Alumni Services: The New Outplacement Your Company Needs

Alumni Services: The New Outplacement Your Company Needs

Does your company currently provide outplacement services for laid-off employees? Maybe you do, but only for executives or C-suite members. No matter your company’s outplacement strategy, it’s time for your organization to invest in modern outplacement services—because your company alumni deserve it.

Outplacement services offer structured support to outgoing employees, helping them transition smoothly into new career opportunities. Outplacement is also an investment that can yield numerous benefits for a company, contributing to overall organizational success during periods of change or downsizing.

Benefits Of Outplacement Services

Outplacement services concept

For laid-off employees, outplacement services offer a range of valuable benefits. These services are designed to provide practical and emotional support, helping individuals navigate the challenges of finding new employment opportunities. The best outplacement services empower employees with the tools, knowledge, and emotional assistance needed to successfully navigate a job search or career transition after a layoff and move forward with confidence and optimism.

For a company, investing in outplacement services reflects a commitment to ethical and responsible business practices, supporting departing employees, and reinforcing a positive employer brand, all of which can contribute to the long-term success of the organization.

Benefits for Employees:

  • Personalized guidance and assistance with job searching, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and networking.
  • Access to training and development resources that can enhance their skills and marketability in a competitive job market.
  • Emotional support and guidance to help maintain confidence and motivation during a potentially challenging period.
  • Access to networking events, job fairs, and industry connections.
  • Targeted assistance based on their unique skills, experience, and aspirations.
  • Quicker results than if they were navigating the process on their own due to expert guidance and resources.
  • Sense of closure and support that allows them to leave their previous job on a positive note and foster a sense of gratitude towards their former employer.

Benefits for Your Company:

  • Accelerates the re-employment process for laid-off employees, reducing the financial and emotional strain on them and their families.
  • Boosts morale among remaining staff by demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of departing employees.
  • Enhances the company’s reputation and preserves its employer brand from positive word-of-mouth from departing employees, which can help attract top talent in the future and mitigate negative publicity.
  • Maintains productivity and engagement levels among remaining staff, as they perceive that the company values its workforce, even during challenging times.
  • Leads to shorter unemployment periods for laid-off employees, potentially reducing the company’s financial burden related to severance packages and unemployment insurance.
  • Minimizes the risk of potential legal actions by showing that the company has taken steps to support employees during layoffs.
  • Contributes to a positive workplace/organizational culture by showcasing the company’s commitment to its values and fostering a sense of loyalty among both current and former employees.

The Problem With Traditional Outplacement Services

Traditional outplacement services are expensive. Most start-ups and newer companies can’t afford to invest in traditional outplacement services for laid-off employees, and larger companies might be hesitant to invest due to the cost, especially when hundreds or thousands of employees might be laid off at one time.

Individual coaching is the most expensive type of coaching available with traditional outplacement services. A company could opt for group coaching, which is typically a cheaper option, but that can be less customized, less confidential, and less effective.

Work It DAILY’s Alumni Services: A Modern Approach To Outplacement

Work It Daily's Alumni Services, outplacement services for laid-off employees

We know that outplacement services have numerous benefits for both employees and companies. But the cost of traditional outplacement services is a major drawback. So, what’s the updated, modern solution?

Work It DAILY’s Alumni Services.

Work It DAILY, an expert-led, online, on-demand career coaching platform, can help your organization manage layoffs effectively at a fraction of the price of “traditional” outplacement services.

Services include:

  • 24/7 access to our coaching team for questions and material reviews
  • 24/7 access to a private online community
  • Resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn reviews
  • Interview preparation help
  • Unlimited networking opportunities inside the platform
  • Access to 14 exclusive online courses (over 200 hours of video content)
Your ex-employees are your company alumni. If you believe your company and every past, present, and future employee deserves the best outplacement services, contact us today and receive your confidential information packet.
Traditional outplacement services are outdated. Alumni Services is the new outplacement you’ve been looking for: affordable, effective, and led by expert coaches Check out Work It DAILY’s Alumni Services today. Your company and all its alumni will thank you.


How To Avoid Getting Ghosted By A Recruiter

How To Avoid Getting Ghosted By A Recruiter

After your phone screen with a recruiter, they tell you you’re great. They want you to meet with the manager the next day. You enthusiastically say “yes.” And then you get ghosted.

This happens a lot, but I’m going to give you a tip so you can (hopefully) avoid getting ghosted by a recruiter after your next job interview…

Ask Them 2 Key Questions

@j.t.odonnell Replying to @clv970 How To Avoid Getting GHOSTED By A Recruiter #recruiter #ghosted #HowTo #notgetghosted #gotghosted #jobsearch #interviewtips #interviews ♬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

This won’t work every time, but you’ve got nothing to lose with this strategy.

The next time you’re in this situation, say:

“Yes, I definitely can meet with the manager tomorrow. But I have two quick questions for you. How many phone screens do you have left to do today? And out of all your candidates, how many slots will there be tomorrow for a meeting with the manager?”

This is going to help you understand their process. It’s going to manage your expectations better when you hear that they’re doing 20 phone screens and only three people are getting a meeting with the manager tomorrow. It’s also going to remind that recruiter that you understand the process because when they articulate the hiring process to you, it will stick in their mind.

Then, no matter how they answer those two questions above, you’re going to follow up with…

“Great, I totally get it. I know not everyone is going to get a slot tomorrow, but is there anything else I can provide you to increase the chances that I get a slot? Because I’d really love to get a crack at this job.”

Or something to that effect.

What this is going to do is, again, give them a chance to tell you anything else you need, but remind them you really want this job, and you understand the recruiting process and you’re super respectful about it.

This is the most important part, though: it’s also going to give you peace of mind because you’re at least going to understand the process, and then you won’t feel ghosted.

So, remember to ask the two questions above after your next phone screen so you don’t get ghosted in the interview process. Good luck, and go get ’em!

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

Alumni Services: The New Outplacement Your Company Needs

Building A Strong Community For Career Success: A Path To Elevate Your Trajectory

In a world where life’s challenges seem to test us at every turn, I embarked on a transformative journey over five years ago—a journey that has led me to embrace the power of an abundance mindset. As a thirty-something striving to find my way in a fast-paced and demanding world, I’ve learned firsthand that progress is a product of practice, patience (not exactly my forte), and rewiring my thought patterns. Yet, amid this personal evolution, I stumbled upon a game-changer, a hidden gem that propelled my growth to astonishing heights: community.

I’ve experienced firsthand how building a strong network of like-minded individuals who support and challenge you can elevate both your career and personal trajectory. It’s not just about having the right people in your network, but also knowing how to network effectively. Let’s dive into the key elements that can help you foster a community for your career and personal success.

Surrounding Yourself With The Right People

Happy coworkers at work

I’ve learned the importance of surrounding myself with diverse individuals who share my passions and vision. Seeking out mentors, colleagues, and friends who can offer valuable insights and constructive feedback has been invaluable to my professional growth. Beyond traditional settings, I’ve engaged with people from various industries and backgrounds to gain fresh perspectives.

Leveraging Social Media

Man uses social media to try to find the name of a hiring manager

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become powerful tools for networking. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even TikTok have connected me with industry leaders, potential employers, and peers who share my interests. Engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing my expertise, and participating in relevant groups have allowed me to expand my reach and connect with like-minded professionals.

When utilizing social media, I can relate to those who are “over it.” However, branding yourself is imperative in this day and age, even in job search/career management. Here is a quick strategy I use to keep myself in check on my social media usage.

Think of this strategy like when you go to the grocery store. If you go in with a list, you give yourself guidelines to adhere to: get in, get what you need, get out! If you don’t go with a list, things are forgotten, too many snacks are purchased and you blew your budget, and you may have to go back (eek!).

Making a simple strategy for leveraging social media will keep you focused on managing your time, protecting your mental and physical health, and keeping your productivity intact. Follow the “get in, get what you need, get out” strategy—it will keep your social media usage under control.

1.) Get in.

Lead with your content, expertise, or value-add that you want to share with your network. This provides information to your network about you, your expertise, your experiences, etc.

2.) Get what you need (networking is about supporting/nurturing others).

Create a cadence every day or week on how many reach-outs you will make. Whether it’s commenting, liking, or messaging other brands/connections, you are supporting another person’s efforts (also valuable to the trust, connection, and rapport of that individual/brand).

3.) Get out!

Log off or immediately swipe away the app on your phone so you aren’t tempted to scroll. Just don’t do it!

Attending Networking Events

Group of people at a networking event during the summer

Despite the digital era, face-to-face interactions remain crucial for building authentic connections. I’ve made it a point to attend conferences, seminars, workshops, and industry events to meet professionals in my field. Approaching these events with an open mind and a genuine interest in learning from others has helped me establish meaningful connections. Following up afterward to solidify those connections is essential.

Reciprocating And Offering Value

Manager talks to a colleague at work

Networking is a two-way street, and I’ve learned the importance of being willing to assist others in their professional pursuits. By offering insights and support, I’ve been able to build genuine relationships based on reciprocity and mutual trust. Giving back and nurturing my connections in my community has grown my confidence and has also strengthened my network.

Embracing Authenticity And Vulnerability

Woman talks to a colleague about community in her career

I have been inspired by so many different people across many industries. Why? Their authenticity and vulnerability. What you think it took to get where they are is only the tip of the iceberg on their true journey. Remember that for EVERY individual you encounter. Embracing my own journey, including the challenges I’ve faced and the lessons I’ve learned, has allowed me to foster genuine connections with others. Sharing my story has not only inspired others but also deepened the sense of community we share.

Adopting A Growth Mindset

Happy man at work adopts a growth mindset

Approaching networking with a growth mindset has been crucial for my development. Being open to new experiences, challenges, and opportunities and viewing setbacks as learning experiences rather than failures has helped me adapt and grow in my career. Can we just get rid of the word “failure”? (Asking for a friend!)

Elevating My Online Presence

Woman sends a message to a LinkedIn connection with her phone

I’ve taken steps to ensure that my online presence reflects my professional brand. Crafting a well-designed LinkedIn profile and curating content, practicing being on video (I prefer behind the camera but oh well), and maintaining consistent social media activity have enhanced my credibility and given me even more opportunities to connect with others.

Listening And Learning

Diverse group of professionals/coworkers listen and talk to each other during a work meeting

I’ve come to understand that effective networking involves active listening. STOP! Read that again! Taking the time to understand the perspectives and experiences of others and learning from their successes and challenges has enriched my own knowledge and understanding.

In conclusion, building a community for your career is about more than just collecting contacts; it’s about creating meaningful connections that support your growth and elevate your trajectory. Surrounding myself with the right people, being authentic and vulnerable, and contributing value to my community has been the key to growth. I now understand that success is not a solitary journey but a collective effort toward mutual growth and prosperity.

Ready to take your career to new heights? Start by building a community that fuels your success. Connect with like-minded individuals, embrace authenticity, and make a difference.


Alumni Services: The New Outplacement Your Company Needs

4 Ways To Show You’re Ready For More Responsibility At Work

In almost every office, there are “lucky” employees given formidable projects like setting up a new department or coming up with strategies for rebranding the company. Then, of course, there are those assigned to do the so-called “grunt work” such as alphabetizing clients’ files, updating suppliers’ contact details, and organizing meetings.

There’s nothing wrong with doing grunt work, as these tasks are necessary for the business to operate efficiently. However, there comes a point when you want to move on to do more meaningful and challenging work.

Simply put, you want to get promoted.

After all, doing the same thing over and over again isn’t exactly going to do anything for your career growth. That’s why you should have the courage to ask for bigger responsibilities. Don’t wait for your boss to hand that exciting project to you—you must be proactive! Fight for it if you have to.

Here’s how you can show everyone you’re ready to move up in the world and finally earn that promotion:

Get The Tasks Nobody Wants To Do

Do the grunt work with enthusiasm. If necessary, over deliver. For instance, if you’re tasked with alphabetizing clients’ files, you can also make backup copies of the said files. If nobody wants to face a particularly difficult client, volunteer for the task. Doing so would prove that you’re willing to do even the most difficult things to make your mark. This also establishes your reputation as a reliable member of the team.

Help Overworked And Stressed Co-workers

Woman stands out at work by helping her coworkers

Once you’re done with the tasks assigned to you, you can help out any co-worker who’s overwhelmed with their tasks. Don’t be pushy, though. Let your co-worker tell you what to do—and then give it your best shot. Make sure you have your co-worker’s permission before you tell your boss and other office-mates about the collaboration. Otherwise, people might think you’re trying to take credit for their work.

Take Stock Of Your Skills And Learn New Ones

Woman writes down her skills while looking for a job

Make an inventory of what you can do. Find a way to highlight these skills. If you’re good with words, you can offer to help your co-workers write their reports. You can also acquire more skills that will help you snag your target projects. For example, if your company has an office in Paris and you’d like to be assigned there, then learn French.

Ask Your Boss For A New Project

Woman talks to her boss about getting promoted

Get to know everything about your company. Immerse yourself in all sorts of information about the industry that you’re in. Know the trends and other factors affecting your line of work. This information can help you suggest new projects and tasks to your boss. When you pitch a project, it helps if you present your skill set as well so your boss knows what you can do.

Remember: YOU control your career’s direction.

You don’t have to wait that long to get the project or position or promotion that you want. If you have the drive and will to succeed, then you can move forward in your profession at a much faster pace.

The trick is to do everything that you’re assigned to do extraordinarily well and to keep improving your skill set. This way, you’re always ready to take advantage of an opportunity for career advancement.

Need more help with your career?

Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

How To Change Industries As A Manager

How To Change Industries As A Manager

You might be wondering if it’s possible to change industries as a manager. Of course it is. But is it easy? Well, not to people who don’t know how to do it.

Here’s the good news: you already have management experience. It’s actually harder, in my opinion, to go from an independent contributor role to a manager role when you’re switching companies, and it’s even harder when you’re changing industries.

But when you’re changing industries as a manager, you already have management experience. And that’s the most important thing employers are looking for.

Show Employers You Have The Management Experience And Can Learn The Rest.

@j.t.odonnell Replying to @nicflemrn How to switch industries as a manager. #jobsearch #manager #switchjobs #switchcareer #careerswitch #careerhelp #careeradvice #careerchange ♬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

You have management experience. Now you have to connect the dots for the hiring managers in that industry. You have to show them that, in spite of not having their exact industry experience, your management experience is so important and you can learn the rest.

So how do you do that?

Well, you start with informational interviews. Find five managers who are managing in that industry. Ask them to coffee or to lunch or a virtual meeting and say, “Look, I’m not asking you for help getting a job. What I’m trying to understand is where my gaps are and what I’m going to need to do to close those gaps so that I could get a management job in this industry.”

People are happy to help you like that. They’re happy to sit down, talk it through, and give you advice and tips. That’s going to help you. But you’re also networking in the industry so that when their company has a management position open up, you can message them and say:

“Hey, I just applied to the open position on your company’s site. I’m so grateful I had that conversation with you because it really helped me prepare. And I’ve done a few things since. And, hopefully, the hiring manager might take a look at me for the position.”

What’s going to happen?

Well, first of all, this person is going to love that. You said they were helpful. Second of all, since they got to know you, they might walk down the hall or message the hiring manager and tell them they should pull your resume from the pile because you’re actually worth looking at as an applicant.

Only 25% of applicants are usually qualified for the role. Not everybody has the experience. But what employers need most is people who have the right personality and some of the key skills (like management experience) more so than industry experience.

So, if you do the informational interviewing, you’re going to build a network. You’re going to find out where your gaps are so that you can close them. And then you’ll stand out to employers as a great job candidate despite not having the exact industry experience.

This is how you change industries as a manager. It all comes down to that management experience.

You can do this, my friend. Go get ’em!

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

7 Things To Keep In Mind While You Pursue Your Dreams

7 Things To Keep In Mind While You Pursue Your Dreams

You want to pursue your dreams. You have lots of dreams and things you want to do. But for some reason, you’re hesitating—even though no one is holding you back.

You are the only one that is responsible for what you can and cannot do. So, how do you pursue your dreams? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Create Impact.

via GIPHY

You are a gift to the world. There are things the world would like to see, hear, and feel from you. You are an artist regardless of what you do because the world wants your craft. Do not deny the world this craft.

In this day and age, you do not have the excuse of no money, no time, and barriers. Everything you dream of, you can start with the device in your pocket. Start now.

2. Don’t Just Think, Do.

via GIPHY

To create impact, the union of thinking and doing is a necessity. To pursue your dreams, don’t just think. You need to DO. That means to act upon what you have been thinking.

Doing is easy. Thinking makes it hard. The more you think, the more resistance rears its head.

3. Realize There Are No Formulas.

via GIPHY

People think those who achieve their dreams are special people who have a certain formula. The truth is, when you pursue your dreams, sometimes formulas work. Sometimes they don’t. That’s how new formulas are created. That’s how you improve.

Create your own formula to achieve your dreams.

4. Know That Execution Is Priceless.

via GIPHY

People tell you that ideas are important. But you already have an idea of what your dreams are. You want to pursue your dreams. Your dreams are your ideas. Ideas are worthless. An idea brought to life is priceless.

If that is so, execute those ideas. Go and really pursue your dreams—to breathe life into an idea, act, execute, and, as Seth Godin says, “ship.”

5. Stop Asking Questions.

via GIPHY

There are no whys or maybes. There is a time to ask questions. There is a time to stop. Now is the time to feel the fear and do it anyway. The more you do, the better you get.

This website is an example of how I am pursuing one of my dreams. Sure, it isn’t something big—a lot of people own websites and successful blogs. However, it’s a step in the right direction. I did not sit, think, and dream. I pursued my dream. It’s a step in the right direction—sharing my experience. I did not ask if I will make a fool of myself. If I did, then so be it.

6. Practice Your Way To Perfection.

via GIPHY

Execution breeds excellence. Practice is the growth to perfection. The more you do, the better you become. Everything takes practice including pursuing your dreams.

If you want to achieve your dreams, start. Then learn from the experience and adjust.

7. Understand That Anxiety Is Not Risk.

via GIPHY

People often tell you your dreams are too risky. But having a dream and not pursuing it is even riskier. What you feel is not risk. What you feel is anxiety. Anxiety is not risk. Risk can be calculated. Anxiety cannot.

You delay because you fear. You are afraid to pursue your dreams because you don’t know. You fear the unknown. You will only know when you do. It’s time, don’t you think? Do. Don’t talk. Go!

Want to pursue your dreams with confidence?

Become a member today to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Why You Aren’t Living Up To Your Career Potential

Why You Aren’t Living Up To Your Career Potential

Have you ever heard someone say they are not living up to their potential? Maybe you’ve said that yourself. Maybe you’re feeling that way right now. As a 20-year career coaching veteran, I heard something this week on a podcast that is going to blow your mind regarding this concept of “not living up to your potential.”

You’re Living In The Gap, Not The Gain.

@j.t.odonnell Why you aren’t living up to your career potential. #livinguptoyourpotential #yourpotential #potential #careeradvice #gapversusgain #livegain #gap #gain #makinggains #gratitude #careercoach #coaching #careertiktok ♬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

In this podcast episode, they were talking about the difference between living in the gap and the gain. The gap is the space between where you are today and where you want to be (your potential). Living in the gap is when you feel like the distance between where you are today and where you want to be is so far, almost insurmountable. If you’re frustrated and/or depressed in your career, you’re living in the gap.

Successful people live in the gain. They look at where they are today and they look backward at every little thing that they’ve accomplished. They look at how they grew as a professional. They realize that if they keep doing what they’re doing, if they keep “working it daily,” they will get there. They will reach their potential. They know they will get there. They can mentally see that.

Now, what I love about this is if you add in the concept of gratitude while living in the gain, you will make living in the gain much more powerful.

Let’s say you’re living in the gap. You’re miserable. You’re not reaching your potential. And somebody says, “Just be grateful. Make a gratitude list.” It doesn’t work in the gap. It might make us feel better for a minute, but it doesn’t solve this problem.

Gratitude in the gain does. When you go back and make a list of all the smart decisions you made, all the opportunities you seized, all the things that you accomplished or learned from, and you’re grateful for all those things, you are training your brain to realize that you can get there. You can reach your potential. And if you continue to “work it daily” with a game plan using gratitude in the gain, you will crush it.

Using gratitude and a game plan while in the gain gets you to your goal.

The reason that I completely nerd out on this concept as a career coach is that the game plan part is what’s stopping people. You have to know what your unique combination of professional strengths is. You need to know what you create as value and how to leverage that value going forward.

Most people are not taught this. So, what if someone could show you how to assess your unique combination of professional strengths, help you choose a career path that you know would leverage that so that you would be satisfied, and then coached you and supported you to use gratitude in the gain to get you there?

That’s exactly what we do at Work It DAILY. We’ve built a system where we are able to get people gratitude in the gain with a customized game plan so they can go after their career goals and achieve them.

If you finally want to live in the gain so you can achieve your career potential, I encourage you to become a member today. You won’t regret it.

Don’t Use “Unemployed” To Describe Yourself. Here’s Why…

Don’t Use “Unemployed” To Describe Yourself. Here’s Why…

I want to take a minute to talk about the word “unemployed.” If you’re one of the millions of Americans who are unemployed right now, I want you to listen up because I want you to stop using that word in your vocabulary from this day forward.

It is a negative word. It is a defeatist word. It sounds definitive and it drags you down and it impacts your job search.

Trust me, I know this to be true.

What I want you to do is to replace it with the term “between positions” or “between jobs” because that’s really what you are. In my book Awakening Your Inner Workplace Renegade, one of the new career rules for success is understanding that EVERY job is temporary.

In this day and age, people can have as many as nine careers in their lifetime with an average of three jobs in each one. Having gaps in employment is the new normal!

We Don’t Stay In One Career Our Entire Lives (Never Mind One Job Or Company!)

via GIPHY

It is natural, normal, and common for people nowadays to have parts in their lives where they will be between jobs. It’s just a fact! This means we shouldn’t feel bad about it. It is what it is. And that’s why I’d like to banish the word “unemployed” from your vocabulary.

Let’s never say that word again. If someone asks you what’s up with your career, simply say you are between jobs.

But saying you’re “between jobs” won’t make your employment problems disappear.

Many People Who Are Between Jobs Are Not Approaching The Job Search The Right Way

via GIPHY

Did you know the average job search in the U.S. is five months? And that’s in a good economy. Why does it take so long? Because most job seekers don’t understand the new rules for career success and how they impact their job search.

If you want your time between jobs to be as short as possible, you need to educate yourself on the best way to ensure your skills are in demand. If you want to learn how to do that, check out my book or become a Work It DAILY member, where you’ll receive affordable, on-demand career coaching that will finally help you find career satisfaction.

No More Saying That Ugly “U” Word 

via GIPHY

We won’t even mention it from this point forward. You are between jobs and busy learning what you need to do to speed up your job search. You can do this. Don’t let your circumstances impact your mindset.

P.S. If you are between jobs, be sure to check out my YouTube video below on the 3 words never to use in your profile headline as it relates to this same topic!

STOP Using These 3 Words On Your LinkedIn Profile

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Is LinkedIn Dying? What You Need To Know

Is LinkedIn Dying? What You Need To Know

An increasing number of people have been reaching out to our career coaches and asking, “Is LinkedIn dying?”

This question isn’t just coming from job seekers. Recruiters, professionals, and executives alike are frustrated with the platform, wondering if it’s really as useful as it claims to be.

Networking is becoming more difficult. When professionals do manage to connect with someone and start a conversation, they’ll likely never hear from their connection again after that initial conversation. Recruiters reach out to job seekers all the time, and no one responds.

LinkedIn used to work so well. What happened? What’s the point of being on it at all?

LinkedIn Isn’t Dying…It’s Just Changing

You may think this is a sign that LinkedIn is dying. It’s not.

LinkedIn is not dying. It’s just changing.

In fact, LinkedIn would tell you it’s not. Just looking at it based on user accounts, they now have over 930 million people on the platform. And that number is still growing. The so-called “death” we think we’re witnessing with LinkedIn is actually just change. The way people have used it has changed dramatically. You cannot do what you used to be able to do on LinkedIn. LinkedIn has changed, and that’s okay.

When LinkedIn first started out, it was a social network. The early adopters loved the platform and used it to its fullest potential. People would connect. They would start conversations. Being on LinkedIn was this amazing experience where people were actually developing relationships with people they never would have developed relationships with otherwise. It truly was a social network.

But that’s when it was small.

Now, with mass adoption, the power of the social network has lost its luster. The majority of people on LinkedIn are not using the platform to its fullest potential. So, what does that do to the platform as a whole?

LinkedIn Is No Longer A Social Network

via GIPHY

The truth is, LinkedIn is no longer a social network. With 930 million people, it’s not a social network. It’s a social marketplace.

Anytime something is free, like LinkedIn, you’re the product. You’re part of what they’re selling. That’s why LinkedIn is a social marketplace.

Think about it. How does LinkedIn make its money?

Recruiters pay a lot of money to access candidates. Salespeople and businesses pay a lot of money to put their information out in your feed to generate leads. All LinkedIn is today is a very sophisticated yellow pages. As a job seeker, you go there to find businesses, to find companies you want to work for. And when you’re a job seeker, you’re a business-of-one trying to sell your skills and your services to an employer. LinkedIn is just a place to find businesses, of all shapes and sizes, no matter if you’re an actual company or a job candidate.

In the same vein, Facebook is the modern-day white pages. It’s free, and what do you use Facebook for? To find people you may know.

LinkedIn is the modern-day yellow pages. Businesses used to pay a premium to advertise in the yellow pages to have a bigger presence. Fast forward to today, and that’s all LinkedIn is.

So, you’re the product—but there’s nothing wrong with that. We’re lucky that we have LinkedIn. It’s the sophisticated yellow pages that we need, which means every single one of us needs to be on it. We need to have our profiles optimized and we need to understand how it’s used.

The networking thing, that’s done. There’s a reason very few people are connecting and building relationships on there, and it’s because people have no skin in the game. The return on the investment is no longer there. Ultimately, it’s just a place to put up the webpage for your business-of-one: your profile.

Social Network vs. Social Marketplace 

via GIPHY

The good news is that you can now create events on LinkedIn. It’s free, and it’s going to encourage people to start talking to one another and that’ll improve the social marketplace situation a little bit, but it’s not 100% going to solve the problem.

So if LinkedIn isn’t a social network anymore, what is? The platform that follows LinkedIn will completely change the networking game. It’ll change the networking game like LinkedIn did so many years ago.

What we need is a new social network where we can connect with people again. LinkedIn doesn’t accomplish this anymore because, again, it’s not a social network. It’s a social marketplace. The new social network for professionals will change the way we network in any career, in any industry, in any skill set, passion, or interest. And it’s already here.

LinkedIn is not dying after all. It’s just no longer a social network given its size. And yes, you can still reach out and connect with people but don’t expect the world. Don’t expect everyone to respond to you. Don’t expect everyone to talk to you because that’s not what it’s built to do anymore.

Let’s just be grateful that we have it because what it’s creating for us in the future will really be something to smile about.

Want to know what comes after LinkedIn? Find out here!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Alumni Services: The New Outplacement Your Company Needs

5 Benefits Of Having A Pet-Friendly Office

These days, more and more workers are paying attention to the benefits offered at their potential workplace. Employees are looking at things like flex time, paid paternity leave, and unlimited paid time off when considering where to work.

Another benefit people are looking for? A pet-friendly office!

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, pet ownership is on the rise in the United States. That means more people in the workforce are having to balance pet ownership with their work life. To help balance this out, more workers are looking to take their pets to work.

There are arguments to be made against having pets in the office. However, there are a lot of benefits as well.

If you’re debating whether or not to make your office pet friendly, or work for a pet-friendly office, take the time to consider these five benefits…

It’s Good For Employee Engagement

Happy young woman sitting at her desk holding her small dog

According to a study from Nationwide and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, a whopping 90% of employees in pet-friendly workplaces feel highly connected to their company’s mission, fully engaged with their work, and are willing to recommend their employer to others.

To put that in perspective, less than 65% of employees at non-pet-friendly workplaces feel the same way, according to the study.

So not only would you have adorable animals roaming around your office, you’d have more engaged employees too!

It Builds Employee Loyalty

Business man working on his laptop at work while his dog sits patiently on his desk

This study also revealed that 88% of employees who work for a pet-friendly company plan to stay in their roles within the company for the next year, compared to 73% of people who work at non-pet-friendly places.

On top of that, 72% of people who work for a pet-friendly company would turn down a job offer with another business for similar pay. In contrast, only 44% of people who work in non-pet-friendly workplaces say the same.

It Can Be Used To Attract Talent

Young woman working at her desk while her dog patiently looks at her computer

According to the study, 88% of employees working for a pet-friendly company would recommend their company to others, whereas only 51% of those who work in non-pet-friendly workplaces would do the same.

The better reputation you get as an employer, the better! A pet-friendly policy would definitely grab the attention of talent.

It Makes Employees Feel Supported

Happy man working on his laptop while his dog sits patiently on his lap

This study also revealed that 91% of employees who work for a pet-friendly company feel the company supports their physical health and wellness, compared to 59% who work in non-pet-friendly workplaces.

This makes sense. If you cater to your employees’ requests (like allowing their pets in the office), they’ll feel valued.

Employees Are More Likely To Show Up To Work

Happy young man working on his laptop at work while he pets his cat on his lap

A final (but interesting!) finding from this study: 85% of people who work for a pet-friendly company said they rarely miss a day of work for well-being or recuperation, compared to 77% who work in non-pet-friendly workplaces.

When deciding whether or not to make your office pet friendly (or work for a pet-friendly office), you must consider both the benefits and drawbacks. However, if you’re looking to make your office stand out, having this benefit will definitely give you leverage.

Need help finding a job at a pet-friendly office?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

How To Use A Career Coach In 2023

How To Use A Career Coach In 2023

In today’s competitive job market, you may be wondering how to use career coaching to your advantage, or if you need a career coach at all. Here’s the truth: the key to getting ahead in your career is career coaching, and it’s easier than you think to get the help you deserve.

Society raised us to think that if you need a career coach, there’s something wrong with you. There must be a problem. You’re not hireable. So now everyone thinks that they need to do this all by themselves. But dentists, doctors, lawyers, accountants, personal trainers—all these specialists out there—they help us get results, more results than we could get on our own.

Career coaches are no different.

You Need Career Coaching That’s Affordable, Easily Accessible, & Available On Demand

@j.t.odonnell How to use a career coach. ♥️ For only $9/month! #careercoach #careercoachontiktok #careercoachtok #careeradvice #careerhelp #careermode #career ♬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

But here’s the thing: career coaching needs to be affordable. After we pay all our bills at the end of the month, there’s not a lot of money left over, if any. And the last thing we want to do is spend hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, on career coaches.

Traditional career coaches charge so much because they use the theory that says customers who spend more money are more likely to be satisfied because they don’t want to look stupid and say that they overpaid for a product or a service. There’s a whole marketing ploy about this pricing strategy. So most career coaches price themselves really, really high. But the right career coaching for you is affordable and effective—and it does exist.

Not only does career coaching have to be affordable in 2023, but it also has to be easily accessible and available on demand. When you work with a traditional career coach, they sit down with you for an hour. And maybe they get you all hyped up for an hour, but then you’re all alone again.

What you really need is a career coach every single day. But who can afford hundreds of dollars every single day? This is why only executives and wealthy people ever use career coaches.

Until now.

At Work It DAILY, we have been building something special for the last two years. What we realized was you don’t need an hour of our time. You need a few minutes of our time every day, and you need a place to go that’s private and secure, where you can log in, talk with like-minded people, vent your frustrations, and access materials from trained career experts. You need a place where you can do the things you need to do to figure out and solve your career problems and move ahead, whether that’s choosing a career path, getting a new job, getting a promotion, dealing with your manager, dealing with co-workers, or changing careers.

So, we built our premium membership that combines coaching, courses, and community. It’s private, affordable, and ad-free, and every resource (including career coaching) is easily accessible and available on demand.

We created the Work It DAILY premium membership to help you get the career results you deserve. We are disrupting the industry to prove that good career coaching does not need to be expensive.

So if you need career coaching, come join me inside Work It DAILY. Getting the career help you need has never been easier.

Alumni Services: The New Outplacement Your Company Needs

3 Ways To Network Over Summer Vacation

Summer is in the air and all you want to do is sprawl yourself out on a beach chair, slurp a fruity, refreshing beverage, and soak up some rays. Your career is the last thing on your mind.

While it’s important to take some time for yourself and enjoy life outside the workplace, it’s also important to stay on your game. You never know when that life-changing opportunity will present itself.

Here are a few ways you can network over summer vacation (and still enjoy your time off!):

Always Keep Business Cards Handy

It’s important to always have a few business cards with you—no matter where you are or what you’re doing. If you happen to meet someone at the tiki bar who you think would be an asset to your network, you want to be prepared. Even in the smallest of gatherings, you never know when you may meet someone that could end up being a valuable connection.

If you’re a job seeker or your company doesn’t offer business cards, you may want to consider getting your own printed with your basic information, especially a link to your LinkedIn profile, where you can continue your networking efforts with the new connection.

If you’re not comfortable giving out business cards, you could exchange emails or LinkedIn information. The important thing is to establish a means of communication.

Plan A Family Trip

A group of young professionals take a road trip

If you’re considering relocating or just want to start building a network in a particular area, consider taking a family trip to that location. Get to know the area, attend local events, and make an effort to meet new people. Don’t go into it with an “all-business” mindset though.

Remember, you’re on vacation with your family. The focus is on spending your time with them, not making lots of connections. If you can meet one or two locals and build a causal relationship with them, that’s a great start.

Take 30 Minutes Each Week To Network Online

Young professional takes part in an online networking event while on summer vacation

Even if your summer may be jam-packed with fun activities, it’s likely you will have a half hour each week to spare. Make time each week to attend a virtual networking event for at least 30 minutes. It’s not a major time commitment, and the reward could be huge. Not to mention, you can do it while you’re sipping on a refreshing cocktail on your patio.

That’s one of the great things about virtual networking—you can do it virtually anywhere!

The truth is, virtual networking is the future, so it’s important to become good at it! Between remote work and the sheer convenience of it, virtual networking events will be in the majority.

Building your professional network over summer vacation is easier than you think. Follow the networking tips above so you can develop your career while enjoying the summer!

Need more help with your career?

Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.