Networking Tip: Be Specific.

I've been conducting an informal survey of how people have landed jobs recently. Overwhelmingly, it is through networking. I've heard it quoted that over 80% of jobs today that are filled through networking. 80%. Wow. You can't ignore the power of networking with that stat floating around.

Most people would say they are good at networking. Even more people would say they would love to help their friends and coworkers who are in a career search. Here's a few reminders to help you help your friends, family, long lost co-workers and casual acquaintances network on your behalf:

1. Be Specific. I have close friends who spend time with me weekly but, if push came to shove, can't really explain what I do for a living. Don't assume anyone (yes, that even means mom) knows what you are looking for in your next job. Help them out. You've heard of the 'elevator speech'-adapt it and use it with everyone.

Here are two ways to spin it:
1. Title/Position Specific. Example: "I'm looking for a job as a Marketing Manager with a medium to large size company. Do you know anyone in marketing that might be willing to meet with me and give me insights into their company/experience?"

This helps those outside your industry and gives them something to hang onto. When they are at lunch the next day with a co-worker, they might remember that their co-workers wife works in the marketing dept of a large local bank. Presto. You are in.

2. Company Specific. Example: "I'm looking to meet people who work at or with General Mills, Land O'Lakes, or Malt O Meal. Do you know anyone who works at or with those companies? Would you be willing to introduce us so I can ask them about their experience?"

In Minneapolis, who doesn't know someone who works with or at one of these companies? You get the idea.

Today, most everyone knows at least 3-5 people who are looking for work. They feel guilty and helpless. They don't have a job for you-but they want to do something. They can. Use one or both of these methods and you are arming them for success. They will be your biggest advocate and will open doors for you.

Final note:
Be Thankful. Be sure to personally thank anyone who makes an introduction or referral for you. They took the time to think about you and your job search. They put themselves out there and wrote an email or made a phone call. They went above and beyond. A little "thank you" goes a long way.

PS: Check out this great article on networking: "You Never Know Whom They Know" by Ivan Misner (father of modern networking)

Any other thoughts on this? Be sure to leave a comment.

My New Favorite LinkedIn Feature.

I've just added another reason why I love LinkedIn: Status Updates.

Not many people are using this feature, which is why it is so eye-catching. Unlike Facebook or Twtiter, there is no clutter to jump through. Your update 'pops.' Best yet, it bumps you to the top of the updates when people login to their home page.

Be ahead of the curve and start using your LinkedIn Status Update to your advantage. Looking for work? Be specific about companies you are targeting or job titles you are going after. Want to direct more traffic to your blog or website? Teasers in the update get me every time. Pretty cool.

Unemployed But Still Employable. 3 Quick & Easy Strategies for Success.

If you've been unemployed for any amount of time, I know you've had well-meaning friends and peers tell you to 'stay positive.' Easier said than done, right? Here are 3 quick, easy and practical strategies I've found that have helped me stay focused as I've been launching my business this past year. :
1. Fuel Up. Fill up your tank (and your schedule) with activities that energize you. That positive energy will be obvious when you connect with others. One person told me that Mondays were her 'hard days' so she designated Monday mornings for art and creativity. By the afternoon, when she picked up the phone to network, she was so full of confidence and optimism that it came through on her calls.
2. Fire Up. Schedule working sessions with one or two peers at the local coffeehouse or bookstore. Working on your job search side-by-side with others creates a nice vibe. You aren't alone. You can bounce ideas off someone (just don't spend too much time chatting) and that intangible co-worker connection does wonders for your outlook on life. Humans are not meant to be alone. I think that's an old adage or scripture or something. But, it is true.
3. Fix Up. Okay this is meant to be easy and small. Find one thing that you have control over and give it a tweak or, heck, an all-out makeover. I'm not talking anything too serious. And I'm talking just one thing. It could anything from your physical appearance (remember, just one thing), your style/wardrobe, your online image (update a LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter account) to your outgoing voicemail message, resume or portfolio. Focusing on and updating one thing can boost your confidence, self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
Now go get 'em.

Before Your Start Your Own Business, Read This.

It's in all the headlines. The economy is lagging. Layoffs continue. Times like these are ripe for the creation of new start ups. Personally, I love it. Small business is the hallmark of the depression, when many of today's Fortune 100 were created. If you have been entertaining this idea even a little, I'm excited to share Guy Kawasaki's interview with Pamela Slim blogger and author of the new book Escape from Cubicle Nation The interview gives a great check list to think through before moving ahead with a new business. As for the book, well, it's on order. I've previewed the first chapter and it looks smart. I'll post a review once I'm done.

Pink Hobo - Geek Art Gallery

My friends over at Puny Interactivein NE Mpls have done it again. Creatively, they are using half of their space to feature art in a gallery setting. Mark your calendars now to see and be seen at their free opening reception April 18th 7pm for the "Paper Toy and Pop Out Show" Pink Hobo Gallery

The Free Art Project

Just came across this site and had to share it. Great illustration and design featured and you can print for FREE. Creatives, think about sending samples to Jen for consideration. The rest of us, print and ENJOY (for free!)
Feed Your Soul

The 5-Minute Pick-Me-Up

If you are in need of some perspective today, take 5 minutes and watch
this video Get Back Up

Is the Glass Half Full? Laid Off or New Lease on Life.

Recently overheard/read on Twitter: "The difference between 'unemployed' and 'self-employed' is pretty much in your head." (insert applause and cheering.) If you are currently unemployed due to layoffs, I encourage you to consider a new perspective. Historically, recessions reward those who are being creative and innovative. That means thinking differently about your situation.

Are you unemployed or are you self-employed? Are you a victim of layoffs and the economy or have you been handed a new lease on life and a chance to position yourself for the job of your dreams? Do you hate having 'all this time' on your hands or are you enjoying a mid-life 'mini retirement' instead of waiting until you are 65 yrs old?

I'm realistic. I know that how you view your situation may not bring you a job (or a paycheck) tomorrow. However, it will make the journey much more enjoyable and re-energizing. Spend some time (yes, I know you have time!) reflecting on what you love, what you were passionate about in college, what you always thought you would be when you 'grew up.' How does it line up with your life today? Ask yourself if you open to work in other fields, to freelancing or contract work. All these are avenues that could lead you to an opportunity that you wouldn't find following the traditional 'full time in my same job' route.

So I ask you: Are you a victim of layoffs or have you been given a new lease on life?

Why aren't you on LinkedIn?

If you are happily employed, you should be on LinkedIn. If you are looking for a job, you should be on LinkedIn. If you are considering a career change, you should be on LinkedIn. Get the picture? I will write more about why I, as a recruiter and someone who has personally experienced a layoff, think you should be in the LinkedIn bandwagon. But for now, Guy Kawasaki does a great job in his blog about the 10 Ways to Use LinkedIn

Naively Optimistic? You betcha!

In the 3/1/09 Sunday Pioneer Press section on the economy, reporter Allison Kaplan decided to focus on the positive things coming out of layoffs.  In her article, "Is There Life After A Layoff? Yes, Say Former Employees Who Have Created Businesses", I get a few lines to evangelize on the perks of taking charge of your career. 

http://www.twincities.com/ci_11793205

As an recruiter, I regularly hear from people who were just laid off. Many of them, still reeling from the shock, can't imagine life without a regular paycheck. They think that working for a company = safety. As someone who has experienced both being laid off and launching a small business, I've come to identify the false sense of security that we subscribe to when we work for others. Companies don't owe you anything. In today's economy, many companies aren't able to offer even severance and transition assistance. Where's the 'security' in that?

For those of you in transition, are you open to freelance or contract work? Do you have a business idea burning in you? I challenge you to explore these options. While learning cash flow management can be scary, the sense of pride, accomplishment, empowerment and satisfaction that comes from taking charge of your career is worth the effort.  Go for it.

Karma.

Am realizing that "Paying it forward" really does work. Encourage you to try it out today.