Targets

There are really 10 Types of Chief Executives.

All make good and in some cases excellent possible business contacts and great Real Networking additions.

1. The Professional: The Explorer

The guy or gal who learned on the way up, that it is the people and clients, not necessarily the products, that will always make his company successful. Yes, s/he worked hard to get there, but others really made it possible. As a result he will always explore, seek and discover new ways to increase and grow his/her business. Your Tri-Folds are a way for him to see immediately your possible contribution. S/he will always have time to discuss a new idea and a new approach once employed. S/he will also help you to grow and succeed as others have helped him or her.

The best approach to this type is by being direct. Discuss and demonstrate your accomplishments and especially your potential. The ACP works particularly well here. This type of CEO Executive is very aware of the real impact of creative talented people. You TBF and  your unique business cards are one of the best ways to demonstrate that directly, but more importantly your preparation for the interview and your marketing materials illustrate the opportunity that you provide.  

2. The Mirage: Now you see them, now you don’t

“I made it, leave me alone.” S/he kept his/her nose to the grindstone and now it is their time to enjoy the fruits of that labor. They usually tell you via directions or actions. Don’t bother me and I will not bother you. I got mine you get yours.

When working with the Mirage, it may be best to concentrate on how you are that unique opportunity that will allow them to continue playing his role at the top.  You must explain that you are a self-starter, quick study and need little supervision or attention to be very successful. You need to mention and explain your past successes were not a fluke or a thing of the past, but that the “fire” in the belly is still there intact. The reward of hire far outweighs the HA’s risk of hire.

3. The Wall Street Executive: Money facing executive

This guy or gal smiles and glad hands the moneyed crowd only.  In many cases treats his/her subordinates as if they were peons. S/he will take advantage of any situation and turn it to his/her benefit financially. No idea, process or strategy is safe, what’s his is his, what yours is his/hers. However, that also makes your approach, the Tri-Fold, attractive. S/he finds your approach of discovering the hidden opportunity very intriguing. What else can s/he learn from you? At least you will get their attention, beyond that you have to sell to his/her $$$$$ facing ego.

See: Reading the Walls, book or website

4. The Controller:

This particular variety expects every detail to be presented to them both verbally and in writing. S/he oft-times does not remember what you told him/her 15 minutes later or loses what you send or give them, but he/she wants it none the less. S/he is the arch typical “entrepreneurial” figure who cannot let go. They may seem to be a micro manager, they are not. They are driven by a different set of emotions. They fear that no one else can do the job as well as they can. It is part of being an entrepreneur.  They also have you on speed dial and want to talk to you at all hours, including weekends, on a moment’s notice. You will need to be up to date with all information 24/7.

You can work for them however, because they have so much to teach and share with you, as their pride of ownership, allows them to share that which they probably should not. This may not be a career position, but it might be a great weight station. After all as we say in the book, a career today is a series of part-time jobs. It after all is what you can take with you from each employer that makes (forces) you to grow and become more valuable to the next one.

One the best ways to approach this model is to be the “entrepreneur” also. Indeed, that is what you are the chief cook and bottle washer representing you. The TFB could be your ticket to the dance.

5. The Buddy:

This executive type can be both good and bad. S/he is not and never will be the buddy; s/he is after all the boss. When all is said and done their business card says CEO, yours does not.  Again oft-times this is a manipulative scenario. However, again you can have much to learn from the style and substance of a boss like this. Like the Wall Street type they are often glad-handers and 5 minutes later cannot remember you name or what you do. The buddy whether sincere or a “put-on” will always expect that buddyhood to engender fierce loyalty in their subordinates. The fact that the buddyhood only goes one way, is irrelevant. Know that the “buddy” is a master at making people, at least for the short term, to think and perceive that they are vitally important to the buddy. That their unique contribution is incredible and the they can not let the buddy down because it is more than business it is like letting down a friend. 

6. The “Roll up your Sleeves”:

This executive category is usually broken into two types, all hands on board, the boat is leaking start bailing or how can I help you to “close” that deal, etc. In both cases the motivation may be more self-centered than caring, but if you can learn from the manipulative techniques you become a stronger worker and eventually a manager. I am not saying to adopt the persona or the idiosyncratic behaviors but observe the results be aware and engaged. It especially is difficult to see in the interview process but if you are alert and have done your research on this “potent boss” you will know what they are like. .

7. The Son/Daughter/Wife/Husband of the Owner or Chairman of the Board

This individual may be a combination of all of the above, but with one exception. They may be incapable of making a real decision, including buying paper clips, without daddy’s approval. Regardless of the outward bravado, they may almost timid in the face of a real problem. (Hiring is a real problem. Indeed, they may be more bluster than anything else. The mask they wear is good, but it their real self does show thru often. See: Why people are rude in our book. 

I learned probably more this type of CEO than from all the others. It was a great experience, because I also got to interface with the real power behind the throne.

8. The Absentee

S/he built the business and left it in the hands of “trusted” subordinates, usually not family.  S/he is detached, but not disinterested.  They are involved with all the important parts of the business, management product & profit. In each of the above cases s/he’s future of “absentee” status is dependant on the continued success of the business. There, if you prove your value, especially for the “hidden” opportunity s/he will listen. The current management my not do so, but their progenitor surely will.  When s/he or “they” say s/he is not involved, that is an untruth. The absentee owner is involved, their “economic” future” future relies on the business doing well and prospering. Your strategy must always be to contact the owner, regardless of where they live and especially regardless of the protestations of the current management team. More often than not the “support team” will always say you can deal with them exclusively. They do not want you there; you are possibly their replacement, esp if your TFB is outstanding. In today’s world of “throw away” employees you mere existence is a threat.  Caution, although these members of the “trusted” advisors may not want you there, they want you later in their new company. Civility and a gracious attitude can get you the moon if you use it well. Do not be dismissive.

9. The Advisor/Appointee (VC Consultant)

This particular executive type can be considered as the “on loan” CEO or boss. They have been brought in to set the proper course for the “ship” or to find the next captain. They usually not part of because, they were sent to “shoot” the last president and to evaluate the business and if it is viable to locate, train and employ the next leader. They are there short term and all only to happy to turn over the reigns to the next leader. The beauty of this person is that you have two opportunities here, one at the company itself and one possibly at another company that has been in the sights of the VC or consulting company.

Caution, some times these individuals have another agendas also, they seek permanent control and like the prior vp, Mr. Cheney, after a careful search they choose themselves a the next candidate.

10. The Departing Executive

Here again there are at least two possible scenarios, one is for him or her to choose their successful successor, the other is more involved this executive could hare a hidden agenda, based on being forced out (retirement/change in ownership) to ensure the viability of their legend and the failure of the next occupier of the chair.

Obviously, each of these executives above are good candidates for our PMSP approach. The real question is to understand them and their motivations.  

Your challenge is to find out before hand who the Exec is and how to work them. The real truth is many execs could be acting many if not all three parts at any moment in the day. www.linkedin.com and your “real” network can provide that information.

As long as you realize what you offer, who you are and will be. You have a shot. The Tri-Fold systems is just hokey enough to get a wow or “that is intriguing.” It accomplished its purpose, you got noticed.

Now sell, accomplishments and “stress relief”, more money or to their individual operating base “principles.”  Explore for new Ideas, How can I insulate myself better to enjoy the fruits of my labor, or more $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

 Call us at 770-579-6050