Accelerate Your Search™ Now

Do you say things like:

“Job search networking is so overrated.”  

“I hate networking!”    

“I don’t think networking is worth the effort.” 

“I have never known someone who got a job from networking”

What are your real feelings about job search networking?

Do you believe your network can help you?  Are you willing to ask your network for help?  How will you ask your network for assistance?

Having a basic understanding and respect for your feelings about networking is important.  Think about what you are willing and not willing to do to connect with the people in your network.

What is the size of your network now?

Would you like to build and sustain a larger network?

If you are just going through the motions of contacting people and asking for a job, that is not tapping into or building a network.  It is just asking people you know for a job.

In my view, calling someone and saying, “Hi, I am out of work.  Do you have a job available?” is a little like begging on the street corner.  It sure would not feel good to me.

On the other hand, reaching out to people in your network, sharing what you are up to and letting them know you are searching for your next position is a very different approach.  This type of approach includes specifically sharing the type of opportunities you are seeking and ASKING them to let you know if such an opportunity presents itself, whether inside their company or another.  Remember, these conversations can be very awkward if you haven’t stayed in touch.

If you hate to network, start with the people you know.  Reaching out to the people you know well and speak with often will increase your comfort level.

What is one of the best ways to learn to enjoy networking?  Just do it.  Get out there and try it.  It can be that simple.

Leveraging your network is one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox.  You may be amazed at the reach of your network.  Often clients are surprised at the power and generosity of even a very small network.  You may just discover your network is more extensive than you thought.

AND – once you reach out, make a plan to stay in touch and execute that plan.  Networking includes the word “work” for a reason.  It requires some work on your part.

Have an amazing week!

Share, in the comments below, what you like about networking.

The holiday season is upon us.  It is a great time of year to connect with your network.

One powerful search tool that is often overlooked is the “gratitude letter.”  This is the perfect time of year to send it to your current network of friends, family and past colleagues.

Most people know between 200 – 250 people.  Many, if not all, of your contacts have helped you in the past and, if they were aware of your current situation, would be willing to help again.  Gratitude Letters create powerful, positive energy and, almost instantly, add 200 people to your search team.

So, what exactly is a “gratitude letter?”  It is an opportunity to reach out, say why you appreciate the person and to share your current activities.  It is NOT a letter begging for a job.  Its purpose is to connect, update and appreciate.

Here is how to get started:

• Make a list of your contacts or print one out from Outlook or your CRM system.
• Next to each name write down one thing you appreciate about that person.
• Then verify you have a current mailing address for each contact.

Now you are ready to draft a simple one page letter.  Include your gratitude, a specific business accomplishment from the last year and what you are doing now.  You might say something like, “I am currently looking for my next opportunity as the Director of Marketing in the metro area specifically with ABC, Inc. or ZXX, Inc.  If you know anyone I should speak with at either organization, please let me know.”

If the contact is someone you would like to meet face-to-face, include a P.S. with a suggestion to meet for coffee or lunch.  For example, “If you want to grab lunch, my treat, either November 30 or December 3 at the Brown Deli, I’d love to catch up and find out what is new with you.”  You can also share in a P.S. that you have a bit of extra time and if there is a business project you could help with to let you know.  Make sure to add your mobile number below the P.S.

Print the letters on your personalized letterhead.  Stuff the envelopes, add a stamp and drop them in the mail.    Remember, the purpose is to show your appreciation and to update your network.

Don’t forget to include family and friends on your list.  The people closest to you may know all about your job search and be your biggest supporters.  As career transitions can be stressful, they are often the people who most need to know you appreciate their support.

Be bold.  If you are coming from a place of honest appreciation your network will be delighted that you took time to contact them in a personal manner.  Few people take time to be appreciative and less take to write a letter.  Connecting regularly with your network is very powerful.

Post a comment and share your favorite tip for sharing appreciation.

Some time ago I began asking my clients and workshop attendees to offer feedback and share which tips they found most effective.   Below are the top five tips.  May they also help you reach out, contact and leverage the power of your personal network.

1.  Find the diamonds, rubies and emeralds among your old contacts. Annually go through your contact database.  Call people you haven’t spoken to in 3 to 8 years.  Update your data:  verify phone numbers, addresses, email addresses and organizations.  Discover what’s new with your contacts. If a number is disconnected or the person has moved on, place those people on your research list.  You might be surprised at how many people say, “I am so glad you called.”  For each contact reached be sure to note and schedule your next contact.  One contact and one follow-up per week helps you stay in contact with 100 people a year.

2.  Organize your contacts into categories.  Use your Contact Management System (CMS) and sort all of your contacts into five or six categories.  My recommended categories are:  1) those who can hire you; 2) those who can influence someone who can hire you; 3) those who can recommend you to someone who can hire you; 4) centers of influence with whom you have a strong relationship and who have an interest in your success; 5) to be determined (TBD) – these are people you just met or have not contacted in some time and therefore you are unsure of the most appropriate category; and 6) others contacts – family members or close friends who belong in your contacts, yet do not fit in one of the first 5 categories.

3.  Pick up the phone.   Allot one hour per day for phone calls.  Call those people in categories 1-3.  Be frank.  Explain you are engaged in exploring opportunities and seeking your next position and ask two questions:  Is there any assistance you can provide them at this time and what names can they give you of people who may need your assistance?  When possible arrange a face-to-face meeting within 3 weeks and secure the names of three referrals.   This is tough to do.  I know.  Face your fear of rejection and pick up the phone.

4.  Build your contact list.   What service can you provide to a group or association that will quickly build your contact list?  Who could use your assistance on a project (large or small) for free?  Offer to help and do it for free.  A former client called four contacts from his “who can influence someone who can hire you” category and offered to review 2-3 contracts for free and provide written recommendations.  Within six weeks, he had three interviews with hiring managers that liked his findings report and added 30 new, solid contacts to his list.

5.  Leverage the power of direct mail.  Mail requires thought, planning and an investment.  Sending direct mail to your top contacts pays dividends.  Unless you have invested in an email system with analytics and tracking features you may never know whether your email was delivered, opened or read.   However, direct mail that includes a strong call to action, such as, “Will you meet me for lunch downtown at your favorite deli at 12 noon, Tuesday, Oct 5 for a sandwich and conversation?” pays off amazing well and has a cumulative impact over time.

What is your favorite tip?  Do you have an adaptation or a success story?

Please share how you used one of these tips to manage your personal marketing and reach your contacts.

Saturday evening we attended Zootopia 2013, an event celebrating the Franklin Park Zoo’s centennial and Zoo New England.  It was fun and inspirational.  Live animals, inspiring people and unique stories combined to produce an engaging evening.

Branded leadership was everywhere.  I truly love to talk to people who have passion for what they do.  The marketplace loves it, too! A person’s palpable uniqueness and authenticity excites, engages, and connects people.

I was most inspired by the owl handler’s love for his job, his strong brand and the immediate impact of his leadership.  You can see in the photo he enjoys what he does.  His voice, eyes and energy share and highlight not only his brand, but also his keen knowledge of of the critical element that helps strong brands flourish — face-to-face time with clients, supporters, and professional contacts.  This time is important for him, the barn owl, and the organization they represent.

It was clear that the entire Zoo New England team (zookeepers, animal trainers, business development staff and board members) understood that uniqueness unlocked allows life to flourish, fun to blast forward and amazing results to occur.  They truly inspired themselves and the event attendees with their passion for what they do.

Do you inspire yourself?  Why do you do what you do?  Do you share your vision, passion and mission with others? Who else have you inspired to share your story?

Here are just some of the people telling the Zoo New England story to the world:   Jeff Corwin, Anna Rose Rudy, Robin Young, Adam Crellin-Sazama and Beau.  And, clearly they are inspiring others to tell the story, too.

Is it time to build your brand equity and inspire others?   Who is shouting about what you do and how you and your team are unique?

If you need help to leverage your uniqueness, do what you love, and inspire others, give me a call.

Oftentimes, it is easier to listen to the voices of doubt and sit still than it is to have the courage to listen to your REAL call to action and move forward with faith, completing what you really need to do.

Everyone desires success and wants life to be easy.  Me too!   I would love it if I could just wait by the phone or my Inbox and clients would come flooding in.  However, without continuous and innovative marketing and networking, I don’t land the job — and neither will you.

You can’t just keep fussing with your résumé of filling out online applications and expect someone to call you.  Unfortunately, time is not on your side.  Being out of work for a period of time does impact your value in the market.

If you are ready to stop making excuses and be back to work soon, it is time to take action!

Where to start?

First, you must BELIEVE!  Believe that results will come as a result of your actions.  Have faith that you are enough.  By nurturing and believing in your vision you become a magnet for success and prosperity.

Next, feel CONFIDENT in your values, skills and the job you perform.  Be aware of your doubts and negative feelings or you may miss out on available opportunities.

Then you must ACT!

Begin by assessing your network.  Take inventory of the people you know.  Do you need to grow and nurture your current network?  As in any business, inventory is an asset and impacts your bottom line.

Create a plan to connect and stay connected.  Who knows you?  Who likes you?  Who trusts you?  What is the best way to connect?  How will you stay connected?

Execute your plan.  Who will you call this week?  Pick up the phone.  Connect with people.  If you don’t have opportunities for a job in your pipeline you need to expand your network.

At the end of the day, stop listening to your doubts, decide what results you want and take action to achieve it!

In today’s world of employee sourcing, staying connected and getting a referral is more important than ever before.  So, Blind Spot #3 is critical to your success.

#3:  I can’t refer you, if I can’t reach you.

Here’s the thing about me.  I’m one of those people who keeps track of people and business needs and services.  I tell the world about people and businesses that I value, use, and trust to be a match for current or future needs.  People often call me and say,  “I recall you told me about … can I have the details again.”

I enjoy being of service, it is part of who I am.  I am passionate about connecting people who could do business together — and — I go to great lengths to do so.

When a recruiter contacts me or I discover an opportunity — I act!

The bottom line is without your current contact information I can’t make the connection.  It’s a total downer.  You created an obstacle.    You are a skilled, talented person who would be great for this opportunity, yet you will miss out on this referral because I can’t reach you.

Additionally, I can’t rely on you to get back to me.  This experience stands to impact future opportunities as well.  Your online information is not current, so it is not just me who can’t reach you.  If I refer you and someone else can’t reach you, it reflects on me.  What would you do?

Some things will slip through the cracks, it happens to us all every now and then, that is life. Yet, your blind spots not only show how you manage your career, they demonstrate how you will manage the affairs of an employer.

I truly like you and hope all is going well for you.  Maybe you will be among the few who never need to seek another job.  Maybe you forgot how long it takes to put things in place to generate interest or opportunities within your network.

I share this on my blog with compassion, care and concern.  I have been there too, overwhelmed, barely holding it together, and just managing to keep up day to day.  It is a scary place.

It only takes a little time and energy each week to manage your career.  Make a decision to do it. 

Your career is one of your most important assets.  Simple steps and small amounts of time each week will transform your career and immediately improve your results.

And, if you missed Blind Spot #1 and #2, head to the blog, check them out and complete the Action Tips!

Last week, I offered tips on how to stay proactive with your personal marketing.  This week, we address Blind Spot #2:

Not returning a call or responding to an email

Here is a scenario I run across all to often:

An opportunity that is perfect for you came across my desk.  I went to LinkedIn to find your contact information, but you hadn’t updated your profile for three years (Blind Spot #1)!

So, I had to hunt through old emails and a stack of three year-old business cards to find your email address and phone number.  I continued on because this job really is ideal for you!

Once I located your information, I sent you an email asking you if you were interested.   But then – no contact, weeks past, no word from you, not a call or an email.

I understand.  I too have lost, overlooked, or fail to respond to email or a phone call when I was busy, overwhelmed or life just got crazy.  But, it doesn’t have to be this way.  You do not need to miss opportunities.

How do you make sure nothing falls through the cracks?

Action Tip: 

Create 30 minutes of “follow up” time each and every week.  Use that time to return calls, check in with your network or thank people on your team for their work.  It doesn’t matter how busy you are — schedule the time.

Without scheduling these tasks right into your calendar, time gets away from you.  Don’t wait until you need a job  to “follow up” — people remember who stayed in touch and who didn’t.   Don’t miss great opportunities that might knock on your door.   Some of your contacts won’t be there anymore or they won’t be willing to find time for you if you don’t find time for them.

Isn’t your career worth 3o minutes a week?

Is your career managing you or are you managing it?  If you are ready for better results in your career?  Give me call.  And, don’t forget about my monthly Q&A calls — you can sign up in the box to the right.

Today is my sister’s birthday.  Happy Birthday Sonja!

Sonja is one of those people who sees her own blind spots and fixes them.  Not everyone does that.  In her honor I decided to share some career management blind spots and tips to overcome them.  Today, we focus on Blind Spot #1:

Abandoning your personal marketing.

Your LinkedIn profile still lists what you were doing in 2009 and the photo is clearly a seasonal one – the background is a winter scene.

This makes it appear as if you have checked out for the last three years and never came back. Employers are always concerned with the productivity of their employees.  The last thing you want to do is advertise that you are a person who “checks out.”

You worked really hard DURING your job search, making sure everything stayed up-to-date, but after you land the job you want, you still need to proactively market yourself.  Let me give you an example.  Just a few weeks ago a recruiter contacted me about a position (not yet posted) to see if I knew someone perfect for the position.  I did — you!  While on the phone I jumped on LinkedIn to share your contact info and guess what – NO update since 2009!  I still wanted to refer you so I told the recruiter I would contact you to see if you are interested and call him back.   I had to stall because your marketing materials were not up-to-date.   Not a good ongoing career management plan.

Action Tips:

Post a new photo or a seasonal photo each season, if you like.  Add specifics to your new position description.  Show your growth by posting a new accomplishment each quarter.  Reach out to someone in your network each week.  At the end of the year you would touch 52 people in your network.

You can do all of these things in less than 15 minutes a week.  Make an appointment with yourself each week.  Take those 15 minutes to log into your LinkedIn account, read your mail, respond to invitations, update one item and make one new contact.

By doing this weekly you create a habit. And, you’ll never have to scramble getting things updated when an opportunity arises.

Look for next week’s post where I discuss Blind Spot #2 – failing to respond to a call or email.

Are you ready for better results in your current position or looking to make your next career move?  Give me call or connect on LinkedIn.

Do you want to dramatically increase the number of personal referrals to the job you want?

Then engage your personal advocates! Personal advocates are people who know you, like you, trust you and want the best for you and it is up to you to educate your personal advocates, and be sure they know what you’re up to, your goals, who your target companies are, what positions you are targeting and why you are a good fit for both the target position and the target companies.

When you start your job search prepare what I call an “update letter” and send it to your personal advocates. I suggest sharing what you have been up to, what you are looking forward to doing, your one-paragraph résumé, and as appropriate a personal update. Next review your contacts, network, colleagues and co-workers. Create an initial list of possible advocates. Create your plan to engage your advocates. Execute – send your “update letter” and don’t to follow up.

Accelerate your search today!

Do you have tips that have helped you engage your advocates? I would enjoy hearing about them. Feel free to share them here.

In “How To Network With A Complete Jerk”,  Jason Alba, offers some great advice, exercise choice and use a simple solution.

So often I hear from people in a job search or working hard to hire talent that really do struggle with how to handle a JERK.  There are situations when “You don’t.” is the best solution. 

However, we are all faced with a JERK that for one reason or another, we must deal with at least on some level.  Or at least I am from time to time.

Are you faced with a JERK that is hard to avoid?  What about a JERK at an event?  Would “ignore” or “don’t” always work?

Here is a quick tip for handling either a JERK or a person you would like to connect with in future, however, here and now is not the best time.  Exercise the choice of when and how to connect.  Here’s how:

   – offer a connection method and time that fits the situation and person,

   – then excuse yourself, this allows you to continue to network. 

When you do encounter a JERK, you do wish to connect with now or in the future, you can politely exercise the choice of excusing yourself.  It is okay to say, “I don’t believe I can assist you, good luck.”

I agree with Jason Alba, it is a very empowering to exercise the choice.  You do control who, where, when or if you elect to network with someone.   

What is your solution?  Feel free to share it.

Do you have a situation you need help with or a job search question? 

Give me a call or join me for the monthly Q & A calls and get your burning questions answered.