CAREER MANAGEMENT: Your Career Management Toolbox

Career Management with Jason Alba

Job search is important, but one purpose of career management is to keep the length of job searches down. I can't say that doing all of these things will guarantee your job searches go faster, but you should be in more control. I'm amazed at the number of professionals who come to JibberJobber, or read my LinkedIn book, who have been excellent at doing their job but have no idea what to do in a job search.

I understand - I assumed my job search tactics would lean heavily on job boards and recruiters. I spent hundreds of hours spinning the wrong wheels - it's no wonder I wasn't getting anywhere! And the thought of doing a job search every three to five years was petrifying!

As I learned more about Career Management I became more empowered. Here's is the key to career management: relationships.

Not "collecting business cards," or "growing your network on LinkedIn." I'm talking about real networking. Once I read Keith Ferrazzi's Never Eat Alone I started to understand what real relationships and networking was all about - not me, but how I could help others. There are multiple benefits of helping others, but the key is that it helps your relationship go beyond typical superficial networking, and it puts you into a completely different league.

Everything in career management revolves around relationships. Consider "target companies." You've heard you should network your way into companies, right? No matter where you find them, you need to figure out how to get in... what if you had a strong, nurtured network you could tap into easily and quickly.

So, considering this, what do YOU think belongs in your career management toolbox? Here are some ideas... I'm not saying whether they should be in yours or not, but think about how each of these tools helps (or doesn't help) you nurture relationships:

• Job boards
• classified ads
• business cards
• JibberJobber (a website to organize your job search)
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Twitter
• resume(s)
• cell phone
• email account (not sexylegs@____.com)

What else is in your toolbox? Are there tools in there that are not really helping with anything? Are they helping you manage and nurture professional relationships - longterm?

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Jason Alba developed JibberJobber.com to replace the job search spreadsheet. He recently created LinkedIn for Job Seekers - the DVD. He is the author I'm on LinkedIn -- Now What??? and author of I'm on Facebook -- Now What???, both of which are designed to help professionals get more value out of these social networking tools. Learn more about Jason at http://twitter.com/jasonalba.

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CAREER MANAGEMENT: Your Career Management Toolbox

Fine, I'll Network! What Do I Say?

by Jason Alba
Career Transition Editor

A few days ago I was with a friend talking about networking into his next job. He was beyond the point of using job boards, and finally decided to develop a networking strategy. He didn't say "networking strategy," of course, but that's what I call it.

We went through LinkedIn, and I showed him how to find the right contacts to talk to. We did searches by industry, company, job title, geography, and even Groups. He had already done some searches on his own and found a few people he wanted to talk to. In just a few minutes we easily found a dozen people that could prove to be valuable in his job search.

Then we spent some time on JibberJobber.com (the site I run), and I showed him what a job seeker does with JibberJobber. This is where he would keep track of jobs he applied to, companies he is networking into, network contacts he is nurturing relationships with, which version of his resume he uses to apply to which job, etc. It was obviously a good tool for him at this point in his job search, especially as he was about to start networking more aggressively.

After spending about 45 minutes on technology, he asked "so what do I say to these people? Do I just go up to them and say 'hi'?"

I think this is really the hardest thing to overcome, and once we figure it out, the key to really growing our network and nurturing relationships.

Does a job seeker say, "hey, can we have lunch? I heard there were some openings in your company and I'd like to learn more about them?"

Should a job seeker say, "I'm going to interview at your company next week and I really need some more information. Can I schedule an informational interview with you?"

Should a job seeker say, "I'm in transition and would like to pick your brain - do you have a few minutes?

I think any of these could be okay. Not great, not spectacular, not exceptional, just okay.

This is going to sound very basic, even silly, but the first thing to say might just be "hi." That's it. Sometimes just a "hi" will do, and the conversation can go from there. Here are two tips for what comes after "hi":

1. Ask the person about themself. This isn't a time for 20 questions, but it is a time to see where you have things in common. It's okay to dig deeper on some questions where you really have interest, with something like "oh yeah? That's really cool, tell me about that!"
2. Ask the person why they are at the event. Not a "so, do you come here often?" Perhaps something like "so, are you a member of XYZ association," or "do you work with marketers," or something like that.
   

If you need more help with how to network, or what to say, check out Some Assembly Required by Thom Singer. It's a great book with a lot of advice for business/professional networking.

Aside from what YOU should ask, you need to be ready to say something back, if they ask about you. I'll guess more than half of all first impressions are tarnished because someone wasn't prepared to answer "tell me about yourself." I've heard some that are too unpolished, talking about all kinds of hobby or personal things, and some responses that are too scripted... which isn't bad but they just don't sound natural.

Your target is to create a compelling statement that is around 30 to 60 second that gets across the main thing(s) you want the other person to know, and leave some room for THEM to ask YOU for more information. You can google "30 second commercial" and find a lot of opinions on how to create an effective pitch.

You have to know what you want, who you want to meet, and what you are going to say if they want to know about you. But first, you just have to get to that point where you say "hi," which for some of us might be the hardest step of all.

________________________________________________________

Jason Alba is the CEO and creator of JibberJobber.com, and author of “I’m on LinkedIn – Now What???” After a corporate downsizing impacted Jason in 2006, he experienced firsthand the difficulties of conducting a job search. Drawing on his extensive computer software and IT experience, Jason analyzed the job search process and developed JibberJobber.com, the gold standard in career management technology.

Widely acknowledged as a leading career management evangelist, Jason continues to spread the word to job seekers through his blog, JibberJobber.com/blog. He is co-author of “I’m on Facebook – Now What???”and offers tutorials on how to fulfill the role of being CEO of You, Inc.

Jason Alba is: CEO of JibberJobber.com Author of I’m on LinkedIn – Now What??? Co-author of I’m on Facebook – Now What??? Founder of CEO Training for Me Inc.

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER. To subscribe for your free newletter, go to www.TheNationalNetworker.com. For the complete National Networker Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free RSS feed, go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com.
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Fine, I'll Network! What Do I Say?

Force Yourself To Go Out

By Jason Alba
Career Transition Editor

This morning I did something I haven't done for over a year: I went to a big networking event downtown... one I used to go to every week, without fail.

I stopped going to this networking event, for professional job seekers, because it really was inconvenient. I had to dress up in a suit, drive about an hour (both ways), and sit through some non-networking housekeeping stuff. I spent more than four hours outside of my office. Away from my email. Away from my phone. Four hours. I thought "I could have done so much in those four hours! I'm already behind as it is!" As a job seeker I would rationalize not going to those meetings because in four hours I could find a few jobs to apply to, and maybe apply to two or three.

Four hours. It is a lot of time, if you are productive.

But magic happens in those four hours. I met a guy who was the #2 sales guy for one of the largest computer companies in the world, and will pass his resume to a specialized tech recruiter. I met professionals from various industries, who had rich relationships with people who I want to get to know better. I renewed a relationship I had let go dormant, and talked with an old friend (who has been a great JibberJobber evangelist since we first met), and got an update on what he's up to and what he's doing now. I met the people in charge of the networking event... these are people you should have a strong relationship with, since they are usually power connectors and help you know who you need to know.

I needed to get out. I needed to invest four hours in my career, and my network. And you do, too. No matter how inconvenient it is, you need to take the time to get out of the house, away from the computer, turn off your blackberry, and go meet with other people. You will find people who can help you. Listen to the 30 Second Commercials to see who worked in your industry, profession or at your target companies. Listen to others when you talk with them, and try and figure out what connections they might make for you.

More importantly, listen to what their needs are - whether they are making their pitch to the group, or one-on-one with just you, listen to them. Try and figure out who you can connect them with. When I was in my job search I wanted to give, give, give, but I felt I had nothing to give. I could not give other job seekers money, or a job, or anything with monetary value. After reading Never Eat Alone I realized I did have something I could give, something that could be priceless. You have it to. As a job seeker, a networker, you have the ability to connect Person A with Person B. YOU can be a connector, even a power connector. This is so valuable. It's more valuable than if I were to give them money, or a better resume. Even after you land your next job, continue to connect people.

But it all starts with going out. If you don't feel like it, that's okay. Still force yourself to go out. Maybe not to get, but to give. And the getting will follow.

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Jason Alba is the CEO and creator of JibberJobber.com, and author of “I’m on LinkedIn – Now What???” After a corporate downsizing impacted Jason in 2006, he experienced firsthand the difficulties of conducting a job search. Drawing on his extensive computer software and IT experience, Jason analyzed the job search process and developed JibberJobber.com, the gold standard in career management technology.

Widely acknowledged as a leading career management evangelist, Jason continues to spread the word to job seekers through his blog, JibberJobber.com/blog. He is co-author of “I’m on Facebook – Now What???”and offers tutorials on how to fulfill the role of being CEO of You, Inc.

Jason Alba is: CEO of JibberJobber.com Author of I’m on LinkedIn – Now What??? Co-author of I’m on Facebook – Now What??? Founder of CEO Training for Me Inc.

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Force Yourself To Go Out

Networking Events: Push, Pull or Repulse?

By Jason Alba
Career Transition Editor

As you network, whether you in a job search or not, do you find you typically:

a. attract people towards you, and get leads, offers and information with little effort, or

b. have to work hard to help people understand what you do and why you could work together, or why they should consider you as some kind of subject matter expert, or

c. have nice first-conversations, but hardly ever get a second or third conversation?

When I speak about personal branding, I talk about the power of a strong personal brand, and how it can create a pull marketing strategy, as opposed to a push marketing strategy. In a pull marketing strategy, people already know what you have to offer, or your value, or somehow relate what they know they want/need with what you offer. They come to you and want to engage, without any further education. Think about the things you "run into the store for" ... things like toilet paper, toothpaste, deodorant, bread, milk... these are things you don't need any education on, you just buy them. This is an example of a pull scenario.

In a push scenario, education is needed. Have you ever gone to a grocery story or super store (Costco or Sam's) and walked by a display table where someone is ready to let you taste a new product? Most of the products I see aren't new (salsa, tacos, some microwaveable thing, etc.), but they are new product lines for a certain brand. The person displaying the product shares all the great things about the product, why you should buy it, the price, and where to find it. You didn't go to the store looking for that product, but hopefully with their information, and a sample of the product, you'll like it and buy it. This is an example of push marketing.

I've seen very successful pull-marketing strategies executed online. In fact, on my JibberJobber blog I have a monthly recognition for people who are touting their personal brand in a way that is or should be successful. These professionals are letting others know about their professional passions, in their profession or industry. They are giving a window into their breadth and depth, and allowing others to determine if they are subject matter experts of thought leaders (or full of hot air). Many of them are building communities, and creating conversation amongst their readers. When they need something, have an announcement, want ideas, they can turn to their community, who already respects them.

I've also seen successful pull-marketing tactics at face-to-face networking events. One of the most important pull-marketing tactics in a face-to-face networking event is simply a smile. Other things, such as a nice handshake, ability to engage in conversation, initiating a conversation, and not looking around the room anxiously to see who else you can talk with (someone more important than me), help in your pull-marketing in a face-to-face event. Don't think you need to be an extrovert in order to successfully network in person. Introverts can do just fine (especially if they don't try and be an extrovert during this time).

While a push-marketing strategy is harder, there are things you can do to make it successful. Make sure you polish your "elevator pitch" or "30 second commercial" or whatever you call it. The more refined your pitch is, and the more you practice it (so it rolls off the tongue naturally), the more you should have people say "really, tell me more about that." Continually hone your elevator pitch, and work on the communication after that "tell me more" question. Stay on-brand... don't wander into stories and areas that won't help your cause, as you might just get a few minutes with someone, and you don't want to waste that time on things that won't help take your relationship to the next level.

Another critical thing to do in a networking opportunity is to ask questions, and then LISTEN. If you ask someone "what do you do?" you need to then listen, and become engaged. Part of this relationship-building process is getting (listening) as much as giving (talking), and if you can't listen you may quickly be branded as the guy/gal who just talks about himself. That's the person who no one wants to network with.

Of course, beware of repulsing others. It may be as simple as a dead handshake, bad breath, continually looking around at others, name dropping, bragging, not knowing when to shut up (or stop talking about YOU YOU YOU), telling inappropriate jokes or stories, hogging someone's entire time, following them around... the list can go on and on. Don't come across as needy or disrespectful, or your relationship may never go to the next level.

Push, pull or repulse. The difference can be subtle, but successful strategies are always planned, and on purpose. Let me know what you are doing to have a successful push or pull strategy, or what you've seen people do to repulse you! E-mail me at Jason@JibberJobber.com.

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Jason Alba is the CEO and creator of JibberJobber.com, and author of “I’m on LinkedIn – Now What???” After a corporate downsizing impacted Jason in 2006, he experienced firsthand the difficulties of conducting a job search. Drawing on his extensive computer software and IT experience, Jason analyzed the job search process and developed JibberJobber.com, the gold standard in career management technology.

Widely acknowledged as a leading career management evangelist, Jason continues to spread the word to job seekers through his blog, JibberJobber.com/blog. He is co-author of “I’m on Facebook – Now What???”and offers tutorials on how to fulfill the role of being CEO of You, Inc.

Jason Alba is: CEO of JibberJobber.com Author of I’m on LinkedIn – Now What??? Co-author of I’m on Facebook – Now What??? Founder of CEO Training for Me Inc.

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Networking Events: Push, Pull or Repulse?

Networking at Job Fairs

By Jason Alba

Career Transition Editor

I’ve never been impressed with job fairs. When I worked at the FBI, I manned a booth at a university job fair and was amazed at the college students who would come by. A few of them were dressed to impress, most of the others looked like they strolled in for a few minutes between lunch and classes. The ones who looked more promising had eyes darting to other booths, and I could tell they were trying to get as many resumes out as possible, with little regard as to where they were dropping these resumes.

It was a haphazard effort by the attendees. That’s okay, because as far as I could tell, the effort put forth by the booth people was just as haphazard. We had no training, and can’t even remember what our message was to those who walked by. As I remember it, we didn’t take resumes, just referred people to the website to apply.

For those who thought they were going to make progress in their job search at a job fair, I think they were either misled or highly disappointed.

Alas, just like there is value in job boards (even though a supposedly low number of jobs are found from job boards), there has to be value in job fairs, doesn’t there? Here’s what I recommend:

1. Know why you go. Are you going to submit to job postings? Wrong reason. This is a transactional environment where they are ready to shake hands and move on. By the end of the day they might remember three or four star job seekers, but not likely ready to hire anyone until they go through the formal process. Think about this as a great networking opportunity, to meet influencers and people in-the-know. Each person you meet at a job fair, whether they are behind the table or walking around submitting resumes, might be helpful in your job search efforts.
2. Dress to impress. You might be the only one dressed up (I saw too many tshirts and shorts at job fairs), but it’s better to impress than blend in with the slackers. Don’t skimp on making a good impression, dress for the part.
3. Have business cards. Yes, you should have plenty of resumes, but make sure you take business cards. Why? Because professionals pass out business cards to one another, don’t they? You are a professional, so have your business cards ready to hand out.
4. Go to the educational forums. There are usually classes on resumes, interviewing, networking, personal branding, etc. This is a great place to meet at least on expert on the subject, and possibly begin a relationship. Consider the expert a power networker who can introduce you to other professionals you should know. You might also find other professionals in those classes who would be good to network with. I’ve found professionals in a job search to be great networking alliances, whose efforts greatly supplement my own.
5. Know how you will follow-up. You will meet company representatives, job seekers and possibly job search experts. Make sure you follow up with them with something meaningful and manageable. By meaningful I mean something more than “great to meet you,” and by manageable I mean an e-mail that is concise enough it will be read. When I’m in a networking event like this, I put my contacts into JibberJobber.com (you can use any CRM) and log when I met them, any notes I can to remind me who they are, and when I follow-up with them. This helps me put our nascent relationship into perspective so I can nurture it.

Have you had success at job fairs? What preparation do you take, and what do you advice? Send me your input at Jason@JibberJobber.com.

___________________________________________________________________

Jason Alba is the CEO and creator of JibberJobber.com, and author of “I’m on LinkedIn – Now What???” After a corporate downsizing impacted Jason in 2006, he experienced firsthand the difficulties of conducting a job search. Drawing on his extensive computer software and IT experience, Jason analyzed the job search process and developed JibberJobber.com, the gold standard in career management technology.

Widely acknowledged as a leading career management evangelist, Jason continues to spread the word to job seekers through his blog, JibberJobber.com/blog. He is co-author of “I’m on Facebook – Now What???”and offers tutorials on how to fulfill the role of being CEO of You, Inc.

Jason Alba is: CEO of JibberJobber.com Author of I’m on LinkedIn – Now What??? Co-author of I’m on Facebook – Now What??? Founder of CEO Training for Me Inc.

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Networking at Job Fairs

Holiday Networking with Crazy Relatives

By Jason Alba, Career Transition Editor

You’ll see a lot of articles this season about how to network during the holiday season. I’m guessing that’s because many people think that it’s a horrible time to job search (let’s not talk about business, let’s talk about festivities!) even though there are many opportunities. Instead of telling you that this is a great time to network, and that you should not stop your job search, I’ll put a twist on it and remind you that even your seemingly crazy relatives can add value to your job search.

You know the setting, you see many of these people only once a year, everyone is hugging and smiling at first, then they go to eating, then the lazy stuff starts. People have a few more hours together that they usually burn in discussion, watching football, napping, or going out to play catch or go sledding.

You can really take advantage of this time to develop relationships with your family. Here are some things I recommend:

1. Have the right attitude. Even though you know Uncle Jim at a personal level, remember that he got where he’s at because of various competencies, and that he’d probably love to give you a mentoring session and help you with your career.
2. Have a specific thing to talk about. Instead of engaging them in a brainstorming session about your future, ask specific questions. You can start with “Hey Uncle Jim, I am looking at going into the supply chain arena and was wondering if I could bounce some ideas off of you.” Then, some of the questions might be “what do you think about focusing on the supply chain as a career move,” “do you know anyone in your company that specializes in logistics that I could talk with to get a better feel for what I need to know,” and “who else do you think I should talk to?”
3. Show you are serious about networking. Uncle Jim doesn’t want to jeopardize his relationships, and may be a little guarded about opening up or really making connections. Simply asking “can you introduce me to…” and then say each persons name. You have to follow-up with them quickly, and Uncle Jim will be happy to help you in the future. Don’t follow through on this and he won’t have much confidence in your seriousness.
4. Continue your relationship with Uncle Jim. Now that you have started this professional relationship, keep it up. Get into Uncle Jim’s world and you may see the things that have helped make him successful, which can help you down the road.

Maybe it’s not Uncle Jim, maybe it’s his son or daughter. The point is, you’ll be spending time with relatives that might seem quirky to you but may be very accomplished. Or, they may have excellent contacts. Either way, the holidays are no excuse to put your career (and networking) on hold!

At holiday gatherings, Jason Alba can usually be found by the food, contemplating his next career step.

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Jason Alba is the job seeker's advocate (and aren't we all job seekers?). He got laid off in January 2006, just a few weeks after Christmas. Even though he had great credentials and it was a job-seeker’s market, Jason could hardly get a job interview. Finally he decided to step back and figure out the job search process, including trying to understand all of the available resources. Within a few months he had designed a personal job search tool, JibberJobber.com, which helps professionals manage career and job search activities the same way a salesman manages prospects and customer data. Get a free account at www.JibberJobber.com and begin managing your career right now. Jason blogs at www.JibberJobber.com/blog, recently celebrated his first blog birthday and a book called "I'm on LinkedIn -- Now What??" You can learn more about his book by clicking here.

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Holiday Networking with Crazy Relatives

Jason Alba: "I'm on LInkedIn -- Now What???"

Jason Alba, TNNW's Career Transition Editor has recently released "I’m on LinkedIn – Now What???", a practical guide to using one of the Internet's most powerful business networking tools. If LinkedIn is a brand new car, then Jason new book is the owner’s manual. This book is a can't miss for those who are still trying to make sense of LinkedIn. Available in paperback and ebook format.
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Jason Alba: "I'm on LInkedIn -- Now What???"

Finding Target Companies to Network Into

By Jason Alba, Career Transition Editor Jason's Bio Email article RSS feed

I recently got an e-mail from Devin Thorpe of MidMarketMaven, who said "This list includes over 100 great companies for finding jobs." It had an attachment with the 100 companies that received awards and recognitions for fast-growing local companies from the Mountain West Capital Network (MWCN).

I would have loved to have a list like this handed to me with my last paycheck! Remember, when I got let go I was fairly new to the state, and didn’t know what companies I should approach. I would drive down the highway and list the companies that had signs, but there had to be thousands of companies that I would miss, right?

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Finding Target Companies to Network Into

Thursday (Nov 8th) is the Day-long Personal Branding Summit.

To mark the 10th Anniversary of personal branding, on November 8th
A Brand You World is providing 24 free teleseminars with experts in the field of personal branding. Anyone in the world with a telephone will be able to participate in this live event.

This event has content streams for career success, entrepreneurial success and talent management. So, whether you are a corporate professional, an entrepreneur, or a HR manager challenged with the need to attract and retain great people, you will take away actionable knowledge from attending.

The Jibber Jobber link will show you the full schedule

More information.
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Thursday (Nov 8th) is the Day-long Personal Branding Summit.

Wall Street Journal cites top recruiting blogs...

An alert about JimStroud.com let me know about Jason Alba's JibberJobber being listed by The Wall Street Journal as one of the best Recruiting Blogs out there. Jason is also the Career Transition Editor for TNNW. Take a look at his latest article.

Click on the link for more info...
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Wall Street Journal cites top recruiting blogs...