General – Enspire U.

Free Instruction on 30-second Elevator Speeches!

Here’s a helpful instructional video on delivering an effective 30-second elevator speech or personal marketing pitch. From the link, you can get this instruction free of charge during the initial time period. Other topics may also be available during the trial period, but I can’t say for sure because I didn’t sign up.

If I were looking for a new position, I’d find a way to check out the instruction on “personal branding” too!

While I have you, I can’t urge you enough to obtain personal business cards for these brief encounters. If you can manage to get your “mission” onto the card, all the better!

LinkedIn…A Self-Promotional Powerhouse

LinkedIn is a Godsend. Here you can post a flattering photo of yourself and verbally put your best foot forward.

Honestly, if you don’t include a photo, some people will simply not look at your profile, so make your “head shot” speak volumes. Every aspect sends a message. Study corporate head shots on various websites. If you can afford a photographer, pay to have your portrait done. This shot will be used in multiple places, especially on business cards. Lighting, dress, background, pose, smile or lack thereof, and retouching, are all elements of a good head shot, and it’s vital that they are considered.

Being an amateur photographer with professional equipment, I took my own photo with a tripod and a timer and did some post-production. I tried looking outdoorsy at first, but decided to go with the buttoned-down at-the-desk look. Most in my profession (environmental consulting) go both ways, likely sticking with khakis or jeans most of the time. I thought the button-down shirt lends a little more maturity and professionalism to someone trying to win the trust of a potential client!

If I was looking for employment I’d spend most of my waking hours perfecting my LinkedIn presentation and learning how to exploit it. Being gainfully employed for now, I’m still trying to perfect my page. What I normally do with a new client to which I am sending a proposal is include a link to my profile. This provides instant credibility presented in a classy way. It’s all there, and to my mind, much better than a resume given the endorsements and recommendations

Come to think of it, one facet of your LinkedIn page that’s essential is the recommendations section. Beg, borrow or…well…respectfully request recommendations from key people in your work life. Where else can you get a virtual tailor-made endorsement?

As for groups, join those which are strategic. Also use your memberships to communicate more about yourself. This is where you round out your character. I’m a member of a photography group of a particular brand of cameras. This could say that I spend time outdoors or that an otherwise left-brainer has a creative side.

I’d steer clear of turning my LinkedIn page into Facebook, constantly sharing clips and commentary. Be very careful of what you post. Keep it absolutely professional and apolitical. Share what’s in line with your profession. If you’re a writer and seasoned, share thoughts that can enhance your credibility or help your peers.

Thanks for Enrolling in Enspire U.

Thanks for joining me! I’ve done my personal assessment homework and I now know I always seem to end up doing two things in my interactions with the unemployed or underemployed: encouraging them, and, inspiring them.

Thus, the new word “enspire.”

To extricate yourself from your current vocational situation will require going back to school, not for a degree or certificate or license, but for a good dose of motivation and instruction.

Thus, “Enspire U.”

I must warn you, though, there’s a great deal of wisdom in my advice, not because I’m some great shakes, but because the Bible is my encouragement and inspiration. You’ll be surprised to learn, this book holds the keys to your future.

I’ll add to this 40 years at work in two professions, a major career transition, and more than 10 years of “enspiring” in a megachurch setting, and on my own.