Previously

Take a job for the opportunity, not the money

Try apprenticeship because nothing takes the place of experience

Create your position, don’t take an old one

Impressions are everything. Look and act better than you are

Treat your employer like your best

customer

If you are currently under-employed or are seeking a job with a new employer, become mindful of the world outside yourself. Pay attention to your employer’s subtle needs to get the best benefits in your present job or the best potential for a position with a new employer.

We often go into an interview or meeting with our boss wanting to tell them about ourselves, our issues or problems. Try a novel approach, try listening to their needs. Spend a whole job interview asking your prospective employer about his/her background, goals and the obstacles they might be encountering. Ask to meet with your boss and try to understand the world as he/she sees it. Learn what motivates and hinders your boss.

With this information in mind, you are better positioned to serve the needs of the business in the eyes of your boss or employer. Sometimes these needs are not obvious. You may think, “well of course their need is to sell more and spend less” as we have said here before. Overall that is the top fundamental business need, but often that is not the immediate “personal need.” No employer would argue that profit is the ultimate objective, but often there are other issues. For example most employers have needs for trust and consistency in their employees. A positive image, loyalty, a lack of drama can be other criteria that make the life of the employer easier and thereby contribute to their efficacy. Punctuality, completion of tasks accurately, an upbeat cooperative attitude may be high priorities in the mind of your (prospective) employer.

As an entrepreneur, whether catering to a ‘buying customer’ or employer, the same practices apply. Learn the deeper need of your “customer” and serve that need well if you are able.

Whether big or small, we’d like to hear your entrepreneurial stories from southeastern New Mexico! Kindly submit 300-400 words. Questions also welcome. Send to Marianne@ruidosofreepress.com

Marianne Mohr is a retired investor and business consultant from Southern California and currently Advertising Director at MTD Media. Reach her at 575-937-4015 or marianne@ruidosofreepress.com.