Career tip articles abound at this time of year almost as much as articles on New Year’s Resolutions and best ways to lose weight or get fit in the New Year. Unfortunately, most of the advice used is not long lasting, the career tips are for those seeking jobs and often they just keep doing what they have always been doing. The weight loss tips are dismissed by the second week of January, and if not get blown out of the water on Super Bowl Sunday. The majority of those who just joined a health club or started to actually go to their health club again may as well pack up their workout clothes by now until next January when they decide to go there again.
For those of us in a career, what should we be doing to solidify our position, advance in our company or be ready and more appealing if we decide to change our current employment situation? It goes without saying the three tips discussed here will be helpful if you’re let go by your current employer (you never know).
NETWORKING
Networking is the hidden gem of your career success and solidifying your reputation. Too often networking is looked upon as ‘what the sales and marketing folks have to do.’ Wow! Is that a loaded statement or what? When we are speaking about our career we are the ‘sales and marketing team’ of us. You must always have a sales and marketing hat on. Regardless of your role or position, networking is critical. At the very top, there is a gathering right now in Davos called The World Economic Forum where top level world leaders are meeting and networking. The point is networking must take place at all levels. Need a resource read? – “Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty” by Harvey Mackay.
LEARN AND GROW
It is not good enough to say ‘well my employer does not reimburse me for any of that so forget about it’. No that is absurd thinking. The learning and growing we must always conduct for ourselves is an investment in ourselves. An investment in us and it pays dividends! The key is to focus. Select your area of study and conduct and complete it before you move on to the next one. You may determine you would like to know more about your specific job role or function in order to be more fully ready to move up a level. You may feel nervous presenting or speaking and you decide joining a local Toastmasters Group will help you. You may want to develop your leadership skills. Whatever you determine is the area to select - always learn and grow.
GROOMING AND CLOTHES
The last thing you want to do now is to go shopping. Let’s have a frank and open discussion. Take out the clothes you most often wear to work and place them on your bed. Examine them. Are any of the sleeve ends frayed or collars stained? Are any of the hems on a dress or pants open or not tightly sewn? You may find comfort wearing the same clothes, but, how do others view you? This is a great time of year to find deals on high quality clothes. Select a few items you need to upgrade. Do not purchase an entire new wardrobe unless you need to. Purchase one or two complete outfits of good quality.
Throw out or give away items you are replacing. You will have a better appearance and you will feel better. Look into the mirror. Look at your finger nails. If you wear open toe shoes look at your toe nails. You tell me. Is it time to take care of how you look? Make the appointments necessary to take care of your personal grooming. Yes gentlemen this includes the hair on your ears too. Determine how much time between these appointments and make the next appointment right there after this one is complete. Stay on a schedule and take care of how you look.
There you have it – Three tips for those with jobs to stay on track, solidify their position, and be ready to advance or to switch companies.
Mitch Tublin is an advanced certified personal and executive coach who lives in Stamford, CT. He has over 15 years in a variety of Senior Corporate Level positions.
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