Over the last few weeks I've been running a free teleseminar series for subscribers of my own blog. The 3-part series, titled, How To Find Your Next Job In 2011 In Record Time“ covers the key steps finding work quickly at the start of the new year.
At the end of the 2nd call yesterday, I set my audience a challenge: to "Meet 21 People In 21 Days"
Why?
1. Access the hidden job market
Currently 60-70% of positions are filled via referrals and social networks (it will vary by location and industry, but that % won't be far off in most markets). So by engaging your warm contacts or “unpaid recruiters” (friends, family, ex-clients, ex-colleagues, ex-college friends), you take the first step in tapping into positions which are not openly available on the market yet (the so called “hidden job market“).
2. Sharpen Your Pitch
You get a chance to practice and sharpen your pitch (what you want, what you offer, what differentiates you) with an easy audience. You get to screw up in a low risk fashion so that when you meet a really important contact or get to the key interview, you’ll be in fine form.
3. Speed
Getting out there and engaging with real people is the fastest way to create opportunities, referrals and leads.
Plus the added bonus that it will give you a buzz. Trust me, getting out and meeting people is far better than sitting at home scanning jobsites.
Who?
The 21 people need to be warm contacts who know you – an old boss, ex-colleagues, old clients, university friends, old friend’s you’ve lost touch with – or indeed people referred by warm contacts.
Don’t dismiss anyone based on “oh they won’t know anyone” – you never know who they in turn know. And anyway, I’m asking you to meet and reconnect with people, not meet them simply for referrals and leads (not a nice thing to do).
In fact, your focus should be engage in conversation, ask questions, listen and see how you can help them – that’s how you truly network (..and sell yourself ethically too as I discussed in today’s call).
Believe me – when you get face to face with people who, like, trust and respect you – they will volunteer to help even before you ask.
How?
There will have been many people you met over the holidays or exchanged Christmas and New Year messages with recently and thought "I'd love to catch up with him/her in new year."
Well now is a good time to reach out and set up a coffee, lunch, beer or ‘virtual coffee’ over the phone – whatever suits your style and schedule. So start sending an email or text inviting people to catch up right now.
Don't worry too much about how "relevant" their job or profession is to your search. We're looking to get you engaging with your warm contacts who can in turn connect you with the right people.
Why 21 days?
It takes 21 days to form a habit. So if, over the next 3 weeks you can get out meeting people, engaging, following up leads etc – you’ll gain some critical habits and discipline which will accelerate your search during the next few weeks and months.
21 people – That’s a lot!
That’s why it’s called a challenge!
Look, it’s not the end of the world if you meet 15 people in 21 days. But aim for the 21 as it really will give you momentum. confidence and sharpness when marketing yourself. Plus it will sow lots of seeds which may come back and flourish into opportunities several weeks or months down the line.
And remember, these are warm contacts not strangers – so you should easily be able to set up the first few. Let me ask you – who is the easiest person for you to set up a coffee or drink with?
Contact them right NOW and get the ball rolling!
I'd love to hear how you get on. Please use the comments section to keep us updated with success and stories with your challenge. And if you've any questions about starting the challenge or approaching people, ask away. I'll do my best to respond below.
Let the 21 day challenge begin!
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