Today’s savvy job seekers need to maximize the tools available when looking for their next employer. Whether you’re unemployed or just looking for new opportunities there are several things you can do to find the right company or organization.
The old adage, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know!” still rings true today.The best place to start is through your personal network. Make a list of everyone that might be of help to you. Even if someone is in a different industry or department, don’t discount them, they may know about a position or company that you haven’t thought of.
After you come up with your list of contacts, put together your elevator pitch. Decide what type of employer and position you want and then craft a clear and concise mini-bio of sorts to share with your network. Call, email, take someone out for coffee or lunch, you need to draw upon all of your resources. Keeping up and involved with people is something you should be doing ongoing and not just when you’re looking for help. Reach out and try to be a resource to your contacts and you will be amazed at the opportunities that come up - often when you least expect it.
The old adage, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know!” still rings true today.The best place to start is through your personal network. Make a list of everyone that might be of help to you. Even if someone is in a different industry or department, don’t discount them, they may know about a position or company that you haven’t thought of.
After you come up with your list of contacts, put together your elevator pitch. Decide what type of employer and position you want and then craft a clear and concise mini-bio of sorts to share with your network. Call, email, take someone out for coffee or lunch, you need to draw upon all of your resources. Keeping up and involved with people is something you should be doing ongoing and not just when you’re looking for help. Reach out and try to be a resource to your contacts and you will be amazed at the opportunities that come up - often when you least expect it.
| Tami Gilbertson, CMP, Corporate Events Director, emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relationships ALL the time and not just when you need something, “A planner should always be building, using and reciprocating with his or her network. The people a planner connects with, the relationships he or she develops, the information the connections hold, and the access to other contacts and information is extremely valuable in good times or bad. A planner must nurture his or her network. It can’t just be used as needed and then shelved. Efforts need to be made to stay in touch and remain connected and remain valued within your community. Take inventory so you know where your value lies - This person asks me about contracts and this one asks me about site inspections - and this one, I just make him laugh! And, it’s reciprocal. What does each person bring to you - who helps you with negotiations and who knows the best properties? Who do you use as a sounding board? Know your network and use it to help others as well as yourself.“ Contract Work For those unemployed job seekers, be open to contract work, you’ll gain experience, meet new contacts, and possibly find long-term employment. “Connect with all your contacts and let them know that you will work as an independent contractor for planning assignments. Obviously this requires being prepared, both from a home office and technology perspective, to do this effectively.” advises Todd M. Hanson, CRP, CPIM, President and Founder, Catalyst Performance Group, Inc. Hanson also notes that it’s best to keep an open mind and not limit oneself to one specific function or job, “Planners should consider all options in their field of expertise. I have seen displaced planners find great work serving as on-site travel staff and have seen this assignment lead to extended planning engagements. On-site work enables a planner to really get to know a company’s culture and key personnel, both being very beneficial.” Volunteer Do some research and find some companies or groups that you’d love to work with and see if they have any volunteer opportunities. Perhaps you have your eye on your dream employer, if they don’t have existing volunteer positions, offer suggestions on how you might help and create something that offers them value and gives you exposure. Or maybe they are involved with a charity or not-for-profit group, reach out to these groups and see how you can be of best help. Social Media LinkedIn offers a variety of groups including several for meeting professionals. If you’re new to the industry reach out and join these groups, then get involved, ask questions, get in on conversations offering advice when you can. Meeting Professionals International (MPI) as well as state chapters all have groups that offer some great learning and networking opportunities. Twitter is a growing medium that with a little practice can be a fantastic resource. Once you register for an account you can seek out conversations and groups using the # sign and key words, for example, type in #meetingprofessionals or #meetingplannerjobs and then check out the various tweets about these topics. | 
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