Act Smart in 2012 – and stop feeling sorry for yourself

Successful people know that life constantly changes and that nothing remains the same. It is their ability to scan the environment and make the necessary life changes that leads to their long-term success and happiness. So start off 2012 seeing the glass half full instead of half empty. With every optimistic word and every smile, you can choose to live in a cheerful world.

7 Steps to Career Success

1. You’re Not the Only One – So Stop Feeling Sorry for Yourself

There has been a complete paradigm shift in the American economy and the type of jobs that pay good wages. Do not take on the role of victim as there is clear research that shows more opportunities come to those that are resilient, positive and proactive. Accept the fact that if you are working, you will have to work smarter to prove that you are worth keeping. So work smarter with a smile on your face and a positive attitude; this will draw opportunities to you. Know your company’s business and go about helping them meet their goals and projections. If you are unemployed, you have to show through words and actions that you are worth hiring. You must accept this and move forward. Printout the skills, education and talent needed for your current position or the one you want to have and ask yourself how your skills, talent and years of experience measure up.

2. Fess Up and Deal With Your Issues

Last year, Tony Robbins, Magic Johnson and Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google all appeared on Larry King Live. Their message you don’t have a choice you have to reinvent yourself. Call us, Three Men and a Lady; we’re all saying the same thing. Before you get started on your reinvention; let go of any anger you might have stored up from being downsized or fired, fear or anxiety caused by not knowing all the answers because know one does. If you can’t let go, if you can’t surrender to the inevitability that life is filled with change, reinvention and uncertainty, seek out a therapist or counselor. Fess up, because everyone has issues, deal with yours so you can get on with the business of reinventing your life.

3. Stay True to Your Authentic Self

Reinvent your career but be sure to stay true to your authentic self. If you are a downsized financial planner, offer services to the 10,000 Baby Boomers that retire everyday. This is a large target market. If you are into health and fitness, provide services to stay-at-home moms via Skype; everyone is looking to lose a few pounds after the holidays. In a world that is driven by information and technology, use creative thinking to develop multiple streams of revenue while remaining true to your talent, passion and skill set. And adding a little Chutzpah doesn’t hurt; be bold, get out in the world and show people what you can do. In the book, “All Things Are Possible Through Prayer” Charles Allen states: “A man who has lost his nerve is a pitiful creature. He shrinks from every task and he turns away from every opportunity. But when he believes in himself, he develops power and strength he did not know he had.” You don’t have to be religious to take this advice.

4. Don’t Wait for Opportunity

To hear the words “you’re hired” in this job market you must have a strategic plan-of-action that includes research, networking and becoming an expert in the brand called you. Based on your skills, talent and passion what growth industries and employers do you want to work and what quantifiable value do you offer? Look at all companies large and small, for profit and non-profit, federal, state and city agencies and the many fine educational institutions in this country and abroad.

When you target industries, you automatically position yourself above your competition because you have matched your skills, talent and passion to growing industries and companies. Go after those companies, knock on their doors, and send a proposal and video to each showing how you can improve their business. Don’t wait for opportunity to come knocking because you’ll be waiting a long time.

5. Get off the Couch

Nothing beats face-to-face networking because you are able to tell your story with enthusiasm and passion. Attend networking events on a regular basis because familiarity makes buying from, recommending or hiring you much easier. A referral, a recommendation or a nod in your direction is the number one way people are getting hired! Focus your networking on events where your colleagues, clients, and potential customers gather. It's just plain smart not to waste time or money attending events that don’t meet your target demographic. Show up with your elevator pitch prepared and practiced so you can talk about your value proposition in a way that benefits the end user.

6. Social Networking Sites

Stop posting every picture you’ve ever taken on social media sites unless you want potential employers and business partners to see all your personal stuff. Use social networking sites very carefully as employers and clients search these sites for your name. In recent months, individuals who posted certain language and pictures on social sites have been fired. One woman even lost her disability insurance so use both privacy settings and good judgment in equal measure. Show your savvy social media skills and knowledge as this is a clear, distinctive, competitive advantage, not pictures of your entire personal life.

7. Relocation – research what’s out there?

The jobs in your town may have moved overseas, or the industries may have slowed down or shutdown; you may have to move. Don’t let fear paralyze you from exploring all your options. Depending on where you live in the country, some manufacturing and skilled labor jobs are not coming back. You will probably have to get retrained in something else or relocate. If you are able to move don’t be afraid to relocate but before you do, research the area and the opportunities. Your research should include: career opportunities, housing, schools, cost of living and houses of worship so that you can reduce the number of surprises once you move. Will your spouse be able to find work? Do your need to sell or rent your home? You may have to move across town, across country or across the world to explore career opportunities. Internationally renowned bestselling author Dr. Wayne Dyer says “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” So think of your journey as an adventure instead of something you dread. Don’t be afraid to explore and live a big, bold, beautiful life.