If you have recently found yourself out of work you are most likely feeling somewhat overwhelmed, a little lost, and afraid that you will never find work. I know this because I coach people who are looking for a job. I also know this because that is how I feel every day. In some ways I’ve been out of work for almost nine years. That’s when I decided to start my own business as a business coach. In the past few years I have worked with quite a few people who lost their job and needed support and help in finding a new one. That’s when I noticed that being unemployed and being self employed have quite a few similarities. I wanted to offer three few words of advice that have helped me succeed and I believe applies to those who are in transition.
GET OUT THERE!
Those were the words I heard from my coach about five years ago during a particularly tough period for my business. I was in my comfort zone in my office on my computer looking for clients. It wasn’t working. Here is what my coach had to say; “Get yourself out there and get exposure. You don’t have to have the perfect elevator speech, brochure, etc.” He was right. There is a strong link in my business between getting out there and getting business. (What a surprise) This is true with those looking for a job. You will not find a job from your computer. About 80% of jobs are never advertised. The only way you will find them is to network and tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. Don’t worry if your resume is not perfect, your elevator speech is the pits, or you don’t even know what you want to do. If you wait until you figure it out you may never find a job. I am an imperfect coach and yet people hire me all of the time. You are an imperfect job candidate but you will find someone will want you. Just get yourself out there!
