Episode Notes: "Federal Layoffs & Market Impact: The Follow-Up Formula That Lands Job Offers"

Key Market Updates:

• 30,000 federal workers laid off since the start of the year
• Government contractors seeing 3-5% stock price volatility following layoff announcements
• Defense sector stocks dropped nearly 2% on budget cut concerns
• Private sector hiring remains strong despite government cuts
• Unemployment rate steady at 4%
• S&P 500 climbed 0.8% after latest jobs report showed stable unemployment with wage growth
• 143,000 new jobs added last month
• Small-cap stocks outperforming large caps by 2% as domestic growth continues
• Tech companies reporting successful recruitment seeing 1-2% stock bumps

The Follow-Up Formula:

Hour 1: The Thank You Email

• Template focuses on specific insights from your conversation
• References exact projects/challenges they mentioned
• Commits to resources they suggested

Day 2-3: The Value-Add Follow-Up

• Share relevant article/resource related to your discussion
• Explain specifically why you thought of them
• No asks - pure value

Week 2: The Update Email

• Show you implemented their advice
• Share what you learned/gained
• Express gratitude for their guidance

Why This Works:

1. Specificity to your conversation
2. Adds value without asking for anything
3. Keeps you top of mind without pushiness
4. Demonstrates you're implementing advice

Strategic Application:

• Government sector: Focus on growing/stable departments
• Private sector focus: Healthcare, engineering, finance
• Timing matters: Don't rush - market remains strong

Success Story:

• Example of someone maintaining contact through layoff period
• Resulted in being first called when hiring resumed

This Week's Homework:

1. Review recent coffee chat notes
2. Send at least one strategic follow-up
3. Research three growing departments/companies

Coming Next Week:

"The Productivity Trap: Why 'Working Smarter' is Killing Your Soul"

Free Templates:

Hour 1: The Thank You Email

Hi [Name], Thank you for taking the time to meet with me this morning. Your insights about [specific project or challenge they mentioned] really got me thinking, especially the part about [specific detail they shared]. I'll definitely check out [resource they mentioned] and will let you know what I learn. Thanks again, [Your name]

Day 2-3: The Value-Add Follow-Up

Hi [Name], I came across this [article/resource] about [topic we discussed] and immediately thought of our conversation, especially given your interest in [specific aspect discussed]. [1-2 sentences about why you think they'd find it valuable] Hope you find this useful! Best, [Your name]

Week 2: The Update Email

Hi [Name], I wanted to share that I followed your suggestion about [specific advice they gave]. [2-3 sentences about what you did and what you learned] Thanks again for pointing me in this direction. Best, [Your name]