve that problem AND, in a perfect world, ways in which that problem creates revenue for the organization. This philosophy applies whether you are currently in a job or your looking for a job.
Most companies have challenges or needs. Sometimes those needs don't result in official postinga. There are plenty of opportunities that aren't posted - you just need to find them. And, once you do, add value by solving their problem. Just ensure that the problem you are solving directly or indirectly creates revenue for the organization - otherwise, they can't pay you for it.
It really is this simple. So,go for it!!
How do you identify opportunities for yourself?
At the most basic level, you identify a need or a hole inside a company or an organization; you identify the ways in which that problem can be fixed; you identify ways in which you can help solve that problem AND, in a perfect world, ways in which that problem creates revenue for the organization. This philosophy applies whether you are currently in a job or your looking for a job.
Most companies have challenges or needs. Sometimes those needs don't result in official postinga. There are plenty of opportunities that aren't posted - you just need to find them. And, once you do, add value by solving their problem. Just ensure that the problem you are solving directly or indirectly creates revenue for the organization - otherwise, they can't pay you for it.
It really is this simple. So,go for it!!
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