Gain the Upper Edge Against the Rest

Are you looking for a job? Are you stuck trying to figure out what social media can do to promote yourself, or what it can do to help your business? Or, maybe you’re having trouble closing a sale when so many people are sensitive to spending money now.

Gain the Upper Edge

 

Last week, the New England XPO for Business held an open event at the Boston Convention & Exhibitor Center (BCEC) that featured new tips and tricks to put into practice and how it has paid off for some professionals. The event provided an opportunity for one to perfect their skills, knowledge and approach for doing business with others.

Steven Davis of CXO Advisory Group asked the audience what is the importance of ROI? It’s not only the company’s return on investment, but one must consider in today’s social media and viral reach as one’s return on influence. As I’ve mentioned before the importance of building one’s virtual presence is just as important as building rapport with others in person . Think of this when it comes to business, your brands, and building up your name, credibility and trust in the market.  Google is your brand’s engine so be sure to keep your website or personal profiles up-to-date. It’s also a great tool to check up on your competitors or other potential candidates nearby in your area. Try to make sure you end up close to the top of the list.  Contribute to a blog regularly is one sure way to get you there.

In fact, Google offers a service for you to update your personal information with Google Profiles. This is a great way to keep your information fresh, or if you need to clean out any skeletons from your virtual closet! It’s also a good way to clarify any information about yourself should some other site or virtual log be mistaken. Be sure to use many new social media platforms as if you were networking at a business conference or cocktail party. Remind the world who you are or what your business has to offer.

Some things to keep in mind when perfecting your personal pitch or that of your business:

• Provide a description of your product, service or your personal career background.
• Who are your customers or your audience?
• Why would a company and/or customer benefit from your service and/or skills?
• What expertise do you offer, or what are the unique features of the business?
• Explain some typical companies you have worked for and what do you think of the competing products/services on the market.
• Always follow-up personally to each request or inquiry.

Whether you are looking to market yourself, or your brand, it’s important to maintain a specific image and message. Use social media to bridge the gap between technology by making sure to provide a personalized voice.

Consider some of these key take-aways from the event that I’ve found helpful to give you the edge:

• Be prepared
• Transparency is key
• Clarity and accuracy of the issue
• Communication channels: explore different mediums for different things
• Know the facts and promote them
• Make sure the message is positive and strong
• Monitor your message and how others respond

As one speaker suggested, “don’t show-up and throw-up”, but rather be clear to your audience that you know the market, the trends, opportunities, threats and issues faced for a specific industry. Try this the next time you plan to meet an executive and would like to bide one’s time for another 10 minutes to prove you are knowledgeable of the field. Should you be invited to speak with someone about yourself or your business, it’s good to put together a brief agenda of your interests, as well as goals you wish to accomplish. Feel free to share this list with that individual before you get together in person.

Start networking, setting up informational interviews, or potential leads, as you navigate online and off-line to reach your goals! Need help crafting your pitch, personal profile, or assistance marketing your business? Check out some of my advice and what other’s have to say.

CNBC’s On The Money Show: Job Watch Report Features Keri Singer

CNBC’s On The Money Show is Helping Job Seekers.
Tune In for Advice on How You Can Improve Your Chances for Finding the Right Fit In A Challenging Economy.

I Did and They Listened!

Tuesday’s CNBC’s On the Money Job Watch segment presented a great opportunity for my questions to be answered personally by television host Carmen Wong Ulrich, as well as guest Jeff Taylor, founder of Monster.com and Eons.com. Each took the time to address my questions about preparing for the interview in person and proving one’s worth in this competitive job market.

Since being laid off, I’ve been making a point to attend networking events where in fact I met Jeff and heard him speak. I’ve been researching job boards online, conducting informational interviews, relying on some traditional tactics and using new types of social media tools to hopefully be recognized for the right opportunity. I’ve also been promoting my consulting services on a per project basis.

Jeff highlighted the importance to keep active all the time. He encouraged me and others not to get frustrated. Yet, I’ve noticed by surrounding myself with positive influences from friends to family, as well as getting involved in varied activities and educational opportunities, can help one during a stressful situation to be at ease. It’s also important to go through this exercise to learn more about oneself and interests.

I’ve been making a point to schedule my day that includes taking the time for my job search, researching and preparing for different meetings, sending thank you letters, but also attending classes, working out at the gym, and kicking back to be social with friends. I’ve been exploring new opportunities outside my familiar circle, as well as companies on the horizon that are hiring someone with my expertise.

Taking the time to refine my resume, putting together personalized cover letters, as well as figuring out how best to pitch myself as a professional has indeed been a learning experience. It’s about selling yourself and showcasing to others what you are capable in hopes one will take the time, commitment and investment in your skills to get the job done.

I’ve found it can’t hurt to ask others for some constructive advice. Companies may not always give it to you because it’s not always favorable. Yet,  those that do should be appreciated for offering their opinions. It’s about taking the advice for what it’s worth, but also learning to make improvements every step of the way regardless of the outcome. At the same time it’s about finding out in fact if the potential employer would be the right fit for you.

Check out the video presentation of my call into the show and interview with Carmen and Jeff.

Although I’ve had experiences in the online space, I’m very much a person that enjoys meeting people face-to-face. Inquire today about my potential candidacy with your company and call me for an interview!

Information About Me

Keri Singer’s Resume