You Have to Put Yourself Out There

Many years ago, when I was between my first and second marriage, I found a delightful little book entitled The Divorced Woman's Guide to Meeting New Men. The basic premise of the book was that you need to "put yourself out there". Go where single people go; talk about subjects single people talk about; dress and act like a person who is interested in a new relationship. Not only did the book contain all kinds of great "networking tips", I found that by reading it in public, the book title itself attracted the attention I was seeking!

Today I was reading my email in a coffee shop and on my cell phone talking with a prospective client about his challenges in securing a new job. He shared with me that he never had to search for employment in the past; people who knew of him and what he had to offer sought him out. Over the years, he quit "putting himself out there" and he slowly became another nameless face in the employment market and forgot how to network.

When I got off the phone, a woman at the next table (who was also reading her email and overheard my conversation) asked me what I do and what I could do for her. She asked for my business card, and I gave her two. I put myself out there, and so did she... and we connected.

Last week I attended the National Resume Writers Association Convention and the keynote speaker was Cameron Johnson, the 24-year old who made his first million before he graduated from high school. He shared with us one of the key principles of his success: finding the courage to put yourself out there. "If you put yourself out there with confidence," says Johnson, "you'll find that most people respect you and respond well to you, whether or not they want what you're selling."

So, why am I sharing this information with job seekers and others in career transition? Because I firmly believe that one of the biggest obstacles one has to overcome to find a job and advance their career is their unwillingness to "put themselves out there."

Contrary to the old adage "It's not what you know, it is who you know," the true secret to success lies in the answer to this question: "who knows what you know." Everyday, you need to put yourself out there. You need to go where successful professionals go; you need to walk the walk and talk the talk; you need to feel confident about what you are selling and let people know you are out there. Stop hiding behind your computer and depending on Monster.com to deliver your dream job. Stop sending generic letters and résumés telling prospective employers what you need and want while reeking of desperation.

Wear your "book title proudly": The Confident Professional's Guide to Selling Business Solutions and you'll be surprised who will take notice.

Just put yourself out there!

Comments

[Charlotte Weeks]

I can't say enough about networking events. While some are structured (such as "speed networking"), most have a laid back atmosphere. Everyone is there to make connections, and if nothing else, they're fun! You can google "networking events-your city" to find what is going on in your area. For Chicagoland residents, networkingmonkey.com has a listing of upcoming events.
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