LASD Resource Development

Consultant References

If you are looking to freelance, consult or perform contract work while in between jobs, here is a list of helpful references. 

This is not a comprehensive list, but it does include some of the best resources I've used, which will help you get started.  If you have a reference you feel should be on this list, send me a note or add a comment to this post.

Good luck!

General References:

Flawless Consulting by Peter Block - great insight into what makes a successful consulting relationship
Freelancing for Dummies by Susan Drake - the nuts and bolts of the freelancing world

Contract Writing Templates:

www.entrepreneur.com/formnet
www.nolo.com
www.docstoc.com

Finding Opportunities:

www.freelancersunion.org
www.guru.com
www.sologig.com
www.hiredguns.com - marketing and creative disciplines
Don't forget your own network, including vendors you've used!

*Note to participants in the 6/19 NYSSA event: The correct name of the consultant's broker I mentioned is M2 consulting.  They can be found at www.msquared.com   M3 Consulting is also a contractor, but their focus is on technology consulting.

Tax Help:

www.irs.gov/businesses/small  - yes, the IRS!  There are great insights into what you can deduct and what records to keep

Timely Tips on Job-Hunting

I found the following article, published recently in Time Magazine, covers several important points about looking for a job in today's market.  While its focus is on the executive market, the suggestions are relevant, regardless of where you are in your career.

The Six-Figure Job Hunt

Recently, I've receive a number of requests to speak on job-hunting topics for different trade organizations and networking groups. 

Here is a sampling of recently delivered and upcoming events:

• March 10: Financial Women's Association - Bridging Employment with Consulting

• March 11: Security Traders Association of New York -  Panel Discussion: Is there Life after Trading?  Managing Career Transitions in a Difficult Market

• June 19: New York Society of Security Analysts - Friday Career Coffees: Bridging Employment with Consulting. Registration is open until June 16th.

If your organization is interested in having me speak on these or other search-related topics, please email me at info@lasdresourcedevelopment.com.  Past programs have also included:

How to Effectively Expand Your Network

Networking in a Difficult Environment

Finding a Career that's Right for You

Managing Informational Interviews

Staying Motivated During Your Search

Writing an Effective Resume

   

InStep Consulting Podcast Interview with Laura Smith Dunaief: Freelance Your Way to Your Next Role

In this challenging job market, freelance consulting to bridge an employment gap is becoming a viable option.   

Listen to this 30-minute podcast I recently recorded with Colette Ellis of InStep Consulting about the benefits you can gain from freelancing, as well as some tips on how to get started.

I look forward to hearing your feedback on this podcast, as well as suggestions you may have for prospective freelancers.

Link to Podcast

Sites for seeking freelance positions mentioned in the podcast are:
www.freelancersunion.com
www.guru.com
www.sologig.com

InStep Consulting programs help people and organizations define their competent advantage™. Their focus is on both the individual contributor – assessing strengths and opportunities for growth – and the organization – aligning resources with broader organizational goals.

If you're interested in learning more about InStep Consulting, see their website at: www.InStepConsulting.com. 

Listen to all of InStep Consulting's podcasts:  Competent Advantage Podcast Series

Music as a Career Motivator

Previously published in the Times Beacon Record Newspapers, Employment Section, July 3, 2008.

 

by Laura Smith Dunaief

You’re in a deep, blue funk after not getting that big promotion.  You’re nervous before an interview or an important presentation.  You know you need to get this big proposal done, but you keep procrastinating.  It’s hard to change your mood, motivate and reenergize yourself in a lot of professional situations. 

Real Simple magazine recently ran a story that talked about the value of having a personal theme song, or power song, to get you over emotional humps, and it got me thinking about how much power music has to motivate us.

Gyms know this.  When you walk into most fitness centers, they have heart-pumping, up-tempo music pounding out of the speakers.  Still, I’ve always preferred to bring my own and drown out the gym’s selections with my headphones.  Interestingly, studies have shown that athletic performance can be increased by as much as 20% by listening to the right song. 

So, what’s the right song?  It turns out that it’s very personal.  It has to be something that the listener can identify with, and that speaks to him or her.  And while there are some songs that seem to have broad appeal, such as “I Will Survive,” by Gloria Gaynor, the right song for one person can be a de-motivator for another.  Some gyms have tapped into this research, playing different music in the mornings and the afternoons to target the interests of their typical patrons at these times.

Political campaigns also seem to have picked up on the idea, selecting theme songs that are motivational and identifiable to their supporters.  My personal favorite campaign theme songs – politics aside - have been “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet,” by Bachman-Turner Overdrive (Al Gore) and “Let’s Get It Started,” by The Black Eyed Peas (various candidates).

So, why does it work?  The science has to do with music altering our arousal levels, working as a mental and physical stimulant.  I know a lot of people who could use something like that at work.  But what if you can’t listen to music while you work?  It doesn’t matter, says the research.  “Pre-task” music has the same effect: it improves your internal focus and acts as a stimulant, carrying you through the task at hand. 

Personally, ever since reading the article about power songs, I’ve been searching for my personal theme song.  I think I’m fickle, though; I seem to flit from one energizing or inspirational song to the next, depending on what the situation requires.

And yes, I’ve found that the right song can get me going on that dreaded or boring project, or it can give me a boost of confidence before an important meeting or presentation.

Try it!  The next time you find yourself “stuck,” try flipping on the radio or putting on your headphones.  The right song can do wonders for you.

Laura Smith Dunaief is a principal of LASD Resource Development, which provides individual career coaching and corporate training and development programs.

Spring Cleaning Your Resume

by Laura Smith Dunaief

 

Ah, Spring!  We just recently performed our annual ritual of moving the clocks forward an hour – a rite I enjoy, despite the lost hour of sleep.  Fire departments suggest we use this as a reminder to replace our smoke alarm batteries.  It’s also a great time to Spring clean your resume. 

Even if you have no thought of changing jobs, this once-a-year habit will keep your resume looking sharp and make the process that much easier if a recruiter or potential new boss does “drop in” unexpectedly.

So, what does Spring cleaning consist of?  With your home, it means clearing away the accumulated clutter, airing out the rooms, and buffing the remaining items until they shine.  It’s no different with your resume. 

Here’s a quick guide to what to look for in your Spring cleaning.

Headers 

Start with the obvious, your address.  Is it correct?  Do you include a cell phone number and email address?  If your resume is more than one page, do you include these critical details on the second page, just in case they become separated? 

Profile or Summary Section

Take the opportunity to read it with fresh eyes.  Is it strong, clear and to the point?  When you read it, does it accurately represent you?  If this were all someone read, would they have a good feel for your capabilities and what makes you distinct?  If not, it may be time for a rewrite.

Professional Experience Section

Start by updating the title and dates of your current role.  Or, if it’s been a while since you dusted your resume off, you may need to add your current role.

Within your current role, have you had new successes or have you worked on new projects that you need to include?  If so, add them now.  You’ll also want to update any results you pointed to in your last version.  If you read that you exceeded your annual quota by over 20% in each of the past five years, is that still accurate?

Remember that each item in this section should be results-focused, not just a rehash of your job description.  The focus should be on achievement and successes.  If an item starts with the dreaded, “Responsible for,” it needs a rewrite.

Each bulleted item (and yes, unless you’re in academics, this is the preferred format) needs to begin with a strong verb or adjective.  With verbs, make sure current roles are in the present tense, and past roles are in the past tense.  This is particularly important if you’re adding a new role at the top and moving all your roles down one slot.

For older roles, especially those you held more than ten years ago, you may want to dust them off or throw out some of the detail.  You’ve gone on to bigger and better things, so don’t dwell on ancient history.  If you’re now a manager, will anyone care that you set up a new filing system in your first job as an administrative assistant fifteen years ago? 

Before you move on to the next section, take a last read through your Professional Experiences section.  Make sure it reads smoothly and that you are showing career progression.  Check the visual balance of the section; newer roles should generally have more heft than older roles.

Education and Memberships/Awards Sections

Review each to ensure they’re current.  If you’ve been in the workforce for a while, delete your college graduation date.  Add new degrees, professional certificates, and awards you’ve received.  Then look over your professional memberships – are you now a committee chair or did you organize the annual fundraiser?  If so, add the information.  On the other hand, delete anything that seems stale, like collegiate volunteer activities.

Final Review

Lastly, take your resume shopping for a new look.  Experiment with different professional-looking fonts and layouts for your resume, and find one that projects the appropriate image for your level and industry.  Make sure the font size and white space look appealing and are easy to read.

Congratulations!  Just as when you finish Spring cleaning your home, you should have a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.  I can almost smell the airy freshness.

Laura Smith Dunaief is a principal of LASD Resource Development, which provides individual career coaching and corporate training and development programs.

Networking in a Depressed Job Market

Previously published in the Times Beacon Record Newspapers, Employment Section, February 7, 2008. 

 

by Laura Smith Dunaief

Things have been looking pretty bleak in the job market lately.  When I look around, many of the people I know have either been “displaced” recently, or they are concerned that they’re going to be next on the chopping block.

And we’re human.  Our natural inclination in an environment like this is to withdraw, keeping our heads down to avoid the fallout by keeping a low profile.  But this is the last thing you should do.  This is a terrific opportunity to reach out to your network, strengthening existing connections, rebuilding those you’ve neglected, and forging new ones.

It’s these connections that will help you recession-proof your career.  According to the Department of Labor, 63% of all jobs were found through personal contacts last year.

So, if you’ve never been a consistent networker, where do you start?  First, you need to understand that networking, like many professional endeavors, is a discipline.  You need to organize yourself, set goals, and be consistent about the practice of building and maintaining your network.

Like any discipline, you need to decide how you’re going to pull all the information you need together.  I use an electronic tool, Palm Desktop software, to keep track of the people in my network, but I know some people who are just as successful using an old-fashioned Rolodex.  The key is to develop a system for maintaining and frequently updating records of your contacts and for keeping notes about them. I like that I can carry my network with me on my PDA, and that I can search it for key words.  So, if I am looking for someone who may have a connection at XYZ company, it’s just a few keystrokes away.

Once you’ve decided how you’re going to keep track of your network, take stock of who is already in it.  These people are typically friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, former classmates and colleagues.  Then, add all that you know about them.  This can include things like where they went to school, the names of their kids, their spouse’s occupation and employer, their favorite sports team, and the last time you spoke with or saw them.

Essentially, you are doing a data dump; you’re putting everything you know in one place.

Once you’ve established who’s already in your network, pick a few people that you want to reinforce or strengthen your rapport with.  Then pick a few people that you may not know well, but that you want to build a connection with.

Now comes the discipline part – set a goal for yourself.  A good goal is to connect with two people a week, including one that you feel you know well and one that you would like to know better.  This may seem like a hefty burden, but recognize that calling an old friend and discussing her family counts toward this goal.

Now that you have identified what and who, you need to consider the how.  How are you going to connect with these two people?

Connecting is not accomplished by zapping off a “how have you been?” email.  Reach out to them and invite them for a cup of coffee.  Invite them to a dinner party, to join you at a community event, or at the local pub for happy hour.  Make an effort.  Email and technology are tools that may facilitate networking, but real rapport is built face-to-face.

And remember that good networking is not about what others can do for you.  It’s about being a good listener and showing genuine interest in what’s going on in their lives and considering how you can help them with what they need.  It may not be evident, at first, what you may have to offer, but sometimes your simple willingness to help or listen can be priceless.

Once you’ve established your network, one of the most valuable things you can do for people in it is to introduce them to each other.  Do two people have a mutual interest in modern art?  Are several of you interested in starting a running club or a book group?  Is one person looking for a position at a company where another contact used to work?  It’s these connections among members of your network that will make it that much stronger.

But don’t forget the discipline.  As you build your network, maintain your database with new information and contacts.  And continue to branch out.  After all, you may be surprised at where your next career opportunity comes from.

 

Laura Smith Dunaief is a principal of LASD Resource Development, which provides individual career coaching and corporate training and development programs.

New Year's Goals - Not Resolutions

Published in the Times Beacon Record Newspapers, Employment section, December 20, 2007–January 3, 2008.

by Laura Smith Dunaief

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”

“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.

“I don’t much care where -- ” said Alice.

“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.

“—so long as I get somewhere,” Alice added as an explanation.

“Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.”

- Lewis Carroll

This is the problem with most New Year’s Resolutions. We map a route, including difficult things we need to do to “improve” ourselves, trek along diligently for a short period of time (if at all), and then discard it, committing to start again next year. Or, if we actually reach our destination, we’re disappointed that the “somewhere” we end up doesn’t put us any closer to happiness or fulfillment.

How many of you have decided to “lose weight” or “get a new job” in the new year? It looks so easy on paper. But – as most of us know – accomplishing either of these and achieving meaningful results can be elusive.

So, what’s the alternative? Ditch the whole process as a worthless exercise? Not necessarily. By making a few critical changes, you can turn resolution-setting into a process to make true change in your life or career.

What’s Your Destination?

The first problem with these two resolutions is that neither is goal-oriented. Losing weight or getting a new job is rarely the real objective, so achievement of either won’t necessarily make you a better person - or even happier – on more than a temporary basis.

To set a goal, you need to decide what you’re trying to achieve. In the case of weight-loss, is it better health? If it’s a new job, is it a higher salary, different responsibilities, better hours?

And what is this ultimately expected to bring you? Think big-picture. How will this make your life better?

For the most effective goal-setting, start with the vision of what you want your life to be. Then compare that to where you are now. The gap between where you are in each dimension of your life and where you want to be becomes the hurdle.

For help with this process, a terrific resource is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey.

Plot Your Path

If your goal is to have more energy, and to get there you need to lose 25 pounds, it’s easy to measure success. But, if your goal is to enjoy your work and feel that you’re making a contribution, it’s harder to quantify the result.

Instead, you may need to develop qualifiable results. What will allow you to feel you’re making a contribution? What will you enjoy? How can you add more of it to your day-to-day? How will you know when you get there?

A Journey of a Thousand Miles…

Whether your goal is losing 25 pounds or getting a new job, it’s rarely achieved overnight. Both require a number of intricate steps. Steps that can be intimidating.

It will help to break the trip into smaller segments, setting interim destinations, each accompanied by the date you plan to arrive.

If you want to change your diet and to exercise more, steps may include finding a nutritionist, tracking what you eat, and developing a workout schedule.

If you want a new job, you may include steps like increasing your network, interviewing others in jobs that interest you, exploring job postings, and updating your resume.

Each step needs to be specific, written and accompanied by a deadline. One technique I’ve seen used effectively is to set an interim goal or task for every week of the journey. This spreads out the required steps, making it a continuous process with built-in successes along the way.

Post Your Map

Post the big goal and the interim steps (with deadlines) where you can see them often. There’s nothing like constant reminders to help keep you focused on the road ahead.

Take a Buddy Along

Whom can you ask to help you achieve your goals - someone who will encourage you to develop good habits? Do you know someone else trying to make a similar change? When you work together, you can support (and nudge) each other for success. If you feel you need expert guidance, maybe this person is a professional coach, who can act as a career “personal trainer.”

Assess, Tweak, and Celebrate!

Step back periodically to survey your progress and assess whether achievement of your smaller goals is moving you toward your big-picture objective. Don’t be afraid to re-map the route if your goal has changed, or if you find that a detour may help you gain a clearer picture.

And most importantly, don’t forget to celebrate your arrival at each interim destination and enjoy the view. You worked hard, and you deserve it!

Laura Smith Dunaief is a principal of LASD Resource Development, which provides individual career coaching and corporate training and development programs.

In Search of the Perfect Recommendation

Previously published in the Times Beacon Record Newspapers, Employment Section, November 8, 2007.

by Laura Smith Dunaief

How about this for a frustrating scenario? Your prospective employer is asking you for the names and contact information for your last three supervisors, so that they can check your references. The problem is that you don’t know how to reach these people anymore, because they’ve moved on, themselves. 

This happened to my husband recently. He spent the better part of a Saturday calling former colleagues to find out where their supervisor had gone when the firm was sold. He was lucky; he not only found a number, but he spoke with the fellow briefly to make sure he was willing to provide a reference (and to remind him of what a great job he’d done while he was there).

If my personal experience is any indication, there is a distinct trend in the current job market: more prospective employers are asking for – and contacting - references. I receive an average of three calls a year asking for references on former employees. Some of these people haven’t worked for me in nearly twenty years.

It’s not surprising, considering how competitive the market has become for certain industries. Even those employers who have always asked for references, but have rarely followed through, are picking up the phone to hear what people have to say about you. 

As a job candidate, what can you do to make this process work in your favor, turning those references into recommendations?

First, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to keep in touch with former bosses or supervisors that you know think highly of you.  Folks move from company to company at lightning speed, these days, and just coming up with contact information can be a challenge.  If you make a point to keep in touch, this becomes much less of a logistical problem.

In addition, it makes it a lot easier for the former employer to speak in specifics about your qualities when they have a clear recollection of who you are.

Don’t laugh. I once drew a complete blank when I received a blind reference request call for someone who hadn’t worked for me in fifteen years. After the “I’m sorry.  Who is this about again?” it probably didn’t matter what I said about the person. Clearly, she hadn’t made a lasting impression on me.

Go the extra step, even if you speak weekly, to make a courtesy phone call and ask if you may give his or her name as a reference.  It’s not only nice manners, but it helps grease the wheels. I’m much more likely to return a call I’m expecting.

This courtesy call is also a great opportunity to prep your former boss. Even under the best of circumstances, don’t assume that he knows what you want him to say.

Start by explaining what you know about the position you’re considering. Then, if there are specific things you’d like to be sure he mentions, don’t be shy about bringing them up. 

For example, if you want to be sure your prospective new employer hears that you’re highly-motivated, ask your former boss to mention that big project you volunteered to take the lead on - and how successful you were.   

What if someone is looking for a written recommendation? This is fairly common for applications to grad school. Like verbal recommendations, there are often specific questions they must answer. Still, there’s a lot of room for you to influence what your recommender writes. 

In the cases of both verbal and written recommendations, even if the former boss doesn’t ask what you’d like her to focus on, you should not be shy about suggesting something. “Sue, I know they’ll probably ask you about my leadership skills. I think a great example of that would be….” 

Frankly, I can’t think of anyone who would resent a suggestion that would make the job that much easier.

If all of this sounds familiar, it’s because it’s an extension of the networking we should all be doing regularly.  Maintaining a basic level of contact with former colleagues and bosses – even if it’s just an email twice a year to find out how they’re doing and share what you’re up to – will make a reference request much more comfortable for both of you, and may lead to a recommendation that gets the job.

Laura Smith Dunaief is a principal of LASD Resource Development, which provides individual career coaching and corporate training and development programs.

The First 30 Days: What You Should Accomplish

Previously published in the Times Beacon Record Newspapers, Employment Section, October 3, 2007.

by Laura Smith Dunaief

Whew!  You’ve landed that new job.  Take some time to congratulate yourself.  Then start thinking about what you need to accomplish once you start. 

Sure, you need to fill out paperwork and learn the job, but there’s more you need to do to set the table for success.  Here are the six of most important items to focus on in your first thirty days.

#1: You never get a second chance…

The old adage about making a good first impression is true; people often form an opinion of you, personally and professionally, in the first few days.  Make sure you dress appropriately, arrive on time, are polite to the folks you meet, and avoid the office water cooler gossip. 

Be friendly, but be wary of disclosing too much personal information.  Do your coworkers need to know about your ex or your roommate’s annoying habits?

Establish your credibility and professionalism early.  It’s a lot easier than digging yourself out of a hole later.

#2: Listen more, talk less

This is your opportunity to absorb the company culture and personalities.  Keep your eyes and ears open, and ask questions.  What important things are going on?  How do people really get things done – not the official written procedures, but the behind-the-scenes processes? Who has the power?  This goes beyond how the company’s organizational or management chart.  Who really calls the shots?  How do people communicate in the organization?  Is it by email, telephone, or face-to-face?  You may need to adjust your own style to make sure you’ll be heard when you need to get someone’s attention or simply get things done.

#3: Network, network, network

Even though you’re the newbie, it’s never too early to start building relationships.  With your coworkers.  With your boss.  With the folks two levels above and below you.  These are often the people you’ll need to get things done in the future. 

Participate in extra-office activities, when available.  Join people for lunch and take an interest in them.  Find out what industry groups people participate in and join them.  What do people read – especially those more senior to you?  Become involved and stay on top of what’s going on.

But never forget #1.  Don’t overdrink at social functions or join in bad-mouthing others.  And don’t be overly competitive at the company softball game.

#4: Meet with the boss

Beyond the “nice to have you on board” conversation, many bosses don’t set clear expectations for new employees.  Get yourself on his or her calendar and have a clear agenda for the meeting. 

There are a few things you want to be sure to cover.  What do they expect of you?  On what will your performance be measured?  What do you need to do to be considered a success?  Are these things quantifiable? 

At the end of the meeting, offer to write up what you discussed and return a copy to the boss.  Then, set a date to discuss how you’re progressing. 

#5:  Take notes

It’s frightening how many people wander through their first several weeks without a notebook and pen in hand.  Whether you’re meeting with the boss or sitting with the receptionist, you need to take notes.  It’s incredibly frustrating for those around you to continuously answer the same questions over and over.  Show that you’re paying attention and that what they say is important to you.

And don’t forget to keep notes on your own progress and accomplishments [see “Keeping a Work Journal,” June 21, 2007].  They’ll come in handy when you have your second meeting with the boss.

#6:  A simple “thank you”

Face it: it’s hard for everyone when someone new starts, regardless of how excited they may be to have you there.  It means spending time answering your questions and showing you the ropes.  Sincerely thank everyone who helps you along the way, from the bottom to the top of the organization.  You will reap the benefits of this simple gesture tenfold.

The first thirty days can be stressful for everyone involved.  By focusing on these six items early on, you’ll lay the foundation for success.

Laura Smith Dunaief is a principal of LASD Resource Development, which provides individual career coaching and corporate training and development programs.

Volunteering as a Career Development Strategy

Previously published in the Times Beacon Record Newspapers, Employment Section, August 30, 2007

by Laura Smith Dunaief

Recently, a former colleague notified me that he is taking a new job as an event planner for a major lobbying organization in DC.  I cheered for him, not just because it is a great opportunity, but because I know he worked very hard to get it.

Event planning is not part of a traditional career path for a human resources representative, a role in which he has spent most of his life.  Rather, it’s the career he decided several years ago to pursue.

After doing research into what it takes to get a well-paying job as an event planner – lots of experience doing it – he decided that he needed to find a way to get that, without giving up his good income for a starvation-wage job in an entry-level position.  He came upon a masterful solution: volunteer as an event planner for non-profit organizations in his spare time.

He, and many like him, are discovering that non-profits and other volunteer organizations provide a tremendous training ground for traditional paying jobs. Volunteer organizations are starved for dedicated and motivated workers to take on roles as far-flung as project management, logistics coordination, event planning, and plain old supervision of other volunteers. Thus, they are often willing to allow those with little experience to roll up their sleeves and test their mettle.

This provides an opportunity for people, like my former colleague, who want to try out a new career and earn their stripes, and for those who cannot convince their employers to allow them to take on management responsibility in their current jobs.

And for those of you who already volunteer, I challenge you to look at your volunteer experiences in a new light. What skills are you developing that will help with your career? Is this something you can highlight on your resume? Suddenly, coaching the little league team, organizing the walk-a-thon, or cleaning up the beach can take on new dimensions.

A word of caution for those of you who are considering this approach: make sure you follow through.  The fabulous referrals and networking contacts you muster from volunteer organizations are the same as those from a paying company, if you treat it as a paying job. 

Don’t overcommit, and don’t offer to take on responsibility that you can’t execute. If you’d like to try your hand at something that’s completely new to you, ask if you can assist someone with more experience for a while. And if you find yourself in trouble, time-wise or skill-wise, ask for help. Leaving them high and dry when they’re counting on you will cause your efforts to backfire.

So, now you’re plugging along, developing new skills and wowing your fellow volunteers with your dedication and skill. How do you get this onto your resume?

First, consider it a “real” job. Lift your volunteer work out of the obscurity of the “personal” section of your resume and integrate it with your paying jobs. Then, just like any other job, consider your accomplishments and build them into your resume.

For example, if you coordinated the planning of an annual fundraising event, ask yourself some key questions.

• How many volunteers did you supervise?

• How did you market the event?

• Did you solicit corporate sponsors?

• What about venue or vendor contracts?

• Ultimately, what was the result?

• How much money did you raise?

• How many people attended?

• How did this compare to previous years’ results?

Be honest, just as you would with any job. It’s fairly transparent to prospective employers when people overstate their efforts.

Remember that every volunteer organization and experience is different. Look for those that feed both your passion and your career development needs, and you’ll find a win-win situation. And you will do some good along the way.

Laura Smith Dunaief is a principal of LASD Resource Development, which provides individual career coaching and corporate training and development programs.

Career Networking: Mind Your Manners

Previously published in the Times Beacon Record Newspapers, Employment Section, July 26, 2007

by Laura Smith Dunaief

I like to think that I’m fairly well connected, and that I do a reasonable job of keeping in touch with former colleagues and friends.  So, when someone is looking for career networking help, I will often drop everything to put them in touch with the right person from my network or to offer some guidance.

As much as I pride myself on this, I have to admit that I’m not an anomaly.  Most people like to be supportive, especially if it’s to help someone find a new job or explore career opportunities.  In fact, it’s this spirit of helpfulness that keeps career networking alive and well.  We’ve all been there before, looking for that elusive piece of advice or entrée into a company that will make the difference in our job search.

And those of us who facilitate these connections for virtual strangers are fairly undemanding.  All we want is to hear what came of the assistance – hopefully, it was helpful – and, perhaps, receive a “thank you” for our efforts.  Most of those I help are more than happy to comply.

Still, there are a few “users” (I don’t know what else to call them) that seem to have forgotten basic manners.  These are the ones that sour me and many of my colleagues on the process.

Let me give you an example.  I was contacted about a year ago by a participant in one of my seminars.  I’ll call her “Ann.”  Ann was looking for guidance on moving into marketing.  A former boss of mine is in the field, and I offered to make an introduction.  I did the legwork: getting in touch with the former boss, asking her to make time to talk to Ann, and then writing back to Ann to provide her with contact information.

A month later, when I hadn’t heard anything, I emailed Ann.  Nothing.  I checked with my former boss.  Nope.  Ann had never called.

How about another example?  A friend of mine asked me if I would, as a favor, talk to an acquaintance of his, “Sue,” about how to position her resume for a different industry.  I spoke with Sue for over an hour and gave her my advice.  I never heard from her again. 

In another instance, a colleague asked me to speak with “Joe,” a friend of hers looking for some networking advice.  I arranged to talk with Joe that evening, since I was traveling.  I turned down a client’s last minute dinner offer because of this commitment.  At the appointed time, I was in my hotel room, dutifully waiting for the phone to ring.  Do you want to guess what happened – or didn’t?  I emailed Joe to follow up, thinking he’d been detained or lost my number.  No response.

Here’s one last example.  I was called by an acquaintance, “Jane,” who wanted an introduction to a friend of mine. When I asked for more information, I found Jane was trying to get to my friend’s boss to pitch her company’s services.  Knowing this would put my friend on the spot, I politely declined.  And then Jane pushed. And pushed.  I stopped returning her calls.

Are all networkers this inconsiderate?  Absolutely not.  Some fall over backward to tell you what came of a conversation or how what you did for them helped them achieve their goal.  Or they send a thoughtful email or handwritten note to thank you sincerely.  These are the people I will tie myself into pretzels to help again and again.

There’s nothing wrong with networking, even if it feels sometimes like shameless job searching.  Don’t be shy about asking everyone around you for networking help; it’s important to cast your net wide when you’re job searching.  You might be surprised at the connections you’ll make.  People want to help.  Just don’t be a “user.” 

So, what is the lesson here?  It’s fairly basic: use your manners. 

If someone is uncomfortable making an introduction, don’t push; they’ll only resent you. 

Follow through.  Either by contacting the people you were introduced to, or by keeping appointments with those trying to help you.

And be thankful for the help people offer. Spend a few minutes to write a note or send an email to thank them.  Tell them what came of the introduction and, ultimately, where you ended up.   

It’s not a lot to ask.

 

Laura Smith Dunaief is a principal of LASD Resource Development, which provides individual career coaching and corporate training and development programs.

Keeping a Work Journal

Previously published in the Times Beacon Record Newspapers,  Employment Section, June 21, 2007.

Laura Smith Dunaief

If you’re looking for a new job, or even new challenges in your current job, you may be in for some stiff competition. 

According to a CNNMoney.com poll issued in conjunction with Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” coverage, only 42% of the 11,000 respondents are happy where they are.  The rest expect to get a new job in the next year, at either a new company, or due to a promotion. 

The Society for Human Resources Management puts the number of job hunters even higher, reporting in December that 75% of employees are looking.

So, if you’re on the hunt, yourself, what can you do to stand out amid this Times Square on New Year’s Eve crowd? 

I will let you in on a secret: the single best way to shine is to have a strong grasp on what you’ve achieved and what that has meant for your company – the more specific you can be, the better.  It’s always surprising to me how few people can succinctly describe their current positions and accomplishments, articulating them in a compelling way that shows their value.  It’s a skill so rare that, in twenty years of hiring, I only found a handful that could do it – and I did somersaults to make sure they came to work for me.

Think of this as the decoder ring for the career management puzzle.  If you can master this, all of the pieces, including writing a resume, interviewing, networking, and negotiating salary, become that much easier to nudge into place.  And it’s equally worthwhile if you’re one of the few with no plans to move; you can use it to show how valuable you are when raises and bonuses are doled out.

So, how do you sift through the daily tasks you juggle each work day and really get your head around the value in what you do?  Keep a “work journal.”  It doesn’t matter if it’s electronic or longhand.  It only matters that you update it consistently – before details fade and while key business impacts, like sales results or client feedback, are at your fingertips.  A work journal is the raw material from which you will build your resume, your interview stories, or your case for a big raise or promotion.

What should you write in there?  It’s not a minute-by-minute record of how you spent your day.  Think of it as a series of stories that show what you’re worth. 

To get started, I suggest that you write down your three biggest achievements for a week.  Then reread each and ask the question, “So what?”  Your journal’s value will come from being able to answer this.

Let’s look at an example:  This week, I facilitated a meeting between a potential client and a technology vendor that I found and introduced to the client.  So what? By itself, this doesn’t tell how successful I was at facilitating, or about its value to the organization. 

What if I wrote that, as a result of that meeting, the vendor agreed to partner with me on the client’s project and that it was worth $250,000 in revenue to my company?  Or that the vendor later approached me about partnering with clients of theirs?  Does this sound more compelling?  For an extra “bang,” I should also indicate what I did to make it so successful.

Make the journal work harder for you by categorizing your entries.  If you want to prove your sales prowess, client relationship capabilities, and communication skills, you should label each of your entries accordingly.  This makes it easier when someone asks you to talk about your sales abilities.  It also allows you to see where you need to expand your experiences to get to the next big thing.

Ideally, you should update your work journal at least once a week.  Of course, some weeks you’ll have more to say than others.  Still, the habit is critical. 

And unlike a teenager’s diary, you don’t need to stuff this between the mattress and box spring.  In fact, it’s most valuable if you air it out and review it regularly.  Who cares if the boss stumbles across it?  It will remind her how lucky she is to have you.

 

Laura Smith Dunaief is a principal of LASD Resource Development, which provides individual career coaching and corporate training and development programs.