Comments on: How To Write Your Positioning Statement http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/ Ideas for Job Search, Career and Life Mon, 21 May 2012 07:53:48 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Jake http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-16985 Jake Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:07:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-16985 Your questions have made me think more about a successful and unique positioning statement. Part of my confusion is that there are so many positions that can define what I do (my degree is Family & Consumer Sciences, which includes psych, soc, human development, consumer issues, etc). For example, in the entry-level positions I am targeting there are family resource coordinators, project coordinations, child life specialists, social aide workers, case managers, community outreach coordinators, youth counselors, etc.  Is the positing statement a seldom-changed personal brand or does it change to match the job description that you are targeting? I feel like my resume is getting turned away simply because, like you said, "committed" and "passionate" are no-brainers in this industry and "family life specialist" is somewhat unclear. For some help, I looked into a couple of my LinkedIn recommendations and others who describe me as proactive and creative, which more clearly helps me stand out in this field....  Any ideas on how to implement a successful positioning statement in a broad industry with multiple roles? Should I tailor it to each position?  Thanks for your insight, Tim! Your questions have made me think more about a successful and unique positioning statement. Part of my confusion is that there are so many positions that can define what I do (my degree is Family & Consumer Sciences, which includes psych, soc, human development, consumer issues, etc). For example, in the entry-level positions I am targeting there are family resource coordinators, project coordinations, child life specialists, social aide workers, case managers, community outreach coordinators, youth counselors, etc. 

Is the positing statement a seldom-changed personal brand or does it change to match the job description that you are targeting? I feel like my resume is getting turned away simply because, like you said, “committed” and “passionate” are no-brainers in this industry and “family life specialist” is somewhat unclear. For some help, I looked into a couple of my LinkedIn recommendations and others who describe me as proactive and creative, which more clearly helps me stand out in this field…. 

Any ideas on how to implement a successful positioning statement in a broad industry with multiple roles? Should I tailor it to each position? 

Thanks for your insight, Tim!

]]> By: TimsStrategy http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-16977 TimsStrategy Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:18:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-16977 Hi Jake - Sorry for a late reply - a few thoughts: 1) Assuming that "family life specialist" is an understood and clear definition of what you do and/or a description of the benefit you offer in your regular role? 2)  Committed and passionate sound pretty good based on the industry (social work?) but how unique are those characteristics?  Are there other characteristics that really help you stand out?  The key with these is to be clear and unique while delivering a statement that you can backup and reinforce throughout your career summary and accomplishments. Hi Jake – Sorry for a late reply – a few thoughts: 1) Assuming that “family life specialist” is an understood and clear definition of what you do and/or a description of the benefit you offer in your regular role? 2)  Committed and passionate sound pretty good based on the industry (social work?) but how unique are those characteristics?  Are there other characteristics that really help you stand out?  The key with these is to be clear and unique while delivering a statement that you can backup and reinforce throughout your career summary and accomplishments.

]]> By: TimsStrategy http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-16976 TimsStrategy Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:14:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-16976 Hey Ken - thanks for sharing your story and proposed statement.  I really dislike "visionary" - seems like a word for others to use about you.  But I think you can do something with "Inspirational Design" assuming you can back it up and be ready to show examples.  As well as stories about how your design work creates financial value for companies that hire you. Hey Ken – thanks for sharing your story and proposed statement.  I really dislike “visionary” – seems like a word for others to use about you.  But I think you can do something with “Inspirational Design” assuming you can back it up and be ready to show examples.  As well as stories about how your design work creates financial value for companies that hire you.

]]> By: Tim Tyrell-Smith http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-16953 Tim Tyrell-Smith Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:52:57 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-16953 Hey Ken - thanks for sharing your story and proposed statement. I really dislike "visionary" - seems like a word for others to use about you. But I think you can do something with "Inspirational Design" assuming you can back it up and be ready to show examples. As well as stories about how your design work creates financial value for companies that hire you. Hey Ken – thanks for sharing your story and proposed statement. I really dislike “visionary” – seems like a word for others to use about you. But I think you can do something with “Inspirational Design” assuming you can back it up and be ready to show examples. As well as stories about how your design work creates financial value for companies that hire you.

]]> By: KenBoyer http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-16935 KenBoyer Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:52:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-16935 I have a degree in Computer Science and have worked off and on as a software developer for most of my career. However, it has become quite stale, so I have been searching for a way in which to apply my broad background and various talents towards a new career direction. So, what do you think about something like "Inspirational Design Visionary"? OK, it sounds over-the-top, but my career needs some serious CPR, and I'll go ahead and tackle the design of almost anything (software, electronics, home improvement, guitars, natural languages, church liturgies, business logos, highways, etc.) I have a degree in Computer Science and have worked off and on as a software developer for most of my career. However, it has become quite stale, so I have been searching for a way in which to apply my broad background and various talents towards a new career direction. So, what do you think about something like “Inspirational Design Visionary”? OK, it sounds over-the-top, but my career needs some serious CPR, and I’ll go ahead and tackle the design of almost anything (software, electronics, home improvement, guitars, natural languages, church liturgies, business logos, highways, etc.)

]]> By: Jake http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-16914 Jake Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:09:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-16914 I thought for a while and came up with "Committed and Passionate Family Life Specialist." Is that appropriate? Love the idea of a positioning statement.  I thought for a while and came up with “Committed and Passionate Family Life Specialist.” Is that appropriate? Love the idea of a positioning statement. 

]]> By: Scott http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-15895 Scott Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:08:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-15895 Passionate and persuasive presenter of problems solved.  I am in software presales (sales engineer).  Passionate and persuasive presenter of problems solved. 

I am in software presales (sales engineer). 

]]> By: The Really Honest Resume | Tim's Strategy™ http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-14971 The Really Honest Resume | Tim's Strategy™ Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:26:11 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-14971 [...] Instead of a positioning statement: “Desperately Trying To Change Industries (and I’m hoping you’ll give me a [...] [...] Instead of a positioning statement: “Desperately Trying To Change Industries (and I’m hoping you’ll give me a [...]

]]> By: Jaffecd http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-13975 Jaffecd Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:33:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-13975 I should also let you know where my experience lies so that you can give me more suggestions.  I have worked in the banking industry for the past 13 years. For the first 7 years, I was a Relationship Manager and Cash Management specialist. For the last 6 years, I specialized in Cross-Border payments. This position was a combination of sales, account management and product specialist. Here are some of the descriptors in my resume:·  Strategic Business, Market and Sales Planning        · Revitalizing Stagnant and Declining Sales · Account and Portfolio Management                         · Strong analytics and problem solving skills · Relationship Building and Maintenance                     · Extremely proactive                         · Excellent communication abilities                              · Motivated / Self-starter        Your suggestions are so very welcome! I should also let you know where my experience lies so that you can give me more suggestions.  I have worked in the banking industry for the past 13 years. For the first 7 years, I was a Relationship Manager and Cash Management specialist. For the last 6 years, I specialized in Cross-Border payments. This position was a combination of sales, account management and product specialist. Here are some of the descriptors in my resume:· 
Strategic Business, Market and Sales Planning        · Revitalizing Stagnant and
Declining Sales

· Account and Portfolio Management                         · Strong analytics and problem
solving skills

· Relationship Building and Maintenance                     ·
Extremely proactive                        

·
Excellent communication abilities                              ·
Motivated / Self-starter       

Your suggestions are so very welcome!

]]> By: Jaffecd http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-13965 Jaffecd Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:36:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-13965 Hi Tim, Would love your feedback on my positioning statement: Forward Thinking Large Corporate Treasury Professional Hi Tim,

Would love your feedback on my positioning statement: Forward Thinking Large Corporate Treasury Professional

]]> By: Jaffecd http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-13966 Jaffecd Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:36:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-13966 Hi Tim, Would love your feedback on my positioning statement: Forward Thinking Large Corporate Treasury Professional Hi Tim,

Would love your feedback on my positioning statement: Forward Thinking Large Corporate Treasury Professional

]]> By: Ian R. http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-13901 Ian R. Sun, 22 May 2011 20:51:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-13901  Not sure why it formatted that way. Quality Focused Environmental Services Professional  Not sure why it formatted that way.

Quality Focused Environmental Services Professional

]]> By: Ian R. http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-13900 Ian R. Sun, 22 May 2011 20:49:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-13900 Hi Tim I have been following you for almost a year now (here & LinkedIn). I am a recent undergrad; BA with a focus in business. I wasn't sure your methods would work for me since the bulk of my experience is as an environmental services employee (janitor), but thought I would give it a shot anyway. Quality Focused Environmental Services Professional Hi Tim

I have been following you for almost a year now (here & LinkedIn). I am a recent undergrad; BA with a focus in business. I wasn’t sure your methods would work for me since the bulk of my experience is as an environmental services employee (janitor), but thought I would give it a shot anyway.

Quality
Focused Environmental Services Professional

]]> By: Daric Abbott http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-12400 Daric Abbott Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:50:09 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-12400 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">RT @JobHuntOrg: RT @timsstrategy: How To Write Your Positioning Statement http://t.co/SfCr4Uf One of my favorite "comments" streams - lo ...</span></span> RT @JobHuntOrg: RT @timsstrategy: How To Write Your Positioning Statement http://t.co/SfCr4Uf One of my favorite "comments" streams – lo …

]]> By: Amy Torres http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-12392 Amy Torres Fri, 11 Feb 2011 07:40:36 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-12392 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">RT @JobHuntOrg: RT @timsstrategy: How To Write Your Positioning Statement http://t.co/SfCr4Uf One of my favorite "comments" streams - lo ...</span></span> RT @JobHuntOrg: RT @timsstrategy: How To Write Your Positioning Statement http://t.co/SfCr4Uf One of my favorite "comments" streams – lo …

]]> By: Amy Torres http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-12391 Amy Torres Fri, 11 Feb 2011 07:37:37 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-12391 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">Good tip! http://fb.me/HFOsFxIt</span></span> Good tip! http://fb.me/HFOsFxIt

]]> By: Susan P. Joyce http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-12393 Susan P. Joyce Fri, 11 Feb 2011 06:35:18 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-12393 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">RT @timsstrategy: How To Write Your Positioning Statement http://t.co/SfCr4Uf One of my favorite "comments" streams - lots of learning!</span></span> RT @timsstrategy: How To Write Your Positioning Statement http://t.co/SfCr4Uf One of my favorite "comments" streams – lots of learning!

]]> By: David Gaspin http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-5/#comment-12362 David Gaspin Thu, 10 Feb 2011 23:47:27 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-12362 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">Great post, and even better individual feedback. Thanks Tim! RT @TimsStrategy How To Write Your Positioning Statement http://t.co/SfCr4Uf</span></span> Great post, and even better individual feedback. Thanks Tim! RT @TimsStrategy How To Write Your Positioning Statement http://t.co/SfCr4Uf

]]> By: TimsStrategy http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-4/#comment-12386 TimsStrategy Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:39:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-12386 No. They have to line up consistently. Unless you are able to tell your story via networking (in lieu of a resume alone). No. They have to line up consistently. Unless you are able to tell your story via networking (in lieu of a resume alone).

]]> By: Doug http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/comment-page-4/#comment-12385 Doug Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:33:00 +0000 http://timsstrategy.com/how-to-write-your-positioning-statement/#comment-12385 So true, but gives me a problem to overcome. Based on this, I think my focus has to be in biz dev. Can my PS still be "Producing Higher Profits Through Operational Leadership"? Or do you suggest some alteration? Thanks! So true, but gives me a problem to overcome. Based on this, I think my focus has to be in biz dev. Can my PS still be “Producing Higher Profits Through Operational Leadership”? Or do you suggest some alteration? Thanks!

]]>