Chris Childers’ Post

One of my most memorable career milestones was getting fired from the job. Getting fired is often seen as a setback. A failure. A mark of incompetence. But for me, it was a springboard for growth. That ONE incident pushed me to reflect deeply on my career choices and motivations. It made me realize that...  The universe has its own way of nudging us toward our true calling. That moment propelled me to take action. I started creating content. I started connecting with great minds. I started trying my hands at different marketing activities. I started accepting side projects.  I started building my portfolio. If that setback hadn't occurred, I honestly can't even imagine where I would be today. I'd probably still be stuck in the same old rut, cursing myself again and again for not trying something new. It's funny how life works out sometimes. Among many other incidents, this particular one increased my trust in the idea that ---> whatever happens, happens for a reason. It might sound cliché at times. But you'll come to realize how fortunate you became later on. You see, it's all about the path we choose to take. Sit around and cry about our misfortunes.  Or dust ourselves off and march ahead. Sometimes, it's not the end of the road. Rather a detour leading you to where you're truly meant to be. Your true calling. PS: I am hiring for a Social Media Executive and Business Development Executive for Bleqk Media. #hiring #jobs #opportunity #entrepreneurship #startup

What good thing is happening in your life right now that’s happening so slowly you don’t even notice it?   This happens to me a lot. Because life doesn’t usually happen in BIG events. Like getting a call saying you’ve been hired for a lucrative position, or your post goes viral and you are bombarded with people who are lining up to work with you.   Instead, you have a client who wants you to write one article every week instead of every two weeks. Your LinkedIn post gets 120 impressions instead of the 40 or 50 you’re used to. You’re having interesting conversations with new people at least once a week, and one of them turned into a client.   The vast majority of life happens in the small stuff. The little one percent increments that happen every day that can easily be overlooked when you’re used to focusing on the big stuff all the time.   So, what little thing did you almost fail to notice that’s actually a pretty big deal when you think about it?   #littlethings #makingprogress #workingtowardsyourgoals

CELEBRATING 5 YEARS of EPITOME! Founding and growing Epitome Executive Search has been the joy of my career. A sure bet? Nope. Challenging? Yep. A humbling teacher? Absolutely. But the support of my network and those who trusted me to join the team, become an early client, be a repeat client, put their reputation on the line by hiring us ("no one ever got fired for hiring--insert large search firm here"), and growing with me has been one of the most satisfying things I've ever experienced. Some facts: # of Searches: 70 Job Function: 22% Marketing, 22% Finance, 10% Strategy/M&A, 46% all others Industries: 36% Consumer Healthcare, 35% Private Equity/Venture Capital, 14% Consumer/CPG, 15% all others Level: 71% C-Suite/SVP/VP, 29% all others The chance to take the leap into the talent world after my first career in marketing and strategy was only made possible by my amazing partner in life (and business), Andrew Forti. And one of the biggest takeaways to share with you all is: even if you can't quit your day job and start something from scratch, find some space in your life to do little 'tests' and move toward work that you love. Work that makes you tick. This could be side projects at your current company, committees that expose you to new people who see things differently, or a volunteer endeavor. Even before starting Epitome, I tried a few things in these categories that showed me that JUST STARTING builds momentum in the Universe. And provides feedback. There are so many ways to keep inching... or leaping toward something more compelling. I look forward to continuing to build relationships with all of my amazing clients, friends, former colleagues, and LinkedIn connections: truly, it's because of you that I can say "Long Live Epitome Executive Search" 💫

When changing careers, the hardest part for me as I searched for a job was finding target companies. I felt so lost. “How do I know who would be good to work for?” “What if the companies I like don’t have openings?” “Which Glassdoor review should I believe?” “What if I pick one that looks good on the outside but turns out is rotting on the inside?” “Would in-office be better for me and my family or remote?” “How can I effectively evaluate the product(s) and/or service(s) they sell?” “Do I want to sell tech/software or something more tangible?” Felt like there were too many unknowns to make smart decisions about the companies I should target. The solution? Have as many conversations with as many people as you can, asking what’s important to you. Lots of folks liked helping me, I bet you can find some too. Ask!

You're a senior marketer wondering about your next career move. You're reading about layoffs, decreasing salaries, and the threat of AI. The last time you had a career growth plan was back when you were at Account Manager level. Then someone offers you: - A psychometric assessment of your instinctive strengths in the workplace, conducted by a certified coach. - A deep dive career strategy session, identifying your unfair advantages, your ICP, and aligning on your goals for the year ahead - A deep dive content strategy session where you determine exactly what content you'll create for your ICP - A group of peers and copywriting / lead gen experts who review your work weekly and provide feedback - A network of influential marketers / tech people who can amplify the reach of your organic LinkedIn content What would you be willing to pay to have access to this service every month?

Earlier in the week I said, "This is going to be MY week!" and it's heading in the right direction! I've made some fabulous #newconnections through #networking here on LinkedIn. I have used this platform to secure 3 jobs in the past few years and it's not disappointing me during this #layoff either. So far this week I was: ~ Considered for a role at one of my favorite companies. Fingers crossed I get the interview! ~ Headhunted to feature in an upcoming product launch. I can't wait to share more soon 🤐 ~ Contacted to brainstorm a new startup. I am very excited about this one! ~ Approached to join a consultancy firm. I'm not bragging, I swear. It's not all doom and gloom, and #jobseekers need to see that. Keep hustling. You've got this. Put yourself out there (as hard as it is). You'll reap the rewards soon enough. I am not the most patient person, but I believe all good things take time. 🐶 And, a shoutout to my homies, Winston and Yogi (+ Dash the corgi not pictured) for keeping me sane on this journey. I have not secured a role yet, so check out my profile, and let's connect if I can help solve your problem! #hireme #hospitalityjobs #remotejobs #hybridjobs #customersuccess #balance #worklifebalance #wellness #positivethinking ---------------------- 👍🏽 If you appreciate this, please comment/react/share My name is Shona. I am an experienced Sr Manager/Director with 12+ years in Hospitality/Adventure Travel and building high-performing sales teams. If the Predictive Index is your thing, I'm a Maverick. I am action-oriented and skilled at optimizing performance through data analysis. Committed to exceeding service deliverables and passionate about representing the Voice of the Customer. Ready for an immediate start.

So, you’re back on the job hunt after a fallout with your manager or facing layoffs? Those free fruit office bananas don’t seem so appealing now? 'Easy Apply' might feel like a lifeline, but it’s more like a blind date, tempting, but rarely goes anywhere. If you have gone on one and it turned into something please let me know! 🟢 "Easy Apply" sure, it saves time in the moment. A few clicks and you’ve applied to a dozen jobs, but the chances of finding a job are pretty slim. ➟ For those of us who are neurodivergent, I get it the scattergun approach feels like progress. But trust me, focusing on fewer, more personalised applications will speed up your job search in the long run. My personal view (always go through a careers website or a recruiter that wears socks with shoes) 💡 Bonus tip: Don’t forget to tap into your network. Sometimes, a personal recommendation can open doors that a generic application never will, and ask people for them so you can make a post out of it for yourself. (a free piece of content for you) P.S Don't wish people "Happy Birthday" on Linkedin and then say "Got any jobs?" If you feel you need to do more but don’t want to do video, get yourself into some audio events, raise your hand, start asking questions, or share your knowledge at an industry event. (I will always ask a good question and normally gain around 4-6 extra people on the way. Still unsure? Drop me a message, and I’ll point you in the right direction. Has easy apply worked for you before? #LinkedIn #JobHunting #CareerAdvice #Neurodiversity #Jobs

Only on LinkedIn can a college student DM the CEO of their dream company. Only on LinkedIn can a "mid" level manager become a thought leader. Only on LinkedIn can that thought leader use their community to do what they truly want. Only on Linkedin can an employee suffering an unforeseen layoff spree use their community to find the next opportunity, so they can continue putting food on their table. Only on LinkedIn can B2B "Sales Guru"'s use their engagement as an opportunity to talk about B2B sales. Only on LinkedIn can you talk about your personal/professional growth and actually feel the support of strangers who relate and care even thought they haven't met you. Only on LinkedIn can you connect with thousands of people in your industry just by creating content talking about your industry. Only on LinkedIn can a CEO get cancelled for posting a video of him crying about laying off employees. Only on LinkedIn can social media professionals build a following by talking about other companies successes. Only on LinkedIn can you cut through the BS business jargon and get straight to the point. Only on LinkedIn can you see a timeline feed that actually makes sense. Only on LinkedIn can you get business opportunities by leaving a clever comment Only on LinkedIn can you acknowledge people that have made it this far down this post... What other "Only on Linkedin's" am I missing? #linkedin

I got my first job through a referral. Having a solid network is one of the most important career aspects. Through your connections, there is a HIGH probability of: - Landing your first job. - Getting that hard-earned promotion. - Getting better at what you do through mentorship. - Finding a new job ASAP after being laid off. - Getting your first client when starting a business. A bunch of followers doesn't mean you've got a strong network. Real connections? They're built on simple stuff. Helping out without expecting a return, genuinely listening (and not just waiting to talk), showing interest and just being a decent human being. Build networks, not just contact lists. #networking #careergrowth #connections

It has been 12 days since I was laid off. In full transparency, I think the most difficult thing I've had to do in that time frame is figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I'm not downplaying the emotional rollercoaster, but I didn't anticipate turning 31 next Monday and being in this position! The easy answer? I want to be an author. Last August, I self-published a contemporary romance novel, and this fall, I will release another book. I plan to continue publishing more stories. However, as great as pursuing that dream has been, being a self-published author doesn't provide insurance, benefits, or steady income. I loved my job as a Talent Engagement Manager. Working for a startup company allowed me to wear many hats, giving me experience in #talentacquisition, #onboarding, #customersuccess, #marketing, #contentcreation, and #recruiting. As much as I love to write, edit, and be creative, one thing I think former educators always bring to whatever role they are working in is their passion for helping other people. 💙 I have over 8 years in Education 💙 I have over 10 years of editing and writing experience 💙 I have three years of content creation and social media marketing experience in growing my personal accounts for my author website 💙 I have spent the last two years working for a fantastic startup company, collaborating with amazing people and promoting learning and development 💙 I have over two years of recruiting, onboarding, talent engagement, talent acquisition, and customer success experience I'm trying to embrace the change, and I look forward to writing my next chapter! 📘 Here is to applying, making connections, and hopefully landing my next opportunity soon.