9 Audacious Career Enhancing Strategies for the Gen Xers in 2018 [Guest Post] - Career Pivot

9 Audacious Career Enhancing Strategies for the Gen Xers in 2018 [Guest Post] - Career Pivot 9Audacious Career Enhancing Strategies Creating opportunities is the new job search for everyone in 2018. In 2017, you were offered sage advice (https://careerpivot.com/2017/10-career-experts-share-2017-baby-boomer-predictions/) about networking, entrepreneurship, and remote working. Some of you started using the strategies suggested but don’t forgetâ€" none of these are magic potions. Consider it like laundry: Wash, Rinse, and Repeat for it to work. The same expectations will be what I suggest for 2018. All of these strategies are building blocks. However, once you have become comfortable with doing the same things and yielding no results, it’s time to do something different. I encourage you to think bolder, smarter, and bigger. Criticism is inevitable. Tough love is a possibility and you should welcome it. Feedback separates the weeds from the chaff. Your feelings will be hurt at least once. You know it’s time because all of us had the “… it’s never been done this way…” conversation with ourselves. I remember having a conversation with a training colleague a few years ago about job-advice giving. She was giving the same old advice from 1999. Her opinions did not optimally serve our clients. When I mentioned my ideas to our program manager without mentioning hers, I was offered to co-facilitate a job search strategy session with all trainers. At that point, I become one of two primary resources for our group. Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, if you’re not willing to burn down the old barn to see the sky â€" stop â€" and go here. Here are my suggested strategies for bold and audacious careerists to try in 2018: Listen to the most recent episode Use the handbill No, I’m not talking about invoicing! The handbill is a marketing document you can use to bring with you to networking events setting you apart from the other attendees. If you could fit a resume on your business card highlighting your strengths, unique value proposition, and functional experience, it can serve as a compelling introduction. Some will have personal business cards, but you have a short story conversation starter with the handbill. Next level tip: Make your handbill available on LinkedIn in an article, maybe in a jpg. File to post a picture. Then build a story summarizing your experiences and share it on all of your social networks. You can also strategically send it as part of your email signature with specific correspondences. Next level advanced:Have a mobile version of your handbill ready on your phone. It’s easy to attach to a text or send via Bluetooth. Use video as a news reporter In 2018, like 2017, you are the media. You can report on different conferences and networking events (you may need to get permission if it’s private event). Show your network and the world how you’re engaging new ideas and creating useful strategies. You can teach an audience something in a minute or less once or twice a week, and upload it within minutes. LinkedIn has made it easy for you to reach your professional network with its new streaming feature. It’s possible to achieve hundreds or thousands of views by using your smartphone as a filming device and provide value. Next level tip: Streaming services like Smiletime and Zoom apps feature multiple interfaces at once for you to interview other people in numerous locations. If your industry contacts are on all social networks, it will be easy to include them. The most useful benefit is deepening your relationships with people who can spread the word about what you’re doing. Next level advanced:Create a YouTube channel and stream your event, meeting, speech, or recording to your channel. You can learn how to do that here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipefykOnTyE). It takes less than an hour to create a YouTube channel for yourself. Once you do, it will increase your visibility on Google. Join an industry-related non-profit advisory board One of my personal friends says (a non-profit board chairman) your network expands ten times than just being a volunteer. Big or small, mentioning you’re on the board extends your brand and exposes you to new contacts. For Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, your 15 or more years of experience screams credibility. Even in a small, non-profit organization, your influence on the board is significant. Next level tip: Join the boards where you can quickly meet a need. You can engage other advisors who will assist you at the beginning then also in months passing. Board members and chairpersons are always enthusiastic when new advisors hit the ground running. Next level advanced: Most non-profit organizations love media coverage. If you don’t have media contacts, then find ways to get on podcasts to be interviewed. There are always new podcasters looking for guests to talk about their passions or projects (non-profit niche podcast). After your interview, share it with your networks. Most podcasters will give you the embed code (ask nicely) for you to put on your non-profit site as well. None of the above strategies afford you a passive way to ignite your career. Start slow and build momentum during the process. Not only will you start creating a robust online presence, but you will meet new people who can impact your career for the long term. Even if you’re just considering other career options, you’ll increase the relevancy of your professional contacts and add Google juice to your name. Mark Anthony Dyson, MAEd/AET Award-winningcareer advice blogpodcast! ?Hacking and reimagining an easier job search process for you! Skype id: Mark.Anthony.Dyson Phone:708.365.9822 Like what you just read? Share it with your friends using the buttons above. Like What You Read? 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