Tim Bursch

Tags: blog, digital, Imagination, jobs, new gig, social media.

Are you still looking for work? Were you part of a massive restructuring? Downsized? Discouraged?

I talk to people weekly that are looking for jobs and it’s challenging. They have applied everywhere and talked to everyone. It’s a hard reality. You might be that person and you know how much it sucks.

I don’t have all the answers. But I do think work is fundamentally changing in America. We might see many more independent contractors and freelancers. We might have our own brands.

Let me know what you think. Better yet, if it’s helpful pass it on.

Image credit: Darcy McCarty

Tags: resource, work.

It could be that I’m so in the thick of it that I just can’t see straight. But is anyone working just one job anymore? I am working on a handful of projects that I care about. One friend runs a company and teaches online. Another works for a non-profit and does real estate.

So I ask again, does anyone work a regular 9-5 job anymore? Please tell me if you do. What I want to ask next - is it really what you want to be doing?

I think the hope for a secure job with one company that takes care of you is dead and gone. Business changes too quickly.

I read Tom Peter’s book, Reimagine, a few years ago and thought he was a little overboard. Nope. I guess he was on to something. Seems like it is more about a Brand Called You.

Tell me about your work.

Image credit: Marcin Wichary

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When a business says they are giving x% to charity do you want to buy more? Or are you turned off?
It seems like some organizations have an authentic value and mission, while others are promoting themselves through cause related marketing.
How do you tell the difference?

Charity just for PR- A company that does a giving campaign, but treats its customers like crap. Does the charity bit redeem the lack of quality in service and products?

Authentic Social Mission- A company that lives it’s mission both in and out. It could be a Landscaping firm committed to excellence in their service and design. And they also plant a new tree for every job done.

Be Heard.

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Are you looking for a job? On Linkedin?

Here are some great tips from Guy Kawasaki…

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As I said yesterday, job hunting and career management requires more than a resume and face to face.
If you want to do more and you want to stand out, here are several tips you can follow:

1. Know yourself and have a focus. Before you start Tweeting or Facebooking, ask yourself some tough questions.
-Who am I? (good tips here)
-What do I care about?
-What do I want to stand for?
-What is my overall brand? (am I a pc or Mac)
-What is my value proposition?

2. Develop a basic marketing strategy. Companies don’t just put products on shelves. They develop a plan for who, where, and how they will sell their new product. In the same way you can’t just put your resume out there. Think it through:
-Who is my target market?
-Where will people find me?
-How will I present myself online?

3. Start (or upgrade) your digital footprint. In marketing to you most brands have a consistent message. TV, paper, internet ads will have the same look and feel. For example, do you want to be Ms. Business on Linkedin and Party Girl on Facebook? I would suggest building a similar profile on these tools:
-Linkedin
-Facebook
-Twitter
(There are many more social networks to join that might be industry specific. These are the minimum.)

4. Be real. We all like to trust the brands that we buy and recommend right? Trust is built on authenticity, honesty, and transparency. So, be yourself.
-Have a real picture. Especially on Linkedin for job hunters.
-Use your own voice. Don’t try to impress, kiss-up, or copy. People can tell if you’re fake.
-Be a resource to other people. Help others find connections. Share your network.

5. Practice Daily. This social networking stuff takes time and effort. You can also get distracted.
-Block your time.
-Find your favorite tool and do it well.
-Consider starting a blog. (My favorite resource is Problogger)
-Comment on other people’s blogs.
-Build a resume website.
-Remember: consistency.

Check out Gary or Seth or Laura. They certainly are not you and you won’t become them in a week. But then again that’s not the point. Become you. Your next great adventure might just be around the next tweet.

What’s your tip? How are you building your brand?

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Does it matter if you have an online brand?
Good question. Why would I need to care? Just send out your resume, do some networking, and get a job.
Probably not that easy in my experience.
With less jobs available, you need to stand out.

What is an online brand?
Your online brand is your presence in digital space -  Linkedin, Google results, web page, blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc. You have a brand whether you like it or not. Recruiters and managers will Google you.

Remember in the Matrix when Morpheous was explaining to Neo that the Matrix was, “…your residual self image. It is the mental projection of your digital self.” Whoa.

The reality is that a paper resume is no longer the whole, it is just a piece. You need a solid resume. And you also need to have a brand. For more on online personal brands watch Gary Vaynerhuk.
If you are looking for a job and want to build an online presence, check back tomorrow for more ideas . . .

Image credit: Pixelsior

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Finding a good job can be a full-time job. It helps to have decent tools. These are at the top of my list:

1. INDEED - Look here at this aggregator site to see most job boards. Plus you can set-up searches for key words and send yourself alerts.

2. LINKEDIN - Social Networking grown-up style. Build an on-line presence, research target companies and contacts and be seen as more and more recruiters are using this to find candidates. Be honest and concise in your profile.

3. GOOGLE READER - I know this seems too obvious. Focus your attention on the best blogs and news. Use Google Alerts for news on your industry and companies you want to work for. Lastly, Google is the place to search.

4. STARBUCKS - Yep. You need to be out meeting people, asking for referrals, telling people your story. If it’s the cost holding you back, drink water and buy for the person who’s time your spending. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.

One Extra Tool-

COURAGE  \ ker-ij \  - mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty

It takes courage to call people and ask them to meet with you. Put yourself out there.

What tools work for you?

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