When I first started JibberJobber I had a few marketing people who said I must promise that this would help people get a job faster. Even, get a better job faster.
I could not claim that. I know unscrupulous companies would claim that but I really had nothing to back it up with. I was too new to have testimonials from people who had gone through a job search.
Unlike switching from a horrid resume to a clean and effective resume, I couldn’t say the purpose of JibberJobber was to “get a job faster.” I didn’t want to be like some college career centers who, on the day of graduation, called their recruiting friends begging to get little Johnny into ANY job, even entry level, so they could say they have high placement. Yes, this really happens. The recruiters tell me about the frantic calls, just so the school can save face.
Let’s go back to one of my favorite concepts in marketing, branding and positioning: The Pill vs. The Vitamin. I wrote this post in 2011 and it is one of the most profound concepts I think everyone in sales (that is, any entrepreneur and every job seeker) needs to understand.
I can’t promise JibberJobber will get you a job faster. There are too many factors that I have no control or influence over. The economy might stink, you might stink (literally), your resume might be folded up in your back pocket, you might be in a dying industry, your competition might be ten times better than you, you might be wasting your time on job boards like I did, instead of networking effectively… the list goes on and on and on. And I can’t say JibberJobber will be the job search silver bullet for you.
I’ve blogged about the job search silver bullets various times, including here and here and here and here.
So what is JibberJobber’s Promise? I’m not sure. After almost seven years I think it is:
Hope and Inspiration. Not through blog posts. These blog posts are my therapy more than help to/for you. But I want you to remain hopeful, and be inspired, and that is why I do what I do.
Empowerment. I felt so powerless and out of control as a job seeker. JibberJobber should empower you, and make you feel more in control.
Career management has changed. The Vitamins and Pills need to change, too. That’s one reason why I am working on 51 Alternatives to a Real Job. It is a new set of vitamins.
Venture Capitalists would hate that JibberJobber is not a Pill. You can sell and monetize Pills quick and easy. Vitamins are harder. But that’s what we are, and I’m not going to make fraudulent claims that we are the Silver Bullet Pill that will make all your wildest dreams come true.
What is YOUR promise to an employer, or your career?