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09.10
Make a Great First Impression – in Person and Online – By Marketing Yourself Remarkably
By Debra Feldman,
JobWhiz, Executive Talent Agent
Will you be attending a
networking event this Fall? If so, plan ahead
and create a printed, card-sized networking
document that quickly communicates who you are,
what you do and why you are exceptional. Make
this card remarkable and worthy of being passed
along — it could generate continuous referrals,
generating unexpected contacts as those you meet
share it. Yes, you could go viral! Here’s how to
get started.
Remember that this card is your
marketing document, and it must engage interest,
show your value and cultivate trust and
credibility — all in an instant. It has to be
memorable in both appearance and content —
sticky — so , so that you and your potential
value to others is not forgotten, but will be
recalled as a unique resource as you want to be
remembered.
Include full contact data (name,
e-mail, LinkedIn profile URL, twitter account,
preferred phone, personal website or blog,
street address optional) and your headline to
instantly create a mental picture. For example,
mine reads: “JobWhiz, Executive Talent Agent::
Expert job search consultant opens doors to
unadvertised jobs specializing in re-entry
candidates, career changers, industry switchers
and anyone who doesn’t fit the mold.” This
space could also state a goal such as "Share
ideas, advice, and recommendations about career-
related networking, using traditional and online
techniques.” You may also link to your online
personality with a QR code ( See
http://bit.ly/aQM5We.) to your URL. This
enables a smartphone user to zap your
information directly into their contact
database.
On the reverse side, show three
to five core competencies or brief success
statements (using numbers or percentages
indicating impact or change) designed to get
attention. These are mine:
·
Invents practical go-to-market
strategy and flawlessly implements effective job
search plan by connecting directly with hiring
decision makers, never HR
·
Identifies and removes roadblocks
to execute smooth, swift landings
·
Develops
networks purposefully (http://www.jobwhiz.com/process.php
) using traditional connections and social media
to identify unadvertised opportunities matching
candidate’s ideal job specifications
·
Creates an investment in long term
career insurance because inside contacts
continuously generate leads to the hidden job
market
Along with saying hello and your
elevator pitch, the card is your first, and
perhaps only chance, to make a great first
impression. You want to pique interest and show
your potential, your networking card is not a
job application or resume submission. Today,
it’s likely that once someone has your name,
they will search online to learn more about you.
Be sure to have the most flattering information
about you posted. In the Internet age, whatever
is findable online is your virtual resume. You
can’t control what others say about you, but you
can present positive information. Be sure to
document your accomplishments online (e.g.
LinkedIn status updates and mentions in group
discussions) and, wherever possible, provide
details on how you achieved them.
Don’t expect benefits just from
being in someone’s network. Networking is not
about asking for referrals, but about looking
for ways to help each other for the long haul.
Invest in your relationships and there will be
great returns!
Bonus: use this marketing
message as a V-card attachment to e-mails.
©
Copyright 2010 Debra Feldman.
Debra Feldman, founder
of JobWhiz, is an executive talent agent with more than 20 years of senior
management consulting experience. She uses networking to identify and connect
candidates with unadvertised new career opportunities in the hidden job market.
For more information, visit
www.JobWhiz.com, and to contact her, visit
www.jobwhiz.com/contact.php.
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