taking charge™

Another benefit of the holiday season for the job seeker is the holiday party.   Every professional association,  Chamber of Commerce, civic association, neighborhood, country club, and church has a holiday event of some kind.  Take advantage of the busy calendar and fill your dance card with opportunities to build your network and nurture your network relationships.

Assuming you've done your homework and have a clear value proposition positioned for the current global marketplace AND a solid networking strategy to land your next job, and the one after that, and the next and...  

It is time to party.    

A few things to keep in mind:

Networking is about relationships, not asking for a job.   Which person would you rather talk to: the down-in-the-mouth guy who offers his card to anyone who will take it, and attends every event he can, talking about how he really needs to find a job OR the interesting professional who engages you in conversation and learns more about what is important to you?

Look at every holiday event as an opportunity to grow your network and build relationships.  

Yes, I know, you need a job, NOW!  

The fastest way to your next job is to grow that network.  

Go to those holiday events, meet new people, learn about what makes them tick, and how you can help them.  Then, follow up.  

Of course, do let them know who your current target companies or leaders are, and see if they can recommend someone you should talk to.  

It is that simple.  You will leave each party with follow ups and introductions that will grow your network, strengthen your relationships, and shorten your search this time, and the next.  

What a gift!