52 Limited

How many times do you hear the phrase, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”? Well, to a large degree it’s true. But it does not mean what you may think it means.

What is does is point to the power of networking in a job search. I advise that people do 3 main things when looking for a job. 1. Following job posting boards is a necessary evil of the job search. You may find a job here, but you are just one of thousands of people looking at the same posting. 2. A placement agency like 52 can open doors and provide opportunities that never show up on job boards. A placement agency is also a function of the next and critical step. 3. Network. Often networking is the most important missing piece. It’s also of course, the hardest one and the one that requires the most work.

So, getting back to the “who you know”. It’s not really who you know as much as it is what you know and who you know. If you don’t have marketable employment skills, it really doesn’t matter who you know, chances are you still are not going to be hired to run your mom’s friend’s marketing department. The key is to know as many people in your chosen profession and specialization as you can. If you are good at what you do, you should have a network of people that know it. When looking for a new job, you tap into that network and let it work for you.

If you need to build a network, it takes time, effort and focus. When you make a contact make sure you also ask that contact for a referral. That way one contact becomes two. And always follow up. Keep track of your contacts and the activity you have had with them. When trying to build a network on a job search you need to ask yourself…who would hire me? As in, what is the position or job title of the person who would hire me? If you are a graphic designer, it might be a creative director or marketing manager. Those are the people then that you target for your networking. You also target people who would be doing the same work as you, but they are more able to refer you to opportunities, the higher level people may be the ones doing the hiring. Either way, it’s still networking and building your sphere of contacts.

It’s good to get this skill down early because it is a recurring theme. A job search through proactive networking is very similar to the business development cycle that companies pursue. And it’s hard work. But, it is worth it because you never know the opportunities that will present themselves, either in the short term or years down the road.

Because, it’s all about who you know.

52 Limited managing director, Steve Potestio, recently spoke at the Public Relations Society of America, Portland chapter on job search hints. Included are a few highlights.

1) How does a communicator know what move might be right and how do they make it?

The right move is to always be informed and educated on new strategies, directions in business. Technology wise you have to make sure you don’t just jump at the next “big thing” too hard, because the next “big thing” may be obsolete in a month. Keeping current of business news, market trends, technology, local movers and shakers is key.

2)What are three smart career moves you would recommend to someone who feels their progress is stuck?

Always keep an eye out for emerging trends and businesses. Look for opportunities that will allow you to grow personally and professionally. Conduct an informed job search.

If looking/finding a new job is not an option or not something you are looking to undertake right now, then the other option is to look for opportunities to grow within your current organization. Do they know your are stuck? Are they willing to put together a plan? If not, start considering the exit strategy.

3)What are three not-so-smart career moves you would suggest avoiding?

Don’t quit a job before you have a new one, UNLESS your current job is causing emotional or physical pain. If you can hang in there, do it. But if not, do as much as you can to prepare for the leap and then make it.
Don’t burn bridges. Don’t stay at a job that makes you miserable for two long. Don’t let your career stagnate….don’t become a dinosaur.

4)What criteria should a communicator use in evaluating a job opportunity?
Opportunity. Opportunity to grow and enhance your career. Gain new challenges, skills, experience and insight. Resist taking a job just to leave a painful job. Unless it’s your only chance to leave. If you want to grow professionally, resist a safe job.
Company values and culture are huge. As is past performance and future opportunities for growth. Do they seem to be forward thinkers? Do they want you to interview them too?

5)What do companies consider “star” job applicants?

Attitude. Flexibility. Initiative. Teamwork (overused but true). Do you have traits that will make the organization successful or continue to be successful? The skills and experience get you the interview, the intangibles get you the job.

6)Real world experience vs. college degrees: which do most companies look for?
Most want to see the degree, but many will look beyond it for the right fit. However, some companies require a degree for upper management roles.

The world of Flash design and development has come full circle in the last 1-2 years in Portland. Flash was hot during the dot com boom as it seemed every web design company had to show off their ability by including long Flash intros to their websites. Quickly bored and un-impressed, people just defaulted to the “skip intro” button. Then something happened. Companies began thinking strategically about their sites rather than just using them as promo pieces. Soon they began to incorporate Flash into the sites to improve and enhance features and navigation. The use of gratuitous Flash slowly went away. This “re-thinking” has spurned a huge need for Flash designers and developers in Portland. Talented Flash designers and developers have felt the crunch and freelance rates have increased. Full-time Portland flash jobs have gone unfilled as local flash designers have more flexibility and bargaining power as independent contractors. But often times these are cycles, and while up now things could change in the years ahead.

52 Limited managing partner, Steve Potestio, spoke to Mt. Hood Community College’s class of integrated media students. The class was comprised of students in graphic design, interactive media, television production, radio broadcasting and photography.

Steve spoke of the current state of the employment market within Portland creative services and gave advice for those seeking employment in the field. Insight was also provided into working through placement agencies, freelancing and the difference between working for a corporation or working for a creative company, such as a design firm or advertising agency.

Advice on resumes, interviewing, portfolios, and the importance of networking rounded out the discussion.

Judging by the number of calls 52 Limited receives each week from folks all over the country Portland continues to be strong on the creative class’ radar.

Portland graphic designers should take note. People from Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and other major markets are looking to move here in droves and they will aggressively be seeking work. And due to the level of hustle needed to get ahead in these markets, these folks don’t always take no for an answer. Some will find Portland’s pace of life and commerce frustrating, others will assimilate and do quite well.

This migration is welcome and will continue to make Portland a focal point for creative thinking. One question is whether Portland, and Portland’s employment market, is ready for this influx? Are there enough jobs? Without the large corporate base other cities enjoy, Portland has fewer large marketing departments to hire staffs of designers. Portland though has always been a small design firm town so that trend should continue as many transplants open their own practice.

What drives people here? The same things that make this a livable place. Recreation opportunities. Parks. Urban Planning. Sustainability focus. Take a look at the industries here and there is commonality. Sports apparel, footwear, recreation and equipment. This synergy will continue to build upon itself with companies like Keen Footwear following the migration. Let’s hope this continues and job growth remains strong.

Well, actually, 52 managing partner Steve Potestio went to Italy recently to scout out locations for an office in Rome. OK, that’s a stretch but maybe some day. What he did do was see Italy win their 4th World Cup while drinking red wine in Rome. And he spent time on the Amalfi Coast mostly in Positano. A few thoughts on Italy: Salami and cheese are cheap! Everyone is a good driver. Other than running to catch a bus or train, there is little stress. Work happens…at a slower pace but it happens. People take pride in the way they look. There is respect for beauty of all kinds. People litter. Panini and pizza are the perfect meals. Fiat’s, Alfa’s, Lancia…I miss seeing these cars in the U.S. It is beautiful beyond belief. Sensory depravation upon returning

Welcome to the first post in our Blog.

We are about to begin an epic time-point. With an increased visibility in the world of arts and media, Portland has become a hotbed for talent and creativity.

52 Limited connects Portland’s best creative talent with the right job, right community, the right business. Whether you’re looking to join a hot design firm or prefer the environment of a large corporation, we can help make the connection. We do this honestly and proffessionally, doing what’s best for each person and each company. Otherwise we won’t do it. To learn more, contact us at 503.517.0052, and send your resume to resume@52ltd.com.

Now lets dive into the illustrious realm of Blog technology…