{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2023-02-01T16:01:12+00:00"},"categoryId":34272,"data":{"title":"General Careers","slug":"general-careers","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"General Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"},"slug":"general-careers","categoryId":34272}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":34256,"title":"Careers","slug":"careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"}},"childCategories":[],"description":"Are you looking for ways to improve your time management? How about ways to build a wall between your work life and home life? Our actionable advice will help you do just that.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=34272&offset=0&size=5"},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":197,"bookCount":10},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":199,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2019-07-17T00:01:56+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-12-21T19:07:38+00:00","timestamp":"2022-12-21T21:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"General Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"},"slug":"general-careers","categoryId":34272}],"title":"Goal Setting: Categorize and Prioritize Your Life Goals","strippedTitle":"goal setting: categorize and prioritize your life goals","slug":"goal-setting-categorize-and-prioritize-your-life-goals","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to prioritize goals to achieve a good balance across six categories: career, health, family, financial, spiritual, and personal.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Creating categories for your goals and establishing timeframes to achieve them sharpens your focus and increases your intensity, which can reduce the time required to achieve your goals. It also allows you to quickly and easily see whether your time investment to the various areas of your life as well as the size and difficulty of your <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/relationships/happiness/how-to-achieve-a-balanced-life-to-find-happiness/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">goals are appropriately balanced</a>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296443\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296443\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/goals-list-adobestock_244632453.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"395\" /> ©DedMitYay / Adobe Stock[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe objective isn’t to spread an equal number and depth of goals among the six categories; the aim is to identify whether one or two of the categories is light compared to the others and to determine whether you need to pay more attention to those areas of your life to develop them.\r\n\r\nIn the end, the purpose is to create a well-rounded system of goals that addresses your whole person and that you’ll have the motivation to actually work toward.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Categorize your goals</h2>\r\nAfter you assign a timeframe to each of your 50 goals, your next step is to assign a category to each one. Typically, your goals fall into one of six categories:\r\n\r\nC = Career goals\r\n\r\nH = Health goals\r\n\r\nF = Family goals\r\n\r\nM = Money/financial goals\r\n\r\nS = Spiritual goals\r\n\r\nP = Personal goals\r\n\r\nWhen determining which category each goal falls under, you’ll find that some goals fall naturally in one specific category. A goal to get be promoted to supervisor at work, for example, is an easy C. Other goals, however, aren’t so easy to peg. Going back to school to earn an MBA may be a C for career, but it also may be a P for personal.\r\n\r\nPlace the goal in whichever category you most closely associate with it, or feel free to place some goals in multiple categories.\r\n\r\nDraft a list of the 50 goals you want to achieve in the next ten years. Then go back through your list of 50 goals and write the appropriate category letter next to each one.\r\n\r\nAfter you label each goal with a category, count the total number of goals you have for each category and record those numbers in the following chart. Then assess the spread of your goals across those categories to see whether they’re well balanced.\r\n\r\nAre you light on health goals? Should you pay more attention to your spiritual life?\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_262816\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-262816\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/habits-balance-goals.jpg\" alt=\"Balance goals\" width=\"535\" height=\"172\" /> Balance your goals across categories with this chart.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Assign a timeframe to each goal</h2>\r\nYou can have anything you want; you just can’t have it all at once and all right now. Just because you establish a goal to lose 20 pounds doesn’t mean you’ll wake up tomorrow with 20 pounds missing from your body. Realizing your goal involves a process that requires specific activity and time.\r\n\r\nRemember that your fabulous 50 list names goals that you want to accomplish within the next 10 years. That said, you may want to see some of them come to fruition much earlier. Some may be immediate — just a year away. Others may require you to first achieve some intermediate goals.\r\n\r\nFor instance, say your goal is to double your income within three years. You know you’re unlikely to receive anywhere close to a 100-percent raise at your current job, so you start exploring other options: a new job that pays more and has a fast-track career path, a second job, freelance or contract projects that you can do on your off-hours, or a real-estate investment that brings in rental income.\r\n\r\nGo back through your list of 50 goals and write a 1, 3, 5, or 10 next to each goal to indicate whether you want to achieve that goal within 1, 3, 5, or 10 years.\r\n\r\nWhen you start thinking about the time you need to attain your goals, make sure you’re being reasonable. Whether or not the timeframe for your goals is reasonable depends entirely on your situation. To help you stay on track, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Consider the timeframe you’d ideally like to accomplish this goal.</strong> Would you be happy if you accomplished it one year or even three years later than your ideal, or are you intent on accomplishing it by a certain time?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Assess the complexity of the goal.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Determine what new knowledge or other resources you may need to accomplish the goal.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Consider what timeframe someone else needed to accomplish a similar goal.</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nAfter you label each goal with a timeframe, tally up the number of goals you have for each time slot and record those totals in the following table. Then assess the spread of your goals across those timeframes to see whether they’re well balanced.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_262815\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-262815\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/habits-goals-timeframe.jpg\" alt=\"Goals timeframe\" width=\"535\" height=\"123\" /> Use this table to tally your goals for each timeframe.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Especially when finances are involved, keep in mind that you should enjoy the process of working toward your goals. Although planning for the future is important, you’re guaranteed only the present. You don’t want to rob yourself of all enjoyment now. Better to live a balanced life while you implement your plan and adjust it as needed when circumstances throw you for a loop.</p>","description":"Creating categories for your goals and establishing timeframes to achieve them sharpens your focus and increases your intensity, which can reduce the time required to achieve your goals. It also allows you to quickly and easily see whether your time investment to the various areas of your life as well as the size and difficulty of your <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/relationships/happiness/how-to-achieve-a-balanced-life-to-find-happiness/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">goals are appropriately balanced</a>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_296443\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-296443\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/goals-list-adobestock_244632453.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"395\" /> ©DedMitYay / Adobe Stock[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe objective isn’t to spread an equal number and depth of goals among the six categories; the aim is to identify whether one or two of the categories is light compared to the others and to determine whether you need to pay more attention to those areas of your life to develop them.\r\n\r\nIn the end, the purpose is to create a well-rounded system of goals that addresses your whole person and that you’ll have the motivation to actually work toward.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Categorize your goals</h2>\r\nAfter you assign a timeframe to each of your 50 goals, your next step is to assign a category to each one. Typically, your goals fall into one of six categories:\r\n\r\nC = Career goals\r\n\r\nH = Health goals\r\n\r\nF = Family goals\r\n\r\nM = Money/financial goals\r\n\r\nS = Spiritual goals\r\n\r\nP = Personal goals\r\n\r\nWhen determining which category each goal falls under, you’ll find that some goals fall naturally in one specific category. A goal to get be promoted to supervisor at work, for example, is an easy C. Other goals, however, aren’t so easy to peg. Going back to school to earn an MBA may be a C for career, but it also may be a P for personal.\r\n\r\nPlace the goal in whichever category you most closely associate with it, or feel free to place some goals in multiple categories.\r\n\r\nDraft a list of the 50 goals you want to achieve in the next ten years. Then go back through your list of 50 goals and write the appropriate category letter next to each one.\r\n\r\nAfter you label each goal with a category, count the total number of goals you have for each category and record those numbers in the following chart. Then assess the spread of your goals across those categories to see whether they’re well balanced.\r\n\r\nAre you light on health goals? Should you pay more attention to your spiritual life?\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_262816\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-262816\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/habits-balance-goals.jpg\" alt=\"Balance goals\" width=\"535\" height=\"172\" /> Balance your goals across categories with this chart.[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Assign a timeframe to each goal</h2>\r\nYou can have anything you want; you just can’t have it all at once and all right now. Just because you establish a goal to lose 20 pounds doesn’t mean you’ll wake up tomorrow with 20 pounds missing from your body. Realizing your goal involves a process that requires specific activity and time.\r\n\r\nRemember that your fabulous 50 list names goals that you want to accomplish within the next 10 years. That said, you may want to see some of them come to fruition much earlier. Some may be immediate — just a year away. Others may require you to first achieve some intermediate goals.\r\n\r\nFor instance, say your goal is to double your income within three years. You know you’re unlikely to receive anywhere close to a 100-percent raise at your current job, so you start exploring other options: a new job that pays more and has a fast-track career path, a second job, freelance or contract projects that you can do on your off-hours, or a real-estate investment that brings in rental income.\r\n\r\nGo back through your list of 50 goals and write a 1, 3, 5, or 10 next to each goal to indicate whether you want to achieve that goal within 1, 3, 5, or 10 years.\r\n\r\nWhen you start thinking about the time you need to attain your goals, make sure you’re being reasonable. Whether or not the timeframe for your goals is reasonable depends entirely on your situation. To help you stay on track, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Consider the timeframe you’d ideally like to accomplish this goal.</strong> Would you be happy if you accomplished it one year or even three years later than your ideal, or are you intent on accomplishing it by a certain time?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Assess the complexity of the goal.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Determine what new knowledge or other resources you may need to accomplish the goal.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Consider what timeframe someone else needed to accomplish a similar goal.</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nAfter you label each goal with a timeframe, tally up the number of goals you have for each time slot and record those totals in the following table. Then assess the spread of your goals across those timeframes to see whether they’re well balanced.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_262815\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-262815\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/habits-goals-timeframe.jpg\" alt=\"Goals timeframe\" width=\"535\" height=\"123\" /> Use this table to tally your goals for each timeframe.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Especially when finances are involved, keep in mind that you should enjoy the process of working toward your goals. Although planning for the future is important, you’re guaranteed only the present. You don’t want to rob yourself of all enjoyment now. Better to live a balanced life while you implement your plan and adjust it as needed when circumstances throw you for a loop.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9228,"name":"Dirk Zeller","slug":"dirk-zeller","description":" <p><b>Dirk Zeller</b> is one of the world&#39;s most published authors on success, time management, productivity, sales, and life balance. He is the author of ten top&#45;selling books, including Telephone Sales For Dummies and Success as a Real Estate Agent For Dummies.</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9228"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34272,"title":"General Careers","slug":"general-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Categorize your goals","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Assign a timeframe to each goal","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":262830,"title":"How to Guarantee Your Retirement Success with a Wealth Plan","slug":"how-to-guarantee-your-retirement-success-with-a-wealth-plan","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/262830"}},{"articleId":262825,"title":"The First Step Toward Financial Success: Define Your Wealth Number","slug":"the-first-step-toward-financial-success-define-your-wealth-number","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/262825"}},{"articleId":262820,"title":"How to Set Your Top 50 Life Goals","slug":"how-to-set-your-top-50-life-goals","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/262820"}},{"articleId":262811,"title":"How to Build Customer and Client Relationships","slug":"how-to-build-customer-and-client-relationships","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/262811"}},{"articleId":262806,"title":"How to Make Friends through Personal Connections","slug":"how-to-make-friends-through-personal-connections","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/262806"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273721,"title":"How to Manage Virtual Teams","slug":"how-to-manage-virtual-teams","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273721"}},{"articleId":273709,"title":"How to Create a New Zoom Account","slug":"how-to-create-a-new-zoom-account","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273709"}},{"articleId":273704,"title":"Text-Only Communication in the Virtual Workplace","slug":"text-only-communication-in-the-virtual-workplace","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273704"}},{"articleId":273697,"title":"Working from Home: Setting Healthy Boundaries","slug":"working-from-home-setting-healthy-boundaries","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273697"}},{"articleId":273692,"title":"How to Build a Connection Culture When Working from Home","slug":"how-to-build-a-connection-culture-when-working-from-home","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273692"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282617,"slug":"success-habits-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119508847","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119508843/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119508843/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119508843-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119508843/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119508843/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/success-habits-for-dummies-cover-9781119508847-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Success Habits For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9228\">Dirk Zeller</b> is recognized internationally as one of the premier speakers and coaches on sales, success, time management, and peak performance. Dirk's proven systems and strategies take ordinary performers and transforms them into extraordinary performers. Zeller's strategies on wealth and success enable anyone to achieve financial independence in their life. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9228,"name":"Dirk Zeller","slug":"dirk-zeller","description":" <p><b>Dirk Zeller</b> is one of the world&#39;s most published authors on success, time management, productivity, sales, and life balance. He is the author of ten top&#45;selling books, including Telephone Sales For Dummies and Success as a Real Estate Agent For Dummies.</p> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9228"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119508847&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63a3740e86d44\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119508847&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63a3740e876bc\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-12-21T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":262814},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:05:51+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-12-02T14:05:36+00:00","timestamp":"2022-12-02T15:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"General Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"},"slug":"general-careers","categoryId":34272}],"title":"Understanding the Challenges of Changing Careers","strippedTitle":"understanding the challenges of changing careers","slug":"understanding-the-challenges-of-changing-careers","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Challenges, like competing with new graduates and your possible need for retraining, are real, but you can overcome these. Read on.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"People typically change careers for one of two reasons: They leave their career or their career leaves them. Either way, employment challenges during a career change are much the same when it comes to marketing yourself in places where you haven’t been before.\r\n\r\nEven when you think you can easily transition from one career field or industry to another, employers can be a hard sell when it comes to greenlighting career changers for a payroll.\r\n\r\nExcept when they’re filling entry level jobs, hiring authorities have a frustrating habit of preferring candidates who have already proven that they can do the work a job requires.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Global trade is changing life for many workers. Technology is automating human processes. Teleconference marketing is replacing sales trips. Highly qualified candidates are being hired on temporary contracts and cut loose when the project is over or the job is shipped offshore to cheaper labor nations.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Challenges to accept and overcome</h2>\r\nKeep your dreams alive as you assume the role of career changer in a new era, but be aware of the challenges you'll face. Consider the following points:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Career change is not job change.</b> A career change involves a marked shift in jobs requiring new primary skills or knowledge, or a totally different work environment — or both.\r\n\r\nFor example, when a manager in the telecom industry leaves one company for another managerial position in the same industry, he makes a job change; when he leaves the telecom industry to become a museum curator he makes a career change to a different job and different industry.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Retraining may be unavoidable. </b>When you attempt to make a clear change to a different kind of job in the same industry, you may well be able to pitch your way into an employer’s graces without investing in additional formal education or training.\r\n\r\nYour challenge is more difficult when you try to change both your job and industry at the same time, but you may be able to pull it off without immediately spending additional time and money in school. However, you won’t be able to get out of educational renewal to satisfy credibility and licensing requirements in such careers as law, public accounting, and nursing.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Employers worry most about risk. </b>Managers are concerned whether the crossover skills you acquired in your former career will translate to your new career. When your skills don’t convert and you can’t do the work, the business suffers a negative impact and — if you’re canned — a risk of being sued for wrongful discharge.\r\n\r\nAnother worry is whether you’ll suffer changer’s remorse, quickly becoming dissatisfied and turning into a “bad hire.” These risks drive employers to seek out directly applicable skills in proven performers.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Your competitors are new graduates. </b>When you’re starting over, you compete with new graduates who are starting out. Expect to be paid entry-level money; an employer is unlikely to compensate you for your 15 years’ experience in another field (unless you can show that your experience can save or earn money for the new employer). Even so, you have an ace up your sleeve: You bring judgment, commitment, high motivation, proven good work habits, and real-world lessons.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"People typically change careers for one of two reasons: They leave their career or their career leaves them. Either way, employment challenges during a career change are much the same when it comes to marketing yourself in places where you haven’t been before.\r\n\r\nEven when you think you can easily transition from one career field or industry to another, employers can be a hard sell when it comes to greenlighting career changers for a payroll.\r\n\r\nExcept when they’re filling entry level jobs, hiring authorities have a frustrating habit of preferring candidates who have already proven that they can do the work a job requires.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Global trade is changing life for many workers. Technology is automating human processes. Teleconference marketing is replacing sales trips. Highly qualified candidates are being hired on temporary contracts and cut loose when the project is over or the job is shipped offshore to cheaper labor nations.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Challenges to accept and overcome</h2>\r\nKeep your dreams alive as you assume the role of career changer in a new era, but be aware of the challenges you'll face. Consider the following points:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Career change is not job change.</b> A career change involves a marked shift in jobs requiring new primary skills or knowledge, or a totally different work environment — or both.\r\n\r\nFor example, when a manager in the telecom industry leaves one company for another managerial position in the same industry, he makes a job change; when he leaves the telecom industry to become a museum curator he makes a career change to a different job and different industry.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Retraining may be unavoidable. </b>When you attempt to make a clear change to a different kind of job in the same industry, you may well be able to pitch your way into an employer’s graces without investing in additional formal education or training.\r\n\r\nYour challenge is more difficult when you try to change both your job and industry at the same time, but you may be able to pull it off without immediately spending additional time and money in school. However, you won’t be able to get out of educational renewal to satisfy credibility and licensing requirements in such careers as law, public accounting, and nursing.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Employers worry most about risk. </b>Managers are concerned whether the crossover skills you acquired in your former career will translate to your new career. When your skills don’t convert and you can’t do the work, the business suffers a negative impact and — if you’re canned — a risk of being sued for wrongful discharge.\r\n\r\nAnother worry is whether you’ll suffer changer’s remorse, quickly becoming dissatisfied and turning into a “bad hire.” These risks drive employers to seek out directly applicable skills in proven performers.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Your competitors are new graduates. </b>When you’re starting over, you compete with new graduates who are starting out. Expect to be paid entry-level money; an employer is unlikely to compensate you for your 15 years’ experience in another field (unless you can show that your experience can save or earn money for the new employer). Even so, you have an ace up your sleeve: You bring judgment, commitment, high motivation, proven good work habits, and real-world lessons.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34272,"title":"General Careers","slug":"general-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Challenges to accept and overcome","target":"#tab1"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273721,"title":"How to Manage Virtual Teams","slug":"how-to-manage-virtual-teams","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273721"}},{"articleId":273709,"title":"How to Create a New Zoom Account","slug":"how-to-create-a-new-zoom-account","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273709"}},{"articleId":273704,"title":"Text-Only Communication in the Virtual Workplace","slug":"text-only-communication-in-the-virtual-workplace","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273704"}},{"articleId":273697,"title":"Working from Home: Setting Healthy Boundaries","slug":"working-from-home-setting-healthy-boundaries","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273697"}},{"articleId":273692,"title":"How to Build a Connection Culture When Working from Home","slug":"how-to-build-a-connection-culture-when-working-from-home","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273692"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[{"title":"Career Shifting","slug":"career-shifting","collectionId":295890}],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-638a132e72808\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-638a132e72ec8\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-12-02T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":196141},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T16:03:02+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-12-01T15:09:54+00:00","timestamp":"2022-12-01T18:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"General Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"},"slug":"general-careers","categoryId":34272}],"title":"Personal Branding for a Second Career","strippedTitle":"personal branding for a second career","slug":"personal-branding-for-a-second-career","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"These tips help you see yourself in a new light and prepare for a new marketplace as you step forward into a different career.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Your personal brand can help ease the pain of transitioning to a new career by reminding you that at your core, you’re still you and need to be your authentic self. Your reinvented self may be wearing a new outfit, but in all that you do, no matter what you call yourself, you are still you.\r\n\r\nYour personal brand helps you identify those core pieces of yourself that you want to express and use in the world.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >See a new, positive way forward</h2>\r\nYour biggest obstacle in launching a second career may reside in your own mind. Shift your mindset and build your confidence. Head into your second career knowing it’s a new season. Start out expecting great things. Turn your negative thoughts into the positive actions you can take to get to where you want to be.\r\n\r\nHere are tips to prepare yourself for the necessary changes:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Starting now, think and talk differently about yourself and your future.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t use age as an excuse not to get the job you want.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Focus on what you’ve gained from your wealth of experience and what you have that younger applicants don’t.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Target companies that value the skills and experience of seasoned professionals by seeking out industries known for hiring older workers.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Research smaller companies in your area, which may be more open than larger companies to hiring mature workers. Reach out to the owners and managers directly.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Accept this different marketplace</h2>\r\nAccept the fact that you’re competing in a marketplace very different from what existed in the past. Learn about today’s workplace, accept it, and leverage it to your advantage. Work to better understand generational differences.\r\n\r\nFor example, keep in mind that mature workers are generally seen as loyal, dependable, hardworking, and honest. Also know that mature workers are considered <i>not</i> to be tech savvy and energetic.\r\n\r\nUse the positive assumptions to your advantage and be proactive about addressing the negative assumptions. For example:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Are you current with technology and social media?</b> Update your skills and education where needed. Show your prospective employer that you’re a lifelong learner.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Are you current in your appearance?</b> Yes, it matters. If you think you’re not, meet with an image consultant and follow that person’s advice.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Does your energy come across, or have you put a few extra pounds on that slow you down?</b> Now is the time to join a gym and get the help you need.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">You may have to do something you’ve never done — personal sales and marketing. You can be an amazing talent, but if nobody knows about you, it doesn’t matter! Especially if you’re starting over in a new industry, you have to raise your visibility as an expert in your new niche.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Promote your talent and experience</h2>\r\nConvince the people you meet that you’re an undiscovered source of talent. Expand your own thinking about your capabilities, and announce your abilities to the world.\r\n\r\nMake sure that you’re communicating your unique personal brand value in everything you do by\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Crafting your online profile and identity</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Reconnecting with and/or building your network</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Connecting with local groups and associations</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Seeking out volunteer opportunities</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Speaking, writing, teaching, and consulting</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nHere’s the great news: Studies show that most workers who change careers at older ages say they enjoy the new job more than the old job. So look at this time of change as a new opportunity to follow the dream you’ve always wanted to achieve.\r\n\r\nAsk yourself how can you combine your wealth of experience, knowledge, and personality to deliver something that the younger workforce can’t. Brand yourself to stand out, regardless of your age.","description":"Your personal brand can help ease the pain of transitioning to a new career by reminding you that at your core, you’re still you and need to be your authentic self. Your reinvented self may be wearing a new outfit, but in all that you do, no matter what you call yourself, you are still you.\r\n\r\nYour personal brand helps you identify those core pieces of yourself that you want to express and use in the world.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >See a new, positive way forward</h2>\r\nYour biggest obstacle in launching a second career may reside in your own mind. Shift your mindset and build your confidence. Head into your second career knowing it’s a new season. Start out expecting great things. Turn your negative thoughts into the positive actions you can take to get to where you want to be.\r\n\r\nHere are tips to prepare yourself for the necessary changes:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Starting now, think and talk differently about yourself and your future.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t use age as an excuse not to get the job you want.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Focus on what you’ve gained from your wealth of experience and what you have that younger applicants don’t.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Target companies that value the skills and experience of seasoned professionals by seeking out industries known for hiring older workers.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Research smaller companies in your area, which may be more open than larger companies to hiring mature workers. Reach out to the owners and managers directly.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Accept this different marketplace</h2>\r\nAccept the fact that you’re competing in a marketplace very different from what existed in the past. Learn about today’s workplace, accept it, and leverage it to your advantage. Work to better understand generational differences.\r\n\r\nFor example, keep in mind that mature workers are generally seen as loyal, dependable, hardworking, and honest. Also know that mature workers are considered <i>not</i> to be tech savvy and energetic.\r\n\r\nUse the positive assumptions to your advantage and be proactive about addressing the negative assumptions. For example:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Are you current with technology and social media?</b> Update your skills and education where needed. Show your prospective employer that you’re a lifelong learner.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Are you current in your appearance?</b> Yes, it matters. If you think you’re not, meet with an image consultant and follow that person’s advice.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Does your energy come across, or have you put a few extra pounds on that slow you down?</b> Now is the time to join a gym and get the help you need.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">You may have to do something you’ve never done — personal sales and marketing. You can be an amazing talent, but if nobody knows about you, it doesn’t matter! Especially if you’re starting over in a new industry, you have to raise your visibility as an expert in your new niche.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Promote your talent and experience</h2>\r\nConvince the people you meet that you’re an undiscovered source of talent. Expand your own thinking about your capabilities, and announce your abilities to the world.\r\n\r\nMake sure that you’re communicating your unique personal brand value in everything you do by\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Crafting your online profile and identity</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Reconnecting with and/or building your network</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Connecting with local groups and associations</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Seeking out volunteer opportunities</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Speaking, writing, teaching, and consulting</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nHere’s the great news: Studies show that most workers who change careers at older ages say they enjoy the new job more than the old job. So look at this time of change as a new opportunity to follow the dream you’ve always wanted to achieve.\r\n\r\nAsk yourself how can you combine your wealth of experience, knowledge, and personality to deliver something that the younger workforce can’t. Brand yourself to stand out, regardless of your age.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9407,"name":"Susan Chritton","slug":"susan-chritton","description":" <p><b>Susan Chritton</b> is a Master Personal Brand Strategist, Executive Career Coach, and Master Career Counselor. She guides professionals looking to engage their authentic self in the world through personal branding. Visit her website at www.susanchritton.com.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9407"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34272,"title":"General Careers","slug":"general-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"See a new, positive way forward","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Accept this different marketplace","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Promote your talent and experience","target":"#tab3"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273721,"title":"How to Manage Virtual Teams","slug":"how-to-manage-virtual-teams","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273721"}},{"articleId":273709,"title":"How to Create a New Zoom Account","slug":"how-to-create-a-new-zoom-account","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273709"}},{"articleId":273704,"title":"Text-Only Communication in the Virtual Workplace","slug":"text-only-communication-in-the-virtual-workplace","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273704"}},{"articleId":273697,"title":"Working from Home: Setting Healthy Boundaries","slug":"working-from-home-setting-healthy-boundaries","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273697"}},{"articleId":273692,"title":"How to Build a Connection Culture When Working from Home","slug":"how-to-build-a-connection-culture-when-working-from-home","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273692"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[{"title":"Career Shifting","slug":"career-shifting","collectionId":295890}],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6388ebde813a3\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6388ebde82523\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-12-01T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":172081},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:05:41+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-12-01T14:59:51+00:00","timestamp":"2022-12-01T15:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"General Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"},"slug":"general-careers","categoryId":34272}],"title":"Tips for Making a Successful Career Change","strippedTitle":"tips for making a successful career change","slug":"tips-for-making-a-successful-career-change","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"If you've decided on a career change, give yourself plenty of time to plan ahead. Consider the following before making that jump.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Listen, we've all been there. Sometimes it feels as though your career path is simply not for you, not fulfilling or challenging you in all the right ways. You can try to work around these doubts but if you've already decided on a career change — whether by choice or necessity — give yourself plenty of time to plan ahead. Consider the following before making that jump.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_288047\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"wp-image-288047 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/career-change.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"419\" /> @ Saulo Mohana / Unsplash.com[/caption]\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Connect with others in your intended field</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When<i> </i>your change is voluntary, at least six months in advance of your leap, join a professional association of members in the career field or industry where you want to go.</p>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When your change is involuntary and you’re suddenly left high and dry, assemble a personal network of people who can guide you into your intended field. Find out who’s who and what’s happening with professionals who can connect you with employment. Ask what you should read and what workshops you should attend. Ask if you can visit a professional’s workplace as an observer.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Educate yourself</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Seek out short-term certificate programs and workshops offered during industry conferences, as well as those available locally. If you study online, get the scoop on the pluses and pitfalls of distance learning. Here's one valuable resource to get you started: <a href=\"http://www.geteducated.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GetEducated.com</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Bone up on the industry</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do some extensive research on your proposed destination. Those greener pastures sometimes bleach out when something about the work isn’t what one realistically expects or can do well. Also, learn to talk the talk. Study the lingo of prospective new colleagues and you’ll seem like one of them already.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Brace yourself for interview pitfalls</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When you find yourself trapped in a behavior-based interview setting and you’re coming up short trying to answer a question about what you have done that’s relevant to the new career, answer quickly. And then reframe your response segueing from behavior-based interviewing (the past) to situational interviewing (the future), such as: \"That’s a good question. And here’s what I would do if we decide I’m the right person for this position. I would . . . .\"</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Make the experience connection</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The bridge you use to join the old with the new must be rational and reasonable. Your qualifications have to come from somewhere — skills you already possess, volunteer work, part-time jobs, training, hobbies, and so forth. Strive to present a believable relationship between your qualifications and the career you’re targeting.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Accentuate the positive</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t say you hope to change careers because there are no more jobs in your field. An exception might be when a condition is well known, such as real estate agents who got out during the recent downturn in home sales. Even then, add that you’d been thinking about making a change for a couple of years and have decided to redesign your life for a better fit with your priorities and goals.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Tell true stories</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Expect to be asked the same kinds of questions that new graduates often face, such as some version of “Why shouldn’t we hire someone more experienced in this line of work?” When you work out your answers, remember to tell your story — that is, back up your claims of superior qualities with true examples of achievement. Otherwise, what you claim will likely be blown off as hot air. You must be believable.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Inventory your core skills and knowledge</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Sort through to see which will crossover to a different industry or career field. Push them to the front of your memory where you can find and translate them as needed.</p>","description":"Listen, we've all been there. Sometimes it feels as though your career path is simply not for you, not fulfilling or challenging you in all the right ways. You can try to work around these doubts but if you've already decided on a career change — whether by choice or necessity — give yourself plenty of time to plan ahead. Consider the following before making that jump.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_288047\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"wp-image-288047 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/career-change.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"419\" /> @ Saulo Mohana / Unsplash.com[/caption]\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Connect with others in your intended field</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When<i> </i>your change is voluntary, at least six months in advance of your leap, join a professional association of members in the career field or industry where you want to go.</p>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When your change is involuntary and you’re suddenly left high and dry, assemble a personal network of people who can guide you into your intended field. Find out who’s who and what’s happening with professionals who can connect you with employment. Ask what you should read and what workshops you should attend. Ask if you can visit a professional’s workplace as an observer.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Educate yourself</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Seek out short-term certificate programs and workshops offered during industry conferences, as well as those available locally. If you study online, get the scoop on the pluses and pitfalls of distance learning. Here's one valuable resource to get you started: <a href=\"http://www.geteducated.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GetEducated.com</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Bone up on the industry</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do some extensive research on your proposed destination. Those greener pastures sometimes bleach out when something about the work isn’t what one realistically expects or can do well. Also, learn to talk the talk. Study the lingo of prospective new colleagues and you’ll seem like one of them already.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Brace yourself for interview pitfalls</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When you find yourself trapped in a behavior-based interview setting and you’re coming up short trying to answer a question about what you have done that’s relevant to the new career, answer quickly. And then reframe your response segueing from behavior-based interviewing (the past) to situational interviewing (the future), such as: \"That’s a good question. And here’s what I would do if we decide I’m the right person for this position. I would . . . .\"</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Make the experience connection</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The bridge you use to join the old with the new must be rational and reasonable. Your qualifications have to come from somewhere — skills you already possess, volunteer work, part-time jobs, training, hobbies, and so forth. Strive to present a believable relationship between your qualifications and the career you’re targeting.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Accentuate the positive</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t say you hope to change careers because there are no more jobs in your field. An exception might be when a condition is well known, such as real estate agents who got out during the recent downturn in home sales. Even then, add that you’d been thinking about making a change for a couple of years and have decided to redesign your life for a better fit with your priorities and goals.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Tell true stories</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Expect to be asked the same kinds of questions that new graduates often face, such as some version of “Why shouldn’t we hire someone more experienced in this line of work?” When you work out your answers, remember to tell your story — that is, back up your claims of superior qualities with true examples of achievement. Otherwise, what you claim will likely be blown off as hot air. You must be believable.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"first-para\"><b>Inventory your core skills and knowledge</b></h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Sort through to see which will crossover to a different industry or career field. Push them to the front of your memory where you can find and translate them as needed.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34272,"title":"General Careers","slug":"general-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Connect with others in your intended field","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Educate yourself","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Bone up on the industry","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Brace yourself for interview pitfalls","target":"#tab4"},{"label":"Make the experience connection","target":"#tab5"},{"label":"Accentuate the positive","target":"#tab6"},{"label":"Tell true stories","target":"#tab7"},{"label":"Inventory your core skills and knowledge","target":"#tab8"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273721,"title":"How to Manage Virtual Teams","slug":"how-to-manage-virtual-teams","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273721"}},{"articleId":273709,"title":"How to Create a New Zoom Account","slug":"how-to-create-a-new-zoom-account","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273709"}},{"articleId":273704,"title":"Text-Only Communication in the Virtual Workplace","slug":"text-only-communication-in-the-virtual-workplace","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273704"}},{"articleId":273697,"title":"Working from Home: Setting Healthy Boundaries","slug":"working-from-home-setting-healthy-boundaries","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273697"}},{"articleId":273692,"title":"How to Build a Connection Culture When Working from Home","slug":"how-to-build-a-connection-culture-when-working-from-home","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273692"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[{"title":"Career Shifting","slug":"career-shifting","collectionId":295890}],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6388c1ae83763\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6388c1ae847a5\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-01T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":196120},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:42:25+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-11-28T20:34:45+00:00","timestamp":"2022-11-28T21:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"General Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"},"slug":"general-careers","categoryId":34272}],"title":"Don't Let Fear Get in the Way of Success","strippedTitle":"don't let fear get in the way of success","slug":"dont-let-fear-get-in-the-way-of-success","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Fear of failure is a common condition, but there are ways to overcome it. Check out these techniques for forging ahead.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Fear of failure is probably the second biggest cause of failure. The first is fear of the unknown — just watch any horror movie. The easiest way to overcome these fears is to take action. Don't succumb to the common affliction of paralysis by analysis. Simply forge ahead with your plans.\r\n\r\nIf you don't like that approach, following, are several techniques you can use to reduce and perhaps even eliminate the fear that's weighing you down.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Fear isn't necessarily bad. It can motivate you to achieve even higher levels of success, if you handle it properly. Let fear motivate you, not defeat you.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Researching the viability of an idea or opportunity</h2>\r\nYou may be able to ease into a risky venture through research and planning. If you're afraid of implementing a new plan because of the risks you think are involved or the amount of time, effort, and money it may require, research in books, the Internet, and periodicals. The mere act of taking the initiative to do some research can give you the momentum you need to actually launch your new idea.\r\n\r\nDon't get in the rut of thinking that research is an end in itself. You eventually have to make a decision and then take action. You won't hit anything if you don't pull the trigger.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Following the footprints</h2>\r\nSuccess leaves huge footprints that are pretty tough to miss. As you perform your initial research, keep an eye peeled for footprints along the same path you want to take and discuss your ideas with trustworthy colleagues and friends. Many times, simply talking about an idea generates enough buzz to drive the people you really need to talk to directly to your door.\r\n\r\nAfter you identify those who've succeeded before you, contact them to discuss your ideas. The most highly successful people are usually the most generous with their time and expertise. After all, that's probably how they became highly successful.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Setting achievable milestones</h2>\r\nWhen you have a vision that seems overwhelming and perhaps grandiose in the eyes of some, break it down into more manageable units. Then, identify one task and get started. Getting started is often the hardest part. Each little success can spur you on to the next project, and your momentum can carry you somewhere you've never imagined, so just get started and find out the rest later.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Focusing on the present</h2>\r\nWhen it comes to implementing a new strategy or technology that can boost business, don't let concerns about the future or about costs paralyze you. Jot down a list of tasks you must accomplish to achieve your goal and then run through the list, tackling one task after another. Eventually, you'll discover that you've run out of tasks and have achieved your goal.","description":"Fear of failure is probably the second biggest cause of failure. The first is fear of the unknown — just watch any horror movie. The easiest way to overcome these fears is to take action. Don't succumb to the common affliction of paralysis by analysis. Simply forge ahead with your plans.\r\n\r\nIf you don't like that approach, following, are several techniques you can use to reduce and perhaps even eliminate the fear that's weighing you down.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Fear isn't necessarily bad. It can motivate you to achieve even higher levels of success, if you handle it properly. Let fear motivate you, not defeat you.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Researching the viability of an idea or opportunity</h2>\r\nYou may be able to ease into a risky venture through research and planning. If you're afraid of implementing a new plan because of the risks you think are involved or the amount of time, effort, and money it may require, research in books, the Internet, and periodicals. The mere act of taking the initiative to do some research can give you the momentum you need to actually launch your new idea.\r\n\r\nDon't get in the rut of thinking that research is an end in itself. You eventually have to make a decision and then take action. You won't hit anything if you don't pull the trigger.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Following the footprints</h2>\r\nSuccess leaves huge footprints that are pretty tough to miss. As you perform your initial research, keep an eye peeled for footprints along the same path you want to take and discuss your ideas with trustworthy colleagues and friends. Many times, simply talking about an idea generates enough buzz to drive the people you really need to talk to directly to your door.\r\n\r\nAfter you identify those who've succeeded before you, contact them to discuss your ideas. The most highly successful people are usually the most generous with their time and expertise. After all, that's probably how they became highly successful.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Setting achievable milestones</h2>\r\nWhen you have a vision that seems overwhelming and perhaps grandiose in the eyes of some, break it down into more manageable units. Then, identify one task and get started. Getting started is often the hardest part. Each little success can spur you on to the next project, and your momentum can carry you somewhere you've never imagined, so just get started and find out the rest later.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Focusing on the present</h2>\r\nWhen it comes to implementing a new strategy or technology that can boost business, don't let concerns about the future or about costs paralyze you. Jot down a list of tasks you must accomplish to achieve your goal and then run through the list, tackling one task after another. Eventually, you'll discover that you've run out of tasks and have achieved your goal.","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34272,"title":"General Careers","slug":"general-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Researching the viability of an idea or opportunity","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Following the footprints","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Setting achievable milestones","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Focusing on the present","target":"#tab4"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273721,"title":"How to Manage Virtual Teams","slug":"how-to-manage-virtual-teams","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273721"}},{"articleId":273709,"title":"How to Create a New Zoom Account","slug":"how-to-create-a-new-zoom-account","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273709"}},{"articleId":273704,"title":"Text-Only Communication in the Virtual Workplace","slug":"text-only-communication-in-the-virtual-workplace","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273704"}},{"articleId":273697,"title":"Working from Home: Setting Healthy Boundaries","slug":"working-from-home-setting-healthy-boundaries","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273697"}},{"articleId":273692,"title":"How to Build a Connection Culture When Working from Home","slug":"how-to-build-a-connection-culture-when-working-from-home","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273692"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6385218f5c123\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6385218f5c981\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-11-28T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":199364},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T11:02:49+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-08-16T19:23:31+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:55+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"General Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"},"slug":"general-careers","categoryId":34272}],"title":"How to Use Your Personal Brand to Compile a Printed Portfolio","strippedTitle":"how to use your personal brand to compile a printed portfolio","slug":"how-to-use-your-personal-brand-to-compile-a-printed-portfolio","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Why not infuse your portfolio with your personal brand? A portfolio is a collection of documents that validate your accomplishments and professional achievement","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Why not infuse your portfolio with your personal brand? A <i>portfolio</i> is a collection of documents that validate your accomplishments and professional achievements when you go on a job interview (or when you meet with a new client).\r\n\r\nThis tool helps you remember all that you have done in your past to build your personal brand. Portfolios provide evidence of your credibility. Having possession of your documents not only provides proof of your work to use as a marketing tool but gives you the confidence to speak to your brand.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Your portfolio may be compiled in a section of your file cabinet, scanned into an electronic file on your computer, or put into a file box. These days, portfolios are often saved to online repositories — such as <a href=\"http://Espressowork.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Espressowork.com</a> and, for creative work, <a href=\"http://www.behance.net\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Behance.net</a> — that provide electronic access to all these documents. Follow the steps at <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Career-Portfolio\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wikihow</a> to create your own portfolio.</p>\r\nBut even as society moves away from paper and toward the computing cloud, it’s a good idea to create a portfolio binder that contains paper copies of documents that demonstrate who you are.\r\n\r\nSharing such a binder with a prospective employer or new client is an impressive way to highlight and prove that you have done what you have said you could do on your resume. This printed portfolio is especially helpful for people who need to show writing samples or visual representation of their work.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 297px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/436869.image0.jpg\" alt=\"[Credit: Courtesy of Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI]\" width=\"297\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCredit\">Credit: Courtesy of Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI</div>\r\n</div>\r\nHere are some things to include in your portfolio:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your branded resume</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your branded biography</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Letters of recommendation, at least one or two of which are current</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Sample projects</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Articles that you have written</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Past business cards</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Academic degrees</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Certifications and licenses</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Employee reviews</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A list of key successes from your work</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A list of awards you have received</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Volunteer service documents</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A list of professional contributions, such as committees you have chaired or evidence of how you have contributed to your profession</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Thank-you notes you have received</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Social networking site profiles</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Print copies of multimedia presentations you have created</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"Why not infuse your portfolio with your personal brand? A <i>portfolio</i> is a collection of documents that validate your accomplishments and professional achievements when you go on a job interview (or when you meet with a new client).\r\n\r\nThis tool helps you remember all that you have done in your past to build your personal brand. Portfolios provide evidence of your credibility. Having possession of your documents not only provides proof of your work to use as a marketing tool but gives you the confidence to speak to your brand.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Your portfolio may be compiled in a section of your file cabinet, scanned into an electronic file on your computer, or put into a file box. These days, portfolios are often saved to online repositories — such as <a href=\"http://Espressowork.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Espressowork.com</a> and, for creative work, <a href=\"http://www.behance.net\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Behance.net</a> — that provide electronic access to all these documents. Follow the steps at <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Career-Portfolio\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wikihow</a> to create your own portfolio.</p>\r\nBut even as society moves away from paper and toward the computing cloud, it’s a good idea to create a portfolio binder that contains paper copies of documents that demonstrate who you are.\r\n\r\nSharing such a binder with a prospective employer or new client is an impressive way to highlight and prove that you have done what you have said you could do on your resume. This printed portfolio is especially helpful for people who need to show writing samples or visual representation of their work.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 297px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/436869.image0.jpg\" alt=\"[Credit: Courtesy of Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI]\" width=\"297\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCredit\">Credit: Courtesy of Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI</div>\r\n</div>\r\nHere are some things to include in your portfolio:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your branded resume</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your branded biography</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Letters of recommendation, at least one or two of which are current</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Sample projects</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Articles that you have written</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Past business cards</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Academic degrees</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Certifications and licenses</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Employee reviews</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A list of key successes from your work</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A list of awards you have received</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Volunteer service documents</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A list of professional contributions, such as committees you have chaired or evidence of how you have contributed to your profession</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Thank-you notes you have received</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Social networking site profiles</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Print copies of multimedia presentations you have created</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9407,"name":"Susan Chritton","slug":"susan-chritton","description":" <p><b>Susan Chritton</b> is a Master Personal Brand Strategist, Executive Career Coach, and Master Career Counselor. She guides professionals looking to engage their authentic self in the world through personal branding. Visit her website at www.susanchritton.com.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9407"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34272,"title":"General Careers","slug":"general-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207677,"title":"Personal Branding For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"personal-branding-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207677"}},{"articleId":172067,"title":"Personal Branding for Women: Highlighting Strengths","slug":"personal-branding-for-women-highlighting-strengths","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/172067"}},{"articleId":172012,"title":"Design Your Personal Logo","slug":"design-your-personal-logo","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/172012"}},{"articleId":152332,"title":"Building Your Personal Brand","slug":"building-your-personal-brand","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/152332"}},{"articleId":152323,"title":"Reaching Your Target Market","slug":"reaching-your-target-market","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/152323"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273721,"title":"How to Manage Virtual Teams","slug":"how-to-manage-virtual-teams","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273721"}},{"articleId":273709,"title":"How to Create a New Zoom Account","slug":"how-to-create-a-new-zoom-account","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273709"}},{"articleId":273704,"title":"Text-Only Communication in the Virtual Workplace","slug":"text-only-communication-in-the-virtual-workplace","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273704"}},{"articleId":273697,"title":"Working from Home: Setting Healthy Boundaries","slug":"working-from-home-setting-healthy-boundaries","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273697"}},{"articleId":273692,"title":"How to Build a Connection Culture When Working from Home","slug":"how-to-build-a-connection-culture-when-working-from-home","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273692"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282455,"slug":"personal-branding-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9781118915554","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118915550/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1118915550/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1118915550-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1118915550/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1118915550/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/personal-branding-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9781118915554-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Personal Branding For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9407\">Susan Chritton</b> is a Master Personal Brand Strategist, Executive Career Coach, and Master Career Counselor. She guides professionals looking to engage their authentic self in the world through personal branding. Visit her website at www.susanchritton.com.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9407,"name":"Susan Chritton","slug":"susan-chritton","description":" <p><b>Susan Chritton</b> is a Master Personal Brand Strategist, Executive Career Coach, and Master Career Counselor. She guides professionals looking to engage their authentic self in the world through personal branding. Visit her website at www.susanchritton.com.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9407"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118915554&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b4ba0670\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118915554&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b4ba113d\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-07-19T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":150097},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T11:02:51+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-08-10T19:54:15+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:53+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"General Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"},"slug":"general-careers","categoryId":34272}],"title":"How to Develop Your Unique Promise of Value and Personal Brand Statement","strippedTitle":"how to develop your unique promise of value and personal brand statement","slug":"how-to-develop-your-unique-promise-of-value-and-personal-brand-statement","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to create a promise of value and personal brand statement that communicates the value you can deliver.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Your unique promise of value and your personal brand statement are closely linked; the statement is an expression of the promise. Both of them focus on what your target audience expects from you; they create an expectation of what you can deliver.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">These pieces of your personal brand profile are probably the most important (no pressure!), so you want to take your time and get them right before you start to communicate with your target audience.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Identifying your unique promise of value</h2>\r\nYour <i>unique promise of value</i> is a promise that you make to your target market that your brand will fulfill. It’s the personal aspect of your brand that is aligned with your mission and values. Your promise of value is the essence of what you have to offer and guides you in how you live your personal brand.\r\n\r\nIt clarifies and communicates what makes you special — what makes you different from other people. Crafting this promise requires understanding your values, interests, strengths, and personal qualities and using them to distinguish yourself.\r\n\r\nLida Citroën, in her book <i>Reputation 360</i> (Palisades Publishing), offers this advice when crafting your brand promise:\r\n<blockquote>Your brand promise should look something like this: “In order to be known for (your desired brand qualities), I will hold myself out to others in this way: (your behavior, actions, attitude); and I will demonstrate authenticity in this way: (how you will let people see you as real, genuine). I will know my brand promise is working when I see this: (benefits, goals you hope to achieve).”</blockquote>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">You must be able to live up to your promise of value. You’re always better off under-promising and over-delivering to those you serve. Your brand promise is what you want to be known for. It can be the promise of value of who you are today or it can be written as who you aspire to become.</p>\r\nHere’s an example of a unique promise of value:\r\n<blockquote>I am known for my creativity, enthusiasm, and intelligence by serving each client with respect, giving them individual attention, and treating them with unconditional positive regard. I am an expert in my field and use my knowledge to help my clients and students excel. My clients appreciate my solid, grounded approach during times of transition and trust my guidance through the process.</blockquote>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Move from your promise to your personal brand statement</h2>\r\nAfter you’re satisfied with what you’ve developed as your unique promise of value, you can turn your attention to writing the all-important personal brand statement.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">When you work on your own statement, keep in mind the central themes that emerge and think about your attributes. Then, envision your best self!</p>\r\nTo begin your thought process on what your brand might include, answer the following questions:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">What three or four keywords describe your essential qualities quickly and clearly?</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">What is your <i>essence factor,</i> the core of who you are? “I know I am in my element when __________.”</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">What is your <i>authority factor,</i> the knowledge that you hold and skills that you possess? “People recognize my expertise in _________.”</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">What is your <i>superstar factor,</i> the qualities that set you apart? (This factor is how you get things done or what you’re known for.) “People comment on my ability to ___________.”</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Pepper your statement with “wow” words</h3>\r\nWhen writing your personal brand statement, you want to use words that best describe what you offer. The words you use should highlight your emotional attributes and motivate you so that you can deliver that brand to your target audience.\r\n\r\nThen, to communicate the action in your message, add key verbs like the ones listed here.\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Accomplish</td>\r\n<td>Analyze</td>\r\n<td>Articulate</td>\r\n<td>Budget</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Calculate</td>\r\n<td>Capitalize</td>\r\n<td>Classify</td>\r\n<td>Close</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Collaborate</td>\r\n<td>Communicate</td>\r\n<td>Conceptualize</td>\r\n<td>Conclude</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Decrease</td>\r\n<td>Demonstrate</td>\r\n<td>Distribute</td>\r\n<td>Educate</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Empower</td>\r\n<td>Engineer</td>\r\n<td>Enhance</td>\r\n<td>Examine</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Exceed</td>\r\n<td>Generate</td>\r\n<td>Identify</td>\r\n<td>Influence</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Integrate</td>\r\n<td>Listen</td>\r\n<td>Manufacture</td>\r\n<td>Mastermind</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Maximize</td>\r\n<td>Navigate</td>\r\n<td>Network</td>\r\n<td>Organize</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Pilot</td>\r\n<td>Pioneer</td>\r\n<td>Prospect</td>\r\n<td>Rebuild</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Redesign</td>\r\n<td>Reengineer</td>\r\n<td>Rehabilitate</td>\r\n<td>Simplify</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Slash</td>\r\n<td>Sold</td>\r\n<td>Strategize</td>\r\n<td>Supervise</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Systematize</td>\r\n<td>Teach</td>\r\n<td>Transition</td>\r\n<td>Upgrade</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n<h3>Drafting your statement</h3>\r\nTo give you a sense of what a personal brand statement could look like, here are examples:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>I am passionate about the development of people and am able to lighten the mood with my humor. I enjoy bringing that competitive spirit to solving my clients’ key advertising problems. The continuous challenge to learn fuels my love of accumulating knowledge.</li>\r\n \t<li>Driven by the energy of connections to others, I apply my solid intelligence as the interpreter of complex issues to create practical solutions while bringing a sense of fun into every situation.</li>\r\n \t<li>Grounded in my core beliefs, I identify the patterns and am able to look strategically into the future with a global perspective.</li>\r\n \t<li>Analyzing the DNA blueprint for my clients, I act as the bond between science and business to find opportunities by joining people and businesses through unique value-added insights.</li>\r\n \t<li>Acting as the conductor to the orchestra of people that I lead, I bring the pieces together to close</li>\r\n \t<li>I am the visionary sales leader of the South American practice. my customers count on me to navigate the complexities of multinational business. I am admired for not only how I lead my high-growth business but also for my work in the community in creating pathways out of poverty for those that I serve.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nMy own statement reads this way:\r\n<blockquote>I bring creativity and enthusiasm into the lives of professionals using my expertise in career development and personal branding with an intelligent, customized approach.</blockquote>\r\nGather keywords to use as a starting point for writing your statement, and then let it simmer until you know how you want to express yourself.","description":"Your unique promise of value and your personal brand statement are closely linked; the statement is an expression of the promise. Both of them focus on what your target audience expects from you; they create an expectation of what you can deliver.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">These pieces of your personal brand profile are probably the most important (no pressure!), so you want to take your time and get them right before you start to communicate with your target audience.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Identifying your unique promise of value</h2>\r\nYour <i>unique promise of value</i> is a promise that you make to your target market that your brand will fulfill. It’s the personal aspect of your brand that is aligned with your mission and values. Your promise of value is the essence of what you have to offer and guides you in how you live your personal brand.\r\n\r\nIt clarifies and communicates what makes you special — what makes you different from other people. Crafting this promise requires understanding your values, interests, strengths, and personal qualities and using them to distinguish yourself.\r\n\r\nLida Citroën, in her book <i>Reputation 360</i> (Palisades Publishing), offers this advice when crafting your brand promise:\r\n<blockquote>Your brand promise should look something like this: “In order to be known for (your desired brand qualities), I will hold myself out to others in this way: (your behavior, actions, attitude); and I will demonstrate authenticity in this way: (how you will let people see you as real, genuine). I will know my brand promise is working when I see this: (benefits, goals you hope to achieve).”</blockquote>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">You must be able to live up to your promise of value. You’re always better off under-promising and over-delivering to those you serve. Your brand promise is what you want to be known for. It can be the promise of value of who you are today or it can be written as who you aspire to become.</p>\r\nHere’s an example of a unique promise of value:\r\n<blockquote>I am known for my creativity, enthusiasm, and intelligence by serving each client with respect, giving them individual attention, and treating them with unconditional positive regard. I am an expert in my field and use my knowledge to help my clients and students excel. My clients appreciate my solid, grounded approach during times of transition and trust my guidance through the process.</blockquote>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Move from your promise to your personal brand statement</h2>\r\nAfter you’re satisfied with what you’ve developed as your unique promise of value, you can turn your attention to writing the all-important personal brand statement.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">When you work on your own statement, keep in mind the central themes that emerge and think about your attributes. Then, envision your best self!</p>\r\nTo begin your thought process on what your brand might include, answer the following questions:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">What three or four keywords describe your essential qualities quickly and clearly?</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">What is your <i>essence factor,</i> the core of who you are? “I know I am in my element when __________.”</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">What is your <i>authority factor,</i> the knowledge that you hold and skills that you possess? “People recognize my expertise in _________.”</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">What is your <i>superstar factor,</i> the qualities that set you apart? (This factor is how you get things done or what you’re known for.) “People comment on my ability to ___________.”</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Pepper your statement with “wow” words</h3>\r\nWhen writing your personal brand statement, you want to use words that best describe what you offer. The words you use should highlight your emotional attributes and motivate you so that you can deliver that brand to your target audience.\r\n\r\nThen, to communicate the action in your message, add key verbs like the ones listed here.\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Accomplish</td>\r\n<td>Analyze</td>\r\n<td>Articulate</td>\r\n<td>Budget</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Calculate</td>\r\n<td>Capitalize</td>\r\n<td>Classify</td>\r\n<td>Close</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Collaborate</td>\r\n<td>Communicate</td>\r\n<td>Conceptualize</td>\r\n<td>Conclude</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Decrease</td>\r\n<td>Demonstrate</td>\r\n<td>Distribute</td>\r\n<td>Educate</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Empower</td>\r\n<td>Engineer</td>\r\n<td>Enhance</td>\r\n<td>Examine</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Exceed</td>\r\n<td>Generate</td>\r\n<td>Identify</td>\r\n<td>Influence</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Integrate</td>\r\n<td>Listen</td>\r\n<td>Manufacture</td>\r\n<td>Mastermind</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Maximize</td>\r\n<td>Navigate</td>\r\n<td>Network</td>\r\n<td>Organize</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Pilot</td>\r\n<td>Pioneer</td>\r\n<td>Prospect</td>\r\n<td>Rebuild</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Redesign</td>\r\n<td>Reengineer</td>\r\n<td>Rehabilitate</td>\r\n<td>Simplify</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Slash</td>\r\n<td>Sold</td>\r\n<td>Strategize</td>\r\n<td>Supervise</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Systematize</td>\r\n<td>Teach</td>\r\n<td>Transition</td>\r\n<td>Upgrade</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\n<h3>Drafting your statement</h3>\r\nTo give you a sense of what a personal brand statement could look like, here are examples:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>I am passionate about the development of people and am able to lighten the mood with my humor. I enjoy bringing that competitive spirit to solving my clients’ key advertising problems. The continuous challenge to learn fuels my love of accumulating knowledge.</li>\r\n \t<li>Driven by the energy of connections to others, I apply my solid intelligence as the interpreter of complex issues to create practical solutions while bringing a sense of fun into every situation.</li>\r\n \t<li>Grounded in my core beliefs, I identify the patterns and am able to look strategically into the future with a global perspective.</li>\r\n \t<li>Analyzing the DNA blueprint for my clients, I act as the bond between science and business to find opportunities by joining people and businesses through unique value-added insights.</li>\r\n \t<li>Acting as the conductor to the orchestra of people that I lead, I bring the pieces together to close</li>\r\n \t<li>I am the visionary sales leader of the South American practice. my customers count on me to navigate the complexities of multinational business. I am admired for not only how I lead my high-growth business but also for my work in the community in creating pathways out of poverty for those that I serve.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nMy own statement reads this way:\r\n<blockquote>I bring creativity and enthusiasm into the lives of professionals using my expertise in career development and personal branding with an intelligent, customized approach.</blockquote>\r\nGather keywords to use as a starting point for writing your statement, and then let it simmer until you know how you want to express yourself.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9407,"name":"Susan Chritton","slug":"susan-chritton","description":" <p><b>Susan Chritton</b> is a Master Personal Brand Strategist, Executive Career Coach, and Master Career Counselor. She guides professionals looking to engage their authentic self in the world through personal branding. 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As you jump into <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/business/management/is-working-virtually-right-for-you/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">working from home</a>, be sure to follow a few pieces of important advice, as well as some virtual meeting etiquette.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_273005\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-273005\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/working-home.jpg\" alt=\"working from home\" width=\"556\" height=\"371\" /> © LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com[/caption]","description":"The secret is out: Working from home can be a sustainable, successful option for professionals in today’s global economy. 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","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/11352"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119748496&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b37e6615\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119748496&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b37e70d0\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"Advice to Consider Before You Work at Home","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you’re considering working from home, take into account several important considerations. Many of them require a shift in your mindset and habits, a focus on emotional and social intelligence, and strong communication skills. Be mindful about these areas if you truly want to have success in working from home:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Having the right environment:</strong> Ensuring you have the right work environment if you’re planning on working from home is extremely important. If your workspace isn’t set up for you to be successful, you’ll quickly become frustrated and potentially disconnected from your team.</li>\n<li><strong>Maintaining balance and focus:</strong> Working virtually takes a heavy dose of discipline and organization to balance work with the constant demands of life happening all around you when you’re working from home. If you struggle with self-discipline, working virtually may be an area of difficulty for you, so make sure you set up clear guidelines and expectations for yourself ahead of time.</li>\n<li><strong>Building community:</strong> When working from home, be prepared to build a sense of community by connecting with your team members and your manager regularly, both for work and to get to know each other personally. If working side-by-side with your coworkers in person is extremely fulfilling for you, then consider that working remotely 100 percent of the time may not be the best idea for you. You may want to consider a part-time telecommuting arrangement or perhaps a flex job where you work remotely a few days a week and a part-time job in an office a few days per week.</li>\n<li><strong>Connecting using collaborative technology:</strong> When you work from home, you generally lose face-to-face, in-person interaction, and people working remotely have different levels of comfort and acceptance using collaborative technology such as Zoom to personally connect. Many companies don’t require virtual teams to turn on video when communicating or having a meeting, which is a mistake. If you desire to work virtually, it’s up to you to build relationships and trust, which you rarely can achieve over the phone or via text. Turning on your camera so you can connect personally with your team members is an important part of building connection.</li>\n<li><strong>Appreciating team culture:</strong> Your virtual team can include people from other towns in your city, your country, or the world. Maybe your team members don’t have English as their first language, or maybe their culture and way of life is completely foreign to you. Make sure you consider who is going to be on your team and ideally meet team members as part of the interviewing process.</li>\n<li><strong>Practicing emotional intelligence:</strong> Working from home requires a willingness to go the extra mile to develop strong team relationships by being emotionally aware and tuned in to what’s happening with other team members. The key to emotional intelligence is recognizing what you and other team members are feeling and then knowing what to do to manage those emotions or reactions. Doing so requires attention, savviness, and vulnerability.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Virtual Meeting Etiquette: Minding Your Meeting Manners Even When You Work from Home","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you can slack on professionalism. You can easily fall into a too-casual trap when your commute is a short walk from your kitchen to your home office. Keep these videoconference etiquette tips in mind as you work from home:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Beware of your background.</strong> Your coworkers won’t take you seriously if you have a pile of dirty clothes or an unmade bed in the corner behind you. Make sure your background is professional, free of distractions, and work appropriate. Pay attention to the lighting, too.</li>\n<li><strong>Make sure you’re screen ready.</strong> One of the best things about working remotely is the freedom to wear anything to work. However, when you’re in a virtual video meeting, your coworkers don’t need to see your sweats and bedhead. Put on a clean shirt, brush your hair, and set up your webcam at eye level.</li>\n<li><strong>Minimize distractions.</strong> Video meetings have enough background noise, so don’t add to it. Make sure you’re in a quiet room; turn off music, cell phones, and TVs; relocate pets; and ensure that the kiddos are settled somewhere. Also, minimize use of your keyboard — the sound is distracting.</li>\n<li><strong>Speak clearly, concisely, and slowly, and don’t interrupt.</strong> Videoconferencing technology has improved greatly, but speaking clearly, concisely, and slowly is still smart. If you have a decent mic, you don’t need to yell. Your normal speaking volume should be fine.</li>\n<li><strong>Make eye contact.</strong> During your video call, your screen probably has the presentation open, a window in which you can type comments, and multiple video screens with your colleagues’ faces. When it’s your turn to speak, be sure to look into your camera, not at the multiple distractions on your computer screen. It takes a while to grasp this, but it looks more natural and connects to people much more effectively.</li>\n<li><strong>Don’t eat.</strong> Even if the meeting falls during your normal mealtime, don’t eat during your video call. Just because people can’t smell it doesn’t mean they can’t hear or see you chewing. No one wants to see you stuff your face while discussing important business matters.</li>\n<li><strong>Don’t multitask.</strong> According to a survey by Raindance Communications, 70 percent of people do unrelated work, 50 percent read or send emails, and 36 percent mute the call to talk to someone else while on a video call. All of these behaviors are no-no’s. Give the meeting your full attention. It’s more productive and more respectful.</li>\n<li><strong>Keep the mute button handy.</strong> Nothing is more frustrating than hearing that alien echo noise or high-pitch screech from conflicting microphones. If you’re working in a noisy cafe, an airport, or anywhere that has a lot of background noise, make sure to keep your mic muted when you’re not speaking. It gives everyone else the ability to chime in without distraction.</li>\n<li><strong>Be patient.</strong> If someone doesn’t respond immediately, give him a few seconds. The slow response may be an audio delay or people may be desperately trying to unmute themselves.</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-08T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":273004},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:46:47+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-07T16:26:35+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:35+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"General Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"},"slug":"general-careers","categoryId":34272}],"title":"Productivity For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"productivity for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"productivity-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Boost your productivity with some simple daily habits, a bit of positivity, and some well-reasoned planning.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Wouldn’t it be nice to boost your productivity and performance at work without having to put in extra hours or break your back in the meantime? Being effective at what you do takes a little bit of planning, some basic tools, and a lot of positivity.","description":"Wouldn’t it be nice to boost your productivity and performance at work without having to put in extra hours or break your back in the meantime? Being effective at what you do takes a little bit of planning, some basic tools, and a lot of positivity.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9021,"name":"Ciara Conlon","slug":"ciara-conlon","description":" <p><b>Ciara Conlon</b> is a productivity coach, keynote speaker and author. She helps organisations get better results by establishing space for more creativity and innovation. She helps people get better results by adopting effective habits and focusing on the right stuff at the right time. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9021"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34272,"title":"General Careers","slug":"general-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":139329,"title":"The Secrets of Productive Leaders","slug":"the-secrets-of-productive-leaders","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139329"}},{"articleId":139330,"title":"How Music Can Help You Focus and Increase Productivity","slug":"how-music-can-help-you-focus-and-increase-productivity","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139330"}},{"articleId":139321,"title":"5 Steps to Organise Your Workspace for Productivity","slug":"5-steps-to-organise-your-workspace-for-productivity","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139321"}},{"articleId":139324,"title":"10 Top-Notch Productivity Apps","slug":"10-top-notch-productivity-apps","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139324"}},{"articleId":139297,"title":"Boosting Performance at Work","slug":"boosting-performance-at-work","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139297"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273721,"title":"How to Manage Virtual Teams","slug":"how-to-manage-virtual-teams","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273721"}},{"articleId":273709,"title":"How to Create a New Zoom Account","slug":"how-to-create-a-new-zoom-account","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273709"}},{"articleId":273704,"title":"Text-Only Communication in the Virtual Workplace","slug":"text-only-communication-in-the-virtual-workplace","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273704"}},{"articleId":273697,"title":"Working from Home: Setting Healthy Boundaries","slug":"working-from-home-setting-healthy-boundaries","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273697"}},{"articleId":273692,"title":"How to Build a Connection Culture When Working from Home","slug":"how-to-build-a-connection-culture-when-working-from-home","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273692"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281596,"slug":"productivity-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119099529","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119099528/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119099528/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119099528-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119099528/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119099528/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/productivity-for-dummies-cover-9781119099529-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Productivity For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9021\">Ciara Conlon</b> is a productivity coach, keynote speaker and author. 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","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9021"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119099529&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b371d391\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119099529&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b371ddfd\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":139297,"title":"Boosting Performance at Work","slug":"boosting-performance-at-work","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139297"}},{"articleId":139295,"title":"The Essential Kit for a Budding Productivity Geek","slug":"the-essential-kit-for-a-budding-productivity-geek","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139295"}},{"articleId":139296,"title":"Daily Habits for Powerful Productivity","slug":"daily-habits-for-powerful-productivity","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139296"}}],"content":[{"title":"Boosting performance at work","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you want to be productive and boost your performance at work, take a look at these three simple things below that you can focus on. Paying attention to these three areas will have a big impact on your effectiveness in the workplace</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Focus on the goals.</b> Many people at work have trouble with prioritization. But the solution is pretty simple: Be clear about your goals, and your priorities will be evident. Plan your day according to your goals. Ask yourself which tasks will get you closer to your goals, and focus on them. When you spend your day working on these tasks, you’ll know you’ve been productive.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Take control of your inbox. </b>Email can take over your day if you allow it to. Start your day in your calendar with what you have planned for the day, not with what others want you to do for them. Take control of your workday by planning your day in advance. After you’ve looked at your calendar, you can either start work straightaway or open your inbox to see whether you have any urgent requests that will take priority over what you’ve already scheduled.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Stay positive at all times.</b> Having all the techniques and tools in place to be productive will only go so far if you don’t have the right attitude. Having a positive, can-do attitude is the most significant contributor to enhancing performance. If you’re positive, no task is too difficult and no problem can’t be overcome. With a positive attitude, you’ll develop better and stronger relationships with your team. Positive attitudes breed more positive attitudes, and if you can create a pleasant work environment that is optimistic and empowered, there is little you can’t achieve.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"The essential kit for a budding productivity geek","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you’re serious about getting organized, you will need to invest in some basics tools for your productivity toolkit. Your productivity toolkit consists of all the things that you will use daily to keep your work space ordered, structured and clutter free.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A calendar:</b> Whether paper or electronic, you need a calendar to track your appointments and meetings and plan time for your work to do.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A task management app: </b>A task management app is great for storing all your tasks to do. Choose an app that allows you to categorise your tasks into different projects.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>An in-tray:</b> Use your in-tray to put all your unprocessed work. Anything that you haven’t defined exactly what needs to be done with should go in the in-tray.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A filing tray:</b> Use a filing tray(s) to separate paperwork that needs to be filed from actionable work.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Manila folders:</b> To keep your paperwork organized, you need a bunch of manila tabbed folders. Create a folder for each project.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A labeller:</b> A labeller helps keep your files looking pretty and also makes them easy to find.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A step file organizer:</b> A step file organizer is ideal for your work in progress. Use it to house your current files and paperwork on your desk. Add labelled manila folders, and you’ll always have the file you need at hand.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A notebook:</b> You can’t beat pen and paper. Sometimes it’s best to pick up a pen and jot down your good ideas, your plans, or the things you don’t want to forget about.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Daily habits for powerful productivity","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You may think that the daily habits for powerful productivity are all about scheduling and to-do lists. You may be surprised to know that some of the things that will have the biggest impact on your performance and productivity are the things you do outside the office!</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Exercise:</b> Exercises gives you energy, improves your mood, and helps you to focus. There are so many benefits to exercise it’s a wonder TV was ever invented! If you introduce the habit of exercise to your daily life, you’ll get way more done.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Rising early:</b> The habit of rising early is a habit of most successful people. Rising early enables you to fit it all in. It’s a great time of the day to exercise, to write, or to meditate.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Meditation:</b> Meditation is no longer just for monks; it has become a widely accepted habit in the workplace. Many organizations have become aware of the many benefits of meditation and recommend it to their employees. Meditation provides a calmer mind, greater focus, and reduced stress.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Positivity:</b> Success begins with positivity. Having a positive attitude and a belief in yourself and your ideas are crucial for success. Believe in your ability to get things done and you will succeed. A positive attitude at work will improve your relationships and performance.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Scheduling:</b> What gets scheduled gets done. Planning your work in advance is a primary habit for productivity. It will help you beat procrastination and help you get it all done. Take some time each week to plan the week ahead. Schedule time for all the projects you need to get done.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-07T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207417},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2019-05-31T02:39:21+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-25T18:20:29+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:31+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"General Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"},"slug":"general-careers","categoryId":34272}],"title":"Success Habits For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"success habits for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"success-habits-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn about creating habits for success by starting with four basic steps. Also, learn how to avoid time-wasting activities.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Whether you want to know how to succeed in life or how to succeed in business, you need to create habits for success. Success, or excellence, is always created by establishing positive, repetitive habits. Unfortunately, almost anything we do repeatedly can lose its luster, passion, and energy. Without doing something repeatedly, you won’t establish it as a habit. When you focus on repeating the actions that lead to success, you create habits. So, repeating and success are like peas and carrots: They go together.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_261913\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-261913\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/success-habits.jpg\" alt=\"success habits\" width=\"535\" height=\"428\" /> © Millena / Shutterstock[/caption]","description":"Whether you want to know how to succeed in life or how to succeed in business, you need to create habits for success. Success, or excellence, is always created by establishing positive, repetitive habits. Unfortunately, almost anything we do repeatedly can lose its luster, passion, and energy. Without doing something repeatedly, you won’t establish it as a habit. When you focus on repeating the actions that lead to success, you create habits. So, repeating and success are like peas and carrots: They go together.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_261913\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-261913\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/success-habits.jpg\" alt=\"success habits\" width=\"535\" height=\"428\" /> © Millena / Shutterstock[/caption]","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9228,"name":"Dirk Zeller","slug":"dirk-zeller","description":" <p><b>Dirk Zeller</b> is recognized as the premier coach for the real estate industry. He has developed a system that takes &#34;regular&#34; agents and &#34;regular&#34; managers and transforms them into Champion Agents and Managers. 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Dirk's proven systems and strategies take ordinary performers and transforms them into extraordinary performers. Zeller's strategies on wealth and success enable anyone to achieve financial independence in their life. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9228,"name":"Dirk Zeller","slug":"dirk-zeller","description":" <p><b>Dirk Zeller</b> is recognized as the premier coach for the real estate industry. He has developed a system that takes &#34;regular&#34; agents and &#34;regular&#34; managers and transforms them into Champion Agents and Managers. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9228"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119508847&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3316cad\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119508847&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3317590\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":261906,"title":"Daily Habits for Success","slug":"","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/261906"}},{"articleId":261909,"title":"Time-Wasting Behaviors That Lead You Away from Success","slug":"","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/261909"}}],"content":[{"title":"Daily habits for success","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Success is created through consistency turned into repetition. A singular morning routine is not habit, nor is it repetition. A morning routine executed a single time is an act. An act by itself will not determine success or failure. It must be linked together in succession and consistency to create success.</p>\n<p>You can create new habits for success, have them take hold, and apply commitment to continue in a day or even a week. It takes weeks of repeating that act to establish and cement it as a habit in your routine of success.</p>\n<p>Here are a few basic things to do daily to increase your chances of being successful in whatever endeavors you choose to pursue in life.</p>\n<h2>Step 1: Get up early</h2>\n<p>Not all of us are morning people, but most early risers tend to compact more work and productivity in their day. If you get up one hour earlier than you’re doing presently, if you use it to make more sales calls or complete more reports, if you use that hour to work on self-improvement through reading and studying, then that one hour each work day equates to 30 extra full work days in a year. It’s like having 13 months in a year to achieve your goals. You won’t miss the hour of sleep.</p>\n<h2>Step 2: Invest at least an hour a day learning</h2>\n<p>Renowned investor Warren Buffett spends more than 80 percent of his day reading. He reads five newspapers per day, each day. You don’t have to read newspapers or books; you can listen to podcasts or attend classes or take online courses. And with audio books, you can even use your drive time in the car to educate yourself. Whatever knowledge has brought you to the level of success you are enjoying, it will not be enough knowledge to keep you there.</p>\n<h2>Step 3: Move your body each day</h2>\n<p>Don’t neglect the temple in which you live. There is a direct connection between physical health, mental health, and wealth. Becoming successful takes energy and stamina. It’s hard to take charge, go against the herd, “stand your ground,” and delay gratification of now when you’re tired and not physically ready. In the competitive world we live in, you need physical stamina and energy to build your business or brand to attract customers and client.</p>\n<h2>Step 4: Rest</h2>\n<p>High achievers are frequently poor at rest, but your body and mind requires downtime to operate well. You need fun, recreation, and friendships to be able to achieve a fulfilled life of success. And your body requires enough sleep nightly to be prepared for a new day of challenges and opportunities ahead.</p>\n"},{"title":"Time-wasting behaviors that lead you away from success","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If creating habits for success is your goal, you probably need to figure out how to stop <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/business/human-resources/employee-relations/10-timeefficient-habits/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wasting time</a>. With all the things you have to accomplish in a given day, wouldn’t it be nice if the day were just a bit longer?</p>\n<p>Before you start thinking of ways to slow the rotation of the Earth, try to cut out some serious time-wasters — or at least reduce the amount of time you devote to them. It’ll seem like you’re gaining a few hours in your day to invest in activities and success habits that are important to you.</p>\n<p>What follows are some of the most voracious devourers of your precious time.</p>\n<h2>Avoid Being Sucked into Social Media</h2>\n<p>As a business tool, if you are trying to deepen your relationship with prospects, customers, and clients, there are many effective ways to monetize your relationships through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. There are also opportunities to waste so much time through any social media platform that you may suddenly realize you&#8217;ve been on Facebook for the last few hours. Where did those few hours go? Here are some strategies to successfully protect you from having social media overtake your afternoon.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Set specific times that you check your social media platforms. </strong>Don’t be checking every few minutes, but scheduled times.</li>\n<li><strong>Turn off notifications that pop up on the screen, chime or ding, or inform you of a post or comment.</strong> This applies to all social media platforms. If you are a regular contributor to the social media world, following tweets, or reading posts from a number of friends or even celebrities, your phone could be blowing up all day long. You are bound to be frequently distracted and less productive.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>If you want to really stand out from the other employees in the company you work for, put your phone in your backpack, purse, or locker until your break or lunch hour.</p>\n<h2>Limit Time Surfing the Web</h2>\n<p>Nothing is wrong with hanging ten on the Internet — as long as the <em>ten </em>isn’t ten hours. The Internet is incredibly valuable as a time-saving tool. Just think how much faster pulling data and tracking down information is than in the past. But the web is a storehouse of <em>useless </em>information as well. You can spend hours sifting through waves of data in search of what you really want to know.</p>\n<p>When using the Internet for research or information-gathering, it pays to stay focused on your mission: What are you in search of? The annual report from a company you’re pursuing as a client? The best bed-and-breakfasts available in St. Thomas in May? Don’t get sidetracked by related information that steers you off-course. Put specific phrases in quotation marks to get exact matches, or use the advanced search features to avoid certain words or limit your search to .org, .com, .gov, or .edu sites as needed. Bookmark sites you find especially useful or copy and paste important info into a separate document, along with the URL where you found it, for later reference.</p>\n<h2>Don&#8217;t Stay Glued to the Tube</h2>\n<p>According to the Nielsen Company, the average person in the United States watches more than 33 hours of TV per week. Think about it: If you could eliminate that much viewing time, it’d be like having an eight-day week. Just think of all you could do with 33 extra hours: read a good book, spend time with your family, take a class, start working out — and even get a good night’s sleep!</p>\n<p>If you’re a committed TV watcher, kicking the habit cold turkey probably isn’t realistic. Here are some ways to wean yourself off evenings and weekends glued to the couch:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Leave the TV off if you’re not watching it. </strong>Some folks like to have the tube on for company, but it’s too tempting to wander over and plop yourself down if the tribe is about to cast another member off the island.</li>\n<li><strong>Preplan your TV schedule. </strong>Decide what’s really important for you to watch. On Tuesday evening, if it’s the 9 p.m. crime investigation series, so be it. But don’t turn on the TV until it starts and turn it off immediately upon seeing the closing credits.</li>\n<li><strong>Schedule no-watch zones throughout your week. </strong>Maybe set aside a specific weeknight or weekend day when all household TVs remain off.</li>\n<li><strong>Reduce the number of TVs in your home. </strong>Keep the TV out of the kitchen and bedroom, especially. Just as diet experts advise weight watchers to eat only in certain places in their houses, limiting the number of TVs helps keep the habit under control.</li>\n<li><strong>Prerecord what you want to watch and view it on your own schedule. </strong>The added bonus? You get to skip over all the commercials, which reduces your viewing time by about one-third!</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Don&#8217;t Fail to Stop and Think</h2>\n<p>When you spend too little time in preparation, you’re forced to spend too much time in execution. The time you invest in collecting, compiling, and organizing your thoughts before you begin a project pays off in time savings and in the quality of the outcome.</p>\n<p>Not only does planning ahead eliminate problems before you start, but it also helps you imagine how you’ll perform the task. When you address the situation in advance, you feed your subconscious with the tools and information it needs to work on the problems, often without your awareness. That’s kind of like sticking bread dough in a warm space and letting it rise overnight. Just consider your planning efforts to be the yeast that causes your projects to rise to their full potential.</p>\n<p>Preparation is valuable in efforts big and small. Even ten minutes at the end of a day to review your schedule and set out the materials you’ll need is sure to increase your productivity and effectiveness the next day.</p>\n<h2>Don&#8217;t Work without Breaks</h2>\n<p>There’s a point of diminishing return where your focus and concentration start to fall dramatically. Too many people grind through, skip breaks, and cross that threshold. They sit and read the same paragraph over and over again because they’re tired and out of focus. They review the same report again without realizing it until they’re halfway through it.</p>\n<p>Everyone needs breaks from routine and the tasks at hand. You should take frequent breaks but for very short durations. If you’re given two 15-minute breaks a day plus your lunch hour, ask your boss if it would be acceptable to instead take three 10-minute breaks or two 5-minute breaks and two 10-minute breaks for the day. That way, you&#8217;re using the same amount of allotted break time to more effectively regain your focus and energy.</p>\n<h2>Stop Believing in the Myth of Multitasking</h2>\n<p>The scientific evidence overwhelmingly suggests that <em>multitasking </em>— switching back and forth between two or more tasks — is an extremely ineffective way to get things done. Researchers say that when you multitask, you’re making your brain take time to switch to a different skill set and a different memory experience.</p>\n<p>For those projects and tasks that require your best effort, you’re better off to focus on one at a time. Here’s how to keep yourself focused on the task at hand:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Turn off your cellphone or forward your phone to go directly to voicemail. </strong>Even if you intend not to answer a call, the notification halts your attention and slows your progress.</li>\n<li><strong>If working on the computer or a tablet, set your e-mail program so you’re not notified every time you receive a new message. </strong>You may check your e-mail at certain time intervals or even arrange to check and respond to e-mail in your time-block schedule.</li>\n<li><strong>If you’re working on a report, article, or some project that demands a lot of concentration, set aside at least one hour of uninterrupted time</strong>. You may not be able to finish it in that hour, but you’ll get a good jump on it. An hour of focus is about all most people can do on an intense project without some type of break to get a cup of coffee or visit the restroom or just do a stretch.</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Stop Demanding Perfection</h2>\n<p>If you’re expecting perfection out of yourself or others, you’re wasting your time. Letting imperfection keep you from pursuing recreational interests or your career goals can end up limiting your fulfillment in life.</p>\n<p>The amount of time, effort, energy, and emotion required to achieve perfection dramatically reduce production. You may invest as much time and energy to move from a 95 percent performance score to the 100-percent mark as you do to go from 0 to 95 percent. You’re much better off investing your energy in starting something new than focusing on perfection.</p>\n<h2>Avoid Spending Time with Negative People</h2>\n<p>Success takes hard work. When your desire is to be more successful, you will encounter people in life that don’t share your desire, your attitude of positivity and success. One way to bring down your energy level, reduce your enthusiasm, darken your outlook, slow your productivity, and drain your glass from half-full to almost-empty is to invest your time in negative people. The more you reduce the influence they have on your life, the happier and more productive you can be.</p>\n<p>Do your best to minimize the time you spend in the company of curmudgeons and contrarians. Not only do you take back valuable time to direct toward positive endeavors, but their absence also breaks the dark spell over your optimistic outlook.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Five 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General Careers Articles

Are you looking for ways to improve your time management? How about ways to build a wall between your work life and home life? Our actionable advice will help you do just that.

Articles From General Careers

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General Careers Goal Setting: Categorize and Prioritize Your Life Goals

Article / Updated 12-21-2022

Creating categories for your goals and establishing timeframes to achieve them sharpens your focus and increases your intensity, which can reduce the time required to achieve your goals. It also allows you to quickly and easily see whether your time investment to the various areas of your life as well as the size and difficulty of your goals are appropriately balanced. The objective isn’t to spread an equal number and depth of goals among the six categories; the aim is to identify whether one or two of the categories is light compared to the others and to determine whether you need to pay more attention to those areas of your life to develop them. In the end, the purpose is to create a well-rounded system of goals that addresses your whole person and that you’ll have the motivation to actually work toward. Categorize your goals After you assign a timeframe to each of your 50 goals, your next step is to assign a category to each one. Typically, your goals fall into one of six categories: C = Career goals H = Health goals F = Family goals M = Money/financial goals S = Spiritual goals P = Personal goals When determining which category each goal falls under, you’ll find that some goals fall naturally in one specific category. A goal to get be promoted to supervisor at work, for example, is an easy C. Other goals, however, aren’t so easy to peg. Going back to school to earn an MBA may be a C for career, but it also may be a P for personal. Place the goal in whichever category you most closely associate with it, or feel free to place some goals in multiple categories. Draft a list of the 50 goals you want to achieve in the next ten years. Then go back through your list of 50 goals and write the appropriate category letter next to each one. After you label each goal with a category, count the total number of goals you have for each category and record those numbers in the following chart. Then assess the spread of your goals across those categories to see whether they’re well balanced. Are you light on health goals? Should you pay more attention to your spiritual life? Assign a timeframe to each goal You can have anything you want; you just can’t have it all at once and all right now. Just because you establish a goal to lose 20 pounds doesn’t mean you’ll wake up tomorrow with 20 pounds missing from your body. Realizing your goal involves a process that requires specific activity and time. Remember that your fabulous 50 list names goals that you want to accomplish within the next 10 years. That said, you may want to see some of them come to fruition much earlier. Some may be immediate — just a year away. Others may require you to first achieve some intermediate goals. For instance, say your goal is to double your income within three years. You know you’re unlikely to receive anywhere close to a 100-percent raise at your current job, so you start exploring other options: a new job that pays more and has a fast-track career path, a second job, freelance or contract projects that you can do on your off-hours, or a real-estate investment that brings in rental income. Go back through your list of 50 goals and write a 1, 3, 5, or 10 next to each goal to indicate whether you want to achieve that goal within 1, 3, 5, or 10 years. When you start thinking about the time you need to attain your goals, make sure you’re being reasonable. Whether or not the timeframe for your goals is reasonable depends entirely on your situation. To help you stay on track, follow these steps: Consider the timeframe you’d ideally like to accomplish this goal. Would you be happy if you accomplished it one year or even three years later than your ideal, or are you intent on accomplishing it by a certain time? Assess the complexity of the goal. Determine what new knowledge or other resources you may need to accomplish the goal. Consider what timeframe someone else needed to accomplish a similar goal. After you label each goal with a timeframe, tally up the number of goals you have for each time slot and record those totals in the following table. Then assess the spread of your goals across those timeframes to see whether they’re well balanced. Especially when finances are involved, keep in mind that you should enjoy the process of working toward your goals. Although planning for the future is important, you’re guaranteed only the present. You don’t want to rob yourself of all enjoyment now. Better to live a balanced life while you implement your plan and adjust it as needed when circumstances throw you for a loop.

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General Careers Understanding the Challenges of Changing Careers

Article / Updated 12-02-2022

People typically change careers for one of two reasons: They leave their career or their career leaves them. Either way, employment challenges during a career change are much the same when it comes to marketing yourself in places where you haven’t been before. Even when you think you can easily transition from one career field or industry to another, employers can be a hard sell when it comes to greenlighting career changers for a payroll. Except when they’re filling entry level jobs, hiring authorities have a frustrating habit of preferring candidates who have already proven that they can do the work a job requires. Global trade is changing life for many workers. Technology is automating human processes. Teleconference marketing is replacing sales trips. Highly qualified candidates are being hired on temporary contracts and cut loose when the project is over or the job is shipped offshore to cheaper labor nations. Challenges to accept and overcome Keep your dreams alive as you assume the role of career changer in a new era, but be aware of the challenges you'll face. Consider the following points: Career change is not job change. A career change involves a marked shift in jobs requiring new primary skills or knowledge, or a totally different work environment — or both. For example, when a manager in the telecom industry leaves one company for another managerial position in the same industry, he makes a job change; when he leaves the telecom industry to become a museum curator he makes a career change to a different job and different industry. Retraining may be unavoidable. When you attempt to make a clear change to a different kind of job in the same industry, you may well be able to pitch your way into an employer’s graces without investing in additional formal education or training. Your challenge is more difficult when you try to change both your job and industry at the same time, but you may be able to pull it off without immediately spending additional time and money in school. However, you won’t be able to get out of educational renewal to satisfy credibility and licensing requirements in such careers as law, public accounting, and nursing. Employers worry most about risk. Managers are concerned whether the crossover skills you acquired in your former career will translate to your new career. When your skills don’t convert and you can’t do the work, the business suffers a negative impact and — if you’re canned — a risk of being sued for wrongful discharge. Another worry is whether you’ll suffer changer’s remorse, quickly becoming dissatisfied and turning into a “bad hire.” These risks drive employers to seek out directly applicable skills in proven performers. Your competitors are new graduates. When you’re starting over, you compete with new graduates who are starting out. Expect to be paid entry-level money; an employer is unlikely to compensate you for your 15 years’ experience in another field (unless you can show that your experience can save or earn money for the new employer). Even so, you have an ace up your sleeve: You bring judgment, commitment, high motivation, proven good work habits, and real-world lessons.

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General Careers Personal Branding for a Second Career

Article / Updated 12-01-2022

Your personal brand can help ease the pain of transitioning to a new career by reminding you that at your core, you’re still you and need to be your authentic self. Your reinvented self may be wearing a new outfit, but in all that you do, no matter what you call yourself, you are still you. Your personal brand helps you identify those core pieces of yourself that you want to express and use in the world. See a new, positive way forward Your biggest obstacle in launching a second career may reside in your own mind. Shift your mindset and build your confidence. Head into your second career knowing it’s a new season. Start out expecting great things. Turn your negative thoughts into the positive actions you can take to get to where you want to be. Here are tips to prepare yourself for the necessary changes: Starting now, think and talk differently about yourself and your future. Don’t use age as an excuse not to get the job you want. Focus on what you’ve gained from your wealth of experience and what you have that younger applicants don’t. Target companies that value the skills and experience of seasoned professionals by seeking out industries known for hiring older workers. Research smaller companies in your area, which may be more open than larger companies to hiring mature workers. Reach out to the owners and managers directly. Accept this different marketplace Accept the fact that you’re competing in a marketplace very different from what existed in the past. Learn about today’s workplace, accept it, and leverage it to your advantage. Work to better understand generational differences. For example, keep in mind that mature workers are generally seen as loyal, dependable, hardworking, and honest. Also know that mature workers are considered not to be tech savvy and energetic. Use the positive assumptions to your advantage and be proactive about addressing the negative assumptions. For example: Are you current with technology and social media? Update your skills and education where needed. Show your prospective employer that you’re a lifelong learner. Are you current in your appearance? Yes, it matters. If you think you’re not, meet with an image consultant and follow that person’s advice. Does your energy come across, or have you put a few extra pounds on that slow you down? Now is the time to join a gym and get the help you need. You may have to do something you’ve never done — personal sales and marketing. You can be an amazing talent, but if nobody knows about you, it doesn’t matter! Especially if you’re starting over in a new industry, you have to raise your visibility as an expert in your new niche. Promote your talent and experience Convince the people you meet that you’re an undiscovered source of talent. Expand your own thinking about your capabilities, and announce your abilities to the world. Make sure that you’re communicating your unique personal brand value in everything you do by Crafting your online profile and identity Reconnecting with and/or building your network Connecting with local groups and associations Seeking out volunteer opportunities Speaking, writing, teaching, and consulting Here’s the great news: Studies show that most workers who change careers at older ages say they enjoy the new job more than the old job. So look at this time of change as a new opportunity to follow the dream you’ve always wanted to achieve. Ask yourself how can you combine your wealth of experience, knowledge, and personality to deliver something that the younger workforce can’t. Brand yourself to stand out, regardless of your age.

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General Careers Tips for Making a Successful Career Change

Article / Updated 12-01-2022

Listen, we've all been there. Sometimes it feels as though your career path is simply not for you, not fulfilling or challenging you in all the right ways. You can try to work around these doubts but if you've already decided on a career change — whether by choice or necessity — give yourself plenty of time to plan ahead. Consider the following before making that jump. Connect with others in your intended field When your change is voluntary, at least six months in advance of your leap, join a professional association of members in the career field or industry where you want to go. When your change is involuntary and you’re suddenly left high and dry, assemble a personal network of people who can guide you into your intended field. Find out who’s who and what’s happening with professionals who can connect you with employment. Ask what you should read and what workshops you should attend. Ask if you can visit a professional’s workplace as an observer. Educate yourself Seek out short-term certificate programs and workshops offered during industry conferences, as well as those available locally. If you study online, get the scoop on the pluses and pitfalls of distance learning. Here's one valuable resource to get you started: GetEducated.com. Bone up on the industry Do some extensive research on your proposed destination. Those greener pastures sometimes bleach out when something about the work isn’t what one realistically expects or can do well. Also, learn to talk the talk. Study the lingo of prospective new colleagues and you’ll seem like one of them already. Brace yourself for interview pitfalls When you find yourself trapped in a behavior-based interview setting and you’re coming up short trying to answer a question about what you have done that’s relevant to the new career, answer quickly. And then reframe your response segueing from behavior-based interviewing (the past) to situational interviewing (the future), such as: "That’s a good question. And here’s what I would do if we decide I’m the right person for this position. I would . . . ." Make the experience connection The bridge you use to join the old with the new must be rational and reasonable. Your qualifications have to come from somewhere — skills you already possess, volunteer work, part-time jobs, training, hobbies, and so forth. Strive to present a believable relationship between your qualifications and the career you’re targeting. Accentuate the positive Don’t say you hope to change careers because there are no more jobs in your field. An exception might be when a condition is well known, such as real estate agents who got out during the recent downturn in home sales. Even then, add that you’d been thinking about making a change for a couple of years and have decided to redesign your life for a better fit with your priorities and goals. Tell true stories Expect to be asked the same kinds of questions that new graduates often face, such as some version of “Why shouldn’t we hire someone more experienced in this line of work?” When you work out your answers, remember to tell your story — that is, back up your claims of superior qualities with true examples of achievement. Otherwise, what you claim will likely be blown off as hot air. You must be believable. Inventory your core skills and knowledge Sort through to see which will crossover to a different industry or career field. Push them to the front of your memory where you can find and translate them as needed.

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General Careers Don't Let Fear Get in the Way of Success

Article / Updated 11-28-2022

Fear of failure is probably the second biggest cause of failure. The first is fear of the unknown — just watch any horror movie. The easiest way to overcome these fears is to take action. Don't succumb to the common affliction of paralysis by analysis. Simply forge ahead with your plans. If you don't like that approach, following, are several techniques you can use to reduce and perhaps even eliminate the fear that's weighing you down. Fear isn't necessarily bad. It can motivate you to achieve even higher levels of success, if you handle it properly. Let fear motivate you, not defeat you. Researching the viability of an idea or opportunity You may be able to ease into a risky venture through research and planning. If you're afraid of implementing a new plan because of the risks you think are involved or the amount of time, effort, and money it may require, research in books, the Internet, and periodicals. The mere act of taking the initiative to do some research can give you the momentum you need to actually launch your new idea. Don't get in the rut of thinking that research is an end in itself. You eventually have to make a decision and then take action. You won't hit anything if you don't pull the trigger. Following the footprints Success leaves huge footprints that are pretty tough to miss. As you perform your initial research, keep an eye peeled for footprints along the same path you want to take and discuss your ideas with trustworthy colleagues and friends. Many times, simply talking about an idea generates enough buzz to drive the people you really need to talk to directly to your door. After you identify those who've succeeded before you, contact them to discuss your ideas. The most highly successful people are usually the most generous with their time and expertise. After all, that's probably how they became highly successful. Setting achievable milestones When you have a vision that seems overwhelming and perhaps grandiose in the eyes of some, break it down into more manageable units. Then, identify one task and get started. Getting started is often the hardest part. Each little success can spur you on to the next project, and your momentum can carry you somewhere you've never imagined, so just get started and find out the rest later. Focusing on the present When it comes to implementing a new strategy or technology that can boost business, don't let concerns about the future or about costs paralyze you. Jot down a list of tasks you must accomplish to achieve your goal and then run through the list, tackling one task after another. Eventually, you'll discover that you've run out of tasks and have achieved your goal.

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General Careers How to Use Your Personal Brand to Compile a Printed Portfolio

Article / Updated 08-16-2022

Why not infuse your portfolio with your personal brand? A portfolio is a collection of documents that validate your accomplishments and professional achievements when you go on a job interview (or when you meet with a new client). This tool helps you remember all that you have done in your past to build your personal brand. Portfolios provide evidence of your credibility. Having possession of your documents not only provides proof of your work to use as a marketing tool but gives you the confidence to speak to your brand. Your portfolio may be compiled in a section of your file cabinet, scanned into an electronic file on your computer, or put into a file box. These days, portfolios are often saved to online repositories — such as Espressowork.com and, for creative work, Behance.net — that provide electronic access to all these documents. Follow the steps at Wikihow to create your own portfolio. But even as society moves away from paper and toward the computing cloud, it’s a good idea to create a portfolio binder that contains paper copies of documents that demonstrate who you are. Sharing such a binder with a prospective employer or new client is an impressive way to highlight and prove that you have done what you have said you could do on your resume. This printed portfolio is especially helpful for people who need to show writing samples or visual representation of their work. Credit: Courtesy of Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Here are some things to include in your portfolio: Your branded resume Your branded biography Letters of recommendation, at least one or two of which are current Sample projects Articles that you have written Past business cards Academic degrees Certifications and licenses Employee reviews A list of key successes from your work A list of awards you have received Volunteer service documents A list of professional contributions, such as committees you have chaired or evidence of how you have contributed to your profession Thank-you notes you have received Social networking site profiles Print copies of multimedia presentations you have created

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General Careers How to Develop Your Unique Promise of Value and Personal Brand Statement

Article / Updated 08-10-2022

Your unique promise of value and your personal brand statement are closely linked; the statement is an expression of the promise. Both of them focus on what your target audience expects from you; they create an expectation of what you can deliver. These pieces of your personal brand profile are probably the most important (no pressure!), so you want to take your time and get them right before you start to communicate with your target audience. Identifying your unique promise of value Your unique promise of value is a promise that you make to your target market that your brand will fulfill. It’s the personal aspect of your brand that is aligned with your mission and values. Your promise of value is the essence of what you have to offer and guides you in how you live your personal brand. It clarifies and communicates what makes you special — what makes you different from other people. Crafting this promise requires understanding your values, interests, strengths, and personal qualities and using them to distinguish yourself. Lida Citroën, in her book Reputation 360 (Palisades Publishing), offers this advice when crafting your brand promise: Your brand promise should look something like this: “In order to be known for (your desired brand qualities), I will hold myself out to others in this way: (your behavior, actions, attitude); and I will demonstrate authenticity in this way: (how you will let people see you as real, genuine). I will know my brand promise is working when I see this: (benefits, goals you hope to achieve).” You must be able to live up to your promise of value. You’re always better off under-promising and over-delivering to those you serve. Your brand promise is what you want to be known for. It can be the promise of value of who you are today or it can be written as who you aspire to become. Here’s an example of a unique promise of value: I am known for my creativity, enthusiasm, and intelligence by serving each client with respect, giving them individual attention, and treating them with unconditional positive regard. I am an expert in my field and use my knowledge to help my clients and students excel. My clients appreciate my solid, grounded approach during times of transition and trust my guidance through the process. Move from your promise to your personal brand statement After you’re satisfied with what you’ve developed as your unique promise of value, you can turn your attention to writing the all-important personal brand statement. When you work on your own statement, keep in mind the central themes that emerge and think about your attributes. Then, envision your best self! To begin your thought process on what your brand might include, answer the following questions: What three or four keywords describe your essential qualities quickly and clearly? What is your essence factor, the core of who you are? “I know I am in my element when __________.” What is your authority factor, the knowledge that you hold and skills that you possess? “People recognize my expertise in _________.” What is your superstar factor, the qualities that set you apart? (This factor is how you get things done or what you’re known for.) “People comment on my ability to ___________.” Pepper your statement with “wow” words When writing your personal brand statement, you want to use words that best describe what you offer. The words you use should highlight your emotional attributes and motivate you so that you can deliver that brand to your target audience. Then, to communicate the action in your message, add key verbs like the ones listed here. Accomplish Analyze Articulate Budget Calculate Capitalize Classify Close Collaborate Communicate Conceptualize Conclude Decrease Demonstrate Distribute Educate Empower Engineer Enhance Examine Exceed Generate Identify Influence Integrate Listen Manufacture Mastermind Maximize Navigate Network Organize Pilot Pioneer Prospect Rebuild Redesign Reengineer Rehabilitate Simplify Slash Sold Strategize Supervise Systematize Teach Transition Upgrade Drafting your statement To give you a sense of what a personal brand statement could look like, here are examples: I am passionate about the development of people and am able to lighten the mood with my humor. I enjoy bringing that competitive spirit to solving my clients’ key advertising problems. The continuous challenge to learn fuels my love of accumulating knowledge. Driven by the energy of connections to others, I apply my solid intelligence as the interpreter of complex issues to create practical solutions while bringing a sense of fun into every situation. Grounded in my core beliefs, I identify the patterns and am able to look strategically into the future with a global perspective. Analyzing the DNA blueprint for my clients, I act as the bond between science and business to find opportunities by joining people and businesses through unique value-added insights. Acting as the conductor to the orchestra of people that I lead, I bring the pieces together to close I am the visionary sales leader of the South American practice. my customers count on me to navigate the complexities of multinational business. I am admired for not only how I lead my high-growth business but also for my work in the community in creating pathways out of poverty for those that I serve. My own statement reads this way: I bring creativity and enthusiasm into the lives of professionals using my expertise in career development and personal branding with an intelligent, customized approach. Gather keywords to use as a starting point for writing your statement, and then let it simmer until you know how you want to express yourself.

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General Careers Working From Home For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-08-2022

The secret is out: Working from home can be a sustainable, successful option for professionals in today’s global economy. As you jump into working from home, be sure to follow a few pieces of important advice, as well as some virtual meeting etiquette.

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General Careers Productivity For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-07-2022

Wouldn’t it be nice to boost your productivity and performance at work without having to put in extra hours or break your back in the meantime? Being effective at what you do takes a little bit of planning, some basic tools, and a lot of positivity.

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General Careers Success Habits For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-25-2022

Whether you want to know how to succeed in life or how to succeed in business, you need to create habits for success. Success, or excellence, is always created by establishing positive, repetitive habits. Unfortunately, almost anything we do repeatedly can lose its luster, passion, and energy. Without doing something repeatedly, you won’t establish it as a habit. When you focus on repeating the actions that lead to success, you create habits. So, repeating and success are like peas and carrots: They go together.

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