Hannah Morgan

Find the Back Door for a Job Posting Using LinkedIn

As I read and write posts, there is a heavy influence on networking into your next job.  Right? 
You also have to use the the job boards.  You want to cover all your bases.  So rather than just sending your resume and cover letter over to the company, do some follow up on LinkedIn.

I searched Indeed.com for a buyer/supply chain job. 

 

Then I went into LinkedIn and searched for the company name.  Sometimes this won't work.  (As more companies and people start using LinkedIn, this will greatly improve.)

This is what the company profile looks like. (I have crossed out the names to protect the innocent!)

 

You may have first degree or second degree contacts within the company.  This would be wonderful.  If you don't have any connections, you can usually see the names of employees on LinkedIn (they've added their profiles to LinkedIn). 

If you don't know any of these people, you can click on their profiles and see what groups they belong to, what companies they used to work for and see if there are any commonalities.  If you share a group, you may be able to connect with them through that avenue. 

As you view their LinkedIn profile, see if they are on Twitter.  I have found Twitter to be a great "stalking tool".  Follow them on Twitter, observe their tweets.  See if you can find a way to start a dialog with them based on their tweets.  You may even find that they maintain a blog.  Read that and see if you can comment on something they've recently written about.    

While you are at it, "follow" the company.  This will update you when they update their status or LinkedIn information! 

A referral from someone inside a company carries a lot of weight.  It is worth every minute of your sleuthing to try and find connections to a job posting! 

Has this ever worked for anyone?  Do you have a better way of finding company insiders?

The Garden

Back in May my family planted a vegetable garden in a community plot across the street.  In the beginning, we checked on it regularly, weeded and watered and even added MiracleGro (sorry Amy).

As the summer started up and we got busy with summer activities and vacations, the garden, still in its infancy got ignored...until yesterday.

I should include a picture so you can laugh at the weeds which have grown as tall as the rows of corn we planted.  After carefully stepping in and finding the surviving vegetable plants, I harvested 4 string beans, one tiny zucchini and one sprig of basil. Yahoo!

There is an obvious metaphor here.  Your network needs to be maintained.  Your job search won't run itself. It requires regular attention, not just when you need it.

It is difficult to manage this into an already full schedule, however, the one thing that has the greatest return on investment are the relationships you've grown.

Who Do You Need To Know?

Over the past two weeks I've had conversations with a lot of interesting people.  They were with an MBA intern, Branding Guru, Human Resources enthusiast, Leadership author and Social Media/website pro.  And that's only a partial list.

The backgrounds and talents of these people were all over the map. This is what made it so interesting and exciting.  I learned something from each of them.  Things that enlightened.

The point of this post is to help you understand that "networking" (I hate this word), isn't just something you do to find a job or secure new business.  It is something you do to develop yourself.

Several months ago I was asked to list 2-3 people I would like to get to know better- people I admired or respected.  Geography was not a restriction.  I was supposed to reach out to them and and cultivate a relationship.  This was really hard and it still is. But it is a challenge I put forth to you. Why? Because it is difficult and because if you do carry it out, you will be so much better off.

Before you reach out to these people, do some prep work:

• Ask and answer why you want to meet them
• Research them online
• Construct a list of questions you want to ask them

Now, pick up the phone and call them.  Tell them why you would like to meet with them.  You won't always get a yes, however, if your reason for meeting with them is well thought out and sincere, I am willing to bet you will get more "yes's" than "no's".

What if you were to do this every week for the rest of your life? It is like a "bucket list" of people you want to meet before you die, but on a smaller, more achievable scale.  Who knows, it might lead to your meeting someone really spectacular.  Imagine what you may learn.

Summary Sunday

The internet is full of useful content!  It can be overwhelming to find what you are looking for.  Each week I summarize some of the favorite posts I've re-tweeted.  If you follow great people, you are sure to find great content on Twitter. 

Workplace/New Job

4 Things They Must Teach Every New Hire from bNet

Networking

How to Organize Your Contacts for Networking Success from Mashable by Dan Schwabel

How to Effectively Use LinkedIn's Group Feature to Grow Your Network from Careerealism by Andy Robinson

Questions to Ask During Informational Interviews or Networking

Leadership/Self Development

A Ritual to Help You Keep Your Focus and Your Temper by Peter Bregman

9 Ways to Prepare for Jobs of the Future from More.com

100 Ways to Develop Your Mind from Change Your Thoughts, Change Your life

Personal Branding

15 Personal Branding Tasks You Can Do Every Day from Personal Branding 101

Personal Branding and Career Self Marketing Article and Tools from QuintCareers

Same Old Networking Events Getting Stale?

You and I have both attended them.  Those networking events where all the same people show up and cluster together.  I feel like I am in high school all over again.  Yuck. The reason I attend these events is to meet new people, not hang with my old pals. 

So, here's the challenge to all those hosting networking events...what can you do to add value?  What can you do to give back to those people attending your event?  It isn't enough to get the space and invite people.  You have to give them a reason to come and stay and connect!

I'm not bashing networking events, I am encouraging people to consider improving upon their current efforts.  What can you do differently?

Have crazy name tags?

Create a type of scavenger hunt?

Really, let's get beyond the standard mingling, which people aren't so good at anyway and really give them something to talk about and engage with new people.  That's why they are there too.

Hope this sparks some ideas.  If you've been to an extraordinary event, please share what made it so!

Networking: How to ask for a favor

The other day I received an email asking me to do someone a favor. The request made me feel uncomfortable and I pondered for a day on how to respond.  As an active networking job seeker, I am fairly certain you run into these kind of scenarios as well. 

"Could you introduce me to..."

"Would you give my resume to..."

"Can you call your contact and ...."

If my dear friend, past colleague, family member or someone else close to me were asking for this type of favor, I wouldn't think twice.  Would you? (well, in 99% of the cases).  I probably wouldn't have a problem telling them why I couldn't do it either.

The problem lies when the person making this request in a virtual unknown.  Maybe you've met them once before, maybe even a couple of times.  However, you feel uncomfortable being able to carry out their request.

Being the straight forward, no-nonsense kinda gal I am, I emailed him back and explained to him as nicely as possible that his request was a tad unreasonable. 

1) I didn't know him well enough

2) He didn't provide specifics about why he was qualified or interested in the job

3) There was no reason provided as to what was in it for me (WIIFM) to do this

4) He assumed that I knew these contacts well enough to put in a good word

In my email, I also explained what he could do to try and make this an easier request. I listed all four of these things and how to fix them and invited him to call me for clarification.

He did. We spoke. I think he got it.

Here are the two lessons from this post:

1) Learn how to appropriately ask the right people for referral and favors.

2) Teach others the errors of their ways so that next time they will better succeed

I truly believe that each one of us has a duty to help educate and develop one another. 

Do you have a similar story...how did you handle it?

Start with A Plan to Grow Your Network

Why Do You Need A Network:

The chances of your securing your next job solely because you had resume posted online or submitted a resume online are slim to none.  Can it happen?  Sure.  But, when was the last time you were struck by lightening?  Those are the kinds of odds I'm talking about. 

Everyone, must start purposefully growing their network. Perhaps I should more clearly define what I mean.  Purposefully and genuinely start nurturing and expanding the people you interact with and share information with.  Climb out of your cube.  One day, maybe sooner than you think, you will find yourself either dissatisfied with your job/employer or laid off. 

Dan Schwabel's Personal Branding Blog shared these stats, that I hope will shock you into taking action:

• 70% of jobs are secured through networking (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Jobs seekers spend 68% of their time looking at online job postings–and less than one-third of their time reaching out to others (UpMo.com)

If you are interested in reading his full post, you can find it here!

Who Do You Need To Know:

Start thinking about who you need to know.  This can be truly difficult if you haven't thought about it before.  Who are the people in your industry or occupation you need to meet because they are doing it really well or being recognized as top performers.  You may find them in a trade publication, association news letter or even the newspaper.  They win awards, give presentations, hold leadership positions.  Start creating a "Wish List" of people you would like to meet.

How Will You Meet Them:

Before you start "cold calling" these "need to know" people and asking to network (YUCK!), find out who you know who may know them.  Ask your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, everyone, if they know this person and if they might be able to introduce you.  You will need to explain to everyone WHY you want to meet them.  Bear in mind, it isn't just about you.  What do you know that might be of value to this "need to know" person?  Again, this requires a bit of thinking and perhaps research. 

If they belong to an association, they may attend monthly meetings.  They may be giving a presentation.  They are, most likely, networking.  Find out where they "hang out"and go.

If you are on LinkedIn, it is much easier than ever before to find out who knows who.  If you aren't already on LinkedIn, now is the time.

What Will You Say:

This, my friends, is most important.  You don't want to sound like a stalker.  You don't want to come across as desperate either.  Genuinely and sincerely state the reason you would like to meet them and share something you know will be of value to them.

Theory vs Practice:

I know, I know, in theory this sounds really simple.  It is much more difficult to carry out.  But don't let that be the reason you don't do it.  Ask really good networkers for advice.  Read books and blogs.  Think of it as a self-improvement action item. 

Summary Sunday

Here's what I've been reading and sharing this week. 

10 Commandments for Better Networking from Interview Angel

Face-to-Face Networking with Care from The Personal Branding Blog

On Line Portfolios Done Right from Heather Huhman

7 Benefits of Social Media Marketing Revealed from Penn Olson

Taking care of your network has never been more important.  Managing your "brand" is equally important.  I'll keep driving home these points every chance I get. 

I hope you all have a great week!

Please feel free to share this with anyone you know who may need it!

How Can I Help

If you are out of work or looking to make a change, the best advice I can give is to figure out what you want to do next.  Not as easy as it sounds, I know.  Without a focus or without a clear idea of what you're strengths are, no one is going to be able to help you, except a career counselor.

It is not the job of your friends and family to know about the thousands of different jobs available.  They only know what they know. 

A friend of mine got off the phone with someone whom they had been connected with to help provide insight and advice.  My friend was trying to help.  When he got off the phone he said to me, "I have no idea what he looking for and I have no idea what he does."  They were on the phone for at least 20 minutes.  Is there a problem here? 

People do want to help but you have to be clear.

Some example intros for career exploration:

• I am interested in learning from you how non-profits differ from for-profit businesses.  What are their challenges and where are their needs.
• I enjoy being the interface with customers- helping them with their problems and providing resources that might help them.  What do they call this where you work?
• You've been in several different lines of work, what have you found to be the most satisfying and why?
• If you were to change careers right now, what would you do?
• I've always wanted to be a teacher of some sort.  How would you suggest I break into teaching?

Of course you will also have to use your elevator pitch or 45 second commercial.  This brief bio has to be spoken with passion and conviction.  It also has to be forward thinking, not a laundry list of past work history, no one cares where you've been early in a conversation.

I am an educator with vast experience conveying new concepts and ideas in many different industries from manufacturing to technology.  I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to increase the performance of teams and individuals.  My research has indicated that a corporate trainer, teacher's aide or HR Generalist would be potential opportunities to pursue. 

This type of pitch helps the listener understand how they can help.  It is future focused and minimally touches upon past lingo or experience. 

My hunch is, that as the conversation continues, the listener will ask for more information.  Be ready to provide your information concisely, avoid long drawn out explanations.  The listener is trying to piece together their connection and offer help.  Listen closely. Explore and learn. 

Do you have questions you have found to be helpful in exploring new careers?  Please, share them so we can all learn! 

It Is Tougher to Network Today

The job search landscape has changed quite a bit over the past two years.  In the old days, two years ago, it wasn't as difficult to secure a meeting with someone you barely knew.  There are at least a couple of reasons for this.  Let's take a look at the why and then we'll take a look at how you might need to go about networking more effectively.

First of all, thousands more people are looking for employment or fear they will need to be looking for employment.  What this means is that one person with the ability to hire within a company could conceivably receive hundreds of requests for a "networking meeting".  In the old days, they may have received a couple of requests and they could accommodate those. They can not accommodate all the requests they receive today.  They will have to filter requests based on the warmth of the referral and/or relevancy to what they may have a need to hire.

The other issue is that many of those thousands of "networkers" are going about it all wrong.  They ask for a job.  This turns off the poor victim and spoils their view of trying to do something helpful or nice.  They feel like the tables have been turned on them or worse, they feel like they are being used.  No one wants to feel like they are being used.

The tougher is gets, the better we have to be.  Based on the information above, you'll need to become even better at networking.  Here are some things to consider:

1. What is the strength of your relationship?
2. What specific pieces of information you are seeking?
3. What is something of value you can provide in return?

If you barely know the person providing the referral and you know little about the person you wish to network with, what are the chances they'll agree to meet with you?  Slim to none.

What can you do to fix this.  First, remember that networking is an investment and takes time.  You need to develop relationships.  Don't be in such a hurry to take your information and run to the phone.  Take more time to learn about the person offering you a referral.  Second, find out how they know this contact they are giving you.  All of this data/information will warm up the lead.

Liz Lynch writes and speaks about networking.  Her blog offers insight to anyone needing to improve their networking skills.  She addresses the needs of business owners and job seekers.  In a post about building relationships organically, Lynch recommends:

"Move on to having more robust conversations by asking more thoughtful questions."

Miriam Salpeter of Keppie Careers recently wrote  5 Networking Fundamentals to Land a Job: 

1. Research
2. Ask questions
3. Be interested in the replies
4. Have a story
5. Follow up

Someone, somewhere, holds the key to your next job.  The fun part is trying to find that person! 

Summary Sunday

I would like to share this thought provoking video.  Chris Brogan had a post this week What I learned at a Charter School and this was submitted in the comments. This video from TED Talks is by Sir Ken Robinson who is highly entertaining and intelligent! 

These posts are to help you with your search!  Happy reading.

Nurture:  The follow up after the follow up from Jibberjobber.com

5 Reasons Your Social Network Isn't Working from Careerealism

8 Easy Ways to Network on Twitter from Social Media Examiner

Thinking Creatively About Your Job Search from UpMo

How to Discuss Your Job Search with Your Family from Computerworld

Famous Last Words of Job Seekers

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a fellow job seeker?  What worked in your search?  What didn't?

These questions have been asked many times and the answers come back fairly the same from different successful seekers.  However, the answers aren't as specific as I think you are looking for.  What you really want to know is:  what is the one thing I can do to find a job more quickly.  I don't think there is one answer to this question. 

Here are some of the re-occurring answers to the 3 questions above.

What's the one piece of advice you would give to fellow job seekers?

• Stay positive
• Volunteer
• Network
• Be focused on what you are looking for

What worked for you in your search?

• Being focused on what I was looking for
• Networking more
• Networking less at the big groups
• Applying for more jobs online
• Applying for fewer jobs online
• Contacting recruiters
• Not relying solely on recruiters

What didn't work for you in your search?

• Spending too much time online
• Trying to be all things to all people

See, I told you.  There isn't a simple answer or a quick fix or even one solution that works for everyone.  Each of you come into the job search with a different level of knowledge and understanding about the process.  Each of you has a different approach, comfort level and skill level. 

There's an old saying "Everything in moderation.  Nothing in excess". 

See where you are spending your time and energy and then try to evaluate your results from these activities.  Are they working? 

If you have secured a new job, what are your answers to these three question?

Summary Sunday

Managing your career is all about networking.  If you are in job search today, you probably realize how difficult it can be to cultivate the appropriate relationships while unemployed.  You've learned a valuable lesson and you WILL carry this learning forward, right?  Networking is the best insurance policy for your future. 

This Summary Sunday addresses networking and the best networking tool available (and free) LinkedIn.  But first, you have to understand the changes in recruiting.  

3 Trends That Impact Recruiting from ERE.net

Now you are ready to understand "old fashioned" networking

The 20 Habits Of Highly Effective Networkers – Part 1  From Tim's Strategy

The Value of Sharing Your Wisdom and Experience  from Deborah Shane's Toolbox

Increase Your "Impressions"with a Networking Journal from CareerRocketeer

LinkedIn is merely a tool to manage and leverage the power of your network.  

Should I Be on LinkedIn? from Blue Sky Resumes 

Top 5 Ways to Market Your Business With LinkedIn from Social Media Examiner

Job Seekers - 20 Ways To Brand Yourself On Linkedin from ReCareered

Find Events for Offline Networking on Facebook and LinkedIn  from Brand-Yourself.com

Have a great week and develop your new networking strategy using some of these tips!

Summary Sunday

I am always looking for interesting, beyond the basic career management/job search advice to share.  What I find is that there is a lot of basic information being pumped out.  I guess what that means is that people still need the basics.  "How To" start your search kind of information (write a resume, write a cover letter, conduct an interview, search for jobs on line).

These posts aren't necessarily basic, nor are they advanced...they caught my attention. And by the way, there are blogs you should add to your reader!

You're Not Applying for a Job. You're Running a Campaign.  from Career Hub

A 5 Step Job Search Method that Never Fails   from CareerJockey

49 Personal Branding Questions to Ask Yourself   from Personal Branding Blog

If you want to follow me on Twitter, feel free.  I re-tweet these kinds of great articles daily! 

Follow me on Twitter!

Stay "On Brand" and Cater to Your Desired Audience

It is wonderful that there are so many networking groups around for the unemployed.  These groups offer wonderful support and ideas.  They also offer great opportunities to meet new people whom you instantly have something in common (job search).  These groups offer the opportunity to meet people from other industries and backgrounds you may not have interacted with before.  All this is good.

You know the old saying, everything in moderation.  That's where I am going next.  Use these networking groups to support your job search, however, don't stop there.  Join professional associations related to your desired new occupation.  Become involved in volunteer work that will allow you to use your talent. 

Beyond job seeker networking groups, there are GROUPS on LinkedIn.  It is also important to have a mix of professional interests represented here.  What I mean is, join and participate in groups that have something to do with your next career move. 

Recently, I was looking at a LinkedIn profile of someone who belonged to almost 50 groups (50 is the maximum you can belong to).  More than half of the groups this woman was affiliated with were "job search related".  She was missing an opportunity to interact and develop relationships targeted towards her next goal.  

Part of social media and networking is becoming known as an expert.  I don't think anyone wants to become known as being an expert job seeker!  I don't want to bash these forums, they are important, but...everything in moderation.  Networking is networking.  I have always been an advocate of networking with the unemployed.  They are very empathetic and probably more in tune with the job market than those that are employed.  However...there is an element of marketing involved in job search as well.

Know your audience.  Cater to them.

Post status updates related to your industry or occupation more than what job seeker related events you are attending or other details about your search.

I read a post the other day on the 4 P's of Social Media.  Here is the link.  The original content is credited to Buzz Marketing for Technology.

These 4 P's have to do with promoting you!  The talents and skills and knowledge you bring to the table. You want to be sought after for your demonstrated knowledge.  Using social media is a way to get the message out there and share what you know about your new career, NOT JOB SEARCH (unless you want to become a job search coach).

As you use Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn for your search, consider sharing information that demonstrates your knowledge more than what you had for breakfast or other "off-brand" information.

Find trade publications or industry newsletters to read.  Then you can share interesting articles from those.  Here are some resources to find on-line content:

SmartBriefAllTop

AllTop

WebWire

Weddle's Association Directory

Who Are You Targeting In Your Job Search?

Whether you are networking, completing a job application, writing a cover letter, or interviewing; you will need to take your audience into consideration.  What are their needs or concerns?  What can you do to make their lives easier or make it easier to help you?  In order to answer these questions, you need to identify your audience. 

Tim Tyrell-Smith's post on Tim's Strategy identifies the audiences for you.  And he takes it one step further to help you understand what they may be looking for or what motivates them and why they are of value to you.  

• Recruiters
• Fellow Unemployed
• The Employed
• The Folks in HR
• The Hiring Manager

Each of these people have a different perspective and that is why you need to customize your written and verbal communication to fit the audience.  One size does not fit all. 

Don't assume you know, find out what motivates them. 

In sales, they call the un-customized pitch, spraying and praying.  Throwing out every feature of the product or service without finding out the potential customer's needs is the mistake every new salesperson makes.  They learn over time how to ask potential customers probing questions to identify need so that they can customize their responses.  It becomes exploratory, not slamming information down someone's throat. 

New job seekers frequently make this mistake as well. They are in such a hurry to get to their next job, they forget to find out what their target audience wants. 

 

Job Seekers Aren't Networking

The facts are the facts.  Most job seekers are not networking...efficiently.  Nurturing your contacts and building new connections has to start before you need it, yet that message still isn't being heard.  Many newly unemployed job seekers have no idea where or how to start their job search. 

UpMo has compiled two recent surveys that state just this. 

The first study highlights (full summary here):

• Sporadic communication: Job seekers only talk to—or email—an average of 8 people outside of their current organization on a monthly basis.

• Failure to expand the circle: Job seekers are reluctant to ask for introductions, with fewer than 4-in-10 (38%) asking for an introduction in the past month.

• Small networks: On average, job seekers have a network with of just 29 colleagues, defined as peers they have interacted with in the last 18-24 months.
  
• Misplaced priorities: Jobs seekers say spend 68% of their time is spent looking at online job postings—and less than one-third of their time reaching out to others.

The second study highlights (full post here):

• Are ill-prepared for the job hunt: Only 3-in-10 feel “very confident” or “extremely confident” that they could use their network to land a job within 30 days if suddenly laid off.

This isn't true for many of the job seekers I know.  They have become very active, and I think they will remain active networkers. 

Let's spread the word.  Let all your employed friends know that networking is the new job search.  Start today.

Be a "Giver", Not a Job Seeker

Instead of focusing your sights on the dream job or any job for that matter, focus instead on being a "giver" or "sharer". 

Here's an example:  A woman attended a professional group made up of community agencies.  She is a job seeker, but did not introduce herself as one.  Instead, she introduced herself as an HR professional and circulated her business cards.  She offered her HR expertise to those in the room, not as a job seeker, as a giver.  Her message and her intent caught the attention of some of the attendees.  No one is sure what will happen next, but it could be the beginning of something.  You just never know.

When you focus too much on FINDING A JOB, a strange and sometimes un-attractive aura begins to follow you.  Leach, mooch, desperate, entitled, over qualified, user or loser are tags I have heard and, dare I admit, even used myself to describe some job seekers.  I know they don't mean to be perceived as such.  Maybe they have no idea.  However, the perceived becomes reality.  

On many occasions I have heard job seekers declare "I won't network with other unemployed people".  How incredibly short sided.  Networking, with anyone, is of value as long as you have a goal in mind.  Sharing could be that goal. 

• Who do you know who could help someone else? 
• What insight can you provide on your industry or occupation?
• Have you heard about a job that might be good for someone else?
• Have you read a good book or article that is worth sharing?
• What resource(s) have you found helpful?

Sharing and giving builds trust.  It makes you likable.  It is sometimes so rare, it makes you memorable.  

In the spirit of sharing, I came across this news that SimplyHired.com has some new functionality to their site.  Here is the article (from Search Engine Watch).  This is a small excerpt from the article:

"Simply Hired has also added a "Share" feature that easily enables searchers to share job listings with their networks on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn - as well as through email. This is an easy way to shoot out a message to social networks to find contacts and referrals."

Can you let me know if any of this works?  Add a comment and share!

Stop Asking for Informational Interviews

What every person needs is a little advice, right?  Employed or unemployed, you need to be in touch with what's going on.  How do you do that? You read, attend meetings, and talk to people. 

When you reach the point of talking to people, you have to know what advice you are looking for.  Is it understanding where your industry/line of work is going in the future?  Specific challenges a company is facing right now?  How to make contact with people inside target companies?

Most people are busy and if they are going to give you their precious time, there has to be something in it for them.  Your job is to find out what will motivate them to provide advice. Remember, flattery will get you everywhere. 

Much of what will determine your success in securing a meeting, see, I am calling it a meeting, not an informational interview, is based on how you ask for it and what you are asking for.

It is best to start off with people you know and get some experience under your belt.  Then you can move to referrals or those you don't know (cold calls).

One way to warm up the coldest of calls is to learn something about the person first.  Google them.  See if they are on LinkedIn or Twitter.  You are hoping you can find them on Twitter because it is so easy to see what they are saying. 

1. After you've watched their tweets for awhile and begin following them. That's the first time they'll see your name perhaps. They will know you are following them if they manually accept followers. 
2. You can send intelligent Tweets, sharing information is what I am talking about. 
3. Re-tweet their Tweets, more name recognition is going on.
4. You could even ask them a question.  If they haven't followed you back, that's ok, just use the @ sign.

Most people will want to help if they know how they can provide some.  It is crucial that you clearly define the help/advice you are looking for and hopefully why.

I am not suggesting that you don't ask for these informational interviews.  I am urging you to call them something else. 

Summary Sunday

I truly enjoy pulling together some of my favorite posts from the past week.  It is a great way to give back and reinforce some key job search lessons. 

Because the most important part of your search is about being a good networker, here's a post about building your network:

Top 10 People You Must Have in Your Network from CAREEREALISM

If You Have an Extra Half Hour from Chris Brogan

Job search is also about having the right "lingo". 

63 Robust Personal Branding Verbs  from Executive Resume Branding

The Truth About What to Leave Off Your Resume from EmploymentDigest.net

The Worst Interview Question Ever and How to Answer from the Career Doctor

And just because I re-tweeted and really liked these:

Personal Branding for Dummiesfrom CAREEREALISM

Overqualified for a Job from Punk Rock HR

Defining Networking for the Job Seeker

Networking is THE most effective way to secure your next job and manage your career.  We no longer live in the bubble of a lifetime with a single employer.  Therefore, we need to step out of our old ways of thinking and develop our network.  Yet most people either don't want to, don't know how to, or do it wrong. 

I came across an article on networking in The Huffington Post written by Jason Mannino, Career Coach, Life Coach, Speaker/Trainer.  Mannino defines networking as:

"Simply put, networking is the art of cultivating mutually beneficial relationships to support the achievement of professional goals. Ultimately, networking in regards to your job search means making human contact with people who may be in a position to help you."

Mannino's article goes on to outline five ways to engage in networking. To summarize:

• Old co-workers
• Professional associations
• Industry and Career related conferences
• Social organizations/fundraising events
• Alumni/professors/classmates

Here is another article on informational meetings with advice on seven steps to conduct effective meetings. This was written by nationally certified resume writer and career coach, Michelle Dumas.

Here's my frustration.  With so much information proving that networking is the most effective way to land a job, why are job seekers fighting it?   And, why are there still people who are employed who say they don't have time? Let's all embrace networking. 

Summary Sunday

Are you in a slump?  Do you need a kick start?  Is your job search stalled?  Perhaps you will need to take some time to re-evaluate your activities and actions over the past week or two (or maybe longer). 

Job Search Guidance

Why Isn't My Job Search Working?

Casting A Wide Net

Fixing Your Search

25 Signs That You Need Serious Help with Your Search

Networking Guidance

Think Before You Speak

Sales 101

10 Steps to Networking Right

Tracking Your Networking 

Resume Guidance

How to Make Your Resume Work for You

5 Best Resumes out of 500+ (part 2)

Resume Critique (with down-loadable checklist)

3 Ways to Make Your Resume Stand Out

I listed resume help last for a very good reason.  Job search success is not about having the best resume.  Job search success is about having the right connections.  Work your network, not the job boards, please!

What is your plan for finding a new job?

Do you have a plan?  According to a recent survey hosted by Robert Half, 82% of those surveyed said they were ready.  The survey also asked who had an updated resume.  44% said it has been over a year since they've updated that document. Yikes!  Almost half the people hadn't touched their resume in over a year.  They aren't ready. 

It certainly isn't all about the resume.  But having one that is updated and ready to go at all times means something.  It means that you are thinking about what you've accomplished in your job.

I would also venture to guess that those 44% are not active on LinkedIn either.  If they are too busy to update their resumes, they probably don't see the value of LinkedIn. Nor do they realize that over 80% of recruiters and HR professionals are using this tool to source candidates. 

How can 82% feel they are ready for a search if they don't have a plan? Do they think finding a job is easy?  Are they not talking to the thousands of people who have been searching for months?

To all of you out there, get a plan. Even if you don't have a job yet.  What will you do to continue building your network and look for your next great job while employed?

• Ask your company to sponsor your membership in a professional association
• Identify training that will add value to your brand
• Carve time into your schedule to attend local business networking events
• Attend conferences, better yet, speak at conferences
• Start up a blog, maybe even a company sponsored one
• Follow and meet the key movers and shakers in your occupation and/or industry

All the things you are doing right now in job search need to be continued once you land a job but most likely scaled back.

Ask yourself, "if I lost my job tomorrow, what would I do?"  It is never going to be as easy as we think it is going to be.  

Who Are Your Friends?

I am not a natural-born networker.  I prefer "hanging" with those people I know well.  I have a schedule that doesn't allow me to meet people after work.  Those are great excuses for not networking, right?  Actually, this is my situation.  Yet, I still find time and ways to carve meeting new people into my life.  Some stay around for awhile, others, well, not so much.

It was just over a year ago I started blogging.  Then I started Tweeting.  I have made some solid friends this past year.

I remember making my first on-line friend, Barry Hopson.  Who, by the way just published a book he co-authored with Katie Ledger.  (Visit the blog and read the get the book).  Sounds kind of hokie, I know.  But it was sort of an "Aha" moment...you really can meet people virtually.

I also began reading and commenting on blogs and met Miriam Salpeter of Keppie Careers.   I considered her a mentor, whether she knew this or not.  Now I have been asked to be part of her joint effort with Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter and others, Career Collective.  This has provided me the opportunity to "meet" other great thinkers and bloggers!

Entering into the world of Twitter, my earliest friend was helpful and local so we met for coffee, Karl Heinz Kramer  (@khkremer).  I continue to meet new people everyday on Twitter.  As Deborah Mourey says, "Twitter is a cocktail party".  I don't even like going to cocktail parties, but heck, you meet some interesting people.  That is why taking a leap into Twitter can be so interesting, especially for those who are introverted.  Since starting on Twitter, I have made so many connections with so many great people.  It has also been helpful in keeping in touch with real friends I don't get to see too often.

Using social media has been a wonderful adventure.  I am amazed by how easy and almost natural it is to meet new people. 

Perhaps Twitter's new List function will make it easier for newbies to follow and engage in new "tweindships".  Susan Ireland recently wrote a post "14 Twitter Lists for Job Search" about Lists and I found it basic and helpful. 

The key is to find people who share common interest.  For me it is anything related to job search and social media. 

What are your professional interests and who are you going to follow?

Why Job Search Advice is the Same but Different

This post is to support the efforts of Job Action Day, an initiative started by Quintessential Careers. As a member of a new community of resume writers and career coaches called the Career Collective,this post is one of many responses to ideas and concrete steps to secure your future in a changed economy.  I encourage you to visit other members' responses, linked at the end of my post. Please follow our hashtag on Twitter: #careercollective.

 

We find ourselves in unconventional times.  Never before have any of us experienced economic conditions like today.  As crazy as these times are, the advice to job seekers is the same, NETWORK!  But we have so many more ways to network today, that is the difference.

There are two things we know about the job market:

1. Employers aren't posting jobs
2. Job seekers don't know what to do without job postings

There is absolutely nothing anyone can do to force employers to post their openings when they do have them.  What this has done is force the traditional employee to find new ways to look for work.  And in many cases, there are just not enough jobs to go around so the advice being given is to become more creative and network.

NETWORKING

The C suite (CEOs CFOs, COOs) certainly understand this.  They hardly ever have applied for job postings.  Their jobs have been mostly secured through the power of networking.  There were seldom postings to apply to. 

The majority of job seekers today have not had to look for work in a long time.  They remember when you entered a company lobby, filled out an application and interviewed for the job on the spot.  It also didn't take months for the employer to make a decision.  Back then, the employer also was in contact with the job seeker to let them know what was going on or where the job seeker stood. 

When I recommend networking to this set of job seekers , they don't understand how.  They don't know what to say. And sometimes the flatly refuse to even try.

Then, let's enter social media into the equation.  It is new to most of us.  It is often seen as a waste of time, frivolous, or too high of a hurdle to leap.  Or it becomes an obsession and takes time away from the more critical task of actually meeting with people face to face. Here's a quick summary of what LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook each mean to developing your network.

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS

LinkedIn has been around since 2001.  This past year there has been a huge demand from the job seekers I've been working with for information on how to use LinkedIn. If you aren't there yet, you should be.  Read why here.

Twitter was founded in 2006.  It is seen as a fad by many.  There are great ways to use Twitter to meet people to network with and even find jobs (check out twitterjobsearch) Do you want to read more about how to grow your network using Twitter, read this post. 

Also quickly emerging into the world of job search is Facebook.  This used to be seen as a kids platform, but it's functionality is proving to work for businesses and professionals too.

MARKETING/SELF PROMOTION

The large number of people looking for their next job makes the market competitive.  This competition is forcing job seekers to be great self-promoters (aka sales people).  Our society has long taught us not to brag and boast.  The majority of job seekers are humble.  What they hear is that they have to "toot their own horns". However, what I am encouraging them to do is to take credit where credit is due.  But this isn't always what they are hearing. 

Today, more than ever before, job search takes project management skills,  marketing savvy, great discipline and incredible perseverance. 

For other insight and advice on job search in 2009, read the posts below contributed by Career Collective's talented experts. 

Katharine Hansen:  His Resume Savvy Helped New Career Rise from Layoff Ashes:  http://resumesandcoverletters.com/tips_blog/2009/11/job-action-day-09-his-resume-s.html

Meg Montford:  Job Action Day: Finding Your “MOJO” After Layoff
 http://coachmeg.typepad.com/career_chaos/2009/10/job-action-day-finding-your-mojo-after-layoff.html

Debra Wheatman: Plan B from outer space; or what do you have in case your first plan doesn’t work out?
http://resumesdonewrite.blogspot.com/2009/10/plan-b-from-outer-space-or-what-do-you.html

Heather Mundell: Green Jobs – What They Are and How to Find Them,http://dbcs.typepad.com/lifeatwork/2009/10/green-jobs-what-they-are-and-how-to-find-them.html

Grace Kutney: Securing Your Career While Navigating the Winds of Changehttp://sweetcareers.blogspot.com/2009/10/securing-your-career-while-navigating.html

Hannah Morgan: Career Sherpa– Why Our Job Search Advice is the Same but Differenthttp://hannahmorgan.typepad.com/hannah_morgan/2009/10/why-our-job-search-advice-is-the-same-but-different.html

Gayle Howard: The Enlightened Jobseeker http://www.theexecutivebrand.com/?p=500

Laurie Berenson: Making lemonade out of lemons: Turn unemployment into entrepreneurshiphttp://blog.sterlingcareerconcepts.com/2009/10/30/making-lemonade-out-of-lemons-turn-unemployment-into-entrepreneurship.aspx

Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter: You Can Thrive In, Not Just Survive, an Economic Slogginghttp://careertrend.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/you-can-thrive-not-just-survive-an-economic-slogging/

Rosalind Joffe: Preparedness: It’s Not Just for Boyscoutshttp://workingwithchronicillness.com/2009/10/preparedness-its-not-just-for-boy-scouts/

Rosa E. Vargas: Are You Evolving Into The In-Demand Professional of Tomorrow? http://resume-writing.typepad.com/resume_writing_and_job_se/2009/10/furture-careers.html

Dawn Bugni: Your network IS your net worth http://thewritesolution.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/your-network-is-your-net-worth/

Miriam Salpeter: Optimize your job hunt for today’s economyhttp://www.keppiecareers.com/2009/10/30/optimize-your-job-hunt-for-todays-ecomony/

GL Hoffman: The Life of An Entrepreneur: Is It for You? http://blogs.jobdig.com/wwds/2009/10/30/the-life-of-an-entrepreneur-is-it-for-you/

Katharine Hansen: Job Action Day 09: His Resume Savvy Helped New Career Rise from Layoff Ashes http://www.resumesandcoverletters.com/tips_blog/job_action_day_09_his_resume_s.html

Martin Buckland: Job Search–The Key to Securing Your Future Career. http://aneliteresume.com/job-search/the-key-to-securing-your-future-career/

Chandlee Bryan: Where the Green Jobs Are: http://emergingprofessional.typepad.com/the_emerging_professional/2009/11/where-the-green-jobs-are.html

Heather R. Huhman, Take Action: 10 Steps for Landing an Entry-Level Job, http://www.heatherhuhman.com/2009/10/take-action/

Barbara Safani: Where the Jobs Are 2009 and Beyond: http://www.careersolvers.com/blog/2009/10/31/where-the-jobs-are-2009-and-beyond/

Think Before You Speak

Sometimes we take advice literally.  I've heard career experts recommend to job seekers that they should line up networking and informational meetings.  Yep, I recommend this too.  However, what we aren't saying is to call someone and ask "Can I have an informational meeting with you?" or "Can I network with you?" These two questions are akin to "Do you have a job for me?".  All these questions are focused on YOUR needs and wants and desires, not the person you are talking to.

When you are asking someone to engage in a conversation you have to be "other focused".  You have to THINK before you speak.

Even in these times, when there are thousands of people out there asking for these meetings, there are great reasons why hiring managers and company leaders will want to talk with you.  But...you have to give them a good reason to.

Before you ever pick up the phone or approach someone, do your research. You have to know WHY you want to speak with them. 

• Are you interested in their personal work history/career path? 
• Has their company been in the news for some accomplishment?
• Are they someone who is innovative or a thought leader?
• Is their industry one you have identified as being a target/transition goal?
• Does this person know a lot of other people?

If you don't know why you want to meet them, what will you talk about? 

Next, think about the questions you would ask this person.  Here is a link to great open-ended questions to get you started.

Now you are ready to ask for a meeting.  But what are you going to ask and how?  Use a script at first if you'll be calling on the phone.  It'll keep you focused and on track.  Here are some reminders:

• Be genuine
• Speak with conviction
• Don't talk too much, listen
• Don't assume "I'm busy" to mean "no".
• Be positive

There are thousands of ways to ask for a meeting.  Here are just some suggestions:

Hi Sue, this is Hannah.  I was just reading about XYZ company in the local newspaper and wanted to congratulate you on your new contract.  I am impressed by your company's initiatives.  I was hoping you could help me by answering some questions I have about how you utilized lean techniques to make this happen.  Additionally, I have a contact at Q Company that might be interested in your product.  Could we possibly meet briefly over coffee to discuss how you did this? 

Hi Sue, my name is Hannah. I am a training specialist.  I wanted to talk with you about how training in the not for profit world is different from training in the for profit world.  Do you have some time one morning we might be able to meet for coffee?

Hi Sue.  You don't know me, but my name is Hannah.  I have been watching your company for a while now and would love to talk with you about how social media is impacting what you are doing.  I am using Twitter and LinkedIn and Facebook recreationally and have found them to really help promote some events I'm involved with.  When might you have time for a brief meeting?

OK, so what you are seeing is that they aren't 100% "other focused" but these lead-ins do make very specific reference to why I want to meet with them.  AND I had to do research to make sure that I knew what to ask for.  I had to know that XYZ was using lean.  I had to know training is different in the for profit world.  I had to know the company was using social media.

I learned about what these companies were doing by reading the local papers, trade magazines, industry newsletters and talking with others. 

And, oh, by the way, I have written about this before...Informational interviews are networking.

If you have successfully used other introductions or lead-ins to get meetings, please, share them in the comment section below!

Follow-Up on Leads

Why would you turn down the opportunity to talk to someone who might have information about a job? 

I was speaking with a colleague the other day and she told me a story of how one job seeker blew off her offer of help.

This woman had been attending a high school sporting event.  As she sat on the bleachers, she couldn't help but over hear two men talking.  One man dressed in a suit, was listening to the other man clothed in sweats, describe his search for employment. 

My colleague overheard enough to know the type of work sweat pants man was looking for so she politely said, "I couldn't help but overhear you were looking for something as a nanotechnologist.  I have a friend who works at a company that has employed some.  I would be happy to provide you with his name." She knew that this company was in fact hiring and was excited to help connect the two.

The response she got from sweat pants man was luke warm.  He did say he would take the name and she wrote it on a piece of paper.  He didn't ask for her name, her email or phone number.  Nor, it turns out, did he follow up with the contact name she had given him.  How did she know, she called her contact and he never heard from the man.

I understand there could be many reasons why sweat pants man didn't follow up. 

• Fear of rejection
• Lack of interest in the company
• Not sure what to say
• Lost the contact name

There are so many lessons in this. 

Always be ready in job search.  That means carrying personal business cards and dressing neatly.

Be organized.  Put together a system for collecting and following up on leads and contacts.

Use your manners.  This woman deserved a thank you note.  However, sweat pants man didn't even get her name or contact information.

Lastly, follow up on each and every lead you are offered

Sales 101

People with a background in selling understand the job search process.  They have lived it daily as they sold whatever product or service they represented for their previous employers.  Networking uses those same principles.

Identify your target audience:

This means identifying which companies need your services.  If you were selling something, you would develop a large pipeline of potential customers.  You would do this by identifying what they are currently doing and using.  You would identify them as having a problem your product or service could solve.

Create your value-add:

Once you have identified these targets, you would create a sales pitch for each individual company based on what they would gain by using your service.  In many instances, you already know some of their problems or why your service would benefit them.  In other instances, you will need to gather information about what the company is doing and how they are doing it.  How might you gather that information?  You could speak with people who are currently working there. You could read about them in publications and on their website.  You could speak with people who used to work their or have some connection.  Once you have this information, you would better understand which benefits are of the greatest value.

Who to pitch to:

You wouldn't dream of trying to sell your product or service to someone who doesn't control the budget.  It would be a waste of your time.  Instead, you would identify the Decision Maker for the department or company.  They are the people who ultimately make the final decisions.  Do they want to talk to you?  Of course not.  They are busy. And in many cases they don't believe they have a problem that needs solving or fixing.  However, the great sales person, finds the magic words to get the meeting.  It takes persistence.  It takes confidence.  Trying to push the concept from the bottom up is generally seen as a long and fruitless process.  Sure, it has been done and can be done, but, the ultimate pitch has to be made to the decision maker.

As job seekers, we absolutely have to follow the same process.  We need to keep the bigger picture in mind.  It is great to meet new people and develop our network.  It is equally important to remember our targets and goals...to present to the ultimate decision maker.  Trying to push your message from the bottom up is difficult.  Peers can be threatened by your experience/talent.  How likely are they to become your cheerleader or advocate?  Why would they do that for you?  Sure, it can happen.  Your return on these peer to peer conversations will seldom be as beneficial as a single conversation with a decision maker.

We don't know many decision makers.  It is a difficult process to identify them.  It is even more difficult to gain access to them.  Begin by using LinkedIn to identify who's who in target companies.(Great article from Personal Branding on how to do this.)  If that fails, you can read trade publications and local newspapers.  If that fails, consult the local chamber of commerce. 

One job seeker recently followed her targeted decision maker to a presentation he was giving.  She attended and after his presentation, created the opportunity to connect with him and introduce herself.  She demonstrated an interest in his company and began the process of developing a relationship/connection.  As sales people know, this can be a long and arduous process.  She, most likely, will face many rejections in trying to follow-up with this company owner.  But, if, in her persistence, she demonstrates that she can solve a problem or be a solution, she will win the coveted meeting she is hoping for. 

Connecting with decision makers is the brass ring job seekers must strive for.  Anything less is like pushing a boulder up a huge mountain. 

Using LinkedIn to Find Target Companies

OH, my gosh!  I knew LinkedIn was a great tool, but this is amazing.  How many of you have used the Search Companies function on LinkedIn?

In my search, I found over 4,000 within my 1st and 2nd degree contacts and over 900 companies listed in Rochester, NY.  So what are you waiting for.

It is so simple.

1. Click on Search by Companies
2. Then, you can see on the right hand side of the screen the ability to filter or specify your search by location, company size, company industry, or companies with job postings (this isn't that important, really)
3. Once you find a company listed, you will find all sorts of information about it. A brief description, number of employees, LinkedIn contacts within the  company, ie. people for you to network with, recent promotions, career path (where people came from), average age, female/male ratio...good stuff.
4. Begin connecting with people who work in these target companies.  The names are provided to you.  Of course, you'll want to make human contact, not just virtual contact.

There is more information on LinkedIn's Learning Center. 

For those who are interested in how and where the data on companies is compiled, click here.

If you are looking for additional ways to use LinkedIn to help your job search, see LinkedIn's suggestions here.

If you are looking for a free webinar on how to use LinkedIn for job search, there is one listed herehosted by LinkedIn themselves!

You are Employed, How Do You Make Time for Job Search?

First, let's frame the question.  "You are employed" could mean you've secured a job solely for income purposes.  Or you've taken a job that is just that, a job, not something you are passionate about.  Or, it is a short-term or contracted position. Or it is your dream vocation!  If any of these apply, great.  Next, what does job search mean?  NETWORKING.  How do you continue to network (for your career) when you are working?

The simplest answer is to just carve out time each week or month to do it.  But obviously this is easier said than done.  What is preventing you from doing it?  Perhaps you don't know where or with whom to network. Remember when you were in job search you created a target list of companies?  That is a great tool and now you need to go back and update it regularly.  Use this tool to identify companies and people you would like to meet.  Stop, look and listen for names in the news related to your passion.  Add them to your target list. 

Chances are, if you put them on your radar, you'll be able to think of a way to connect with them.  Could it be virtually?  Perhaps via LinkedIn or Twitter or even Facebook?  Where would you find people from this company hanging out?

When connecting to these targets, you have to find a way to ease into a conversation as to not jeopardize your current employment situation.  You don't want to overtly convey you are looking for a new job.  To quote from my favorite movie, "These things have to be taken care of delicately" (said with your most wickedly witch voice).

Do they have expertise in an area related to your current job?  You could ask to talk with them about that area of expertise.

Perhaps their company has overcome challenges that you would like insight on.  Ask for advice.

Basically networking is networking.  It was never asking for a job.  It never will be. 

Now that you have a job, you might be eligible of company training, conference attendance, or professional association meetings.  Take your employer up on any or all of the above.

Carving out time is the most important part of this.  Create your plan, put the time on your calendar and do it.  It may be morning coffee, it may be afternoon coffee, it may be lunch.  You must keep at it.  Don't ever stop. 

Why People Get Hired

Despite the doom and gloom being reported by the media and the high unemployment rates, people are securing new jobs every day.  Not just jobs, but good jobs. However, this is not happening in the quantities we would all like to see.

Let's take a look at some of those people to determine how they got hired.

1.  They were "A" players, stars in their field, best of the best.

No, we can't all be "A" players.  Only a very small percentage of us are.  But what we do know is that "A" players stand out in the ocean of average job seekers.  They've had astonishing results, they know how to take credit for doing what they've done and they usually are able to have an immediate impact in their new roles. 

2.  They knew the right people or at least were masterful networkers.

We can all learn how to network better, with more poise and efficiency.  It takes practice, not just sitting in seminars and reading books.  Practice.  Doing it and learning from our mistakes. 

3.  They were passionate about what they do.

If you can't be the best, you can at least have deep interest and knowledge and passion.  So many average employees just do their job.  It isn't enough in this competitive job market to just do your job.  Companies don't hand out paychecks for the fun of it.  If you aren't sure what your passion is or worse, you don't think you have one, stop and figure it out.  You do have a passion, you just can't label it yet.

4.  They applied and were the perfect match.

Yes, it can still happen.  You can apply to a job posting and you can get called for an interview because your resume is the perfect match for a job.  I list this last, because the odds of this happening are slim.  Hey, you never know, you have to buy a ticket to win the lottery.  (I'm not endorsing the purchase of lottery tickets, in case you're wondering).  A warning here, however, how discerning was the employer in screening and interviewing the candidates?  What is their turnover?  If it seemed to easy to land the job, there could be a reason behind that.

When I first started this blog, I developed a 6 step process to help summarize the steps to successful job search.  One of the steps I believe is critical is conducting a SWOT analysis.  SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.  Recently, the use of this analysis has been written about a lot. On CareerRocketeer, there was a very good explanation if you want to try it yourself.

 I think it is because people are really struggling with job search and the length of time it is taking to find a job.  Assessing your search strategy and implementation each step of the way is very helpful.

Practice What You Preach

When I stand in the front of the room, sit in a coffee shop, type on my blog, and talk about the importance of meeting new people, I 100% believe this to be important and I practice this myself.  There are no excuses not to meet new people every day.  Any one can do it if they try.  I've said it before, I'll say it again, I am an introvert.  I generally do not like following this advice, but do it anyway because I know how important it is.

Last night, I had the opportunity to sit with 5 people who are practicing and preaching this as well.  (More about why I sat with these people in a future post, because it is a work-in-progress).

Dr. Neil Hair is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the Saunders School of Business at RIT.  I confessed to him last night that he was the first person I followed on Twitter.  Dr. Hair teaches Marketing...he actually lives and breaths it too.  He is talented, engaging and on the cutting edge of what personal and professional marketing is all about.  He maintains a website worthy of visiting: http://www.neilhair.com/ and you too, can follow him on Twitter @neilhair

Steven Tylock is the author of the first book on LinkedIn, The LinkedIn Personal Trainer.  Steve speaks at various venues around Rochester.  One of Steve's missions is to get people to use LinkedIn while employed to grow and nurture their contacts and network.  Help Steve spread this important message, because developing your network from scratch after a layoff is plain old difficult.  http://www.linkedinpersonaltrainer.com/. 

Deborah Mourey is a marketing professional with years of experience and now she's added social media to her arsenal of marketing expertise.  Deborah speaks and writes on the use of social media. These tools help grow personal and professional networks.  I loved Deborah's use of the analogy (and I hope I get it right):  "If LinkedIn is like a Professional Conference and Facebook is like a backyard barbe que, then Twitter is like a cocktail party".  Deborah is the Social Media Sherpa.  Her blog which provides advice to jobs seekers is http://www.hellinthehallway.net/.  Follow Deborah on Twitter @dmourey

David Pope, AKA, The PDA Teacher, has been training people for years on the use of hand held devices.  Obviously, the advancement of technology has taken David's courses on to smart phones.  David is savvy and a talented presenter.  He is an advocate of Toastmasters and a poster child of how Toastmasters can help develop professional communication skills.  David credits most of his success in growing his business activities to LinkedIn and Facebook.  Read his website http://www.thepdaschool.com/index.html and follow him on Twitter @pdateacher

Last but not least, Carol White-Llewellyn is a creative genius.  She is a marketer, promoter, writer and more.  Carol's network is vast and she nurtures it well.  I enjoy learning from Carol in every conversation I have with her.  Carol has several careers she's masterfully juggling right now. To see her work in action, you can visit http://travelmaven.wordpress.com/ and follow Carol on Twitter @TheTravelmaven

Meet new people every day.  You never know what will happen or where it might take you!

How to Use Twitter

If I were a job seeker (and I am, because we all should be looking for our next job), this is how I would use Twitter.

IDENTIFY YOUR STRATEGY

Before you even create your Twitter log-in, define what your mission is for using Twitter.  Hint, to meet new people.  So who are the people you would want to meet? 

• The movers and shakers in your industry.
• People who share a common interest or passion
• People in your city/town
• Recruiters
• Target company employees

If you are going to be meeting people, what do you want them to know about you?  It has to be somewhat interesting and insightful.  Awhile back I wrote a post about your 6 word memoir, perhaps that would be a good statement.

LOG IN AND GET STARTED

• Use your name for your Twitter account. You want to be remembered and found.
• Complete your Bio. In 2-3 sentences, how will you brand your message? It is OK to have fragmented sentences in your bio.
• Find several relevant articles and Tweet them. 

FIND PEOPLE TO FOLLOW

Twellow.com is a helpful tool that lets you find people by specialty and location. (There are many others, feel free to comment on some of the resources you have found to be helpful). Once you are logged into Twellow, create your profile and register yourself there. This is optional, yet, part of your strategy is to let people know who you are. 

Twellow also has a search feature called Twellowhood.  See who's tweeting in your Twellowhood and follow those who are actively Tweeting and have larger followings.  They must be saying something of value.

Once you begin to find people to follow, view who they follow and you can add them to yours. Be selective.

START RT (Retweeting)

The nicest way to begin a connection is by RT the tweets of others.  They will usually thank you.  Consider what your come-back tweet will be, something complementary to warm up the connection.

KEEP YOUR FOCUS

It is easy to get side tracked by posting "too personal" or unrelated Tweets.  Keep it professional.  Nobody really cares what you are making for dinner.  However, if you've had a great customer service experience or a really great dinner, do give credit to the store/person/establishment.  Positive nets positive, never, ever complain.

Ask questions about your profession, industry, trends...See who is listening/responding.

ON-GOING STRATEGY

Each time you log into Twitter, consider it a challenge to Tweet, RT and Thank anyone who has RT'ed you.

Add new people to your following every time you log in

When you read an article or blog you like, see who wrote it and see if they are on Twitter.

JOB SEARCH?

So are you wondering where the jobs are on Twitter?  Well, I am not going to go there.  Focusing on job opportunities is putting the emphasis on the wrong part of your mission in my opinion.  Your mission is to meet new people, first and foremost.

There are literally thousands of people out there using this tool.  Be discerning.  Be cautious.  Be aware.  

Do You Hate Meeting New People?

Does the thought of meeting new people repulse you?  Do you avoid it like the plague?  At least you have the choice to opt out. 

Think about the millions of kindergartners who began school this year.  They entered a foreign world, knowing virtually no-one, forced into a new routine, where every second they are being asked to do something new and different. And you think you have it tough?

Imagine the first day of school through the eyes of a kindergartner.  They are in a new surrounding with up to 20 people they have never met before.  What do they talk about?  Who will they sit next to?  Who do they partner up with during activities?  Who do they sit next to at lunch?  Who do they play with on the playground?  When you don't know anyone, how do you make those choices?  Simple, you just do it!

Oh, to be a kid again.  They are so resilient.  They haven't the years of experience to taint their memories.  It is all fresh.  So, what lessons can we learn from them, so we too, can just do it?

Get on the bus and go.  Your Mom says so.

Instead of making excuses for why you don't want to go to a group meeting, association gathering or networking event, just sign yourself up and GO.

Sit next to somebody you know.

Chances are, you will at least know one person in a group. Sit next to them.  It will feel better than sitting alone.

Ask if they want to play.

Pick someone, anyone, and ask them a question.  You don't have to become their best friend.

"They don't know anyone either", says your Mom.

Don't make assumptions. Most of the people there don't know each other either.  You are all in the same boat.  Don't feel bad or alone.

Be Nice!

Not that anyone would be mean on purpose.  Befriend someone who looks more scared than you. Remember the old saying, it is nice to share.  Don't complain about ANYTHING. 

Cookies are waiting for you at home.

It may not be cookies, but set up some reward for yourself when you return to the comfort of home.  It is the carrot at the end of the stick.

You may be asking yourself why you need to meet new people in the first place.  In case you haven't heard, "networking" is the number one way people are finding jobs right now.  If you don't have people to network with, it is going to take a very, very, very long time to find a job.

What Do They Call This at Your Company?

So many job seekers get caught up using the "official" job title their last employer gave them.  In doing that, the job seeker either has presented themselves as something un-needed, or they confuse the people they are talking to.

Marketing yourself is critical to the success of your job search campaign.  Therefore, understanding what your function is in different companies has to be discovered and understood.

In case you haven't noticed, companies have been forced to redesign themselves given the recent changes in the economic climate.  Companies have laid off thousands of people who's roles were non-essential to the business.  What happens when these companies find themselves on sturdier ground?  They will want to hire.  The hiring they do will not be direct replacement of those they let go. These companies probably have decided to operate leaner and meaner, which means they will be looking to hire people who can perform multiple functions and wear multiple hats.

So what that means is that your old job doesn't exist any longer.  It has been combined with other functions.  You've seen the job postings that ask for everything, including the ability to fix the kitchen sink.  Someone who is multi-functional offers greater hiring value to the company.  This doesn't mean you have to have everything the companies are looking for, it does, however, mean that you need to understand what their problems are so you can pitch solutions they will see as valuable.

No two companies have the same set of challenges.  Doing your research of target companies allows you to understand their issues and challenges and create the mix of solutions they are seeking.

This research can be started on-line, however, there is no magic database that lists the information you are seeking.  Only through networking can you find the answers. 

You will also need to know if your function exists in other companies and organizations.  You can ask "What do they call this set of functions at your company?"  What you will uncover is that many of your functions exist outside of your past industry.  Pursuing jobs in other industries allows you to cast a wider net.  Casting a wider net can increase your chances of landing a job faster. 

You may find that without the industry experience, it can be difficult to cross into new areas.  What can you do to gain that industry experience?  Volunteer?  Join a professional organization?  You may decide that there are some barriers that make it too difficult right now to overcome. This is good to know.  Now you can move on to other options. 

This process is helpful because it allows you to grow and expand your flexibility and knowledge.  No one can do this for you.  It is kind of like, trial and error.  You'll learn by knowing what you don't have.  This vital gap analysis can lead you to make new decisions regarding your future.

The Kids Are Back In School- What Now?

Summer is winding down.  There are just days left in my little town in Upstate before our school year begins.  For some, this may be a relief. Other parents are facing major milestones as their "babies" head off to college or high school or kindergarten. 

What this means is that you now have no excuses to not launch a 35+ hour a week job search. 

The switchover to the school year requires recalibrating the family schedule.  As you are doing this, don't forget to carve in time for you and what you need to do. 

Unemployed fathers and mothers have made the excuse that they had to provide child care for their young children or their older children needed to be carpooled.  Great, as long as it doesn't cut into your time to do what you need to do to find a job.  I am all in favor of finding a balance in doing the things you want to do.  But, no more excuses. 

Here are some ways you might be able to do it all.

• Ask a friend/neighbor to help get your child on the bus and suggest that you will be there to get them off the bus.
• Carpool with fellow team mates.  Take turns to make it fair.
• If Jimmy forgets his lunch or cleats or trumpet, that's his problem.  A good lesson learned.  Accountability and responsibility are best learned early.
• When attending a school event, turn it into a networking opportunity.  Plan before you go to the school event what your goal will be.  "I want to meet 2 new parents and learn what they do".  "I want to find the name of someone at XYZ company".  "I want to learn about employment within the school district".  You chose, but go with a mission in mind.

It is easy to say "my child needs me".  It is more difficult to see if they have wings to fly.

Do You Need Mentors?

I realize every day how much I don't know and still have to learn.  Does that make me a life-long-learner of life?  Yes. There are those that learn by attending colleges and acquire degrees.  I prefer to learn lessons from life.

Life teaches us how to incorporate what we've learned.  What better way to acquire these learning's, than from other people's stories and experiences.  That is what a mentor can be and do.

There are skeptics out there who are probably thinking, "Why would someone want to share what they've learned?".  One answer is that people are nice and want to help.  We only get to go through life once.  If we go through it alone, trying to hoard what we've learned and accumulate great wealth, will that be the one life we find most rewarding?

Back to mentors.  If you are sincere in your request to learn, proactive in seeking information and take ownership to nurture the mentor/protege relationship, it is there for the taking. 

Promise Phelon writes for UpMo.  Her recent blog post makes reference to an article from the WSJ on 8 Tips for Setting up a network of mentors.

This isn't just a practice for young, up and coming professionals.  This is advice for everyone.  You don't know all the answers, none of us do.  The wonderful thing about building a network of mentors is that you learn something from each of them.  

You Can Have An Online Presence, Really

BRANDING and SOCIAL MEDIA

I found this slide show as well as some other very helpful links on understanding personal branding and social media.  I've always believed if you understand the "WHY", implementation will be better and stronger. 

This slide show was created in 2008 but the information is still relevant.  There is one slide that lists the 5 steps to creating your brand:

1. Define who you are
2. Go where the people are
3. Publish your content
4. Connect to the right people
5. Display your activity

The other interesting observation made about social networks on-line is that weak links or social ties result in less network overlap, thereby increasing the scope of awareness.  Without the internet, this would be very difficult to do.

Thanks to Alex de Carvalho for creating this!

You, the online brand

View more documents from Alex de Carvalho.

The Social Media Biz Buzz link has several links and articles for businesses to understand the trends.  Think about yourself as a business and how you might be able to use these tools. 

The last reminder is that social media is the tool to use in making better and stronger personal ties, it is not a replacement for face to face or in person networking!

Do You Miss the Windows of Opportunity?

It's been said one million times that networking is about building relationships. Period.  The more people we actually know, the bigger our sphere of influence and the odds are greater of finding the information we are looking for. 

Don't be blind to potential opportunities to meet new people or acquire new information.  If someone has a name they are willing to provide, ask how they know the person, why they think it would be helpful for you to speak with them and either ask for an introduction or contact information.  Then, follow up!

In workshops, I have had to stop on occasion to educate someone on how to do this.  Here are some open doors that were missed, until I stepped in:

• My wife works at that company you are interviewing with. No response. (slap goes Hannah)
• I used to work at the company you are interested in. No response. (Slap from Hannah)
• Have you looked into jobs at XYZ company? "No".  (Slap again from Hannah)
• I know someone at that company. "I do too". (Slap)
• There is a job over at XYZ company you might be interested in.  "I've already applied there, they have my resume".  (Slap)
• End of workshop.  All leave.  No conversation/connection.  (Slap)

It is easy to get tunnel vision and I know how important focus is, however, if a window or door opens, don't ignore it. 

Want to know the truth about your next job?

You've been searching and interviewing and all for the pursuit of that golden ring (a new job)!  The harsh reality is that 60+% of you won't be in that job 18 months from now.  Why? Only a very small number of you didn't have the right skills to do the job.  For the rest of you, it was a result of your Emotional IQ. 

So, what can you do to protect your new position?  Lots!  Ronnie Ann at Work Coach Cafe listed 7 ways to insure your job by gaining more control over your Emotional IQ.  For greater insight, you'll want to read her entire post here. I've paraphrased them below:

1. You always have choices, don't play the victim.
2. Build strong relationships at work
3. Be perceived as having a positive attitude (perception equals reality)
4. Don't let your emotions drive your behavior
5. Avoid the blame game
6. It isn't always about being right, know when to give in or back down
7. Look for possibilities and opportunities

I will also add number eight (8)

8.  Always be looking for your next job (networking and exploring)

I am not going to place all the blame on you or the employer.  Interviewing is not an exact science.  Everyone is trying their best to be a good employee and a good employer.  If you treat this new job like a relationship- open dialog, honest communication and a desire to make it work, it just might.

How to Get Your Name and Message Out There

It has occurred to me that networking gets a bad rap and that perhaps twitter and blogs and Facebook are the solutions people are looking for to make networking easier. 

If you don't believe in networking, that's too bad. 

For the rest, networking is about building relationships. It all starts with finding a common bond.  That bond can be personal and that bond can be professional.  We won't and don't "click" with everyone and I suppose that's ok. 

If you have a business, you are always looking for new ways to get your name out there.  Advertising, articles, press releases, TV and radio, personal appearances, the list was fairly limited years ago.  Today, there are unlimited avenues to spread the word.  We have the internet to thank for that.

That's where social media comes in.  It can provide you with access to thousands more people than you would be able to meet otherwise.  I follow people on twitter I consider to be good at what they do and the only way I can measure that is by reading their tweets and advice on their blogs.  I learn from them and connect virtually with some of them.   

There is a huge element of narcissism in all of this and could it be, that has always been true, even with Ben Franklin?  Do you suppose he was flattered by the nominations to positions and posts he received, to be asked to be on a committee of five who drafted the Declaration of Independence, to receive honorary degrees from Harvard, Yale and University of St. Andrews?  Maybe he was humble, and maybe it fed his ego a bit too.

My point is that being known for offering something credible and of value isn't all bad.  In fact, it is quite good.

Personally and professionally, I think we each want to be known for having something of value to offer.  We can spread the word through face to face contact AND virtually.  That is, of course, if our audience is playing in the virtual world. 

25 Signs That You Need Serious Help with Your Search

Perhaps it takes an innocent by-stander or someone with outside perspective to see what might possibly be the problem with your job search.  Here's a checklist of signs that your search needs help:

1. You've been attending a networking group for over a month and you still don't know the names of people.
2. You have had more than 10 first interviews and zero second interviews.
3. When people offer suggestions, you tell them why they won't work for you.
4. You don't have a LinkedIn account.
5. You believe and state out loud the reason you aren't getting a job is because you are too old or too inexperienced.
6. Your father tells you that the Hess Mart is hiring.
7. When people ask what you are looking for you say "A JOB".
8. Your resume has been sent to over 20 job postings and no one has called you.
9. It has been recommended that you change your elevator pitch, but you don't.
10. You believe that the job market is the reason you can't find a job.
11. You've said more than once, there aren't any good paying jobs.
12. You keep applying for jobs at the same company and aren't getting interviews.
13. You believe that recruiters are looking for jobs for you.
14. You've been told your salary requirements are too high more than once.
15. 20 hours a week is all you can spend looking for a job.
16. You've got a collection of business cards but can't remember where you met the people.
17. You've been given a contact name and don't follow up immediately.
18. You believe you are entitled to collect unemployment for as long as the benefits last.
19. You can only name 2-3 companies you would like to work for next.
20. You believe in being perfectly honest.
21. You believe the best time to apply for jobs on-line is between 9-5.
22. You can't network because you don't know anyone.
23. You've run out of people to talk to about your search
24. You don't want anyone to know you are looking for a job.
25. You know who'll be on Oprah tomorrow afternoon.

All of these are real answers I've heard.  Some I share to make you laugh, some are meant to make you mad and some are meant to make you think.

Never Stop Doing This...

It is tough to make time to network, whether you are employed or unemployed.  The engineers typically think "what a waste of time", the marketing/sales folks think, "yippee". 

Networking is staying connected.  It is the simplest strategy to insure your employment condition. 

How often have you seen a job posting for CEO or President?  Seldom, you say.  Why do you think that is?  Think about this for awhile.  How does a company find their next CEO/President?  (hint, connections).

What if you were to use that line of thinking.  They are on boards, the interact with other leaders, they attend meetings, they speak to groups, they are "known". 

You can do that too!  In order for this to work, you have to have a strategy/plan and you have to leave your house once in awhile. 

Carolann Jacobs hosts a great blog on leadership, Vivid Epiphany.  Her recent post provides some pointers on how to carve out time to network when you're employed.  Never stop.

How Do Positions Really Get Filled?

I was talking with a Hiring Managers from one of the top Gaming companies in the country.  I'm not a gamer myself, but even I know of the games they have produced. 

He was sharing his frustration over the terrible resumes that he's received.  He said most of them look like they've just been blasted around.  The writers didn't take any time to customize the resumes for the actual job they had posted.  There was no connection, at least that he could see, so, on to the next.

I asked him about the recent hires they had made and where they had come from.  No surprise, connections.  Several of the last candidates were recruited out of a college they had recruited from before with fantastic results. Several more were referrals and only 2 were sourced through online job postings.

Then he told me this story. He was talking with someone at a college that has a gaming curriculum. He mentioned that he wanted to find another "Alex".  Alex was a star employee they had hired and he described the successes, attitude and skills that made "Alex" so valuable. (By the way, "Alex" had started as an intern.) A few days later, the person he was speaking with said, "We have an 'Alex', want to meet her?"  In deed, "Alex" was hired...during a hiring freeze.

I love this story because it highlights how hiring is happening.  Word of mouth among industry Hiring Managers, or friends, or past colleagues or...

Cultural fit is also important.  Many of the resumes and candidates my Hiring Manager friend saw were not the right fit.  He even said, if any of these candidates had researched my company, they would have realized we don't need them. 

Take aways:

• Customize your resume and remove language that is confusing or irrelevant.
• Connect (meaningfully) with industry players through any means possible
• Be known for the right things

You Don't Need to Confess You are Unemployed

When you are introducing yourself to someone new it is not necessary to include the phrase "I've been laid off" or something similar within the first few seconds of your elevator pitch. 

Perhaps it is instinct that is directing you to "confess" this information. Perhaps you feel the need to be honest, or maybe it makes you feel better.  No matter the reason, please don't do it, for your own good.

Including your employment status in your pitch is irrelevant to what you want in the future.  Sharing this information too early neither makes you look more interesting nor talented.  It may conjure up other thoughts in the listener's mind that would be distracting from your core message.  Thoughts such as:

"poor thing, this is a terrible time to be unemployed"
"wonder what they did that got them laid off"
"how are they ever going to find a job right now"
"wow, it stinks to be you"

Those distracting thoughts can get in the way of the listener being able to help you.  Sure, empathy is a wonderful thing, but that's not the help you want from most people.  (That's why you have friends, family and a support network).

The other thing to know is that many employed people are looking for new jobs right now too.  They don't start a conversation with someone they don't know by saying "I hate my job and I'm looking for a new one", or at least they shouldn't. 

You don't have to be unemployed to be looking for a job or to change careers.  There are many factors that lead to someone looking for new work.  Especially today, more and more talented people have learned that they should always be prospecting their next job/career move.  Certainly they don't confess that up front. 

Focus instead on why you are great at what you do and what makes you different and memorable.  Summarize the value you have you added to organizations you have worked with.  Remember, this is a marketing campaign, you want to create a distinct brand and message that will catch attention for the right reasons, you are talented at what you do!

Why Isn't My Job Search Working?

I am always a bit surprised (perhaps pleasantly) when people call and want my advice on their job search.  However, my advice generally isn't all that unique, special, insightful, innovative or out of the ordinary.  The advice I give is based on what they tell me they aren't doing.

Are you volunteering in an organization using the skills that you would use in your job?  Or in an organization related to the work you are looking for?

Do you have a long list (50+) of companies that you could potentially work for (not necessarily companies you have applied to or who are hiring)?

How are you following up with those with whom you have had networking meetings?

Why does the employer think you are interested or not interested in the job?

There are probably other questions I ask too, some more basic than these and others more specific.  I guess it sometimes takes someone outside of a situation to be able to offer insight.  Where can you go to get this "advice" without paying?  Create a stronghold of people you respect and ask for their guidance and help. 

It is common for job seekers to believe they are the only one with a particular set of questions or concerns or obstacles. The truth is that there are themes that run through most people's job search issues.

Being proactive
Staying motivated and positive
Trying something different when the search stalls
Taking ownership of the search

These sound so generic and cliche.  Sorry.  This post from Career Rocketeer has actionable suggestions.

How to Spot an "A" Player

Pierre loves his job. I could tell from the minute I saw him.  He walked with a lightness in his step and his head held high (not too high). He worked the room by engaging people in light, sometimes humorous conversation.  He was comfortable doing that you could tell.  Pierre followed up on the service being provided and went far beyond what he needed to to ensure the end result surpassed satisfactory.

What do you think Pierre does?  He is the owner of Simply Crepes. 

First of all, you know it takes a special person and incredible dedication to start their own business, not to mention a restaurant.  He is that person. Everything he and his team did was to ensure a pleasurable customer experience and (perhaps more importantly) to develop relationships and connections that would nurture future business.

When you partner his energy and passion with his knack for developing relationships, you can see why he's successful.  It isn't phony, he really loves what he does and he is so proud (not boastful) of his restaurant.

Pierre did more than his job.  He didn't sit in a corner or back office tallying numbers or watching his team.  He got in the game.  Pierre pulled up a chair and asked questions to get to know us.  He gently explained why his restaurant was different (as if we couldn't tell already).  He knew us by name by the end of the evening and I walked out feeling like we'd met a new friend.

The lessons here are not only for business owners, but for everyone holding a job.  Re-read the first paragraph and remember that you can exude those qualities too.  No matter your job.  These transfer to every job.   Attitude, interpersonal communication skills, customer satisfaction (internal or external).

Do you delight your co-workers or fellow job seekers?  Do you create memorable experiences people will remember?  Do new acquaintances see you as their new "best friend"?

Go above and beyond where ever you can to make a lasting impression.

Networking is a Waste of Time- Or Is It?

I've heard it more than once.  "I don't have time to talk to people who can't help me."  That just isn't true. You never know who can help you 

Jibberjobber has a great post sharing the shift in willingness to network from "no" to "yes".  It also cites some recommended reading to assist in developing a comfort level with networking. 

Networking is not asking for a job or a job lead.  It is acquiring information.  This information may lead to a job.

I've said it before, I'm not a very good question-asker.  Sometimes I am not even a very good listener, so I look for help in these areas.  I found a list a questions long ago, and I don't know who to give credit to.  But these are nice, open ended questions to get a job search networking meeting going!

• Tell me about your business.
• How is business?
• What is happening in the industry?
• How do you do what you do?
• What exactly do you offer your clients or customers?
• What is the history of this industry locally and how was this business started? What are the most significant factors affecting your business today?
• How have changes in technology most affected your business?
• How has your business/industry been affected by the recession/past economic climate?
• How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years?
• What future direction do you see the company taking?
• What is the greatest demand for your services or product?
• Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company? Which department feels it the most?
• How do you differ from your competition?
• Describe your star employee.
• What are the qualities of people who perform best in this business?
• How do you think most of the employees would describe this workplace?
• If this company was known for 3 things as a workplace, what do you think those 3 would be?
• How would you describe your company culture?
• What trends do you see in the future that will affect your organization and industry?
• What do you think the company will look like 5 years from now?

I hope you have fun using some of these the next time you meet someone new and ask what they do.

The Hidden Jobs

As an informed job seeker, you've heard the term, The Hidden Job Market.  Tapping into this can be difficult if you are not a networker.  So, you've begun networking- meeting all sorts of people and not knowing really where to focus. 

It all should start with a marketing plan.  Here's why:

• You need a focus so others can better assist you.
• You need a focus so you can find what you are looking for.
• You need a focus to keep you motivated and proactively searching.

I recently ran across a resource rich blog focusing on tapping into the hidden job market.  It covers the gammit of topics related to this subject.  Sources of small companies, tactics for contacting target companies, plus very positive outlooks on the new economy. 

It also advocates for LinkUp, a search engine for legitimate jobs because it pulls from company websites, not the "boards". 

Check it out:  The Underground Job Network

Have a good answer for "So What Do You Do?"

It is amazing how many people have difficulty answering this question...still. 

Follow this formula to create your answer.

My name is:

I am a(n):

specializing in:

What do you do:

Why you are the best: 

Your call to action: Write a single sentence that lets people know what the next step is that they need to take in order to work with you.

In developing and fine tuning this 15-30-45 second pitch or elevator speech, always keep the audience in mind.  What do they need to know about you (one thing!) and what do you want them to remember about you.

It is important that you can remember your answer, so don't use to many words. 

Looking for some good ideas on how to add a little spice to your pitch?  Read this.

I want to thank Abby Locke's blog Executive Career Insights.  I was first introduced to the 15 second pitch somewhere in there.  She's got some very good information over there.