Newly Corporate

I just bought a new book Free Agent Nation by David Pink – haven’t gotten to page one yet but the title intrigued me. Even with the economy in a downturn, or maybe I should say especially with the economy in a downtown a lot of people start to think like their own agent. This isn’t anything new to most young professionals, but just like the movie, being my own agent (show me the money!) – had me at hello.

Years ago it was more about as Bruce Tulgen says, keeping you head down and waiting for the company to take care of you. Proprietary research in that area is showing more people (of all generations) are thinking like we do as young professionals – free agents – forget waiting for someone to take care of me, I’ll take control of my own career destiny. Wikipedia says that shortened job cycles, the increase of project work, emergence of new technologies all point to free-agenting becoming more of a norm in the coming years.

According to Pink and his peers, the free agent trend has measurably benefited numerous U.S. companies.

Companies adapting to these trends is great news for all of us. Young professionals, or most I’ve met, already act like free agents whether or not they’re consultants or employees. The way we go about business as a young professional is the same style – we’re thinking about how each project we do benefit us for our next job (project, or literally job) and we go about our daily jobs as if we’re trying to win new business (respect, more work, better title) from whoever we’re working for. As a generation, we overachieve at networking whether it be in person or online.

So for those of you that want to develop your free agent skills, here are some tips from sun1001.com:

1. Develop a vision of your ideal life. Include all parts of your life including your work/career, family, friends, lifestyle, spiritual endeavors, personal growth, leisure etc. As you move toward being a free agent let your vision draw you forward.

2. Know what your strengths, talents and skills are. These will be the basis of the offer you make to your clients/customers or employer. Develop a use for your talents that is unique and exciting to you. Be able to articulate the value of your offer clearly to others.

3. Have a learning plan to fill in the gaps and broaden your offer. Watch the trends to ensure your skills remain relevant.

4. Volunteer to do projects that showcase your talents. Volunteering is a great way to use new skills and get some experience behind you. Choose projects that put you in touch with new contact who can help you.

5. Find a mentor or coach to help you. It is helpful to have someone to talk to as you move forward. A mentor can show you the ropes in your workplace or incustry. A coach can help you manage the rough spots and address any fears you have.

6. Make a list of EVERYONE you know and put his or her information into a contact management program. A network is very important to your career. You will draw on it to find employment and/or customers. Make it easy to access it and find people. Keep it updated with current information.

7. Make the effort to meet new people and add them to your contact management program.

8. Stay in touch with your network of contacts continuously. Keep them informed of what you are doing.

9. Begin by finding ways to create opportunities to do some work that you see there is a need for at home or part time. If you work for someone else this may mean moonlighting or freelancing.

10. Develop a “How can I help you?” attitude. Act as a referral agent for other free agents and then ask them to do the same for you.