Now the next step to activating the reserves is to go to the website for your hometown newspaper. And this step is especially important for all of the professionals on active duty, all of the doctors, nurses, lawyers, pilots, accountants, etc. that are serving on active duty right now.
Most of the time, things like the want ads, etc. will not be available online, and you aren’t looking for that information anyway.
What you are looking for is finding out who the “big ballas and shot callas,” “the movers and the shakers,” or the “success partners” are in your community and in your industry. If you see a business owner in the paper, let’s say they won a big government contract, send them a congratulatory card.
“Hi Mr. Williams:
I graduated from high school with your daughter, Lydia. I’m in the military now, stationed on the USS Never Sail. I saw the article about you on the Guardian’s website and just wanted to drop you a note to say congratulations on your company getting that military contract. It couldn’t have gone to a nicer guy. Best wishes, Steven Smuckatelli, LCDR, USNR.”
Now, I hear you. Honestly, I do. Some of you are saying, “Woman, I’m out here getting shot at in Afghanistan. I don’t have time to do this!”
Here’s my answer (and please note the use of the imperative tone): Yes, you do. There is downtime on every mission and getting Internet access in the field is so much easier than it used to be. If you are within 365 days of discharge, separation, retirement or the end of your commission, you have to make this one of your priorities. None of what I’m suggesting will take up a lot of time and it will, in fact, save you a lot of time in the long run. (Use of the imperative tone ends)
Seriously, if you are truly in a position where you cannot do this, then enlist the help of a family member or someone you trust to do this for you on your behalf.
There are any number of virtual assistants, ombudsmen, concierges and head-hunters who are doing this for Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines right now as we speak.
So, find out who the “success partners” are in your hometown and drop them a line. Make a few phone calls to the people in your community who you knew, “back in the day.” Focus on them and how you can help them, first. Then, when the time comes to ask them for a job, a reference, a lead, some advice, you’ve already “greased the skids” by building a relationship first.
Activate the reserves and get a jump on your job search now by following these simple tips. Believe me, taking these steps really works.
Finally, please help me to help you. If you have questions about the transition process, please feel free to ask me by posting on my blog or on my Facebook Page.
Deanna Wharwood’s passion is to help veterans, service-disabled veterans and their dependents create the systems they need to start and grow businesses from their first dollar to six-figures. Unlike other coaches, consultants, mentors and trainers, she is a veteran who successfully transitioned from military life to entrepreneurship. Learn more about Deanna – The Veterans’ Coach and how she can help you!
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Deanna Wharwood’s passion is to help veterans, service-disabled veterans and their dependents create the systems they need to start and grow businesses from their first dollar to six-figures. Unlike other coaches, consultants, mentors and trainers, she is a veteran who successfully transitioned from military life to entrepreneurship. Learn more about Deanna – The Veterans’ Coach and how she can help you!
