Carson V. Heady's Blog, page 78
May 7, 2015
Consult Carson 5/7: “How Do I Compete With the Cheaters?”
From today’s mailbag: “I’m in sales. There are many ‘top achievers’ around me who are bending or breaking rules. How do I compete?”
Carson: FANTASTIC question, and certainly one that if you spend much time in sales you will certainly face.�� Also, of note, I can certainly say you can reach and maintain #1 status in your office, district or company without ever crossing any lines but it is paramount to understand and know your playing field, what your scorecard is derived from and how to master each component.
You will always be surrounded by some unscrupulous souls, for the sales population is certainly indicative of the population as a whole.�� People see the opportunity for a quick buck and they cheat a few times and are not caught.�� Unfortunately, some managers will even tell you to cheat!�� However, don’t become someone who makes the excuse that you cannot compete because of cheaters (not that you’re doing that, but I know some who hide behind this).
To compete in any realm of sales, you need to understand what are the measurements of work.�� Are�� you graded on total revenue, total transactions, several buckets of different widgets, or do you have a comprehensive scorecard with weights to different components of the business?�� Whatever the measurement, know it and have a defined strategy for success in each area.�� Know what counts more than other facets of your role and focus on a gameplan for each area.�� What do the current (and ethical) best do in each of these categories?�� Not everyone cheats, so seek out best practices or strategies of the top achievers in these areas and emulate them; make their processes and best practices your own and carry them out consistently and effectively.�� You’ll never come right out of the batter’s box hitting home runs but if you focus on the mechanics of a process that is clearly working for some, and you make it your own and make it consistent, you’ll be effective.
Furthermore, ignore the cheaters!�� I’ve seen so many flash in the pan folks come out of the gates running in that sprint to get wherever they think they are going – often thinking they will have quick success and get promoted.�� After a few months, true colors emerge and leadership – or lack thereof – will surface.�� Trust me.�� You will look back years later and be glad you did not succumb to the cheating and you’ll also find you’re light years ahead of them in the pecking order.�� I’ve never seen a cheater make it very far.�� Honestly, nearly every one I can think of was shown the door.
Your only competition is against the best version of you!�� Focus on mastering each and every component of however you are graded.�� Learn what the best in each category does and do it better.�� Stay strong, stay ethical and be a noble knight of the honorable art of selling.
You’ll get there!�� Best of luck.
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Carson V. Heady posts for “Consult Carson”��serving as the “Dear Abby” of sales and sales leadership.�� You may post any question that puzzles you regarding sales and sales leadership careers: interviewing, the sales process, advancing and achieving.�� You will also be directly contributing to his third book, “A Salesman Forever.”
Question submissions can be made via LinkedIn to Carson V. Heady, this Facebook page: https://carsonvheady.wordpress.com/the-home-of-birth-of-a-salesman-2010-published-by-world-audience-inc-and-the-salesman-against-the-world-2014/” target=”_blank”>
Carson V. Heady has written a book entitled “Birth of a Salesman” that has a unique spin that shows you proven sales principles designed to birth in you the top producer you were born to be.
If you would like to strengthen your sales skills, go to
May 2, 2015
Consult Carson 5/2: “I’m burnt out with nowhere to go. Help!”
From today’s mailbag: “I’m completely burnt out on my job! I’ve been passed up for promotions and just feel like there’s nowhere to go. I’ve applied to jobs inside and outside the company but get nowhere. Help!”
Carson: Hello there! Your affliction is common, but fortunately it is often misdiagnosed as burnout. Help is on the way.
Believe me, there is a possibility you have achieved at your current role everything you believe there is to achieve. This is why it is so important to have career conversations with others who can aid you in getting where you want to be. Your manager is responsible for your success – hopefully they know that! It is not anyone’s responsibility to promote you; you’ve got to make sure to engage and initiate these conversations with supervisors and other influencers in your organization. If you are turned down for a job, did you reach out to the rejecting hiring manager and request advice or guidance on how you may parlay your skills into their department or into this role?
Michael Jordan, probably the greatest competitor ever, achieved quite a bit of success early and often in his career – but (as books about him attest) he constantly presented new challenges to himself and requested that his coach, Phil Jackson, did the same in order to keep him motivated and hungry. He even left and came back – twice – because he had something to prove both times. Are there metrics you are NOT currently doing well in? Are there areas of the business you are uncomfortable with that you can learn and therefore make yourself more valuable? Ask your manager to work with you on a plan to get you ready for the next level. Once you have truly accomplished everything you set out to do together, the proof’s in the pudding.
As for being passed up for promotions, always remember that when a promotion occurs you literally have to be the #1 choice in all areas being sought out of however many people applied. You may very well be qualified or overqualified! But we all have to pay our dues – sometimes, multiple times.
Are you truly “burnt out”? Or are you just out of love with the job you promised to love when you interviewed for it? We must constantly transform ourselves back to who we were on interview day. We entered into a contract with our company; they agreed to train and pay us. We agreed to be that eager beaver who would take the world by storm. Are we still holding up our end of bargain? And – yes – I know that sometimes companies fail to live up to theirs. But is the grass truly greener starting all over at another company and moving down the ladder or staying on the same rung for even longer? Or can you grin and bear it, weather the storm, stay ahead in the race and ensure you are the obvious choice the next time a promotion comes along?
In my experience, I’ve always found that when I feel “burnt out” in a role, I create or find a new challenge to assist me in becoming more valuable, I continue to perform at a high level and I ensure that I’m a candidate every time a promotion comes up. Eventually, you will get it. Don’t give up. Monotony in a job is better than the misery of not having one! And if you do leave your company because there literally is nowhere to go (sometimes this can be the case!), be smart, leave on good terms, don’t burn bridges and make sure that the new role you go to offers the longterm plan you desire. Don’t settle.
Hang in there!
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Carson V. Heady posts for “Consult Carson” serving as the “Dear Abby” of sales and sales leadership. You may post any question that puzzles you regarding sales and sales leadership careers: interviewing, the sales process, advancing and achieving. You will also be directly contributing to his third book, “A Salesman Forever.”
Question submissions can be made via LinkedIn to Carson V. Heady, this Facebook page: , Twitter via @cvheady007 or e-mail at cvheady007@yahoo.com or you may post an anonymous comment as a reply to my WordPress blog at the bottom of this page:
Carson V. Heady has written a book entitled “Birth of a Salesman” that has a unique spin that shows you proven sales principles designed to birth in you the top producer you were born to be.
If you would like to strengthen your sales skills, go to
Consult Carson 5/1: “How do I follow up with my sales prospects without losing them?”
From today’s mailbag: “I can get the meeting and present my product, but I lose them after that. What is a good follow up process?”
Carson: Ah, yes… the disappearing act dance that many of our prospects engage in. We have success in setting the meeting, make an effective presentation, they commit to thinking about it, talking about it, investigating it, etc. and then we wait. And wait. And sometimes wait a little more.
It helps to realize that our customers DO actually have a lot of other stuff on their plate like, you know, running their business. But we also want to make sure they are thinking about us, right? So how much is too much?
The follow up process is – like anything – a delicate one. Upon the meeting’s conclusion, send a quick note or e-mail simply thanking the customer for their time along with any items you promised to send during the meeting that you have on hand along with any additional questions that may have arisen in the interim. Next, go to work on any additional commitments you made in the meeting.
All the while, be cognoscente that this is a numbers’ game; I’ve seen far too many people throw far too much of their time “chasing whales” or devoted to a few customers to their detriment; they chase big whales they often don’t catch while several very hearty fish swim away.
Keep tabs on your CRM or make a spreadsheet of who you are working with, what you are working on and when you last made contact. Keep things simple, give them breathing room but don’t let too much time elapse between contacts and focus on the language.
As with anything in selling, stay unique! Avoid the pitfalls of the typical language that befalls most salespeople; remember that customers have figured out the process of the average salesperson so you have to evolve here. Don’t say I’m “checking in” or “following up” or anything clich��. Keep it to the point, draw up something relevant from your conversation and keep closing the sale.
“Mr./Mrs. Customer: Good morning/afternoon! It is my hope this note finds you well. The intent of my note is to ensure I am operating on your timetable.” At this point, depending on what you are selling, it helps to reference past conversations – for instance, if they initially said they would be purchasing around now, and any steps you would need to take prior to making the transaction that have not yet been made. “Please let me know how I may be of further service!” Remember, your sales is a service and your role is supporting them. Take that tone in everything you say and do and you will not come off salesy.
It is another issue entirely when you have politely followed up multiple times for weeks, at once per week or biweekly intervals and you continue to hear crickets. Frankly, I have a “flash it or flush it” policy; if you are spending too much time chasing someone who isn’t responsive and is taking time away from obtaining new quality leads, it’s time to get a definitive answer! “Mr./Mrs. Customer: Good morning/afternoon! It is my hope this note finds you well. The intent of the correspondence is to gauge the status of your needs and ensure I am operating on your timetable. Your inventory/current slot (if you are scheduling something for them)/ current whatever you can come up with that is pertinent to what you sell) is on hold for you pending your decision and I am working to line up the necessary resources to fulfill your order. Please let me know how you wish to proceed, so I may coordinate appropriately. Much appreciated!”
If you show them they have skin in the game and that resources are aligned for them, it’s like forcing a commitment on an unsuspecting, unwilling romantic partner. This will often force a response. Let’s face it, a lot of customers don’t want to be the bearer of bad news. They don’t want to break up with you. So, if you still do not get a response from that last contact, let it go.
I’ve found success by finding ways to continue to at least stay in touch, like newsletters and events – things that continue to soft sell you and keep you in their consciousness. When they are ready, they will reach out – don’t worry! You cannot win them all, but knowing how and when to follow up and when to cut bait is winning in itself.
Happy selling!
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Carson V. Heady posts for “Consult Carson” serving as the “Dear Abby” of sales and sales leadership. You may post any question that puzzles you regarding sales and sales leadership careers: interviewing, the sales process, advancing and achieving. You will also be directly contributing to his third book, “A Salesman Forever.”
Question submissions can be made via LinkedIn to Carson V. Heady, this Facebook page: , Twitter via @cvheady007 or e-mail at cvheady007@yahoo.com or you may post an anonymous comment as a reply to my WordPress blog at the bottom of this page:
Carson V. Heady has written a book entitled “Birth of a Salesman” that has a unique spin that shows you proven sales principles designed to birth in you the top producer you were born to be.
If you would like to strengthen your sales skills, go to
April 30, 2015
Consult Carson 4/30/15: “Why do I get rejected for jobs I am perfectly qualified for?”
From today’s mailbag: “Why do I keep getting rejected for jobs I am perfectly qualified for? I don’t even get a response the majority of the time!”
Carson: I believe this has been upgraded to the eighth wonder of the world… though, after years of being on both sides of the coin I don’t wonder about it anymore.
Think about it this way. Yes, you applied to a job you are qualified for – heck, maybe overly qualified for. Depending on unemployment rates at any given moment, you are one of 100 to 1,000 people who likely applied to that role. You are up against a human resources automated system that is designed to eliminate candidates based on not having the right buzz words, experience or degrees. Literally, it’s like Han Solo navigating through the asteroid field in Empire Strikes Back; though, they had a Wookiee so I’d place more money on them.
No hiring manager wants to sift through 1,000 resumes; honestly, they sometimes do not even have time to interview all 50 who may be quality candidates! This is why it is so important to stand out in every single way possible. This is also why hiring managers often hire referrals or someone they know; it’s someone who has been deemed worthy of the job versus the unknown: you. Video resumes, networking to expand your network, truly utilizing your network and staying in touch with them even when you don’t need them for something, applying to 1,000 jobs instead of just 10 and wondering why you’re not getting a call…. THAT is how you land a job. For those who have any length to their career, you know that most roles you landed were due to knowing someone. For the ones when you did not, something about you stood out. Either way, it’s a brutally challenging numbers game that you cannot win without tipping the odds in your favor.
Like anything, it comes down to as effective a process as possible; the best possible approach (resume, cover letter, other attention-grabbers) the most number of times with strong follow up and effective interviewing skills. Don’t get attached to ANY job – before, during or even after several interviews – until you get the job offer. Until that moment, you must put a full court press on your turbocharged process.
And….. GOOD LUCK!
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Carson V. Heady posts for “Consult Carson” serving as the “Dear Abby” of sales and sales leadership. You may post any question that puzzles you regarding sales and sales leadership careers: interviewing, the sales process, advancing and achieving. You will also be directly contributing to his third book, “A Salesman Forever.”
Question submissions can be made via LinkedIn to Carson V. Heady, this Facebook page: , Twitter via @cvheady007 or e-mail at cvheady007@yahoo.com or you may post an anonymous comment as a reply to my WordPress blog at the bottom of this page:
Carson V. Heady has written a book entitled “Birth of a Salesman” that has a unique spin that shows you proven sales principles designed to birth in you the top producer you were born to be.
If you would like to strengthen your sales skills, go to
April 29, 2015
Consult Carson 4/29/15: “What is a reasonable increase to an annual sales goal?”
From today’s mailbag: “What is a reasonable increase to an annual sales goal? Mine went up by 50% this year, is that reasonable?”
Carson: Excellent question, and one that – if you are in sales – you will no doubt experience numerous times. Sales goals can sometimes change like the weather and, unless you work in an environment of transparency (rarer and rarer these days), often with zero rhyme or reason.
Here’s the thing: goals are going to rise – it’s inevitable. It is like when you get good grades and your parents start to expect it. It’s like when you give your children gifts every time you come home from a trip – they expect it. Specifically if you are part of a growing sales organization and initial goals were set with mere speculation; people will start hitting the goals and they will raise them to lessen bonus payouts. They will want more and more and more; sometimes rightfully so, but there is often not enough practical process to their methods.
Let me backtrack to the goals setting process; my thought process when setting goals has always been around looking at what the second quartile of achievers was achieving and what the median was achieving; pretty much taking a median of that second quartile for each metric. I’m shooting for a lift of the average, so I plot that as the benchmark and focus on the best practices of those already hitting the mark in order to get there.
You don’t want 50%+ of your current achievers hitting every single metric or for your initial sampling’s average being better than your goal. It is also wise to set a budget goal and a stretch goal. But, that said, if 75-80% of your workforce is exceeding your revenue goal it is not out of line to expect an adjustment.
To necessitate a 50% lift in sales goals, look around. How are other performers doing relative to the goals? How many total achievers are there above and below the Mendoza line? I’ve literally worked in an environment where just 2 of 121 were hitting goal (thank goodness I was one of the 2) and another where 80% were; both were drastic and adjustment-worthy ends of the spectrum.
Again, the key comes to transparency. I believe a transparent leadership team will share the reason behind goals; a workforce can and should know what budgets look like to keep the lights on and the method behind the goal-setting. If your goal was hiked by 50%, relatively few people are hitting goal and no one is explaining why – there could be a serious problem. As a leader, I expect around 40% of performers to be hitting goals, but this can be much better when you have other statistical data to take into consideration. Historical data can be exceptionally helpful when charting seasonal trends and expectations. Also, what was the hike in goal from the previous year over year versus the actuals? All of these trends, coupled with changes in the industry and product offerings and pricing and competition and workforce will help clearly define how a forecast may look. But for a 50% jump, it should only occur in an environment where nearly everyone was already hitting goal and the change is being made to even things out.
If your sales goal spikes like this and you’re not being given the reason why, ensure this is tactfully broached in your next meeting with your manager. But quote facts! “Mr./Mrs. Manager, last year, 80% of our workforce missed goal. Goal went up by 50%. Now, 95% of our workforce is missing goal. What is the thought process, and how do you recommend I shift my process?” Work to understand the process, and develop a strategy with your manager to get that 50% lift. Or (as is often the case), just ride it out until they come to their senses.
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Carson V. Heady posts for “Consult Carson” serving as the “Dear Abby” of sales and sales leadership. You may post any question that puzzles you regarding sales and sales leadership careers: interviewing, the sales process, advancing and achieving. You will also be directly contributing to his third book, “A Salesman Forever.”
Question submissions can be made via LinkedIn to Carson V. Heady, this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carson-V-Heady/125078150858064?ref=hl , Twitter via @cvheady007 or e-mail at cvheady007@yahoo.com or you may post an anonymous comment as a reply to my WordPress blog at the bottom of this page: https://carsonvheady.wordpress.com/the-home-of-birth-of-a-salesman-2010-published-by-world-audience-inc-and-the-salesman-against-the-world-2014/
Carson V. Heady has written a book entitled “Birth of a Salesman” that has a unique spin that shows you proven sales principles designed to birth in you the top producer you were born to be.
If you would like to strengthen your sales skills, go to http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ICRVMI2/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_yGXKtb0G28TWF
Consult Carson: The “Dear Abby” of Sales/Sales Leadership
Hello!�� It is my hope this note finds you well.
Beginning in May, I will publish a daily post for “Consult Carson” as I serve as the “Dear Abby” of sales and sales leadership. You may post any question that puzzles you regarding sales and sales leadership careers: interviewing, the sales process, advancing and achieving. You will also be directly contributing to my third book, “A Salesman Forever.”��
Question submissions can be made via LinkedIn to Carson V. Heady, this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carson-V-Heady/125078150858064?ref=hl , Twitter via @cvheady007 or e-mail at cvheady007@yahoo.com or you may post an anonymous comment as a reply to my WordPress blog at the bottom of this page: https://carsonvheady.wordpress.com/the-home-of-birth-of-a-salesman-2010-published-by-world-audience-inc-and-the-salesman-against-the-world-2014/
Looking forward to connecting in a whole new way!
Today: The Day I Met The Apprentice!
Today, I met Bill Rancic from the Apprentice. Nobody was talking to him at the moment and I just walked right up. Incredible, inspiring presentation. He said when you are an innovator you have to get outside of your comfort zone; true innovators are agile and know when they must adapt to what is happening around them. Actions speak louder than words. Put your head down, keep your mouth shut and stay focused on the prize no matter what or who tries to stand in your way. Understand, respect, manage and convert risk to success. We are born with minimal fears and all of our fears are learned. Master fundamentals and make them the foundation. Make good decisions and avoid analysis paralysis. Be accountable.
“Always do what you’re afraid to do and success will find you.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
October 29, 2014
Join your Microsoft Store at Saint Louis Galleria for the launch of Call of Duty Advanced Warfare!
NEW! – More prizes & giveaways. Join your Microsoft Store at Saint Louis Galleria for the launch of Call of Duty Advanced Warfare.
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Windows Phone
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Find a store
Come join us at the Microsoft retail store for the Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Day Zero Midnight Launch! Be one of the first to play the game starting at 9pm on Sunday, November 2. Pick up your copy of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare to receive exclusive SWAG, giveaways and more!
Play Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare in store starting at 9 P.M.
Enjoy food and get your photo taken as though you’re in action with some of your favorite Call of Duty characters!
Get your copy at midnight
The first 50 people to pick up their pre-order will get an exclusive Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Camo T-shirt and dog tag*
Pre-order any Xbox One or Xbox 360 game and Get a $10 Gift Card At Pickup**
Xbox One Limited Edition Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Bundle – pre-order today!
*Limited offer. Valid 11/2/2014 – 11/3/2014 only for first 100 customers who purchase per select location (Fashion Valley, Oakbrook Center, Park Meadows, St. John’s Town Center, The Shops at La Cantera, The Woodlands, University Village, Walden Galleria, Westfield Century City, Yorkdale Shopping Centre) and 50 customers per remaining Full Line store and 25 customers per Specialty Store. Available in select Microsoft retail stores in US (including Puerto Rico) and Canada. Valid with purchase of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Day Zero for Xbox One November 3 (or for customers show proof of purchase from the Microsoft retail store 11/2-11/3). Not combinable with other offers. Price discount does not include taxes, shipping or other fees. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Microsoft reserves the right to modify or discontinue offers at any time. Limit 1 per customer with proof of purchase.
**Valid during pre-order period for customers who pre-order a qualifying Xbox One or Xbox 360 game from a Microsoft retail or online store in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico) or Canada. After you preorder, you’ll receive a promotional code at the email address associated with your purchase within 10 days of game being shipped. Limit one (1) $10 gift card per qualifying Xbox One or Xbox 360 game purchased for up to three (3) game titles. Expiration dates may apply to redeem your gift code to your Microsoft Account, and then to spend your gift code funds. Gift code funds can only be used for purchases at select Microsoft and Xbox online stores. Must be 13+. For eligible purchases (exclusions apply) at select Xbox stores, the Windows Phone store, the Windows store, and other participating Microsoft online stores.
Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA, 98052, USA Share your enthusiasm and join our team. View all careers at the Microsoft retail store. Microsoft respects your privacy. Please view our online Privacy Statement. If you would prefer to no longer receive promotional emails from Microsoft retail store, please click here to unsubscribe. To set your contact preferences for other Microsoft communications, see the communications preferences section of the Microsoft Privacy Statement.
October 27, 2014
Sunset Overdrive Midnight Launch
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Awesomepocalypse Now
Midnight Launch
Microsoft St. Louis Galleria
October 27th, 10PM-12AM
Parkour your way through a post-apocalyptic playground full of hilarious possibilities. Come join us at the Microsoft retail store in your best cosplay costumer for the launch of Sunset Overdrive! Free and Early Game Play kicks off at 10pm on Monday, October 27. Be one of the first customers to pick up your copy of Sunset Overdrive to receive exclusive SWAG, giveaways and more!
Play Sunset Overdrive in store starting at 10 P.M.
Enjoy food and play games to receive a raffle ticket to score additional prizes – one lucky winner will receive an exclusive Sunset Overdrive bundle and other awesome prizes
Get your copy at midnight
The first 50 people to pick up their pre-order will get an exclusive Sunset Overdrive shirt*
*Limited offer. Valid 10/27/2014 – 10/28/2014 only for first 100 customers who purchase per select location (Bellevue Square, The Streets at Southpoint, Century City, Dadeland Mall, Mall of America, Metropolis at Metrotown) and 50 customers per remaining Full Line store and 25 customers per Specialty Store. Available in select Microsoft retail stores in US (including Puerto Rico) and Canada. Valid with purchase of Sunset Overdrive for Xbox One October 27 (or for customers show proof of purchase from the Microsoft retail store 10/27-10/28). Not combinable with other offers. Price discount does not include taxes, shipping or other fees. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Microsoft reserves the right to modify or discontinue offers at any time. Limit 1 per customer with proof of purchase.
Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA, 98052, USA Share your enthusiasm and join our team. View all careers at the Microsoft retail store. Microsoft respects your privacy. Please view our online Privacy Statement. If you would prefer to no longer receive promotional emails from Microsoft retail store, please click here to unsubscribe. To set your contact preferences for other Microsoft communications, see the communications preferences section of the Microsoft Privacy Statement.
June 28, 2014
5 Things Your Job Search Can’t Afford to be Missing
Do any of these sound familiar?
“I applied to a job I’d be perfect for, but I haven’t heard back!”
“I’ve applied to a ton of jobs online, but haven’t gotten any interviews!”
“I did great in that interview – why didn’t I get a call back?”
If they do, you are not alone.
No matter how hard you try to avoid it, you will likely face the daunting job search at some point in your career – often through no fault of your own. With the new age of ever-changing and evolving company landscapes, the likelihood of staying with one company your entire career is about that of your favorite athlete sticking with one team for theirs. It’s possible, however unlikely.
That said, there are steps you can take to enhance your chances of success.
1.) Realize that many others are applying to the same job you are. Stand out! It’s a process of elimination and survival of the fittest, and the folks in human resources simply do not have the chance to call or invite in all 1,000 people who applied. They have a system to weed out resumes that do not feature the exact specifications they are looking for. No offense, but you won’t make the cut for every job – not even the ones that sound perfect for you to you. Make a video resume. Make your resume sparkle with actual numbers and results so a potential employer reads it and says, “Hey, I want them working for me!” No resume will get to every decision-maker, but you can increase your odds right out of the gates by being ahead of the curve. Send “thank you’s” every single time. Follow up after a handful of days to reiterate your interest. Be the best one in all areas and you give yourself the best shot.
2.) Rather than leave your fate in the hands of the HR system’s shredders, focus on networking with those who actually make the final decisions. Not all jobs are posted, and not all decision-makers see your resume; in this day and age, with mediums like LinkedIn or with referrals in the company you are targeting or with networking events, you can actually connect with the powers that be. Do not leave your destiny up to anyone other than the person calling the shots – that’s the one you want to dazzle. And don’t go straight for the sale of getting an interview; request a meeting or call whereby you can gain advice on where you could fit in their business. If they like you after this respectful approach, it could very well become the interview you seek.
3.) Play the numbers’ game. Far too often, I’ve heard folks say, “I applied to three jobs but haven’t heard anything!” No kidding! Your odds of landing a job – specifically one you applied for online – could be roughly 1 in 1,000 or worse. That isn’t meant to sound discouraging; it’s meant to convince you to do everything you can to up your probability of landing one. Apply to as many as you can, with the best resume possible and with the best networking mechanisms at your disposal.
4.) Be patient. You will likely get interviews or offers for jobs you do not want. If it isn’t what you want to be doing for the foreseeable future, don’t commit to it. Taking a massive hit to your income now when you could keep searching and find the right fit will just wind you right back at the beginning. Trust me; I’ve never compromised in my search and I’ve always been rewarded for following the right process.
5.) Do not discriminate against any potential opportunities or methods of applying to jobs. If you restrict your search to strictly one online career board, you are missing out on so many others. A simple online search will yield multiple other ways to search. Furthermore, just because a job does not necessarily pique your interest up front doesn’t mean that further investigation of that role or company or the people you can meet will not bear later fruit. Check out everything: if it’s not a way to improve yourself, move on. But it very well could be.
The job search can be a time of reassessing our career and finding something we can really sink into. When we struggle in the search is when we lose sight of the aforementioned process that works – do not let anything deter you from making the right moves so you land in the right place.
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Carson V. Heady has written a sales/leadership book within a gripping business conspiracy novel entitled “Birth of a Salesman” with a unique spin that shows you proven sales principles designed to birth in you the top producer you were born to be.
If you would like to strengthen your sales, leadership and career skills, go to http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ICRVMI2/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_yGXKtb0G28TWF
