Branding is all about representing yourself to the public in a way that you hope will positively promote your business or service. Either way, no matter your industry, the outside world will still brand you in one way or another. Related: 14 Things That Impact The Quality Of Your Personal Brand Think about singers and actors in Hollywood - they constantly have to reinvent themselves in order to fit the mold of what is trending and stay relevant. Madonna has been the queen of reinvention when it comes to musical acts for the last 30 years. Presently, Miley Cyrus - whether you lover her or hate her - has done a marvelous job of shedding her sweet and innocent Hannah Montana image to the over-the-top, risque, ‘molly-popping’ Miley. The same goes for Taylor Swift. Although her reinvention has been much more low-key than Miley’s, it has not been any less effective. Of course, not all of us need to go from respectively professional to getting undercuts and random tattoos, but there are many benefits to upgrading yourself every now and again.
Fresh-faced graduates receive the same advice from every podium speech they hear before going up to the stage to pick up a piece of paper they spent four years earning and haven’t started paying for: Do what you love, be happy, always wear sunscreen, and success is about building a network around you. What if your network isn't going to help you? QUIZ: What Kind Of Networker Are You? So, you go about building a network of friends, colleagues, old professors, or high school teachers. And of course, you gravitate towards like-minded folk. People in your industry or who have helped you understand that what you’re doing is what you want to do for the rest of your life. People who will remind you the degree that probably put you in debt for the at least the next fifteen years wasn’t a waste of time. But then you hit a moment, three years down the line, or five, or maybe twenty. And you realize you aren’t happy. This isn’t what you wanted, and it took trying the career that you’re in for as long as you did for you to realize it. And sometimes that happens. It’s in our nature to change. Sometimes that change is big, and the job we want and the job we’re in are two completely different things. And at that point, you need to scrap the majority of that network you spent years building to pursue something new and fresh. You need to build a new set of like-minded people in the career you want to go into. It may feel like you’re 23 and awkward all over again, but if this new career is what you want to do, the process is worth it.
In a recent article I was reading, the author explains the concept of the Permission Paradox. In plain terms, it is the contradiction of not being able to get a job without having experience, but also being unable to get the experience needed to land the job. RELATED: Need some job interview advice? Watch these tutorials! This isn’t just relevant to those entering the workforce for the first time, but also to those looking to climb the corporate ladder or changing careers. Because of this ironic statement there needs to be some exceptions to the rule that will allow you to land the valuable interviews you need in order to get your dream job. One of the keys to overcoming the Permission Paradox is understanding that when you apply for any job you will be evaluated along two different lines: your potential to add value in the future and your track record in the areas most specific to the job.
Changing careers can be daunting. Not only do you have to carefully consider everything in leaving your job behind, but you have to calculate the steps needed in order to progress into an alternative career or industry. Related: 4 Secrets To Changing Careers In Your 40s Deciding to change careers is the first step in the process, but alongside the decision come a variety of administrative responsibilities. (If you are yet to quit your existing job, make sure you check out my video on How To Quit Your Job The Right Way by clicking here.) In order to apply for new jobs, you will need the relevant documents: a resume, portfolio, and cover letter.
If work was beer, would your draft be bubbling and full of fizz or stale and bitter? Related: 5 Dynamic Ways To Reinvent Your Career Path Just because your career isn’t turning out the way you expected, it doesn’t mean you have to accept it. This article will explore ways in which you can transform your tedious day job into something that is full of purpose and drive. Here are nine ways to reinvent a stale career.
Everywhere you look, experts say you need a mentor to succeed. Immediately, we picture a Yoda-like figure who will guide us on our road to wherever it is we wish to go. But, shortly after that, most of us realize we don’t have access to anyone that masterful or knowledgeable. Related: Mentoring Vs Managing: Does It Have To Be One Or The Other? Well, my personal approach to mentors is somewhat unusual, but it eliminates the problem above. I believe a mentor is an individual - or resource - that guides and educates those less experienced within a particular industry to become more accustomed to and confident in their roles. I believe mentors can also come in the form of resources, not just physical, living persons. So yes, everyone can access to mentors. In case you were wondering, the word ‘Mentor’ is actually derived from a character in Homer’s The Odyssey where he serves as a friend and council of the main character Odysseus. Despite what you think, the chances are great that you’ve had some form of mentorship in your life. Some friends might have been a source of guidance throughout your life without you realizing it. Defining a mentor already showcases the importance of them, no matter which category of your life you need assistance in, their presence can do wonders for your personal and professional growth. Just in case you’re not sold, here are some reasons why you should invest your time and in some cases, money, in a mentor.
Are you in your 40s and thinking of changing careers? You’re not alone. And you’re certainly not crazy. Related: Career Transition For Middle-Aged Professionals In fact, if there’s ever a time you can - and should - reinvent yourself, that time is now. Below are four ways in which you can start a transition into something better than your status quo.
Asking for a raise is probably as hard as breaking up with your high school boyfriend or girlfriend. It’s something that you know you need to do in order to grow, but you’re not sure exactly when and how to do it. Related: 5 Ways To Get A Raise (Without Asking) This article will explore ways in which you can ask for a raise and help you to get the timing right. (In the rare case that you get denied and decide to quit your job altogether, view this video before handing in your resignation)