Welcome to the February, 2010 issue of Stripe Changer News! … and thank you for subscribing. I hope you enjoy this issue. In this month's issue you'll find:

• Dare
• Celebrations!
• Success Stories
• Ask Cat
• Upcoming events
• Get the help you need

“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult” - Seneca

Dare. Do something scary every single day, and you WILL find the job you need and want. Unless you are a professional job hunter, this journey is a difficult and scary one. No way around it. You MUST take a scary step every day. Make that phone call you’ve been avoiding. Ask that friend to connect you inside her company. Try your brand-new 30-second pitch on 5 people a day. Take control. Ask for help (people want to help you! But you have to show them how). Stand up. Dare. When you are feeling scared, all you have to do is take one step forward. Do one small thing. You’ll be glad you did.

Celebrations

Did you Change Your Stripes™ and land a new job?Tell us your story!

Just landed! Kent B., Don E., Barb C., Dan H., Karen F., Chris J., Pat O., Tim W., Sue B., Jenny C., Greg H., Kelly H.

Success Stories

This month, there are so many great stories of daring, perseverance & faith. The message from them all: “You have to do the work!” Allow me to share a few:

Don:  4 job offers!” After 6 months, Don hit “refresh” on his job search. “What I was doing was not working, so I decided to take a fresh look at how I was approaching my search. My whole world changed. Guys, you have to do the work! Figure out what you want and how to get it. Stop guessing. Get the answers you need, and make it happen.”

Pat:  2 job offers and a signing bonus! “I went for a job that I really wanted, but on paper was not qualified for. Using the “identify the gaps” worksheet, I got razor sharp on what the gaps were and put together a story that would show I could overcome them. I also used Catherine’s program on how to negotiate, and drive the final stages of the process. I was stunned when I not only got 2 job offers, but I got a signing bonus too!”

Dan: Networking works! “I’d been out of work for 10 months, and was in a really bad place. I didn’t know what to do or how to do it. And every day was getting harder. Then, I decided to stand up and get the help I needed. I did Catherine’s program, and it changed everything. All of a sudden, I knew what I was doing wrong. I changed my plan of attack. I figured out what to say. I really started networking – effectively! In a matter of weeks, I got the job I wanted.”

Ask Cat:

Q: “I had a great interview, but it’s been two weeks, and I have not heard anything. What should I do?” - Michelle

A: Define “a great interview.” Did you debrief afterward (what went well, what did not, what their concerns are, what the next steps are)?” My short answer is “YES! Call them to check in, let them know you are still interested. Ask them where they are in their process and where you fit in.” DARE to make that call, and ask the tough questions! However, how you do it, and what you say, depends on all of the questions I asked above. So, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and walk through the interview again. What did they really say?  How do you compare to the other candidates? If you can’t answer any of these questions, write them down and prepare your follow-up phone call to ask some of them. Need help? If you’ve got my system, go to “Debrief” and “Follow up” for more suggestions on how to follow up effectively. P.S. Do not leave a voicemail. Keep trying until you get the person live.

Thank you! Thank you for trusting me with your stories, your journeys and your dreams. Thank you for sharing my belief that everyone deserves to do what they love for a living. Your insights, feedback and staunch support keep me going. Together, we can do so much more.
 

Now go Change Your Stripes™!