On the verge of desperation, I got inspired and tried something different. I went out to the corner of 50th Street and Park Avenue wearing a sign board advertising my search and contact information. I thought I would hand out some resumes and generate a few new leads.
Once my story and image went viral, it took me hours to sort through the flashflood of calls and emails. Most of the people who contacted me were well-wishers offering prayers and encouragement, but I also was contacted by many people with relevant job leads. Some of the people whom I met on the street also sincerely tried to help me find a job.
Suddenly, as a result of my sign board publicity, I had dozens of calls to return and half a dozen meetings on my calendar.
As the summer progressed and my fame spread, I had many interesting conversations and meetings—and I came close to landing several exciting jobs.
Furthermore, the media loved my story and instead of my publicity flaring up and flaming out just as fast, every time I thought it was over, I would get a call from a major television network, radio show or newspaper requesting another interview.
Each time I thought my fifteen minutes of fame had come and gone, my picture would suddenly and unexpectedly pop up on the main page of Yahoo.com, CNBC.com or CNN.com.
I could tell when something was up, because my cell phone would go into convulsions, and I would get a flurry of emails from people telling me where they had seen my picture and wishing me good luck finding a job.
When I was interviewed on Fox and Friends, Fox Business, MSNBC and CNN, the newscasters all touched me with their warmth and sincerity and said they wanted to help me find a job. They didn’t make promises but strongly hinted that I would find a job within hours or days as a result of their interview—and told me to keep in touch with them to let them know how things turned out.
I was overwhelmed by their concern and efforts, and my expectations soared with each exciting interview.
As a result of the publicity, I received hundreds of calls and emails—but a job offer remained elusive. I had everything going for me—including the help of major television networks, newspapers and popular Internet sites—but I couldn’t make anything happen.
Was I jinxed?
Then I received an email from Paloma Bowland.
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