The New Year is a great time for resolutions: exercise more, eat less, be kinder or get a new job. If finding a new career opportunity is a priority, perhaps, reinventing yourself should be at the top of your To Do list.
Change is scary. Let’s face it, taking risks is not part of everyone’s DNA. I happen to live, work and breathe Silicon Valley, so it feels natural to me. But, what is the alternative to change? Stagnation and death. I guess when you put it that way, change becomes less scary.
I used to be a newspaper reporter (a long time ago!). Had I not reinvented myself for new careers, I would probably be among the thousands of unemployed print journalists today. I have had at least seven different careers in my life, which is about the average in a lifespan according to workforce studies. I don’t feel I’m done yet, and neither should you.
If you are contemplating a career or position change, be strategic. Look at the big picture and business trends. How can you position yourself for high-value and high-growth areas? I expanded my brand consulting umbrella to include personal branding because it is such a hot area, especially in our challenging economic climate. But, remember, you can’t develop a sustainable new personal brand based on smoke and mirrors. You have to have credibility and a demonstrable expertise. Start with the expertise (take classes, read, engage with experts, do pro bono work), share your knowledge and be known for something of value.
I’d like to invite you to take my one-minute survey on jobs and personal branding. Take the survey today, as the deadline is January 16, 2012. I’ll give highlights at my SVAMA (Silicon Valley American Marketing Association) talk in Santa Clara, Calif., on January 19. Watch this blog for charts and analysis. In the meantime, figure out your new career direction, and rebrand yourself!
