chrisbrogan.com - Latest Comments in You are the President of Your Career

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Cath_06 — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 08:10:20 -0000

Excellent post Chris. For years I worked as a Senior Manager and found a lot of people did not realize that they truly are the manager of their own careers. There is a inspirational quote about work by Zig Ziglar that summarizes the attitude of some people: "A lot of people quit looking for work as soon as they find a job." I hope your post is read by many as we all need to realize that we are responsible for our own success, not the company we work for!

Re: You are the President of Your Career

ralph lauren polo shirts — Tue, 24 May 2011 10:19:09 -0000

I know he is one of the complainers who said i was "lucky" to have a
print, broadcast and web journalism background. That is not luck, I knew
that my skilss should be diverse and i still know that. At any rate,

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Mary — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:01:10 -0000

Powerful post. I like this way of looking at things. We've all read that we're in charge of our own actions, but you've framed it quite nicely by portraying each individual as President of his or her Career. Very nice, empowering. As a former college adviser, I'd say that it very much depends on many variables as to whether returning to school is a good idea. I would recommend researching your industry or intended field and talking to both academic resources and those currently working in that area. There are many great reasons to go back to school, but you must be intentional and purposeful in your pursuits. Don't just go hoping to find a way to make money or get ahead.

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Bonnie Parrish-Kell — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:41:37 -0000

Chris, you're right about most academic classes - many instructors aren't as active in their topic. However, most continuing education classes I know are taught by folks who are doing what they are teaching and are pretty darn active in their professions.

I tell my SEO students right off that this 6-week/18-hour SEO and online marketing class is simply an introduction. They will have to continue reading, testing and discussing search engine marketing PLUS becoming knowledgeable in marketing communications, social media and its correct usage, and other aspects of operating a successful business. It's exactly what I do. Luckily, I enjoy it!

Keeping up with changes may be stressful but I find it leads to greater opportunities and more peace of mind.

Re: You are the President of Your Career

@MattWilsontv — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:09:01 -0000

Sit in the front row of your life!

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Jennifer Milikien — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:43:06 -0000

Great post, Chris. Thanks!

Re: You are the President of Your Career

AngelaConnor — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:51:30 -0000

I have watched so many of my friends, and former colleagues fall due to the collapse of newspapers and now local news. Yet so many saw this right with me and never did anything on the personal front to shield themselves or at least prepare themselves for the worst by attaining new skills. I seem to get new news every other day about a layoff or buyout. There is no way I could watch all of that happen and think I'm immune. It's just not possible. I just posted a status update a few days ago on Facebook that said :"Angela is...working on career security." Do you know that one of my former colleagues responded saying:"Let me know if you find any." I mean, come on. You create it yourself, you don't just find it. i was particularly annoyed at that comment partly because I know he is one of the complainers who said i was "lucky" to have a print, broadcast and web journalism background. That is not luck, I knew that my skilss should be diverse and i still know that. At any rate, my point was, the next time you find yourself spreading gossip about a layoff, don't. Use that energy to create some career security of your own. This is no joke. I'm glad you wrote this post. I will now step off of the soap box.

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Taylor — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:55:30 -0000

What a great post to help kick off 2009 - thanks Chris!

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Barb Giamanco — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:05:49 -0000

Right on! Last year I gave a talk at Verizon titled Who's Career is it Anyway? I lack patience for people who cry the blues about how their company doesn't do anything for their career. Of course, I believe they should, but who said they were obligated too? The investment that a company is willing to make in their people will vary, but one thing holds true. It's up to each individual to manage their own career success.

Back in my corporate America days, my employers didn't always pay for the classes I took to improve my communication, management skills, coaching skills, etc. Books are cheap and these days there are so many great FREE webinars on every topic imaginable. Or, read blogs - like this one!

There just isn't any excuse. I worked to remain lay-off proof then and now as a business owner. People are buying. We just might have to work a bit harder or pay more attention to the opportunities that at first glance might not seem like they will lead to something. I keep my attitude straight and stay on my priorities and coach others to do the same!

PS...Chris, I did your 3 words exercise and took my mastermind team through your process. We all love it. My 2009 words are: First, Bridge and Infinite.

PSS...I've always heard SMART goals defined as Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic and Timely. I like your slight variation. Simple goals that lead to something powerfull down the road sounds like a smart (forgive the pun) idea to me.

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Laura Chamberlain — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:20:21 -0000

Absolutely loooved the wrap-up sentence. Great style finish.

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Susan Murphy — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:04:40 -0000

tWhile I agree that going back to school is something that should be very seriously considered, I'm not sure it's accurate to make a blanket statement that what one can learn in school is not current or relevant.

Having been a student a few times, and now as a college professor, I'm all too aware that college courses have a reputation for being outdated. However, I think in some cases, that is starting to change.

I can't speak for all post-secondary education, but In the School of Media and Design at Algonquin College in Ottawa, where I teach, much is being done to keep on the cutting edge of the industry. This is done by inviting professionals working in the industry to sit on advisory boards, to help structure the curriculum and content to be more timely and relevant. It's also done by ensuring that the college professors are actively working in their industry, and bringing forth their own real experience for the benefit of their students. As a result I'm happy to be teaching a Web media course this semester that is focusing on social media - teaching students to understand the world of online communication and collaboration and particularly how it applies to business and their own careers.

Sorry if this sounds defensive - that's not my intent. I just want to ensure that people know that higher learning CAN be a positive, rewarding and useful experience when approached in the right way.

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Maureen Metcalf — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:15:28 -0000

I work largely with leaders to transform themselves and their organizations in changing times. I absolutely agree with your recommendations. Here are a few thoughts - consistent with your ideas and I hope a couple of additional ideas:

1. Be proactive- look around and see what you need to improve to compete in the new - changed environment - how do you differentiate yourself?

2. New skills can be developed in school if you need to develop some foundation skills and if you will benefit from a recognized credential like MBA or advanced degree preferred for a position. While people with MBAs may not be smarter - we (yes I am one and I teach in an MBA program so that is my bias) recognized that the degree opens some doors so if it helps differentiate you - consider the benefits with the costs of time and $. If you are early in your career - the time to get benefit from it is longer than those later in careers.

3. Keep current - yes by the time text books are written and class material is developed it could be old or it could be really new - if you are studying with research faculty who are creating the latest research. I teach what I am working on so my students often get the newest research - before it is even published. AND- keep reading - sources like this blog MUST accompany scholarly work - find the balance that works for your field.

4. Develop your emotional resilience. These are trying times by most measures - if your life is going well just turn on the news. How do you personally find and keep balance? Do you have a good physical activity practice - best if it includes nature - walking the dog outside is great. Do you have a centering and balancing practice like yoga, meditation, or religious faith that you feel supported by? Do you have friends who make you laugh? Do you have a "tribe" that you trust and rely on? We all have tough days and weeks. Having a range of healthy practices will enable us to navigate the difficulty with grace. This is really important if we are leading people and they are looking to us for guidance. Our behavior sets the emotional tone along with the organizational direction. Emotions are contagious - if you do not sneeze on the food of friends - do not let your cranky emotions spill onto their productive day.

We have some great opportunities to take stock and build capacity now. This can be a great adventure as well as a challenge. Data would suggest that people engaged in their own development are both happier and more successful.

If you are interested in leadership development as described by Jim Collins in his book Good to Great - specifically Level 5 Leadership, I invite you to check out the following link for additional ideas about how you define the qualities you might want to develop: http://metcalf-associates.b... - this is the beginning of a series of posts on leadership levels – all are available on the blog.

Enjoy the adventure!

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Jonathan — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:38:38 -0000

Yes, yes, of course, of course - you have always been responsible for your own situation; you have always been the author of your life. Nothing is different when it comes to career: you are where you are because YOU made it that way.

That said, let's play devil's advocate a bit, shall we? Organizations are made up of people. The success of the organization is a direct reflection of the committed action taken by the people in it. Committed action arises from both rational and emotional commitment.

When organizational leaders demonstrate that they don't care a fig for the concerns of their chattel (oops, I mean "associates), people respond in predictable fashion: they disengage. Their productivity drops, and the organization's ability to achieve its goals diminishes. Many of those people are doing exactly what you advise - and your advice is utterly true and quite smart, by the way - they are working on "brand you" out in the marketplace, looking for greener pastures.

Organizational leaders must understand that the time to invest in the people who make their organizations run is right now. This isn't a bleeding-heart, "oh, let's just take care of everybody" perspective, it's a business mandate: find the people who really make it work (that doesn't necessarily mean the people who blow the most sunshine up your skirt, by the way), find out what matters most to them, and help them get it WITHIN the confines of your organization. The best and brightest ALWAYS have options.

When people see that the leaders in their organizations know them, hear their concerns, respect their points of view, and honor the work that they do, those people's emotional commitment rises and so does their productivity and profitability. Organizational leaders MUST learn how to cut the fat without damaging muscle, or they will do worse by cutting headcount costs than they would have otherwise.

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Kyle Roussel — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:17:47 -0000

Very timely Chris.
I especially relate to the 'going back to school' part. I've been told that not having at least a bachelor's degree means that I don't have any "table stakes" when it comes to getting a job, or having credibility. So I mulled that over and actually had an appointment today at a university about getting back in.

Am I doing the right thing? One thing you're right about is that I'll be taught things that were relevant in a world that no longer exists. Should I go through with 5 years of part-time schooling or ramp up on my own? Only I can answer that for myself, but the differering opinions from folks I respect don't make it any easier.

-Kyle

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Scott Fox, E-Commerce Success — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:05:09 -0000

Hi Chris,
Very nice post.
We are on the same wavelength once again.
Just last week on my blog I posted "You're ALREADY the boss. It's just up to you to decide if you are going to act like it."
Of course, your development of the theme was much more thorough and entertaining!
Happy new year,
Scott

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Ed Walker — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:58:03 -0000

What a fantastic post, you're damn right. I'm going to make sure I hit my goals in 2009, or even exceed them! I've got some good ideas and I'm going to make sure that I get them on paper, or make them happen.

@Erik - I agree, that's part of what I do. I translate all the social media/blog/technology stuff that senior managers hear/watch/read and apply it to what we do or want to do.

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Erik — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:46:22 -0000

Interesting note about being able to "speak plainly" to senior management about technology. It does make a world of difference in many ways. By educating them about technology, you're likely to be treated better than normal engineers and often become privy to the inner workings of the business at a level most are not. This is possibly worth a blog post in and of itself.

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Kate — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:43:43 -0000

Chris, I'll echo what others said: Excellent post. Like others, I'm a job seeker, and it's tough out there. Thank you for all the work you put in to these posts.

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Sonny Gill — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:18:05 -0000

Biggest thing that stuck to me is investing in yourself. I remember when I first got out of college and the way things were then. You had to have a stellar resume and cover letter (not that you don't know), but that has expanded ten fold into a stellar portfolio, blog, community, online or offline presence and personality - you've gotta show your chops and let potential employers see what you're made of, aside from some words on a piece of watermarked paper.

If you can't take the time to invest in yourself, what makes you think a company will?

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Angela Bull — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:20:47 -0000

So timely and so true! You never cease to inspire me.

I had the same thoughts about loving your career as Jeff Shattuck, so I am excited that you affirmed them and look forward to reading what else you have to say.

Thanks for the post!

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Ted Pin — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:36:59 -0000

This post got me thinking--and worrying.

Our economy crashed because of we created perceived value (stocks, housing) to quench our thirst for more ROI and for more stuff (consumer debt was to be funded by our ever-increasing home values).

But if, in this "me, now" social media world, we again focus on ourselves so entirely, could we get into a game of building faux personal value as well, just to keep up with the other guy?

What would it look like if that bubble popped?

Before 2008, we thought the market would correct economic inefficiencies. We were wrong.

Can social media correct ours?

I wrote about it here:
http://www.intermz.com/blog/2009/01/06/could-social-media-cause-the-next-recession/

Thanks for the post.

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Hüllen — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:48:14 -0000

This article really motivated me to think about my future plans of my career.
But it's not quite clear until know..

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Enduring Wanderlust — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:19:00 -0000

Marketing is second only to good content and presentation. It's a requirement for almost every successful blog.

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Sarah Cook — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:02:34 -0000

Great motivational! Slowly, but surely . . . I am moving toward having my own SUCCESSFUL business, and it is getting more doable every day. It really is about having enough motivation to have excitement, energy and tenacity.

Re: You are the President of Your Career

williamarruda — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:00:41 -0000

The rate of change is speeding up in the corporate world, making job tenure (even during good economic times) shrink. The only constant you have is your personal brand - you need to be the president of Me, Inc. In the future, you will be switching between working for Acme, Inc and Me, Inc with shocking regularity. Your brand - or professional reputation - will be your greatest asset as you navigate this new employment landscape. If you have lost your job and received a package from your employer, now many be the perfect time for you to think about going out on your own. The first step is personal branding - what is authentic to you, valuable to your target audience (ideal clients) and differentiating from your peers (competitors)? When you are clear about that, you can embark on a business plan.

In the new world of work, we can not rely on our employers to manage our careers, we must do so every day with everything we do. And 'Me-too' won't cut it. You need to know exactly what makes you unique and valuable and use that to stand out. If you are looking for a job in this economy, that is critical because there are numerous others touting similar credentials and experience. If you think of yourself as your job title, you won't make the cut.

What's your personal brand?

Best.
William
www.williamarruda.com