Do you remember the one-shoulder inauguration ball gown Michelle Obama wore? Well 27-year old Taiwanese-born designer Jason Wu made that dress and the night Mrs. Obama wore it, change his life forever.
Jason Wu began knocking down doors and creating opportunity long before January 20, 2009. At the tender age of 16, he started freelancing for Integrity Toys as a doll designer. He cold called the company and maneuvered his way into that job. Integrity Toys president Percy Newsum said, “He was very persistent and he even came to us with contacts and he knew a doll distributor who would take a chance with him (WMagazine 2010).” Jason still serves as partner and creative director for the company. He is only 27 years old and has worked there eleven years.
To hear the words ‘you’re hired’ in this job market you must have a strategic plan-of-action that includes research. Jason researched the company to determine what would bring value to them. He went to Integrity Toys with that, not begging for an opportunity. It was a win-win scenario. He wanted to work for them, and he brought value: contacts and a doll distributor.
Based on your skills, talent and passion what industries and employers do you want to work for? What quantifiable value do you bring? Before you go to your next job interview, you must know that. That’s what gets you hired, bringing value.
After the inauguration, Jason’s phone wouldn’t stop ringing, but he was ready and prepared for success. He had been knocking down doors and creating opportunity all his life. Success is when opportunity meets preparation. Are you seeking out opportunities that you are prepared to handle? If the answer is unequivocally yes, cold call companies, knock on their doors, and send a proposal and video to showcase how your skills and talent can benefit their needs. Don’t wait for opportunity to come knocking because you’ll be waiting a long time.
Dickie Sykes, a former construction executive is the CEO of DGS Consulting LLC. She is a motivational speaker; career coach; and O, Magazine Contest Winner. Dickie contributes regularly to Women Online Magazine, Kalon Women Magazine, We Magazine for Women and The Savvy Gal.
Learn how to bring value to your next job interview. DGS Consulting has made it simple. To purchase the company’s how-to products on job interviewing, log onto www.dgsconsultingllc.com or www.Amazon.com. ‘Yes You Can Still Find a Job -The Gold Standard of Job Interviewing’ is a 60 minute audio CD that comes with a 42-page PDF textbook. Bloggers continue to connect with Dickie at http://askdickie.dgsconsultingllc.com.
Follow her on Facebook and http://twitter.com/DickieSykes. Dickie will be speaking at the Project Working Mom 2010 - Women Who Rule The World panel discussion at the Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel on May 14, 2010.