Just as we maintain our homes, cars, and other worldly possessions; we must must must maintain our professional lives. Whether you're unemployed or not yet unemployed, taking inventory of, cleaning out, and organizing your job search is a non-negotiable.
Sarah's Top 10 Spring Clean for 2011:
1. Industries - to start, focus on 3 viable industries that suit your background, skill set, education, acumen, and goals.
2. Strengths - think about and list 3 things that you do exceptionally well. When you do these things, they make you feel more powerful!
3. Weaknesses - think about list 3 things that you don't do well and need to improve on. To enhance your list, write down what you're currently doing or plan to do to overcome the learning curve(s)
4. Transferable skills - think about and list the 5 industry neutral skills that will help you determine "fit" when reading a job description or applying for a job.
5. "Uniquity" - list 1-3 unique skills, attributes, and/or accomplishments that absolutely set you apart from the rest of the pack.
6. Resources - what do you have or need in your tool box to get you important information to expertly navigate the market place? All I need is Google, LinkedIn, and The Denver Business Journal. What's in your wallet?
7. Scripts - over 95% of job seekers apply online and never reach out to decision makers. And over 76% percent of job seekers don't follow up. Would you rather be 1 of 100 applicants or 1 of 4? YES, calling high level decision makers aka your future bosses is a must. Increase your odds of getting attention and/or first interview by over 75% and get scripting!
8. Objections and responses - in order to turn your 30 second elevator pitch into a 30 minute conversation, it's time to learn how to overcome objections. Think about and list all the objections you face or will face then draft appropriate responses (HINT: when stuck, ask a question)
9. Power partner - identify and connect with someone in your network that is accessible and available to listen to you, work with you, talk about you, advocate for you, and fight for you!
10. 4 A's - Accountability, Adventure, Action, Attitude! Be accountable for what you do and to whom you partner with. Have a sense of adventure and try new things every day that are (way) outside of your comfort zone (elevator pitch, calling decision makers, asking for referrals). Follow through, but make sure every single action in your plan has a purpose. Finally, attitude...where will you go and what will you get with a negative attitude? Need help, purchase Jeffrey Gitomer's "Little Gold Book of Yes! Attitude" - easy read and phenomenal resource! To purchase, visit: http://www.amazon.com/Little-Gold-Book-YES-Attitude/dp/0131986473
Missing any of the above or don't know where to get help? When you need motivation, education, and expert tools to get you started, recharged, or to the next step enroll in the next Smashcut Job Seeker Class Series! Session IV is scheduled to begin May 16, 2011 @ the Koelbel Library in Centennial. To learn more about Smashcut, visit Sarah's LinkedIn page: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbwells
To register and reserve your seat for Smashcut Session IV, email Sarah today!
Hoppy Spring! Now lets get back to work!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
High Profile, High Accessibility
The other day I had a meeting and next to us sat Ed McCaffrey (http://edmccaffrey.com/). So I texted most of the males in my life to brag that I was sitting next to one of the most popular wide receivers that played in the NFL. My brother wanted his autograph, and my Dad texted "who is that?" (LOL)
During every session of my coaching career, I encourage people to take risks. I challenge job seekers to do things that are productive yet uncomfortable. I teach professionals how to call high level hiring managers, but most are apprehensive because of fear of rejection and/or embarrassment. I've made a commitment to practice what I preach, so I vowed that I would talk with Mr. McCaffrey before one of us left the building. My friend kept saying, "just go - better go now - hurry up before he leaves". Armed with a smile and a few business cards, I must have gotten out of my chair at least 4 times to go talk to him, but never made it. There was no right time, as McCaffrey kept getting interrupted by folks wanting his autograph. Ugh.
About an hour after my arrival, he got up to leave. I blew it. I deflated and said "forget it" and watched him walk away. My friend says to me, "He's still here, and he's sitting by himself - go NOW!" No fear...I got up, walked over and BOOM - some other lady blocks me to have him sign her receipt. But I didn't give up. I waited patiently then approached him, introduced myself, briefly told him what I did for a living and handed him two business cards. But I didn't ask him for an autograph, nor did I ask him for help with my business needs. I mentioned that I heard on the radio about his upcoming football camp and asked how I could help. He was pleasantly shocked and thanked me for my interest.
After a few minutes of asking some great questions and actively listening, I learned everything I needed to know about his camp, target market, marketing tools, and time-line. He provided the name and number of his event coordinator and encouraged me to use him as a reference when I call her.
What's in it for me? Community service, high profile connections, shoulder to shoulder time with community leaders, and a few days of F-U-N.
No time lost: I called his coordinator and made an appointment for some face time to learn more about how I could help their organization.
Lesson learned: Get out, get connected, ask great questions, listen and determine how you can impact your community! A healthy fear of talking with high level decision makers is no different than being afraid to approach a "super star" and ask for an autograph. Most famous folks are kind human beings with busy days, families, and problems who welcome a friendly smile, casual conversation, a tiny ego boost, and a helping hand. Just because people make more money, have their picture in the paper, or play on Invesco field doesn't mean they don't want to listen to what you have to say, especially if your "presentation" has value.
Funny value add: after my conversation with "Ed" he followed me back to my table. No, he didn't ask what he could do for me; he just wanted his pen back. And no, he doesn't write with a fancy ergo sleek metal chrome pen, he uses a Bic (black ink). I could've sold that thing on Ebay and made a fortune!
During every session of my coaching career, I encourage people to take risks. I challenge job seekers to do things that are productive yet uncomfortable. I teach professionals how to call high level hiring managers, but most are apprehensive because of fear of rejection and/or embarrassment. I've made a commitment to practice what I preach, so I vowed that I would talk with Mr. McCaffrey before one of us left the building. My friend kept saying, "just go - better go now - hurry up before he leaves". Armed with a smile and a few business cards, I must have gotten out of my chair at least 4 times to go talk to him, but never made it. There was no right time, as McCaffrey kept getting interrupted by folks wanting his autograph. Ugh.
About an hour after my arrival, he got up to leave. I blew it. I deflated and said "forget it" and watched him walk away. My friend says to me, "He's still here, and he's sitting by himself - go NOW!" No fear...I got up, walked over and BOOM - some other lady blocks me to have him sign her receipt. But I didn't give up. I waited patiently then approached him, introduced myself, briefly told him what I did for a living and handed him two business cards. But I didn't ask him for an autograph, nor did I ask him for help with my business needs. I mentioned that I heard on the radio about his upcoming football camp and asked how I could help. He was pleasantly shocked and thanked me for my interest.
After a few minutes of asking some great questions and actively listening, I learned everything I needed to know about his camp, target market, marketing tools, and time-line. He provided the name and number of his event coordinator and encouraged me to use him as a reference when I call her.
What's in it for me? Community service, high profile connections, shoulder to shoulder time with community leaders, and a few days of F-U-N.
No time lost: I called his coordinator and made an appointment for some face time to learn more about how I could help their organization.
Lesson learned: Get out, get connected, ask great questions, listen and determine how you can impact your community! A healthy fear of talking with high level decision makers is no different than being afraid to approach a "super star" and ask for an autograph. Most famous folks are kind human beings with busy days, families, and problems who welcome a friendly smile, casual conversation, a tiny ego boost, and a helping hand. Just because people make more money, have their picture in the paper, or play on Invesco field doesn't mean they don't want to listen to what you have to say, especially if your "presentation" has value.
Funny value add: after my conversation with "Ed" he followed me back to my table. No, he didn't ask what he could do for me; he just wanted his pen back. And no, he doesn't write with a fancy ergo sleek metal chrome pen, he uses a Bic (black ink). I could've sold that thing on Ebay and made a fortune!
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