Our sales training partners in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto know the power of LinkedIn in attracting leads and positioning yourself as a thought leader. However, what happens when you suddenly find yourself looking for a sales position due to downsizing or restructuring? Here are 3 steps to help you find the right one by using LinkedIn.
Based on the current economy, many Salespeople are finding themselves suddenly looking for work. It’s not a great feeling when one day you are told that your sales position has been eliminated. Here are our 3 suggestions:
Step #1: Don’t hide the fact and be embarrassed that you’re seeking to find the right Sales position by using LinkedIn
Part of this goes with the feeling of being let go. As much as anyone can tell you not to take it personally, let’s be frank – how can you not? It’s personal because you are out of work. Even if you saw it coming, it’s still stressful. However, know that many of these situations work out for the best eventually.
The most important thing for you to do right now is to let everyone know that you’re available. Does that mean taking out a billboard with your picture on it? Well, if you can afford it, then why not? If not, develop a bold attitude that positions you as proactive and creative with dozens of prospective employers.
Perhaps you’ve heard of the story of Patrick Hoagland of Phoenix who needed work and wasn’t having luck with the traditional methods of job hunting. Instead of feeling like a victim, he decided to do something about it.
He stood on a sweltering hot street corner with a smile, sign, and resumes. He received national media coverage and thousands of offers. Well done, Patrick! Go big or go home.
Doesn’t that beat feeling embarrassed and sitting around wondering what the future holds? If you can prospect for customers as a Salesperson, you can use the same skills to find the right employer who is looking for you.
Step #2: Revise your LinkedIn Profile
- If you don’t already have one, find an appropriate background image for the very top of your LinkedIn Profile. You don’t want the generic light blue connect-the-dots image to be the first thing people see. Use something appropriate that fits your personal branding and attracts the right people to your Profile.
- Change your headline to let people know that you are looking to find the right Sales position by using LinkedIn. Something like “actively seeking the right employer in (industry) .” Putting it out there creatively shows confidence and proactivity.
- Add depth to your “About Section” on your profile. This area should be a professional summary of who you are, what you stand for, and the common thread on all the different roles you’ve had in your career. I think this is a great place to tell people about the right opportunity you’re now looking for. Your character and ideals should shine through.
Step #3: Engage and Influence on LinkedIn
- Be proactive on LinkedIn. Add appropriate comments to other people’s posts. Understand that each time you do this, the first few words of your headline will be visible to anyone. By including your employment status in your headline you’re letting the LinkedIn world know that you’re seeking a sales opportunity. Great comments in a thread can be just as insightful as the original post. Think of what you can say with authenticity that allows you to stand out from the pack.
Share great content on LinkedIn from sources like Flipboard – which is a great free app with great content sharing capability. Feel free to write your own original content! This is the perfect time to be positioned as a thought leader and to attract the right employer. Think about it this way – What would it hurt to publish some thought-provoking articles that you’re proud of?
- Consider being bold enough to “Start a Post” on LinkedIn educating everyone that you’re looking for the right sales position. I’ve never seen anyone do this before, so maybe that’s a great reason to consider it? At the very least, you’ll attract commissioned based recruiters who will respect your authenticity and command. Why not allow them to represent you in your search for employment especially since they’re paid by the company that hires them?
- Invest 1-2 hours per day fueling and mining LinkedIn to building connections with the right people that will be attracted to your proactivity, expertise, and experience.
Looking for the next sales position is a stressful, unnerving spot to be in. How you deal with it makes all the difference. Being proactive and creative makes you feel like your more in control of the situation. Ask yourself – What have you got to lose?
For even more tips on using LinkedIn in your Sales career visit this PROSALESGUY BLOG POST:
Sales Training
If sharpening your sales skills while searching for the right employer makes sense, consider our online course The Sales Skills Incubator for $199 CAD including tax. We’re also in the final stages of producing our latest online sales training course, Negotiating 2 Party Payoffs. Every great Salesperson wants to learn the skills of being a great negotiator. If you wish to be notified when the course is launched or future sales ensure that you are signed up to receive the PROSALESGUY BLOG by email. If you prefer reading, check out our book SHUT UP! Stop Talking and Start Making Money available on Amazon.
If you’re a Sales Manager interested in Group and Individual Sales Training in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary or Toronto please give us a call or send us an email. We’d love to speak with you.
Thanks!
Dave Warawa – PROSALESGUY
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