03/01/2009
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Such a plan contains three elements: (1) what you have to sell; (2) where to sell it; and (3) how to communicate the selling message to prospective buyers.
Six Steps To Marketing Yourself
Your personal marketing plan for career success should include six basic steps.
First, define what assets your "product" has to offer which are better to solve the needs of the buyer than the field of competitors.
It may be difficult to find many real points by which to differentiate your product. This simply underscores the necessity to execute an effective marketing plan in order to foster at least the perception of differences.
Second, create a list of prospective buyers where your "product" makes the best fit.
Third, screen and prioritize the list of prospective buyers according to how they match with what you have to sell and your goals. That list should take into account where you would most like to live, based on lifestyle, proximity to home, and other factors.
Fourth, learn as much as possible about each of the prospective employers who come out of the screen... their history, recent developments, sales and profit volumes, and recent major changes in management. This can be done by consulting such resources as annual reports, "Standard and Poor's," back issues of the Wall Street Journal, Fortune magazine, and recent books which can usually be located through a nearby library.
Fifth, based on your research, carefully craft various versions of your résumés to make your "product attributes" (i.e., reasons to buy) as applicable and attractive as possible to each prospect. The selling points should include education, training and previous experience, special interests and how they relate to the prospect's business.
Sixth, cover each résumé with a letter that demonstrates a special interest in and knowledge of each targeted company. The letters should be as specific as possible, making such points as: "I know that XYZ, with sales last year of over $1 billion, is the fastest growing company in the widget industry as a result of its pioneering the development of the super widget. I am especially interested in your company because it is one of the keys to our nation's battle against water pollution.
"Much of my education and experience points me toward building an engineering career in widgets. I can think of no better place to make that career than at XYZ. I believe I could make a real contribution to your company if I am fortunate enough to get an opportunity with you."
Most employers find it difficult to resist taking at least a second look at an applicant who has shown enough interest to do some homework. It guarantees a leg-up over the competition.
Sure, getting a job requires a lot of hard work, patience, and common sense. Nobody said achieving career goals would be easy, but the candidate armed with a well-thought-out marketing plan, executed with focused energy and persistence, has a head start on the career path to success.
For free career coaching, please go to http://www.commonsenseatwork.com. You'll receive The Career Accelerator, Ramon Greenwood's semi-monthly newsletter. You can also visit his Your Blog For Career Advice via this route. No cost/no obligation. Greenwood's career advice comes from a world of experience, including serving as Senior Vice President of American Express, an entrepreneur, professional director, career coach, and author.
© 2009 Ramon Greenwood
The views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.