There is a reason why the word "work" is in networking. To identify a new job that better meshes with your needs, and goals you have to sweat, take risks, and ask for what you want.
During my lunch break today, I visited a salon on Greenwood Village for a new "do". From shampoo to payout, the appointment lasted about 25 minutes (my stylist Jen is GOOD). During that time I accomplished a few things:
1. Identified 3 viable leads for a contact who is looking for opportunities in the legal space.
2. Learned about and got a contact for an available position for a certified instructor in Littleton.
3. Connected with the owner of the salon who is says she is "always looking for great talent", and got permission to send referrals directly to her.
By quickly and confidently sharing who I was, what I did, and by asking for what I needed; I was able to not only increase my visibility and grow my business, but also help numerous job seekers and hiring managers in my network. When I share the information I gathered, 3 or more people could land jobs in the next few weeks!
With much discussion about networking, including the online "social" type, it's clear that many of us don't really understand what it is and how to do it. Recruiter/writer Nick Corcodilos sums it up, "true networking is when you spend time with people who do the work you want to do, talking shop. Good networking involves working with other active professionals...to learn something new. Good networking is rubbing elbows and enjoying talk and activities related to the work you want to do.
Here's the thing that confuses people and frustrates them: they think we network to get our next job. That's absolutely wrong. We network to get smarter, to make new friends, to build our value and credibility in our professional community, to help others, and to enjoy our work outside of the job. Job opportunities arise out of networking; they are not the reason we do it."
Simple rules of thumb:
1. Every where you go - connect, share your brand, and ask for what you want.
2. Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.
Transition is not easy. At LeadSource, our clients don't need easy, they want possible. So during our Smashcut Class Series, we teach folks how to create opportunity and achieve their goals.
Click here to connect with Sarah via LinkedIn and register for the next Smashcut Job Seeker Class Series!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Don't like to call? Get over it.
"Clients tell me, 'I'm so excited. I applied to 50 places today,' " says career consultant Bradford Agry. "You're better off having lunch with one person in your network and going to the gym." (Source: www.fortune.com)
While watching The Today Show this morning, I listened to a broadcast by Suzanne Choney about the "death of the phone". The content made me heart rate go up learning about how "...a growing number of adults who will "go to great lengths to avoid a telephone conversation," she said. "Adults say that they are so pressed with the amount of messages they have at work that they don't have time for the luxury of 'real time' conversation.""
Give me a break.
In my business, the phone is one of the best ways to set myself apart from the rest of the prospecting pack. Why? Because I have learned that a conversation is the next best thing to a face to face meeting. When I talk directly and confidently with decision makers, I gather more useful information about their needs and goals then I ever could via email, text, tweets, or from reviewing fan pages on Facebook.
At LeadSource, LLC our clients are personable, love interacting with people, and would rather talk with or shake someone's hand rather than friend them on Facebook. So why are so many of them afraid of calling prospective employers? Fear of rejection. How do they get over it? Practice. And after they practice, their confidence, communications skills, ability to overcome objections, and "yes's" sky rocket.
Check out these stats:
Lets say you apply for a job with 99 other applicants. You're now 1 out of 100 seemingly qualified job seekers. A few things happen (1) resume readers need about 5-10 applicants to make the short list. If they have enough referrals, you're out. (2) resume readers will read only enough resumes to get enough candidates. Your luck depends on where you fall in the pile. When you "do different and do better", you can become a referral fairly quickly.
MY POINT? The #1 way to get on the short list for a job is to connect with a major player in the hiring process. A successful job search is a numbers game. Would you rather be one of 100? Or would you rather be 1 of 5? Reach out and touch someone!
Don't know how to manage a phone call? "The Get-Back-To-Work Book" devotes over 20 pages of content to blueprinting companies, dialing decision makers, scripting, overcoming objections, and qualifying your prospect. Get your copy today!
While watching The Today Show this morning, I listened to a broadcast by Suzanne Choney about the "death of the phone". The content made me heart rate go up learning about how "...a growing number of adults who will "go to great lengths to avoid a telephone conversation," she said. "Adults say that they are so pressed with the amount of messages they have at work that they don't have time for the luxury of 'real time' conversation.""
Give me a break.
In my business, the phone is one of the best ways to set myself apart from the rest of the prospecting pack. Why? Because I have learned that a conversation is the next best thing to a face to face meeting. When I talk directly and confidently with decision makers, I gather more useful information about their needs and goals then I ever could via email, text, tweets, or from reviewing fan pages on Facebook.
At LeadSource, LLC our clients are personable, love interacting with people, and would rather talk with or shake someone's hand rather than friend them on Facebook. So why are so many of them afraid of calling prospective employers? Fear of rejection. How do they get over it? Practice. And after they practice, their confidence, communications skills, ability to overcome objections, and "yes's" sky rocket.
Check out these stats:
- Number of applicants per job opening in 2010: over 200 (Source: www.workforce.com)
- Percentage of jobs filled via online job boards: 5% (average from various sources)
- Percentage of jobs not filled via online job boards: 95% (Source: my mathematical brain)
- For every 10 people who apply for a job, about 20% or 2 of the candidates are referrals. (Source: www.ere.net)
Lets say you apply for a job with 99 other applicants. You're now 1 out of 100 seemingly qualified job seekers. A few things happen (1) resume readers need about 5-10 applicants to make the short list. If they have enough referrals, you're out. (2) resume readers will read only enough resumes to get enough candidates. Your luck depends on where you fall in the pile. When you "do different and do better", you can become a referral fairly quickly.
MY POINT? The #1 way to get on the short list for a job is to connect with a major player in the hiring process. A successful job search is a numbers game. Would you rather be one of 100? Or would you rather be 1 of 5? Reach out and touch someone!
Don't know how to manage a phone call? "The Get-Back-To-Work Book" devotes over 20 pages of content to blueprinting companies, dialing decision makers, scripting, overcoming objections, and qualifying your prospect. Get your copy today!
Monday, March 7, 2011
The Denver Business Journal
Gang - two main tools you need for your job search: LinkedIn + the Denver Business Journal (DBJ). Kelly Stangel from the DBJ visited Smashcut today. She literally sat down with us and demonstrated how almost every page of the DBJ can impact a job search - AMAZING.
Her examples were quick, easy, and practical. I've been putting her off for about 3 months, because I couldn't justify the subscription cost. I was WRONG - the DBJ is a one stop shop for open opportunities, leads, contacts, education, and market navigation.
Her examples were quick, easy, and practical. I've been putting her off for about 3 months, because I couldn't justify the subscription cost. I was WRONG - the DBJ is a one stop shop for open opportunities, leads, contacts, education, and market navigation.
While managing your career search, focus on the three "C"s - competency, chemistry, and culture. Submitting your resume online provides low to no ROI. Resume readers (recruiters, HR folks, hiring managers) scan resumes to gauge your level of competency. The two things that make or break a hire are chemistry and culture. In order to create chemistry and determine whether or not a company maintains a culture fit for you, you need to do your research! Here's how the DBJ can help you:
1. CULTURE - Per Kelly, "companies featured in the DBJ typically see an +/- 18% growth rate over a 3 year period, with majority of the growth taking place within the first year and half." The DBJ is the watch dog for Colorado, and it's articles spot-light companies who can provide longevity, stability, and innovation. When you identify a company you can work for, use the DBJ as a resource to determine if you want to work there.
2. CHEMISTRY - the DBJ frequently spot-lights high level decision makers in/around the Denver area. Use the DBJ as a resource to identify (and connect with) high level exces who are on the front lines, working and winning in industries where you want to be. (Review the "Briefcase" and "Newsmakers" sections in the DBJ to learn more about business activity in/around Denver)
3. CALENDAR - connecting with other unemployed folks is great when you need empathy and encouragement. But when you need first hand information about an opportunity, it's always best to connect with busy and confident professionals who are working and winning. Most DBJ issues feature and promote event calendars that will help you determine where you need to be! (Example: Biz Bash 2011 takes place April 28th. Over 20 well known organizations are sponsoring, which means dozens of high profile execs will be available for a handshake, intros, and possibly quick face to face time.)
You have everything to gain by becoming a DBJ reader! So contact Kelly Stangel @ the DBJ, tell her Sarah Wells sent you and subscribe today!
Kelly Stangel: kstangel@bizjournals.com
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Truman's Treasure
My oldest son Truman is 4 1/2. When you ask him his age, he is not 4 1/2..."just 4". And his name is not Tru or TMan or Trunemo, it's "just Truman". Truman is a phenomenal human being - direct, honest, driven, hilarious, thoughtful, intelligent, witty, creative, cautiously adventurous, and happy.
Today, he and I decided to enjoy the Colorado sunshine by taking a long journey to the park. He rides his bike, and I walk. Every trip we take, no matter the destination, Truman has a purpose - a goal. Today, his goals were to have fun at the park with his friend Ella, find a red treasure, and find a gold treasure. We phoned Ella, but no answer. Truman's solution? Play with other kids at the park. So we head out...
Upon arrival, Truman automatically targets a few kiddos to play with - some older, some younger. He approaches and asks "Can I play house with you guys?" All three kids ignore him and turn their backs. Second attempt, Truman says " I have some special rocks, want to see them?" The three kids tell him, "Go play by yourself." At this point, I ask him if he's okay and he says yes but his feelings are hurt. I tell him that it's okay to tell the kids what he's feeling. Third attempt, Truman approaches the kids at the play house and says "When you say you don't want to play with me that hurts my feelings. Can I please play with you?" Two of the kids block both entrances to the play house. Asked and answered. Truman was sitting alone and head hanging low when I ask him "What do you want to do?" His answer? "Go find another friend." YES! Fourth attempt, Truman targets a younger girl at the swings. He walks right up and asks, "Do you want to play?" Answer? "No." Ouch. At this point, my heart is breaking for Truman and I want to intervene. But instead, I choose to trust in him and talk with him. Choices are good, so I ask "Do you want to go home or go look for treasure?" Truman wants to go look for treasure. After 20 minutes, no red, no gold. As a mother, I am anxious because Truman isn't getting what he expected today. As always, as I worry, Truman confidently changes direction. He decides to walk the perimeter of the baseball fence to look for treasure. Two minutes into the hunt, Truman yells "Mom, check this out - I found exactly what I needed!!!" The treasure wasn't an audience, not a friend, and it wasn't red or gold. Truman's treasure was a tiny blue and green dinosaur.
My point? While you navigate the big bad world of job hunting:
1. Identify viable prospects, confidently and tactfully approach, and ask to participate.
2. When/if rejected, keep moving and try try again.
3. As a next step, pull a "Truman": don't give up but incorporate a new tactic; take the unbeaten path and explore uncrowded territory.
Don't protect yourself from what might not happen, prepare yourself for what can happen. You might not get what you asked for, but you just might uncover the something(s) you need.
Happy Hunting!
Today, he and I decided to enjoy the Colorado sunshine by taking a long journey to the park. He rides his bike, and I walk. Every trip we take, no matter the destination, Truman has a purpose - a goal. Today, his goals were to have fun at the park with his friend Ella, find a red treasure, and find a gold treasure. We phoned Ella, but no answer. Truman's solution? Play with other kids at the park. So we head out...
Upon arrival, Truman automatically targets a few kiddos to play with - some older, some younger. He approaches and asks "Can I play house with you guys?" All three kids ignore him and turn their backs. Second attempt, Truman says " I have some special rocks, want to see them?" The three kids tell him, "Go play by yourself." At this point, I ask him if he's okay and he says yes but his feelings are hurt. I tell him that it's okay to tell the kids what he's feeling. Third attempt, Truman approaches the kids at the play house and says "When you say you don't want to play with me that hurts my feelings. Can I please play with you?" Two of the kids block both entrances to the play house. Asked and answered. Truman was sitting alone and head hanging low when I ask him "What do you want to do?" His answer? "Go find another friend." YES! Fourth attempt, Truman targets a younger girl at the swings. He walks right up and asks, "Do you want to play?" Answer? "No." Ouch. At this point, my heart is breaking for Truman and I want to intervene. But instead, I choose to trust in him and talk with him. Choices are good, so I ask "Do you want to go home or go look for treasure?" Truman wants to go look for treasure. After 20 minutes, no red, no gold. As a mother, I am anxious because Truman isn't getting what he expected today. As always, as I worry, Truman confidently changes direction. He decides to walk the perimeter of the baseball fence to look for treasure. Two minutes into the hunt, Truman yells "Mom, check this out - I found exactly what I needed!!!" The treasure wasn't an audience, not a friend, and it wasn't red or gold. Truman's treasure was a tiny blue and green dinosaur.
1. Identify viable prospects, confidently and tactfully approach, and ask to participate.
2. When/if rejected, keep moving and try try again.
3. As a next step, pull a "Truman": don't give up but incorporate a new tactic; take the unbeaten path and explore uncrowded territory.
Don't protect yourself from what might not happen, prepare yourself for what can happen. You might not get what you asked for, but you just might uncover the something(s) you need.
Happy Hunting!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Talk sharp and send the right message.
Sheba's article is fantastic, relevant, and immediately useful for job seekers. Check it out...
Talk sharp: Send the right message at work
By Sheba R. Wheeler @ The Denver Post - printed March 1, 2011
..."The most important thing is that people have to understand their audience," she says. "What is that person or group of people's level of understanding? What is their relationship to you...
..."No matter how advanced communications technology gets, speaking continues to be critical to a person's success."
For those interviewing for a job, it's important to use strong verbal skills, as well.
Ask questions about the company to show interest: "What challenges does the company face, and how do you plan to meet those challenges?" Ask questions about the interviewer: "What is your management style?" Ask about the position: "What are the keys to being successful in this position?" And when the interview is done, ask what the interviewer has learned about you today that he/she thinks makes you a viable candidate.
"That way, before you walk out the door, you are encouraging them to recap all the positive things they heard about you and have you leave on a very strong, positive note," says Lindsell-Roberts. "It's very empowering."
In closing, get permission to follow up in a week or two through either a phone call or e-mail, whichever they prefer.
Choose words carefully
Want to convince a manager that a specific course of action (i.e., yours) is better than another (i.e., his or hers)? Chris St. Hilaire, a message strategist and author of "27 Powers of Persuasion: Simple Strategies to Seduce Audiences & Win Allies," says not to use the word "but." As in, "I don't disagree with you, but . . ."
The word "sets the stage for making the listener wrong, defensive and more entrenched in their own ideas instead of being open to others," says St. Hilaire.
The subordinate that gets heard and is more likely to be agreed with should say: "I like your idea, and ..."
"Even if you are adding a different twist on their idea, the word 'and' sets the framework up for the listener to be right and gets you 50 percent closer to being where you need to be," St. Hilaire says.
Use the phrase "from my perspective" instead of "let me tell you the way it is," St. Hilaire says. One orders and discounts, while the other builds and sets up both the listener and speaker's viewpoints on equal footing.
"The key to successful communication is improvisation, building on each other's ideas, and honoring others before you add your own," he says.
When trying to persuade upper-level managers to take a specific course of action, acknowledging their situation will open them up to hearing your suggestions.
"A lot of times people think that CEOs and others in positions of power are the most secure people in the company," says Hilaire. "In fact, they are the most insecure because they are the ones on the line. It may seem like they are making fewer decisions, but they are making big ones that need to be weighed."
St. Hilaire says he believes that communication and persuasion are an art and craft.
"The natural palette that God gives you to have ideas that eventually change things is the art," he says. "The craft is communicating and getting your ideas heard so the best ones can rise to the surface. That is learnable and teachable."
Speak the truth
Is being a master communicator manipulative? Yes, says Scott Snair, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Power Words." But it's not deceptive.
"I'm not advocating how to lie and get away with it," Snair says. "But there is a way to manipulate people and be very disarming and say 100 percent the truth."
One of Snair's favorite tools for negotiation and persuasion in the workplace: "Would you do me a favor?"
"No matter the request, you are not putting it in a frame that says 'I'm in charge of you.' Instead you are empowering the other person to help you."
It irks Snair when he sees people ask "How are you doing?" and then keep walking before a response is given. Take the time to let someone know you appreciate them even if you don't have time to chat.
"Occasionally I get teased for it, but I always say to people, 'Hi, it's great to see you.' It really puts the whole day in a better light."
Talk sharp: Send the right message at work
By Sheba R. Wheeler @ The Denver Post - printed March 1, 2011
..."The most important thing is that people have to understand their audience," she says. "What is that person or group of people's level of understanding? What is their relationship to you...
..."No matter how advanced communications technology gets, speaking continues to be critical to a person's success."
For those interviewing for a job, it's important to use strong verbal skills, as well.
Ask questions about the company to show interest: "What challenges does the company face, and how do you plan to meet those challenges?" Ask questions about the interviewer: "What is your management style?" Ask about the position: "What are the keys to being successful in this position?" And when the interview is done, ask what the interviewer has learned about you today that he/she thinks makes you a viable candidate.
"That way, before you walk out the door, you are encouraging them to recap all the positive things they heard about you and have you leave on a very strong, positive note," says Lindsell-Roberts. "It's very empowering."
In closing, get permission to follow up in a week or two through either a phone call or e-mail, whichever they prefer.
Choose words carefully
Want to convince a manager that a specific course of action (i.e., yours) is better than another (i.e., his or hers)? Chris St. Hilaire, a message strategist and author of "27 Powers of Persuasion: Simple Strategies to Seduce Audiences & Win Allies," says not to use the word "but." As in, "I don't disagree with you, but . . ."
The word "sets the stage for making the listener wrong, defensive and more entrenched in their own ideas instead of being open to others," says St. Hilaire.
The subordinate that gets heard and is more likely to be agreed with should say: "I like your idea, and ..."
"Even if you are adding a different twist on their idea, the word 'and' sets the framework up for the listener to be right and gets you 50 percent closer to being where you need to be," St. Hilaire says.
Use the phrase "from my perspective" instead of "let me tell you the way it is," St. Hilaire says. One orders and discounts, while the other builds and sets up both the listener and speaker's viewpoints on equal footing.
"The key to successful communication is improvisation, building on each other's ideas, and honoring others before you add your own," he says.
When trying to persuade upper-level managers to take a specific course of action, acknowledging their situation will open them up to hearing your suggestions.
"A lot of times people think that CEOs and others in positions of power are the most secure people in the company," says Hilaire. "In fact, they are the most insecure because they are the ones on the line. It may seem like they are making fewer decisions, but they are making big ones that need to be weighed."
St. Hilaire says he believes that communication and persuasion are an art and craft.
"The natural palette that God gives you to have ideas that eventually change things is the art," he says. "The craft is communicating and getting your ideas heard so the best ones can rise to the surface. That is learnable and teachable."
Speak the truth
Is being a master communicator manipulative? Yes, says Scott Snair, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Power Words." But it's not deceptive.
"I'm not advocating how to lie and get away with it," Snair says. "But there is a way to manipulate people and be very disarming and say 100 percent the truth."
One of Snair's favorite tools for negotiation and persuasion in the workplace: "Would you do me a favor?"
"No matter the request, you are not putting it in a frame that says 'I'm in charge of you.' Instead you are empowering the other person to help you."
It irks Snair when he sees people ask "How are you doing?" and then keep walking before a response is given. Take the time to let someone know you appreciate them even if you don't have time to chat.
"Occasionally I get teased for it, but I always say to people, 'Hi, it's great to see you.' It really puts the whole day in a better light."
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
There is a Way
There is a Way (by NewWorldson):
You say love is just a word,
just four letters in a row.
Just a thing that people say,
or they never tell you so.
And you use every excuse, to let nobody in.
Now this cloud you bring around, has become your only friend.
And everybody saying that it's going to go away,
But it don’t go.
And everybody's telling you one day it's going to change,
But you don't know.
If it's really going to end.
Chorus:
But there is a way,
There is a spark,
There is a hope that you can hold on to.
There is a life line come to the rescue,
Just like a hand that's waiting for you.
And if you believe in this I promise that you won't be alone.
There is a way, the truth and the life, and the way.
What if love became a man, If the word had flesh and bone.
Would you recognize his face, If he came to bring you home?
You think you're all alone, Gotta do it on your own riding solo.
Is there someone you can call when you stumble and fall?
Cause you don't know, If you'll be getting up again.
Back to Chorus
Don't you think your life's worth saving? Don't you know that love's amazing?
Don't you want to lay your troubles down?
Lay them down.
If I thought love was just a word,
I might feel the same way too.
But theres so much more than that,
And it's waiting here for you.
Back to Chorus.
There is a way,
There is a way!
There is a way.
Come on, there is a way.
There is a way,
There is a way, truth and the life, and the way.
You say love is just a word,
just four letters in a row.
Just a thing that people say,
or they never tell you so.
And you use every excuse, to let nobody in.
Now this cloud you bring around, has become your only friend.
And everybody saying that it's going to go away,
But it don’t go.
And everybody's telling you one day it's going to change,
But you don't know.
If it's really going to end.
Chorus:
But there is a way,
There is a spark,
There is a hope that you can hold on to.
There is a life line come to the rescue,
Just like a hand that's waiting for you.
And if you believe in this I promise that you won't be alone.
There is a way, the truth and the life, and the way.
What if love became a man, If the word had flesh and bone.
Would you recognize his face, If he came to bring you home?
You think you're all alone, Gotta do it on your own riding solo.
Is there someone you can call when you stumble and fall?
Cause you don't know, If you'll be getting up again.
Back to Chorus
Don't you think your life's worth saving? Don't you know that love's amazing?
Don't you want to lay your troubles down?
Lay them down.
If I thought love was just a word,
I might feel the same way too.
But theres so much more than that,
And it's waiting here for you.
Back to Chorus.
There is a way,
There is a way!
There is a way.
Come on, there is a way.
There is a way,
There is a way, truth and the life, and the way.
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