I’ve been interested in what different author’s, experts, and human resource professionals have been advising the unemployed, or underemployed for the past year and half. You see, before I started my own coaching and consulting firm, I used to be a “factory” worker for a large retail conglomerate. Don’t get the wrong idea, when I say “factory” worker, I just mean I used to work for someone else, for their Brand, and make them lots of money. But, hey, that job, my boss, gave me lots of rope, lots of responsibility, and with it the ability to become indispensable,… to become a linchpin. Of course, I had to earn the right, prove I could handle the larger responsibilities, but soon, there it was, the opening to be the Director of it all… Recruitment, Employment, Human Resource Development, New Hire Training, Credit Marketing, College Relations, etc. etc. You might ask, why the heck did I quit…why did I give up this great position, lots of responsibility, interesting work, my own covered parking space, the corner office, the keys to the building, decent income, expense account, and an Executive Discount??? I had to, for me. I had to find “My Why”, the stuff that mattered to me, and create “My Brand”.
It was safe, and safe is okay for some people, but not for me. I had too much I wanted to do, stuff I wanted to try, to test, to explore. I never once thought I would fail….that word wasn’t in my vocabulary. Oh sure, I knew there would be days where I’d make a mistake, maybe more mistakes than I’d like to admit….but, that was the learning process. And believe you me, I learned a lot from those mistakes. Making them, actually built my confidence….go figure.
I loved learning, and still do! I love the process of asking questions, discovering new roads, exploring a problem, and working with a team of people just as excited and committed as I am to create and innovate. That’s why I traveled the US and Canada, that’s why I collaborated with an amazing experiential learning company out of Guelph, Ontario. That’s why I developed amazing relationships with some of the world’s Best facilitators and leaders. Because I wanted to understand, I wanted to know what made them tick, I wanted to glean from them, learn from them, and hopefully, in the process, we would all be better for it.
So what does this have to do with YOUR Brand? Brands, in general, create comfort, and people love to feel comfortable. With a Brand Product you know what to expect, what you will receive, it’s trustworthy, it’s predictable. People love predictability…especially if they are contemplating a new hire decision. They don’t want to make a mistake…for a lot of reasons. Well, from my own experience with Job Seekers, and the underemployed I have a huge tip: If you want to nail a job, or keep your own, you’ve got to learn “how” to become indispensable and develop YOUR Brand. I’m not talking about helping everyone, and becoming Mr. or Ms. Mom for the office…I’m talking about being the “Go- to” person, the glue for the project, the connector, the relationship person, the leader, the organizer, the finisher, the one that sees possibilities, creates ARt and gives it away.
If you become indispensable for your organization, you won’t have to worry about your position, chances are, you’ll be promoted! But, if you’re out there with thousands of other Job Seekers, you’ve got to stand out, you’ve got to show your greatness, your talents, your remarkableness.
Google yourself. If what you are reading about yourself is not : captivating, exciting, interesting, and shows off your amazing skills, talents, and ARt….then change it! Yes, I said change it! It’s time to start paying attention to WHO you are, not just what you are.
Prospective employers will use the internet to check you out. They’ll go on-line to look at your LinkedIn Profile, your Facebook page and maybe a few other sites. But, what will they find, what will they read about you, what will their perception be? Will you be there, will you pop up on Google? If not, you’ve got a little work to do, but it’s not impossible work…it’s very doable work, but you’ve got to have the WILL, the desire to do it! If you care about landing the next big job, the one that offers you lots of responsibility, interesting work, and nice pay…you know the one where your boss gives you the room to grow, become indispensable….then, you’ve got to put in the emotional labor, the time, to BRAND yourself.
A couple of thoughts to think about:
• Does your LinkedIn account start with WHY? If you’re not communicating your purpose, up front, people won’t know what you stand for, what you believe, what you care deeply about. Express your why….then explain what you do, and be sure it adds value. Don’t just state your previous positions…explain how you helped, explain why you were indispensable. Give your gifts. Respond to questions in your area of expertise, start a LinkedIn group that you manage, or join multiple groups where you can be proactive…start a discussion, or respond/answer a question. Let potential employers know how valuable your “gifts” are. Every person you come in contact with via Social Media is a potential employer, or a person who may know a potential employer that “needs” you!
• What does your Facebook page say about you? Be careful what you post, pictures, activities, etc. Potential employers scour these pages as well to get a read on what you enjoy doing, who you hang with, etc.
• Do you have a Blog? If you can email someone, you can Blog. Follow Denise Wakeman’s “4 E’s”…when blogging: Educate, Enrich, Engage, and Entertain. Use pictures if appropriate or put a short video on your Blog to enhance your point of view. You’d be surprised at how many people will start to follow you if your content is consistent, helpful, and current.
• Let’s talk Resume’...Please “update” it. Please “engage” me. Please tell me how you were “indispensable” to your employers. Please don’t bore me with verbiage that doesn’t say anything. Please give me your Unique Selling Proposition up front. Please Summarize your accomplishments/achievements.
• If you are looking for work…but, have some free time on your hands…VOLUNTEER. I know that most people think networking is the key. It’s okay to network… In fact we started the original PinkedIn Parties for Phoenix in 2009…but, the point is, you want to start BRANDING yourself. By volunteering, you keep your skills and talents tuned, you continue to build confidence, but, you also accomplish much more… You start to turn your skills into ARt and you start to GIVE your ARt away. Blog about it….but, be careful not to get too full of yourself…no one likes a braggart…so check your EGO at the door.
The point to all this is that without a BRAND, potential employers, where you’d be a perfect fit, might never get to meet you. The internet has become one of the BEST ways for employers to look you up, check you out, before they contact you for an interview. Even the best Recruiters out there, are doing the same thing. Social Media is not a FAD. If you’re not on the BUS, find someone that is. A little reverse mentoring can go a long way. It’s your choice. Learn to become indispensable, be a linchpin, and create a glorious Brand for yourself….or, just join another factory and play it safe. You choose… You decide…. It’s your Life…. Make it Remarkable!
