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“Wasting your time doubting whether you're gonna be successful or not is pointless. You control what you can control.” — Kobe Bryant
When thinking about any new career opportunity, I always start by writing down my purpose, values, and talents on paper. I work back through the web and exemplar documents for video or artifact examples and assets to showcase my work. I read everything I can about stellar Linkedin profiles, and I read a lot about crafting a new narrative for recruiters, lurkers, and network friends who may need a refreshed perspective on where I sit in their space.
How might I explain the events of a one-month stint from my story on the recent career transition? What story would I tell about 18 years of promotions and outcomes and one tough situation? Is there a story you are thinking about telling right now? Sunlight is always the best disinfectant, and finding ways to be authentic, transparent, and humble in times of restarts is critical.
Try using some new personal branding tools like this visual CV. Or, make a list of key contacts who may have some insights on who to connect with. Then practice your pitch.
When I went through a rapid career transition, one of my colleagues shared, “Bryan, I define a strategy as a plan to capture or create value.” Also, I’ve got a great book for you to read next, To Sell is Human by Daniel Pink.
Spend some time on his website and learn how to pitch your current story. See what resonates with those you are talking with and refine your outreach over email, Zoom, and/or in person as you learn more about how your purpose matches those who need your particular skill set.
Bonus: Watch the six pitches video referenced in To Sell is Human by Daniel Pink: