Build your presence to build your success

An exploration of your opportunities

Introduction Visibility into the real job market The power and potential of networking Virtual branding’s light and dark sides Cultivating your environment for success Making networking actionable today and

into the future Closing and Q&A

Agenda

Introduction You’re here at RTC to do something great

To do this, you’re likely:◦ Developing new skills◦ Continuing your education◦ Looking to find a new job◦ Wanting to land a promotion◦ Finding new ways to effectively use your talents

How are you going to find the right fit?

Introduction

Educational background:◦ Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (2003)◦ Masters of Business Administration (2008) ◦ Masters of Science Positive Organizational Development

and Change (2009)

Professional experience:◦ Past pursuits: IBM, Boeing, Consulting, Big/Small Business◦ Current: Sr. Change Management Consultant, Logic 20/20

Web 2.0 experience:◦ Enterprise, leadership development, large scale change◦ Avid LinkedIn user, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Blogger◦ Twitter and Facebook for fun and some networking

I’ve been in similar shoes

Learn from my story

Learn from my efforts

Why does this matter?

You may not be aware…

Visibility into the real job market

The Job Market

Network OutreachAdvertised

75%

25%

Do you believe that? 75% is a big amount That’s 3 times the amount you see

publicized

Think about it

What is the compelling reason to go with network outreach instead of an advertising source?

Visibility into the real job market

Visibility into the real job market

Your network is immensely valuable

A good network has:◦ People you can depend on◦ People who can depend on you◦ People who want to see you succeed

Networking enhances your personal and professional efforts

There is no end to the pursuit of or benefits that can be drawn from networking

The power and potential of networking

Awareness is increased both ways

The more awareness you have, the more opportunity you will have available to you

The power and potential of networking

So, how do you do this?

Web 2.0 with its virtual branding presents fantastic opportunities

Exposure, research, and openings to connect are virtually everywhere (literally!)

Virtual branding’s light and dark sides

Here are some popular sites that bring forth loads of information to your eyes and fingertips:

LinkedIn Myspace Orkut Facebook Twitter Friendster Wordpress

Along with finding out more information on others, others can find out more information on you…

These types of actions can mean trouble:◦ Getting tagged in unfortunate pictures◦ Poorly handling online situations, remarks, or

postings

Whether or not it’s true, regrettable things can be seen by your network

Virtual branding’s light and dark sides

Drive your own virtual presence!◦ Google yourself for a preview◦ Create profiles on LinkedIn, Google, and/or other notable sites◦ Make an online portfolio that makes others WANT to be

connected with you ◦ Demonstrate your worth, credibility, insight and value

Virtual branding’s light and dark sides

Then you have leverage, openings, and focus

The more focused you are with your resources and capabilities, the higher the likelihood of your success

Plan for your success:◦ What is your eventual goal?◦ What needs to happen to get there?

Use this information to establish what you want to learn, acquire, partner with and more

Useful tools/techniques:◦ Elevator pitch◦ Unique value proposition◦ Informational interviewing◦ Communication strategy

Cultivating your environment for success

Some may not know how to start networking

Best options are ones that give mutual benefit

Try LinkedIn! It’s a great tool to use

Making networking actionable today and into the future

LinkedIn: Profile creation

1. Create your profile2. Connect with your network3. Cultivate your opportunities

Making networking actionable today and into the future

Use your handout to help map your network

Beyond your immediate circle, think of your interests, alliances, partnerships, affiliations and other groups that you associate

The better they know you and your interests, the more likely you can find opportunities

Making networking actionable today and into the future

Find your top options available – who do you want to contact and when?

Understand that the approach you take to connect should vary to fit the interaction

Preferences vary on what is most comfortable, helpful, and fitting

Making networking actionable today and into the future

LinkedIn: www.linkedin/in/whittice

Twitter: http://twitter.com/twhitterpated

Blog: http://blog.seattlepi.com/organizationalstrategist

Thank you & Questions