I worked with one client who
specialized in retail merchandizing (POP, planagrams, etc). After
developing her resume, we discussed putting together a targeted job search
campaign to go after some of the bigger players in retail. While working
out her “unique selling proposition” she made the claim that she could walk
into any retail environment and recommend how they could make more money
through better merchandising. I asked, “Can you really back that up?” and
suddenly her plan was born.
My
client targeted 5 major retail outlets, went to a number of their locations,
and made detailed notes on what she saw and how she would improve it. The
first company she contacted was a major outlet with offices located in the
building over the store. She walked into the offices, asked to speak to
the person in charge of marketing, was told he was in a meeting until 11:00am,
so she scribbled a quick note on a piece of paper that read “I’ve just spent 30
minutes in your store. I found 3 merchandising inconsistencies and
identified 7 ways that should increase your sales by about 12-15%. My name
is ____________ and I will be waiting in the coffee shop downstairs.”
“Please
hand this to him at the end of his meeting. It’s very important” and she walked
out.
Shortly after 11:00, the VP of Marketing came
downstairs, met her in the coffee shop, and spent the next hour walking through
every corner of the store discussing her findings. Although no such
position existed, the VP hired her as their new Director of Merchandising.
Compliments
of Ross Macpherson, President Career Quest, www.yourcareerquest.com
