There is a guy I "know" but have never met named John Reinke. Actually John's "real" name is Ferdinand, but he goes by John. When I say I "know" John, it is because of the degree to which we have communicated over the years, which is to say frequently. He has been a member of ExecuNet since 1993. To say that John "gets it" when it comes to managing an executive job search and understanding what real networking is all about would be an understatement. While he is currently working for one of the big ISP's, he remains the personification of someone who is happy to share both information and advice, and he has lots of both. Both of these characteristics make him a role model for effective networking.
Not only does he post leads (he's an IT guru) in our Executive Forum all the time, but virtually daily he sends out emails to his networking list (which he lovingly refers to as his "turkeys") that is crammed full of advice given in words of one syllable.
I got one recently that I thought was especially meaningful because of the degree to which many of us rationalize and procrastinate when it comes to exposing ourselves to the real world. I asked John if I could share it, and no surprise, he said sure. For anyone who is reading this and is in the middle of job search, take note:
I'm working this weekend on a big conversion here at the bog C. I tell you this to encourage you to work on your job search. It's easy to goof off during the summer (all the decision makers are on vacation). Just as it is easy to goof off during the winter holidays (all the decision makers are celebrating from the next to last week in November until mid-January). Just as it is easy to goof off in the spring (All the decision makers are off opening up their summer homes). Just as it easy to goof off in the fall (all those decision makers are helping get their kids ready to go back to school). WHO-HEeeey! How do I get to be one of them thar decision makers? They sure have a lot of time off. When I was making decisions I worked a lot harder than that. Maybe that's what I did wrong? Ok, I'll be your personal Ebenezer, to you as Bob Cratchet. "No, Bob, no more coal for the fire. Coal cost money." Yup, get busy and get off my Turkey list and you won't get any more "motivational" messages. Now what better motivation is that?
1 comment:
Ebenezer says, to all you Bob Cratchets out htere: "No, Bobs, no more coal for the fire. Coal costs money."
I am humbled that Dave considers me a model. Obviously, he has never seen me. I'm not that svelete or swift or smart. My wife reminds me when I am in transition "if your so good, why are you out?". And, when I am not in transition, "if your so good, why aren't you rich?" Both excellent questions.
I too am a "turkey". I'll have to expound some time about how the young beautiful/handsome smart talented new employee morphs into a turkey over the span of five years. (You can figure it out yourself if I tell you that the average big organization has a 20% turnover per year by design.)
In any event, I welome all my fellow turkeys to exchange messages at
http://public.2idi.com/=reinkefj
I would be happy to advance your candidacy in the Loyal Order of Turkeys just as soon as I find the Membership Director. ;-)
Seriously, I have been accused of causing whiplash with new Turkeys. AND, I have actually one person object to the label and ask that I not send him any more "upsetting" emails. Of course, he continues to ask for help from time to time, (e.g.: send an email to so and so; do I have a name of someone at XYZ). I just smile and help.
I think the problem is ALWAYS in our thinking.
So "Ebenezer" here says make your aim not to model my lame behaviors, but to stand on my shoulders and be Dave's new model.
How's that for a challenge.
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