I just watched Guy Kawasaki presenting on the topic of Enchantment to the LinkedIn staff on YouTube. I couldn’t help noticing how his main points apply directly to Job Seekers in this New Economy.
Career Management professionals, like myself, emphasize the importance of building a circle of influence (often referred to as “networking”). And, Career Management professionals, like myself, are often frustrated because: (1) job seekers misunderstand what it means to “network”; (2) they don’t put effort into developing the process for building relationships and consequently (3), they are ineffective in the most important element of career development today.
In his book, Enchantment, Guy Kawasaki lists 3 Pillars of Enchantment: Likeability, Trustworthiness and Quality. I would suggest that you cannot create a solid circle of influence (professional and personal network) without those three as well. And, as he speaks about Likeability he describes much of what I suggest to my clients (although he does so in a somewhat more engaging way ); when he describes Trustworthiness, he talks about giving first, expecting the best of people, and offering your best to them; and for providing Quality he describes added value… beyond the ordinary.
Most of the jobseekers I meet are quality to their bones. They have motivation to do their best, to be of service, to grow and learn and to make a contribution.The problem is that they don’t know how to demonstrate that very well. There is no way to get around the fact that a professional job search is a marketing initiative and marketing ourselves is uncomfortable and awkward…unless we train for it.
Check out Guy Kawasaki’s presentation on YouTube. It’s inspiring! Consider how it applies to your job search. Let someone who knows you, either through a professional or personal relationship, hold a mirror up to your face to help you see the fine qualities that you bring to an employer.
Remember, the preferred source of hire is through referrals. Employers believe that their best candidates come to them that way. You cannot get referrals without a circle of influence.
Watch for upcoming posts on Likeability & the Circle of Influence. Check out my upcoming webinars at www.rcmassociates.com/webinars.php
In support of your success…Rita
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