Executive Career Insights

Improve Your Career Skills & Increase Your Competitive Advantage Through Continuous Learning

I don't know about you, but I enjoy learning. I have a full library of books, resources and CDs that offer me new insight and equip me with new tools that I can use in my resume writing and coaching practice.

In addition, I continue to invest in ongoing continuing education on an annual basis by attending conferences and participating in webinars/teleseminars and attending local events.

Why? Because I want to make sure that as the economy changes, as new technology and social media tools take over our world and the work life as we know it evolves, that I am not literally left in the dark.

How about you? What kind of "insurance" or emergency plans have you put in place when it comes to your career?

Rather than living in fear of sudden unemployment or unforeseen changes in the workplace, what measures can you put in place to keep yourself marketable, competitive and more importantly, RELEVANT to your field or industry.

A) Take advantage of every learning opportunity

Your company may not be able to sponsor all your advanced education courses, however, this should not be an excuse for not staying abreast of industry trends. Identify local industry and professional organizations that often host free or low-cost events for its members and guests.

Check out www.jobhunt.org for a comprehensive list of professional associations, alumni clubs and networking groups.

B) Look internally for skill-enhancement projects or initiatives

Don't ignore viable opportunities within your current department or division to expand your areas of expertise or strengths. If your workload has slowed down, ask to be placed on other projects or given a chance to shadow your colleagues on a brand, new initiative. 

Explore lateral job openings in other parts of the company if it will widen your knowledge and arm you with a new level of qualifications that can serve you later on in your career.

C) Visit your local library or bookstore

Books are still in fashion. Any new topic, area of expertise, advanced technology, or industry-based resources can be found in major bookstore chains like Barnes & Noble and Borders. At a fraction of the price that you would pay for a training course, you may be able to learn the same information through several books.

If you are tech addict, invest in Kindle to keep a volume of books available at the touch of a button - I am not there yet:)

Don't forget about public libraries - if you don't want to spend the $$, simply borrow the books to get the information you need for career growth.

D) Go online to uncover golden nuggets of information

I absolutely love the Internet - quietly despise the addictions it can create at times:) - but love it nevertheless. There is so much available to us at the click of a mouse. Any topic that directly affects your job or information about impending trends that will change your industry can be found online.

Use the Internet to find free teleseminars, webinars, e-books, blogs, and forums. Check out low-cost, online classes and programs or follow key industry leaders on Twitter. We live in the information age and there is absolutely no excuse for you to be left in the dark.

I challenge you this week - which one of these four things can you start this week to make sure that you stay on track and relevant in your career.

4 Ways To Keep Track Of Your Annual Achievements

I cannot count the number of times that I have collaborated with executive men and women on their career marketing strategies only to find out that they have not done a good job keeping track of their career achievements.

How would you like to actually look forward to the annual review process instead of feeling like it is a tug-and-war game?

You cannot confidently walk into a meeting with senior management and negotiate a raise or a promotion without solid evidence to support your cause.

Here are five easy steps you can follow to make sure that your career accomplishments and personal contributions to the company don't get overlooked:

1) Project or Case Study Summaries

At the end of every major project, summarize the details and work involved in the project - like number of people you manage, size of budget, time constraints, and any other critical information.

-- Think of the project/case like a puzzle in terms of Challenge-Actions- Results (see previous post on this topic)

-- Make sure that the final results are quantified as much as possible, don't simply say that productivity improvement, describe the turnaround - for example, new technology solutions allowed users to complete analysis process in 48 hours instead of two weeks.

2) Kudos / High Fives

We have all received a "great-job-done" email or note from a very happy boss, customer or vendor. In addition to thanking the sender, keep the notes/emails in an online folder or print out hard copies and store in a file.

-- Write brief notes about the related project or task that prompted the testimonial, so you can use it in conversations with you boss or make references to it in your self-appraisal write ups.

3) Thought Leadership / New Knowledge

If you have been selected to participate in an executive leadership or development program, keep track of important statistics like the number of applicants, qualifications or characteristics of participants, or whether it is an accelerated program.

-- Keep a list of any new classes that have expanded your knowledge or expertise in a vital area of the company's business should be emphasized in your notes.

-- More importantly, be able to explain how your new level of expertise can directly contribute to the company's success. 

4) Board / Speaker Participation

A great indication of your leadership expertise can come through your participation in external company boards, internal committees, representation on behalf of company at conferences and trade shows or simply being the spokesperson for your project team.

-- Monitor your monthly events and your participation in high-profile activities with key industry leaders and top company employees.

The next time you schedule an informal meeting with your boss (as suggested in this post) or have to discuss next steps in your career development, come prepared with a diversified list of accomplishments that can "wow" your boss and management team.

7 Reasons Every Professional Woman Needs A Mentor

Who do you turn to in times of personal turmoil? Who is that person with the voice of reason and trust in your life? Who ALWAYS has your back through the best and the worst of times?

We all have someone whether it is a sister, best friend, or trusted colleague that we share our life changes with - someone we express our concerns to and from whom we gladly accept unbiased advice and direction.

Who do you call when your career is in trouble? If you are simply turning to close friends and family when you are stuck in your career progress, you are missing out on a vital resource that can benefit you for years to come - a mentor. 

Every professional woman should have a mentor. A mentor is ideally someone who is a supportive ally, who can offer you exposure to major assignments, help position you for promotions and serve as your personal cheerleader as your advance in your career.

Still not sure that a mentor will your career a much needed boost? Here are seven reasons:

1) Direct introduction or referrals to top players in your organization especially if you work in a very large, multi-layered organization.

2) Personal guidance on building strong relationships and getting access to key individuals who can help you excel in your career.

3) Access to the inside scoop on corporate culture and tips for navigating company politics or learning to "play the game."

4) Recommendations for high-profile projects and company initiatives and even strong support for new internal job opportunities.

5) Advice on your business strategy, your personal communication skills and honest feedback on your professional reputation.

6) Information on what is going on at the top of the company and long-term issues that would impact your career growth.

7) Good direction on how to balance work and life demands without sacrificing your career goals.

So, what makes an ideal mentor? It really depends on where you are in your career and what your immediate priorities are, however, a good rule of thumb to follow is:

-- someone who is very successful in his/her career, a respected leader, an excellent communicator and who genuinely encourages and supports others in the same profession or field.

-- someone who is direct, honest and can give valuable, constructive criticism and advice.

-- someone who is well-connected, active in volunteer/community activities and very politically astute.

Over at CareerWomen.com, a quick poll revealed that 62% of women have mentors. Can you identify someone today who will serve as a great mentor?

Ladies, It's Not Bragging, It's Self-Promoting

I have partnered with many successful professional women in developing their executive resumes and career marketing materials and have always noticed a consistent trend.

When it comes to really promoting themselves, highlighting their achievements or simply tooting their horns, I hear " I am not comfortable bragging about myself"

-- Are you guilty of working really hard, plugging away in your office and just making the assumption that your boss, colleagues and senior management will take notice at the right time?

-- Have you been overlooked for promotions that you deserve because you walk into performance reviews without a solid record of your recent achievements and contributions?

Unfortunately, this is a challenge that a lot of professional women face - traditionally, we are raised to be modest and we hold on to the notion that as long as we continue to work hard and do our best, we will get rewarded in the end.

If you have identified your executive brand, that is great, but if you are not consistently communicating your message (validated with career achievements and individual contributions), you will continue to be overlooked in today's competitive and evolving workplace.

I realize that you cannot change your personality and working style overnight, but here are six strategies that you can execute over the next year to get you moving in the right direction.

1) Learn the language of self-promotion

While I certainly don't recommend that you start telling everyone that the firm cannot survive without you, there are subtle phrases and key words that can add power to your statements. The key is to interject them carefully into your conversations and discussions in a manner that is comfortable for you. For example:

Bragging: "This deal couldn't have happened with me"

Self-Promoting: "While leading a cross-functional team of 40 professionals, I was able to turnaround a rapidly declining project by implementing a first-of-its-kind marketing initiative."

2) Meet with your boss more frequently

Make an appointment with your immediate boss every three to six months to review accomplishments, discuss upcoming projects and ensure that your individual progress is in line with departmental and corporate objectives.

How many of you have walked into performance reviews and been blown away by the feedback?

3) Chronicle your career accomplishments

Don't wait until the end of the year to remember everything you have done or expect your boss to remember. Create a personal "kudos" file that contains your contributions to recent projects, standout accomplishments, recent education or training, speaking engagements, special assignments and more.

I cannot tell you the amount of professional women I have worked with that have forgotten or lost track of their career achievements over the years - yes, you can really forget them!

4) Pursue continuous learning

Technology moves at the speed of light these days and constantly changes how we work - make sure that you are abreast of technology and industry trends.

-- Are there new certifications, advanced courses or a new degree that you should be pursuing? 

-- Are there gaps in your experience or areas of expertise that can be solved with a new class or training program?

Your recent training and new knowledge base can validate your case for a promotion.

5) Share your accomplishments in meetings

Don't be afraid to support your suggestions or recommendations for a new solution in your department by making reference to a recent success that you have had - try something like this, "I am confident that my idea would work because I applied the same concept recently when I spearheaded a $5-million marketing project..."

6) Maintain a strong internal and external brand reputation

There is no excuse if you are still behind the ball when it comes to online identity and career brand management - you should have the basics including a LinkedIn profile, VisualCV, Google bio profile and Zoominfo.

It is critical that not only your immediate boss is aware of your value proposition, but also the company's vendors and clients. You can be specially selected to work on a high profile project, if your brand reputation and stream of achievements are well known.

Women, Are You Being Heard In The Workplace?

We can all agree that men and women communicate differently - men will give you the basic facts and stick to key points, while women will provide you with the entire experience of being there.

I am reading "Breaking Into The Boys' Club - 8 ways for women to get ahead in business" and the authors,Molly Shepard, Jane Stimmler and Peter Dean have identified how professional women may be hurting their career progress and their colleagues' perception of them as leaders simply by the language that is used.

In delivering a presentation or making your point at a business meeting, do you find yourself using these words and phrases:

• Do you think?
• I'm not sure
• Maybe
  
• Perhaps
• Possibly
• If you don't mind
• If I might
• Would it be okay?
• Could I?
• What if I?
• Probably
• You might not agree, but
• Almost certainly
• More than likely

What if you tried a more confident and assertive approach by simply substituting these words and phrases:

• My point is
• My idea is
• I recently observed
• Let's go forward
• I recommend
• My suggestion is
• After reviewing the report
• I feel strongly that
• My experience suggest

The book also recommends that if you want to improve on your communication style that you consider

-- taping yourself in a meeting and reviewing the audio later to observe the changes in your voices, "uhms" and "ahs", pauses and points of hestitation on your part.

-- preparing short videos of yourself and paying close attention to eye contact, gestures and body language

-- enrolling the support of a trusted colleague or mentor to observe you in a business meeting or during a presentation and provide you with honest feedback on your speaking skills, your ability to capture the audience attention and your capability of winning them over.

I would also encourage you to enroll in a Toastmaster's group as it gives you a safe, non-hostile environment to improve your communication skills without any pressure. 

Do you feel you are not being heard at work? What have you done to address the issue?

2010 Career Resolutions That Really Work

2010 is a unique year - it is the not only the start of a brand, new year, it is also the beginning of a new decade. Why not make a real commitment to your career success beyond the generic promise of "getting a better job"?

I can help you get started with five new career management strategies that would benefit you for years to come:

1) Have a SMART career plan

True professional success and career mastery don't just happen or fall into place because of good luck - it takes careful planning, diligence and commitment to become a well respected, trusted authority in your industry and profession.

-- Determine where you want to be in the next 12 - 36 months

-- Conduct a gap analysis to identify what you need in terms of education, experience and advanced training/education that will take you to the next level -- Seek out mentors, key industry players and other successful professionals you admire and start connecting with them and building solid relationships.

-- Write down your career aspirations on paper to make them real and personal to you; partner with a career coach to help keep you motivated and on track.

2) Build a strong personal brand and get visible

Your career success is directly tied to your ability to stand out from your peers and colleagues. There are several things that you do better than anyone else and you have to be able to communicate that to employers and recruiters.

Your career/personal brand should clearly reflect and promote your areas of expertise and your unique promise of value.

-- Develop a plan for own personal brand identity system that includes both online and offline strategies.

-- Create and keep an updated LinkedIn profile and make sure it includes recommendations from previous employers and colleagues.

-- Get creative and bring your personal brand and career reputation to life with a VisualCV.

-- Compile a brief Google profile so that you are easily found when interested employers and recruiters want to learn more about you.

-- Join and actively participate in company blogs, industry forum and professional online discussion - it is an excellent way to promote your knowledge and establish yourself as a thought leader.

3) Know your value in a nutshell

Your perceived value ROI to companies is directly related the type of salary you can command in your industry and the leverage you have in terms of raises, promotions and bonuses.

However, if you don't know and understand your true value, you cannot wait for someone else to figure it out for you.

-- Be proactive in chronicling your career achievements every six to twelve months.

-- Consider your direct impact and contributions to your company in terms of revenue growth, cost savings, image reputation, customer attraction, market expansion, technology integration and much more.

-- Focus on quantifying your achievements as dollars, cents and percentages really create a compelling story.

-- Keep your resume updated and don't wait until there is a crisis to have a portfolio of career marketing documents handy.

4) Build a network and get in the mix

No matter how good you are, success in today's corporate and work environment is a lot easier when you have a vibrant, active and growing professional and personal network.

-- Volunteer for internal and external company events and take advantage of opportunities to represent the company at conferences, forums and trade shows. 

-- Join two or three professional and industry organizations that you can participate in on a regular basis.

-- Think outside the box and seek out new relationships and partnerships with clients, vendors and strategic partners.

5) Commit to being a lifelong learner

I distinctly remember working with a client several years ago who was laid off from an industry that got through a complete transformation due to technology innovation. She was at a loss when determining her next career move because she had not done anything in 20 years to stay competitive, marketable or employable in her field.

-- Pay attention to evolving trends in your industry and identify the major skills and/or new technologies that are important.

-- Use annual association conferences and local business events as opportunities for informal education.

-- Research and register for appropriate e-courses, training programs and professional certification classes that would directly benefit your career.

 

For more information, check out:

It's December 23rd - Do you know where your network is?

Revisiting resume best practices

Build and promote your online presence

Powering Up Your Annual Performance Reviews

Most professionals I know dislike the process of annual performance reviews as much as they dislike job interviews.

Why is this annual routine so greatly disliked and viewed the dreaded moment that you have to come face-to-face with the big boss?

I am thinking that if you spent the entire year preparing for performance reviews and keeping track of your achievements and kudos, you would be in a better position to discuss your value to the company, highlight your contributions, and negotiate a salary increase or promotion to your advantage.

I cannot tell you how many executives that I have worked with who have forgotten their career achievements or lost sight of their major career milestones. While you may have a great relationship with your immediate boss, don't be fooled into believing that he/she will remember how you have excelled or everything you have done in the previous 12 months.

Here are a few strategies to keep in mind that can make your next annual review go a lot smoother:

Keep solid, verifiable records of everything using either a word document or Excel spreadsheet; frequently monitor your career activities and conduct frequent updates at the 3-month, 6-month, 9-month and 12-month marks.

Make sure that your personal career files include the following:

-- Achievements/successes you have made outside the scope of your responsibilities - think in terms of innovation, direct impact to company, areas of improvement, cost savings, revenue growth, efficiency etc.

-- Specific project-related challenges or goals you faced and how you overcame them. (consider the S-T-A-R approach or developing a Critical Leadership Initiatives document)

-- Descriptions of how you have addressed or exceeded individual and management-directed goals from your previous performance review

-- List any improvements you have made to your skills, competencies, and areas of expertise - training courses, advanced degrees or certifications

-- An outline any internal programs, projects or initiatives that you volunteered to lead or were selected for participation

-- Copies of "kudos" emails and letters gained through routine comments and unsolicited feedback from clients, vendors, strategic partners, managers and colleagues

 

Abby M. Locke of Premier Writing Solutions (www.premierwriting.com) is a master resume writer and career marketing architect who helps talented professionals and senior-level executives to achieve career success through cutting-edge, brand-focused career documents, innovative job search tools, and proactive career management strategies.