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How to Survive and Thrive In the New World of Work
Hello My Name Is…
The most committed networker on the planet is one Scott Ginsberg. Every day for the past eight years Scott has worn a nametag saying ‘Hello, my name is Scott’. Scott and his nametag are now a business – a business about how to be noticed and approached wherever you go. Scott is his own brand and Scott is doing very nicely thank you.
So let’s talk about you. Ok, you don’t have to go as far as Scott Ginsberg (did we tell you he’s even tattooed a name tag on his chest) but the new world of work means that you have to be committed to getting yourself out there and known for your specific skills and experience.
Your skills are you calling card, but your skills aren’t much use if no one knows who you are or how to track you down.
Rule 1. Keeping yourself fresh, relevant and visible
If you are a contractor or freelance worker, it’s imperative to keep your personal brand dynamic and fresh. Frog Recruitment’s Jane Kennelly says, “Last week we had one woman who was approached by four different outfits that simply found her on LinkedIn. So rule number one is to keep uploading the freshest, latest version of you to the likes of LinkedIn - a major forum where potential employers window-shop for talent.”
By the way, Linked In is not just for serious bizos. Everyone from scientists and engineers, to florists and travel guides are working LinkedIn to build their own specific social networks of like-minded specialists, populated by those looking for work and those looking to have work done.
Rule 2. Working the digital room…it’s not all about you!
So you’ve joined LinkedIn and opened a Twitter account – where are your connections?
Rule number two is that digital networking means it’s not all about you.
Networking was once synonymous with the maneuver of gingerly entering a drab hotel conference hall and beginning the frantic business card shuffle – in the vain hope of doing that career changing deal. (Who were we kidding?)
Networking in its purest form is about fostering supportive, professional friendships - near, far and wide. It’s more about giving then receiving. A genuine networker is one who is prepared to offer advice and help, while also making a genuine approach to ask for assistance or sage advice in a direct, sincere way.
The questions that need asking are; what special interest groups do you need to join and contribute to? Who are the influencers and thinkers in your targeted communities that you must make yourself known to? Finally, are you building your network? Think present and past co-workers, friends, family, and family friends, referees... This is a place where the ‘who you know rule’…rules.
Rule 3. Adapt to change in work and life
To keep in ‘network shape’ might include taking on a mentor or formal coaching to develop an appealing set of goals for you. Why not throw in a couple of audacious life goals for good measure. If it’s all just about work…well that’s a pretty sad goal. Remember, there’s only one destination in the final taxi.
We’re not talking about getting a university degree. In fact it could be said that over qualification is now the norm. What’s not the norm are those that strive to keep up-to-date with new technology innovations and identify new trends developing, as key drivers in their work world.
Bill Boorman, an inveterate blogger, tweeter, LinkedIn and Facebook networker on all things recruitment and human resources believes that no matter how cynical you are around networking, you should take time to acquaint yourself with the technology and then you can say ‘it’s not for me.’ Boorman recently assisted Hard Rock Café Italy source 3500 new employees using only Facebook. 9000 candidates applied by uploading their resumes, either written or video, to a dedicated Facebook Fan Page. Those who made the shortlist then selected their own interview slot – to be live or via Skype - using an online scheduling software program called Tungle.
Furthermore, get ready for this new term to catch on; non-standard work practices. In the new world of work it’s ok for your work and your life to intersect in a sane way via job sharing, compressed work weeks, resigning to become a contractor with your current employer to obtain flexible start/finish times and the increasingly virtual workplace.
Rule 4. Finally…the word of mouth still rules …
You are only as good as your last job or contract – so make sure you yell it from the digital rooftops!
For more career insights check out: frogrecruitment.co.nz
FROG FACTS:
- Frog was established in 2002 by Jane Kennelly, an industry expert of some 23 years
- Frog is a fast moving, entrepreneurial company with a reputation for ‘hothouse development’ of tailored solutions that work.
- Frog challenges outmoded approaches by using the latest operating platform, tools and processes available.
- Frog’s aim: to locate and attract the best talent to your organisation with a minimum of fuss and a focus on efficient and effective delivery systems with real, authentic communication.
- Frog's partnering vision incorporates collaborative alliance, working together, exploiting synergies and lowering costs.
- Processes are tailored to add value and yield a far greater and lasting result for all.
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