Doing It Differently
With the economy in the worst condition most of us have ever known, and my own career in limbo as a result, this means 2009 is a year of doing it differently. We have a new president on the way, we are learning what we’ve done for generations no longer works, and now it’s all about hope, change and new approach.
On a personal level, that means abandoning the habit of the online job search. It doesn’t work any more, not if you want a position that is a good match. A bad match, even though it means a paycheck, is a bad match. Don’t put yourself through the misery. When you’re in charge, at least you have optimism.
When I moved to Seattle in 2005, the job market was awash with marketing opportunities. I came here from Tennessee where marketing jobs are few and far between. Seattle, however, seemed like the Promised Land. Thirty-six months later, and two layoffs to date, the grass is no longer so green despite our great environmental efforts here. I believe it will return, but that’s 12+ months away.
The upside to this mess is that people are truly reaching out to one another. Visibility matters now more than ever before. I’ve been to two networking events this week (both productive), and I have three new ones next week to attend. And once things are back on track for me, I will continue my networking. They require nurture and support to grow over time in quality and quantity. Sure, it’s less time with TiVo (my guilty pleasure BFF), but in a city renowned for the difficulty of making friends this alternative is working so far.
Networking DIY
To further utilize my community, I created the GLBT Puget Sound Professionals Networking group on MeetUp. Seven days later, I have 40 members willing to pay up to $10 per meeting once a month to meet new contacts and to focus on their job search – based on a survey people complete when joining. New people join each day, t0o.
Why did I create a group? I had no real network to begin with. I decided, “Well, if you don’t have what you need, you should create it.” I’m proud of this so far and I look forward to what it will bring.
What I’m Learning, and Doing
Already my efforts are yielding results. With a simple elevator pitch, I clearly explain who I am, what I do and what I want. People tell me names of others to contact, companies to look into, and events to know about. Everyone is authentic about helping others I feel.
Unexpectedly, my efforts have attracted the attention of a career coach writing a book on job search and networking. She asked me to contribute material for a chapter, in exchange for attribution and a limited amount of coaching. Her input on my resume (while uncomfortable to hear) was great. I feel confident and clear about who I am when submitting it.
Sharing Resources
Remember that networking isn’t all about drawing people in just to help you. It’s equally about helping people with their needs. As you find links, networking sites, events, etc., share it. A lot. Even if it isn’t a fit for you, pass it along to someone who is a match.
Helping others without regard for an immediate reciprocation means paying it forward. I believe this has a long-term payoff by investing in others as you do your own thing, too.
Wrap Up
Get your butt off the couch. Use the job boards only as much as necessary to qualify for your unemployment benefits (it’s easy), and to find potential employers. Then use LinkedIn to find people you want to talk to. Talk with people you know and meet about what you want. Make yourself available. Share what you find, and do some volunteer work – it keeps you productive and active, plus it’s great networking as well. I recommend the Taproot Foundation.
Meeting, greeting, talking, and sharing are what networking means.