Networking for Coaches and Consultants

Have you considered freelance or contract work while you’re job searching? Here’s why it can be worth thinking about. If full-time roles are taking longer than expected, freelance and contract work can be another way in. Contract and project work exists to solve immediate problems, so hiring tends to move faster and focuses more on whether you can step in and do the work right away, not whether your background is a “perfect” match. In some cases, people are brought in before a team even has approval to hire full-time. This kind of work often shows up during hiring freezes or between budgets when the work still exists but the headcount doesn’t. It won’t lead to a FT job every time but if you’re open to it, here’s some ways to find contract or project work: - Community first, job boards second. Slack groups, Discords, alumni networks, newsletters, and local community chats. Teams share short-term needs here because it’s faster than opening a req. - Update LinkedIn for contract searches. Recruiters filling contract roles search by specific skills and tools because teams don’t always have time to train. Make sure your profile shows what you can step into today, not just past titles. - Start with people who already know your work. A short message is enough: “Hey, I’m open to short-term projects while I continue my search. If anything comes up, feel free to keep me in mind.” - Have proof ready. One or two quick work samples. Contract hiring moves fast, and managers usually just want to confirm you won’t slow things down. For contract work, being 70-80% ready usually matters more than being a perfect fit. This isn’t a replacement for a full-time search. It’s another way some people create momentum when the usual process isn’t moving.

Micro Contracts Are Everywhere: Federal, State, Local, and Commercial. But You MUST Show Up to Win Them. Let me be clear: The fastest path to paid opportunities is through micro contracts and most of them will never be posted online. If you’re only searching SAM, state procurement portals, or corporate supplier portals, you’re missing the real money. Micro and Sole Source contract opportunities are unlocked in person, in the rooms where decision-makers gather: • Procurement events • Small business outreach days • Industry days • Chamber of Commerce mixers • Corporate supplier diversity events • Conferences and summits • Local government networking sessions And the opportunities are endless across federal, state, local, and commercial buyers: • Speaking engagements • Book talks and training sessions • Caterers and event support • Photographers and videographers • Graphic designers and branding experts • Coaches and facilitators • Workshop hosts • Wellness providers • Tech support and digital services • Community partners • And so much more Agencies and companies need these services every day, but they often award them through relationships, recommendations, and who shows up. They choose the business they met, not the one still waiting for something to be posted. If you’re waiting for a portal to drop the opportunity, you’re already behind. Federal, state, local, and commercial buyers award micro contracts to the people who show up, speak up, and follow up. You want to win? Then get in the room. Proximity creates opportunity. Relationships create revenue. Visibility wins contracts every time. Are you ready to start showing up for the rooms that hold your next contract? Have you been awarded a micro contract?

A question I've been getting A LOT lately: How do I find my freelance contracts? The bad news: I don't have a silver bullet job board to tell you about. In fact, I have never actively sought out any contract that I've worked on. The good news: The answer is NETWORKING. I spend a lot of time and energy reaching out to people and trying to making connections that often have no real impact on my own career. Networking is a long-game, and people will always remember good, genuine connections as they progress in their own careers. Check out this scenario: If person A is looking for something that person B has, and I happen to know them both, I try to make an effort to get those people in the same room. Eventually person A or B has reached out to me with unrelated work down the line that I've been able to take on, or pass along to another freelancer. Sometimes a few months/years later, that freelancer will be very busy and reach back out to me and ask if I have capacity to take on work that they can't. I'm currently full up on contract work, so when recruiters have reached out in the last month, I've been doing my best to give them one solid contact of mine that I think might be a good fit to interview with them. Networking isn't just about short-term job hunting. It is about building a community of likeminded driven people who are always looking out for each other.

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 (3-min read)   “𝑁𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦. 𝐼𝑡’𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 𝑎 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛, 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡𝑒𝑛.” — Jarod Kintz Most introverts dread networking events, and many skip them entirely. Smart introverts still show up. Shifting from dread to advantage takes a better system for preparing, engaging, and following up. Rest still matters. This post explores how to approach events strategically to maximize opportunity and reduce disappointment. The advice applies to everyone. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Start by curating your networking calendar. Choose events that align with your goals, industry, target audience, or values. Prioritize small roundtables and workshops where meaningful conversation outweighs crowd size. Research attendees and speakers so you know who you want to meet. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 Authenticity remains your greatest strength. Rehearse your story so you can clearly describe what you do and why it matters. Confidence grows through preparation and practice. Prepare a few open-ended questions to spark richer conversations, such as: · What excites you right now? · What's the best thing that happened in the last few weeks? · What is something incredible about you that even your friends don't know? 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 Schedule quiet time before and after events to prepare and recover. Because events are draining, I set a clear purpose and plan for my time. Set a few specific objectives for each event, such as meeting five relevant people. Sometimes, I arrive early to ease into the environment when fewer people are around, which makes one-on-one conversations more likely. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 At events, I stay aware of my physical state. If I start to feel anxious, I focus on breathing steadily, sometimes using a calming technique like exhaling for four seconds and inhaling for one. To keep my energy steady, I pace myself by taking breaks. By checking in with myself regularly, I can often stay longer and get more value. Finally, jot down notes on what went well and what could be better. When you reframe events as learning opportunities, you may find more purpose. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄-𝗨𝗽 Building on the connections you've made requires thoughtful follow-up. Within two business days, reach out to those who genuinely interest you. Be specific about what you appreciated and express your desire to connect again. Propose a clear next step. Consider offering a thoughtful "gift" such as a relevant article, a potential connection, or an upcoming event they would enjoy. Every conversation can become an opportunity to learn, share, and create value. With practice, you can curate those conversations more effectively. .

🚀 Want to Break into HR Gig Work & Contract Roles? Here’s Your Cheat Sheet! 💼✨ The world of HR is changing, and contract work is the new wave! 🌊 If you’re looking to transition into HR gig work, here’s your ultimate guide to making the leap smoothly (and getting PAID 💰 while doing it). 🔑 Why Go Contract? ✔ More Flexibility – Work when and where you want. ✔ Higher Pay (Sometimes!) – Hourly rates are often higher due to lack of benefits. ✔ Diverse Experience – Work across different industries and expand your skill set FAST. ✔ Faster Career Growth – Use transferable skills to transition into new roles and titles. 🛠 How to Get Started ✅ 1. Update Your LinkedIn – Let the World Know You’re Open! Add “Open to Work” (Contract | Gig | Remote | HR) to your headline. List project-based work in your experience section. Use keywords like HR Generalist, Talent Acquisition, HR Coordinator, Onboarding Specialist, HR Consultant. ✅ 2. Optimize Your Resume for Contract Roles Highlight short-term projects and impact-driven results 🚀 Showcase ATS experience (Workday, ADP, Greenhouse, etc.). Include a “Contract Experience” section to normalize job-hopping. ✅ 3. Tap into Gig-Friendly Platforms 💡 Where to Find Contract HR Roles: 🔹 LinkedIn Jobs (Filter by Contract) 🔹 Indeed & Glassdoor (Search “HR Contract” or “HR Consultant”) 🔹 Upwork & Fiverr (For Freelance HR Consulting) 🔹 FlexJobs & We Work Remotely (HR gigs from reputable companies) ✅ 4. Work with HR Staffing Agencies (Great for breaking into new roles!) Robert Half Kforce Inc Aerotek Randstad PeopleScout Manpower KellyOCG ✅ 5. Use Contract Roles as a Stepping Stone Temp agencies allow you to test different industries and gain new titles without committing long-term. Many contract roles turn into permanent jobs if you perform well and the agency will help prep you! ✅ 6. Network Like a Pro! 🚀 Join HR Groups & Communities on LinkedIn & Slack. 💬 Engage in HR discussions and post insights to attract recruiters. 🤝 Reach out to HR professionals who’ve gone contract—ask them how they did it! ✅ 7. Be Mindful of Benefits (or Lack Thereof) Many contract roles don’t offer benefits (healthcare, PTO, 401k). This is why hourly pay is usually higher—budget wisely! Some staffing agencies offer benefits after a certain period—always ask. ✅ 8. Nail the Interview: Prove You Can Adapt FAST Hiring managers LOVE contract workers who: ✔ Ramp up quickly ✔ Handle ambiguity ✔ Deliver results FAST 🔥 Final Tip: Always Be Applying (ABA)! Contract roles move FAST—apply to at least 5-10 roles per week and keep your options open. Who else is considering HR gig work this year? Drop a 🔥 if this was helpful! 👇💬 #HR #ContractWork #GigWork #TalentAcquisition #CareerGrowth #RecruitingTips #CareerGrowth #OpenToWork #JobOpportunities #Layoffs #Diversify #YouGotThis

Most professionals treat LinkedIn networking like casual activity. Connect. Like a few posts. Hope something happens. After 20+ years in HR leadership and executive coaching, I can tell you this: Job offers don’t come from random networking. They come from strategic visibility and intentional conversations. Here’s what actually converts LinkedIn into real opportunities: 1/ Optimize your profile Your headline and summary must communicate outcomes, not responsibilities. Decision-makers need clarity in seconds. 2/ Build a targeted network Relevance matters more than volume. Connect with people in roles, companies, and functions aligned with your next move. 3/ Engage with intent Thoughtful comments on decision-makers posts build familiarity. Familiarity builds trust. 4/ Send personalized short requests Context separates you from noise. 5/ Start meaningful conversations Give before you Get. Ask about their experience and journey. Rapport comes before opportunity. 6/ Request insights, not jobs Advice opens doors. Direct asks close them prematurely. 7/ Show your thinking publicly in thought leadership posts Credibility compounds when people see how you analyze problems. 8/ Stay consistently visible Opportunities favor those who remain top of mind. 9/ Express interest clearly Specificity signals seriousness. 10/ Follow up thoughtfully Warm relationships outperform cold outreach. Across the executives I’ve coached into Director, VP, C-suite, and board roles, there is one common theme: Offers rarely follow applications at the speed of genuine digital networking. They follow relationships. Several of my clients were approached directly by hiring leaders who had been quietly watching their posts and engagement for months. That visibility changed the conversation before the interview ever began. LinkedIn works when it’s treated as a positioning platform, not a scrolling platform. If you’re ready to turn networking into structured opportunity and access the hidden job market, DM me “NETWORK.” I’ll share how we build this system inside Career Pivot Academy and map out what it could look like for you.

Out of all the job search strategies I've tested, these 5 approaches have consistently delivered results (regardless of industry or role) I'm sharing these lesser-known tactics to help you stand out: ✅ The "Golden Hour" application timing HOW: Submit your application between 10-11am on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Most recruiters review applications mid-morning after handling urgent tasks but before lunch meetings. Applications received during this window typically get more focused attention and aren't lost in the Monday morning rush or Friday afternoon exodus. ✅ The "Problem-Solution Portfolio" HOW: Create a concise (5-slide max) presentation showing a specific challenge in the company's industry, your analysis of it, and your proposed solution. Reference this during interviews: "I noticed [industry challenge] and prepared some thoughts on addressing it." This demonstrates proactive thinking and industry knowledge without appearing presumptuous. ✅ The "Complementary Skills" approach HOW: Identify the team's existing strengths from LinkedIn profiles, then position yourself as bringing complementary skills that enhance the team. For example: "I noticed your team has strong technical expertise, and my background in translating technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders would help extend your team's impact across departments." ✅ The "Value-First" networking strategy HOW: Before requesting informational interviews, offer something valuable first. Research the person and share an insightful article, case study, or tool relevant to their recent work. Then say: "I came across this and thought of your recent project. I'd appreciate your perspective on [specific question] if you have 15 minutes to connect." This approach yields 3x higher response rates. ✅ The "Specific Scenario" interview technique HOW: Prepare 3-5 detailed scenarios showing how you'd handle specific challenges mentioned in the job description. Present these as: "In preparing for this interview, I considered how I'd approach [specific challenge]. Here's my thinking..." This shows practical application of your skills rather than theoretical capabilities. I've personally used these approaches to land opportunities at competitive companies. Which strategy resonates most with you? #ukjobs #businessanalyst #internationalstudents #jobsearch #cvreview #hiring #recruitment #mentor

The Unexpected Way I Landed My Jobs Without Cold Applying Since my first job out of school, I’ve never relied solely on submitting applications through job portals. Instead, I took a targeted networking approach, which has helped me land almost all the jobs I’ve had. Here’s exactly what I used to do: ✅ Step 1: I Reached Out to the Right People Early on, I realized that applying online wasn’t enough. So, I started connecting with: VPs & Directors (for leadership insights and industry knowledge) Engineering Managers (the people who make the hiring decisions) Recruiters (who can guide you through the process) ✅ Step 2: Target 2-3 Companies Every Day I created a list of target companies and focused on two to three each day, ensuring I reached out to the right people without losing track of my outreach efforts. ✅ Step 3: I Sent Connection Requests with Personalized Messages Every request included: ⭐ Why I wanted to connect ⭐ What I was looking for ⭐ A genuine reason for reaching out ✅ Step 4: I Never Asked for a Referral Upfront Most people think networking means asking for a referral. However, a referral should come from someone who has worked with you, not a random LinkedIn connection. Instead, I focused on building relationships, learning about the company, and adding value where I could. Many times, referrals happened naturally. Why This Worked This approach has helped me land almost all the jobs I’ve had since my first one out of school because: ⭐ I built relationships instead of just applying blindly ⭐ I got responses from hiring managers and recruiters instead of being ignored ⭐ I positioned myself as a strong candidate before even interviewing This strategy has worked for me. If you’re struggling to get responses, try this—you’ll be surprised by the results! 🚀

In the startup world, funding, partnerships, and opportunities rarely happen in isolation. They come through connections—the right conversation at the right time. Take the story of Tope Awotona, the founder of Calendly. In 2013, frustrated by the inefficiencies of scheduling meetings, Tope invested his life savings into developing Calendly. Operating from Atlanta Tech Village, he collaborated with the Kyiv-based firm Railsware to bring his idea to life. He poured his life savings into his idea but struggled to raise funds. At first, venture capitalists weren’t convinced—some didn’t understand the product’s full potential, while others were skeptical of its ability to compete in a crowded market. Rather than getting discouraged, Awotona focused on making connections with investors who shared his vision. In 2017, networking led him to OpenView Venture Partners, which became Calendly’s first institutional investor. OpenView provided not just funding but also strategic insights to help the company scale efficiently. Then, in 2021, after years of steady growth, networking played a crucial role again when Iconiq Capital led a $350 million Series B round, valuing Calendly at over $3 billion. Without Awotona’s ability to forge relationships with the right investors, Calendly might not have reached unicorn status. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or professional, strategic networking can open doors you never imagined. Here’s how: 𝐁𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝: Before reaching out, understand what you're looking for—advice, funding, partnerships, or mentorship. The clearer you are, the more effective your networking efforts will be. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞: Networking isn’t just about taking; it’s about giving. Share insights, introduce contacts, or offer help where you can. Relationships built on mutual benefit last longer. 𝐁𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞: Attend the right conferences and events for your sector. Surround yourself with people who share your interests and aspirations. 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Cold outreach can work, but a warm introduction from a mutual connection is far more effective. Build relationships with connectors who can introduce you to the right people. 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝: A single conversation isn’t enough. Stay in touch and continue providing value. Long-term relationships often lead to the biggest opportunities. Awotona’s story is proof that networking isn’t just about meeting people—it’s about building relationships that can change the course of your business or career. So ask yourself: Are you positioning yourself in the right circles? Are you engaging in conversations that could change your journey? Because in this ecosystem, sometimes the right handshake is worth more than a hundred cold emails.