Tip no 1: Know Your-self
What motivates you to get out of bed each morning? Is it the challenge, is it the money, is it the sense of security and belonging? Work out what will make you eager to jump out of bed each morning to go into work.
Then work out what makes you unique. Look at your strengths, weaknesses, skills, experience and knowledge and see what you have to offer. Understand who you are and what you want. This will then help you work out where you want to be next. Does the thought of what you want to do next make you feel excited? If the answer is yes, then you have set your-self the right goal.
Tip no 2: Brand Yourself
Remember YOU are the product that you are trying to sell. So it is important to spend some time thinking about what image you want to portray and what you stand for? Is it Professional, Risk-taking, Hard-working, Flexible, Dynamic, Driven?
Then think about this – does the product which is YOU deliver these qualities? If not, then you have some work to do on your-self first. Make sure that not only does the brand have the right image, but be sure that the product also delivers quality.
The next step is to think about the value of the brand? Can you increase the perception and hence the value?
Tip no 3: Stay One Step Ahead
Stay one step ahead of the game. There is only thing that you know for certain and it is this – you know we live in a highly dynamic environment where companies and markets are rapidly changing. If you don’t keep up, you will be left behind very quickly.
In these fast moving times, it is imperative to always think one step ahead. What’s next, what do you need to do to move one step ahead. Start to think of your next role. Visualise and imagine that you already have it. How do you need to act? What confidence do you need? Start displaying these qualities now.
Tip no 4: Stand up and Be Seen
Exercise leadership. You can’t afford to crouch behind a desk, buried in daily work and hope for the best. Go beyond your current job description and direct your energy to the top priorities of your boss and your team. Make your-self indispensable.
Promote yourself both internally within the organisation and externally within the whole market place. Do this by showing your results and the tangible outcomes of what you are doing. Be proud of what you have achieved.
Your reputation should pave your way. Make your name by getting involved in successful assignments which allow you to be visible and allow you to network internally and externally.
Tip no 5: Develop yourself
Constantly improve your skills and competencies. You can do this by widespread reading and keeping up to date with companies and market trends. Know what is coming next in your industry. There may be a course you need to do fill in a gap.
Ensure your basics are impeccable, the way you express your-self, the way you write, the way you communicate, even the way you dress. This does make a huge difference.
We live in the age of technology and social media. Make sure you are on top of the latest trends that are evolving; otherwise once again you will get left behind.
