I don’t know about you, but I’m active in various social networks. And, apart from what I consider to be a few disreputable professions, I’ll connect with just about anyone. After all, that’s what networking is about. First you connect, then you get to know one another. Then you might even “like” someone, and eventually you’ll get around to talking about the nature of your businesses.
Every now and then, I’m contacted by someone who’s looking for another job. Maybe the person has been made redundant, or works for the boss-from-hell, or would like to move to Europe or the US. Invariably, I’m asked the same sort of question: Do I know of anyone who is interested in their skills. Some even send me their CVs (resumes). My pat answer is that they’re asking the wrong question. It’s not a case of whether or not someone will give them a job; rather, it’s a question of the value are you offering.
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A typical “employee” costs the hiring company at least 40% more than the “employee” receives in taxes and benefits. The value that you offer must exceed, at a minimum, 140% of what you think you should be paid. If all you’re doing is filling time, then you shouldn’t expect to be hired. Any entry level person can fill time as easily as any unskilled person. The people who are entitled to higher pay are those, and only those, who bring much more value to the company than they cost. That’s the criterion. Age doesn’t matter, whether you’re married or not, is irrelevant, and your apparent seniority is of no value. So, stop pretending that it is. No one cares how many years experience you have. If you’re so good, then prove it.
If you want to get paid what you think you’re worth, then package yourself as an independent contractor and approach companies with a view to supplying their non-core business. Let them outsource to you.
I’ve had sales people and project managers tell me their the greatest, but that they want a company to hire them so them. I say, let them demonstrate it as independent contractors. If you’re the great sales person, then put together a plan for how you will sell their products or services as an independent contractor. But, don’t expect them to hire you. Why should they?
The flip side of this, of course, is that you’re not beholden to just the one company. Aim to provide your service two three or more simultaneously. It’s your expertise that you’re selling; not your time. If you do this, then you’ll never have to worry about being employed; and companies will clamour for your expertise.
