????Great, but one word of caution: Public speaking these days is not for the faint of heart. Scott Weiss is head of a firm called Speakeasy that has coached executives at Microsoft (MSFT), Toyota (TM), Cisco (CSCO), Wells Fargo (WFC), and many other big companies on the fine points of effective public speaking. He notes that a growing number of business events now feature live Twitter feeds that let the audience Tweet comments and questions during speeches. The Tweets often show up either on a laptop on the podium or on a giant screen set up on the stage that is visible to everyone in the room.
????"Twitter is really changing the game," observes Weiss, adding that, even if you don't see the instant Twitter feedback on what you're saying, "people are still tweeting about you. When you look out at the audience and see everyone's thumbs going, it can be distracting," he notes. "Along with all the other stresses of speaking to an audience, you now have this added layer to contend with. It's nerve-wracking" -- especially for a neophyte speaker who may already be nervous enough.
????Indeed, for anyone who is prone to stage fright to begin with, the Twitter-factor may be a deal breaker. Luckily, there are other ways to catch an executive recruiter's eye besides standing up in front of an in-person audience and strutting your stuff. Contributing bylined articles to trade journals and other professional publications can get you noticed, too.
????And don't overlook the direct approach: Get in touch with a few recruiters who specialize in your field and let them know you're interested in swapping contacts. Even if you're not quite the right fit for a job opening a headhunter is trying to fill right now, you may know someone who is. One of the surest ways to stay on a recruiter's radar screen is to help out by recommending and introducing others.
????Since headhunters often troll for talent on social media sites, make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and up-to-date. "Well-chosen key words, a demonstration of career progression, and obviously solid titles, companies, and education will catch our attention," says Justin Hirsch, president of Chicago-based recruiting firm JobPlex, adding that a strong network on LinkedIn means "you can get referred to us and, at the same time, we can find you."
??? Talkback: Have you made a career move as a result of a public speaking gig (or more than one)? If you've gotten a job through an executive recruiter, how did you connect with him or her? Leave a comment below.
