Survival of the Mis-Fittest

Just when you think that you have things figured out, the world turns upside down and inside out. It's called the "new world order".

In this new world, we now have 7.2% unemplyment or to make it more personal, 11 million people out of work ... lots of competent, experienced and eager people.

If human nature is in play in this new world, then almost everyone is trying their darndest to "fit in" to the job specs and perceived needs of those companies that are hiring at this time. The job goes to the most qualified, right?

But, in this new world order do you really believe, in your heart of hearts, that any hiring manager really knows what their company needs, not only to survive this mess but then get stronger? If you do, go ahead and do your very best to line up with what they tell you they need.

Others will work hard to demonstrate that they don't just "fit" the job requirements, but that they have the smarts, the innovative spirit, the drive, and the vision to do a whole lot more. These people see themselves as "mis-fits", and they like it ... because they know how to win.

They really understand that in this new world order, "being qualified" doesn't get you very far in the line of very qualified applicants. They understand the "branding thing" ... they know how to make themselves stand out from the crowd. They really don't even like to hang out with the crowd.

Most of all, they understand that in times like these, it's really not all about them ... they know that it's about how to connect their special talents and experiences to what they perceive the company needs ... and, they find a way to deliver this message so that the key decision-makers "get it."

That's branding and marketing working seamlessly together, and in this new world order there is no crowd for the "mis-fittest".

If you're among the 11 million, or anticipate that you may soon join their ranks, start working on your own "brand promise" (see previous post), and carefully script your message so that people in your network or hiring managers "get it".

Share your thoughts, questions, and successes here.