Forgive my nostalgia but I have another of my all-time favorite song lyrics in my head.
It goes, "Oz never did give nothin' to the Tin Man, that he didn't...already have."
I attended DC ONA meetup on Wednesday night and talked at length with a colleague and good friend who was eyeing a job opening. In my small world, I said I actually know the person who left that job. She is one of our mentors for "The New U" Entrepreneurship project next week in St. Paul, Minnesota. I offered to make a call and ask a a few questions.
The crux of our conversation was answering the question, "What do you have that you think they might need?"
My friend listed a few reasons why she wants the job but seemed stuck on what experiences she has that can enhance what they are doing. I quoted a mantra I've been hearing a lot as I lead entrepreneurship projects this summer; "Don't fall in love with an idea. It's all about execution."
My friend already has a good job. It's the idea of this other job that has her excited. But, I advised, if you cannot come up with a plan for how you'd execute and enhance what they are already doing, I think they'll pass. I had that happen to me. My passion and vision were clear. My plan of execution was not. They passed.
Still, I have faith she'll find that idea and offer it in her application.
Each of us inherently knows what we want to be doing and why. But, all the noise inside and outside of our heads keeps us from focusing. Especially the noise about how bad things are. For millions, it's not noise. But, people are getting hired. Many are starting up their own businesses and, to extend the metaphor, reducing the noise and clutter.
For them, it truly is in there somewhere....making use of something they already have.
Chantal de la Rionda edits this blog
