A Business Plan for Your Career

by David Rose, Director of Talent Acquisition

We are all job candidates at some time. Savvy candidates are always making connections, and are willing to listen to opportunities even when their situation is not desperate. They recognize that the state of being a candidate is not exclusive to out-of-work professionals. You are the keeper of your career, just as a Chief Executive is the keeper of a business.?

You must manage your career the same way a leader manages a business.

Begin by allotting time to reflect upon your career to date. Understanding who you are is the first step in developing a business plan for your career. Think about the roles you’ve held, the companies for which you worked, and the people you’ve met along the way. Write your story - not a resume - but a detailed review of your career. Then, repeat this activity with a look toward the future. Think about what you want your story to be in 7-10 years.?

The distance between your present state, and where you want your career to be, is the bridge you’ll have to cross to execute your career business plan.?

Establish a vision. Think of it as your personal utopia. Personal happiness and professional happiness go hand in hand.?Consider the successes you’ve had, and think about what an ideal scenario would be for you. What job would you hold??What type of company would you work for??

Great leaders understand they must surround themselves with people that possess expertise that helps provide enhanced focus.

Think about who influences you. Make a list of friends, followers, and connections that you interact with regularly – in real life and online. Divide the list into 3 groups. The first group should include the people that inspire, motivate, and educate you. These are the people that shape your professional view; the people you most admire. The second group should be comprised of people you find interesting. It may require more time to better understand the depth and breadth of these members’ influences or subject matter expertise. Finally, the third group should be made up of the people that act only in self-interest. This group often steals time and lacks integrity. Developing communication groups will help to steer focus and allow you to better allocate your time.?

With a vision and great people around you, you can accomplish whatever you set out to do.

Start by defining goals. Be specific. Goals should be realistic and measurable. For each goal, create strategies with clear tactics and established success measures, so you know what success will look like. Take initiative. Act with a sense of urgency and enthusiasm. If your goal, for example, is to work for a particular company, you should establish strategies that bring you closer to the company. Attend events sponsored by the company, and the organizations supported by the company. Identify participants with whom you want to speak, and make introduction. Be calculated. Set a target of introducing yourself to 3-5 new people. Once you introduce yourself, be sure to schedule future communication and follow through. Building relationships is a long term strategy.

Business plans evolve, and so should your career business plan. Start somewhere. Review your plan throughout the year and adjust as appropriate. Repeat.??