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There’s no question that the way we work is changing. In today’s climate, it’s more important than ever to be in control of your career. No one will hand you the perfect job or promotion on a silver platter, and unfortunately, your degree and past experience alone will not get you where you want to go. You have to go out and get it -- you have to take control and manage your career like a boss.
The good news is that managing your career like a boss is not as difficult as it may seem. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to take control of your career.
Read on to learn about "the business of you" in 6 simple steps!
#1 Stop volunteering at work – start promoting yourself instead.
Before volunteering for that next project at work, ask yourself if it will help your career or if you're taking it on because no one else wants to. To get ahead, promote yourself and your skills by being strategic about your tasks and how they fit into your overall goals. This means putting yourself forward for assignments that help your career objectives or align with your core values; and recognizing the power of silence and the importance of saying "No." Being seen as the "yes" resource might get you quick recognition - but it can just as easily lead to career burnout -- there's never any shortage of work.
#2 Know your worth -- never devalue yourself
If you want to be successful in "the business of you", it’s important to know your worth. In other words, you need to be confident in the value you bring to the table. When it comes to determining your professional worth, there are many resources available. Online salary calculators on glassdoor.com or salary.com can be a great place to understand your value in the market overall. The most important thing is to start by looking at what you bring to the table, considering your work ethic and performance reviews. Consider your education and any additional skills you may have as well. This is just the start - consider your skills, experience, and education to get a more accurate estimate of your worth. Once you have a good sense of your worth, you must communicate it to others. When you’re networking or interviewing for a new role, make sure you articulate the value you bring
#3 Work smarter, not harder – focus on quality, not quantity.
We all know the saying, "work smarter, not harder." But what does that actually mean? In the business world, you should focus on producing high-quality work, not long hours. Quantity does not always equal quality. In fact, sometimes, the opposite is true. If you try to do too much, you will likely end up producing subpar work and hurting your professional brand in the long run. It's better to be intentional about doing a few things well than to try to do everything and spread yourself too thin.
Of course, this doesn't mean you should only work a few hours daily, but it does mean that you should focus on doing your best work. Rather than trying to churn out a bunch of low-quality content, focus on creating a few pieces of high-quality content. Not only will this be more likely to impress your boss or client, but it will also save you time and improve your professional brand. There are only so many hours in the day, so be strategic about your professional commitments.
#4 Create a strong personal brand – consistency is key.
Creating a strong personal brand is essential for your career success. It's how you present yourself to the world, and it's based on your actions, words, and appearance. Be aware that other people's perceptions of you may not match your reality, so it's important to be consistent in how you show up to different people. That means presenting yourself in the same way, no matter who you're talking to or the context. It might seem like a lot of work, but it's worth it. A strong, consistent personal brand can open doors, help you advance in your career, and make you more successful.
#5 Be assertive – don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.
To get what you want in your career, you need to be assertive and ask for it. This means being clear about your goals and what you’re looking for. It also means being willing to negotiate – don’t be afraid to ask for what you want, whether it’s a raise, a promotion, or a new assignment. If you don’t ask, you won’t get – so don’t be afraid to speak up!
#6 Network, network, network - build your own set of champions.
A successful career requires a strong network of people you can rely on -- no one succeeds alone. Your network can be your mentors, colleagues, friends, family, or even your career coach. This network will help you to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come your way. Build your network through work events, industry events, meetups, or even connecting with someone on LinkedIn. This is a great way to meet like-minded people, learn about new trends, and find commonalities to deepen your relationships.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful career. So be patient, put in the work, and trust that good thing will come to those who wait. Like any business, your career requires careful management to be successful. The good news is, managing your career is not as complicated as it may seem. By following these five simple steps, you can take charge of your career and start achieving your goals.
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