So you're building a network. How do you keep connected with your contacts after you've established a relationship?
Mark Lyons ('85 UI ACES) sends a regular email update to his contacts providing details about his search and his targets. And, he was willing to let me share his information through this blog.
Here are some excerpts from his most recent update:
Dear Friends,
Hello to all! ... (H)ere are the most recent highlights from my career search.
1. Last week, I had my highest level networking meeting to date. I met with Orion Samuelson, the agriculture broadcaster on WGN radio -- at his home! Thank you, Leah, for helping to make that happen!
2. I have now been at my Nestle position for one year, five months, and counting. Without a doubt, this is the longest two-week assignment I've ever had.
4. Had a good interview with the Global Service Manager at Akzo Nobel Chemicals. He was very impressed with me and my background and he said that he would pass my information to his supervisor in The Netherlands. More to come on that -- I hope!
5. I have begun volunteering for Illinois workNet, giving presentations at their Employment Power Workshops. I gave my first presentation last month; next week, I'll be giving two presentations at the Park Ridge Library.
8. As you'll see on my attached handbill, I have some new target companies -- Fonterra, Perdue, Smithfield Foods, and Tyson Foods. The former was recommended to me by a contact, who put me in touch with two of the HR managers there (thank you, Maureen). The latter to were suggested to me as part of the advice given to me by Orion Samuelson.
My most recent resume and handbill are attached. My elevator speech is as follows:
My name is Mark Lyons, and I'm a value harvester. By this, I mean that I cultivate raw material – animal, vegetable, mineral, human, or data – convert it into valuable products and services, and then bring this value directly to consumers and clients. Some examples: As an agricultural nutritionist, I converted agricultural commodities into formulated feeds for efficient conversion of livestock and poultry into meat, milk, and eggs. As a strategic consultant, I converted raw market research data into actionable recommendations that increase profits and grow market share. I'm looking for an opportunity to use my knowledge and exercise my skills in the agriculture/pet food or food; industries. You can help me by providing me with leads and contacts within my target industries and companies. (1 min).
And that's all, for now. More to come in the next update!
Sincerely,
Mark Lyons
"Value Harvester"
Mark includes his contact information and links to his profiles on Google, Twitter and LinkedIn.
In Mark's words, "I've found the biggest benefit to my newsletter is that it keeps me top of mind with my network. And it has encouraged some members of my network to send me a lead or two."
Do you have your own success story for keeping connected to your contacts, share your story by submitted a contact through the comments link below or by sending us an email at careers@uillinois.edu with "Blog Comment" in the subject line.
