In a recent interview, Chris Rock made reference to actors finding good roles when he said something like, "We don't find our jobs in The New York Times." It took me a few moments to understand what he meant; at first, I asked myself: Journalists talking about his job? Breaking news about his job? My epiphany arrived moments later when I finally realized he meant print classified ads, a prehistoric method for finding a new position. But if you look at how Rock reached his level of success, it's apparent he hasn't used a newspaper for a long time. His methodology can also work for you, albeit on a smaller scale.

Saturday Night Live: This is where many of us first saw Rock. He never had a big breakout character performance on SNL, but it was a platform for him to start building exposure. So ask yourself: Where did we first notice you? An online profile? A comment on a blog somewhere? Interaction in a peer network?

You don't have to be the lead right away; it's okay to start as an extra — as long as your name is out there.

Writing: Rock may not have been center stage on SNL, but he honed his writing with sketches, practiced in comedy clubs and eventually headlined. He was finally recognized for his own unique style with his HBO comedy specials in the mid-90s, which led to Emmy awards.

Write about what you know, and find communication vehicles to demonstrate your expertise. You might become a recognized thought leader.

Networking: Rock counts Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, David Spade and Tracy Morgan among his friends. Hanging out with that group almost guarantees success. They not only invest in each other, but they seem to all have fun together, too.

Take a look at your network, and make sure there is a good balance of bright stars, technical experts, supporting players, fans and critics.

Reinvention/Risk: Often criticized as "controversial" early in his career, Rock went on to host the Academy Awards and most recently produced a documentary about African-American women's hair. Not a predictable career path and one that had potential for failure. He may not have rousing success at every endeavor, but every time he tried something different, it redefined him and set the stage for the next new opportunity.

Always pursue what you find fulfilling — either as a career or a hobby. The payoff will be tangible, psychological, or something that hasn't even been revealed yet.

Robyn Greenspan
Robyn Greenspan is the Editor-in-Chief at ExecuNet, where she is responsible for setting and driving the editorial content engagement strategy across the private business network's publications and expert-led programming. She is also a Huffington Post blogger. You can follow her on Twitter @RobynGreenspan

Add Your Comment

Lessons learned from and about six-figure leadership and executive career management

Rules of Engagement for Executive Insider

Leadership

Dave Opton’s Six-Figure LearningsPatty Azzarello's Business Leadership BlogJohn BaldoniRussell BishopWally Bock's Three Star Leadership BlogGeorge Bradt’s PrimeGenesisBuilding ChampionsCEO Blog – Time LeadershipCrucial SkillsScott Eblin’s Next Level BlogAdrian GostickLeadership FreakDavid LivermoreJohn MaxwellN2Growth BlogDaniel PinkTerry StarbuckerWorking Knowledge

Recruiting/HR/Search Firms

Allen Associates Executive Search BlogThe Asia Pacific HeadhunterAsk the HeadhunterBoston Search Group BlogThe Cynical GirlThe Executive Search Group BlogNorton Folgate: The Recruiting UnblogGESBlogGuerrilla Job HuntingAmitai Givertz’s Recruitomatic BlogHeidrick & Struggles BlogsHR BartenderRecruiting AnimalThe Recruiting Inferno

Career Management

Best Fit ForwardThe Career CatalystCareer ChaosCareerFolkCareer HubCareer Pro TalkCareerowners’ BlogCareer SolversCareer Thought LeadersCareer TrendCFO CoachDesign RésumésElite RésumésExecutive ActionsExecutive Career BrandExecutive Power BrandGet Hired Stay HiredJibberJobberJob Search NewsHire EffectInspired ChoiceKeppie CareersLessons Learned on the Road to KonaMy Executive Career CoachTalent CultureTim’s StrategyTotal Picture RadioPenelope TrunkQunitessential CareersUnbridled TalentSusan WhitcombWorkStrongThe Write SolutionYour Best Impression

Topics

robyn greenspan joseph daniel mccool execunet executive recruiters leadership executive job search executive employment networking job search the economy executive careers dave opton market trends business confidence innovation mark anderson executive job market search firms world business forum recruiter confidence index executive hiring world innovation forum most read search firm hiring index skills popular talent management culture hiring strategy