Franchise Executives Seek Jobs
I guess it should come as no surprise that a number of very competent and credentialed franchise executives are considering where they are, where they want to be, and how to get there. Several friends in the industry recently contacted me to let me know that they were contemplating new careers. These are CEO’s and COO’s who due to the economy and circumstances beyond their control, find themselves looking for new jobs.
By reaching out they are doing exactly what they should be doing, using their network. Some are better networked than others. They already are on LinkedIn, Plaxo and Facebook. Others make contact the old fashioned way, they email their resume and call to follow-up. Where I can, I help them make another connection. For those not using online technology, I gently suggest they’d better get with the times.
Some are using this transition period to really think about what they want to do next. A couple very corporate types are contemplating starting their own businesses. I caution them that they need to think about the level of risk they are comfortable assuming. But, having started and sold several companies as well as having worked inside two of the largest agency holding companies in the world, I must confess that I prefer writing my own checks.
For those who are really examining where they want to be, I suggest figuring out their personal brand. We define a brand as who you are, what you do and why you are better or different. Identifying your personal brand is pretty much answering the same questions.
I had the opportunity last year to spend a few days on a houseboat in Kentucky with my YPO and WPO Forum. We used a workbook “Living On Purpose, How to plan your life and live your plan.” (It can be found online at http://www.StrategiaOnline.com.) The discovery and define process is very similar to defining a corporate brand.
The idea of total reinvention can be really appealing. I always have projects in the wings that could turn into potential careers, whether running an executive retreat or rehabbing old buildings. What I realize now is that all those interests come from the same essence – “transformation” – it happens to be the re:group essence but it is pretty much how I would define myself as well.
Finally, I wish all my friends the best of luck as they transition.
I have always considered myself very lucky and thankful to be where I am. But I also believe you make your luck by your attitude and openness to opportunities that are provided you. What is the saying…heaven helps those who help themselves?
Tags: executives, franchise, job-seeking, transition