Job losses are slowing, but hiring isn’t picking up enough. Software development work is starting to come back, but it looks different, with smaller teams and a stronger “do more with less” mentality. The old paths aren’t quite there anymore.
People want to work, and even with all the unknowns right now, there are businesses that need and want the help. Bridging the two has gotten a lot harder. The connections are just… broken.
I haven’t had to do this directly for twenty years. I let others find work for me through agencies, referrals, and word of mouth. I was outsourcing my own marketing without really thinking about it. They took the risk to find the work. I knew better, honestly. I was too passive, so that’s on me.
That path isn’t there the same way now.
So, what now?
Cold outreach (😱) and actual prospecting are what I am learning now. I haven’t actually done it yet, but
it’s coming fast. My network has gone quiet, and I have to adapt. It’s not natural for me at all. I’m great once I’m
actually talking with someone. Getting there is the hard part.
Related to this, there’s a difference between working independently and actually owning a business.
I’ve done the first for years. The second is new territory. Actually owning the pipeline is a different level
entirely. It’s risky, but so is not owning the pipeline. I take a risk either way, but not owning the
pipeline is riskier.
I know I’m not the only one in this spot.
I haven’t made that first call yet. If you decided to “own your pipeline”, what got you to make that first call?
I’m starting to work through a few books on this:
These are just regular links, not affiliate links.
If you have recommendations, I’d take them.
Join the conversation
I decided not to run comments on the blog, but the discussion is happening on LinkedIn.
If you have thoughts, questions, or your own experience with this shift, I’d enjoy hearing them there.