Do what you do best
Do what you do best
I’m running in circles and not accomplishing a single thing.
What are you trying to do? Where do you want to go?
I need a job but I don’t know the right job to get, so I don’t know where to look. My family tells me I’m making this too hard. That I should just do “something,” and figure it out later. I’m afraid that if I do that, I’ll have a job I don’t like or can’t do. I’ll get fired and I’ll be back where I started. That’s why I’m spinning and not getting anywhere.
Sometimes getting unstuck is a job in itself, so here’s a nudge: Tell me a few positive things about yourself. I think I’m smart. Not genius smart, but smart enough. I present myself well, speak clearly and am easily understood. I like people and they seem to like me. I like connecting people to each other. I like solving people problems. I’m into possibilities, a half-full kind of person. I can’t get paid for that. That’s not what employers want. They’re looking for engineers and accountants, doctors and lawyers, cooks and cleaners. I’m none of those things. I can’t pretend myself into jobs I can’t do.
Slow down. You’re talking yourself into and out of a job in the same paragraph.
That’s why I’m stuck. When I’m talking to other people I can find all kinds of solutions to their problems. When it comes to me, I’m all problems and no solutions.
You said that you like to connect people and to solve people’s problems. What are some examples of problems you’ve solved for people?
The problems are usually about written or spoken communications that lead to either bad feelings or bad results. I’m good at helping people express themselves in ways that are positive, straightforward and clear, while staying respectful, appropriate and honest.
And how do you connect people?
I’m interested in people and their stories and am good at connecting dots, knowing who would benefit from talking to whom. I love to do that. I’d like to get paid for doing that.
Say more about that, about loving what you do.
Here’s a quick example: My friend had been asked to lead a major fundraising event for her company. She felt overwhelmed and didn’t know where to begin. I calmed her down by helping her define the outcomes she wanted to accomplish. I encouraged her to create a vision for what she wanted to achieve so that she could easily communicate that to others. Once she was clear about the vision and the mission, she was able to sell her concept to the people who mattered, who in turn could drive it to a successful conclusion. In other words, you’re good at listening to others, helping them solve business and communication problems. You’re a pragmatist, comfortable with strategy and tactics and you keep the end in mind.
How are your computer skills?
I’m self-taught, creative and comfortable with a computer. Because I like helping people, I’ve enjoyed designing Web sites and producing online marketing for their small businesses. This is good! The more I talk about it, the more I realize I can do.
You’re ready. Stay focused. Take the next steps:
• Create a one page resume that highlights your solution savvy stories.
• Design a Web site that highlights ways you make a meaningful difference for others.
• Contact the people you know and share the good news: You’re going into business.
• Ask for referrals.
Bottom line: no matter who you work for, do the work that you do best.
Joyce Richman is a career coach conducting seminars and workshops throughout the United States, and the author of “Roads, Routes & Ruts: A Guidebook for Career Success.” You can reach her at 288-1799 or JERichman@aol.com. Watch Richman’s latest career advice Wednesdays at 6:35 a.m. during “The Good Morning Show” on WFMY News 2 at http://www.digtriad.com/business/columnists/career_minute/ also You can find this column online at TriadCareers.com. Click on “News & Tips.”
