This past few months has been a strange time for me. I have seen the company that I was working for fold, gone into business for myself and had to re-tool my skill set to match the types of jobs that I want to land. While reaching out to my community of peers and network of professional friends, I've found that I am not alone.
Photo by Acacia Shanklin (@acaciaonline)
We met digitally, so I thought, why not pick her brain digitally on how she has attacked this transition, how the internet is affecting her search, and what exactly is the merit of social media in the South East Michigan job market.
So you've just put your 2-Week Notice in with your current employer, what's the very first thing that you need to take care of now?
Prior to submitting my notice, I took a hard look at exactly what I wanted for my career AND lifestyle. It was obvious I loved my job, but it was apparent I was ready for the next step. I took a look at my network and mentors and realized independent consulting was the perfect fit. I put in my notice and reached out to my network immediately for feedback, advice, and direction. There are a few people who've really taken the time to teach me what it will really take to make my concept a reality. I couldn't be here without them.
Everyone has heard the phrase, "It's not what you know, but who you know." In today's job market, do you think this has any merit?
Absolutely (see above). However, it doesn't matter the "caliber" of the people you know; as long as they're the type of people you can learn from--not the kind who will just connect you to a job for the sake of an income--I think you can meet your personal objectives. For example, Barack Obama isn't going to take the time to explain how to become the greatest digital strategist in the country, but I'm sure his connections could plop me into a cushy salary.
You and I both came from a situation where we left a job without a new job lined up. Given the job market in South East Michigan .... are we crazy?
We're probably considered crazy by fellow metro-Detroiters, but would be average risk takers around Silicon Valley. I quit my job to pursue my own adventures. Traditional employment is NOT a symbol for stabilty, let alone ambition, anymore. That perception is a lie--just look at the auto industry.
Taking this risk will be the ultimate learning experience. Maybe I'll think about an MBA later, but for now I'm learning by doing. So, no. We're not crazy. How big of an impact is the internet going to have as you embark on your job search? (and) I've heard people call you the "Social Media Princess." Even though you hate the name, how big of an impact do you think Social Media will have on your search?
Thankfully I'm not looking for a job, but looking for contract work. The benefit for businesses is they are able to make a big impact without the risk of hiring someone they might end up laying off. Of course, the question is kind of funny as I create strategies for business to leverage the internet to grow their business.
So far, and it's early, all of my contracts have been through network referral. I use the internet, particularly social media, to stay connected, share resources, and keep current. It's definitely the pivotal piece of my livelihood. More Important: A killer resume or a killer website?
Both, but for different purposes. Your resume is an opportunity to show what you have done. Your website is an opportunity to show what you are doing. Unfortunately neither can really replace the value of a conversation. For me, privacy requirements make it hard to talk about the gritty details (client names, ROI gained, etc), so I've found it easy to use the resume and website as a topical ice breaker and get down to real business one-to-one. What methods are you using to find the types of jobs you are interested in?
Outside of discussing opportunities within my network, I've taken a look at some online job boards to see where the market is heading and what people are focusing on growing. You can learn a lot by the way a company forms a job description including culture insight, performance priorities, and priority allocation. What methods are you using so that those types of jobs are finding you?
One of the top 10 items on my post-two week notice task list was to re-build my website. I'm also connecting with other professionals who share my target market in other capacities. For example, advertising and public relations agencies are great to connect with because I supplement their services, provide a measurable return on investment, and allow them to better serve their clients.
What is something you're doing to stay connected to the workforce?
I was just invited to "break in" the new co-working space at Urbane on Adams in Birmingham along with four other solo-entrepreneurs (solopreneurs). I'm the only female in the space thus far (I'm told there aren't a lot of technology-related female entrepreneurs), which feels familiar since most web development firms are primarily male. My "co-workers" at the Urbane space includes mobile phone application developers and indie music online marketer. It's really relaxed and a lot of fun to see the kind of projects they're working on. The entrepreneurial energy is really indescribable.
I also keep connected through industry related events, some of which I've had the opportunity to speak at. Some of my favorites include Detroit Tweetups, local conferences (like TEDxDetroit and BrandCamp), and LA2M (an Ann Arbor lunch marketing group).
Kyle Stuef is a marketing consultant who blogs on Internet/technology trends, and being a young professional in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor for The Deuce and AnnArbor.com
He can be reached at: kstuef@gmail.com
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