I have the world’s greatest job.Nintendo, Bezos, TMNTExotic locations, five-star hotels, Fancy restaurantsCan you imagine having a job like mine?Explain how that happened and relay a few things I’ve learned along the way.And hopefully give you some ideas to help you get started.
The first step was exposing myself.I worry for people entering the business world.Classes, Books, Movies, TVMeanwhile, businesses like mineIndia, China? They shouldn't have to look that far
I grew up in a small city in Indiana. Beaver CleaverDad Contractor, Mom HousewifeBut that all changed my Freshman year.But it did change my life dramatically.
My formal education ended. Life education began.Harrison High replaced by Arc Lanes – New faculty of dropouts and delinquentsEnglish and Math replaced by hustling, drinking, smoking, cruising, fighting and sexI learned about the realities of life.And the tough characters in it.You need to expose yourself.
Humans create original ideas from existing information. Think of your experiences as pool ballsWe work in the idea business.I’ve always had more, not because I am smarter Because I have more balls.
Life as a Magazine stand.Apply the same principle to TV, Books and MoviesHow many – Hunger Games? Last Train Home?When you experiment with your life, you gain ideas and confidence and….
Learn a lot about yourself & the rest of the human race.Talk to a taxi driver, visit a museum, work on a farmThat knowledge you gain will make you valuable to any employer.The best way to expose yourself – Hit the Road!
I suspect most of you have a passport?
Americans are sedentary lot --1 of 3 – passport.Their favorite destination is Las Vegas?Eiffel tower, pyramids, gondolaProblem – Every phone, China. Every service call, India.
2/3 McDonalds sales outside of US.Boeing 80%, GM more cars in ChinaHitting Road – help you understand challenges that international businesses face.Help you compete with people who are after your job.
I hit the road- Junior year – Nixon lotteryFlorence Italy, where I landed first international job 7 days a week for 50 cents an hourWhere I learned why Americans are afraid to travel. If you do business overseas- people are going to try to take advantage of you.Get ready for it
I hope many of you are taking to opportunity to study abroadOr even better working overseasEither way, here are a couple of things that you can learn to make you more valuable
I`m embarrassed- only speak English.People I do business with speak 4-5 different languagesMany speak English- not same.Learn a language -300 million Chinese are learning English.Not because it looks good on their resume.Speaking to people is the only way to really understand what they mean
One reason Americans get ripped of is theydon’t like to bargainThey’re used to paying full price, People from other countries rarely do. Not because they cant afford itDon’t be afraid to negotiate.Whether you are making a deal or negotiating your salary, bargaining is a critical business skill- you need to learn it.
Since my 1st trip – 6 million miles – Still learning.Your experience outside US – valuable for your job in itWhen you’re on a trip, always remember one thingAsk the Captain.
I’ve met a lot of famous people.Difference? Talent, Beauty, Brains?
Truth is – behind famous – team of highly paid pros.Who dedicate every waking momentIf you want – rock star, senator, CEO.You need an entourage.
My career - making other people famous.It started at Bar-B-Q RecordsProduction, publicity, promotion, distribution, representation, transportationRealized – doing everything myself was getting me nowhere
Moved to LA – experts making people famous.Record company, seedy nightclub and wanna be producersCaroline even won the 1st reality showBut we never opened the right doors, until
Caroline got her first break in a Broadway show.While we were chasing fame in LA, Linda …Caroline cast as understudy for lead roleThe star - Pam Dawber - lost her voice I was proud, excited & unemployed.NYSF – Didn’t need me – dozens of experts.She finally had an entourage, I just wasn’tI learned that if I was ever going to be successful…
You need to start building nowLeverage your parents’ connections Exploit your teachers’ contacts. Utilize your friends’ talents.
Nurture a network.Every time you have a meeting leave with a new name.Add to your network.Stay in touch even after…
I am in the image business. My job is to make companies, products and people look goodSomething everybody needsSomeday you may be able to hire a PR firm.Until then leverage family, friends, co-workers to make you shine. They might even invest in you!
I’m sure many of you have had an internship? Probably more than one.But how many of you have run a business?2011 Mark Zuckerberg IPO 100 million. We all know about how he started because we saw the movieWhat does Facebook have in common with Dell, Mircosoft, Wordpress, Fedex, RedditEverybody has an idea for a product/biz.Why don’t make them happen?
My version of Facebook was…..The concept was simpleThe reaction was immediate.
Everyone loved the idea.Newspapers, local TV, radio, national talkWall St Journal- best idea everOne small glitch, unreliable clientele.Was I a failure? CEO, CMO, HR, and media spokesperson. And I used leveraged that experience in every job interview
Develop your idea.Produce a prospectus.
Selling your skills- cheapSelling a product- need cashFind funding. Friends/relative- like Mark ZuckerbergKickstarter/Shark Tank
Internships are a great way to learn about business land a job. We hire a lot of interns.But if you learn working at entry level in someone else’s company, Imagine how much you can learn being president of your own Don’t be afraid to turn your ideas into a business.You might strike it rich – and someone will make a movie.Even if you don’t – like me you gain valuable insight.That you can use to get a better job.
Every night at clubs like the Improvin LA and Second City in ChicagoAspiring comedians make improvising look easyWorking with cues, they assemble a story, that leads to a conclusion and entertains along the wayThey make Improvising look easy but I know it requires skill and practice.Because, I’ve been doing it all my life. Like when…..
….. I decided to be a tour guide. I’d always wanted to guide a tour but…Created a resume that leveraged my experience as a cabin boy, doorman, chauffeur By the end, little preparation. Lot of creativity – convince anyone of almost anything
Some people think improvising is making things up but I prefer a different definition.I have interviewed 1,000’s – all of them had one resume that they used for every job opportunity. An 8x10 sheet with a lot of boring informationWhen I was looking – file cabinet full.Each contained enough unique enhancements to make me a perfect fit for any job.I wasn’t lying – I was improvising.Be creative in the job hunting process. It will make you stand out.
I bet many of you have seen “Legally Blonde”?What did Elle Woods do with her resume? She made it pink and scented“I think it gives it something special”.
The average recruiter spends about 7 seconds deciding if a resume is worth consideringThat’s the amount of time, you have to convince them you are special
In addition to being specialIt’s also important to specialize.Find your passion.Hone into a skill.A skill that your employer needs.A skill thatonly you posses.
When you are looking for a job, don’t be afraid to color outside the lines.Expose yourself to new ideas, interesting people and faraway places. Build an entourage of friends and acquaintances who will make you look goodTake a stab at being an entrepreneurExercise creativity in telling your storyAll of this will help you stand outRemember, looking for a job is a little like being a tour guide, who doesn’t really know where he’s goingBecause sometimes you need to improvise!
The stories and advice I have shared with you today are part of a book called IMPROVISE that is coming out in a few weeks. It’s available now on amazonOn April 29th, I will be sharing a few more stories about how to be successful -- once you have a job.If you have any ideas or feedback, feel free to send me an email or connect with me on twitter or Linked In.Thank you for your time and attention.
