I attended a meeting today. This meeting had nothing to do with twelve steps, nor was it sponsored by the local courts. It was part of a networking method sponsored by a leading placement service. We had a guest speaker from a sister (or cooperative service) that favored consulting - doesn't look that bad on a resume - and was a strong proponent of the fact that we all might be faced with a lesser salary and benefits package. Not what I really wanted to hear.
After the presentation, we had the customary round robin. The group consisted of two dozen or so former C-level professionals; CEOs, CFOs, CIOs and CHROs. I think a not too certain "Csomething" also chimed in. Everyone present came from six figure incomes. Each, in our own three minute spotlight, circulated resumes and told of our progress, our pain and described the problems we had encountered since the last meeting. One by one, our personal situation was opened to the floor for comment and critique. The group commented, made helpful suggestions and even divulged connections that would provide the job seeker a potential leg up in their quest.
Kudos to the few that had turned down offers because the compensation was inadequate, change of location was imminent, chances for personal fulfillment were remote, character would be deflated or consulting was just not permanent enough. Is it ever?
It astounded me, however, that from this group of well trained, experienced, past captains of industry, not one proposed to create their own job. Not one was willing to invent their future. Not one was ready to strike out on their own. Everyone seemed conditioned to focus on a paycheck rather than profit.
I fully understand that feeling of security, but that feeling was severely undermined when I was summarily dismissed after 21 years of exemplary service as a result of "reprehensible behavior" during a holiday party. For the record, a copy machine was not on the premises. I came from a large organization. How was I supposed to know that she was the owner's under aged daughter? She looked 25 to me. It was such a small offense but nonetheless carried a "capital" sentence. I was charged, arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced before I was even made aware. I am now carrying out my sentence on my own personal Elba during the negotiated transitional period.
It was my first C-level meeting and I presented last. I wasn't prepared to circulate a resume that didn't yet exist. I had yet to get into a queue for an interview. And although I am wise and experienced in my very employable field, I'm still not sure whether I want to spend any more of my life being responsible for technology. I want to use it, but just don't feel I can answer for it any longer. I love technology and believe it to be the foundation for the business of the future. How otherwise, can you reach such large audiences?
I spoke from my heart and exclaimed that I didn't want another job; that I had been working from home (consulting during the transition) for the past few months and it suited me. The real motivation for being at the meeting was to assure my former wife and two daughters that I was making an attempt to be able to continue to support them in the lifestyle to which they had become accustomed. The laughter went up, although I was quite serious.
Perhaps this isn't a lead, but rather a form of commitment. I truly believe there is wealth beyond belief to be made through internet marketing. I possessed the entrepreneurial spirit all of my life and would be remiss if I didn't take this transitional opportunity to pursue it. I'm not looking for a get rich quick scheme nor instant millions. I'm looking for my own business opportunities and am willing to do the work to deliver a product of value to my customers and future team members. It is still early in a new era of marketing and I choose to strike out on my own rather than sentence myself to months of meetings and years of labor at an endeavor for which I have no real passion. I really enjoyed spending the time with my new found friends at the meeting. I learned a great deal from their comments and aggregate wisdom. However for me, I'm headed West for the gold rush.
I did a lot of research about internet marketing and found that I didn't live up to the tag of Neophyte. I've been enchanted and immersed in a college level course (sans credit).
If you have aspirations, take a look.
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~drl
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http://EzineArticles.com/?Professional-Placement---C-Level-Only&id=4032940] Professional Placement - C-Level Only
