How To Have A Great Career

Here’s How To Have A Great Career:

In today’s world, your success can be achieved faster than ever before. Here’s how to have a great career now:

Use today’s tools (including technology, apps, software, etc.). They have leveled the playing field for you.

In today’s freelance economy, you should also create something for yourself as a side hustle.

Be enterprising and take initiative.

Anticipate needs.

Communicate well.

Set goals to achieve.

Gain trust.

Discover and understand your skills and strengths.

Be willing to go above and beyond – even if it makes you uncomfortable at times.

Be flexible.

Keep honing your communications and interpersonal skills

Be a team player and a team leader.

Help others shine or do their best.

Forgive those in your heart that you think have wronged you.

Focus on integrity on the job, as in life.

Be willing to take calculated risks – and embrace change.

Remember you eventually shall be recognized for merit.

Never quit when the heat is on – or give up.

If you receive a career curveball, hit it back.

Focus upon self-improvement and giving back.

Never leave a job until you’re really ready. Make sure it’s on your own terms, not someone else’s.

Do whatever you love and the money shall follow.

Be true to yourself.

Trust your gut.

Focus on positive energy and optimism.

Struve to gain a loyal following.

Always listen more than you talk.

Create momentum in your career by engaging in discussions about positive topics you are passionate about.

Learn a new skill.

Learn a new language.

Find a mentor.

Attend a networking event or conference.

Learn how to do anything that interests you.

Plan your work life (career, wealth), social life (family, friends, recognition), health life (sports, relaxation, diet, well-being and fitness), and spiritual life (fulfillment, religion, love, philosophy).

Be assertive and speak up whenever you have to.

Actively listen to understand.

Avoid being a perfectionist. Strive to build a resume and LinkedIn profile that demonstrate depth of experience in a particular industry — minimum of one to two years.

Keep great relationships everywhere you go.

Make sure your personal brand represents your skills and projects your attitude to the world.

Do whatever you can to cultivate and perpetuate a distinct identity.

Create a summary of your career.

Place it front and center on your resume or personal website.

Make it part of your LinkedIn profile’s headline, corporate bio, blog author profile or job title.

Make sure your byline conveys more than just the current company you work for.

Love what you do, do what you love.

Identify what matters to you most.

Work out what's missing in your career.

Set attainable career goals.

Map out the steps to get there.

Be on time in the morning each day and throughout your days.

Become a resource to those you work with and for.

Avoid any office politics or gossip.

Dress for success.

Show respect for everyone in your office.

Make your own luck and opportunities.

Associate with quality people---high achievers greater than yourself.

Become really great at something that creates value.

Get the support you need.

Be a positive thinker.

Become a thought leader.

Discover your values.

Find and play to your strengths.

Live your passions.

Deploy your favorite skill sets.

Have a career plan.

Be a super-networker.

Network extensively online and on ground

Always follow company policies.

Always get your work done.

Put systems in place.

Put strategies in action.

Keep your focus.

Do not get distracted.

Always be learning and seeking improvements in your areas of focus.

Perfect how you serve your colleagues and clients.

Celebrate each career milestone.

Find a mentor. Be a mentor.

Network extensively both offline and online. 

Always be kind to everyone, for you never know who or what they know.

Stay open to and searching for opportunity all the time.

Ask your bosses what their biggest problems are and make them go away.

Your top goals at work should be to learn and contribute.

Make sure to stay in touch with those who move on or out.

Do anything you can to make your boss look good.

Make sure others know when your work is successful.

Develop new in-demand skills.

Stay on top of industry trends.

Update your resume and your social media profiles---and optimize those.

Attend many business and professional networking functions.

Take classes, courses, workshops and seminars to network and to increase your knowledge.

Join professional societies and associations. 

Become a thought leader.

Strengthen your relationships with your boss and other leaders.

Ask for more high-visibility projects.

Volunteer to represent your company, department or team.

Participate in internal and external learning opportunities.

Demonstrate your skills and expertise.

Join or start a mastermind group.

Grow your internal and external networks by networking extensively both online and offline.

Find mentors.

Highlight the achievements of others.

Do your homework. 

Be a sponge.

Never stopping being curious.

Stay on top of the news.

Focus upon details.

Learn how to prioritize and how to manage your time. 

Measure results.

Provide solutions.

Learn to stay level-headed.

Know and admit what you don't know.

Learn from your mistakes.

Think outside the box.

Develop deeper relationships. 

Be more resourceful, creative and innovative. 

Take full advantage of social media. 

Always be networking, networking, networking

Learn how to perform your job very well. 

Work smart & work hard. 

Always act professionally. 

Always dress appropriately for your job.

Have a positive attitude. 

Be enterprising & take initiative. 

Be a great team player. 

Know your boss. Well. 

Understand your employer’s needs. 

Take any criticism gracefully. 

Cultivate workplace friendships. 

Take any opportunities to learn new skills.

Be part of the solution instead of the problem. 

Avoid all gossip.

Volunteer for new assignments. 

Plan how you will get where you want to go.

Research what qualifications you may need and how you can gain experience in the field.

Make the most of any industry connections you have.

Remember that each connection you have or obtain represents a potential door to a new opportunity—personally or professionally.

Seek more work experience consistently---including via volunteering at work and for charities.

Evaluate regularly what you want to get out of your career and adjust accordingly.

Hire a career expert to advise, guide and inspire you.

P.S. Anything else YOU would add?

The author, Dr. John B. Charnay, CEO of Charnay and Associates in Greater Los Angeles, is a leading career advancement, career development, and career management expert. He is also a top job search and career transition advisor. He has helped hundreds get the raises, promotions or jobs of their dreams! He has extensive experience teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels at leading universities throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, including USC, UCLA, CSUN, FIDM, Woodbury and Pepperdine. Additionally, he is a top fundraising, public relations and social media advisor. To meet him and ask for his support, invite him to be LinkedIn (email in profile) and contact him today!