The invisible IT pro

This blog helps IT pros future-proof their careers by expanding their skills across the Consulting Value Chain.

Why it matters: a "perfect storm" of global economic and political factors, poor results, and AI disruption is leading to more layoffs. IT salaries have stagnated since 2005, and unemployment is expected to peak in 2025 and remain constant through 2030.

The good news: Most IT pros work in the "Delivery" and "Support" sections of the chain. By learning how to work throughout the chain, you'll enhance your value, improving job prospects, pay, and security.

Now read on ...

WHY YOU'RE INVISIBLE

Getting noticed is a big challenge for many in the IT services industry. Pushing yourself forward, stepping out of the shadows, finding your voice.

And it's a problem because employers don't have a plan for your career growth.

Surprised? Well, it's true. You might get help with technical certs because those are needed for vendor partnership and to stuff into proposals. But that's not a career plan.

Truth is, your plan is up to you and that means getting noticed.

Here’s a simple example of something you can do right now, today, to start getting noticed.

DEVELOP YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH

I learned this at NTT when the leadership team decided everyone should know the company elevator pitch and would randomly ask anyone, in the elevator, kitchen, corridor or anywhere. As a new consultant, it was slightly terrifying but has given me so much value and confidence.

Imagine getting into the elevator at the customer's building. As the doors shut, someone turns to you and says, “so, what does Megacorp do?”.

You have 30 seconds to make an impression. Here's how:

An elevator pitch is a simple five part story that explains what your company does, who it does it for, how it does that and why it’s unique.

It describes the problem you solve, how you solve it, what the result is, why what you do is unique and then a hook or invitation to learn more (if appropriate).

Here’s my example:

Problem:

Hi. I'm Doug Baxter, founder of Consultant Academy. I help IT tech pros get over a big hurdle; getting into senior roles. Because those roles need skills that aren't taught by their employers.

Solution:

I do this through a programme of personal coaching designed to give IT pros those skills in just 90 days.

Result:

The result is that IT pros become consultants who can gain customers’ credibility and trust, collaborate with them on a solution and proposal and win their business. This makes them a super valuable proposition which in turn gives them better job prospects, pay and security.

USP:

Nobody else is doing this, because it's so niche and focused.

Hook:

If you're interested in saving years of time and tens of thousands of dollars, let's connect!

OVER TO YOU

Does your company have an elevator pitch? No? So this is a great way to stand out.

You can use exactly the same technique to pitch yourself to recruiters and new employers.

Use it in person, on calls, in meetings and emails.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

In the programme, I'll help you develop your skills across the Consulting Value Chain to build your employee value proposition and get better job prospects, pay and security.