GUEST COMMENT: Your challenge - meet 21 people in 21 days
So you say you want to find a new job in 2011? Really? If you really want to make a difference to your prospects, I suggest you take up the 21 day challenge.
In the next 21 days, go out and meet 21 different people.
Why?
60-70% of positions are filled via referrals and networking. By engaging your warm contacts (your "unpaid recruiters"), you take the first step in tapping into positions which are not openly available on the market yet (the so called "hidden job market").
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.
Who?
The 21 people need to be warm contacts who know you - an old boss, ex-colleagues, old clients, university friends, old friends 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.
Trust me - when you get face to face with people who, like, trust and respect you - they will volunteer to help even before you ask.
Why 21 days?
It takes 21 days to form a habit. So if, over the next 3 weeks you can get you out meeting people, engaging, following up leads etc - you'll gain some critical habits 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!
(By the way, I'd love to hear how you get on - or help if you hit any road blocks with this 21 day challenge. So please leave updates and questions in the comments box below and I'll come back over the next few day to answer your questions and comment on any your success of your success stories.)
Sital helps a variety of mid-career professionals make successful career transitions in less time and with less stress. To learn more click here.
