Guerrilla Marking for Job Hunters 2.0 - Jay Conrad Levinson [106]
Thomas Freese’s book is a must-read for any sales and marketing professional who is serious about landing his or her dream job, and it won’t hurt for non-salespeople to read it as well.
Daniel Houle is a successful product management and marketing executive. He may be reached at (www.danielhoule.com).
A WAR STORY
Deanna J. Williams Sr.
My phone rang and it was a salesperson who was pursuing me for an outside sales position I had advertised in the San Jose Mercury. He said he wanted to see me right away. He had something to show me and he knew that once I saw it, I would be so impressed that I’d hire him on the spot. Now I was sitting there thinking this guy is pretty full of himself, but I was also impressed with his self-confidence and persistence. I explained that I had to be in a meeting in 20 minutes. He insisted he could be at my office in less than 1 minute. I protested, saying I didn’t see how that was possible and that I really thought we should find a time to talk after my meeting. He kept insisting that if I would just give him a chance he promised that he could meet with me in less than 1 minute, and if I would just look out the window, I would see why. As I strained to look out the window, I saw a fellow sitting in a red Mustang, talking on his cell phone and waving at me. I had to laugh at his dogged pursuit and creativity. Yes, I did let him come in before the meeting and, yes, I did hire him. He was one of the best salespeople we ever had and one of the most creative in finding ways to open doors to potential customers.
Deanna J. Williams, contract recruiter, dwilliam3185@earthlink.net.
Chapter 10
Creative Ways to Find a Job
Breakthrough Strategies
You’ve got to say, I think if I keep working at this and want it badly enough I can have it.
—LEE IACOCCA
Perhaps networking and warm calling aren’t for you. You should add them to your mix anyway. Here are some alternative methods we’ve used in our Boot Camps.
■ BECOME THE EXPERT
You can become recognized and branded as an industry expert by writing and producing a newsletter. All you really need to do is summarize best practices—add your experience or comments—print and mail it. When you send a newsletter with topical information that’s actually useful, employers may recognize your name when you telephone, making them more likely to take your call. When they in turn are looking to hire someone with your expertise, you’re likely to be one of their first calls. Here are some useful guidelines:
• Newsletters should be 1 to 4 pages but no longer.
• Summarize lengthy pieces and refer the reader to your web site for the full text version.
• You can dress up the newsletter without breaking the bank by using preprinted paper from companies like Paper Direct (paperdirect. com).
■ WRITE A WHITE PAPER—FOCUS ON A HOT TOPIC
This is just like producing a newsletter but you only need to do it once and you can reuse it until the topic falls out of vogue. Summarize the industry pundits and then offer your own take on it. Read up on a hot topic like VoIP [voice over Internet protocol] and write a 10- to 15-page summary linking it to your industry. A hot topic like VoIP will have effects on every industry in America, but you need to concentrate on what’s important to your sector. Call some of the more quotable people you discovered during your research and interview them for your own piece. Ask them for feedback before you publish. Print and distribute it, for example:
• Mail it to employers you want to work for.
• Make it available electronically for e-zines.
• Send it to business publications as a possible article.
• Send it to trade publications relevant to the industries you have targeted for your job search.
• Allow other publishers and editors to use your White Paper as long as they include