Tip 3: Expand Your Network

I have been contacted by a record number of friends this year asking me to be a reference and seeking advice and to find work.  The unemployment numbers reported this month by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics show a slight improvement to 7% but we entered the 69^th month in a row with unemployment over 5%.  The numbers hide another troubling factor, The Washington Times reports that 77% of jobs created this year were part-time forcing more and more Americans to piece together multiple part-time jobs and income streams just to make ends meet.  Recently in my Fox News article How to Build a Full-Time Life in a Part-Time World, I gave seven tips for navigating this new economy.  On this blog I’ve been going in-depth on each point.  Tip number three was to enlarge your personal network and I’d like to tell you why this is critical for your success.

This year I spoke with multiple CEO’s of large head hunting and employment firms from around the country trying to understand their industry and how people can improve their chances of finding a new job. Here are three interesting facts I learned:

1)   Most jobs are not advertised.  They are filled internally and by word of mouth recommendations.

2)   Online lead generation for placement firms is growing and their number one place to look is LinkedIn.  75% of their online placements are found here.

3)   Search firms will look at all your social media outlets to get a total picture of the person they are recruiting before they contact you with an offer.

If you are without work or looking for your next opportunity, it is critical that your network of friends, family, former business associates, and social media contacts know that you are on the market.  It is also imperative that your online presence on all social media outlets is current and presents the professional image that you want portrayed to the world.  I am convinced that success in this new economy favors those who understand networking and leverage it to its full potential.

Maybe you are familiar with the quote, “Dig your well before you are thirsty.”  This is very appropriate for this discussion.  If you are not investing in building your network I highly encourage you to start today. When you start looking for your next job, your network quite frankly will be your greatest asset.

The term “networking” can sound cold and impersonal.  However, networking is simply building relationships with people.  If you see it in this light it is not as intimidating.  We do this everyday.  With the right focus, we can build a network that helps us better understand the world and different perspectives.  We will learn about other industries and changes in the economy and how it might impact us.   Most importantly, we are in a position to help others make a difference in the world.  If you do this you will become a master networker or better put, a master relationship builder.  I realize there may be some that still think they can’t be a networker.  Do you know of someone in your life who seems to be loved by everyone, they have friends everywhere they go, and they always seem to be trying to help people?  They may not call themselves a networker but they have mastered the skills to build and maintain relationships and that is what we are talking about here.

I try to spend a little time each week maintain the network of friends and relationships I have around the world.  It is very rewarding.  I love helping people and by staying in touch and I feel more connected and knowledgeable about global events by getting first hand accounts of global news from people experiencing it first hand.  I am always looking for ways to help and provide value to my friends and in turn sometimes they have been able to help me.  When we start with the right mindset and focus we see networking is very different from what others may think it is.  If you start with the end objective “to make the world a better place”, you will be blessed in the process.

When building and developing your network remember these four words; Secure, Expand, Leverage, and Give.

1. SECURE

First, secure your base.  You don’t start building your network by going to a business conference in New York.  Building your network starts with those closest to you.  View your network with close concentric circles radiating outwards.  Your strongest relationships are closest to the center and thus have the greatest value. The relationships you have with people who you can call at 2 am and they will drop everything to help you are the most valuable and are at the center of your circle. It can take a lifetime to build these types of relationships.  If you have a handful of people like that in your life you are blessed individual.

You can only build your network once you have secured your base, know who these people are, and are spending quality time developing and protecting those relationships.  These are the most important people in your life and no matter what happens they will always be there for you. Regardless of what you do in life, NEVER neglect these relationships.  Over time your base (your most valuable relationships) in the inner circle will grow.

2. EXPAND

Secondly, we need to expand our network of relationships.  It is easy for us to get complacent and stay in our comfort zone.  We all have our routines in life and over time our relationships will consist of the same people from our places of work, neighborhoods where we live, schools we attended, our place of worship, and maybe a local club we joined.  If we don’t venture outside those standard spheres our network will be limited.  This is where joining global organizations, non-profits, attending industry conferences, and traveling will open doors and help expand our relationships. The more we are able to expand our network of relationships outside our normal daily paths the more valuable it will become.

If you do not have a global network, I highly encourage you to look for ways to develop it.   You can join global business organizations like Young President’s Organization (YPO) or Entrepreneurs Organization (EO).  Non-profits, mission organizations, and relief efforts are always looking for volunteers and this is a great way to get involved globally.  I worked with the Autism Society in Washington, D.C. and other non-profits around the United States and it has been some of the most rewarding work of my life where I met people that have become life-long friends.

Attending leadership conferences that brings in people from many different industries and walks of life is also great a way to grow your network.  Some of my favorites are the Giant Impact LeaderCast, The Global Leadership Summit, Christian Economic Forum, TEDTalks, South by Southwest, and Catalyst.   If you have never attended a conference like this, I highly encourage you to attend one and you will understand the benefits.

3. LEVERAGE

Thirdly, learn to leverage free tools and resources to grow and maintain your network.  I only have the ability to invest in building a few really deep relationships in my life at any one time so I have to be strategic where I invest that energy yet still have time to keep up with contacts from around the globe.  I can’t have coffee twice a week and talk about my start-up project with my friend in Dubai like I can with my close friends here in Knoxville.  However, I can stay in touch and invest in that relationship by communicating with Google Hangout once a month.  I use various forms of communication to stay in touch with hundreds of other close friends around the world.  Luckily, we live in an age where we can leverage technology to stay in touch.  My favorites are LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and Google Hangout.  You can use each one to offer a unique view into your life and to communicate with your friends.  The more you communicate and share your life with others, the closer you draw them to the center of your relationship circle.  They become part of your life and sometimes part of your extended family.  Networking is nothing more than building deep friendships where you can offer help, advice, encouragement, and in turn these friendships will help you.

4. GIVE

Finally, in everything you do think about giving first.  Many people look to build a network to extract value from it.  This is the wrong mindset to have.  If you follow the rule to “give before you ask”, you will build a valuable network that when you need it most people will come to your aid.   Always be monitoring your network of friends and relationships and looking for ways to help them.  It may be with advice, introductions to key relationships that can help with a business project, sending them a business deal you know about, and a whole host of other possibilities.

There is one key rule in networking, the more generous you are the more valuable your network becomes.  There is no such thing as a self-made man or woman.  Even the most successful men and women in the world once had help from mentors, advisors, and people that helped open doors and give then an opportunity and they were prepared to seize that chance.  We all need help at various points of our lives.  Many people have helped me in my journey and opened doors, given me opportunities, or given me great advice and I am forever in their debt.  Those people who helped me in times of my greatest need can call me at any time of the day and no matter what I am doing I will drop everything to come to their aid.  I know there are people that will do the same for me.  Over time as you look to serve others and help people within your network you will build up enormous social equity.  The next time you are in a career transition, looking for work, needing assistance on a project, or having a life issue where you need help you will be surprised at how many people will be excited to help the person that once helped them.

Building relationships is one of the most rewarding things you can do in life.  It just so happens to be good for your career as well. If you have any questions about this post, need help leveraging social media, or have ideas to share post them below.

Happy Veterans Day!

Thank you to all veterans and those currently serving our country and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so we could live in a free country!

For those who would like to help injured veterans please consider my friends at the Wounded Warrior Project.

Tip 2: Avoid Anchors

Many years ago I stood with an older colleague on the deck of his beautiful home as we talked about where he was in life, the challenges he was facing, and the stress that was piled on him that most people did not know about.  On this occasion, he muttered a phrase that has stuck with me to this day.  As the summer humidity hung in the air, he looked out over the city and said, “Bob, most men live lives of quiet desperation and no one ever knows about it.”  It had a chilling effect on me that night and it is something I have grown to better understand over the years.  Here stood a man who had accomplished so much in life, had every sign of material and corporate success, beautiful family, the life that most people dream about and yet he was miserable.

Being a close friend, I knew he felt trapped.  He was anchored in life, in a career that left him unfulfilled but always yearning for more, trapped by his material success and not even enjoying it.  He was on a treadmill where the pace continued to increase and he was tiring but could not jump off.  It was easy to see he had all the wrong anchors in life.

There are good anchors like family, faith, and traditions that keep us anchored and grounded on our journey in life.  We need to build and protect those anchors.  They become the bedrock upon which we can create a meaningful life.  However, there are negative anchors that hurt people as they start to build their careers and those are ones we need to understand and navigate carefully.

In my FoxNews article, “How to Build a Full-Time Life in a Part-Time World” I listed seven things people can do to have success in navigating through a challenging economy and job market.  The second tip I gave was to avoid anchors.  Those coming out of college looking to land a job need to be flexible and to build a life that allows them to transition quickly in their twenties and thirties as they maneuver in this new economy, take different positions, work with multiple companies, and craft a career that will look very different from their parents and grandparents.

The same flexibility is needed for the mid-career professionals and a new growing demographic, the 55+ year olds who are crafting a second career for the next stage in life.

Common Anchors

Over the past year, I have spoken with young and old alike who are navigating this economy and have been amazed at the anchors they place in their lives that prevent them from taking great job opportunities.  Here are common phrases I hear:

1)   I don’t want to leave this city. 

2)   I need to live near my family.

3)   I can’t sell my house.

4)   I need to make “X” so I can’t take that new position because it would be a step backwards even though in the long run it would be a greater opportunity for me.

5)   This sounds like a great opportunity but I was looking for something else and this sounds like a difficult assignment.

The anchors come in forms of physical constraints like needing to be locked into geography or having lifestyles that prevent them from being flexible.  The anchors can also come in the form of mental barriers such as a perception or fear.  Both hinder the individual from being able to seize and maximize great opportunities when they are presented.

Advice for Millennials

My friend and colleague, Calvin Dillinger has written an excellent piece for the millennial generation titled "Upgrade You."  He gives great advice on things to avoid and how to save money.  If followed, this can help prevent anchors, reduce debt, build cash reserves, and help establish a life where you can be flexible and transition quickly when opportunities are presented.

Don't Build  Your Prison

Looking back on that night many years ago with my friend talking about the issues he was facing his anchors will resonate more with the mid-career professional who feels trapped.  He had created anchors in his life that became a prison.   He was on a career path he could not change because of his lifestyle…multiple homes, boats, and the monthly overhead to keep it all going.  He had crafted a public perception of success and he could not walk away from this life.  He had created his own prison that he could not escape although he was talented in many other areas and could have been successful at many things.  To this day, with a smile on his face and cheerful greeting to those around him he labors down that path but is quietly unhappy and unfulfilled every minute of the day.

His words will stay with me for the rest of my life and I will continue to use them as a cautionary tale to those seeking advice on how to plan a successful life.  In my last post, I wrote about making sure that we are in alignment with our gifts, skill-sets, and passions because only then will we be able to work towards a career that is meaningful to us and those around us.  Do you want to make a difference in the world?  Start with doing something you love and are passionate about.  Only then will you really unlock your potential to be able to exponentially make the world a better place. 

 How to Stay Flexible

With that said, here is my parting advice on avoiding anchors in your life.  I have seen these to be big anchors that hinder people from seizing great opportunities that are presented to them.

1) Debt = Work hard to stay out of debt. The more debt you have the less flexible you are and the less options available to you.

2) Geography = Early in your career don’t lock yourself into a location.  Be willing to move often to take new jobs and advance within your company or industry.  Being flexible so you can move is a key to advance in this economy.

3) Mortgages = Be careful when you do decide to buy a home…this can be a very big anchor in your life.  If you do things right this will not be an anchor.  Your mentor can help you with one.

4) Lack of Long-term plan = If you are married have an understanding with your spouse on what level of flexibility and risk taking you both feel is okay for your family.  Both partners need to be on the same page. Have a plan and be working on it together!

5) Lack of Liquidity = Maintain a cash reserve.  In business they say “Cash is king” and in your life “Cash equals flexibility.” 

Start with self-awareness about your skills, passions, and goals.  Then avoid anchors to help you as you start your career as well as help you transition and progress throughout your career.  There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing someone operate within their sweet spot, being passionate about what they do, and helping others do the same. 

A Great Example

The best example I have to offer is my friend Jeremie Kubicek who is the Founder of Giant Impact.  Jeremie operated for years as the CEO of Giant Impact but he realized his passion was teaching and inspiring others and he wanted to do more of that.  He recently sold everything he had and moved his family to London to start a new division in the company that helps executives and leaders maximize their potential.  His keen understanding of his gifts and passions combined with his flexibility and alignment with his wife and children has allowed him to embark on an incredible journey and he is impacting world leaders right now because of it.  As you take The Leap at the beginning of your career or later in life he is a great role model to inspire all of us.

If you have questions, contact me at RobertDickieIII or via e-mail at RobertDickieIII@gmail.com. 

Tip 1: Plan Deliberately

As an officer in the United States Air Force I often heard the phrase “If you don’t have a plan, you are planning to fail.”  This wise counsel is not only great advice for leaders preparing for combat operations but it is crucial for those in the job market today looking to have success finding a job, launching a new start-up business, or working to reach long-term career goals.

The reality is that without help it can be hard to build a plan and then execute it.  With a trusted mentor or advisor helping us it can be much easier but it will still require time and thought to put it all down in a written document so we can reference it regularly and make sure that we are on track. 

First of all, we need to know where we are and where we want to go.  When you are orienteering in the woods, knowing your location is a critical first step to getting to your final destination. 

You might think, “I know where I am…I’m a student looking for a job” or “I’m about to launch a new start-up company.”  Unfortunately this is not what we are talking about.  We need to go deeper.  Who you are can tell you where you are.  Finding out about who you are, your gifts, skill-sets, desires, and values will tell you where you are in life.  This is your starting point.  From there you can build a career plan that will maximize your talents and gifts to help you achieve a life of meaning and purpose.

This may sound strange but finding out about YOU is the best place to start.  We have all heard wise counselors give advice to people to be themselves, go against the current, take a different path, or don’t follow the herd.  This is great advice but I want to tell you about when we should go with the current not against it.

The Bible says that “everyone is fearfully and wonderfully made.”  God made each of us as unique as a fingerprint.  God has given each of us special talents, skills, desires, and passions in his unique design for our lives.  When we understand how we are hard-wired and we pursue a career that is in total alignment with our skills, life is much easier.  It is like we are swimming in a river with a powerful current that is helping us reach our destination.  If however, we don’ understand how we are made with our unique values and talents, we could find ourselves on a path of study or in a career where we are misaligned and that is when life is extremely difficult.  Every day it feels like we are swimming upstream against the current.  It is hard work, painful, and sometimes full of misery.   If you know someone who is struggling in life and not happy with their job or course of study, it is possible they are misaligned in a key area of their life.  

So how do we find out who we are so we can begin to build a life plan and start our journey?  Over ten years ago multiple Professors and Ph.d candidates at the University of Georgia set out to design a unique assessment to help people begin this process.  After thousands of hours and millions of dollars in investment Career Direct was born.  Over 250,000 people have used this assessment to build a life plan and make sure they were in alignment with how God made them. 

I highly recommend this service as the starting point to understand your skills, talents, values, and goals.  Once you know this you will better understand where you should invest your time in your course work and in the workforce so you can maximize these gifts to help you achieve your goals.  You will live a life of purpose and meaning because you will be aligned with how you were made. My close friend, Handre DeJongh from South Africa is a trained Career Direct Consultant having done over 1,200 personal in depth consultations and he says that a person living life that is misaligned is like tasting bitter coffee.  Life is too short to live bitter...it is time to live better!  Crown offers counselors like Handre who will walk you through this program and help you understand your results and guide you in creating a life plan to reach your objectives so you can live a life of passion and fulfillment. 

    

Once you understand yourself deeper and have clarity on your "life plan" it is now time to build an action plan to achieve your goals.  For business owners and entrepreneurs the next step is developing your business plan.  I recommend the Venture Analysis.  Wade Myers was a distinguished graduate from Harvard Business School (Baker Scholar) and as a consultant for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) would charge Fortune 500 clients $60,000 to start this process.  He took the exact formulas, charts, and analysis and developed the Venture Analysis andStart-up Financial Model that all entrepreneurs could afford.  Whether you are launching a start-up or running an established business you will be amazed at the insights and information this analysis will give you about your operation.

Once we understand our talents and skill sets and have a business plan that we can execute against the next step in our process is all about avoiding ANCHORS!  

If you have questions, contact me at RobertDickieIII or via e-mail at RobertDickieIII@gmail.com.

Building a Full-Time Life in a Part-Time World

The unemployment numbers released last week that reported an unemployment rate of 7.4% and the anemic creation of 162k jobs in July which was down from our 2013 average of 192k per month hid startling statistics of the new economy.

In 2013 77% of the jobs that have been created were part-time.  When you calculate the unemployment numbers with the number of Americans under-employed (working less than 35 hours a week) our unemployment rate is actually around 14.3% reports the New York Times.

This is the slowest recovery in the past 70 years.  Unemployment is rising, part-time jobs are becoming the norm, incomes are decreasing, and those with savings facing a “no-margin” investment era.  It is official, we have a new economy with new rules.  To win and have success in this new era we cannot play the game with the rules of the past.  This is not our grandparent’s economy.

This past week I wrote an article in FoxNews titled Jobs hunt getting you down -- how to build a full-time life in a part-time world.  I provide seven tips for those looking to have success in this new era.  An interesting aspect I was not able to elaborate on in this piece is the fact that due to the dire jobs situation in this country entrepreneurship is rapidly increasing.  From 2000-2007 it has been reported that at the top MBA programs in the country upwards of 50% sought jobs in the finance sector upon graduation.  After the crash of 2007 graduates at those same institutions have been rushing to become entrepreneurs with a growth rate that has tripled in the past three years.

Clearly they see the game has changed as well and are seeking the best opportunity available by taking matters into their own hands and creating their future by starting a company and becoming an entrepreneur.  The tips I provided in my article apply to both the person looking for a job or the entrepreneur looking to create a company and build value for themselves, their employees, and investors.

Success tip number one is “Plan Deliberately.”  Having a plan that is written down that you can execute against is critical to success.  It has been said if you don’t have a plan you are planning to fail.  As a starting point for all aspiring entrepreneurs and those in the job hunt I recommend taking a Career Direct assessment test and using this as a foundation in your career plan.  This tool can be expanded with your mentor or advisor and will help you make sure that you are on the right path based on your skills, likes, and values.  Nothing is worse than getting to the end of your journey to find out that you hate the location you have been striving to reach.

Finally, for those who are beginning or are already on their entrepreneurial journey and wish they had more formal business education and training I recommend looking at the Venture Academy video series by Wade Myers.  Wade is a Harvard MBA and Baker Scholar (graduated Top 5% of his class at Harvard) and has been a successful venture capitalist that started over 20 companies.  Wade had a goal of providing a Harvard MBA style education to the masses using a video based system and online resources.  His system uses Harvard cases studies and goes through all aspects of business acumen.  You can learn more of about this great program at Venture Academy -- Starting Up.

Taking action helps remove fear. The key to building a full-time life in this part-time world is to take the first step, take action, create a plan, define where you want to be at the end of the journey and start taking small steps today to get you there!

If you have questions about this article or these programs please contact me at RobertDickieIII or via e-mail at RobertDickieIII@gmail.com.