When you've got nothing to lose

7/23/2004

I have only somewhat settled into the idea of being self employed again. I'm not happy with my work situation and I've been doing quite a bit of thinking about it lately.

So on Monday, when I had a couple of hours of waiting to do while Mrs had some outpatient surgery done, I took along a book with me to read. It's a technical book, about my profession, and its purpose was to review the "best practices" of firms in my business.

As I read through the book I ran across the description of one of the largest and most prestigious firms in the country. I thought to myself that I could see working with those folks, and made a mental note to visit their web site sometime in the next day or so.

I wandered over to the site and finding nothing of interest I surfed onto a jobs board for my industry. And there it was, a posting by that firm for a Senior VP, wanting all of the credentials that I already have.

There are two principals in the firm, and the job posting said to send the resume to one of them.

Now mind you, these are famous people, especially in my field.

They are quoted all of the time by Money Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and just about any other publication that deals with finance. In fact, the woman to whom I sent my resume has her photo on the cover of one of our trade mags, along with the other 24 most influential people in my industry.

Being essentially clueless about such things, I fired off a folksy coverletter and attached the resume.

Presto bingo, within hours I had a response, and she indicated that she was anxious to chat with me.

We set at phone call interview up for yesterday at 2:00.

And yes, it was my birthday, and no she never called.

No call

No E-mail

No Nuttin.

So I figured, she's busy, and besides, she is one of the most influential people in my industry, she's probably not sitting at her desk watching the clock like I was.

So I stewed a bit, and I fretted a bit, and I was bummed.

I thought it was an exciting opportunity, and she seemed interested.

Now granted, when the phone rang today that set up another interview for next week (different firm, and located in Arizona) some of the "bummed" left the room.

But I was still mildly irked by being ignored like that.

It just so happens that the famous lady on the other end of the e-mails happens to use a small photo likeness that is kind of like one of those chalk things that you can get done at the mall. It's cute, and it's not quite what you might expect from such a famous person.

So I figured, what the heck.

She didn't call, what have I got to lose.

I learned this afternoon how to add a photo to the signature area of my e-mail.

E mail follows:

To: [email protected]

Did I forget to brush?

That was it. No name, no signature, just the 5 words and the image.

I sent it about 3 this afternoon and finally about 10pm I got a response.... and it was pretty good.

Profuse apology for the Senior moment, more apology, a comment that she loves the graphic, thanks for understanding, and can we talk tomorrow.

If nothing else, happens, I now know how to add images as a signature.