Sometimes you just have to start at the beginning...

The official book launch party for Words for the Journey - thoughts and affirmation for women returning to work is in 16 days!! I am thrilled to be giving away copies and talking with area women about careers and reinvention.

It's funny. When I decided to write a book, I intended to write an action plan - a step by step process for women planning their returns to paid employment. It's something I should have been able to write in  my sleep.  I've coached clients on it. I've spoken about it. I've written blog posts about it. But every time I sat down to write the darn book, it just wouldn't flow.

I tried to force it.

I worked to ram right through the blockage.

I procrastinated.

I made excuses.

I let weeks and months crawl by with nary a sentence or two that was worth anything.

Then I cleared the deck, took an entire weekend, and gave up what I thought I was supposed to write about and just started writing. That's when a totally different book started to be written;  that's the one we'll be launching at the lovely shindig on the 11th - Words for the Journey: thoughts and affirmations for women returning to work.

You see, no matter how hard we push, sometimes it comes down to letting go and starting at the beginning. In my head, I had it all sorted (or so I thought). But it wasn't until I was ready to open up, let go of my expectations, and consider possibilities that things fell into place.

In support of your success,

Carol

Networking With Grace and Ease - Part 2

In part 1 of Networking With Grace and Ease, I shared some networking questions that can be door openers and relationship starters.  Since networking boils down to relationships, how can job seekers move from an initial meeting to developing a collegial dynamic?

First, it's important to nurture your relationship with members of your network.  Remember, it’s incumbent upon you (not them) to do this. This is the chance to also be of service (see first three examples below). Track your contacts, striving to reach out every few weeks or so.  Here are some ideas for connecting in a positive and professional way:

• Send an email with an interesting article about something of interest to your contact.

• Send an update about a professional association he/she has mentioned.

•  Follow up on something you said you would do (ex:  As promised, here is the contact information to the publishing consultant I mentioned.  I’ve contacted him and he’s happy to answer those technical questions you had. He suggested that you mention my name when you call.  Best wishes!).

•  Send an email about what you’ve been doing (ex:  I wanted to reach out and let you know that I did research on the conference you mentioned and am going to attend. Are you planning on participating?).

•  Make a phone call. No worries about reaching an answering machine. In fact, with people being so busy, the answering machine can be your friend --  leave a quick message. “Hi Sally.  It’s Cathy Jones.  I thought I might catch you…I’m just calling to touch base and find out how things are going.  Last time we spoke/emailed, you mentioned you were presenting at a conference and I was interested in hearing about it.  I’ll touch base with you in a few weeks again, so no worries about calling back.  Hope all is well!  Bye!."

•  React to news (press release, LinkedIn update, industry news) via email:  Kathy, Congratulations on your new position.  How wonderful it was to read about it in ______. Best wishes for continued success!  All the best, Patti.

•  Reach out via phone or email re: meeting for coffee or lunch.  “I’m going to be in your area on ____ and wondered if you’re available for coffee or lunch.  It would be nice to catch up and hear how things are going for you.  Let me know…. Best, Janice."

As you develop relationships and build your network, you may receive requests...and you can also make requests such as “Would you consider giving me feedback on my resume?  I value your judgment and would be most appreciative on any suggestions you might have.”  OR  “I’m applying for jobs in the _______ field at ______ and ________ companies.  If you hear of any openings, I’d be so appreciative if you’d pass my name along.” 

This is quite different from sending out your resume to all of your contacts and asking for a job, nor is it putting someone on the spot – neither of which are effective strategies.  Rather, this is a thoughtful and considered strategy that when used appropriately (and sparingly) can be quite effective.

BOTTOM LINE

As you network and apply your job search strategy consistently and mindfully, remember that it all boils down to a few principles:

Be genuine. 

Be authentic. 

Be of service.   

Be thoughtful. 

BE YOU! 

Networking with Grace and Ease - Part 1

At its core, networking is about developing relationships. It’s also as much about giving as it is getting.  For job seekers, networking can sometimes {incorrectly} be a synonym for asking for work.  It sure takes a lot of pressure off – AND makes networking less intimidating, if job seekers approach networking with the dual purpose of (1) establishing new connections/relationships and (2) keeping an eye out for opportunities to assist/give.

What kinds of questions do I ask other than ‘Do you have a job for me?!?’ you might be thinking.  Below is a list of relationship-building and insight-gathering questions that can inform your job search, support new connections and move you forward towards your goal.

Questions:

  

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

  

What’s been one of the most challenging aspects of this week for you?

  

What brought you to this career path/field?

  

What do you love about your work?

What are the top 3 bits of advice you have for someone getting into your field?

  

What makes someone successful in your field?

  

What’s the best professional/business book you’ve read lately?

What professional associations do you recommend joining?

What’s the first thing you do each day?

What’s the last thing you do before you leave your office each day?

Tell me your best timesaving/organizational tip.

  

What changes do you see on the horizon that could have major impact on your work/field?

  

What are the key skills/traits needed for success?

  

What publications are ‘must reads’ for you?

  

What kind of clients/customers are your target?  (This one is also an opportunity for you to make introductions)

What key traits do you look for when you’re adding to your staff?

What tips do you have for job seekers in this competitive market?

   

As you can see, these are big picture kinds of questions. And the answers are competitive intelligence for the job search...handed

to you on a silver platter!  In fact, these answers provide you with all kinds of action steps that can increase your marketability in your target field and provide you with great interview discussion points.

It’s important to note that you’ll probably only have a chance to ask one or two of these in a networking setting.  However, you can leverage this initial meeting by following up and scheduling coffee or lunch.  At this time – conversationally over coffee or lunch – you can ask additional questions to gather more information for your search and future path.

Below is an example of how this might be done:

You:  It’s been so nice speaking with you.  Do you have a business card?

Contact:  Sure, here’s one…

You:  Great!  May I give you one of my cards?  (Yes, jobseekers…business cards are the currency of networking and very worthwhile to obtain by either printing at home using high quality business card stock OR online at a source like vistaprint.com.)

Contact:  Ok.

You:  I’d like to learn more about your work/career/business/etc.  Would you be open to meeting for a coffee or lunch near your office within the next few weeks?  If so, I’ll send you an email with some possible times.

Contact:  Yes, that’s fine.  I’ll look for your email.

In Part 2, I'll share ideas for reaching out to members of your network in a way that is not intimidating and can help to position you as a reliable, relevant and valuable contact for others.

Curling and Your Job Search - Similarities and Lessons

Yesterday, I had an incredible opportunity to join a bunch of friends as we gingerly stepped onto a curling rink -- most of us for the first time ever. After watching a short demonstration of technique and learning some game basics and strategy pointers, we were divided into teams and began to compete.

The afternoon was filled with laughter, learning, some stumbling, and wonderful camaraderie as we cheered one another on, fully realizing we were experiencing just the tip of the iceberg of this medieval-borne sport. As I think about yesterday and what I learned, I'm struck by how the sport of curling might offer insight and encouragement to job seekers. Here are 6 Tips For Job Seekers From the World of Curling:


1.  Strategy is key: Curling is not about simply 'throwing rocks' (pushing the granite stones down the course).Strategy and precision are essential to scoring. Similarly, an effective job search isn't a matter of simply emailing resume after resume and applying to online posting after online posting. Just as curlers take many factors into account - opponent's strengths, condition of the ice, the position of the stones already thrown, spin and more, so, too, must job seekers. Corporate culture, job descriptions, market conditions, and value proposition are just a few examples of factors that savvy job seekers take into account as they develop their strategic job search plan.

2.  Lingo adds to understanding and insight:  Our wonderful trainer provided us with key curling terms such as skip, first, hammer, house and end to broaden our knowledge and to add value to our experience. Job seekers would do well to learn the lingo within their target careers and companies to establish rapport and showcase understanding.

3.  It's about having a good team:  While only one person at a time actually 'throws the rock' in curling, each of the 4 team members has an active role to play. The skip is providing direction for the thrower and the sweepers, who are at the ready to impact the direction and speed of the stone. For job seekers, the team is one's personal and professional network. Just as the skip provides the direction to the team, job seekers need to let their network know how they can help.

4.  Sweeping maximizes the throw: Sweeping can transform a pretty good team into a great one in curling.Sweeping adds speed and direction to the rock as it goes down the lane. It reminds me of the follow up job seekers do (or don't do). Making phone calls, tending to one's network, and sending post-interview thank you notes support your job search initiatives in the same way that sweepers support the throwers in curling.

5.  Balance and Core Strength are essential: I didn't know this until I actually tried curling: it takes solid core strength and balance. Looking for a job also takes core strength and balance, albeit in a slightly different way. For job seekers, core strength relates to the essential need to keep on keeping on, reaching into a well of strength and executing the job search consistently. The balance piece relates to the importance of using a multi-pronged job search approach, not relying on one strategy...but striking on an effective balance by using 3 or 4 strategies.

6.  When you fall, you just get back in the game: No surprise here - ice is slippery and players can fall.  As we all played, I noticed people taking near and actual tumbles.When that happened, they laughed, dusted themselves off, and got back to the task at hand. Job seekers may find themselves on slippery ground at times. In all likelihood, there will be stumbles and tumbles. When that happens, simply dust off, stand up, and continue on! 

Whether you're about to launch a job search, are in the middle of a job search, or could use some general career encouragement, I hope this post is helpful!

In support of your success,

Carol