Prospector or Problem Solver?

"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, even if it's on a volunteer project, or to learn something new.  Good networking is rubbing elbows and enjoying talk and activities related to the work you want to do." - http://kensoper.com/?p=240 -

I helped coordinate and presented at a job seeker event this morning at my church (shout out to Greenwood Community Church in Greenwood Village, CO).  After a short introduction and setting expectations, I went into a round table discussion about networking.  My first question to each person was "Why are you here today?"  The group was 28 strong; every single person in the room told me what they wanted and/or needed (a job, lead, encouragement, networking contacts, resume help, etc). 

Surprised?  Not one person discussed what they could offer or how they could help the group.  Based on my experience as a sales person, recruiter, and active networker; if you want to people to follow you (as on Twitter) or more importantly, want to lead you to that next opportunity, be prepared to focus on giving, not getting.

• Make networking the way you are, not something you do.
• Build relationships before you need them.
• Become a resource for your clients, colleagues, company, networking partners, family, and friends.
• Look for relationships outside your areas of interest and expertise.
• Be purposeful, prepared, persistent, and patient.

"The message is clearly a proactive one, "take the initiative", but not in a self centered manner.  Rather, put the other person(s) first in your life, and what goes around will come around. " - - http://kensoper.com/?p=240 -

At CareerScribe, our mission goes beyond "just" providing a polished and creative career management portfolio to help you enhance your personal branding campaign.  Social responsibility is a key motivator behind our vision.  Join us, share your story, and tell us...

How can we help you?

You hear "You're being let go" - now what?  Time to dust off and update the 'ol resume, draft a few versions of a cover letter, scour the job boards, apply online, and connect with and leverage new and existing contacts. 

Raise your hand if you've caught yourself saying or emailing something like, "Hello Mr. Hiring Manager.  I’m calling about the open sales position that is posted on your website.  I have over 10 years experience in sales, account management, and territory management in the manufacturing industry.  Based on the job description, I’m a perfect fit and know I would bring value to your team/organization.  Can I send you my resume for review and call you next week?"

When you call or email a networking partner, hiring manager, recruiter, or HR rep, they know you need something…a job.   In order to shift the power, you must demonstrate that a company needs you.  How do you do that?

Don't ask for anything.  In today's job market, you have to give to get.  Ask questions, do your research, offer solutions.  Due to the economic downturn, companies' hiring practices evolved.  Organizations are inundated with 100s of resumes for each open position, so how do you avoid falling into the applicant black hole?

The prevailing prejudice of hiring managers today:  "You are just like all the other candidates, competent but nothing special.  Good, but not great."  What significant skills, knowledge or competencies do you possess?  How can you help a company save money, make money, or increase efficiency/productivity?  Most importantly, how are you presenting that information to decision makers?

If you don't have an online career portfolio, get one.  Based on my experience as a job seeker and hiring manager, a resume if not enough.  With CareerScribe (http://www.careerscribe.com), you can share your story in the most provocative and disruptive ways in order to differentiate and distinguish yourself:

• personalize and share your story in the "About Me" section
• document your accomplishments in the "Career Tracker"
• disrupt hiring prejudices by presenting your solutions in a 1-3 minute video where a hiring manager can experience your communication skills, presentation style, behavior, and personality

Jobs exist because problems exist.  When you find a company with a problem, invest the time to create and present your solution(s), and I guarantee you'll get some attention.

GOOD LUCK!