Ask | Get

Ask | Get

October 2009

Since I launched my personal branding workshop last month, I'm having the most fun I've ever had in a job. I just had the privilege of working with a fantastic group of talented professionals to uncover, discover and recover what is most extraordinary about them.

But there are times I did have to raise my voice. As with all of my clients, I was continually amazed and surprised at the extraordinary talents and achievements that did not make it beyond the inside of their brains.

"You did what?! And it's not on your résumé?"

"No one else does that? And it's not on your Web site?"

The hours I spend with my clients, both in private coaching and in workshops, pays off in a fresh perspective and all sorts of hidden gems, any one of which could be the differentiator.

Think Beyond the Title

You come from one of the many industries undergoing a seismic shift, like journalism, banking or advertising. You know you need to network your way into something different, but what to say?

Look deeply at what you really offer. Put your industry or title second and focus on all the things that go into creating the service or product you provide.

Are loans the only type of product you can wrap your head around? If you were the one out connecting and selling, can you transfer those skills to sell something else?

Did your job require researching, learning, synthesizing, translating and communicating information or did you just write articles?

Reframe your work experience to your core skills and abilities. Perhaps as a banker, you excelled at making customers feel comfortable. Perhaps as a journalist, you excelled at researching complex issues and communicating them in a way that makes sense to the average person.

You are far more than your last position. But to convince an employer or prospect, you have to take them beyond the title.

Money Talk

A recent article from The Ladders says absolutely, positively do not discuss salary early in the relationship. Au contraire I say.

Whether it's a full-time gig or consulting, you should talk money right away. It's a complete waste of time everyone's time if expectations are off by thousands of dollars.

I learned this lesson years ago when I was hiring in the midst of a frenzied growth spurt. I could hardly breathe I was so in need of staff. I carved out a precious hour of my time for a candidate. Only at the end, did I discover that she was asking for more than I was making. I never wasted an hour like that again.

Every major corporation has salary ranges for jobs. At least find out from HR or a connection in the industry what's in the ballpark for that job. This is particularly important for those changing careers or industries.

For consulting, I always discuss money in the first phone conversation. Many businesses often have no idea what consulting services cost. I tell them what types of services they can get for a range of fees. If I'm out of the price range, I always refer someone appropriate, as a helpful service.

Most people feel uncomfortable talking about money, but doing so politely and with the goal of being considerate of everyone's precious time will demonstrate your professionalism and business acumen.

Setting Goals: Write Them Down

People who write down their goals are more likely to succeed than those who just think about their goals, so said a 1953 Yale study. Makes sense, right? Writing down your goals makes them real and focused. Both Tony Robbins and Zig Ziglar quote this study in their bestselling self-help books.

Fast Company debunked the oft-cited study as urban legend!

The pithy truth became a mantra because, as Dr. Gail Miller's research showed (but not at Yale), it is true. Dr. Miller found 43 percent of those who think about exactly what their goals are actually accomplished them. But those who wrote down their goals with specific steps on how to achieve them, and then also expressed their progress to a friend had a 76 percent rate of hitting their goals.

Once you know what you want, share it with a friend. You will be 33 percent more likely to accomplish your goal than if you keep it to yourself.

Ask for an Introduction

If you don't ask, you don't get. That goes for just about everything in life, including a job or consulting gig. A recent Wall Street Journal article describes how one job seeker got a job through her Tai Chi teacher. You never know who might be a connection.

The key to success: know that you have something wonderful to offer. You're just looking for the place that needs what you have, and has what you need.

Yes, there will be other people who have something to offer. Yes, you will be competing with them. But the more you can connect to the fact that you are gifted in ways that will benefit a company or client, the more attractive you will be to an employer or prospect.

Knowing that you have valuable skills, talents and knowledge takes the pain out of asking for an introduction. It's not selling. It's sharing.

Build Your Brand - Take a Write Off

The jobless recovery requires a competitive edge, and it can come in the form of your very own bluefeet. The workshop and private branding packages are designed to help those who are job seekers, consultants and those doing both. Find out more in this press release or at the bluefeet Web site.

Did you know job search-related classes, workshops and personal marketing coaching are tax deductible? These also count as business expenses when you are self-employed. Don't wait until December 31 to book those year-end tax write offs. Improve your job prospects now, courtesy of the IRS.

Find out more