Building business relationships and reputation, and using them both in your job search.

 And we have a winner!!!!

Even for a resume writer who has awards and a certification, with a bachelor's degree, resumes published in JIST books, and somewhere close to 10,000 career marketing documents in my files, going back to 2001, it can be a somewhat daunting endeavor to go back to a career field that I left behind (or so I thought) several years ago. Much to my surprise, when I started making inquiries with former colleagues and customers, I was well remembered, and offered glowing recommendations.

An even greater surprise came yesterday afternoon. After signing up for about a dozen freelance websites over the last week and putting in a half-dozen applications online for technical writing jobs, setting up a new blog and a Thumbtack account, and updating my LinkedIn information, I started making contact with people and companies I used to sub-contract to. The result was somewhat humbling. Within a matter of hours, yesterday, after requesting recommendations and asking for people to endorse my skills on LinkedIn, I was offered two contract positions, and asked to write an e-book. One of these contacts I'd never met personally, but knew me by reputation - having worked as a Senior Writer for one of his companies. Another one was a I client I'd written web content for, in 2005 (that's 8 full years ago) and hadn't been in contact with since. Finally, the third one, is a colleague I've covered for occasionally over the past few years when she needed a little extra help with a big job, or was going to be out of town.

Amazingly enough, as I write this entry, this evening, I have already signed a contract with one of the best resume writers I know.

Now, all this rambling has to do with one thing: building great business relationships and a strong reputation in your field of expertise. The guy I'd never met remembered me only because my manager spoke highly of my skills. The guy I'd not been in contact with for eight years remembered me because I did a good job and he achieved the results he wanted. People remember those they work with. Whether that is a good memory or one that's not so good, is entirely up to you.

For years I've advised my clients to use their old contacts when they're look for work or are starting/expanding a business. I tell them to call, email, text anyone they can think of that will be supportive. It wasn't until the last few days, when I had to put my own advice to use, that I realized the impact an individual can make on another.

Now, I can tell you, my readers, and all new clients exactly how well it really works and not to be afraid to try. Go for the gusto and you will be well rewarded.