Molly's Blog

Do You Have Great Style?

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:50:00 +0000

Style is the collection of intangibles that people demonstrate when they are communicating with others. Style is the way people capitalize on moments and use them for the betterment of the relationship. Style is, at the most basic level, the method and approach you make relevant to your communication.

An impressive style is an intangible, but we all know it when we see it. People with an impressive style are impressive because they handle every issue through the eyes of the other person. They adapt their styles to the needs of others and the things happening at that moment. They are flexible and have what psychologists like Daniel Goleman call emotional intelligence. Goleman says there are four skills to master (and while we are all born with different natural levels of each skill, all can be practiced and learned):

- Self-awareness: Understanding your own emotions and motivations, as well as how they influence your behavior. When you are making a pitch or meeting with new clients, you need to be very aware of your emotions. Do not label every feeling as nerves or worry. Figure out exactly what you are feeling.

- Self-management: Controlling the impact your emotions have on your behavior. If you know exactly what you are feeling, you can work to control how you are expressing that feeling. Is your nervousness making you think more about what you want to say than about really listening to the person you are talking to? Are you so excited and happy about what you are hearing that you are losing your professional demeanor? Are you so afraid you will be rejected that you are giving up too early and not asking the insightful questions that would show your passion?

- Social awareness: Being able to see and understand the emotions and motivations of others. You need to accurately decode the communications coming your way. Is your potential client tense? Maybe you should say "I really appreciate your time, knowing how busy you are. I think we can do this very quickly." Is your client starting to look bored? Maybe you should speed up or move on to another topic. Is your client becoming frustrated? Maybe you should make sure you are listening as much as you are talking.

- Relationship management: Putting together these skills to connect, bond, and influence others. Your meeting, whether a presentation or a cold call, is the first opportunity to begin to build a relationship. You will continue to build the relationship with your actions after you leave by how you follow up and take the next steps.

As you can see, having emotional intelligence allows you to adapt yourself to the situation at hand (that is, the style of the person you are meeting with) but still remain in control of the messages you communicate through your style. Being flexible and responding to the situation at hand does not mean you are not being real.

Instead, it means that you can draw on the many different strengths you possess and choose the one that is most appropriate for the situation. For example, when I am in front of a client like future Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz and when I am in front of my mom, I demonstrate two different styles.

With John, I am a professional, a negotiator, an ambassador, and a businesswoman. But I must also weave through my communications that I can be someone he not only respects, but also enjoys. I am always "on"; I am always anticipating, reading, and responding. Because he is the client and I am not, I have to be very attuned to his interests. He is the guy that gets to decide how far to push the needle in a negotiation; we can make our recommendations and provide stats to support them. But in the end, it is his life and his contract, so the buck stops with him. My job is to make sure the relationship has been built on mutual respect so that our experience and advice is heard.

With my mom, I am her daughter. I can talk without anticipating, without perfect preparation and knowledge of her yesterdays and her tomorrows. There are few people in life that you can be transparent with as your life and career progress. Often in relationships anchored with unconditional love, you do not have to attend to your style as much.

Remember, relationships matter. People may look at your career stats first, but then they look for invaluable intangibles such as great style, which reflects your strong passion. And it is never too late to discover both.

Passion Leads to Purpose

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:26:00 +0000

Passion is what will sustain your motivation to take the extra steps needed to be different from everybody else and overcome roadblocks and barriers. Many of you have found a job that taps into your passion. Some of you may still need to find out what energizes you and makes you enjoy Monday mornings. Either way, it is a helpful exercise to constantly be aware of your interests and strengths. This entails being in the moment as well as anticipating what the opportunity might provide in the years ahead. So, what is your passion? Ask yourself questions like the following:

-What do you do when you have free time?

-What causes you to lose track of time?

-When you walk into a bookstore, what section do you head toward?

-When you have nothing you have to think about, what do you think about?

-What would people who know you describe as your greatest strengths? What would YOU describe as your greatest strengths?

-What values and causes mean the most to you? When do you feel like you are making a difference in others' lives?

-What work schedule and environment fits best with your personality?

-Is there a specific goal you want to achieve at some point in your lifetime? Why?

-What do you love to talk about? Is there a subject matter in which you effortlessly absorb knowledge and are known for your expertise?

-What do you NOT want to do? Narrow down your choices by pinpointing what you do not want in your life or career.

Cast aside all cares for what others think and search for your true passion. It will become your foundation, because knowing your passion leads to purpose. If you are sure of your purpose, you will have confidence as you "do what you love, even if you do not love it every day (Katie Couric)."

I cannot tell you what your passion is, but I know you have something somewhere inside you that creates it. You will know it when you find it. And if you can learn to channel it and utilize it to add value (to someone or something), you can likely build a career based on living out your passion.

How Are You Giving During The Holidays?

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:02:00 +0000

I came across an article this weekend about a "mystery couple" in Philadelphia who walked into a restaurant, ate their meal, and quietly gave their waitress enough money to pay for another random couple's meal. This in turn set off a chain reaction of giving, as other diners began to pay it forward. Although it really didn't cost much to inspire a random act of generosity, the results were so profound that a national news organization like MSNBC picked up the story.

Another aspect of giving that has been prominent in the news this year is the fact that charities across the nation have experienced a drop in donations and giving. Although you may not have the extra money to donate this year, it may be as easy as giving a few cans of food or donating your time in a soup kitchen. I was particularly interested to read about Lanny Green, who rings the bell for Salvation Army in Arlington, Va. - and is homeless himself. The Salvation Army pays him a small hourly wage, but he "gets it" - he knows this job gives him a chance to help himself AND help someone else.

This year, everyone is trying to make Christmas special on a low budget. As you rush to and from the mall, remember to take a moment to give of your time, your resources, your expertise, or just showing a bit more patience than usual with long lines and overwhelmed cashiers. Happy Holidays!

The Holiday Job Search - Give Up Or Step It Up?

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:44:00 +0000

Job searching during the Holidays can seem daunting, but a recent New York Times article suggests that there are still plenty of opportunities out there for the motivated seeker.

So why should you keep pushing your resume while hiring managers are celebrating at company holiday parties? The article states:

"This is actually one of the best times of the year to look for a job, said Ford R. Myers, a career coach, author and president of Career Potential in the Philadelphia area. Partly, that is because most people do take a holiday break, some starting with a laissez-faire attitude as early as Thanksgiving. This leaves a wider opening for those who persevere, Mr. Myers said.

At this time of year, the hiring managers who are in the office tend to be more accessible, more relaxed and less busy than usual, Mr. Myers said. And the holidays can unleash a spirit of generosity toward job hunters that is lacking at other times, he added."

As you continue your search, I would suggest that you identify multiple points of contact with a potential employer, including their executive assistant, desk phone, cell phone, email, Facebook, Twitter, and their mailing address for a handwritten note. Technology has provided us with a variety of ways to stay on someone's radar, and it is up to you to take advantage of your options. But more importantly, make sure you provide substance in your outreach.

Send a Christmas card, attach a relevant article to your email or mention that you heard about their recent achievement through a mutual contact. Your outreach must ADD VALUE and provide incentive for them to respond.

I usually say that the best time to call someone is on a Friday. And with this being the week before Christmas, guess what? Most every day between now and January will feel like a Friday. So instead of giving up, step up your efforts over the next few weeks!

Assess your options, make a phone call, send a Christmas card, and set up a meeting for January. You just might catch someone in the holiday spirit of giving!

Navigating Holiday Etiquette At Work

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:53:00 +0000

Whether you are looking for a job or currently employed, it is important to recognize that the Holiday season provides an opportunity to make a thoughtful impression on those around you. In fact, it's always important to recognize any opportunity to go the extra mile. We're all so busy and engrossed in our own work and family life - when someone takes an extra five minutes to say that we matter, we never forget. Which brings us back to Holiday gifts and etiquette in the workplace.

Here are a few tips below:

1) Identify the list of people who have helped you or may be able to help you in the future. Handwrite a short, upbeat note wishing them well during the Holidays.

**Always keep a book of stamps in your desk so that the thought of having to stand in line at the Post Office doesn't deter you from buckling down and writing your cards - that way, you can just do it already!

2) If you are thinking of giving small gifts to your co-workers or clients (gifts to your boss are probably not the best idea), figure out what is important to them. Family? Pets? Traveling? Food? A friend of mine works in Major League Soccer and was tasked with buying a gift for a very successful athlete. What do you get someone who has it all? She settled on a couple of low-dollar toys from Target for his toddler daughter. The gift didn't cost much, but it made a huge impact because it centered around the most priceless part of his life - his family. He talked about it for days!

3) Shhhhh - if you give a gift or do something thoughtful for a co-worker, there's no need to make a big deal out of it. The person who receives your gift will know you're thinking about them, and that's all that matters. So keep it quiet!

How do you go the extra mile to make an impact with co-workers and clients during the Holidays?

Thoughts On Sharing Your Personal Brand

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:13:00 +0000

If you are looking for an interesting read today, check out www.drewsmarketingminute.com. The author, Drew McLellan, has some excellent thoughts regarding your personal brand. In short, he makes the point that although your personal brand is important, it is HOW you share your brand with the world that makes all the difference.

In the end, building a reputation based on credibility, consistency, and generosity is what it's all about. Which of these areas can you improve upon during the Holiday season?

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends...

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:02:00 +0000

I was checking out Bucks on The New York Times this morning, and came across this excellent article about helping your unemployed friends and family during the Holidays. The article had great suggestions, from providing free baby-sitting to simply listening to them talk about their situation - it can be so frustrating at times!

Sometimes, the only thing that our unemployed friends and family need to hear is that we're there, supporting them and doing what we can to make their burden a bit easier. It doesn't take much - even just a phone call, email, or a handwritten note. What can you do to help the people you love during the Holidays?

Add Value - Period.

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:55:00 +0000

I recently had a friend and client going in for an interview. I spent time on the phone prepping him for the interview, discussing potential questions to expect from them, their needs, their challenges, their opportunities and more. As our conversation evolved it became more of a role play – I was acting as if I was interviewing him and he was responding as if he was in the room – in the interview. Great practice – healthy process by the way. I recommend this at home.
Without exception his answers to my questions would regress back to “getting this job is so important to me” or “this job would make my year…my life.” After listening for some time I finally said to him, “this isn’t about you, it’s about them. Sadly, but candidly, they aren’t worried about you, they are worried about how you are going to make their product better, how you are going to add energy to their team, add value to their team, sell and enhance what they do and how they do what they do. Come ‘on” I said, “you know that.” He said, “yep, yep, yep – you are right. But it really would Molly.” I said, “I know it would, but just say it once – say it sincerely and move on to illustrate how you can add value to them.” The reality is, to many references to how much you want it– you look needy and they will offer you a dollar a day (no not really – but you know what I mean). So, hold back, control that overwhelming desire to just explode with “I WANT THIS SO BAD.” And take all that energy, all that passion and talk about how you can ADD VALUE – not about how they add value to you.

It’s a dog fight out there; it’s more competitive than ever. But when you drill right down to it, it’s about adding value. You can create positions for yourself by simply demonstrating and communicating that you can add value.
People hire people and people invest in people who can add value consistently, uniquely and quickly.

GO FOR IT! BE FEARLESS!

Three Keys

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:24:00 +0000

At a macro level lets think about the key tactics you need to execute to find a job, they are: fearlessness, consistency and information.

What do I mean?

Fearlessness: You have to want it bad enough to overcome the negative voice inside your head that tells you, "you can't" "this might not work" "your not qualified" etc. I could go on and on. Lose that voice; get ride of it. It is paralyzing you...totally paralyzing you. Insert positive thoughts in your mind whenever that negative voice tries to be heard. Force yourself to stay positive and be optimistic.

Consistency: We all meet people - some we think can help us, some we aren't sure, some we think can't. I would argue that if you took the time to meet them (and you are qualifying your meetings well) there is a small chance they could help you. Manage the relationship, nurture the relationship, consistently evaluate the relationship and, as needed, add value to the relationship - continue to contribute to the other persons world so they can constantly recognize your intellect and respectfully aggressive approach of impressing them.

Information: Knowledge is power. Remain informed as it relates to the other persons world. Specifically do in depth research so you can add unique insight and ideas to your contact so you can differentiate yourself.

Be fearless, remain consistent and gather information and you will secure a job - and a great one at that. Go for it!

40/60

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:35:00 +0000

There is an off-line and an on-line approach to the job search process. Both are important but I believe the off-line - people - approach is the most effective.

I wrote a book about the off-line strategy and tactics as you attach the market to find your perfect job. I will admit, there is a need to utilize the web in your off-line search strategy but it's for research - and primarily research. People hire people, they don't hire paper..or great emails..or great letters - but rather great people.

There are a lot of people right now posting up over their computers day in and day out scouring the web for new postings, more insight, new blogs, new articles etc. I believe the ratio between computer time and people time is 40/60. Spend 40 percent - at the most - over your computer and 60 percent of your time in front of great people. The web is a spring board to gain insight and to create introductions.
Now, I will add, I am speaking about 40/60 day light hours. For those who are really getting after it, use your discretion as to the time you spend at night on the web - the people you could be meeting with are probably sleeping so post up at your computer all night if you wish. So, use 40% of the time to get behind the curtain of the world of the people you are going to meet with and to schedule the meetings with people who you think can hire you or help you. Use the 60% of the time with great people who can hire your or help you. If you do this effectively, I am confident good things will be your result.

I believe life is about utilizing your energy in a positive way - to make a difference at whatever level that might mean for you. Put your energy where it will produce rewarding results for you and those you care about. And never confuse effort with accomplishment. Effort is great, but you get rewarded on accomplishments.

Go for it!

Embrace Your Moments With Stories

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:34:00 +0000

I spoke at a Home Depot event recently. A woman, Lori, had reached out to me in advance of the event hopeful that we could meet to discuss her career and her goals. We missed each other at the event, however, we did connect recently at my office. She was diligent and impressive in all her communication to me so I looked forward to meeting with her.

Needless to say, she embraced the meeting. A week in advance of our meeting she sent me a power point about ideas, questions, insights about her that she wanted to discuss in our 30 minute meeting. She based the format of the power point off my book. Some of the points were great, some weren't necessarily relevant, but the thinking was what impressed me. But, what impressed me even more was the stories she used to illustrate her work ethic, her perseverance, her diligence, her ability to build relationships and her background.

She told me stories about queens she met in other countries due to her perseverance married with class - respectful confidence - I like to call it. She told me stories about relationships she built with executives (high high level executives - like CEO's) at Home Depot in light of her awareness and appropriate eagerness to expand her reach.

For example, Lori drove by a plot of land and noticed a sign that started that Bernie Marcus, CEO/Founder of HD, was using the land to build a building for a charity he is involved with. She works in the IT department of HD and so she reached out to Mr. Marcus offering her services to help create a IT platform for the building in her off time time. "Mr. Marcus, hello, my name is Lori P. and I work at The Home Depot. I noticed a sign today about the building you are building for (xyz charity) and I wanted you to know I would be happy to volunteer my time in an effort to help from an IT perspective - and any other for that matter." Shortly after she received an appreciative reply from Mr. Marcus thanking her and taking her up on her offer. You are thinking - sure, clever - a kiss ass. But, her sincere style, follow up, delivery and approach brings clarity to the fact that her efforts were sincere and through that effort a relationship was built.

In our meeting, of just an hour at most, she told me this and other stories that helped bring to life her style, her trust, her relationships, and her sincerity. But, it all came to life via stories. So, my message to you tonight is use stories to illustrate yourself effectively. Go for it!

How do you create opportunities?

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:21:00 +0000

A young woman came into my office today who use to be one of my interns. She is a nice, sharp girl - Julia Gates. She is taking a risk and moving to Australia to work. I am proud of her; she will return (I hope) to the US a new person in many ways. During our conversations today, we discussed something that struck me as an interesting blog topic.

How do you identify opportunities for yourself?

At the most basic level, you identify a need or a hole inside a company or an organization; you identify the ways in which that problem can be fixed; you identify ways in which you can help solve that problem AND, in a perfect world, ways in which that problem creates revenue for the organization. This philosophy applies whether you are currently in a job or your looking for a job.

Most companies have challenges or needs. Sometimes those needs don't result in official postinga. There are plenty of opportunities that aren't posted - you just need to find them. And, once you do, add value by solving their problem. Just ensure that the problem you are solving directly or indirectly creates revenue for the organization - otherwise, they can't pay you for it.

It really is this simple. So,go for it!!

Be Recession-Proof

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:26:00 +0000

I recently read an awesome guide to being a "recession proof" graduate by Charlie Hoehn. I don't know Charlie, but I certainly respect his approach to the job search process. You can find his slideshow here.

If I had a clue how to drop it right into my site, I would, but I don't have a clue. Sorry! But, trust me, click on it, it's great stuff.

Ok, have you looked at it? Do it before you read on.

Charlie is right... you can choose to not participate in this recession. That is my philosophy as well. Just don't participate. It's simple. Create opportunities for yourself. You can do that by following his steps... but I would add/expand on a couple other thoughts:

Get in front of a lot of people you respect and make them your agent. Earlier this week, I met with a few people...recent grads looking for a job. I met with them because someone I respect asked me to meet with them. Guess what, neither sent me a thank you email and neither had any questions. Unbelievable when you say toward the end of the meeting, "do you have any questions for me?" And a young person says "no...not really." WHAT THE HELL! Load some questions in your mind and spit them out...be ready. Seize the opportunity. Maybe meeting with me wasn't an opportunity? But they asked for the meeting. Hmmm. Either way, impress people you request a meeting with and it will help you be able to forgo participating in this recession.

I love Charlie's mention of getting some skills under your belt, that means WORK. I know an easy choice right now is to go back to school, but if you choice that route, you better understand how you are going to step into a great opportunity after you finish and how that opportunity will be fruitful enough to pay off those loans.
I'm really fairly opinionated right now as I type this blog, which is actually rare...but I hope helpful.

Have a great weekend...do more than everyone else and be smarter than everyone else. This is a powerful combination!

Molly

Creativity

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:01:00 +0000

I've been thinking a lot about some of the things that help people when they are recruiting people they want to work with or for. Besides some of the more obvious, passion, fearless and others. Creativity is a key ingredient to successful job searches. I don't mean creativity in regards to what my kids think of when they are sitting over a coloring book with a princess in it.

Creativity in the job search is primarily:

-Identifying creative ways to connect with people (its more than their number). Use their email, use texting, use linked in, use facebook and other on line social media tools. Securing multiple points of contact allows you to to reach out to someone in various ways
-Uncovering hot buttons about your contact so you can tease them on the ways you would add value

Be creative by marrying aggressiveness with demonstrating ways you will add value! Go for it.

Molly

Interviewing Advice

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:43:00 +0000

Check out this video about interviewing advice. Great stuff to remember what people are looking for that you meet with who could hire you or worst case, simply help you. Notice not only WHAT he says but how HE says it. Notice his energy and confidence about what he is saying. Listen and think about your answer to his question about adversity you have dealt with. What would you say?

Video

More soon...

Twitter Promotion

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:29:00 +0000

Follow me on Twitter. The hundredth follower and every hundredth after will receive my book for free! http://twitter.com/mollyfletcher

Effectively utilize "touch points" with people you're recruiting

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:43:00 +0000

When you talk or meet with someone who you want to help you or hire you...remember to capture the three primary ways in which you can connect with the individual, which are phone, email and their physical address. But, also remember, never to ask for something you can find out on your own; so if you are on the phone with them and their web site lists their office address, you can simply verbally (and quickly) confirm the street address just to secure confirmation in case their are multiple offices and you need to know which one they are housed at. Additionally, you can do your research and determine if they twitter; if they do sign up to receive their twitter of their social media representatives twitter. At the very least you can utilize these three points of contact as ways in which you can creatively connect with your contact. Vary the ways you reach out to them in initially but certainly over time you will determine the kind of communication they prefer with you; then focus on that format and utilize is to recruit you contact. Equally as important, have substance and add value when you communicate with them. In other words, be respectfully aggressive in a valuable way.

Good luck!

Is more education important?

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:49:00 +0000

I often get the question, "With the job market as it is, should I simply go on and get more schooling?"

My answer is, it depends - profound huh. Let me explain. If you have never had a "real" job, I believe it is important that you get a professional job before you get a masters. Why? Because you need to wake up everyday and go somewhere, work for someone you may like or you may not particularly like; you need to figure out what you are good at, great at and not so good at. Figure out what you like and what you don't like. But, wake up and go somewhere and build something, contribute your skills, improve your skills and better understand your skills. Additionally, a masters right on top of an undergrad degree won't differentiate you much, if at all, in this environment. Not to mention you will (unless your parents have money) have debt. Yuck!

Don't approach the job search and think, "Well if I can't find a job I'll just go back to school." This is not a good approach because your passion, your fearlessness, your game plan, your execution and so on will lack the intensity needed to be successful. In your mind, you have a fall back. Don't listen to that little person in your head that says..."Oh well if I don't...."

Ok, now let's say some of you reading this believe you need a masters. And, based on your particular situation now is the time. Got it, good. Promise me that you will ask yourself these questions before you put your money down..

What will I do once I graduate with more education?
What is the perfect job?
Who do I know that did this and it helped them? How did it help them?
Based on how much the degree costs, how much more will I make because of it and how quickly will that increase off-set my expense for the degree?

Get your head around the benefits and have a plan as to how you plan to use it.

Enjoy and embrace the path you choose and always, always enjoy the journey.

Solution and goal oriented in each conversation

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:42:00 +0000

I recently met with a young man who lost his job....he is about 26 years old, he has worked for several years in sales in the sports marketing business. Very nice young man.

When I asked him what he wanted to do he said, "that's the problem...I don't really know for sure." Yikes, I thought to myself. He might be thinking that but I don't advise that people say that - after years in the business world - "I don't know..." Not a good answer.

The better approach is to stay solution and goal oriented in your response. What do I mean?

Your intention in the meeting is to get them to like you and believe that you are a bright, ambitious, motivated individual. Give them enough direction with your response to this question that they can think through their contacts, identify people who they know that would network with you and so that you can leave the meeting with names and contact information of people who they have referred you to.

As you answer this question, talk about what you know you are interested in...it can be somewhat generic if necessary. Maybe your answer is that you want to be a part of building something or that you want to secure a position where you are in total control of your financial rewards or that you want to stay in this particular city you live in or that you are eager to move anywhere. Stay positive and stay focused on what it is that you do want to do, not what you don't know or you don't want to do. The goal is to have them like you enough to want to help you or hire you so you need to create enough of an impression and illustrate enough ideas that they want to help get you in front of good people.

So when they ask you, what do you want to do, remain solution and goal oriented. Not to mention, these are two key traits that people making hiring decisions want in their employees. Prove to them by your response to this question that you live by these key traits.

Eric Saperston

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:25:00 +0000

Have you heard of Eric Saperston? We spent an hour or more on the phone recently discussing our shared passion for finding ones passion. He has awesome energy and vision. Years ago Eric took a trip around our wonderful country with the goal of gathering wisdom from the greats of the generation before him. From his journey, he created a movie called, "The Journey", which shares the advice he gained during his time with so many ordinary and also extraordinary people. Check out his website http://www.ericsaperston.com enjoy and believe in your tomorrows.

Dear Lacey Lee:

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:22:00 +0000

Lacey, an incoming senior at the University of South Carolina emailed me the below email:

message: "I am about to be a senior at the University of South Carolina. After graduating, I plan on attending law school. You have my dream job. I want to enter the field of Sport Law. I would love to become a sports agent. How difficult was it for you to break into the field? Do you have any tips for me to get ahead of the game seeing that I still have 4 more years before finding a job? You are such an inspiration to me."

I thought I would share my reply to Lacey on my blog as well.

Lacey, I never felt like it was difficult breaking into the sports business because I expected the challenge. Just stay passionate, stay persistent and be fearless. Embrace every ones advice and only utilize the advice from the people who tell you how difficult it is in a positive way. In other words, listen to what they say were their challenges, learn from them but don't use their challenges as a reason to give up. Much of my book illustrates the tactics you need to execute to find a job, implement those starting right NOW. Lacey, with four years left of school, you have an opportunity to have a job locked up by before you graduate. Start by having an internship each break in school (ie. summer).

Lacey, I hope this helps. Enjoy the journey.

To College Graduates

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:21:00 +0000

To those of you who have just or are about to graduate from college, you are like a young man who is trying to get drafted or a college coach who is just about to lock up their first Division III job or a golfer who is playing a Monday qualifier for a spot in a Nationwide Tour event. You have some great credentials, but you haven't really done anything yet.

So what do you need to do now? Prepare and create opportunities for yourself and once you do execute. Prepare by reading, digging and gathering data about the people, companies and industry you are trying to secure a job in. Create opportunities by making a list of 20 people...10 people you know and 10 people you don't know but think you want to be. Meet with all twenty people as quickly as you can (prepare for these meetings or they won't be successful). And, like a young man drafted in the MLB draft, it doesn't matter unless they perform for the team(s) they play for; like a young coach for a D-III school it doesn't matter unless they win games; like a player in a Monday qualifier, getting into the qualifier doesn't really matter to much unless they execute when they play.

The world is in front of you...but it takes hard work to differentiate yourself from the others. Embrace it and go for it.

Whats your elevator speech?

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:03:00 +0000

I have always been interested in the way people connect (or don't connect) with other people...particularly in the first few minutes. Recently I jumped into an our elevator leaving the office on a Friday afternoon and one of our interns jumped in as well. Just he and I all the way down from our 19th floor office to the lobby. I said, "hey, how you doing?" He said, "awesome...I am so pumped it is Friday." I asked, "why?" He said, "just ready for chill this weekend." Oops I thought to myself. Not a great thing to say as an intern at a place you are trying to get a job.

Better might have been to say he was doing great, maybe reference something positive he knows that happened in our world at the agency that week and indicate his eagerness to get to work on some things for the following week. And maybe some specific questions about my clients would have shown me that he is "in our world."

People want to be around positive, engaging people who might make you laugh, have the guts to ask questions and the guts to demonstrate that they are aware of your world. And, most certainly, people want to hire people who are eager to work hard, embrace each and every opportunity and moment and are smart enough to know their "elevator speech." What is your elevator speech?

Advice

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Thu, 28 May 2009 01:54:00 +0000

I always stress to people the importance of asking others for advice...I think you can learn so much by simply asking great questions and listening. I ask our CEO for advice, I ask the people who work for me for advice and, yes, I still ask my parents for advice. So, now I want to ask you for advice as it relates to my website and my blogs.

What are the on-line career based websites and blogs you source to look for jobs?

What are some ideas or tactical questions that you believe people would find beneficial for me to write about in my blogs? The more ideas and thoughts the better as I am looking for over a hundred blog ideas as I expand my editorial calendar for my future blogs.

Please submit your thoughts on the "contact" section of my site and I'll get them directly.

Have a great day!

Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (Molly Fletcher) — Sat, 23 May 2009 03:14:00 +0000

Big Ten...Midwestern people are so wonderful..so grounded...so refreshing. I think our event Thursday night proved beneficial for people. We had a nice crowd of MSU, Ohio State and Northwestern grads. I talked about passion, style, fearlessness, gameplan, execution and more....I think the Mark DeRosa stories helped hit home for Chicago people. I shared the story of how we signed Mark which people found interesting.

I enjoyed lunch with Christie Hefner on Friday. She is a woman to admire...a classy professional brilliant woman. She cares about others...not just at a local but a national and international level...she has and will continue to leave a legacy for woman like me to respect and work to mirror.