The Market is Sending You a Message! Listen!

Well, it has happened again.  Three famous actors died within the last week; Gene Wilder, John Polito, and Hugh O’Brian.  People often say that Celebrity deaths come in three.  Frankly, with all of the aged actors in the population it is not surprising that three or more could pass at roughly the same time.  I doubt that the timing of those deaths is significant.  On the other hand, I often experience related events occurring in clusters.  When I experience three similar events happening at about the same time, it means that I have a blog topic to explore.  

In the last few weeks,  I have experienced another cluster of similar events.  I have made three new, unrelated connections from the healthcare sector.  Two of these people have become clients, while the third is someone I am helping network into a new situation.  These connections are interesting as healthcare is not my primary focus.

I met Patrick first.  He is an entrepreneur and senior executive with a wellness start up.  He needs help crafting his personal public relations material, including a resume and bio.  He is seeking funding to build his business, and  these tools are important to lenders.   Next, he wants me to do the same for his partners.

Lisa is a business development executive who I met in connection with one of my assignments. Originally from the Atlanta area, she has recently returned after living out-of-state for thirteen years.  Whereas she is poised and confident, with a lot of experience in the healthcare sector, she didn't have the particular background my client requires.  Lisa may not have been a fit for that job.  However, she is someone I want in my network.   I am more than happy to introduce her to people who can help her in her job search. 

Steve is a new client.  He is a senior level IT executive, whose career has focused on serving the healthcare sector.  He is an entrepreneur who built one company and sold it for a hefty sum twenty years ago.  Steve is looking to find an entrepreneurial situation where he can make a meaningful contribution.   He was referred to me by his executive coach, who is a close friend  of a client.    Steve needs help with his resume and bio, as well as networking connections.  He also needs help crafting his career plan.     

Central to all of these communications is my close friend, and healthcare maven, Sallie.  She has had a successful business development career in healthcare.  She has worked for insurance companies as well as wellness companies.  She is an excellent networker who has been very helpful to my referrals.  Naturally, Sallie is my go-to person in the healthcare field.

So, what does all this mean?   Is someone trying to tell me something?  I think so, but what is the message?  Is it that healthcare is a segment that I need to penetrate?  Or is it the need to provide more individual coaching services, helping people with their career management needs?  Or does it mean that I need to consider new consulting opportunities in this field?   How does all this dovetail with the concept of my book, “Fighting Alligators, Job Search Strategy For The New Normal?”  Currently, I am working on a project to install a recruiting, selection, and onboarding program for a small, family-owned company.   This assignment may be the genesis for a new line of business.


I've often said that if you listen to signals from the market, you will know where your skills are needed. The key is to acknowledge the signals. Well, I'm listening.  I'm just not clear as to the message.  I am certain there is an opportunity to explore.     I will find it, eventually.

       
Thank you for visiting my blog.  I hope you enjoyed my point of view and would like to receive regular posts directly to your email inbox. Toward this end, put your contact information on my mailing list.

Your feedback helps me continue to publish articles that you want to read. Your input is important to me so; please leave a comment.

Jim Weber, President
Author of: Fighting Alligators: Job Search Strategy For The New Normal
New Century Dynamics Executive Search

Current Assignments

1. GM, Private Club based in Southeast,  Confidential Search:  New
2. Director of Business Development, Atlanta-based B2B Professional Services Company: New
3. Training Director – Southeastern-based Restaurant Group:  New
4. Senior Accounting Manager – Atlanta-based Manufacturer.  New
5. Controller - Orlando, FL-based Restaurant Company:  New