Personal Marketing Plan

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THIS Week’s Workshop: Developing Your Personal Marketing Plan… Wednesday, January 29th, 8:45 AM @ The Egg and I Restaurant in Addison

We meet WEEKLY at The Egg and I Restaurant in Addison (NW quadrant of Arapaho and Montfort… 1 block east of the Tollway)

This session provides an excellent OVERVIEW of our 12 step Process to regulars and new comers alike.  Our focus is on effective time management to create focus and efficiency in job search efforts. We also look at the importance of personal accountability to ACTION!

While involved in ‘the challenging waters’ of career transition, these same chaotic, jobless, trying times are very productive times.  Don’t waste them by floundering with lack of focus and direction, falling into the dark, depressive attitude of distractions and, worst of all, inaction…

When we are employed, we tend to function under the guidance of our employer’s business plan, or, more specifically, our job description.  Our ‘routine’ is defined by:

  • Personal accountability to a labyrinth of responsibilities, some structured—some not structured at all—but all contributing to productive work activities…
  • We create productivity and efficiency with our sense of time management…
  • And as ‘top talent’ professionals, we often take initiative, make process improvements, and contribute to the Company’s growth.

So, why not recreate all that with OUR OWN PLAN, a Personal Marketing Plan, to move toward commitment and job satisfaction, and appropriate compensation, for the rest of our careers… including any current, short term job search?

On the other hand, if an individual is under-employed, seeking a change, or actually unemployed, they must be visible to potential employers who are seeking their services.  Creating this visibility is strategic, personal market planning and execution—in can be marketability without rejection!

And, employed or not, Modify and improve your Personal Market Plan’s implementation model as needed… As you move through your career transition or ‘job search  campaign,’ making adjustments as you would a business model.

Personal Marketing is a contact sport.

Before looking at what such a Personal Marketing Plan would look like, review the PREPARATION Portion of the 12-step Process Model… the first EIGHT Steps… are you prepared for an efficient job search?

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NEXT Week’s Workshop: Developing Your Personal Marketing Plan… Wednesday, January 29th, 8:45 AM @ The Egg and I Restaurant in Addison

This session provides an excellent OVERVIEW of our 12 step Process to regulars and new comers alike.  Our focus is on effective time management to create focus and efficiency in job search efforts. We also look at the importance of personal accountability to ACTION!

We meet regularly at The Egg and I Restaurant in Addison (NW quadrant of Arapaho and Montfort… 1 block east of the Tollway)

Who Should Attend?

  1. Anyone who wants to create a strategic plan for the rest of their working life… job changes will occur!
  2. Job seekers who find themselves in a rut…rapidly crashing into the black hole of depression
  3. Any job seeker looking to create focus within their search efforts
  4. Any professional to give substance to their next steps
  5. Newcomers to DFWCareerpilot… including tire-kickers

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THIS WEDNESDAY’s Workshop: Achieving CareerFIT… Wednesday, January 15th at 8:45 AM @ The Egg and I Restaurant in Addison

Just what IS a good CareerFIT for you?

To achieve a good “fit” between you and any future opportunity, you have to ask yourself some basic questions about yourself and your prospective employers. The fit depends on how well the jobs meets your needs and how well your skills and abilities meet the employer’s needs. The employer will make a decision and extend an offer to you: now it is time for you to make your decision.

This week’s co-facilitator will be Brian Allen, Certified and EXPERT with a wide variety of assessment tools. He will be discussing the why and what  of wrapping your hands around knowing about YOU.  

SHARE THIS POST with your network… and let them know about the scheduling AND content changes at DFWCareerpilot!… THX

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Write out the factors that are important to you in a job… actually write out your list.  During your career transition, learn the value of setting your offer criteria, a key element of your Personal Market Plan:

  1. Creates an objective target for your efforts ahead;
  2. Gives you a meaningful set of questions to ask during research and networking;
  3. Provides an objective way to analyze and react to offers as they occur.

To manage your career wisely has you extending the same concept.  Consider some of the factors listed below … Examine each factor through the questions listed – and then ask, “does this opportunity fit me?”

Work Requirements and Expectations: What is the next  appropriate work for you? Is the work process or project oriented?  If it’s process oriented, are the requirements and expectations clear?  What kinds of projects will you work on? Will you work on one project at a time, or multiple projects? Are the projects long term or short term? Will you work on a project long enough to see the end result? Is it important to you to be able to see the project as a whole, including the result? Or will you be content to do the work without a big picture understanding?

Work Environment: Will the work space be a source of comfort and confidence for you? How formal or informal is the environment? Hectic, fast paced? Will you have the opportunity to have flex time, or to tele-commute? How many hours a week does the employer expect you to work? Will you have the freedom to wear casual clothes? What is a typical day like at the company you are considering?  Would they allow a “trial visit” or at least a site visit?

Career Path: Is there a defined succession plan? What position(s) can you move to next? How long do new hires generally stay in the same job? How quickly do people get promoted? Are your opportunities for professional development well defined and available to you? Are mentors available?

Training and Personal Development: what kind of training will you get from the employer to do the job? What kind of training will you get to stay current in your area of interest? Are the answers to these two questions different? Does it matter to you if the answers are different?

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This week Wednesday, January 15th, we will focus on a strategic, more career-oriented, definition of FIT,  answering your questions and concerns at each step of the way…  Your Careerpilot has created collateral development: resumes, correspondence, etc. as a separate topic for our next event.

This is a great place to start for new-comers as the other Core Topics will follow in sequence… THIS WEEK’s Workshop…  Achieving CareerFIT brings focus to those elusive decisions regarding positioning and targeting your efforts.

The first five steps of the 12 step process, from assessment to beginning the evolution of your LinkedIn Profile, will be discussed.  Please let me know you’re planning to attend by filling out this quick RSVP… THX

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Next Week’s Workshop: 2014: Embracing The OTHER Job Market… Wednesday, January 8th @ 8:45AM

Please note our change to Wednesday events…  Wednesday, January 8th, we will overview the entire 12-step process, answering your questions and concerns at each step of the way… this is a great place to start for new-comers as the other Core Topics will follow in sequence.

Please SHARE THIS POST with your network.

A job seeker’s Personal Marketing Plan will embrace all of the 12 Steps in our job search process.  It is meant to provide a focused and efficient approach to The OTHER Job Market…  You see, the notion of an “unpublished or hidden” job market is far from new.  However, knowledge of “The OTHER” job market, and your ability to execute your Personal Market Plan in it, will create both focus and productivity in any career transition.

In every marketplace, there are buyers and sellers.  In the traditional job market, the one that our Department of Labor “analyzes,” job seekers are the sellers and their potential employers are the buyers.  The commodity is productive work and the competition is fierce.

In the OTHER Job Market, buyers and sellers hold equal responsibility for the recruitment process.  When employers have a need for someone to fulfill a specific role, often the most desired candidates are employed individuals with the credentials they seek.  Thus the employer must sell their Company to potential employees in the marketplace in order to attract the best of the lot.  Once identified, they simply select their choice and buy their services.

The traditional job market, then, could be characterized by “requisitioned” jobs being filled by chosen job seekers.

The OTHER Job Market, on the other hand, is characterized by available/needed work being fulfilled by job seekers, contractors, internal candidates, third-party consultants, retirees, part-timers, temporary workers, etc.

Who should attend…

  • Regulars. to gain new perspective
  • New Comers, come kick the tires of a new approach to job search
  • Long term job seekers looking for a new edge… a new approach

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Enjoy your Holidays, but don’t lose momentum heading into the New Year…

Simply stated, the traditional ‘job market’ is loaded with traps for the normal job seeker: Applying on-line along with your competition, increasing the odds of rejection and causing a premature, YES-NO-MAYBE judgment…The digital HR screen that judges you by keywords instead of value proposition… and, by the way, what ARE the ‘right’ keywords?

This is precisely WHY your Careerpilot has elected to update the handouts for DFWCareerpilot in 2014.  While there will always be an attempt at keeping up with technology changes that might influence recruitment and job search, you will notice in our new handouts that the use of LinkedIn is fully integrated into the 12-step Process… your M.A.P. to career transition focus and success!

DFWCareerpilot integrates and models two basic philosophies.  One, it challenges the job seeker to utilize High TECH/HIGH TOUCH implementation tactics–we learn that technology is a tool… not a replacement for the personal relationship building prerequisite in the recruitment and hiring process.

And second, we learn to “Embrace The OTHER Job Market,” the one driven by hiring authorities who seek the most qualified and affordable candidates (would you expect less?)… THE ONE driven by the choice of pre-qualified candidates who have already established a relationship with appropriate professionals–with and surrounding the hiring authority!  A job seeker can ‘stand out’ because there is much less rejection (less competition) and controllable yes-no-maybe judgments.

You see, in every marketplace, there are buyers and sellers.  In the traditional job market, the one that our Department of Labor “analyzes,” job seekers are the sellers and their potential employers are the buyers.  The commodity is JOBS and the competition is fierce.

In the OTHER Job Market, buyers and sellers hold equal responsibility for the recruitment process.  When employers have a need for someone to fulfill a specific role, often the most desired candidates are employed individuals with the credentials they seek.  Thus the employer must sell their Company to potential employees in the marketplace in order to attract the best of the lot.  Once identified, they simply select their choice and buy their services. 

In other words, the commodity is productive WORK being assigned to the most qualified individual who ‘fits’ the employers needs.  Often, this WORK has not been clearly defined yet and the employer has not approved an open job requisition.

HAPPY Holidays and we’ll see you in the NEW YEAR ahead.

 

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ACCOUNTABILITY Works to propel your job search efforts…

A good accountability partner can make a major difference in one’s job search. I have seen many job seekers flounder because they launch their search efforts before they are totally prepared for the unique adventure ahead.  The power of partnering comes in to play when two well prepared job seekers come together to hold each other accountable for the activities and time management involved in productive search efforts.

You can call this coincidence if you want, I did for a while until I saw it happening over and over, and the people using the accountability partner were giving them the credit for their success. Or you could call it peer pressure … but whatever you call the ‘fuel.’ The resultant energy cannot be denied… it works.

Too many times, we fall victim to distractions from the job search. The trap of sleeping late, watching TV, and playing on the Web can ensnare us. With no one but ourselves to hold us accountable for our job-search goals and plans, time can just slip away. It’s so easy to lose balance between personal needs and wants and our job search.

The other end of the spectrum is becoming a “job search-aholic.” For many of us, our identity is tied up tightly in our career, while others need a job right away just to make ends meet. No matter how great the need or desire for a new position, conducting a job search 24/7 non-stop can actually be a detriment to a successful campaign.

Once burnout sets in and enthusiasm begins to wane, how can you be at your best when you interview or even network?  The buddy system is an ideal way to protect against burnout while keeping on track!

3 GREAT Reasons You Need An Accountability Partnership

A partnership can be you and one other person, like how we start at DFWCareerpilot…or it could be a group of 3 or more like minded individuals. We start with each grouping being facilitated by a skilled and experienced facilitator.  Having had a lot of experience with facilitating accountability teams and partnerships over the years, I offer the following reasons why such activity will boost your individual job search efforts…

1) Someone to bounce around ideas with… It can be productive when you’re stuck and not sure how to proceed on an idea or maybe with a target organization—or an individual you’re having trouble connecting with.  Sometimes you just need that extra little push. Connecting with someone who does understand is a big deal.

2) Someone to share accomplishments with… Did you research and identify a great opportunity? Land that big interview? Get your first offer?  An accountability partner is the perfect person to share those exciting times with.

As Corporate citizens, we are used to being on productive teams, surrounded by resources, and encouraged to succeed.  However, as job seekers, it is easy to lead a very isolated existence and appropriate resources are not always available.

3) Someone you can stay accountable to

Again, it’s really rewarding to have someone to tell when you have accomplished specific goals and/or tasks. Or on the flip side it’s nice to have someone there if you’re starting to feel overwhelmed and they can bring you back to reality. It’s great to know you have someone there that is counting on you to take action!

TOP TIPS: Creating EFFECTIVE Accountability Partnerships

1)   Create a Goals Worksheet/ TEMPLATE… You’ve heard the cliché “What Gets Measured Gets DONE.”  Very true for jobseekers who put themselves ‘out there’ on their own.  Work SMART at your job search PLAN…

Specific time and activity goals for each process prep and implementation step.

Measurable goals so that progress can be analyzed and diagnosed

Actionable goals that allow you to ‘own’ your job search accomplishments

Realistic goals that are attainable on an average, weekly basis… and keep them

Timely.  Have goals that are time-specific to keep you moving FORWARD!

2)   Choose your PARTNER or TEAM Members wisely… your sense of accountability is built when you can be open and honest with each other during your scheduled sessions.  There’s no room for negativity.

3)   Have a set STRUCTURE of what will occur during each session.  I encourage each meeting to start with a brief practice of verbal collateral, followed by a reporting of last week’s ‘numbers.’  Identify obstacles to your progress, requesting specific ‘help’ as appropriate.  Commit to next week’s numbers.  Close with an open and frank discussion aimed at removing obstacles… including action plans!

4)   Keep your Group’s Membership and attendance consistent.  Remember, these sessions can be effective with anywhere from 2 to 10 Members.

5)   Create a hard copy binder with a tab for each Member… contents should be everyone’s tracking sheet, current resume, and a business card (several might be useful).  Each Member is in this TOGETHER.

6)   Generate a sense of TEAMSMANSHIP… Give yourselve’s a NAME. Create some sort of reward system for the week’s most contributive or successful Member.

7)   Build EARLY SUCCESS by inviting a skilled and experienced facilitator for your first few meetings… then carry-on with a personal accomplishment of helping each other with resolution and action plans to overcome all obstacles.

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EMBRACING The Holidaze

Our topic in tomorrow’s Event, Thursday, November 21st at The Egg and I Restaurant in Addison (9 AM – 10:30ish) is a reminder for you to be Embracing The Holidays ahead.

In keeping with The Careerpilot’s Embracing The OTHER Job Market philosophy, here’s a look at the TOP TEN WAYS TO STAY POSITIVE as you ramp up your efforts in The New Year.

 

  1. Maintain ‘normal’ routine: The human body and its condition tends to fight change.  Don’t get into the bad habits of waking up late, ‘power naps’ in the afternoons or paying too much  attention to your ‘honey do list’ around the house and other distractions. Get up at your normal time, eat right and get some exercise (Walk your dog a mile a day whether you have a dog or not!).
  2. Stay current with what’s happening in your industry and chosen profession: Don’t let yourself fall behind just because you’re not working. The best approach is regular ‘market research’ of your industry and chosen profession as a regular component of your Personal Marketing Plan.  
  3. Positive thinking:  Let your research draw your mind to future possibilities rather than past  negative assumptions – you need to be able to bounce back. Concentrate on the skills and knowledge you have and how they may best be applied moving forward. Sitting around with a “woe is me” attitude is only going to further depress you.  Your closest in ‘support group’ is your best ally, here.  We will be discussing “Accountability Pairings.”  It may seem obvious, but…
  4. Avoid negative people: Negative thinking is of no value to you. You need to be around positive people and people who can have a positive impact on your life.  Staying with this concept…
  5. Support groups: You may feel as though you’re the only person in your situation without a job, but guess what – you’re not.  Reach out to people for support. There are many groups that provide excellent assistance in the areas of resume writing, interviewing, and job hunting. Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help. Let people help you change your life.
  6. Explore potential new careers:  Is there a trend in the market that could be taken advantage of… is it time for a change?  Mid-career training and education has been the foundation of many “re-invented” careers.   It’s never too late to try to learn a foreign language or a new piece of computer software… or even gain some experience in a new function.
  7. Network: maintain contacts and stay in touch with people. Make sure you network with positive people!! Again, avoid negativity. Negative thinking does nothing to help your situation.  Remember The Careerpilot’s third waypoint… “Always have a next contact to make…always!”
  8. Volunteer: You can do this at a church, hospital, homeless shelter or non-profit organization will open your eyes to people who are less off than you and give you a sense of contribution. There is no greater reward than helping people who are less fortunate than us.
  9. Manage your expectations: Not every job you apply for will be a success. Don’t be put off by this. Instead, concentrate on the positives and look at what you achieve each day. Be accountable for what you do each week.  Last but not least…
  10. Don’t give up!  Jobs don’t find you, you find them!

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THIS Week’s Workshop: Embracing The Holidays… an Opportunity…Thursday, November 21st @ 9AM

This Thursday, November 21st, we will focus on the unique, annual opportunity represented by the holidays -AND- overview the entire 12-step process, answering your questions and concerns at each step of the way… this is a great place to start for new-comers as the other Core Topics will follow in sequence. Please SHARE THIS POST with your network.

Who should attend?

  1. Those who might ask… What the heck is the OTHER Job Market?
  2. Those seeking a systematic, focused, more predictable way to conduct any career transition, including simple job search;
  3. “Regulars” who need a ‘booster shot.’… and bring a guest;
  4. New Comers and tire kickers… this is a great session with which to kick-off your job search effectiveness!

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NEXT WEEK’S Event: “PARTICIPANT’S CHOICE” on Thursday, November 14th, 9 AM at The Egg and I Restaurant in Addison

Regulars and new comers, alike, are encouraged to suggest questions and topics for next week’s session.  What are some of the best lessons you have learned in the real world of job search–what had produced results for you?  What are some of the highest barriers to your job search SUCCESS?  Are there any special topics you would like to see covered?

This is PARTICIPANT’s CHOICE week, so don’t be shy.

This could become our most treasured session of the year… a real INTERACTIVE learning experience.  So, SHARE THIS POST with your network…bring a guest… come with an ‘accountability partner’ of choice.

ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERS???? What’s that?

Following our Thanksgiving Day break, Thursday mornings will be for accountability pairs only on a scheduled basis…all the way into The New Year!  Oddly enough, our topic for Thursday the 21st is Embracing The Holidaze during jobsearch.

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THIS Week’s Workshop: Turning OPPORTUNITIES Into INTERVIEWS…Thursday, October 24th @ 9 AM at The Egg and I Restaurant

Please SHARE this Post with a friend or two that you think may benefit from the information and interaction…

Thursday, October 24th,  we’ll focus on telephone skills/ scripting, call reluctance, and appropriate follow-up… all wrapped around your ‘value proposition’ for a specific job.  This is a significant re-working of the significant strategies and models for this Core Topic… and a good place for new comers to start with DFWCAREERPILOT.

We meet  at The Egg and I Restaurant in Addison, located 1 block east of the Dallas North Tollway. See Map on the right ==>

Come prepared to practice your telephone presence.   YOUR “PRE-session HOMEWORK” is to increase your first level contact list on LinkedIn by TEN NEW individuals… and add ONE NEW GROUP to those you have already chosen.

 Who should attend Thursday’s workshop?

  1. Those who might ask… HOW do I break through my ‘call reluctance?’
  2. Those seeking a systematic, focused, more predictable way to perform well in their job search;
  3. “Regulars” who need a ‘booster shot.’… and bring a guest;
  4. New Comers and tire kickers… this is a great session to supplement your job search effectiveness with!