How to get Started......

I’ve just received my third call of the day from senior executives who want to become interim managers. What continues to astound me is that some of these guys have not the faintest idea how to promote themselves. In fact, some of the worst offenders are Sales & Marketing professionals! For those of you who are interested in my opinion let me give you a few snippets of advise on how to get started in your new interim career. First and foremost, don’t rely totally on people like me to find you your first assignment. Interim providers tend to use to use a ‘trusted’ number of interim managers who they know will represent their company in a solid and professional manner. By all means register with us but you must go on the self-promotion offensive at the same time. Start by making up a list of companies and people you have worked with over your career. If you are lucky you might have 100+ names of people who may have an interest in your skills and experience. Contact these people by telephone or by a well constructed letter. Explain what you can offer in a precise and factual manner. Try and get a face to face meeting. If they are prepared to make time to see you it means that they are potentially interested in what you have to offer. If the situation proceeds to a point where they are contemplating giving you an assignment make sure you don’t alienate them by asking for a day rate beyond their means or a length of assignment the objectives don’t warrant. Find a sensible compromise on both. Remember the old adage –it is easier to find a job when you are in a job. Once you have your first assignment it will be easier to find a second and then a third as your reputation and credibility builds. Then is the time when people like me can really help!