Start Making an Impression - Sell a little Passion!

Call the last couple years what you will. Hard times, down economy, Whatever your terminology for what has certainly been a challenging climate, many of us will agree that these conditions tend to drive us to become a little introverted and locked down in survival mode. Whether we are searching for a job, trying to keep our current job, or out trying to land a new client, the minimalist society that a haggard economy can breed doesn't lend itself to provoking boldness or differentiating behavior. Walking the straight and narrow, taking fewer chances, and keeping things inside the box will keep us safe right? Maybe, maybe not. However, as Bob Dylan put it so eloquently in January of 1964, the times they are a-changin. Brace yourselves but things (to generalize our most intimate interests in one simple, all-encompassing word) are looking up. Money is being spent. Jobs are opening up. Success is being had.

What's that? Get to the point? OK then.

I spend a great deal of my time, along with my partners, managing three rapidly growing employment firms. Our clients are interviewing hundreds of job seekers and we are constantly evaluating prospective members of our company. My advice to all who are seeking a job, selling a product, or attempting to advance your career.... Practice BOLD behavior (careful - bold is not synonymous with obnoxious). Make an impression on your audience by demonstrating Passion for your product, trade, or place in this world. Speaking for myself, I will hire energy and passion over skill and experience 110% of the time. Show me you want to be here (and I mean sell me) and I'll show you an opportunity to shine. We get mirrored feedback from our client as they are evaluating technology, finance, and administrative professionals. Hiring managers get excited over those who are excited, those who are bold, and those who demonstrate passion through their behavior and knowledge.

What's that? You get the point? OK then.

The above is merely reinforcing the obvious for most. I could go on for pages and pages with this stuff as I constantly advocate to get out there and have a little fun with everything you do. To be as absurdly cliche, if one person gets that raise, closes that deal, or lands the dream gig resulting from laboring through this post, it was 30 minutes (late) on a Thursday night well spent.

Happy Hunting.

JA