Friends Account for Much of Your Success

While at a local coffee shop, I ran across an article by James Altucher, a well-known blogger that has achieved a high level of success. Someone asked him, “What took you the longest in your life to understand?” His response was, “I don’t know if I understand anything in my life. Every day I learn something where I say to myself, “why didn’t I learn that before?”

After some thought, he said “it took me the longest to understand that our ability to survive, to be calm, to even be happy, to possibly be successful, stems entirely from the quality of the people you surround yourself with. Surround yourself with creative, smart, good, honest people and good things will happen.” 

After a few thoughtful moments, I started considering my own “surroundings.” Looking from the outside in, I wondered what does my circle of friends say about me? What do they bring to the table and what do I bring to them? One of my biggest joys has been helping friends succeed.  Looking back at my life, I realize my greatest successes came with the addition of new friends! 

James mentioned numerous examples of famous people that became successful, both in their personal lives and in their careers, who owed much to the quality of people around them. Each of us picks and chooses who those people are within our circles.  Is your circle supportive? Do they challenge you? Are you listening?

He went on to describe a venture where success eluded him and from that circle of friends, there was no synergy – ever.  If your circle is not positively charged, it is time to change your environment.  When people with positive energy are around each other, more energy is created. If you’ve had one bad experience after another, it is time for self-examination.  Learn from it, get over it and move on.  

Inspirational people are rarely aware of their influence, but that’s what friends do for you.  Ideas are traded and nurtured through friendships. If this is missing in your life, improve your surroundings.

Cultivating new relationships outside your present circle means you must do something different. It’s not always easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.  The rewards have a life-changing effect on your personal life,  your job, your career. Are you ready?

Though I have never met James Altucher, I feel like I have a new friend. He has helped open my eyes.  

What You Don’t Know About Interviews

With technology today, you may have been “interviewed” without even knowing it. There are several types of interviews with each method serving a different purpose.

Online Detective Work

Human resource receives an interesting resume.  One of the first “checks” or unofficial job interviews will likely be conducted over the internet.  Your name is Googled for news or social media persona to see what you say, do, think, and post.  Does it match their company philosophy and the resume in hand? You will likely never know they have done this online detective work.

Why Phone Interviews?

Phone interviews allow management to evaluate your phone manners, communication skills, and professionalism as they might relate to their job opening with no physical distractions like “body language.”  Body language and personal appearance are graded later during personal meetings.

Second or Third Interviews

Never assume the previous interviewer has shared any of your info with these new interviewers. They rarely do. Therefore, treat each interviewer as your first contact with that company.  Assume nothing of value has been shared.

Start Now to Enhance Your Image

Most job seekers only place importance on the in-person interview. Huge mistake. If necessary, get your online persona cleaned-up before starting your job hunt.  Additionally, even if using an employment agency, dress appropriately for the job. If you do not take this seriously, no one else will.

Bottom line, be prepared for every type of contact with little or no advance notice and never assume your information has been shared. Do this, and you will be way ahead of your job seeking competition.

Job Seekers – Stay Motivated, Set Goals

Having a difficult time staying motivated during your job search? Feeling a little lost? By working a routine, you will not only increase your motivation, but shorten your time between jobs.

While you can’t control the job market, you can control your day. Set minimum goals and think of yourself as self-employed. Now your job is task oriented in activities most likely to result in a job offer.

Over 60% of new jobs are filled without ever being posted. Meaning, you never had a chance. Why? Because the majority of all jobs openings, including the 60%, are filled through referrals. So, your time on the job boards should be no more than 30% of your total search effort. Instead, make a list of your employed friends and other influential people that you know from church, school functions, clubs, business associations, or other organizations. These people need to be employed or actually know people who know people. Educate this network on your skill set. Ask for referrals and recommendations. This is how most of the jobs are filled. Friends recommending friends.

Find a special friend, family member, or business acquaintance with a talent for making you. Arrange “business” meetings to help you keep on track. Follow these steps and you will continue to be motivated throughout your search.

It is also worth your time to view our live interactive online training webinars. In a short period of time, these videos will provide you with critical training that will give you an advantage over other job seekers. Locate these videos on our Career Portal:

1. Log in at totalplacementjobtools.com 
2. Click on the Webinar tab for upcoming programs
3. For past recordings, Click Library, All Topics, then Webinars

Questions? Give us a call. We are here to serve you.

The Staff at Total Placement