Tap Into Your Resources!
“When every physical and mental resources is focused, one’s power to solve a problem multiplies tremendously. ” ~ Norman Vincent Peale
Are you tapping into all the resources you have available to you in your career change journey? It takes a group of people, resources, colleagues, customers, supporters, mentors and teachers to make a viable business. So who do you know, right now that can help you by providing information and partnerships.
One of the best ways to find job openings is through networking. Statistics prove that the majority of positions and the best jobs are never advertised. Estimates are upwards of 85% are filled by word of mouth and connections.
Who are your connections? Every person you know could be your connection and I can guaranty you know a lot of people! The average person knows or is in contact with at least 250 other people. If those 250 others know another 250 people, that immediately gives you approximately 62,500 contacts! This means that the probability for you being able to gain a connection to the right person, at the right time is very good. Provided you do your part. Your part is to go out and speak with these people, find out what they need and let them know what you need. Through the creation of these relationships it is easy to connect to new business links.
In order to tap into this vast resource, put together a list of people you know. Just grab pen and paper and start writing your list of everyone who comes to mind. Let the names flow, you can look up contact information later. Don’t rule out anyone because you think they don’t have information about an open position. Even grandma knows a lot of people and her neighbor’s cousin may be just the person you need to meet. This gives you an idea of how far reaching networking quickly becomes.
Some important things to remember when networking are to first, know what you want. By this point you should a clear understanding of present skills, the kind of environment which is best and what type of work is truly right.
Speak up constantly to everyone you meet so you don’t become “out of sight, out of mind.” Leverage every possibility to tell people what you are looking for, you just never know what connection will come your way.
It is important that you not expect the people in your network to find and secure a position for you. Your network is merely providing you with information of available positions. It is up to you to arrange meetings with the appropriate people within the organization, interview, negotiate and secure the position. The key point here is that you have better information about what is required for the position and how you will be a good fit.
Don’t overlook social networks online. Post your resume and set up your pages with your job search in mind.
Your network is your connection with the world. Stretch your thinking and don’t be afraid to ask questions, soon you be receiving amazing answers!
Lesley V. Ingves
Leave a Comment