By Linda Van Valkenburgh, MS, CCMC, CJSS
In a few short weeks, we will be preparing for picnics, barbeques, beach trips and other rites of summer. If you are in career transition, you know that preparation is the name of the game. So, how do you prepare for Summer 2012? The following is a primer to help you prepare and make the best use of your time to fill your pipeline and be successful in the coming summer months.
First, look over your networking events and appointments. Make a concerted effort to get yourself out there during the months of May and June. Start new relationships so that you have contacts to meet with nurture over the summer. Continue your networking by using LinkedIn Groups and Answers proactively. Join some formidable groups (1,000 +) members and reach in to like-minded or interesting people to start a conversation with.
Next, start a new Recruiter Reach Out Campaign. Target five new recruiters in your specialty. Write our recommended recruiter letter and then circle back one time per month with a portion of your Value Proposition to stay top of mind. Also, create a new ACTIVE LIST to pursue. Identify 50-100 companies that you might be interested in contacting. If they make it to your top fifteen companies, identify people in the company to talk to and begin talking.
Continuing on, offer to become a presenter at a group. Volunteer to speak for a charity or some other organization. Thereafter, see if you can get a reporter to watch so that you can get it into Community Events. Also, start a BLOG – be proactive, get your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) up. Write to show that you are an industry expert. Blog each week! Get in the Blog Directory and add it to your signature file
Then, start working with your Social Media tools. First, start by cleaning up your Social Media Profiles. Add industry keywords, eliminate jargon, include your website or LinkedIn link to gain traction. Then Tweet about anything that is search related – your blog posts, your speaking engagements, your industry knowledge, etc. Whatever positions you in the best light possible should be included in your Tweets.
Follow target companies, influencers and search for opportunities that come across your bow on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Lastly, get on Vizibility.com. Are you findable? If yes, make sure that you cleanup what is found so that your online presence is as pristine as possible.
Work consistently now on these things and you will be surprised to see how many new developments you will spring up as you head towards the summer season. As usual, please leave me a comment and let me know whether or not this posting helped you. If you are struggling in your search, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
Every Success
– Linda