There is no time to wait! The moment is now and the greatest opportunity is not in the “what is” it is in the “what could be.”  The world of opportunity is no longer about change.  Change focuses on improving upon what already exists and staying on the same course with improvements. 

Einstein defined insanity as attempting to do the same thing that failed over and over and expecting different results.

·         Sending your resume out to everyone and everywhere and waiting for the phone to ring.

·         Searching the internet for hour upon hour every day.

·         Not making an effort to meet new people.

Establish a positive frame of mind:

·         Move past your comfort zone.

·         Establish positive partnerships.

·         Work with a team.

·         Reassess your skills and talents in the future tense.

·         Look past obstacles.

·         Progressive self agenda to move forward.

·         Positive self talk.

·         Decide where you want to be, don’t settle for letting others decide.

Engagement:
      ·         Schedule appointments.

·         Identify yourself  - “Hi this is Jim Barnes”

·         Identify job title – “I’m in Industrial Sales in the waste industry.”

·         Positioning statement – “I’m interested in career opportunities with your company and I’m calling to see if it would be possible to schedule a meeting with you to discuss opportunities?”

·         Propose at date & time - “How does Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. work for you?”

·         Confirm and hang-up.

Taking a job to pay the bills in career transtion does no mean you got the job you wanted.  Don't lose site of your goals.  Fulfilling a need is not the same as getting what you want. 

The Challenge is to overcome all personal obstacles you have created for yourself, as a result of your success, since you’ve embarked on the path of earning a living for yourself and your family.  HR people will say “the best indicator of future performance is past performance.”   I say “the best indicator of future performance is your ability to change with the times, adapt to new situations and capacity for personal growth.” 

Here are some personal obstacles you may face:

I have 20 years of experience means, “I showed up for work the last 20 years.” 

I went to work every day means, “I can’t define level of performance and list accomplishments.” 

I’m a hard-nosed and demanding manager means, “I don’t really know how to manage, and I’m a bully.” 

I’m hard working and dedicated means, “I’m poorly organized and have to work longer hours to accomplish everything.”

I’m a real team member means, “I like to spend more time socializing than working.”

I’m an expert means “I knew what I was doing at my last job!”

I was the top performer at my last job means, “Why were you let go, if you were the best?”

I used to work for idiots means, “They still have a job and you don’t.”

I don’t take crap from anybody means, “I’m hard to work with.”

I’m ready to hit the ground running means, “We’re not in a race!”

 

Here are some key words:

Controlled

Measured

Analytical

Consistent

Exceed

Growth

Results

Networking

What Opportunity isn’t in the new economy?

·         It isn’t about being the most qualified.

·         It isn’t about being the most experienced.

·         It isn’t about being the hardest working or the most loyal.

·         It isn’t about job security and long term employment.

·         It isn’t about your age, or lack of it.

What Opportunity is about in the economy?

·         Is intellectual capitol.

·         Is being current.

·         Is being relevant.

·         Is being confident.

·         I s demonstrating controlled and measured leadership.

·         Is being positive.

·         Is working in the future.

·         Is showing versatility and adaptability.

·         Is analyzing problems and providing dynamic solutions.

·         Is sustainable and environmentally balanced.

 

Be Age Neutral:

·         Avoid talking about the “Good Old Days.”

·         Avoid talking about your kids.

·         Talk about today, tomorrow and the future.

·         Talk about continuous improvement.

·         Talk about innovation and topics that impact the success of the service/ industry you’re seeking.

·         Talk about current events and new technologies.

·         Avoid talking about the weather.

·         Avoid talking about politics.

·         Actively listen and engage in a two way conversation.

·         Ask people “what do you think?”

·         Quickly get past your resume, don’t let the conversation be centered on your past accomplishments.  If you’re asked a question about  your past, answer it clearly but skip excessive detail

·         Dress appropriately and avoid wearing clothing that was in style 10 years ago.

·         Be deliberate and speak with confidence.