Consider this a new “condition of employment”. Professionals who choose to manage their careers in the same old ways will find themselves in a precarious position similar to the company who has become stagnant and ineffective -- ending up obsolete and unable to successfully compete. Here's the top ten things you need to do:
1. Stay informed – follow current market and industry dynamics. Identify and study target companies and their toughest competition.
2. Understand the needs of the people/markets your serve through research conducted on-line and in the field through networking.
3. Be a creative solution provider. Understand concerns and anticipate needs.
4. Think in specifics to communicate with clarity.
5. Get connected –as a professional build strong, far reaching relationships - think 6-degrees of separation and create “buckets” or types of relationships that include but are not limited to marketing, promotion, development, finance, collaboration and or mentors.
6. Build strategic alliances and partnerships to expand potential business and learning opportunities.
7. Make energy, enthusiasm and results the mainstay tools in your skill set.
8. Continuously work to improve your oral and written communication skills.
9. Take responsibility for positioning yourself for future opportunities within a three to five year window.
10. Make evaluation and adjustment a consistent part of your professional development practices.
