Forward-Looking Ways to Get a Job

“No Guts No Glory”

In these tough economic times with the unemployment rate at its highest, job seekers need to be creative, cutting edge and resilient.  Getting a job takes more than applying on line or sending a resume.  

Performance Expert and Life Style Strategist Gail Kasper has helped many thousands of people get their life on track and take charge of their lives.  She is an author, Ms. Continental America, and a former Contributing Editor to Success Magazine.  Her Make a Decision to Win audio program has received rave reviews and her book Mission Possible 10, which she co-authored, along with Stephen Covey and Brian Tracy, is impacting people across the country.

If you asked Gail what has made the difference in getting her foot in the door with Fortune 500 Companies Ivy League Universities, and Professional Sports Teams, she shares 7 sales secrets that will help job seekers demonstrate value to would-be employers.

1. Be bold and pick the companies for which you would like to work.  In this job market, there is no time to wait for the right job to present itself, you must seek out companies for which you would like to work.   Do an online search and selectively choose 10 companies per week to pursue.  This means, be prepared to take risks. 

2.  Be creative when pursing a company.  The real question here is “What can you do to get noticed?”   Find out what you can from an assistant then send a favorite snack or gift.    One real estate developer earned my business by sending me stamps.  Stamps had just risen 3 cents and he figured I might need a few to work with my current postage.  He saved me time and money.  It only cost him 30 cents.  What can you do for this potential employer?

3.  Have a professional presentation.  Strategy says that you are sophisticated and worth more money.  In sales, there can be a lack of professionalism in our words and in our process and Brian Tracy says, “The first 10-15 words of a sales presentation can set the tone for the entire meeting.”  We must have a strategy.  Whenever you are on the telephone attempting to secure an appointment with an executive, script “what” you plan to say.  It will be perceived as “value” to the executive and get you one step closer to a meeting.

4.  Give them a taste….and then deliver results!  In my first meeting with the Pittsburgh Penguins coaching staff, I freely shared my thoughts on the team and the players. I gave them a taste of what I had to offer.   As a matter of fact, the coaches put my information to use and got results.  After a losing streak, the team won!

For a potential employer, this might be as simple as finding a news articles or e-mailing industry-related information that would be of benefit to the potential employer. 

5.  Don’t be a “yes” man (or woman).  Care.  Your high profile decision makers typically have enough yes-people.  Your job is to say it like it is, present your industry and job knowledge that will meet their needs, and then be available for their questions.

6.  Be excellent at follow-up.  Securing a new job takes time.  Results require time, talent, and patience.  Talent is a key word here. No response from a company must be interpreted as a “maybe.”  It doesn’t mean “no.”  It’s your job to follow up until you get a “no.”  Don’t take it personally, don’t read into it, and don’t get frustrated.

 7.  Keep your attitude in check.  With reference to “attitude,” that’s a no-brainer.  Dealing with rejection in a positive way is about to become your life.  You must believe whole-heartedly in what you can do and refuse to view a setback as failure.  Instead, use this as an opportunity for which to gain momentum, reorganize, and uncover a new direction.  You are one step closer to a “yes.” 

Gail Kasper not only runs a successful business, but is the Founder and Executive Director of the “Make a Decision to Win” Foundation, a foundation geared to providing coaching and support to those who want to get their lives on track but cannot afford it.  An avid supporter of animal rescue, Gail owns  2 rescued Basset Hounds, Apollo and Winslow.

For the complete article and the inside secrets on how Gail took a $450 account to $250,000, visit www.gailkasper.com.