7 Ways to Network Your Way Out Of a Job and Into a Work At Home Career

August 28th, 2010

Everyday you can read articles about how people network and find another job. You can find countless numbers of books and articles on how to create relationships to find jobs that might not otherwise be known. But what about people who don’t want to work?

I am not talking about a lazy person without any ambition. The person I am referring to is the unemployable, the serial entrepreneur or corporate refugee. If you are currently working in a job and what you want is not another job but to become a work at home entrepreneur networking can still be for you.

Here are 7 networking strategies you can use to catapult your work from home career.

1. Create your own Board of Directors. IBM and Microsoft are not the only ones who should have a boardroom team. As a home based business owner you want to have a group of people who you can meet with, mastermind and get advice from.

Often times they may see skills and talents in you that you might not recognize. Once you have identified what your business goal is you have the opportunity to leverage the power of six degrees of separation. Six degrees of separation is the principle that anyone on earth can be connected to another person on the planet through a chain of acquaintances that has no more than five relationships apart.

2. Join Networking Organizations for Entrepreneurs. Successful business owners like to connect with each and expand their relationships. Look for organizations that have business owners in the same area of interest as you. Don’t just see them as competitors. Look for opportunities that you might be able to assist them in some way. Here are a couple of groups to consider:

The Chamber of Commerce

BNI (Business Networking International

Le-Tip

Rotary International

Each of these organizations have different personalities and cultures. Attend a few meetings before you call one of them home. Know what you ultimately want. Basil S. Walsh states, “If you don’t know where you are going, how can you expect to get there?”

First establish in very specific detail what you are going to achieve. Did you notice that I said going to achieve? Life will give you exactly what you expect from it. Start with the end in mind.

Now is the time to dream big and visualize what your life will look like when you are a successful business owner. Don’t worry about the how. Simply set goals by asking yourself some key questions such as:

A. What would I love to do even if I did not get paid for it?

B. How many days will I work each week?

C. What type of work from home business am I interested in?

D. Where will I live?

E. What do I like to do?

Determine what you need to happen to get out your job. Do you know how much you need to make in your business to leave your job?  What is your financial freedom number? Your financial freedom number is the amount of income you need to have coming in passively each month to cover all of your expenses.

One of the reasons you want to know this is when you are looking at home based business income opportunities you want to choose one that has the profit potential you want and need. If your financial freedom number is £5000.00 per month you don’t want to choose a business that does not have the potential to net that on a passive basis.

As you are networking and meeting new people you can analyze the business opportunities that arise from a totally unemotional point of view because you are clear about your goals.

3. Remember it is better to give then receive. One of the biggest problems I see with networking is most people go in it to see what they can get first before they give. Always look for a way to be of service to the people that you meet first. There is a universal law of reciprocity. You will always get back more than you give out. As you get to know people think about how you can help to enrich their life or help them towards their goals.

If you read an article or run across something that might be of help to them send it. When you have a genuine interest in others success you are blessed through your giving.

Some people call it karma and others say you reap what you sow. My life’s experiences have been blessed more than I could have every imagined whenever I give.

So look for ways to contribute. You may be able to do this in a variety of ways:

a. Volunteer to work with them some way.

b. Introduce them to people in your network that could help them.

c. Send notes or articles that might be areas of interest or
could help to increase their business.

4. Learn how to joint venture or strategically partnership. One of the fastest ways to get out of your job, launch a business or simply make some money is to create a joint venture with someone.

Joint Venturing is a way to take either yourself or two other people who could profit from working together but simply did not have the relationship. You profit from making the connection.

For example you know a veterinarian has a large practice with a list of over 700 clients. You also have a relationship with a new pet groomer in the city who is trying to increase his business. You put the two together and every time the pet groomer gets a new client due to your structuring this deal you get paid. We call this mail box money. Money comes in your mail box whether you work or not.

5. Set up a written networking plan. I am amazed at how much time and effort people will spend to find a new job. However, when it comes to designing a plan to exit the rat race they do it almost haphazardly. You will be much more effective if you have a written plan. The plan does not have to be elaborate. Here are some of the basic things you want to cover:

a. What is my goal?

b. Who do I want to meet?

c. What events should I focus on?

d. How often should I be networking?

6. Attend seminars and boot camp events. Specialized knowledge is one of the keys to being successful in a home based business. When you attend boot camps and seminars you able to surround yourself with like minded people as well as learn from the experts.

However, if you really want to make these educational experiences profitable do three things:

a. Introduce yourself to at least 3 people and get their cards. Ask them why they are there and what they hope to get out of the event. Exchange numbers and ask, “What is the single most important thing you need help in making your business venture successful?”

When you ask this of someone else you will genuinely get to know someone and you may be able to help them. In addition, out of respect they will want to know more about you and a new relationship may be formed.

b. Go to lunch with someone you meet at the seminar and tell them the things you learned so far and will implement. There is something about speaking your goal out loud that will make it real. If you immediately implement one single action every time you learn something the results will grow exponentially.

c. Introduce yourself to the speaker. Sometimes this can be difficult if the event is large. However, if there is a book signing buy their book so while they are signing it you can ask one question. My question is, “What is the single most important skill you contribute to your success?”  You might like my question or you can come up with your own. The point is you have a great opportunity to network and learn from someone who is a master at their craft. Seize the opportunity.

7.Have a goal for every networking opportunity. Simply going to an event and “working the room” almost never yields any measurable results. Before you attend any event know what you want your outcome to be in advance. Are you going to meet specific person? How will you insure your introduction? Make sure you have crafted out a plan and enlist support from someone to help you execute if needed.

For example, if you want to meet someone ask the host of the networking event if they know the person and if they would be willing to introduce you. Your chances of success are almost guaranteed due to the nature of the event.

Networking is often an overlooked opportunity to find a way out of the rat race. If you want to look for a work at home career, connections can be a key to rapid success. Get the inside tips and discover 7 ways to network your way out of a job.

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Starting Your Career In Information Technology - Or Accelerating Your Current One !

August 19th, 2010

Many newcomers to the IT field are surprised when they find out it’s tougher to get that first job than they thought it would be.  I know exactly what that’s like.  I’ve had a great career in IT and I’d recommend it to anyone, but I had a tough time breaking in as well.  I’d like to share some tips with you on how to get started on what can be a financially rewarding and personally satisfying career in Information Technology.

School systems are a great place to start.  A lot of newcomers forget that schools around the world need IT personnel to support school networks, printers, etc.  I began my career with a public school system and it was the best move I could ever have made.  If you land such a job, you’ll be doing everything from unjamming printers to supporting the school’s Local Area Network (LAN).  You get experience that is going to look great on your resume - you’ll have a big advantage over those whose job responsibilities are narrower.  You won’t make a lot of money, but what you need at the beginning of your career is experience, not money. Which brings me to my second point ….

Don’t chase the pounds.  I know, I know.  We all like money, and besides, maybe you’ve got some bills to pay!  I’m not suggesting you work for free, but the question you must ask yourself when starting your IT career is this:  “What do I want my resume to look like in three years?”  The money will be there - if your resume shows a broad range of experience.  That’s what you need to get when you’re considering your first job.  Use your long-term vision to decide what kind of IT job you want to be in three years from now, and get a job that will give you the necessary experience.

Get certified.  You have entered a field where you are always learning - or at least, you better be!  If you stand still and stop learning, your skills will become obsolete and your IT career will stall.  Start adding certifications to your resume to go along with your experience.  Look into programs that deal primarily with PCs, such as A+, and then look at more advanced certifications such as the MCSE and the CCNA.  When you are certified in all three major networking areas (hardware, server OS, and routers), you are a “triple threat”!  Combine that with some experience and you will end up with a very impressive resume.

Network.  Networking has two different meanings in IT, and you know the first one.  But besides computer networking, there’s human networking.  Get out there and meet people.  Your local newspaper has a business section -check it for IT group meetings.  The more you’re seen, the more chance you have of being remembered.  It’s a small world, and IT is a small world as well.  Meet the business leaders of your area as well. It is amazing how a quick face-to-face meeting or conversation can lead to great things down the road.

Having a successful IT career isn’t just about knowing a lot about computers and networks.  It’s knowing the right way to get started, getting the right combination of experience and certifications, and meeting people.  I know from experience that it’s tough to get started.  I also know from experience that no career field rewards individual drive like IT does. So get started today - and if you feel your IT career is stalled, take a step back, list the reasons why this has happened, and then do something about it!

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The Ever Changing Workplace : Preperation for Your Career in this Rapidly Changing World

August 11th, 2010

The forces of technology and globalization are rapidly changing the nature of work.  Savvy jobseekers know that they need to prepare for these predicted workplace developments.

In the changing job market you must both anticipate changes as well as prepare in an organized yet flexible manner.

Flexibility , training , education  and  most important preparation with all of these factors  as well as psychological preparation  of yourself and your mindset .

What are these changes that are occurring for you to constantly observe and anticipate in your ongoing preparation in this ever changing  employment market ?

1)  Technology will continue to advance and will affect how, when and where business is done; the pace of work: and how people communicate.

2)   The global economy will continue to result in some jobs being outsourced to other countries and will lead to more mergers, and management changes.  Resourcefulness, adaptability, and efficiency will be essential for workers to succeed.

3)      International time differences will demand flexible hours and possibly extra hours to communicate to conduct business.

4)      A complex and diverse workforce will require workers to be flexible, respect differences, and work together to increase productivity.

5)   Workers can expect to change jobs about ten times during their working career.
Managing one’s career is a must.

6)      Small businesses will prosper, and home based businesses and services will multiply.  Entrepreneurial skills and attitudes will be important.

7)  The fastest growing occupations are computers , preventive health care , and other health and human services  , such as registered nursing , social work , police work and after September 12 security .

8) Most of the fastest-growing occupations will require specific post-secondary education, on-the-job training, or a bachelor’s degree. Education and training will be especially critical.-

To gain a competitive edge, today’s job seekers must know about changes like these and demonstrate a positive attitude that shows that they are ready, willing, and able to take on these challenges.

There are nine success strategies to follow to help you achieve your full career potential.  These success strategies profoundly affect career success at every step

1)   Positive thinking and behavior
2 )  Visualizations
3 )  Positive self talk
4)   Affirmation self-talk
5)   Dynamic goal setting
6 )   Positive action
7)   Assertive behavior
8)   Self-esteem builders
9)   Proactive habits

These nine success strategies and behaviors are major career enhancers that help transform goals into realizations.  Pay close attention to any that are new ideas for you. They provide wide-ranging benefits; you can use them to

-    Create and sustain your inner drive
-     Increase your confidence
-    generate mental and physical energy
-    Guide you toward your goals
-    Improve your performance

It is shocking but true:  The most qualified person is not always the one who gets the job or promotion.
The person hired is the one whom the employer perceives to be the most qualified. Your experience, skills, resumes, and more - your entire job search package – are greatly enhanced when you practice these key job search success strategies.

The employment scene is changing worldwide in a major ongoing way.

Prepare for your employment career with both analytical skills as well as psychological prepeartion  thoroughly .

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Online Job Hunting Websites:

August 3rd, 2010

Online Job Hunting Websites:  Why You Should Post Your Resume

If you are looking for a new job or a new career, there is a good chance that you would turn to websites which are commonly referred to as online job hunting websites or career hunting websites.  Two popular and well-known examples of these websites are CareerBuilder.com and Monster.com.  What is nice about these online job hunting websites is that you can search through hundreds or even thousands of job listings for your area, but did you know that you can also do more than that?

As it was previously mentioned, many career hunting or job hunting websites allow you to search through job listings in or around your area. This is often done by entering in your zip code and then a specific mile radius, which you would be willing to travel.  You can even customize your searches a little bit more, to search for a certain type of job or a job in a specific industry, like medicine.  Many career hunting or job hunting websites allow you to search through their listings without creating an account, but if you would like to apply for any of the job listings that you come across, you will need to register for an account. While different career hunting or job hunting websites vary, many are free to use.

When applying for a job, through an online career hunting or job hunting website, the application process will all depend on the website in question. In most cases, you will be required to fill out a small form. That form may ask your full name, your address, your telephone number, as well as a little bit of information about your work experience and the education that you received.  In addition to this information, which in a way resembles a standard job application, you will need to attach your resume.  Many career hunting or job hunting websites allow you to upload your resume to their system or have you create a new one in their system.  This resume is what will basically determine if you get an interview; therefore, it is important that you always make sure to attach a resume when applying for a job online, even if the employer in question only says that one is optional.

Although it is advised that you attach a resume whenever applying for a job, especially online, there are many job hunting or career hunting websites that allow you to do more than that.  For instance, many also allow you to post your resume online or make it searchable; searchable to employers who use the website in question.  What does this mean for you?  It means that you and your resume could get exposure without you having to do any work yourself. The simple uploading of your resume, the clicking of the searchable box, and you should be good to go.  As a reminder, most career hunting or job hunting websites do not make your resume available to the general public, just the employers who use their services; therefore, you shouldn’t have to worry about your resume falling into the wrong hands.

As previously stated, uploading your resume to a job hunting or career hunting website and making it searchable may be help you land a job or at least an interview with little or no work on your part.  This is because many employers actually find it easier to search for the perfect candidates themselves, instead of having to go through hundreds or thousands of resumes and job applications, many from those whose are not even qualified for the job in question anyways. So, that is why it is important that you have your resume posted and made viewable by employers on career hunting or job hunting websites. You never really know who may come across your resume or what type of job they will offer you.

As a reminder, most career hunting or job hunting websites allow you to use their services, as well as post your resume on their websites free of charge. That is all the more reason as to why you should make your resume available for viewing; you have nothing to lose by doing so.

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Changing Careers Made Easy

July 27th, 2010

Are you finally ready to move on with your life? While it may sometimes feel like you are the only one in the world trying to change your plans, the average jobseeker actually changes careers seven times during his or her lifetime. That’s good news because at least you know that other people have successfully made career changes.

So what are the options for successfully making the transition?

Option 1: This option is to stay at your current job while you carry out volunteer work to gain the appropriate work experience. You may have to do such work on weekends, during the evenings or from home by special arrangement. Most small businesses do welcome those who can do volunteer work.

Option 2: Another option is to move to the new company and field and continue doing your normal job role. In doing so, you can carry out work that you feel comfortable with while taking stock of the new environment. This will give you valuable exposure to the new job so that you can informally initiate and be proactive at assisting and helping out in any capacity within that job role.

Option 3: In some professions, it is impossible to successfully make the transition without first re-training. This often involves acquiring professional qualifications. Never dive into the first training option that comes your way but rather do thorough research to ensure that you end up selecting the very best option available to you.

Option 4: According to our research, many career changers have decided to forgo working only one job in favor of taking on multiple jobs. You may want to consider whether you want to be part of this growing trend and increase both the pay and flexibility of your lifestyle.

Working Through Your Options: Selecting an appropriate option or options boils down to what kind of career change you are after and the level of flexibility provided by that industry. It is critical, therefore, to research and weigh what option will best serve your purpose by realistically evaluating your personal, social and financial commitments. You may discover in the process that, for instance, the fastest option is not the best suited to you due to certain obligations; you may need to pace or stagger the transition. Be realistic and set sensible goals that will not frustrate your career change efforts.

The bottom line is this: no matter what your circumstances and commitments, you can achieve your career change goal. Just be patient: it may take a little bit longer than you may have anticipated. To keep things moving as efficiently as they can, start acquiring the skills you need to begin working on your career change today. To test how good your current job market skills are, start by taking this FREE Job Market Performance Assessment.

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