Yesterday, we explored the idea that the timeframe for “the first 90-days” has shifted.
The timeframes to get up to speed and make an impact is getting shorter.
That got me thinking that we could use “90” as a framework for different types of activities.
Some are 90 seconds.
Others are 90 minutes, 90 hours, or 90 days.
I looked through three lenses: job seeking, starting a business, and taking on a freelance client.
Job Seekers: Making an Impression and Landing the Right Role
90 Seconds: Craft a compelling (90 second) elevator pitch for networking events and interviews. Create a powerful LinkedIn headline & summary to grab recruiter attention. Nail the ‘Tell me about yourself’ interview question with confidence.
90 Minutes: Focus on deep-dive preparation & relationship building. Research a target company before an interview or an individual before a networking meeting. Develop a monthly networking strategy (outreach, informational interviews). Prepare for interviews by crafting strong, personalized responses to common questions.
90 Hours: Focus on strengthening your brand and job search strategy. Polish and tailor your resume & LinkedIn profile to reflect your expertise. Develop a library of interview stories showcasing your skills & impact. Identify the top 10 companies to focus on and build a job application tracker.
90 Days: Spend longer periods of time securing a role & rebuilding career confidence. Remember the process from application to offer is long, fill the time with interview prep and follow-ups. Take online courses or gain certifications to strengthen your skills. Regain confidence by networking, practicing interviews, and refining goals.
Freelancers & Fractionals: Growing Towards Consistent Clients
90 Seconds: Quickly establish credibility and secure interest. Perfect your introduction to potential clients in calls and emails. Optimize your portfolio & online presence to make an immediate impression. Have a strong value proposition that sets you apart from competitors.
90 Minutes: Carefully converting opportunities into paid work. Research potential clients and tailor your pitch to their needs. Develop a follow-up strategy for networking contacts and proposals. Identify ways to add value to an initial engagement to build trust.
90 Hours: Set the foundation for a sustainable freelance business. Execute your first few projects exceptionally to gain testimonials. Create standard processes for contracts, invoicing, and client onboarding. Strengthen your pricing strategy to increase profitability.
90 Days: Shift from ad-hoc projects to long standing retainers. As short-term projects end, look for opportunities for monthly support of the ongoing business. Build a referral system and ask past clients for recommendations. Establish thought leadership through LinkedIn posts, blog articles, or webinars.
Entrepreneurs: Launching & Growing a New Business
90 Seconds: Start to articulate your business with clarity. Perfect your business pitch to quickly communicate your mission. Create a compelling brand statement that resonates with your audience. Optimize your LinkedIn profile and elevator pitch for first impressions.
90 Minutes: Lay the foundation for growth. Conduct market research and identify your target audience. Map out your first 90-day launch plan (marketing, sales, outreach). Set up basic operational tools (website, payment systems, email list).
90 Hours: Gain traction and establish early clients. Develop a lead generation strategy (social media, networking, ads). Build a content plan (blog, podcast, LinkedIn posts) to attract customers. Secure your first few clients/customers and gather testimonials.
90 Days: Grow beyond the launch phase. Improve operations by automating processes (CRM, invoicing, scheduling). Expand your marketing by running promotions, partnerships, and outreach. Define a long-term business growth plan for scaling your services or product.
Your Turn
Do these concepts resonate?
How might you use the framework in your current role?
Do you see challenges with this approach?