Differentiating yourself. I found when I was
meeting with professional groups, career center clients, etc., that I was
surrounded by people who were just like me—they were unemployed. As
obvious as this may sound, my next thought was that they couldn’t help me,
or in some cases, they could actually be competing with me. What I found
was the opposite—we were all in this together. The amount of anger, fear,
apprehension, confusion and many other feelings varied from individual to
individual, but we found solace in our shared predicament. Our support
groups sitting around talking about our problems made others in the group
open up. As people opened up, others began to offer suggestions. “I know
someone who used to work there,” or “Let me introduce you to someone I
know who may be able to help you,” were common comments.

It became important in these group settings to clearly direct the dialog
in a way that had each individual focusing on what they wanted and
needed to move forward in their pursuit of a job, not just on the emotional
rollercoaster ride we were all on. In some cases, we asked specifically if
there was anyone in the room who had a contact or connections specific
to what an individual member wanted or needed. Although it began
slowly, that networking process became contagious as members realized
we all had some loose connections and expertise that others could benefit
from. I didn’t realize we were practicing a concept that Adam Grant
discusses in his book Give and Take as a “Reciprocity Ring.” Becoming
aware of that concept helped me to further and more explicitly drive the
conversation down the path of action.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):

• Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
• Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
• Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
• The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
• From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
• The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood

See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com.  Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success:  A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby

It’s hard to tell you to look outside your previous industry when I landed
a job in the same industry I’d been in for over twenty years. It’s logical
to go toward your comfort zone, and it’s a lot easier to demonstrate
your strengths in order to land the job. However, when I say I cast a broad
net, I truly did. I looked into expanding my own business. I looked into
professional training firms, healthcare, sales, marketing, and many other
avenues. You will start to understand there is more out there than the
fences you remain confined within. After you’ve broadened your scope
to explore other fields, then you can consider it a well-thought-out plan,
even if you choose to stay within your field in the end.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):

• Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
• Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
• Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
• The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
• From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
• The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood

See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com.  Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success:  A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby

One of my favorite quotes, “Opportunity seldom labels itself,” is credited
to an unknown author. A number of mentors and people within
the network suggested I take my side interests of speaking, training,
and coaching and make them a full-time endeavor. As appetizing as that
sounded, I still felt a passion to go back to the banking industry. With the
down-turned economy, the banking industry has been beaten up. The industry
has been wounded, but there are far too many opportunities in the
risk avoidance space to turn away from it altogether. I’m passionate about
fixing problems and have a strong history of start-up roles. The job I was
ultimately offered and accepted was brand new, and fit both categories.
Even with so many unknowns, what you do know are your passions. Run
toward them. To paraphrase Steve Cohen, professor of public speaking,
and one who had to go through a similar process in his own past, “Be
inspired to look to leverage your passions to make money.”

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):

• Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
• Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
• Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
• The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
• From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
• The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood

See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com.  Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success:  A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby

With so many supporters dispensing advice, it’s easy to get caught
up, especially when some of it can be contradictory. My advice is
to take it all. Similar to the chapter, “Know That Your Résumé Is Yours,”
when you’re going through the process of finding a job, be willing to
grow while staying true to you. What’s most important to you? What is
non-negotiable? In the swirl of the job search, you may not feel you have
too much say or control over what is negotiable—but you do. As stated
in the excerpt of the speech in the introduction to this book, my oldest
daughter told me that relocating wasn’t an option. I set deadlines for myself
in the job search process. In the first few months, relocation wasn’t an
option. It was non-negotiable. I had in my mind that if there were no real
leads, then I would make adjustments to this goal. Time changes goals,
so keep them fluid, but it’s important to balance what’s right for you and
whoever else is impacted. I suggest staying firm to what you want and
who you really want to be. You don’t have to settle or compromise unless
new facts come that may change your direction. Go back to the chapter,
“Answer the Critical Questions” and determine your specifics relating to
location, satisfaction, and compensation, to ensure you are true to yourself.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):

• Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
• Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
• Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
• The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
• From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
• The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood

See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com.  Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success:  A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby

When looking for a job, do you know what you want–not just the type of job, but long-term thinking?

A motivational speaker by the name of Lewis Timberlake mentioned this
almost fifteen years ago when I saw him, and I never forgot it.
• Know what you want.
• Know that you deserve it.
• Know what you’re giving up to get it.
The third bullet always grabs me, because many of us often feel we
deserve so much more than we have or get. The question is, “What are
you willing to give up to get it?” Are you willing to travel more than you
ever have? Are you willing to see your family less? Are you willing to work
from home? Are you willing to take a pay cut to get your foot in the door?
Are you willing to shift other priorities? Are you willing to work eighty-hour
work weeks? The questions can go on and on. We may get a high
paying job, but are you getting the other things in return, such as job
satisfaction? Know exactly what you want.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):

• Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
• Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
• Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
• The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
• From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
• The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood

See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com.  Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success:  A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby

When looking for a job, you must keep up with industry trends and stay sharp. As part of my routine, I read relevant articles and paid attention to LinkedIn group discussions. In addition, I continued being an active part of Toastmasters International. Although Toastmasters may not be the solution for everyone, it kept my writing and communication skills honed and kept my confidence up with a very supportive group. It also got me out of the house. For me, it was like a play date for adults. The satisfaction level of participating in activities with a group of people with similar goals was very motivating. Additionally, I kept a journal containing all the lessons I learned during the job search process. That journal became the basis of this book. It’s important to balance your job search with professional development. Make sure you read books, websites, and keep your network productive. It all leads to the same place, and the invested time may be the differentiating factor when it comes to preparation, knowledge, and relevant skills.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):

• Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
• Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
• Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
• The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
• From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
• The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood

See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com.  Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success:  A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby

What does an unemployed individual have to offer as a mentor?
Plenty! In fact, I picked up more people to mentor along the way
than I would have ever expected. It is always flattering to be asked. My
time-management skills were challenged, forcing me to be creative in how
often we met, but I am convinced that leading discussions and helping
others kept me sharp and on my game. It also allowed me to question
myself about whether I was being productive in my own efforts to grow
and develop.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):

• Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
• Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
• Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
• The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
• From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
• The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood

See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com.  Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success:  A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby

Mentors are like that blanket you couldn’t give up as a kid. If you
don’t have to stop the relationship, then don’t. Mentors provide
the objective point of view we all need. If your mentor is with your old
company, unless policy dictates it, there is no reason to stop the conversations.
One of my mentors hit me between the eyes with some feedback
as I was looking into options to get back into my former company when
she said, “Tone down the outside interests.” She meant that my “paid
hobby” of speaking and training on the side could easily be seen as a
priority conflict. Although I saw the strength of these interests as making
me a stronger professional, my mentor’s easily digestible comment put a
potential blind spot into context. Someone who may not know me well
might easily shy away from wanting to hire me due to a perceived priority
conflict. I was able to work on my filtering of this information in networking
and job interviews by not leading with it. I formulated a more
reserved message that came across stronger because it was clear how those
side interests had become an investment in my own growth that would
help me succeed in the new role. I am ever so thankful for the mentors,
both formal and informal, who stayed with me through this process.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):

• Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
• Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
• Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
• The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
• From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
• The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood

See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com.  Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success:  A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby

You are bound to run into other unemployed people. In fact, a close
friend of mine was looking for a job at the same time. I could have
said we were competing for openings, but in reality we simply shared best
practices, gave each other advice, and maintained the special “unemployment
bond” that brought us even closer. When we both landed jobs within
a couple weeks of each other, the success was only sweeter. My two
months of unemployment was full of mistakes and lessons learned. I felt a
need to share this information with anyone I thought could benefit from
it. I considered this invested time, while always testing my theories and
getting feedback on my trials and tribulations for the future. A job may
not be right for you but if someone else comes to mind, pay it forward.

In these desperate times, it sounds counterintuitive, but it’s important
to share your expertise and knowledge and expect nothing in return.
Whether you are in a one-on-one session, talking with career centers,
or speaking with professional/networking groups, you should willingly
participate. You obviously don’t want to come across as a know-it-all, but
you will gain credibility and value naturally when people see your selfless
behavior and leadership skills. When you do things because it’s the right
thing to do, not because you need a job, the job ends up finding you. It
may take some time, but your patience and generosity will pay dividends
for you over time.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):

• Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
• Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
• Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
• The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
• From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
• The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood

See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com.  Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success:  A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby

Don’t feel sorry for yourself. First, you don’t have time and second,
it is your choice as to how you will resolve this situation. You can
choose to feel down in the dumps, or you can go after the new challenge
with gusto. It’s okay to feel excited about the unknown test that is staring
you in the face. You should enjoy the ride—because at this point, it’s the
only ride you’re on. It may seem masochistic to relish this type of situation,
but I realized how important maintaining the right attitude was to
my success in this endeavor. Enjoy the rollercoaster ride of emotions as
doors open and shut all around you. In Dr. Richard Carlson’s book Don’t
Sweat the Small Stuff he notes, “Don’t let the highs be too high and the
lows be too low.” Stay balanced with your approach, and you will win the
game.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):

• Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
• Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
• Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
• The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
• From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
• The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood

See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com.  Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success:  A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby