Building Your Online Credibility Without Going Back to School
When men want to learn a new skill they get a new job, when women want to learn something new, they go back to school — or so I have found in years of hiring.
In my experience, men were more likely to make offers that they were under-qualified for and plan to fake it until they made it. Overall they were right to do so, if you’re only applying for projects you already know how to do, you’re underselling yourself and stumping your growth. Here’s three methods to build up your credibility, make connections, and learn new skills–without going back to school.
Speak
You’re an expert in something and there are organizations that would love you to share your expertise. Not only will you get great practice at public speaking but the next time a friend of an audience member is looking to hire an expert in your field, you may be the first person they recommend. Most events have moved online and are looking for dynamic speakers that are comfortable on Zoom. Contact the organizers of groups in your lane to get started:
Clubhouse App – as of early 2021 the hottest speaking and listening is happening on Clubhouse. Right now its an iPhone only App that you need to get invited to join. Follow me there as @jazminhupp.
Live Interviews & Podcasts – look for social media influencers who host interviews about similar topics and start following their show. Once you get a sense of it you’re a good fit for their audience, reach out and ask to be interviewed.
Meetup.com – lists thousands of groups on hundreds of topics. You may know nothing about restaurants but there’s plenty of restaurant owners who would love your advice on social media.
Local Chamber of Commerce, co-working spaces, and professional associations – anywhere business owners and managers meet, you need to be.
Conferences & Summits – you may not be ready for the big time but there are thousands of smaller conferences desperate for speakers. Start looking early though, many conference start booking speakers up to year in advance. I’ve booked speaking on smaller online summits within a week.
Publish
I self-published The Inside Guide, my first book. It’s my guide to intentionally using marijuana, MDMA, magic mushrooms, and meditation for healing.
It costs between $1,000-$3,000 to self-publish a print and digital book these days. Although getting picked up by a publisher is better for your resume, there’s no reason not to publish yourself now while you search for a publisher. Don’t think you’ve got enough material or time to write a book? Start a blog in your area of expertise and start writing one post at a time. Soon enough you’ll have enough content to string together into a book.
Volunteer
Want to learn a new skill or polish an old one? Volunteer your skill to the organization of your choice and you’ll get free practice you can add to your portfolio. Plus as you meet people throughout the organization, they’ll remember you next time someone they know is hiring for that skill.
Hackathons are my favorite! They bring together inventors, designers, and coders to create technology over a weekend. Even if you don’t have the skills to participate you can volunteer to help run the event. You’ll meet hundreds of working and freelancing technologists in about 72 hours.
CatchAFire.org – Matches volunteers with non-profits. Plus they’re a women-owned startup based in NYC.
Idealist.org – Lists thousands of volunteer and non-profit jobs throughout the world.
VolunteerMatch – A wide variety of local volunteer opportunities.
Pro Tips
Always keep your business cards handy. Even if you don’t have a current gig, you should have personal cards made out with your name, general skill set/title, email address, and phone number. Add your personal blog, Twitter handle, and LinkedIn profile if you can.
Get business cards from as many people as possible and follow up! Connect on LinkedIn within a week or send them a follow-up email thanking them for you their time and letting them know that you are looking for new opportunities if they hear of anything.
