Get used to it, the world of work has changed. In the past ten years, I have changed jobs and companies five times. And I expect it to be more of the same in the next decade. If you found yourself recently out of work or are worried about your work future, my story might be helpful to you.
First, I have worked in sales and technology for over fifteen years. Prior to that I worked in the hospitality industry. Both have given me a foundation of sales, customer service and grasping changing markets. I have extensive background in startup and new companies as well.
Tired of layoffs and downsizing, I work for myself now. No, there won't be a MLM pitch coming, I promise! Rather, I currently represent a couple of different companies now as an independent rather than as a salaried employee.
First, I work as a sales director for a technology company marketing technology for financial companies. I have been doing this for some time and thankfully, have a good pipeline of existing companies which have kept revenue coming in.
Next, I rep for another technology company designing solutions for specific companies. I handle the hardware portion of the deal and while the sales cycle is long, the customers are repeat and long term as well.
Finally, I write for a number of outlets. Blogging has been something I have done for several years, now I get paid for it. I maintain a couple of blogs which are in areas I have deep interests. I also write for a legal site which pays me a portion of the revenues. I won't get rich but it brings in extra income and creates my own intellectual property. Create and write enough and a larger publication can be the result of your work.
The world of work is changing. I have to pay for my own internet, computers, medical coverage, retirement as well as my normal living expenses. It is not easy, but the rewards are great because I do this for myself.
Showing posts with label marketing me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marketing me. Show all posts
Wednesday
Saturday
Marketing Me: Layoffs and the Transformation of Work
Layoffs are coming faster and with more urgency than ever before. The lack of credit and disappearing cash has left companies scrambling now more than ever to reduce head count and thus expenditures quickly. The end result is the jettison of the American employee.
More companies are laying off and the trend will continue throughout 2009. Despite what economists are telling the press, the inherent problem lies with the credit markets in the U.S.
Companies expand headcount and facilities by either tapping cash or using credit to bridge the gap between sales and invoiced payments. Customers, however, are cutting their spending or falling behind on their invoices. This means companies have to make up the difference for their customers late payments.
The problem is lenders are not lending money or are reducing lines of credit. Companies which once had money available, are finding those funds have dried up or been rescinded. Where some companies would feel comfortable using cash reserves to fill the holes, more and more are acting much more conservatively with their use of cash.
In order to quickly reduce spending, companies are resorting to the fast layoff to cut monthly costs. So employees are given two weeks pay and told to exit as fast as possible.
As long as this credit crisis lasts, there will be more layoffs, slower payments by customers and less employment. No easy answers here.
More companies are laying off and the trend will continue throughout 2009. Despite what economists are telling the press, the inherent problem lies with the credit markets in the U.S.
Companies expand headcount and facilities by either tapping cash or using credit to bridge the gap between sales and invoiced payments. Customers, however, are cutting their spending or falling behind on their invoices. This means companies have to make up the difference for their customers late payments.
The problem is lenders are not lending money or are reducing lines of credit. Companies which once had money available, are finding those funds have dried up or been rescinded. Where some companies would feel comfortable using cash reserves to fill the holes, more and more are acting much more conservatively with their use of cash.
In order to quickly reduce spending, companies are resorting to the fast layoff to cut monthly costs. So employees are given two weeks pay and told to exit as fast as possible.
As long as this credit crisis lasts, there will be more layoffs, slower payments by customers and less employment. No easy answers here.
Friday
Marketing Me! Using LinkedIn Answers and the origin of Marketing Me
I try and keep up with LinkedIn and Yahoo answers. Both are good methods for getting the word out on you. The reason is easy. Answering questions establishes you as an expert in any number of topics. Experts are easy to hire.
I had the chance to answer a networking question recently, and it reminded me to tell once again, the story behind Marketing Me! and why I started this blog.
A few years ago, I found myself suddenly out of a job. Since then, I have turned the experience into the theme for my personal blog.
Here were my steps to secure a new and far better position in 30 days.
To start, know what you want to do and what industry you want to work in. That is a given that many overlook when they are out of work.
1) Collect your contacts. Divide them into hot, warm and cold with hot being good possible employers. Warm contacts are persons you use for advice and referrals. Cold contacts are names without possibility but good to have as referring points.
2) Start phoning. Never start out with email - nothing says lazy like email Call, connect and communicate.
3) Clearly state what you are looking for. Never phone and state "I need a job, got anything?". Instead, use the value proposition "I have known you a long time. What is your best advice about where I should look/what I should do?"
4) Plan to visit in person for follow up. I scheduled a trip to an industry convention which happened to take place two weeks after my last day. I scheduled meeting times with prospects. That included breakfasts, lunches, dinners, walks, anything which put me in front of a prospective employer. Remember to schedule with a set time and place. Leave nothing to chance. Be flexible. You may meet someone walking from one hall to another or on a shuttle bus or at a reception (all of these happened to me).
5) Meet. Be clear about your goals, skills and value to any prospect.
6) Thank. Send a thank you note, hand written, never email, to each person who took the time to meet with you.
7) Follow up. I was fortunate. I ended up with five solid job offers, two possibilities and dozens of future business contacts. Had this not happened I would have directly contacted each of these people again until something happened.
28 days to the day, I had my starting date at my next job. It was a lot of work and travel, but it has paid off nicely. To this day, I network constantly.
Marketing Me! has transformed into a blog about anything which appeals to me in my profession. Be it business travel, cell phones, productivity tools, conference calling and even entertainment.
In the 21st century, we are often defined by our career or more correctly, our work. Marketing Me! has become my diary, journal and sanity check over the past three years.
I don't plan on changing any time soon.
I had the chance to answer a networking question recently, and it reminded me to tell once again, the story behind Marketing Me! and why I started this blog.
A few years ago, I found myself suddenly out of a job. Since then, I have turned the experience into the theme for my personal blog.
Here were my steps to secure a new and far better position in 30 days.
To start, know what you want to do and what industry you want to work in. That is a given that many overlook when they are out of work.
1) Collect your contacts. Divide them into hot, warm and cold with hot being good possible employers. Warm contacts are persons you use for advice and referrals. Cold contacts are names without possibility but good to have as referring points.
2) Start phoning. Never start out with email - nothing says lazy like email Call, connect and communicate.
3) Clearly state what you are looking for. Never phone and state "I need a job, got anything?". Instead, use the value proposition "I have known you a long time. What is your best advice about where I should look/what I should do?"
4) Plan to visit in person for follow up. I scheduled a trip to an industry convention which happened to take place two weeks after my last day. I scheduled meeting times with prospects. That included breakfasts, lunches, dinners, walks, anything which put me in front of a prospective employer. Remember to schedule with a set time and place. Leave nothing to chance. Be flexible. You may meet someone walking from one hall to another or on a shuttle bus or at a reception (all of these happened to me).
5) Meet. Be clear about your goals, skills and value to any prospect.
6) Thank. Send a thank you note, hand written, never email, to each person who took the time to meet with you.
7) Follow up. I was fortunate. I ended up with five solid job offers, two possibilities and dozens of future business contacts. Had this not happened I would have directly contacted each of these people again until something happened.
28 days to the day, I had my starting date at my next job. It was a lot of work and travel, but it has paid off nicely. To this day, I network constantly.
Marketing Me! has transformed into a blog about anything which appeals to me in my profession. Be it business travel, cell phones, productivity tools, conference calling and even entertainment.
In the 21st century, we are often defined by our career or more correctly, our work. Marketing Me! has become my diary, journal and sanity check over the past three years.
I don't plan on changing any time soon.
Monday
Marketing Me! Adapting to Overcome
A couple of things which came to my attention this week.
Story one -
Couple nearing retirement live in semi-rural Michigan on "ten acres near lake" in 100 year old farmhouse. Now in their 50's they have a predicament: they are having a problem affording their home. They cannot afford the $4+ a gallon heating oil to heat their home. They cannot get firewood to use in fireplace to offset increased heating cost of using oil. Their taxes have increased. They want something "done" or "help".
Story two -
A friend who works in broadcasting told me his story. The television news stations are financially suffering. They are cutting back on all expenses. They have cut out all overtime. On top of this, they are actively, but not officially, reducing 40+ year olds in favor of 20-somethings right out of college. Friend is concerned about what his field will look like in ten years.
Both stories, one ending.
Adapt or die.
Couple in Michigan. Only one solution. Sell that big white elephant and move somewhere warmer and more affordable. Census data released yesterday tells you where everyone else is moving and why. Get out from under that cold, old farmhouse and move south to a less expensive Sunbelt state. Housing is cheaper and getting more so everyday. I don't know anyone down here who uses heating oil. Well maybe in Florida. But why should you suffer from the cost anymore? Want to stay? Sentimentality? Friends? Family? Who cares. YOu cannot afford to stay where you are and it will only get worse.
Broadcaster. Guess what? The old media outlets are only get to get worse. Hey, if you are able to hang on to your job, good for you. But don't be surprised if your pay continues to get cut and the threat of a younger person taking over becomes more real every day. What is a solution? Get out of news and take your video work private. Go to work in corporate communications or health care. Hook up with a wedding coordinator and start shooting weddings on the weekend. The money is really good.
Questions -
If I move, who will take care of my aged mother/father/grandmother,etc?
Strap her to the roof (Granny Clampett - Beverly Hillbillies) and go.
What if I cannot sell my home?
Any home can and will be sold. Try harder, get another broker, reduce your price, etc.
What if I miss my friends and family?
Yes, but you will miss eating first.
What if my job comes back?
Jobs are not boomerangs.
Adapt now. Or your career will die.
Remember, the economy is always the same for the successful, different for the adapters and going south for the extinct.
What will you be?
Story one -
Couple nearing retirement live in semi-rural Michigan on "ten acres near lake" in 100 year old farmhouse. Now in their 50's they have a predicament: they are having a problem affording their home. They cannot afford the $4+ a gallon heating oil to heat their home. They cannot get firewood to use in fireplace to offset increased heating cost of using oil. Their taxes have increased. They want something "done" or "help".
Story two -
A friend who works in broadcasting told me his story. The television news stations are financially suffering. They are cutting back on all expenses. They have cut out all overtime. On top of this, they are actively, but not officially, reducing 40+ year olds in favor of 20-somethings right out of college. Friend is concerned about what his field will look like in ten years.
Both stories, one ending.
Adapt or die.
Couple in Michigan. Only one solution. Sell that big white elephant and move somewhere warmer and more affordable. Census data released yesterday tells you where everyone else is moving and why. Get out from under that cold, old farmhouse and move south to a less expensive Sunbelt state. Housing is cheaper and getting more so everyday. I don't know anyone down here who uses heating oil. Well maybe in Florida. But why should you suffer from the cost anymore? Want to stay? Sentimentality? Friends? Family? Who cares. YOu cannot afford to stay where you are and it will only get worse.
Broadcaster. Guess what? The old media outlets are only get to get worse. Hey, if you are able to hang on to your job, good for you. But don't be surprised if your pay continues to get cut and the threat of a younger person taking over becomes more real every day. What is a solution? Get out of news and take your video work private. Go to work in corporate communications or health care. Hook up with a wedding coordinator and start shooting weddings on the weekend. The money is really good.
Questions -
If I move, who will take care of my aged mother/father/grandmother,etc?
Strap her to the roof (Granny Clampett - Beverly Hillbillies) and go.
What if I cannot sell my home?
Any home can and will be sold. Try harder, get another broker, reduce your price, etc.
What if I miss my friends and family?
Yes, but you will miss eating first.
What if my job comes back?
Jobs are not boomerangs.
Adapt now. Or your career will die.
Remember, the economy is always the same for the successful, different for the adapters and going south for the extinct.
What will you be?
Thursday
Marketing Me! International Business Locally
I recently dropped off my dry cleaning at a local cleaners. When I returned a few days later to pick up my shirts, one was missing. Now the owner of the dry cleaner, who immigrated from Southwest Asia, was remiss to offer any explanation as to what happened to my shirt.
Her responses were:
"Someone else must have received your shirt".
"I don't clean the clothes here. Call this number for the service I use and ask for your shirt".
At no time did she offer an apology other than "I am sorry you feel that way." when I complained about the service.
When I said I would not be doing business with her again, she shrugged.
Bad customer service? In the U.S. yes. In this woman's native country? Probably not.
The culture of other countries often dictates that the business is an authority and as such, has the final say on what goes on when one is doing business with them. Residents of these countries are used to authority figures and institutions telling them "how things are going to be" and deal with it accordingly.
In the U.S., the culture is, "The Customer Is Always Right" and we have an infrastructure which generally benefits the consumer. At any time, I can go to the dry cleaner across the street and give them my business.
Further, in other countries, to issue an apology is unthinkable. An apology admits failure and embarrassment. The store owner would rather step in front of a moving car before she uttered an apology of any sort.
In previous generations, we were taught to prepare and acclimate ourselves for trips abroad to do business. We learned languages and cultural idioms (when to shake hands, bow and examine business cards, etc.) weeks before setting foot on an airplane.
However, in a rapidly globalised world and workforce, the cultures are now colliding in your backyard and home office. And as international heads butt in the boardroom, expect some changes to occur.
It is these types of changes which cause revolutions both at home and abroad. Be ready.
Monday
Marketing Me! Checking Email
Dear Marketing Me! At work, I feel left out. My company is about 3000 people and I work in marketing. I attend meetings regularly, have perfect attendance and try to stay in touch with my team, but because of my personal life (I am married and have three children), I don't have as much personal time to spend with my fellow employees. What can I do to feel more included?
Left out and lonely,
Dear left out,
There is no magic bullet to feeling "included". In the modern workplace, it seems those of us who are married and with children have the potential of getting shorted because we do not have the time to make the after work cocktail meetings or maybe simply cannot stay at the office until 7PM every night.
For your situation, consider a smaller company if possible. You will have a greater impact for your work and not for how many hours you toil as a cog in the big machine.
Analyze your impact at your current job. Not to pick on what you say, but your description of your commitment, (perfect attendance, attend meetings, etc.) sounds more like school and not like someone who is fanatical about their position. Perhaps you are in the wrong job? Or at the wrong employer?
Also, the effect you have at work is not completely determined by the amount of time you connect with your fellow workers. Rather it is based upon the results of that connection time with your fellow workers. Consider if you really get along with your coworkers and if they are the kind of people you want to be around.
Think about it. Thanks for reading Marketing Me!
Dear Marketing Me!
I found your column the other day and have a bone to pick with you. Its great if you can market yourself in the white shirt force, but what about those of us in the working man's world? I website is not going to get me a job in my field.
Living in Reality,
Dear Reality,
Thanks for your email. Nope, it applies to you as well (although I am not sure what you do for a living). A pool cleaner, tow truck owner or landscaper can benefit from the philosophy of Marketing Me! Marketing and building their brand name leads to more work and better revenues.
However, if your field of endeavor is to work in a large, faceless nameless assembly line represented by a disconnected third party, then you are correct. Marketing Me! is not for you.
By the way, I checked with my boss and customers - they consider me a "working man" as well.
Dear Marketing Me!
How can I increase my sales and get a raise at work?
Low revenue in Ohio.
Dear Low,
Check out any of the popular sales titles if you have not already. I really like Frank Rumbauskas and Jeffrey Gitomer and others. Check them out for the basics of increasing your sales in a new way. As for getting a raise, ask. Go to your employer after reading my blog and ask for a raise. Make a case why you deserve one. It can't hurt and most would never think to do this but it does work. If you do not deserve a raise, why?
By the way, if you want to increase your sales this quarter, you might be in trouble. There is less than 20 working days left.
Thank you for reading Marketing Me!
Left out and lonely,
Dear left out,
There is no magic bullet to feeling "included". In the modern workplace, it seems those of us who are married and with children have the potential of getting shorted because we do not have the time to make the after work cocktail meetings or maybe simply cannot stay at the office until 7PM every night.
For your situation, consider a smaller company if possible. You will have a greater impact for your work and not for how many hours you toil as a cog in the big machine.
Analyze your impact at your current job. Not to pick on what you say, but your description of your commitment, (perfect attendance, attend meetings, etc.) sounds more like school and not like someone who is fanatical about their position. Perhaps you are in the wrong job? Or at the wrong employer?
Also, the effect you have at work is not completely determined by the amount of time you connect with your fellow workers. Rather it is based upon the results of that connection time with your fellow workers. Consider if you really get along with your coworkers and if they are the kind of people you want to be around.
Think about it. Thanks for reading Marketing Me!
Dear Marketing Me!
I found your column the other day and have a bone to pick with you. Its great if you can market yourself in the white shirt force, but what about those of us in the working man's world? I website is not going to get me a job in my field.
Living in Reality,
Dear Reality,
Thanks for your email. Nope, it applies to you as well (although I am not sure what you do for a living). A pool cleaner, tow truck owner or landscaper can benefit from the philosophy of Marketing Me! Marketing and building their brand name leads to more work and better revenues.
However, if your field of endeavor is to work in a large, faceless nameless assembly line represented by a disconnected third party, then you are correct. Marketing Me! is not for you.
By the way, I checked with my boss and customers - they consider me a "working man" as well.
Dear Marketing Me!
How can I increase my sales and get a raise at work?
Low revenue in Ohio.
Dear Low,
Check out any of the popular sales titles if you have not already. I really like Frank Rumbauskas and Jeffrey Gitomer and others. Check them out for the basics of increasing your sales in a new way. As for getting a raise, ask. Go to your employer after reading my blog and ask for a raise. Make a case why you deserve one. It can't hurt and most would never think to do this but it does work. If you do not deserve a raise, why?
By the way, if you want to increase your sales this quarter, you might be in trouble. There is less than 20 working days left.
Thank you for reading Marketing Me!
Marketing Me! They should do something
I read an interesting article not too long ago which described the conditions in the former U.S.S.R. following the fall of communism. Besides the shortages, crime and anarchy which came after the heavy-handed government ceased to exist, everything having to do with work and employment changed as well.
The author primarily noted middle aged men, going day after day to their offices and factories, sitting idly for want of something productive to and complaining endlessly that the government should do something.
Election year or not in the U.S., we hear this frequently, that no matter what the problem, the government "should do something".
Frankly, I don't know what it is people want the government or anybody else for that matter to do for them.
Rather, Marketing Me! declares that YOU have to do something for yourself rather than waiting for the other guy to step up.
Look, the Internet alone has created a huge virtual billboard with your mug displayed potentially for the whole world to see. And in the spirit of the long tail, the more traffic you can run to YOU the more business, however small, you can build for yourself.
How? Again let's always start with what we know. If you have not already, start a blog. Start a couple. You can use Blogger like I do, or Wordpress or Typepad. If you feel really gung ho, get your own domain name and host your blog on your new name. Which domain name? Register your name (I finally got mine this weekend!). Register your business skill or calling. Check out the GoDaddy link to the right and get your domain name and hosting account today!
Start a mailing list. I use AWeber, but there are lots of them (use a real mailing list company rather than Outlook. Spam complaints can shut down your access). Build an opt-in mailing list (people join voluntarily rather than you spamming). Remind people weekly through email of your existence and expertise.
Write an ebook. It is not that hard. Pick a subject. Write a 16 page ebook. Convert it to pdf and give it away to new subscribers to your mailing list. It helps to make it related to your line of work, but people remember the expert no matter what you write about.
Why stop there? Offer to speak. There are plenty of events in your line of work that need speakers. I recently signed up to speak at a telephone carrier sales meeting. Yes, there will only be about 30 attending, but if I am good, that will be 30 new evangelists spreading the word about my brand.
What else? Have you ever considered consulting? Have you ever considered starting your own business? You already have the blog and domain name, why not use it to generate extra revenue for your time?
There is so much you can do right now that will result in right now opportunities that it makes no sense to wait around for the "government" to do something.
So get off your butt and get busy. Time is wasting!
The author primarily noted middle aged men, going day after day to their offices and factories, sitting idly for want of something productive to and complaining endlessly that the government should do something.
Election year or not in the U.S., we hear this frequently, that no matter what the problem, the government "should do something".
Frankly, I don't know what it is people want the government or anybody else for that matter to do for them.
Rather, Marketing Me! declares that YOU have to do something for yourself rather than waiting for the other guy to step up.
Look, the Internet alone has created a huge virtual billboard with your mug displayed potentially for the whole world to see. And in the spirit of the long tail, the more traffic you can run to YOU the more business, however small, you can build for yourself.
How? Again let's always start with what we know. If you have not already, start a blog. Start a couple. You can use Blogger like I do, or Wordpress or Typepad. If you feel really gung ho, get your own domain name and host your blog on your new name. Which domain name? Register your name (I finally got mine this weekend!). Register your business skill or calling. Check out the GoDaddy link to the right and get your domain name and hosting account today!
Start a mailing list. I use AWeber, but there are lots of them (use a real mailing list company rather than Outlook. Spam complaints can shut down your access). Build an opt-in mailing list (people join voluntarily rather than you spamming). Remind people weekly through email of your existence and expertise.
Write an ebook. It is not that hard. Pick a subject. Write a 16 page ebook. Convert it to pdf and give it away to new subscribers to your mailing list. It helps to make it related to your line of work, but people remember the expert no matter what you write about.
Why stop there? Offer to speak. There are plenty of events in your line of work that need speakers. I recently signed up to speak at a telephone carrier sales meeting. Yes, there will only be about 30 attending, but if I am good, that will be 30 new evangelists spreading the word about my brand.
What else? Have you ever considered consulting? Have you ever considered starting your own business? You already have the blog and domain name, why not use it to generate extra revenue for your time?
There is so much you can do right now that will result in right now opportunities that it makes no sense to wait around for the "government" to do something.
So get off your butt and get busy. Time is wasting!
Thursday
Marketing Me! Personal branding no brainers
What drives me crazy probably drives you crazy but are you doing the same things that drive other people crazy? (Say that ten times fast!).
Here's some quickies:
If you want to brand yourself, how do I reach you? Why bother selling a product if I cannot buy it!
- Email
Do you use a signature file at the end of EACH email?
Do you use Plaxo or something similar to manage your contact information like email and so other can find your email address?
What is in your signature file? Just your land line number? What about your cellular? What about your email address? How about a URL?
- Web
A company name is not enough. How many companies have the same name? Is your domain name readily available? Have you set up a real web page? Does it reflect your identity? Your company?
Can I find you with Google? Everyone does it. Do you have a keyword optimized website for you and your product?
- Phone
How do I reach you? Only be a land line with voice mail you check once a day? Or may I have your cellular?
Do you answer your phone? Or do you let every call go to voice mail and screen?
When do you answer your phone? Between 9-5? Or later and earlier?
What does your voice mail say? Do you update it daily or weekly or only when you travel?
I cannot buy your brand unless I know where to find you and how to reach you successfully. Please market yourself responsibly!
Happy hunting,
Here's some quickies:
If you want to brand yourself, how do I reach you? Why bother selling a product if I cannot buy it!
Do you use a signature file at the end of EACH email?
Do you use Plaxo or something similar to manage your contact information like email and so other can find your email address?
What is in your signature file? Just your land line number? What about your cellular? What about your email address? How about a URL?
- Web
A company name is not enough. How many companies have the same name? Is your domain name readily available? Have you set up a real web page? Does it reflect your identity? Your company?
Can I find you with Google? Everyone does it. Do you have a keyword optimized website for you and your product?
- Phone
How do I reach you? Only be a land line with voice mail you check once a day? Or may I have your cellular?
Do you answer your phone? Or do you let every call go to voice mail and screen?
When do you answer your phone? Between 9-5? Or later and earlier?
What does your voice mail say? Do you update it daily or weekly or only when you travel?
I cannot buy your brand unless I know where to find you and how to reach you successfully. Please market yourself responsibly!
Happy hunting,
Wednesday
Marketing Me! Personal branding + pay it forward
Networking - Pay it forward before it pays off... read more...
The phone rings. It is a recruiter. Did he get your name from Monster or Career Builder? Maybe Dice?
The phone rings. It is a medium-sized, but growing company who is interested in your product. Did they get your number from the company website?
An email arrives. Someone wants information on a technology related to your product. How did they get your email address?
How did these opportunities come your way? Through your personal network.
Why did members of your network send your revenue and job opportunities? Because you did something for them.
That is the secret to personal and brand marketing - you must pay it forward before it pays off. Your network and the people in it have specific needs and goals. Help them meet them.
Sure, it's tough when you have so many other activities to complete in a day to spend time writing referrals, making introductions and digging up contact information. But it pays for itself over and over again.
When I looked for my last job, I spent a month making calls and sending emails to my network. Most responded quickly where others took their time. Invariably, those who responded fastest were repaying an introduction or opportunity I forwarded them another time.
Today you may be fat and pretty (I know it!) sitting where you are now. But what about tomorrow? Our bags are packed, but who is going to pick you up in the career van? Better start helping your network today - send them referrals, leads, prospects, a new employee, a better customer or a reference. Drive traffic to their product and web site. Blog about them. Link to them. Click them.
Pay everything forward and the returns will be ten fold.
Happy hunting,
The phone rings. It is a recruiter. Did he get your name from Monster or Career Builder? Maybe Dice?
The phone rings. It is a medium-sized, but growing company who is interested in your product. Did they get your number from the company website?
An email arrives. Someone wants information on a technology related to your product. How did they get your email address?
How did these opportunities come your way? Through your personal network.
Why did members of your network send your revenue and job opportunities? Because you did something for them.
That is the secret to personal and brand marketing - you must pay it forward before it pays off. Your network and the people in it have specific needs and goals. Help them meet them.
Sure, it's tough when you have so many other activities to complete in a day to spend time writing referrals, making introductions and digging up contact information. But it pays for itself over and over again.
When I looked for my last job, I spent a month making calls and sending emails to my network. Most responded quickly where others took their time. Invariably, those who responded fastest were repaying an introduction or opportunity I forwarded them another time.
Today you may be fat and pretty (I know it!) sitting where you are now. But what about tomorrow? Our bags are packed, but who is going to pick you up in the career van? Better start helping your network today - send them referrals, leads, prospects, a new employee, a better customer or a reference. Drive traffic to their product and web site. Blog about them. Link to them. Click them.
Pay everything forward and the returns will be ten fold.
Happy hunting,
Tuesday
Marketing Me! Personal Brand Network Value
This past week the phone rang with a number of opportunities; a job available and a large product offering. Both were the result of my self marketing and the personal brand awareness campaign now entering its third year.
You know the drill. At Marketing Me! I have been promoting this for nearly three years where YOU market yourself under YOUR brand. There is no sale, no e-book, (not yet at least), no software to buy, no long term contracts and no small print.
You market yourself the best way you know how. Again, here are some pointers and the possible results.
First and foremost, give.
- I work in the wireless hardware industry. Consequently, I have numerous contacts with carriers and service companies. I regularly pass along leads and opportunities to my network without reciprocal requirements. This benefits the industry and spreads my product name.
Promote and evangelize.
- Do not worry about the competition, rather embrace what they are doing and take possession for yourself. For instance, if one of my competitors has a new product which addresses a particular need, I promote the idea behind the product when speaking or writing about the industry or market. I make my competitor's product mine as a further example of my own expertise.
Be open to interviews, even when not looking.
- Not press interviews but job interviews. Be open to discussing opportunities with other companies, it is great practice. It also spreads your name. Remember, companies recruit talent.
Pay back often.
- Repay all who have paid you seven fold. It will be returned.
Marketing Me! Takes time. It cannot be built over a weekend or with a simple blog post. It is a journey of patience and perseverance and most of all, clear focus with particular goals in mind.
Get busy and make the phone ring.
Happy hunting!
You know the drill. At Marketing Me! I have been promoting this for nearly three years where YOU market yourself under YOUR brand. There is no sale, no e-book, (not yet at least), no software to buy, no long term contracts and no small print.
You market yourself the best way you know how. Again, here are some pointers and the possible results.
First and foremost, give.
- I work in the wireless hardware industry. Consequently, I have numerous contacts with carriers and service companies. I regularly pass along leads and opportunities to my network without reciprocal requirements. This benefits the industry and spreads my product name.
Promote and evangelize.
- Do not worry about the competition, rather embrace what they are doing and take possession for yourself. For instance, if one of my competitors has a new product which addresses a particular need, I promote the idea behind the product when speaking or writing about the industry or market. I make my competitor's product mine as a further example of my own expertise.
Be open to interviews, even when not looking.
- Not press interviews but job interviews. Be open to discussing opportunities with other companies, it is great practice. It also spreads your name. Remember, companies recruit talent.
Pay back often.
- Repay all who have paid you seven fold. It will be returned.
Marketing Me! Takes time. It cannot be built over a weekend or with a simple blog post. It is a journey of patience and perseverance and most of all, clear focus with particular goals in mind.
Get busy and make the phone ring.
Happy hunting!
Marketing Me! Dressing for success
Yesterday, when writing about the Britney Episode, I mentioned dressing and a few rules to follow...
Dress for success - It is far better to be overdressed than under dressed. It is far better to be subdued than over the top. It is always better to be timeless rather then trashy. All common sense points, but all to often forgotten on stage and in the office.
Although most of you have no problem dressing or with your wardrobe, it never fails to amaze me the number of people who still go to work clothed awkwardly and without sense.
Some advice and ideas when one is not sure what to wear for work..
Go classic - khakis, black (slacks, skirts, dresses), grays, blue, whites
Go timeless - Suits rather than sport shirts, dresses rather than slacks
Go traditional - Traditional business clothing (suit, tie, business suit, etc)
Dress up rather than down - Wear coat and tie when meeting with client for instance
Avoid trends or flashy styles - If your favorite hip hop artist, professional athlete or diva is wearing it, you most likely do not want to do the same!
Shorts, sandals, flip flops, t-shirts (especially with witty sayings or pictures), halter and tank tops, anything political or controversial is a no-no.
In 25 years of business, I have never regretted wearing slacks, shoes and pressed shirts to work.
You won't either.
Happy hunting!
Dress for success - It is far better to be overdressed than under dressed. It is far better to be subdued than over the top. It is always better to be timeless rather then trashy. All common sense points, but all to often forgotten on stage and in the office.
Although most of you have no problem dressing or with your wardrobe, it never fails to amaze me the number of people who still go to work clothed awkwardly and without sense.
Some advice and ideas when one is not sure what to wear for work..
Go classic - khakis, black (slacks, skirts, dresses), grays, blue, whites
Go timeless - Suits rather than sport shirts, dresses rather than slacks
Go traditional - Traditional business clothing (suit, tie, business suit, etc)
Dress up rather than down - Wear coat and tie when meeting with client for instance
Avoid trends or flashy styles - If your favorite hip hop artist, professional athlete or diva is wearing it, you most likely do not want to do the same!
Shorts, sandals, flip flops, t-shirts (especially with witty sayings or pictures), halter and tank tops, anything political or controversial is a no-no.
In 25 years of business, I have never regretted wearing slacks, shoes and pressed shirts to work.
You won't either.
Happy hunting!
Marketing Me! Labor Day
Here in the U.S., we celebrated Labor Day yesterday. Labor Day has its roots from a little over a hundred years ago when several labor groups (read industrial and agricultural organizations) petitioned for a annual holiday to celebrate their contributions to the American way of life.
All fine and dandy, but the reality of life in the 21st century is the concept of "labor" has changed since its' Victorian age introduction.
Statistics have show that industrial and agricultural occupations have shrunk in recent years whereas office based work has grown.
Even more important, is the explosion of non-full time and non-permanent workers in our modern economy. Contractors, part-timers, temp workers and consultants are filling more and more open slots.
Opponents argue that these non-traditional employees are either victims of evil corporations (for failing to provide them benefits, insurance, etc.) OR the enemy (for taking away positions which historically would have gone to full time workers).
Regardless, the argument overlooks a few international trends...
The cost of full time employees, for any number of reasons, has grown. Many employers have opted out of the traditional management/labor template spelled out over the past hundred years.
The employment border is broken. One hundred years ago, employee availability was limited to walking distance from a central operation. Today, an employee for a New York based company might be in Bozeman, Montana or Bangalore, India.
Income Evolution
At Marketing Me! we do not play the game of what's right or wrong. We play the game of income evolution. We go where the money is. If it is full time work today, it may be part time work three years from now. Or contract work. Or consulting.
The opportunity to make income from work means evolving with the market place and work trends in order to maximize our ability to profit from a changing and expanding market.
Ability Security
What matters in income growth is ability security. There are no more "secure" jobs. Only secure abilities. The skills and adaptability to earn money for our employers combined with personal branding and marketing guarantees us the security of moving to greener pastures constantly.
I hope you had fun with the traditional Labor Day festivities yesterday. An extra day off, maybe a fun activity with family and friends.
However, the historical basis of Labor Day has changed forever. Start planning your own Marketing Me! Day instead!
Happy hunting!
Blogroll Me!
All fine and dandy, but the reality of life in the 21st century is the concept of "labor" has changed since its' Victorian age introduction.
Statistics have show that industrial and agricultural occupations have shrunk in recent years whereas office based work has grown.
Even more important, is the explosion of non-full time and non-permanent workers in our modern economy. Contractors, part-timers, temp workers and consultants are filling more and more open slots.
Opponents argue that these non-traditional employees are either victims of evil corporations (for failing to provide them benefits, insurance, etc.) OR the enemy (for taking away positions which historically would have gone to full time workers).
Regardless, the argument overlooks a few international trends...
The cost of full time employees, for any number of reasons, has grown. Many employers have opted out of the traditional management/labor template spelled out over the past hundred years.
The employment border is broken. One hundred years ago, employee availability was limited to walking distance from a central operation. Today, an employee for a New York based company might be in Bozeman, Montana or Bangalore, India.
Income Evolution
At Marketing Me! we do not play the game of what's right or wrong. We play the game of income evolution. We go where the money is. If it is full time work today, it may be part time work three years from now. Or contract work. Or consulting.
The opportunity to make income from work means evolving with the market place and work trends in order to maximize our ability to profit from a changing and expanding market.
Ability Security
What matters in income growth is ability security. There are no more "secure" jobs. Only secure abilities. The skills and adaptability to earn money for our employers combined with personal branding and marketing guarantees us the security of moving to greener pastures constantly.
I hope you had fun with the traditional Labor Day festivities yesterday. An extra day off, maybe a fun activity with family and friends.
However, the historical basis of Labor Day has changed forever. Start planning your own Marketing Me! Day instead!
Happy hunting!
Blogroll Me!
Thursday
Marketing Me! Squidoo!
Did you know I had a lens on Squidoo?
I am proud to say Marketing Me has been on Squidoo for a little over a year now. Squidoo is a great way to market yourself, your company or a product you are really jazzed about.
Check out my lens and if you do not have a lens yet, get one!
Happy hunting!
Blogroll Me!
I am proud to say Marketing Me has been on Squidoo for a little over a year now. Squidoo is a great way to market yourself, your company or a product you are really jazzed about.
Check out my lens and if you do not have a lens yet, get one!
Happy hunting!
Blogroll Me!
Marketing Me! How to Win-Win at Work
You cannot afford to sit back, like our fathers did, punch a card 9–5 and expect to bring home enough bacon to buy a house, a car, and support a wife with three kids. It’s almost the year 2008; get into the eighties, will you?
- Mike Rogers
Ran across this wonderful article somewhere on the Internet today and read twice. Although I have never heard of Lew Rockwell before, this contribution came from a gentleman named Mike Rogers and is worth a read.
If you are looking for work, or have an unhappy job or maybe are about to graduate from college, read this article. Better yet, read it two or three times. Even better, print it out, stick it on your mirror and read it every day!
This article basically sums up what I have been trying to do at Marketing Me for the past two years.
Summary:
Nobody owes you a successful life.
No job or company is going to take care of you.
Success is based solely upon how well you market yourself and market your successes - not necessarily how hard you work or how productive you are.
You are responsible for branding and promoting yourself both through your work - nobody else can or will do this.
Maybe I am preaching to the choir, maybe I sound like a broken record, maybe it gets tiring hearing the same old song at Marketing Me.. but this stuff works!
Get busy marketing and promoting yourself for REAL job security.
P.S. I dropped Mike an email to see if he has a website or blog and to let him know about this post.
- Mike Rogers
Ran across this wonderful article somewhere on the Internet today and read twice. Although I have never heard of Lew Rockwell before, this contribution came from a gentleman named Mike Rogers and is worth a read.
If you are looking for work, or have an unhappy job or maybe are about to graduate from college, read this article. Better yet, read it two or three times. Even better, print it out, stick it on your mirror and read it every day!
This article basically sums up what I have been trying to do at Marketing Me for the past two years.
Summary:
Nobody owes you a successful life.
No job or company is going to take care of you.
Success is based solely upon how well you market yourself and market your successes - not necessarily how hard you work or how productive you are.
You are responsible for branding and promoting yourself both through your work - nobody else can or will do this.
Maybe I am preaching to the choir, maybe I sound like a broken record, maybe it gets tiring hearing the same old song at Marketing Me.. but this stuff works!
Get busy marketing and promoting yourself for REAL job security.
P.S. I dropped Mike an email to see if he has a website or blog and to let him know about this post.
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