The challenge is that most people aren’t comfortable selling themselves.  For most job seekers, the job search is a process of begging for jobs.  They are NOT taught how to confidently sell themselves.

The good news is that the economy IS improving and there are many jobs available.  While most unemployed or underemployed job seekers blame the economy for their woes, they, themselves, are to blame because they BLEND IN with all other job candidates.  They conduct boring, reactive job searches rather than high energy and proactive job campaigns!  Common sense, alone, would tell us that if job seekers package and present themselves the same as their competition, hiring managers won’t be able to differentiate any of them from all of them. 

The Starting Point: Love the Product You’re Selling

To land good jobs at good pay quickly in today’s job market, you must love the product you are selling (you!).  You must believe in the product (yourself and be confident that you have significant value to prospective employers.  When you believe in, and love, the product you’re selling, you will land a good paying job in no time!

3 Strategies to Love the Product You’re Selling

1)      Blow your own horn loud and clear.  If you’re not prepared to blow your horn loud and clear, no one will hear you… and your competition will!  Your résumé can’t be a boring, assembly line, look-alike obituary (No employer wants to read your biography). Today’s résumés must be powerful self-marketing profiles that communicate your value.

• What results can you produce better than your competition?
• What contributions can you make that would dazzle employers?
• What problems can you solve and what organizational goals can you help achieve?

2)      Know the stories that make you valuable.  When you love the product you’re selling (you), you’ll have authentic stories to share with prospective employers.  You’ll explain how your skills and knowledge translated into past achievement and contributions; because hiring managers know that past accomplishments are important indicators of future performance.

• What did you improve and what problems did you solve in past positions?
• What ideas did you come up with, in former positions, that made a positive impact?
• Results are the name of the game and numbers tell the whole story.  Your stories must provide clear evidence that you delivered more in value than you were compensated for.

3)      Be confident and self-assured. Most people associate self-confidence with arrogance; and nothing could be further from the truth.  Confidence attracts opportunities while self-doubt does not.  Successful sales and marketing professionals effectively communicate the features and benefits of the products / services they sell.  Job seekers must also know what skills they posses and what results they can produce that are valuable to prospective employers.

• You must be highly enthusiastic and self-motivated.
• You must be genuine and authentic.
• You must be a polished communicator and presenter.

I discuss the topic of self responsibility and resiliency over and over again; yet so many people and job seekers continue to count on everyone and everything else but themselves for their success and happiness.  So here is a key phrase to remind yourself, and people you know and work with on a regular basis:  “To achieve all that you want to achieve in life, and to be as happy as you wish to be, cultivate your own resiliency.” 

Carry an umbrella

We live in a Protean workplace and a Protean world.  This simply means that we all must take personal responsibility to recognize what is going on today, anticipate what will happen tomorrow, and determine how we must adapt and acclimate to meet the future we anticipate. 

Gestalt psychologists provide an example of being self resilient - Protean.  They say we are responsible for getting caught in the rain.  They say that by deciding not to carry an umbrella every day, we have made the decision to endure an occasional drenching.  Translation?  By not anticipating and adapting to potential circumstances that are sure to happen in our lives – in other words – by not being prepared – we make the choice of getting caught in some of life’s unpleasant circumstances, be they rain, failures, economic losses, relationship challenges, and professional / personal setbacks.  By not anticipating and proactively adapting; by not thinking ahead, we have made our choices.

 On the other hand, by being prepared, we increase our chances of success.  We significantly increase the likelihood of seizing opportunities when they come our way.  When we take the time to think (and rethink) what is going on, what is likely to happen in the future, and what we must do and how we must change to meet all that we anticipate, we can position ourselves to take full advantage of unique opportunities and often, once-in-a-lifetime situations.  

 Are you in or are you out?

I understand that a good number of people will, unfortunately, never take advantage of unique opportunities and once-in-a-lifetime situations.   But for those of you who are ambitious and desire to live life on your stringent terms, here are a few “stop” tips to help you achieve all that you want and deserve:

1)      Stop playing the blame game.  Blame equals shame - and success is not fueled by ignominy.

 2)      Stop making excuses.  There is no excuse for excuses.  Success is not fueled by false pretext.

 3)      Stop comparing.  Compare yourself to who you are and what you demand of yourself.  Success is not fueled by envy.

 4)      Stop majoring in minor things.  Invest your resources in activities that will fulfill your dreams and ambitions. Success is not fueled by wasting time doing trivial and irrelevant things.

 5)      Stop giving up control.  You can’t change what others say or do, but you can change yourself; how you think and act.  You’re the pilot of your own life, so take control.  Success is not fueled by giving up your control. 

 When you “stop” and think about it… you’ll come to understand the truth about your future.  And the truth is, that when you cultivate your own resiliency… success and happiness is right around the corner!

Extra, extra – read all about it  !  Just about everything you hear, read, and see in the media and discuss around the water cooler that relates to the economy and job market is negative. 

Unemployment is up… blah, blah, blah.  Unemployment is down but long term employment problems prevail… blah, blah, blah.  If congress doesn’t act to pass economic tax reform, the economy will be heading towards a fiscal cliff… blah, blah, blah.  The president is not acting swiftly enough to encourage GDP to rise anytime soon; which translates to no job growth… blah, blah, blah.  Businesses continue to outsource jobs overseas, creating an employment epidemic throughout the country… blah, blah, blah. 

Become unstoppable !

Human innovation, creativity, resourcefulness, and determination are what separate you from all other living life forms.  When engaged and operating on all cylinders, there is nothing that can prevent the human spirit (and human will) from attaining its goal.  When you rekindle your natural and instinctive entrepreneurial and intrepreneurial flame of achievement… and acknowledge that there is no lack of opportunities available to you; and no restrictions on what you can do for a living or income you can earn… you become unstoppable !

You don’t need to invent something new to make a good living

Wayne Huizinga built 3 billion dollar companies based on old ideas… trash collecting (Waste Management), video rentals (Blockbuster Video), and used cars (AutoNation).  Oprah Winfrey made a fortune doing what others, like Merv Griffin, had been doing for years… talk shows.  Ted Turner made his wealth on an old idea… news (CNN).  And Meg Whitman made a pretty good living on an existing idea… garage sales – online (eBay). 

Yes, there are unlimited opportunities and income to be made by creating new ideas and promoting them.  But you don’t have to come up with a new idea, a new invention, or a new technology to earn a great living.  Millions of people are taking existing ideas and improving or reinventing them.  There are virtually untold numbers of services and products that can be improved or taken to a new level.

When you begin to reply on your own creativity and resourcefulness, rather than an employer or the government, you will come to understand that you can easily and enthusiastically provide your own job security. 

Plenty of jobs / unlimited opportunities !

Regardless of what you see in the media, hear from the US Bureau of Labor, or discuss with your friends, neighbors, or relatives… there are plenty of jobs out there for job seekers who follow Jay Block’s 5 Steps to Rapid Employment program. 

More importantly, for those who transition from job seekers to opportunity seekers… there are unlimited opportunities.  No, this is no smoke-and-mirrors bugaboo.  Below is a link that exemplifies an excellent example of our Protean mantra of unlimited opportunities.  

View the videos and read the short article about Genevieve Thiers – the millionaire mom who created a million dollar opportunity from her dorm room… innovating a very old idea !

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/driven/millionaire-mom-creates-com-sensation-dorm-room-145332435.html

(Edited by Admin User - original submission Monday, June 18, 2012, 12:46 PM)

(Edited by Admin User - original submission Tuesday, June 19, 2012, 12:07 PM)

The Industrial Age workplace is over

The Industrial Age workplace is over and has been replaced by the Protean workplace.  There are no jobs or careers for life and no job security.  And businesses and organizations can no longer rest on their laurels.  If businesses and organizations don’t improve and keep up with constant change; they’ll be overtaken by competitors that will.

The Protean workplace is the new workplace; and it’s here to stay.  The Protean workplace is one where individuals, businesses, managers, and employees MUST take personal responsibility, anticipate the future (and future trends), and act to adapt to the future they foresee.  

No more job security for employees

Today, the only job security that employees can depend on is the job security they provide themselves.  All employees in all sectors of the workplace (private, non profit, federal, etc.) must accept that many variables have created an uncertain, complex, and volatile workplace.  Technology and outsourcing are replacing jobs. 

American companies are experiencing global competition from formidable rivals; and must do whatever is necessary to compete and survive.  No longer isAmericathe superpower of manufacturing.  And no longer isAmericathe only economic superpower. China,South Korea,India,Japan, theEuropean Economic Community, and now – developing nations have become real economic powers to be reckoned with.

Protean employees:  4 tips to thrive in the new Protean workplace

Protean employees can no longer depend on companies / employers or the government for their livelihood; they must depend on themselves.  Protean employees must assume personal responsibility, anticipate the future, determine where they fit into the future they anticipate, and act and adapt according.  Below are 4 strategic tips for Protean employees to take advantage of… that will lead to greater job security and a better future.

1)      Become an intrapreneur (entrepreneurial employee) and approach your job as if it’s your own enterprise.  Arrive earlier, work harder and smarter, and stay a bit longer.  Always go the extra mile and give more than what’s expected or required. 

2)      Bring more value to your job everyday.  Before you turn on the television, turn on your mind. Invest 30-60 minutes everyday reading a book or an article that will benefit your employer tomorrow.  Get online and seek out strategies, processes, ideas, and tools that will help your employer grow, perform more efficiently, and thrive.  If you don’t bring more value to your job everyday, you will become worth less (worthless) to your employer over time; and place your job and your future in jeopardy.  

3)      Be responsible for your own self development and your own professional training. Never begrudge the investment you make in your own personal and professional development.  Don’t depend on the company to provide training; depend on yourself.  Take courses, attend seminars and workshops, and invest in skill and qualification enhancement.  It will benefit your employer and it will benefit your future as well.

4)      Adjust your attitude and arrive at work everyday with positive energy and an abundance of enthusiasm.  Employers state that ‘poor attitudes’ represent the most significant skill gap and performance deterrent over any other specific skill.  Thomas Jefferson said, “Nothing can stop a person with the right mental attitude from achieving his and her goal; but nothing on earth can help the person with the wrong mental attitude.”

That sums it up rather well.

(Edited by Admin User - original submission Monday, June 18, 2012, 12:50 PM)

The Industrial Age workplace has been replaced by the Protean workplace.

Consider this

* No jobs or careers for life anymore; no job security

* No guaranteed benefits, vacation days, sick days, pensions, or even paychecks

* Companies, industries, and jobs that are here today but gone tomorrow

* High unemployment and no new significant “labor intensive” industries on the horizon

A SHIFT to a new transformational workplace

The workplace has experienced a MONUMENTAL  SHIFT where employers no longer take care of employees.  Today, individuals must assume full responsibility for the management of their own careers and livelihood. 

The 2 key factors that have contributed to this workplace shift are 1) technology and 2) globalization.  Technology, automation, and robotics are eliminating jobs as is globalization.  Freed from the shackles of communism in the early 1990’s, 1.8 BILLION new inductees have entered the free market system from countries once dominated by theSoviet Union.  It’s not justIndia andChina that businesses are outsourcing work to. 

Protean careers

The Protean Career is a concept that requires everyone to 1) monitor and assess the job market; 2) anticipate future developments, trends, and industry shifts, 3) gain the necessary skills, qualifications, relationships, and assets to meet the shifts, and 4) adapt quickly to thrive in an ever-changing workplace.  The word “Protean” comes from the Mythical Greek Sea God “Proteus,” who was best known for 1) predicting and foretelling the future and 2) his versatility and adaptability to acclimate himself to successfully meet and thrive in the future he envisioned.

In today’s transformational, constantly changing workplace, everyone must master the strengths of Proteus!

Unlimited Opportunities !

There may be limited jobs, but there are unlimited opportunities. Today, anyone can reach out and touch 7 billion people around the globe for jobs, business opportunities, new markets… for almost anything —  and for FREE !  But each of us must take personal responsibility for our futures.  We can no longer depend on businesses / employers or government.  We MUST depend on our own creativity and resourcefulness. 

Job seekers must become opportunity seekers

The entrepreneurial spirit must be reignited throughout our society, our educational system… everywhere !  The NEW career coach will teach Protean Careers.   Authors, educational career center staff, and One-Stop trainers must acknowledge that we live in the post Industrial Age workplace – and thus, prepare students and “opportunity seekers” to thrive in the new Protean workplace.

6 tips to thrive in the new Protean workplace

1. Reduce television timeand spend an hour a day contemplating the future and where you fit in.  You can’t change anything tomorrow with the same thoughts you have today.
2. Don’t put all your financial eggs in one basket;consider multiple sources of income.
3. Bring more value to the marketplace tomorrow than you did today;invest in lifelong education and increase your worth, so you are compensated accordingly.
4. Create your own job.You don’t have to invest big bucks to start a business.  Just seek out opportunities and go for it!  Become a painter, a cook, an electrician, a subcontractor, or form a web-based business. Be resourceful and identify ways to self-generate income.
5. Downsize your life and live within your means.The federal government is broke and most states are as well.  All of society must become fiscally responsible.
6. Invest in good health. No one can build a thriving future with poor health, no energy, and a negative mindset.  We all must work as hard on ourselves as we do on our careers.

For more information join the LinkedIn Protean Careers group at:

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=3533493&trk=anet_ug_grppro

(Edited by Admin User - original submission Monday, June 18, 2012, 01:07 PM)