1. Do your prep work and know what type of people will be in attendance.
2. Read the news, so you can be up-to-speed on current events and potential conversation topics.
3. Make note of who the event organizers are, so you can thank them at the event. (Usually they are the most connected people in the room.)
4. Dress the part. Make note of the venue and expected attire.
5. Think of several conversation starters or opening lines. It doesn't have to be deep - weather, sports, local news, reasons for being there, etc.
6. Arrive on time. You can meet the organizers and work a smaller crowd.
7. Focus on the people, not the food. It's difficult to shake hands and continue conversations when your hands and mouth are always full.
8. Drink in moderation. No one wants to hear you slur about your job search.
9. Position yourself in a high traffic area.
10. Be assertive. "Hello, my name is..." Introduce yourself and start conversations.
11. Say something after your name to help lead the conversation.
12. Try not to talk with the same two people the whole night. Sure, it's more comfortable, but you can follow up with those two over coffee another day.
13. To keep the conversation going, focus on things you both know about - the guest speaker, the networking event, or the organization hosting the program.
14. Listen and ask questions. Remember, it's not all about you.
15. Hand out your business card to those you shared a conversation with, but don't fling them out like flyers.
16. Request a business card from those you would like to follow up with.
17. Bring a wingman if you're intimidated, just don't spend the entire evening chatting with your friend.
18. Tell the event planners thanks and that you enjoyed the event.
19. Jot down notes on the business cards to keep track of everyone you meet.
20. Follow up! After the event, get connected on LinkedIn, and send a personal email to request a meeting to continue conversations.

In these situations, using conventional job search tactics, such as sending unsolicited résumés, often do not produce results. More likely, there are some unconventional approaches, including joining forces with former co-workers, that may be of more benefit. One thing that career specialists agree on: Job seekers from scandal-destroyed small companies should tread carefully when discussing their former employer. Public disparagement of the company or an old boss can be risky.

Résumés can also present a difficult issue for people left jobless after a company’s scandal- caused collapse. Rather than identify a company by name, one way around this problem is to describe the company instead which may help being eliminated from consideration on paper alone. Employed individuals often use this same approach to maintain confidentiality during a search.

To help manage the interview process, it’s important to assert your lack of culpability for the failed employer and your desire to be with an ethical organization. Have a well-rehearsed explanation ready and deliver it in a confident, but relaxed demeanor.
Posted: Monday, August 03, 2009 - 12:43:31 PM by Chris Bilotta

Personal Branding – Achieving personal and professional goals by differentiating yourself by articulating your unique value through a consistent message.

• Achieving personal and professional goals - Everyone has or should have goals that they set, whether they are personal or professional. There is no benefit to setting goals if you do not reach them. It is important that your Personal Brand gives you the extra step needed to reach those goals.

• Differentiating yourself by articulating your unique value – Your Personal Brand can be the deciding factor on whether you are chosen, promoted, hired, or believed. If your Personal Brand is not viewed as valuable and unique, there is no real reason for you to be the chosen one. Therefore, it is important to create a brand that stands out and proves to be valuable and successful.

• Through a consistent message – A successful brand is one that is consistent, because if it is not, you will begin to confuse your target audience. Once confusion sets in your credibility falters and you will not be taken seriously. If you confuse your audience, you lose your audience.

Your objective is to make it as easy as possible for recruiters and hiring managers to quickly focus on key information about you as a job candidate. Your resume may only be viewed for 10-15 seconds at the most, and if it doesn’t arouse interest in that time, it goes in the wrong pile. Consider this process as a recruiter opens hundreds of documents and wades through what must seem like an endless parade of more of the same. You are part of a long line where you haven’t even had the chance to take a number.

Think about uniqueness, differentiation and standing out from the crowd. Your personal website is the vehicle where you can drive home your personal brand, value proposition and present a compelling message that is hard for anyone to duplicate and will have your audience wanting more. From a recruiter’s perspective, I am excited about the prospect of this paradigm shift and how it will transform the way job seekers and hiring managers connect.
Posted: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 8:46:14 AM by Chris Bilotta

• Establish yourself as a subject matter expert
• Build a solid reputation within your industry
• Increase your perceived value in the marketplace

Building trust and credibility are the keys to success in any marketing effort. As people begin to see your name and become aware of the benefit and knowledge that you offer, you will become known as someone whose expertise is valued. Your brand will make a permanent impression and YOU will be remembered.

Whether you are looking for a new job or striving for career advancement in your present job, your personal brand and how you market it will create the gap between you and your competitors. Remember YOU are the product. Its time to go to market and sell it!

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