Your "Brag Doc" - The Radically Sharpened and Shortened Pitch

Employers, in overwhelm by the number of applications for each opening, are veering away from paying attention to cover letters and resumes. In addition, those on your networks want you to make a quick pitch - in and out - not burdening them with your resume. That's what CNBC reports. I have a hunch that also applies to the self-employed hunting for clients/customers. 

The credential which is effective in presenting you for work or new business is: brag doc.

The brag document has four parts:

What you crush, in unique ways. This goes beyond core competency to, yes, genius. Sure, Steve Jobs was good at technology. But his genius was marketing. 

What you have delivered so far. This should be quantified. In Big Law the chair of Paul Weiss Brad Karp is known as a rainmaker. But what does that add up to in dollars in terms of 1) new business brought in 2) retained over the time he has been with the firm 3) grown since the closing 4) referrals from those clients.

What you're most proud of. Those hiring you for whatever need to know you bask in accomplishment. Winners strut their stuff. OpenAI founder Sam Altman continues to own the territory in Generative AI branding. He makes it that way by being so out front with what his vision has generated. "ChatGPT" has already become a verb. 

What you can do for those paying. A real estate player came to me for coaching after not being able to land a better job. Finally they scored when I recommended they bypass the usual interview protocol and get to the point: Here's what I can do for you. They added that they could do that better, faster and more affordable than others applying. 

Since you're probably applying to a large number of opportunities you can conduct a test. For some of them transmit the brag doc instead of traditional pitch materials. No, don't call it that. Come up with another header. 

The same goes for networking but in connecting you will give a short version of the brag doc. Offer to treat them to a drink or lunch or a "sample" to hear more. I got my first coaching contract by stopping off with a brief introduction/a bottle of wine and providing a 15-minute sample of my approach. 

Rattled by the uncertainty? Faith-based Career Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, reskilling and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry.


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