It's who knows you....
An age old saying: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. But is it? Have you thought about the idea of “It’s who knows you”?
While there is a definite advantage in smaller, private companies to knowing the Chairman of the Board, in larger (and Listed) companies, smart executives shy away from hiring those they know, because it can often end in disaster, ruining relationships and potentially, businesses!
So how do you, the job seeker, get to where you want to be in your career?
The answer is pretty simple when you think about it and it is a twist on the age-old adage above; it’s who knows you! More than just being known, smart executives and of course non-executives need to be known for what they can do for others.
Here are a few ideas on how to stand out from the crowd and to be known.
Many suggest it can take 5 days to change your work ethic (or a habitual behaviour). Therefore, you are going to have to sit down in front of the computer day 1 - 3 and endure the pain. And what does that look like for the aspiring non-executive?
Market yourself, on that new invention - the World Wide Web!
Many non-executives are often successful in securing one role but no more. They tend to spend too much time contemplating whether or not their CV is any good, instead of focusing on what they look like off paper.
To be recognised and approached (that is the key) then you need to - write a solid LinkedIn profile and ensure that you upload a professional (some would argue “appealing”) picture. Profiles without pictures see many times fewer approaches and “profile views” than those with great, professional head-shot images.
Consider writing a personal blog and mix it up with elements of professional cross-promotion; read it with the eye of a prospective employer. Remember to delete anything you wouldn't want to read about an employee, yourself.
REMEMBER: What you put in writing on the internet is always available somewhere, but you can at least take basic steps to be reasonably sure of a professional online persona.
As a potential Board Advisor or indeed any job-seeker, your aim should be a “Google search” of your name bringing back positive information about yourself; the way to do this is to begin writing.
As CEO of Virtualnonexecs.com I speak to 100s of established NEDs and 1000s via my wider social presence, but nearly all who I speak to directly, have not considered this route. Think about this – the next time you write about your experience as a non-executive in a scale-up, the right person may read the article and this could easily lead to your next role.
Use the digital tools at your disposal, to be recognised.
There are a plethora of social networks out there, all claiming to be worthy of your hard earned money. “Boost your post and reach up to x,000 people”. Notice the use of the term “up to”…? Be careful!
At Virtualnonexecs.com, even the most basic (free) account allows you access to the Virtualnonexecs app (a membership via the website is required to log in to the app) and community. Peer to peer is the way you will build your brand and persona.
Join us today at Virtualnonexecs.com/join
Ian Wright is the CEO and founder of Virtualnonexecs.com - connect with him HERE
Drive Your Leadership With My Mentoring
4 年Spot on Ian W.! Perhaps a good reason to always listen well and respond briefly and memorably when introduced to “strangers”. Introductions probably benefit from a smile too!!
Advance Connects
4 年DAN! DAN! DAN! He must not have heard me... DAN!
Helping CxO’s beat burnout and create lives they love @ EDLEY.NET | Performance Coaching, Executive Coaching
4 年Nice. The most successful CEO’s and board members I work with have a persistent and consistent track record of connecting with and giving to their network. Most often it’s done outside of SoMe in the form of a call, a letter, a coffee, a recommendation, they are always serving.
Helping leaders cut through noise, navigate complexity and create workplaces where people & performance thrives - illuminating what matters | Coach, Consultant & Facilitator | Author: Leading Beyond the Numbers
4 年I once heard a speaker say that 'it's who knows you and what they think of you' ... another slight variation on your theme Ian W.
Experienced Management Consultant and NED at various entities. FCA/PRA Approved
4 年A NED guru once told me that “most NED roles will come from people you know; and the majority of those will come from people that you don’t know very well or do not contact very often.”