Sharing Your Knowledge
One of the unintended consequences of the last two and a half years, for me, has been doing an extensive number of webinars on job search support strategies. And, while I have been involved in the local job search support group scene in my home state of New Jersey since 2011, and the facilitator of such a group at my local library, much of the onus for the continuation of that group and providing meaningful content has fallen to myself. And, I have enjoyed doing that very much.
While prior to the pandemic I would do presentations, they were few and far between. My presentations might be for other job search support groups in New Jersey, or an occasional one for a library or civic organization. My use of presentation tools was limited. While I was comfortable presenting, and I would share information with participants, it was often done through paper handouts. That became impossible as the presentations moved to a virtual online format. I became proficient in PowerPoint. I learned how to record the presentations and share them with those who signed up, but could not attend during the live presentation.
I am blessed to have been trained in career coaching by the Five O’Clock Club, (now known as Get Five), in terms of the methods and strategies that I coach. Those were the basis for my past presentations, and continue to be my “go to” source for materials. As time has passed, I have built up quite a library of presentations, (and continue to do so as I see new topics come into my life). While my initial virtual presentations were for my local library group in my home town, and then to a few of the groups throughout the State of New Jersey, recently I have had the opportunity to present to individuals in neighboring states. I feel good when people are thankful about the information that I share. Many tell me, I touch on topics that others sometimes do not. That is likely both because of the uniqueness of the Get Five methodology and how it has touched me, and also that I have Life Coach training, that brings in a perspective outside the direct realm of job search, and touches on the people aspect of what I do as a coach.
There may be those who will ask, do I get compensated for doing these presentations? No, I do not. Others may say, then you just GIVE your knowledge away. And, my reaction to that is I don’t see it as just, “giving it away.” Those of us who may do such webinars and presentations may do so for a variety of reasons. For some, it is a way to have individuals learn of us and what we do, and how we might be of help to them if they want to work in a private coach/client relationship with us. For others, it is a way of connecting with those that we assist, and to be open to listening to them. What challenges are they coming up against? Are there new realities that we as those helping them need to be aware?
I always say to my clients, while times may change and new tools may become part of the job search strategy process, the fundamentals of the process very much remain the same. That was true long before my coaching studies over 10 years ago, and continue to be true. I know that to be the truth because I hear the stories of those with whom I work, and how they land their next opportunity. Often it involves reconnecting with others with whom they have worked and who know their abilities, that lead them to new opportunities. For others, it is getting to understand and know their career story so well, they are able to share it with examples and anecdotes with those whom they meet, and provide their talents.
When you are open to sharing your knowledge and talents, people will connect with you. Will some look to take advantage, and get “something for nothing?” Yes, there are those who will do that. However, I have found the vast majority of individuals are not only grateful, but will wind up repaying your generosity in every way imaginable. Over the years, from possibly becoming a client either at that moment or later on, to gift cards, to referrals, to just and encouraging word to let you know that you have added value, all of these things have happened and continue to happen to me. And, in a world which has changed so drastically and which at times can get one down over the last few years, providing my knowledge through the job search support webinars that I have done, continues to keep me going.
