I recently attended the 2014 ICF Global Midwest Conference in Cleveland to meet with other coaches for personal development. I want to be a better coach so I can help my clients achieve better results and this certainly was the place to be!
One breakout session by Pat Alvater and Jack Klemeyer shared “Five Steps To Exploding Credibility”. They directed their messages to coaches like me with small businesses. I would like to share with you one particular point that was particularly relevant to job seekers.
Your philosophy, mission, and vision must be in alignment with potential employers in order to make a good connection.
Making the connection is critical. Organizations that do not value someone like you are not your target employer.
Businesses know that not everyone will be a good customer. The same is true for job seekers. Not every business is an ideal target for your needs and interests. Your job is to find the right match.
Start by understanding your values and mission. What is important to you? What is your mission in life? I created my own personal mission statement years ago. I solve people problems with humor and creativity so the organization thrives. My business philosophy is to offer proven processes and support with humor and creativity so my clients find the job or candidates they love. Businesses or individuals who do not mesh with my personal mission or my business philosophy will not want to do business with me.
If I were looking for a position today I would not want to work for a business organization that does not value the way I solve people problems with humor and creativity. They would not want me either. It would not be a good match.
Consider this chart. We start by understanding our own values, and mission. Then we research to discover the businesses that have a philosophy that fits with our values, and mission.
Of the ideal companies, not everyone is looking for someone like you right now. Some might not even be aware they have a need. You want to devote your attention to the businesses that can use you because your mission matches theirs. Then you want to meet people in that organization to make them aware of how you can help that business solve their problems.
All your marketing materials should be designed to attract the employers who are aligned with your mission and values.
You want to demonstrate that you can solve their problems. Strong relationships pay off over time so take steps to build strong relationships with people inside your target organizations.