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Oct. 21, 2005
Think more outside the box
Career management takes work, ingenuity and a strong game plan.
Ron Goodine
The nature of work has changed dramatically over the last 20 years
– so have careers. In terms of the way we look at careers,
it is time to start thinking outside of the box.
The standard of working one's way up the corporate ladder has been
replaced by multiple career changes, and old corporate loyalty has
been replaced by the need for workers to always be on the look out
for new opportunities. This demands an entrepreneurial spirit –
managing your career like a business.
Career management in a competitive world
Assess what you bring to the table and brand your product. What
are your skills, experience, knowledge, values and expertise? You
need to know what you can offer in the competitive marketplace.
Once you have assessed what you bring to the table, you'll have
to brand your product.
Quintcareers.com defines branding as, "A promise, a pledge
of quality. It is the essence of a product, including why it is
great and how it is better than all competiting products."
Branding is the way you identify yourself in the marketplace. It
is your ability to deliver services and goods to your customers,
just like big companies do.
You don't need to be a professional or a business owner to brand
your services. For example, a landscaper might brand herself as
the "green thumb solution" for busy people who enjoy beautiful
surroundings – or a person selling cars might brand himself
as "putting drivers in the right set of wheels." You may
not be Nike or Microsoft, but your brand recognition will open doors
for you.
Develop your unique marketing campaign
The point of branding your product – your skills, experience,
knowledge, values and expertise – is to be able to differentiate
yourself from others in the marketplace. Now it is time to get out
there and get some exposure. It doesn't matter if you are or are
not looking for another position. It is always to your advantage
to develop a profile and have people recognize you for your abilities.
Talk to a career/vocational counsellor or career coach. A career
practitioner can help you to create your own unique brand and marketing
campaign, targetting customers or employers in your niche.
Network, network and network some more
Networking is not to be mistaken for passing out cards. This is
building relationships. It requires that you connect with people.
Go to professional conferences and meetings. Socialize with peers.
Listen to others and become helpful. Don't be frightened to "pay
it forward" – do good deeds for others. Volunteer for
an organization that does work you believe in – like-minded
people often share similar values and career goals.
Also, the people you meet through volunteering may be well connected
and able to put you on to others. When I hear someone saying, "So-and-so
is well connected," I picture someone who is usually well off,
happy and enjoys a good deal of success. Become well connected.
I cannot stress enough the importance of developing good interpersonal
skills and nurturing relationships.
Keep improving your professional skillsets
In the new economy, you will be rewarded for the knowledge and skills
you bring with you to work. Keep up with developments in your industry
– stay on top. Read trade and professional journals. Become
familiar with emerging issues in your field. Continually investing
in your professional development is crucial to advancement. Professional
development courses don't have to be taken in a formal educational
setting where you are graded. Shorter workshops may also be valuable.
Keep track of success
Keep track of your achievements. You want to build your resume and
create a portfolio highlighting accomplishments. Shine, become visible
and be seen as a rising star. There is no room for humility in career
management. Those who stand out get noticed.
Play well with others
Become a team player. I see brilliant people who either can't find
or can't keep a job because they don't get along with others. The
toes you step on to get ahead may well be the same toes that kiss
you on the bottom on your way down. What goes around comes around.
Don't become a victim of your own bad karma.
Be ready for changes
Be prepared to make change at a moment's notice. In the new economy,
you will need to be constantly re-evaluating your career options.
Always be looking out for new opportunities, either inside or outside
of the company you work for now. Take control and look to the future.
Become a trendspotter, always asking yourself, "What next?"
Balance is necessary
Keep a healthy balance between work and play. Take time to smell
the flowers, hug your kids and make a difference in the lives of
others around you. Each of us is unique and brings with us tremendous
life experience that enhances our working lives. Keeping a balance
between work and play will enhance your career success and may well
prevent you from burning out or dropping dead of a heart attack
at work. Besides, as the old adage goes, no one ever says on his
or her death bed, "I wish I had spent more time at the office!"
Mentoring is helpful
On your way up, look for a mentor, someone who can guide you through
your career development. As you mature and grow in your career,
be prepared to mentor others. Be seen as a leader in your field,
someone who has stellar skills and expertise and is willing to share
knowledge and experience with those on their way up.
Be a problem fixer
A little bit of "can do" goes a long way. Employers tell
me that they are looking for people with the right attitude. They
are looking for people who are flexible, good at solving problems
and can get along with others. They want people who can fix, not
make, problems.
The last tip: Don't do it alone. Get help and support. And good
luck!
Ron Goodine is a vocational counsellor with the Jewish
Family Service Agency.
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