Dreams do come true despite the layoff notice!
[Ed. note: This is a guest blog post from Ron LaPedis, Principal at Seacliff Partners and describes his journey from being laid off to becoming an entrepreneur with some help from his LinkedIn network] I am an entrepreneur who was always afraid to quit my day job. I sold rock concert T-shirts in college and even after I began work in the Silicon Valley, I started selling high-end fountain pens from Realpens.com and writing articles for industry magazines. These were little more than hobbies until my first pink slip showed up, after I’d spent nearly 29 years in the industry. After exiting the building and taking stock, it was obvious that networking was the answer. The scuttlebutt was that few people were being hired off the street and recommendations to managers were worth their weight in gold. Using LinkedIn’s advanced search feature, I reached out to old friends and co-workers for references but instead discovered that many of them were independent consultants and actually making a living at it.
While still searching for a full-time job, I began the work to become a trusted adviser on my favorite topic – protecting businesses and people when something goes wrong. I used LinkedIn Answers to get tips and tricks from my contacts on how to set up a consulting business including the need for liability insurance and why I should incorporate as an LLC. To prove my credibility, I used the WordPress application on LinkedIn to publish my regular blog post entries on to my network. An Australian friend of mine saw my posts on LinkedIn and recommended me to a company in Los Angeles. My first contract came quickly, in fact before the ink was dry on my incorporation papers. After that I was requested to author an online article and was paid to write and give two educational sessions at a technology conference – and this all started with a LinkedIn contact.
I am absolutely convinced of the power offered by LinkedIn and I tell all of my friends to build their networks, use the search feature to find people at targeted companies, and get recommendations from co-workers.
Tags: finding-jobs, job-hunting, linkedin-entrepreneurs, linkedin-jobs, linkedin-small-business, linkedin-success-story, linkedin-user, ron-lapedis
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Lesa Caskey June 25th, 2009
Thank you for sharing this powerful story. I am certain it will benefit many people who are currently looking for answers and solutions. I hope that it serves to boost the confidence level of those who have that special wing and a prayer to make their own way.
Lesa Caskey
http://www.brickelm.com
jamiefavreau June 25th, 2009
I have been doing all of the above. Things haven’t gone that smoothly for me as of yet. I am entirely confident that things will come around soon. I am changing my approach and hoping that I can get a meeting and NOT an interview.
Mary Yonkers June 26th, 2009
Ron, thanks for sharing this uplifting story of your own re-creation. Such good advice to all whether one is currently unemployed or still working. Even the most ’secure’ positions may not really be that secure.
Through the real estate classes I teach I am constantly promoting the need to build their network.
Good luck in your new venture.
Mary Yonkers
Yolanda D. White June 26th, 2009
Exactly. The thing about Dreams is that you have to wholeheartedly believe in them, in order to see them born. If we continue to hold on to the fatalistic images of jobs and the economy, none of us would dream at all. But like Ron, Dreams without action, are just ruminating thoughts. Linked in is one tool, in a multi-purpose toolbox, to bringing us closer to personal and professional dreams, if you believe it!
Connie Anderson June 26th, 2009
Ron, thanks so much for sharing your story. Its stories such as this that give all of us hope and fortitude to keep moving forward and using the strategies on Linkedin.
Best wishes to you
Connie Anderson
Manju M N June 30th, 2009
Hi Ron,
Your experience shared is really a realtime situation i am going through.I joined linked in to get some insight as to how to start my own consultancy.I have valuable learning from your experience .Thanks for the inspiration.
spirofrog July 2nd, 2009
It´s great to read powerful stories like these.
I am sure our youngsters desperately looking for fresher jobs and internships will see more stories like these happen in these R… days.
Stay focused and things will happen. We will distribute these good News.
Thomas Schulze
http://www.spirofrog.de
Antoinette Hayes July 2nd, 2009
Ron,
I think this is a great testimony to those who may still be afraid to step out on faith and become an independent consultant. Little do they know “it’s a great thing.” Continue to share your awesome story as it will inspire many.
Keep encouraging others…
Antoinette Hayes
N-MyImage
Zaki Haider July 2nd, 2009
Inspiring stuff!!
The self believe and determination is the key of your success. Had LinkedIn been not available you would have achieved the success by any other means. You just used this platform effectively and you have told others how to utilize these platforms and not just come here for fun to find old colleagues for just having lunch/parties.
regards
Zaki Haider
Pakistan
Ward Tongen July 6th, 2009
“Layoffs help you make decisions you probably should have already made.” -Wardo
Kathy Robinson, Career Coach July 8th, 2009
LinkedIn has been an incredible, incredible resource both for job seekers as well as consultants. My career coaching clients have gotten the inside track on unposted jobs, executive networking opportunities, and key professional development insights.
As a small business owner (and coach for small business owners), I’ve found it a remarkable tool to generate PR, potential clients, and an “expert status”. I can’t imagine what we did before this!!
Kathy Robinson
http://www.turningpointboston.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyrobinson
John Vasko July 20th, 2009
Great post Ron. These success stories are inspiring and empowering, especially in such uncertain times.
I’m currently consulting with a small business order to help them create an online presence and we’re starting with Linkedin. I’m sure that through the process, I will develop many insights as to how I can improve my personal brand and network.
Thanks, John Vasko http://www.JohnVasko.com
Gareth James August 14th, 2009
“Layoffs help you make decisions you probably should have already made.” -Wardo
This is so true…just try and use life’s knocks to your advantage.