When the fabled bank robber Willie Sutton
(1901-1980) was asked why he robbed banks, his street-savvy answer
was, "That's where the money is." When Hall-of-Fame baseball player
Wee Willie Keeler (1872-1923) was asked to explain his batting
prowess, he philosophized, "Keep a clear eye and hit 'em where they
ain't." To paraphrase the wisdom of the Willies: When you are
looking for a job, look where they ain't. Look for a job where no
other job seeker looks. That's where the money is. Here are seven
unorthodox places to look for a job:
1. Venture capitalists, leverage buyout firms, and
equity investor firms
These companies make
financial investments in companies, hoping to sell the companies
later for great profit. The people who work in these firms are
financial experts. They are not operating managers. They usually
know very little about manufacturing, marketing, or distribution.
They do have a good eye for management, and are skilled people
pickers. They are always on the lookout for seasoned managers,
particularly for any of their portfolio companies in trouble. Some
of these companies will put a proven executive on their payroll
until a situation arises where the executive can move into an
operating role.
2. Small companies
Small companies
(revenues less than $25,000,000) are often better places to work
than large companies. People who have worked in big companies or
who have strong educational backgrounds commonly overlook the world
of small business. Small-company personnel are closer to customers
and therefore better value the efforts that get and keep customers
than do large companies. Small companies generally offer more job
security, because hiring is done less frequently, with great care,
and with an important need to fill. Small companies are competitive
in compensation, up to a $175,000 to $200,000 ceiling. And if you
are good enough to move a large company an inch, then you can move
a small company a mile - for which the rewards are fair.
3. Go East Young Woman!
China is the world's
next economic superpower. The opportunities for workers and
managers grow greater by the day. Good US companies, good Chinese
companies, and good foreign companies are looking for people
willing to invest in a China-based career, willing to learn
Mandarin, and who see the planet as their marketplace.
4. ¡Aprende un poco de español!
Cuba will become open
to US businesses. Either Castro will relinquish power of Congress
will repeal US sanctions, or both. Any new Cuban leader will
understand the futility of Castro economics, and will move to a
rapprochement with the United States. Cuba is becoming a more
vibrant marketplace, full of current and future opportunities in
tourism, banking, hotels, casinos, crops, ranching, restaurants,
and sports. Foreign investment is moving into Cuba. Even the
dimmest of US politicians now afraid of losing Cuba to foreign
capitalism. If you would like to live in the Carribean, swim along
the greatest beaches in the world, participate in the rebirth of a
"cool" country, then Cuba should be on your list. Consider resort
developers, international bankers - even McDonald's. They all will
be in Cuba. Study Español!
5. Trust and estate bankers and lawyers
A trust is a legal
entity formed to look after and protect economic assets. Sometimes
the economic asset is a family-owned business. The business can be
in a trust for various reasons, but it still needs managers. Large
banks with trust departments regularly have such businesses in
their portfolio. Bankers in trust departments and lawyers who
specialize in trusts and estates can be a good source of leads to
companies needing better management.
6. Commercial loan officers
Commercial loan
officers are bankers who make loans to companies. If those
companies get in trouble the loans are at risk. Commercial lenders
don't want their loans in default, and they look to management to
steer the company properly. Consequently, commercial bankers can be
an excellent source of leads to companies needing better
management.
7. Bankruptcy trustees and lawyers
Certain of the
bankruptcy laws are in place to protect failing companies, to give
companies an opportunity to revive and eventually pay their
creditors. Companies that have a chance to emerge from bankruptcy
are stronger economically than they were previously. And almost
always, the old management is gone. Bankruptcy trustees (judges)
and lawyers who specialize in bankruptcy can be an excellent source
of leads for companies needing new management.
Looking for a new job where no one else is looking increases
your odds for success.