Ken
and I started working for (what was at that time) the largest bank in
on the same day. We went through training together and even worked on
the same team. But, as is often the case with banks, our employer
merged with another financial behemoth and we - and our team - were
"made redundant."
In
other words, we were notified that we needed to find another position
either within the organization...or at another company. Luckily, our
pink slips gave us three months to make arrangements.
Also
luckily, Ken and I found other positions within the bank, albeit in
different departments. While I was flattered to receive offers from
two departments, Ken took a different route. One that radically
increased his salary.
He proposed - and
created - his own job. Here's what he did:
He looked for a
need. Every company has unfulfilled
needs - no matter the industry. Ken discovered a way to streamline
the way our dedicated small business department serviced customers
and realized the need for a credit product that benefited our clients
as well as the bank.
He showed the
benefit.
Knowing employers only care
about three things, Ken was able to successfully show how his new
position would 1) make money; 2) save money; and 3) increase branding
and provide customer service. By streamlining, he saved the bank
money. By developing a new credit product, he showed how it would be
profitable for the bank and help ease the burden of small
business owners' often crunched monthly cash flow.
He proposed it to
the right people. Here, Ken had an advantage: he worked for the
bank and knew many of the managers. He networked with them until he
found the right contact people and presented his written proposal at
a meeting. They leapt at the chance to put his idea to use and named
him the manager of the newly created group.
IN THE CARAVAN: Follow
Ken's example when proposing your own job: look for a need, show the
benefit and make the proposal to the right people.