Top Exec Blog (Web Log)

Sometime ago, way back in the '60's, before iPods, CD's and the Internet, a pop music group, called Tommy James and the Shondells, recorded a song called "Crystal Blue Persuasion". It's a shimmery, echo-laden song about something (love? memories? success? future success?), but the message of that old pop tune isn't what's important for those on the "Career Path Express" (our rock 'n roll train metaphor). What's important is considering how to take your message, your brand or your career goal and express it to others in the form of "Crystal Clear Persuasion".

Without any doubt, in the experience of many, you (the seeker) must clearly articulate what it is you seek (the job, the assignment, the key to life), to those with whom you interact (the hiring manager, the guru, the mentor). If not, then you may find many of these same wise people may not have the time or make the effort to try to figure out what it is you seek. Therefore, you must be crystal clear in your communications about what you are asking. Beyond that, you must have crystal clear powers of persuasion as to how and where your request can serve not only your purpose, but help in some way, the person(s) you are communicating with. (Remember, you, too, have skills, contacts, knowledge and other offerings that can be of use to those on the receiving end of your request.)

Ask and you shall receive, says the Good Book. In addition, you should offer to give, so that you might receive, especially in the hunt for introductions, contacts, companies, decisionmakers, hiring managers, etc. Be clear about your request, be succinct in your purpose and make sure that your request is heard and understood. Don't assume that because you said it or wrote it or posted it on your website that folks really know what you're asking for.

Whether you turn on the reverb, use echo effects or invoke other sounds or embellishments, you must make sure that the "sweetening" of your message does not intefere with what you ask for. Some suggestions:

Tell people specifically you're on the hunt and you're looking for introductions to contacts or industry/company suggestions for your career path efforts.

Tell them what it is you're offering in terms of skills, background and experience.

Explain to them as precisely as you can, what type of position or opportunity you seek, in the "ideal world", and where it might be located (geographically or in a company's hierarchy).

Be prepared to expand and refine your request and explain it in greater detail as questions arise.

Summarize the request and make sure it's understood, offering to send a resume, bio or other supporting material, then follow-up, including "thank you" and "I'll keep in touch" and "If I can return the favor...".

With all of these basic efforts you're going to improve your capabilities of turning your career path expressions into "Top 40 success" with crystal clear persuasion. (Apologies to Tommy James and the Shondells)

Your comments and ideas are welcome. Good luck and drive safely on the Career Path Expressway.

 © Daniel A. Cabrera, "Career Path Express" ™ All rights reserved, 2007.