FLASH: New Career Rules

If you're in career transition, here's what you need to know: the rules have changed dramatically since the last time you were in the job market. Here’s what’s new:

The biggest change is that we are now a "gig-to-gig" workforce. Because of the state of the economy, companies are reducing costs by using contractors for projects. These assignments usually last 3-6 months. You may be looking for a full time position, but be open to contract work. The days of long-term employment with one organization are long gone and so is company loyalty. Today's workplace dictates that you are responsible for your own career so re-invent yourself.

The second concept to thoroughly understand is that you are the product/service and leveraging your uniqueness puts you ahead of your competition. Figure what sets you apart from others in your field. Know what makes you the best and capitalize on it.

Number three change is taking time to “chill out and recover” after the layoff is a really bad idea. Because competition is fierce, develop your search plan and hit the road running immediately. If you're lucky enough to receive outplacement services, take advantage of it.

The last major change is that networking is THE way you’ll find your new position and using online social networks in your job search is a must. Use Linkedin, Plaxo and Facebook to serve as your mini-websites. You can put together your marketing message and write your profiles around that message. Social networks expand your ability to connect with more people and increase your networking. They don't take the place of face-to-face meetings so working your network and setting up personal meetings is still critical. The good news is that people are very open to networking because they know they'll probably soon be part of this new workplace world.

Twitter twips

I'm addicted to Twitter. I know it can be a major time-suck, so I've been waiting until the end of the day and use social networking as a reward when I complete daily goals....and I cheat and tweet even when I haven't done everything on my list. Anyway, I've come across some great sites and wanted to share them with you. The list covers the gamut of ti
ps, how to's, and trivia. Enjoy!

www.twitterwatchdog.com/2009/06/16/creating-a-powerful-twitter-bio
www.alltop.com
http://www.chrisbrogan.com/
www.mentalfloss.com
www.twitterbusinessbook.com

"So, tell me....."

“Tell me something I don’t know”

This is a command MSNBC’s commentator Chris Matthews gives to his Sunday morning guests each week. I like it because the information coming back is not the usual spiel you hear from reporters everyday. It could be something under-reported i.e. President Obama’s phone call to Mark Buerhle after his perfect game.

This same technique can be used when you’re interviewing. The interviewer may know lots of information about you from your resume, handbill, LinkedIn, etc., but think about a piece of information, an accomplishment, an article you just read, an experience you’ve had that would inform the interviewer and help set you apart from other candidates.

So, “Tell me something I don’t know!”

Showing Up Everyday

I wish I'd gotten the email about "showing up everyday" years ago. As it was, I got it from a great manager who saw right through my daily BS. She took me aside and explained that work and life in general would be much happier for me and all around me if I'd show up everyday. What she was talking about was attitude, body language, voice tone, and a giving heart. I was one of those people who made sure everyone had a bad day if mine started out that way. My body language and tone of voice dared somebody to cross me...just once. Sometimes it was boyfriend problems, too much partying the before or just a nasty mood. However, I was a customer serice rep so feedback from customers and co-workers weren't glowing. So, I got fired. Looking back at this period of my career, I understand now that this was one of the best learning experiences of my career. I learned the world doesn't revolve around me and my problems and one but my dog wants to hear about them.

Topics in The High Gain Zone

Ok, I'm stepping up to the plate with some very compelling posts in the next 10 weeks. These topics are timely in today's market with must-know observations and practical trail tips:

1. "Showing Up Everyday"
2. "Tell Me Something I Don't Know"
3. "The Breakthrough"
4. "What Makes You Unique?"
5. "New Job Search Tools"
6. "Meditating and Your Job Search"
7. "Keeping Your Sanity During the Job Search"
8. "Take the Chaos Out of Your Career"
9. "What Your Dog Knows About Career Success"
10. "Redefine Yourself"

Thanks, Chuck!

I want to take this opportunity to thank my brother Chuck for reminding me that he’s following my blog and there haven’t been any updates lately. You’re right, Chuck. I’ve been lazy and put off writing…..I have to practice what I preach and change my procrastinating ways.

So, here’s what I’m going to do:

1. Make a list of 10 topics and list them on the blog by the end of next week.
2. Write at least 2 paragraphs on each topic and throw in some little known facts to keep it interesting – I can make them up if I want cuz it’s my blog.
3. Put due dates on my calendar and meet those dates.
4. Thank the Universe daily for my brother who keeps me focused and honest.

"Once Upon A Time...."

So, what’s your story? You’re in a career transition and networking…and it’s essential that you create your story:the information you give people when you first meet them. It’s also called your “elevator speech”; your “30-second commercial”….it’s a short statement about who you are and what your benefits are.

Here’s mine: “I’m a career management expert. I know how to survive and thrive career changes. I’ve been down-sized, right-sized, and had my position eliminated. Because I’ve made all the mistakes you can possibly think of, I know how to guide clients through change and reduce transition time by 50%.”

Start your story out with an “I am” statement and then focus on what makes you unique. Here are some questions to help you create your customized story.

 Why should someone be interested in you and your service or product?
 What makes you unique from your competitor?
 What can you tell the person that they don’t already know?
 What will you do for them and their company?
 How will you make them look better?
 How do you contribute to the greater good?
 Why should they trust you?

These are questions that go through your head when someone approaches you with their product or service. The same questioning process occurs when you interview for a job. Because you ARE the product, you want to have a concise, interesting explanation to answer these questions. This can be a real challenge for most of us because it feels like we’re bragging and promoting ourselves…..which we were taught not to do.

Here are 3 tips to help you create an interesting, concise, honest break through story:

1. Make a list of your top 3 career achievements. Prioritize them. This allows you to decide which achievement you want to highlight in your story.
2. Make sure that your achievements are measureable. Use action verbs like increased sales by a percentage or use actual dollar amounts.
3. Determine what you’ve learned in the course of your career that will help others. It could be leadership style, communication, team building, sales, etc.

Make your story memorable and interesting!