I just returned from MENG’s (Marketing Executives Networking Group) San Francisco chapter monthly meeting.
There were the usual meeting components, a quick share round the room, - 15 years, 19 years 26 years and more - experience. These are all senior marketers, who have held top marketing jobs. Truly fantastic experience from consumer products to enterprise software, all looking for ways to network, secure new jobs, find a way to talk to a recruiter etc. Then there is the reality of a tough job market. Some want leads for consulting, some are really hoping for a new permanent position. Some VC interest. Some are beginning, some are jaded.
We hear the common strategies, about networking, getting to recruiters, always a different slant on the resume. Storytelling, elevator pitches. From headhunter to counselor. We know that many jobs are found though connections. Someone that knows someone. Often when and where we aren
Stuart, another networking contact of mine encouraged me to join Ryze long ago and I never did. I do regret it. I met the guy who is starting Friendster the other night at Stanford event. See Richard Guha’s Tue, 14 Jan 2003 message. He’s getting funding together and supposedly going live with Friendster soon. You may want to keep on top of that too.
I’m not sure exactly how to maintain connections while in a busy job - I found it impossible before but am determined to somehow do it this time. None of us want to go through this kind of job search again and I sincerely hope we never will have to.
Best wishes and thanks for the forward thinking and propelling people out of their comfort zone.
Gayle