Any suggestions on how to make a move from a communications consulting position to a content development or marketing communications position with a high-tech or dot.com company? Specifically, I'm having a hard time showing how my consulting and corporate experience translates to the skills needed in the "digital economy."

-- Lynn B. (lbald@worldnet.att.net), October 09, 2000

Answers

Lynn, you need to get a deeper understanding of what BRAND YOU really is. Packaging these days gets you much further than perfection. If you were asking this question during a recession I would give a much more detailed answer, but you are talking about modern day dot coms and high tech companies in a time when companies are fighting for talent.

The industry joke about hosting internet conferences is not that everybody gets to know everybody because everybody does, but in order to steal each others employees.

Either you become more creative in terms of how you can affect the bottom line and how you will make them money or you kiss the Blarney Stone and work out whether it's more sensible to be paid in cash or by stock options.

-- Mark Zorro (zorromark@consultant.com), October 10, 2000.

Lynn,

After 15 years in consulting, I joined the corporate world and never looked back. The key is to focus on the business results you have achieved in your work rather than focus on the transition you are trying to make.

Look for companies where they are seeking professionals who can play a strategic role and have consulting skills.

I am far more effective on the inside and love it.

-- Debra G. (debragolden@usa.net), October 15, 2000.