I've noticed some increasing buzz in the corporate finance space. Opportunities that seemed to be flat-lining over the past year have a pulse again. CFOs who spent the last 12-15 months hunkered down in positions they hated are now cracking the door to see what other options might be available. How do I know? My phone is ringing constantly.
While hiring is definitely lagging … and recent stats indicate that pre-recession staffing levels probably won’t return for another couple of years … it’s a great time to be a senior finance leader.
A high-value, socially well-connected Chief Financial Officer, who may now or in the future want to move, should pay attention to the buzz.
–Network. The best time to network is when you don’t need to network. You don’t need anything and are in a position to give and help others. Ramp it up. With the ease of online networking, devoting 15 minutes a day to the effort can make a huge difference.
–Get Visible. If you’re brilliant but no one knows about it, does it matter? If you aren’t marketing yourself, it’s unlikely anyone else will be doing so.
–Be Prepared. The best opportunities come when you’re not looking. Unfortunately, not looking also means you can be caught unprepared. Putting a resume together in a day is a very different process than drilling down to find your branded value proposition and creating a marketing document and online presence that positions you to play from your strengths, passions, and values.
Cindy,
Really good news!
Everything you said sounds exactly right. For me, the bullet on “getting visible” is the great wake up point. If I have learned anything during the last two years . . . it is the importance of working at being visible (before you really need it)!
Thanks.
Mike Wilke
Glad to hear the “get visible” point really spoke to you. For CFOs particularly, it means more than just showing up. A mute presence is still mute.
So appreciate you reading and commenting, Mike! Thanks.
I have skipped several social/networking opportunities due to work focus. I think CFO’s take their responsibilities to a fault at times. We have to force ourselves to break away. I have not played golf socially in over a year.
I hear that all the time, Patrick. My CFOs are so busy working in their jobs that they have no time to work on their career. Even 15-20 minutes a day can begin to build the critical momentum that will transform hunters into the hunted.
Thanks for reading and for leaving a comment.