Today’s Work It Daily Challenge is to write a blog post.
The Internet has given us access to so many things over the past few decades. Whether you’re looking for cute cat videos or up-to-date commentary on a recent event, you can find virtually anything you want.
The Internet also gives you the power to shape your personal brand into anything you want it to be through social media and other websites.
Today, we want you to harness that power and use it to boost your professional brand. Your challenge is to write a blog post using your personal website, a blogging platform, LinkedIn, or something else, and publish it for the world to see.
It’s important to establish yourself as a subject matter expert in your field of expertise. For example, if digital marketing is something you feel you’re an authority on, you could write about digital marketing techniques, strategies, and trends.
That way, when employers or clients search for you online, which is inevitable, you’ll have something for them to find that directly relates to your personal brand and skill sets.
Before you write a blog post, though, here are some tips:
Determine what you’d like to write about and how it ties back to your brand
Figure out where you’re going to publish this blog post
ALWAYS proofread your work, and try to get someone else to read it, too
Share your blog post on your social networks so people know it’s there
Don’t think you’re a good writer? This is the best way to overcome that challenge. The more you work at it, the better it will be. If you need help, there are plenty of free resources out there that can help you be a better blogger. So, take a few minutes to conduct an online search to find the help you need.
When was the last time you took time to write a blog post? What did you write about? Let us know!
Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
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Being honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
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Career growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
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Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
Need help sticking to your career resolutions?
Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.