Okay, here’s my million dollar TV idea and you are free to steal it if you have the power to make it happen. I don’t that’s why I’m making my plea to you.
With over 15 million people unemployed, I think the time has come for a Job Search TV Channel or Job Search on VOD. Heck, I’ll take just fours hours of programming a week if that’s what is possible at the start. I whispered this idea to MSNBC’s Chris Matthews and a few others yesterday and they all loved it too. But, I think it’s high time we help those in desperate need of employment with information that makes them more valuable to the market.
Why?
I’ll tell you why. As person in transition, I have had the good fortune of being in a outplacement service for six months. At this outplacement service I have learned so much that I would have never thought to do or try in job search. In addition to this service, I’m also enrolled in government job search programs and have attended some local workshops held at various churches and synagogues. Yes, even synagogues.
It's Time for Job Search TV Programming
I am impressed that all these outfits are teaching the same fundamentals like:
- The importance of networking – Since only 3 percent of all jobs are landed online; the rest come from who you know-that’s why LinkedIn is so important.
- 30-second Elevator speech – If it critical that every person in transition be able to verbally recite who they are and what they are looking for. That way others can see how they can assist.
- Target Companies - Having a game plan of what companies you would like to work for is a critical step. Without knowing the types of firms you are interested in, it’s harder for others to connect you with others.
- Trends – It is essential to stay ahead of the curb by knowing what industries are hot for new employees. For instance, healthcare is growing, but mostly in the wellness area. Knowing the key growth areas is necessary, especially if you are planning on investing in re-training.
- Finances – Knowing how to stretch your money and keep your house while on EDD are just some of the concerns that the jobless face. This area alone will drive viewership in droves. Who doesn’t need to tighten belts in this tough economy.
- Healing - It is common to experience depression and grief when going through a job loss. Trying to navigate through that wilderness is part of the process toward healing and re-gaining confidence to re-enter the job market.
These are just a few of the subjects that the network could present. The Job Search TV Network could also delve deeper into providing tips for those unemployed with military backgrounds and those just entering the workforce.
Would the Network be successful? With that many people unemployed in the U.S., I believe the ratings for each show could easily hover around 6 to 7 million if not more. Also, the network is perfectly primed for sponsors. Companies like Monster, CareerBuilder, The Ladders, immediately come to mind. And that’s not including financial services and insurance companies, etc.
High ratings, guaranteed advertisers and being the first on the scene are definite pluses with this new enterprise, however, they don’t hold a candle to the goodwill the company will receive for doing so. Not only will the press jump on board and provide first-rate coverage, but the Government and The White House will also point toward your efforts.
So if you are a major communications corporation or a struggling independent cable network that needs attention, think about this subject. It’s a win win for all and will help get America back on its feet.
President Obama Will Applaud Job Search Programming
Today, at THE CABLE SHOW executives who can make this happen are here – I just wish my blog had a loud enough voice to truly get some traction on this core subject. Brian Roberts, Jeff Bewkes, Peter Chernin, Les Moonves, Jeff Zucker, Matt Blank, Glenn Britt, Philip Kent, Tony Vinciquerra, David Zaslav -I’d love to talk to you about this subject!
I’d love to hear you thoughts about this type of programming. Would you watch?
Cindy
