Selling vs. networking

While watching folks network the other morning it became obvious again of how many people are doing more selling, of their attributes, than networking. Understanding the need to plug that cash flow drain I'm not sure it is as effective as pure networking first. We need to build those personal relationships first and let them muddle over your potential skills.

Through good listening skills and learning more about them they will in turn learn about you and not feel the pressure of being sold to.

Keep in mind that when attending a networking event you should be paying attention of how you might be able to assist others. When you run across what you consider possibilities for yourself then ask for another meeting.

Powerwashing

What might power washing have in common with searching for your next opportunity in your career path? As I was out cleaning the driveway, in total captivation because will come close, I find myself thinking about anything and everything. Going back and forth reminds me of the job search and putting our plan together and executing it. As I wash the driveway I find my plan is to go back and forth in perfect paths to clean. The truth is that sometimes I get a little off course and of course have to go back over my path and fix the area I missed.

That happens to you also when you don't quite execute as you should and you have to correct and maybe even go back. If life was so predictable and perfect it wouldn't be much fun nor learning. We go through life learning and making corrections all the time to get to where we are going. Why would it be any different in the opportunity searching business.

How do you find your leads?

If you sold insurance or financial products you can buy a list to contact. In the job/opportunity world you pretty much have to develop your own list. Nothing says you can't use others to help you do this. Everyone you come into contact is a potential source of assistance. Never overlook all your potential team helpers. Listening will greatly increase your ability to have more successes.

Leads are everywhere you go, right in front of you so keep your eyes and ears open.

Job titles

Sometimes it seems we get hung up on job titles. Either what we have done in the past or what we are looking for now. The same title today can have numerous definitions so don't get to hung up on nomenclature. You would actually be better off to make up your own title and give definition to it. That way potential employers may be interesting in learning more about what it means.

Your passion about getting something done, handling the projects etc. are more important than job titles.

Is it warm enough for you yet?

Not the weather, I'm sure it is warm enough for you by now. Are you making enough contacts, seeing plenty of people, helping others. Is your calendar so full it seems you can't keep up? Why not? You will find the busier you keep yourself the more effective you will be. Idleness can be too much of a distraction. No getting around the fact that we feel idleness is better than rejection. Each rejection leads to more knowledge and you are closer to acceptance.

Have you ever?

.been distressed over no replies back to you?

..been let down when you received a "thank you but no thank you"?

...can't seem to find folks that will agree to an informational interview?

....get two offers for different positions about the same time?

.....been tired of the rat race and rejection?

You can list numerous other depressing occasions you have experienced. No one ever guaranteed this would be either easy or fun for you. This would be a great time to connect with friends, whether employed or not, just to talk and vent. Of course be fair and ask for extra time and let them know they needn't have the answers only to allow you to vent. This also allows you to grieve. It is also a good time to give back, help others and get the focus off you. Sometimes when we help others we also can see that we don't have it as bad as we thought.

Think positive.