1.  Create Scripts.  This allows you to take the time to put together thoughtful communication so you can promptly reach out or respond in a powerful way rather than whatever you happen to put together at the last minute.  Here is a list of a few types of scripts you might want to put together.

•       Reconnect with someone
•       Build your network by reaching out to someone you don’t know
•       Introduce yourself to an industry thought leader
•       Refer your contact to something of value to keep you at top of mind
•       Request for Introduction or to be referred to someone who could help you
•       Connect directly with Hiring Manager
•       Connect with a Recruiter
•       Inquire about job posting
•       Request a recommendation
•       Profile change

2.  Be clear about why you are reaching out.  Sample reasons to reach out might include:

•  We met at [insert event] and I would love to connect via LinkedIn so I can keep up with what you  are working on.
•  I thought you might be interested in this [article, company, website, etc.] because [insert reason]  OR this article made me think of you because [insert reason].
•  I was reviewing your profile and noticed…

a. you used to work at [company ABC]

b. you got a new job at [company ABC]

c. you changed your job title to [insert title]

d. you are connected to [insert name]

•  I wanted to introduce you to [insert  name] because [insert reason].

3.  Briefly explain your request followed by any relevant details.  Don’t make someone read the entire message before they understand your need and a bit about the situation.

4.  Make it easy to say yes.  Don’t ask a connection to do anything that is not equal to the level of relationship you have.  For example, if you are reaching out to a stranger, don’t ask them to recommend you on LinkedIn as they don’t know you.  Remember, when someone helps you, they are essentially leveraging their OWN relationships or reputation on your behalf.  Also don’t ask your network to do a lot of legwork on your behalf.    Don’t ask from others what you can do for yourself.

5.  Focus on others and be gracious.  People who don’t express interest in others come off as self centered, needy, desperate or worse.  Don’t lead exclusively what you want or need without expressing interest in the other person.   If it’s appropriate, ask about their current projects, someone that you know in common, or something personal.  Always close by expressing your desire to help them in return.  Thank the person you’re requesting help from and try to respond with something that might be valuable to that person as well.  Good relationships bring value to both parties involved.  If you don’t know what might be of value, ask how you can reciprocate.  They might actually tell you and even if they don’t have something specific that you can do for them, it makes a great impression that you offered.

Use these tips and you will be amazed at how many people are willing to take action to help you.

For those of you who don’t know, BarCamp is a free daylong technology/networking/digital marketing unconference and yes, it is held in a bar.  Many cities have their own version of this type of event.

It’s called an unconference because it doesn’t go by regular conference rules.  The speaking slots are won by lottery.  Those who are professional speakers on a topic may speak in a room right next to someone who is completely inexperienced.  This means that there are a wide variety of topics and the crowd votes with their feet on whether what the speaker is saying is valuable or not.

I make sure to attend several technology events a year and I recommend you do too–especially if you are conducting a job search or focusing on professional development and here’s why:

1. Access to resources. Who doesn’t need people with tech skills?  Why not meet them in groups where you can evaluate how they talk about what they do or how they interact with potential clients?
2. Sharpen your technical skills and add to your experience.  Tech events have given me a vocabulary to be able to talk tech but also given me a much deeper understanding of the level of skills I should have to meet my own work obligations.
3. Opportunity to meet people who may be outside of your typical circle.  Too often, we let our networks get stale.  Charge up your network by letting those alongside your industry point you back to those you might not know within your own industry.  This has lead to some amazing connections that I would have never met on my own.
4. Learn something that will help you in your field.  You might just pick up something that will give you an edge in your current position.
5. Create a perception of solid social media and technology skills.  If you are feeling like your skills might be in question, nothing is better than using modern technology to communicate.  If you are worried about ageism in your job search, nothing beats it like fresh skills.

Choose your tech events wisely so you can make the most of your time.  If you are not a tech person, avoid deeply technical topics.  Instead, look for events with topics that are attractive to a large number of people with a wide variety of skills.  Social media, blogging, content strategy or digital marketing are some great topics to explore.  The rewards are worth it.  I promise.

Turn Your Resume into a Job Offer - NAWMBA11

“How was the conference?”  Everyone was so supportive as I was gearing up to speak at this year’s NAWMBA conference in Dallas and they started asking the moment I came back.  The answer is, it was great.

It was powerful to be around so many smart and driven women in one place at the same time.  Anyone who knows me well, knows that I’m not a big “girl power” kind of woman.  But I fiercely support other women and this group inspired me.  This was such an engaging group of participants that I found myself deeply appreciating this overwhelmingly all women experience.

Ever the student, I attended the first day as a participant and sat in on a few sessions.  We heard from Karen Hough who talked about how unexpectedly her improvisational skills applied to business.  I bought her book and I’m anxious to start reading.  You can find it on Amazon here.

We also heard from Ginger Hardage, SVP of Culture & Communications for Southwest Airlines.  She talk about the Southwest culture and what it means to provide a good experience for employees and customers.  She had us in tears in the first 5 minutes and I’m not a weeper either.

Margaret Heffernan of BBC fame, spoke on day two about the complicated relationship women have with power. I got some good quotes from Margaret that I’m still thinking about.

Then there were the actual sessions.  Jaime Lira talking about social media and Lisa Arie spoke on following your passion.  I couldn’t get to all of them, but I heard great things about so many more.

My session was titled “Turn your Resume into a Job Offer.”  The group that attended my session was fantastic.  They asked the best questions–someone estimated over 45 questions over our short 90 minutes together.  That’s a question every 2 minutes.  To say that this group held up their end of the conversation is an understatement.  As a speaker, nothing is better than when you don’t have to do all the work yourself.  This was a fun, smart and engaged group of women who all have amazing careers and will continue to do brilliant things. I was honored to be a part of it.

National Assoc of Women MBA National Conference Dallas 2011

At the national conference in Dallas, I’ll be leading a workshop called Turn Your Resume Into a Job Offer.  NAWMBA members will be able to learn my secrets behind writing a powerful resume that highlights a candidate’s accomplishments, and I will share short cuts that take the pain out of writing an effective resume and cover letter. My practical tips will turn any resume into a job offer!

For my professionals at home in Nashville and beyond, we will post a downloadable recap available to all interested and my presentation will be available for purchase  right here on the website on Sept. 19^th.  Don’t forget about personalized resume reviews, one-on-one coaching, and leads weekly webinars on job search and career management topics.

Give it a little thought.  Join us for fun and lively discussion about it via webinar on July 19 from 12 t 1pm CDT.

Learn to:

• Identify the key characteristics for which you are known
• Change your corporate identity to win that promotion
• Use your brand to your advantage

It will be beneficial and fun…we promise.  Hope to see you there!

- 4 part series

Do you want a new job, but you don’t know where to start? Maybe you’ve been searching for awhile, but you’ve stalled out? Maybe you want to increase the number of your interviews or learn to land the offer. We’re here to help.

Jump start your job search and join us for a 4 part webinar series for job seekers. Spend an hour online and supercharge your job search. A job search is a journey. We will give you a “road map” and help you learn smart ways to find your new job.

These sessions offer the opportunity to work with world class career coach, Jennifer Way. She consults with companies like Microsoft, Disney, CareerBuilder, Honda, and many more on how they actually hire people. She knows what it takes for job seekers to get hired.

Get on the HireRoad to land your best job.

Details:

Webinars from 5:00am CST – 6:00pm CST on Thursdays

• March 8: Get Hired “Way” Fast*
• March 15: Turn Your Resume into a Job Offer*
• March 22: Access Hidden Job Opportunities*
• March 29:  Interview your “Way” to a Job*

4 webinars normally cost $200, but we’re offering a Spring special — all four for $149! That’s a FREE one! Take advantage of this offer and reward yourself with a new job!

*Series will be recorded and available for participants who miss a session.  Join at any point as each webinar is an independent topic.

$149 Buy The Entire 4 Part Series

…Or Buy Them Individually…

$49 Buy The “Get Hired Way Fast” Webinar

$49 Buy The “Turn Your Resume into a Job Offer” Webinar

$49 Buy The “Access Hidden Job Opportunities” Webinar

$49 Buy The “Interview Your Way to a Job” Webinar