10 Simple Rules for Guaranteed Success in Your Career - Classy Career Girl

10 Simple Rules for Guaranteed Success in Your Career I have been fortunate to enjoy a career in business for more than ten years now, and my work with highly-renowned business professionals around the globe has given me a wide range of experiences and taught me a lot. Here are ten of the simplest and most effective ways to guarantee yourself a successful career. 10 Simple Rules for Guaranteed Success in Your Career Rule 1 â€" It’s Your Career! Firstly, you are in control of your career, and nobody else. Think about what you want to achieve and look around at what options and entry routes are open to you, and what you’ll need to do to get from where you are to where you want to be. Make a plan about how you are going to bridge that gap  and put it into action â€" simple as that! Your career can follow whatever path you wish, provided you make good decisions that are in the interest of your ambitions. Do this consistently. Rule 2 â€" Be Very Clear on Why You Got Hired Every job is, in the simplest of terms, a problem that needs solving, regardless of your field. Do you feel as qualified to solve these problems as your employer thinks you are? Try considering what would go wrong if you weren’t doing your job to a good standard, or doing it at all. This will give you a good indication of how well you are solving the problem that you were employed to solve. Rule 3 â€" Respect the Performance Management Process â€" Don’t Fight It Whatever your field or business, your employer will have ways of assessing your contribution and appropriate ways for rewarding you for your work. Usually, bigger organizations will do this in a more formal fashion than their smaller counterparts. Coming to terms with this assessment, understanding and respecting it is very important. Become familiar with how your performance is examined and find ways for it to work for you. Fighting it will only cost you financially. Rule 4 â€" There Are Others That Matter, Besides Your Line Manager The chances of your work impacting only your manager are slim â€" more than likely, your contribution will touch people throughout the company, who you should think of as key stakeholders, such as your manager’s boss, their peers and key figures in finance, HR and IT. They will remember and respect you for taking the time to know and cater to their requirements. Rule 5 â€" Do More Than Your Role Requires… And Then Some Remember Rule Two â€" you are a problem solver. If you want to progress yourself in your career, you must solve one problem, and then move on to a bigger and more challenging one. The quickest way to a promotion is to always aim for more significant problems to solve  and carry on in an upward direction. [RELATED: 10 Steps To a Promotion (Without Working Longer)] Rule 6 â€" Seize Opportunities to Reinvent Yourself The occasional self-reinvention can be very beneficial and re-establish you as a high performer within your organization. Such opportunities are abundant when starting out in a new role or receiving a poor performance assessment; use these opportunities to start over and set some goals that will put you back on top. Make sure to adhere to Rules One to Five when doing this, and you will not escape your boss’s notice. Rule 7 â€" Don’t Do It Alone Not a single successful person has gotten where they are entirely alone. There is nothing wrong with seeking the advice and guidance of those who inspire you. Look out for suitable mentors who can help you in the direction of success. Rule 8 â€" Become an Excellent Communicator The further up the ladder you get, the more essential decent people and communication skills are, so invest time and effort in these skills. If you are not particularly confident, seek out a coach or course that can help you improve. It is near impossible to be a leader without speaking in public, so learn to present in an impactful and succinct way. Rule 9 â€" Master The Art of Networking Networking is central to being in a senior position, so dedicate some time to meeting and communicating with relevant people. Look out for opportunities to network and do what is necessary to maintain these relationships and keep them strong. Expanding and sustaining your network does take time and effort, but it needn’t be out of your way; although in-person is good, you can always reach people by phone or online. Rule 10 â€" Execute Like a True Professional Finally, and probably most importantly, you must be a professional. This means dedicating time and energy to managing yourself like you would others. If you are struggling to find time for everything, approach it from a managerial perspective, solve that problem, and hold yourself to your solution. You may have to make sacrifices or spend more time doing things that you don’t find enjoyable, but if you commit yourself to making your career a successful one, be strict and get it done. It is completely possible.

When Should You Really Get Out of Your Job CareerMetis.com

When Should You Really Get Out of Your Job â€" CareerMetis.com When should you get up and get out?What should you do when you’ve concluded that your current gig isn’t satisfying you and doesn’t present the potential you once thought it had?evalMost of us are familiar with this dilemma because few experiences in life deliver exactly what we expect of them; anticipation is high but results often disappoint.If you feel that you’re at a point where you have to make some sort of a move, consider taking these actions.Take a time-outevalConsider whether you are truly at the point of no return. It could be that you’ve had a temporary mental setback; something triggered your need to get out.See if you can figure out what the causes of your feelings to make a move could be and whether or not you should act on them.I’ve seen people react to what they feel is a bona fide need to move on, only to regret it later. So be sure.There is usually a huge emotional push behind the urge to move and it’s important to hold it at bay until you understand i t and know that it’s justified.Talk to your bossYour boss is responsible for the performance development process for your team, so hold them accountable.evalArrange to meet with them to discuss where you are in your career; get their feedback on your current performance as well as the potential for you to do more for the organization in a variety of other positions.At this point, you need some facts about where you are in the organization to assess whether a move is a right thing to do. Are you seen as a high potential individual or someone who has some challenges to overcome?And if you don’t have a formal process for reviewing performance, take the initiative to have it done regardless.Talk to your mentorsDiscuss your situation with the people you’ve trusted to give you sage advice in the past.evalGet their perspective on what might be driving your desire for change; often we can’t “see the forest for the trees” but others can.And be sure to validate your boss’s views on your potential; your mentor might see things differently and may have some useful tips for you.Re-examine your goalsPerhaps your urge is due to the fact that you have subconsciously changed your views on what you want to achieve in the long term, and this is creating the angst you feel in your current situation.Reviewing your goals regularly is always a good idea but in circumstances of disruption, it is critical. The last thing you want to do is make a move that is inconsistent with an end game that has changed.I used to review mycareer game planon a regular basis; in times of “stability” when you are able to think about things without the emotional pressure of feeling you have to make a change.evalTake a baby stepI’m a fan of taking a step, learning, then taking another step.It’s the most effective way of determining whether you’ve made the right decision. Obviously taking a ginormous leap has high risk associated with it, so see if you can take a less risky and more incremental moveto see if you’ve made a good choice.Dipping your little toe in the waters of change is a practical option that should be always be considered as a tool to see whether your conclusion to make a move was the right one. If one dip tells you that your move isn’t working out, stop and consider another option.Getting out of your job makes sense if you are facing new opportunities that will satisfy your short and long term needs. So it’s important to do your due diligence on whether now is the right time.evalDo your work.

All you need is... Love - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

All you need is... Love - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog Im currently reading Tor N?rretranders latest book det gener?se menneske (The generous human). Its all about how generosity and altruism can exist, in a cruel, Darwinistic, dog-eat-dog world. The answer seems to be that the the two basic mechanisms of Darwinism, natural selection and sexual selection, actually favour generous individuals. This reminded me of an excellent article in Fast Company about sharing your business resources and network. In other words, expressing generosity and, yes, love through business. And while researching the subject (actually while checking the spelling of generosity), I stumbled on generosity.org where you can find a fun way to practice generosity in daily life. Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

How to Master the Art of Small Talk - Career Advice Blog for Millennials

How to Master the Art of Small Talk - Career Advice Blog for Millennials In everyday life, you encounter new people in unfamiliar situations: at work, on a date, at a party. And regardless of who you are and what you do, communicating with people is an important part of work and life. But all this networking and meeting new people comes with a caveat: small talk. A lot of people hate small talk and will avoid networking and other events because they don’t want to make small talk. When they do get to an event, they’ll hover close to the people they already know. That’s not only an ineffective use of a networking event, but it’s also short-sighted. Small talk is the foundation upon which a relationship is built. And whether the relationship is a business venture, a potential job opportunity, or a new friend, it’s important to know how to foster those relationships via face-to-face communication. Heres how you can master  the art of small talk  and turn  it to your advantage. Do Your Research It’s always good to know who you’ll be talking to ahead of time. While this isn’t always possible in a social setting or open networking event, it’s a definite must-do when it comes to meetings and job interviews. Seventy-four percent of American internet users are on social media. Take a look at the Twitter or LinkedIn profiles of anyone you’re set to meet. Take note of any connections you have in common, whether they’re people or interests. That way when you go into your meeting, you have those topics to draw on for conversation. In addition to improving your small talk skills, you’ll also impress them with the attention you’ve paid to them as a person. Lower Your Expectations Don’t rest all your entrepreneurial hopes and dreams on a first conversation. When you meet someone for the first time, chances are you aren’t going to work out your next big project or a partnership right then and there. Give the relationship time to develop and grow organically. With too much pressure on yourself, you’re not as relaxed during an event or meeting, and won’t be able to enjoy yourself as much as you would without any expectations. Keep your hopes at a manageable level. Expect to come away from an event with a great conversation about the latest New York Times bestseller or with a new concert venue to check out. Have Something to Say, and Say it If small talk isn’t your strong suit, don’t go into a social or networking situation without at least three things to talk about. They can be anything, including the latest Netflix binge-watching craze, a cupcake bar that opened just up the block, or a podcast you really like. When you have those things to draw on, you can effectively start conversations with anyone. And to start those conversations, just come out and state your opinion on something. It can be tempting to lead with a question, but by entering a conversation with a statement rather than a question, it shows you’re willing to participate in the conversation too, not just stand by and listen to others talk. Remember Names Studies have shown that remembering things is linked to your level of interest, and that includes someone’s name, too. Do your best to keep track of the people you meet, and their names, by remembering key facts about them that interest you. For example, maybe someone’s last name is Pulaski and you remember it by the fact that you’re both avid skiers. You never know when you’ll meet them again in a work situation or otherwise, and remembering their name when you meet again makes a great impression. Ask Questions Follow up with your questions after the start of the conversation. Asking people questions does two things. It shows people you’re interested in what they have to say, and it draws them out of their own anti-small talk tendencies. People love talking about themselves, so avoid yes or no questions. Instead, ask open-ended questions about what they think about something, or give them a two-option question. For example, if they’re from out of town, ask if they flew in or rented a car. Oftentimes, they’ll open up and elaborate on one of the options and their travel experience. Don’t Fear Silences Silences are a natural part of any conversation â€" there’s an old saying that there that there’s a lull in any conversation every seven minutes. You’re just less likely to notice them when surrounded with people you know. When in a situation where you don’t know people that well, silences can seem extra long. Studies have shown that it only takes four seconds for a pause to feel awkward. Avoid uncomfortable pauses and use silences as an opportunity for transition. Read the people you’re talking to and either ease into a new topic of conversation or excuse yourself. Know How to Get Out Clean The art of an exit from a conversation is almost as hard to master as the art of small talk itself. Try these methods: Excuse yourself from the conversation by stating something else you have to attend to. Pointing out the fact that you need to say hi to someone or want to get something to eat lets people know that you aren’t just leaving because you’re bored. Another great tip is to tell someone you’ve enjoyed speaking with them. When possible, include a topic that you spoke about. For example: “I need to go check in for my presentation, but I enjoyed speaking with you about your work in South America.” Making small talk can often seem like a necessary evil, but by remembering these ideas, you’ll be the life of the party in no time. What are some techniques you use to enhance your small talk skills? Share in the comments below.

How to Prepare Sample Resumes For Technical Writing Resume

How to Prepare Sample Resumes For Technical Writing ResumeNow, that you have been promoted to higher ranks, the first thing that comes to your mind is to hire some samples to provide for technical writing resume. The purpose of this article is to let you know how you can handle such problems so that you can continue to make a good start. There are some basic steps that need to be taken.The first thing that you need to do is to search through different websites or other resources to get more electronic samples. This will surely help you in building your resume on a better basis. You can also look for samples online through online directories and sample groups. By including some samples, it will enhance your chances of getting your resume approved and read by the hiring managers.Before submitting your resume, make sure that all the information is correct and updated. In case you find that some information is incorrect, make sure that you add the same to your resume so that it can be cl eared. You should include the date, role, name, salary and educational qualifications of the applicant who has just been hired.You need to make sure that you will put all your credentials on your resume so that you will get enough attention from the potential employers. Some people think that they do not need to submit their resumes because they have got a job already but that is not true. One needs to show their resume in order to be considered by those who are taking decisions.So, you need to give them a good picture of you so that they will understand your passion and character. They can get hold of your personality if you are willing to share it.In your resume, you can always include all the details that you have provided in your resume. It is best to write the information as best as possible.You need to make sure that you use the right format for the resume. For a better result, it is best to create a style guide so that you can easily select the right resume format for your pe rsonal needs.

Highest Paid Athletes Serena Williams is the Only Woman in Top 100

Highest Paid Athletes Serena Williams is the Only Woman in Top 100 Forbes‘ list of the 100 highest-paid athletes of 2017 is out and only one female is in the mix. Tennis star Serena Williams, who recently won her 23rd Grand Slam singles tennis title in January while gestating life, earned $27 million over the last year, making her the highest-paid female athlete in the world. But Williams clocked in at 51 on the 100-person list overall; another tennis star, Roger Federer, landed in the top ten earning more than double that Williams, at $64 million. The ranking changed little from last year’s, though Maria Sharapova â€" who held the title of highest-paid female athlete for 11 years before Williams unseated her in 2016 â€" was noticeably missing. Sharapova, a frequent rival of Williams on the tennis court, was suspended from competing last year after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. Another pay-gap fact apparent in the list: Williams, regularly recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time, has one of the lowest salaries on the entire list â€" Forbes says she made just $8 million in combined salary and winnings over the last year (compared to, say, soccer star Christiano Ronaldo’s $58 million). Her inclusion on the annual ranking is thanks, in large part, to $19 million in endorsements. Below is the top 10 athletes on Forbes’ 2017 list: 1. Christiano Ronaldo ($93 million) 2. LeBron James ($86.2 million) 3. Lionel Messi ($80 million) 4. Roger Federer ($64 million) 5. Kevin Durant ($60.6 million) 6. Andrew Luck ($50 million) 7. Rory McIlroy ($50 million) 8. Stephen Curry ($47.3 million) 9. James Harden ($46.6 million) 10. Lewis Hamilton ($46 million)

The Ultimate LinkedIn Checklist - Work It Daily

The Ultimate LinkedIn Checklist - Work It Daily With more than 277 million users in 200 countries/territories, 3 million business pages, 2.1 million groups, and 77% of all published jobs, it’s easy to understand why LinkedIn is the #1 social networking site for professionals. Do you also know that it has generated more than 1 billion endorsements and that 48% of recruiters post their jobs on LinkedIn and nowhere else? Related: 10-Minute LinkedIn Makeover Utilizing LinkedIn is an imperative for professionals in active or passive job searches, but it’s also critical for those savvy enough to prioritize proactive career management. To help you improve your career prospects in up and down markets, here is the ultimate LinkedIn checklist for job seekers and professionals who want to recession-proof their paychecks: 1. Optimize Your Profile Nailing LinkedIn begins with a strong and complete profile, and that means addressing a range of issues. Your goal is to make your profile attractive and professional enough to help you attract the initial connections you need to create a firm foundation for your LinkedIn presence. You Need: An interview-ready Photo A key word-infused Headline A brand-focused custom URL A profile Summary that sets you apart A Specialties sub-section in your summary A well-defined Career Story Short but powerful Position Context Statements Stunning quantified Achievements for each role A Profile Structure that makes your career story easy to read An Age-Proofing strategy if you have 10 years’ experience Close to 50 Skills Expertise listings To maximize your Education credentials A minimum of 2 LinkedIn Groups A minimum of 3 LinkedIn Recommendations A Key Word infusion upgrade strategy To select the appropriate Extra Sections for your profile Profile Add-Ons Links to show your brand in action To confirm your LI public Contact Information 2. Develop Your Network Once your profile is in great shape you’re ready to build your professional network. Because LinkedIn’s algorithm uses your network to produce search results, it is critical that you have a critical mass of connections. The connection and group recommendations below will enable you to achieve that critical mass. You Need To: Build from 0 to 250 Connections Send out Invitations to Connect with key contacts Design an Invitation Connection Strategy begin execution Begin Endorsing your connections as relevant Join an initial 10-15 relevant LinkedIn Groups Ensure your Endorsed Skills are visible on your profile Request at least 1 Recommendation for each position Periodically review enhance your profile’s Key Words 3. Expand Your Networking Reach To propel your network to the next level and attract career opportunities you will need to expand your connections and LinkedIn reach. This in turn expands the results LinkedIn can present you with when you search for people, companies, groups, and jobs on their social networking platform. You Need: Expand your Connections to 500+ Boost your LI Group Memberships to 30-40 Strategically accept appropriate Invitations to Connect Introduce Your Brand to your LI Groups Chime in on LinkedIn Discussions with your insights/opinions Periodically Remove Connections as appropriate Use Group Disconnections as appropriate Use Contact Disconnections as appropriate Personalize your Connection Invitations Begin posting regular Status Updates 4. Cultivate Strategic Connections Sooner or later you may need to create connections in a specific company or a new-to-you industry. One of the benefits to this social networking platform is that you can literally build a network from scratch in weeks to months, depending on how much time you invest in the process. These strategies will help you to leverage your LinkedIn presence to open new doors to career opportunities. For example, check out these 10 Ways to leverage LinkedIn company pages to get your foot in the door. You Need To: Create upload Original Discussion Starters to LI Groups Network with your connections via LinkedIn Messages Boost the frequency of your Status Updates Contribute content to the LinkedIn Influencers Program Conduct Advanced Searches to source recruiters, hiring executives, companies key industry influencers Cultivate Connections with recruiters, hiring executives, companies key industry influencers Source Target Companies follow them Source Target Recruiters court them Source Target Influencers connect with them Use your connections at target companies to find and court Hiring Executives Cull Business Intelligence from company pages you can use in networking meetings/discussions 5. Keep Your Profile Fresh Your LinkedIn Search Rankings High As a database-driven software, LinkedIn favors fresh data. Even if you have the most superlative profile now, it will sink in the search rankings as time goes by simply because it will be perceived by the database to be out of date. It is vital, therefore, that you periodically update and enhance your profile. You Need To: Update your LinkedIn Group Memberships Issue a Status Update or manually Update Your Profile at least monthly Add newly earned career Credentials Add newly completed Professional Development Coursework Add Honors Awards, Publications, Organizations Volunteer Contributions as appropriate Add Work History Achievements Continually enhance update your profile’s Key Words, Specialties Skills Expertise areas Ensure your most critical Endorsements are always visible on your profile; move the highest value skills to the top of the list Expand update your profile Add-Ons to reflect your emerging career brand Expand your Connections to 1000+ Print this checklist and place it in your career management folder (you do have a career management folder, right?) for easy reference. Review it quarterly to help you sustain the health of your online identity and social network. Related Posts 7 LinkedIn Hacks That Will Make Your Job Search 1,000 Times Easier 4 Steps For Building A Great LinkedIn Profile 3 Persuasive Ways To Use LinkedIn Recommendations   Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join For Free!