I adopted this strategy some time ago: if I look for something that I’d like or want, and I can’t find it easily, I create it! 
It works pretty well for me, whether it’s about clothes, jewellery or a group of people. Less frustration, less time consumed searching what I want!
I didn’t try, but I heard people saying that this strategy works for a job position as well! You won’t create it yourself, but by “knocking at doors” to increase your visibility, they might realize that they need someone like you … and create the position!
I looked for a while to find a Toastmasters club where I feel “at home”, and I finally found one: Keynote Speakers Advanced Toastmasters Club. I joined this club last July, and it didn’t take long to realize that being surrounded by experienced Toastmasters was not all that I wanted from a Toastmasters club!
I have experience delivering workshops, but going through Toastmasters manuals could still bring some benefits. I also felt the need to start a new (bilingual) club where I could enhance my public speaking and leadership skills in an environment that understands the challenges of speaking a 2nd or 3rd language. Plus, I wanted to instill my way of doing things, and create a strong bond between members, instead of being in a club that already has its own culture and history (that sometimes get in the way).
It turned out to be the first English-French Toastmasters Club in Toronto, “a true Canadian Toastmasters Club” – as Phil Tasci (EFTC mentor and Keynote President) said thinking at the two official languages in Canada. Even more, the experience of starting this new club brought new challenges, and benefits!!!
What I’ve learned from this experience?
1. If you feel that you need something, there are many others that feel the same! Don’t stop there… do something about it!
2. PR and Social media works! The club achieved the charter number of members (20) in less than a month since we’ve started (usually it takes 4-6 months to a Toastmasters – Community club to get 20 members). The key is to connect with the right people, and leverage what you already have (your own connections, for example).
3. Social media alone, without making real connections, won’t work. There is not enough bond in the virtual environment, but it could be a great catalyst if you add the real human factor to it.
4. By doing what you feel it’s right, you open up a world of opportunities! It gave me the chance to meet great people, opportunities to do presentations and workshops that otherwise I couldn’t have! Many “doors” are opening for me and my business now, just because I had the courage to start this club, and put heart into it!
5. Starting something new is a great opportunity to rediscover the skills you already have, that you might ignore or not yet expressed. Lately I heard often that I’m a great leaser, and I always run away from leadership positions in the past.
6. By helping others, you help yourself! Your visibility and credibility goes up when you do something good for others. You might even get an award without thinking of it! (like I did: 2012 WoS Volunteer Award)
7. Team work is important: no matter how many skills and talents you have, you cannot do all by yourself! And even if you can, doing it together, it’s even more rewarding! That’s a good lesson for me!
8. Integrity is important! There might be people that don’t agree with you, but you have to follow your path. Your vision could guide you, and you’ll find great people along the way.
What would you like or want? Can you do something different to get it?
Please share it here, maybe I have some ideas for you too. 🙂
Gabriela
ThoughtsDesigner.com