Make a Plan

Whether you are looking to grow a career or are in transition, your success depends upon your plan.  Making a plan and working that plan are key to everything we do.  This means setting a goal that we want to achieve in a specific time frame and identifying the action steps to get us there.  The goal could be a promotion within the quarter, an industry change within the year or a new position as soon as possible.  Perhaps we need to take a class or expand our network to get us to the next level.  Maybe our resume needs a re-write or we need to refine our search strategies. Once we are sure of the steps that need to be taken we have the beginnings of a plan. Breaking the word PLAN down as a mnemonic device makes clear some things that we need to do as we prepare for our own success no matter what we are engaged in. 

P is for participate.  Participate in industry conferences, classes, committees at work.  Raise your profile and get new ideas by participating in events that interest you and add to your value as an employee.

L is for learn.  Learn about industry trends so that you can talk about them in an interview.  Learn what is causing your company to spend money unnecessarily so that you can be part of solving the problem.

A is for articulate.  Articulate your goals and your needs to those around you.  Tell people where you see yourself in a year from now and make them a part of your strategy to get there.

N is for network.  Build a network that you can rely upon.  Create a support system around yourself that can help you answer questions, solve problems and alert you to openings that fit your skill set.  Offer people in your network support when they need it.

Creating a plan that supports your vision for your career is so important.  When you put it into practice and see results it is so satisfying.  Try it.