Understanding what your values, strengths, talents
and needs are, is a critical piece of the puzzle, but
so too is knowing how to use them and where they
are in demand.
Whilst self-reflection can be a very difficult thing to
do, it is essential to ensuring that any future plan is
built on solid foundations. Conducting an audit on
yourself and the alignment you hold to your career
and/or business is critical if you are to be clear
about where you want to go.
2. Determine Your Direction
When we understand what we want and need, we
are in a position to define our ‘big picture’ goal
and explore the options available to us.
nor behind but stationary which is dangerous.
4. Build Your Marketing Strategy
Everyone in today’s market place needs a way to
showcase his or her brilliance. Whether we are
aware of it or not we all have a personal brand, and
we constantly have to position ourselves to engage
in the type of work that inspires, motivates and
fulfills us, be it as an employee or business owner.
It makes sense therefore to take control of your
own brand. As a potential employee or service
provider it is what will see your noticed and sought
out in the market place. Ask yourself: What do I do
best and what am I known for? What do I want to
be known for? How relevant is it to my industry?
Who are my networks and influencers?
All too often we narrow our decisions to A or B?
Right or Wrong? Should I stay or should I go? Every
year I hear people tell me that their New Year’s
resolution is to find a new opportunity without
being able to articulate why.
Creating a plan that addresses each of these
questions will support the actionable outcomes to
drive your success.
Failing to consider the full range of options can see
you running the risk of bouncing around – chasing
new jobs, new markets, new clients when really you
may be missing the opportunities that are right
under your nose.
It’s time to say goodbye to your comfort zone and
step out into the world of action. The great news is
that when you do this with clarity of purpose, clear
direction and a well-defined plan your ability to
execute is so greatly enhanced.
Knowing and understanding how to explore,
critically assess and reconcile all available options
to our direction and purpose is key to our success.
Engaging with your network, your market place,
your stakeholders and clients will bring further
clarity and confidence in what you are doing. It will
elevate your brand and attract new opportunities.
It will highlight options and position you as being
ready, willing and able.
3. Develop Your Plan
For many of us writing a business plan is so much
easier than writing our own career plan. Why?
Because our career plan is so personal, it can
require change and like most things, we don’t want
to muck it up!
However to build a long-term career that is both
resilient and successful we need to plan for it.
Gone are the days of having a single job for life.
Our plan needs to be a working document that is
re-evaluated, updated and amended to ensure that
our objectives remain relevant and in line with our
desires and goals.
Remember success drives success, so your plan for
2015 needs to be both measurable and timely in
order to generate further action, confidence and
clarity. Without it we will find ourselves in March in
exactly the same place as today – neither ahead
5. Start.
Creating a fulfilling career and business isn’t a
quick or easy journey. It takes time and effort. It
takes continual re-evaluation and planning. You
need to engage yourself mentally, physically and
emotionally. You need to be active.
It’s time to get your hopes up, to raise your
expectations. Your best days are in front of
you! Wishing you all a prosperous, fulfilling and
purposeful 2015!