Networking strategy - Part 15

As I said in my previous post, direct application to job ads won't take you far and will only hit the tip of the iceberg, where there is a fierce competition which, in the end, delivers little to the bottom line: jobs that are advertised are more likely to be the ones previous HR means was not able to fill.

Be savvy!

Avoid hitting the wall by circumventing it. 

We might tend to think that the only way out is to go through. We get caught up, maybe just because we are too close to the wall. Step back and you might find a detour.

The blue ocean strategy

"Blue Ocean Strategy suggests that an organization should create new demand in an uncontested market space, or a "Blue Ocean", rather than compete head-to-head with other suppliers in an existing industry." - Wikipedia

People are fighting hard for a desired position at a well-known company. Well, good on them. Just let them concentrate all their efforts into proving that they can be the best of the best to a limited number of companies. The rest is all yours! ..and it is virgin. (Yes, I do like Virgin Group!)

Find an alternative solution

You know your market and have in mind and idea to leverage it. But, it is too difficult, or premature ...

Consider the syaing that goes "They did not know it was impossible, so they did it" - Mark Twain

Employers are looking for people that will bring solutions to the table. If you come up with an interesting idea and even better, a concept, worth being developed that could enhance the industry and thereby generate a profitable business, then why not? Why wouldn't you be hired!?

You will need to think out of the box

"Going along with the crowd is rarely a good choice" - R. Branson. How would you then identify the issues and think of an original solution?

Offer a value proposition

When you land it, you have to lead it. "Be sufficiently courageous, visionary or perhaps plain crazy enough to establish a brand new business sector" - R. Branson

Because it is innovative, it is new and does not exist yet or just partially. That is why you are more likely to develop it by yourself. Jump into the "Blue Ocean" (with calculated risks)! This will be your contribution to the community.
You will have something to offer to people struggling at their daily tasks. Thereby, you will instigate curiosity and raise interest.

Consider having a pro-active approach

Networking is a secular way of doing business. With the Web 2.0  we got all connected. With social media we are empowered with actively spreading our networks and articulate connections to generate business opportunities.

Networking will not only be an effective way to break into a specific market reaching out targeted contacts but also spread your reputation out of a stuffy private circle in order to raise awareness of your talent!

Bear in mind, that is has to be strategic. I'll develop in my next posts the tactics, tools and strategy I'm using in my job search 

Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Author - Kevin Simonnet