People talk about getting lucky breaks in their careers. I’m living proof that the ‘lucky breaks’ theory is simply wrong. You get to make your own luck. The world is run by those who show up…not those who wait to be asked. (Steve Blank)
My name is Mark Wayman and for the last 15 years I have owned an Executive Recruiting firm focused on gaming and high tech. Compensation starts at $100,000, average base salary is $250,000, and last year I placed several executives north of a million dollars.
Disclaimer: Only represent executives I know personally or by referral. No online job postings, no candidate databases, no unsolicited resumes. No disrespect intended!
Probably best known for my monthly gaming/casino newsletter that goes out to 5,000 executives. Who got hired, who got fired and all the latest gaming/casino news. If you want to keep up in real time, follow me on LinkedIn or Twitter (@GodfatherWaym). End of promo!
This article gives several attributes common to successful executives. How do I know? Because I have reviewed hundreds of thousands of resumes and placed 900+ senior level executives over the last 15 years. There is definitely a pattern to success. You have to show up!
You Have to Show Up, Part 1 – Many years ago I hosted a professional mixer for CIOs at Hollywood Park called “A Day at the Races.” The purpose of my private, invitation-only events is always the same: For my clients and friends to meet each other. And for me to catch up with them and get to know them better. No sales, marketing, promoting, selling or soliciting. There were 25 CIOs on the guest list this day. Only 15 showed up. That is a 40% “no call no show” factor. The next day three of the 15 no shows sent me resumes and asked for jobs. I kid you not! This is not meant to be an indictment of anti-social CIOs; the point is that to be successful in life YOU MUST SHOW UP. If you don’t have an hour to meet with me in person and shake my hand, I don’t have the time and effort to invest in finding you a $500,000 job. You can spin it however you want, however repeatedly failing to show up and keep your commitments is a character flaw.
You Have to Show Up, Part 2 – We all have the occasional emergency that forces us to cancel a meeting, commitment or professional event. I do, you do, we all do. That stated, if you are a no show multiple times, THAT is a “pattern.” My real hot button is people that RSVP for charity events and don’t show up. Integrity is defined as honesty and having strong moral values. You word is your bond. You keep your commitments. Lord, please send me $100 for every executives that was a no show at my client mixers, then asked me for a job. My response is, “If you had shown up you would have met a dozen possible employers.”
A Town Called SomeDay – Most people live in a town called SomeDay. Someday I will go back to college and get my degree. Someday I will move on from this dead end job. Someday I’ll write that book or take dance lessons or learn to play the piano. While they are talking about it, successful executives are actually DOING IT. This is one of the biggest difference between highly successful executives and the also-rans, the successful people TRY.
Not My Fault: An American Epidemic – Do you know how many candidates tell me they were fired? None! Not one. They resigned. They are a Consultant. Whatever. And why did you resign? The company was intolerable. My boss was a jerk. My parents treated me poorly. My spouse does not support me. My kids keep me up at night. My dog’s Veterinarian’s said something bad about me. You think I’m being ridiculous? Thousands of candidates over the last 15 years and not one said, “I was terminated for cause.” If you want to be an “A” player, the top 5% of executive candidates, stop with the blame game. Quit blaming everyone around you for your choices. And that’s what God give us: choices. Take PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for your actions.
The Secret: Hard Work – Have you read that book THE SECRET. It states that if you think about the things you want, they will materialize. Bahahahahahha! I’m all about positive thinking, however that is pretty silly. The sad thing is that millions bought into this ridiculous concept. Why? Because they want to sit around watching the Kardashians and make millions of dollars. The foolish always want for free what the wise worked hard to get. They begrudge the wealthy and successful. “They must have inherited the money.” “They probably hit the lottery. Not true. The myth that rich people inherited it or “got lucky” is just that – a myth. Most millionaires in America are self-made. Here is THE SECRET: Hard work. Most high net worth people started with nothing; many are immigrants that came to American with nothing.. Hard work is the ONLY secret to success. And the best advice my Dad ever gave me? Never, ever give up!
