No Job Joy #61 Free webinars

A lot of people get caught in a rut when in their job search. You have looked at your resume for the one millionth time trying to find that silver bullet to make sure you get a call back.  You have emailed your network so many times they start filtering your messages to their spam folder and you have bruises on your ego from every network connection that has lead to a dead end. 

This is the time to look for new ideas. New ways to connect, new people to talk to, new things to learn.  Here one thing I have used to get connected with a new company.

Have a target company?  Find out if they are doing any webinars.  Almost all do and they are almost all free.  During the webinar ask a question.  Make sure it is relevant and try to make sure you are identified in the question. 

As you are in the webinar get the contact information of the presenter.   Many times the presenter will put their contact information in the presentation. Otherwise you will have to call the company.

After the webinar contact the presenter with a follow up. Once you have asked the second question you have established a relationship that can let you open up about your interest in their company and ask to set up some time to talk with them about their industry and opportunities in general in their company. As with any other kind of networking interview you are not asking them for a job. Just information. They are doing you a favor so respect their time.  Only if THEY think you may have something to offer their company can you ask if there is a referral bonus at their company and ask how to best make this a win win.

Yes this takes some time and may be out of your comfort zone but it can be a great way to learn something new about a new company and get a connection.

Today's No Job Joy is about connecting out of the box.
Share your out of the box ways of connecting to new people or networks by commenting below.

No Job Joy #60 Other skills

This weekend I was remind twice that my value as a person is not defined by what I do to make a living.  The first was at a get together for my oldest son's football team.  Over the years my love of photography and the fact that I have some of the best equipment has made me the unofficial team photographer. Most parents have stopped taking their cameras relying on me to take and post photos.

As I thought our gathering might be the last time we would all be together I made my usual team video of still shots that I had taken during the season. Each parent was amazed at the shots of the boys.  The fact that I can make them happy with something I love to do reinforces that I am not just a job.

The second time I was reminded of this was as I was working on another home improvement project. Having the right tools and the ability to use them the right way to get the job done really helps boost ones confidence and drive home the fact that I am not just a job.There is something about making sawdust that makes you feel good.

Today's No Job Joy is the satisfaction of completing a project and using talents other than those that people pay you  for.