Celebrations!
Tell me your story! Let’s inspire others who are still on the hunt for something new!
What a month! Traditionally, employers and job seekers take a hiatus from hiring end of year. Not this year! Let’s celebrate with a few who’ve landed great new jobs in the last month: Greg S., Vickie W., Jean A., Joe G., Carol S., Ellen Z., Shawn P., Mark P., Aida S., Amy S. Warmest congratulations to all of you!
Did you Change Your Stripes™ and land a new job in 2009? Share the news!
Special shout out to Vickie W. for staring fear in the face and getting what she wants & deserves, despite the tight economy. Vickie received a job offer that was lower than what she wanted. Despite her fear of losing the job if she challenged the offer, she went back to them with a counter offer, delivered a clear picture (value proposition) of what she’ll help the company achieve, and they DOUBLED her base salary!
Upcoming Events: Come Change Your Stripes™!
Do you know about a group or association that needs a speaker? Let me know!
Jan 05, 2010: Eagan, MN: YOUR DREAM JOB IS WAITING: ARE YOU LISTENING?
Jan 07, 2010: Minneapolis, MN: JOB TRANSITION SOS at the Basilica of St. Mary’s
Jan 25, 2010: Eagan, MN: A COMMUNITY GATHERING: Easter JOB TRANSITION SOS
Jan 26, 2010: Bloomington, MN: Gustavus Adolphus College Alumni event: Share with all your Gustavus alumni friends! This will be an event to remember.
Jan 28, 2010: Prior Lake, MN: 4-PART JOB HUNT WORKSHOP SERIES: Join me, and I’ll show you how to go all the way from “I need a new job” to “Wow! I love my new job!” and everything in between.
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Stripe Changer News!
December 2009 | Fourth Edition
Happy New Year!
May 2010 bring you all your heart desires
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain
Reflection, Renewal and a New Year’s Resolution that will stick
The beautiful thing about this time of year is that it is a traditional time to slow down, reflect on the year that’s gone, and dream about the year to come: reflection, and renewal.
Reflection: 2009 has been a difficult year around the world. Most of us have been challenged to stop and think about what has not gone well in 2009, whether we wanted to or not. But have you taken the time to reflect on what has gone well? Do you remember the moments that shined? In between the moments that left you breathless, there are undoubtedly some things worth celebrating (like not screaming your lungs out when your company started laying off your friends, volunteering your time, spending more time with family, or making great new friends through networking). So just stop. Take a moment to relive those wonderful moments.
Renewal: A fresh start! A new year is simply invigorating. A chance to start anew. Clean out your inbox. Deep clean your soul. Set some ambitious & exciting goals for the New Year. You can achieve whatever you set our mind to … if you’re willing to go get it. You know it’s true, because you’ve done it in the past. Think about those proudest moments in your life. What were they? How did you make it happen? Not through wishful thinking. You undoubtedly got clear on what you wanted, set tangible goals, and then took the daily action you needed to take to get there. Focus, determination, and persistent action will get you what you want. So … what do you want in 2010? And what kind of action do you need to take to get it?
Ask Cat:
Send me your questions!
“My new year’s resolution is to get a new job, but I know wishing for one is not enough. Any ideas for me to make this happen? I am working full-time, and raising 2 kids, so I need to be really smart about how I do this.” – Jennifer F.
Dear Jennifer, congrats on making this exciting decision! I am so glad you understand that you need to be smart with your time, and go-to-market strategy. Here are some tangible, measurable goals that will help you get what you want:
- Get honest about why you want to leave – and write it down. By January 15th. It is not enough to say “I don’t like my job.” Two reasons: First, if you don’t, you are very likely to walk right into a new job that makes you just as unhappy. I see it all the time. Second, there’s a chance you can get what you want at your current employer. Hate your boss? Maybe you can get a transfer or promotion. Hate your hours? Maybe you can get the flexibility you want. If you do not ask, you certainly won’t get it!
- Clearly define what you want by February 1st: target job, target industry(ies), and where you need networking help (what are good connections for you? “I’d like to expand my network in 2010 in the medical device industry. Do you know any leaders in medical device industry?”). If you do not tell people how they can help you network, they cannot help you. Be specific.
- Build a 30-second commercial you can hit the streets with by February 15th (Yes, this is far more important than your resume!)
- Update your resume – based on what you want, not where you’ve been.
- Create/update your LinkedIn profile by February 30th. In “contact settings” click “expertise requests” “personal reference requests” and “requests to connect.” Do not advertise that you are looking for a new job by clicking “career opportunities” or other settings that will alert your current employer that you’re looking.
- Set a weekly action plan that you can live by. You’ll have to make this your own, but here is a start:
- 5 networking phone calls per week
- 1 networking meeting per week (coffee, lunch)
- 2 networking events per month
And for those of you who are unemployed and looking for work, I cannot resist helping you with your new year’s resolution to find a job. Here’s a list for you to make your own:
- Clearly define what you want by January 5th: Get honest. Are you really clear about your target job, target industry, and where you need networking help? If not, this is your critical first order of business.
- Build a 30-second commercial you can hit the streets with by January 10th (Yes, this is far more important than working on your resume again! I mean it!)
- Set a daily action plan that you can live by. You’ll have to make this your own, but here is a start:
- 10 outbound phone calls (dials / attempts to reach someone) - per day.
- 2 in-person meetings per day
- 5 introductions per day (tell your story to 5 people per day)
Sound aggressive? It is, but if you are unemployed and need a job now, this is the kind of activity that will get you hired – now. It will transform your job search. And yes, you CAN do it. Notice that I am not picky about who you talk to. I promise, if you increase your activity to these numbers, you will see results! And you’ll soon start to weed out the people & meetings that are not really helpful. In the beginning, all that matters is that you are getting out of your house and into action. It might take you a couple of weeks to get into the groove, but you should aim to get to these levels in 2-3 weeks.
Thank you!
My 2009 reflections leave me extremely thankful for all of you … my avid fans. Thank you for trusting me with your stories, your journeys and your dreams. Thank you for sharing my belief that everyone deserves to have access to the tools and inspiration they need to love what they love for a living. Your insights, feedback and staunch support keep me going on a daily basis. Together, we can do so much more. |
