Building Successful Careers

Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commenceme nt Address Recommended by one of our readers.  When you look back in the future, you would connect all dots and appreciate the struggles and initiatives you have today. Here is the link to Steve Job's story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

Most of our communication in the business world is done on a one-to-one basis or through announcements in a conference setting.   Consider using another effective way to communicate and get connected with your people, customers and business partners’ - parallel communication. Parallel communication means that you are talking to people while you are doing something else together. For example if you have difficulty talking with your teenage children, you might want to join them in cleaning their messy rooms. While working together, take this opportunity to chat with them.   Ask about their friends, what they are doing in school; ask their opinions about the things happening around them.   Usually they will open up the communication channel between you. Hiking, playing games, dining, watching games and movies together are all good opportunities for parallel communication where you can strengthen the bond between you and your children and friends. Team building activities at work are for...

Many would say, what kind of stupid question! 2009 has been the designated dooming year without any possible hope. Is it true? 2009 is a pure 24k golden year if your eyes are focused on opportunities. It is full of opportunities over-shadowed by bad news. Their are opportunities in under-valued equities, IP's and new business needs in your own company as well as in your clients' companies. The coming three to nine months are a golden time to re-position yourself, from equity positions to skill sets, and to network with your clients. Feel their pain. Use your new services and repackaged products to help them ease the pain, to position their business in a more profitable arena. If you use most of your time just to stress out and complain, the sky will fall on you and you will be doomed in 2009. If you use most of your time to strategize, plan and execute your new plan, you will come out as a winner at the end of 2009 and claim the glittering prize of a golden year 2009.

Lots of people make them and then break them within a couple of months of the new year. Make this the year you are going to do something positive for yourself. Take charge of your life and your career. Don’t sit around and feel sorry for yourself because everyone has more control of your life than you do. Take the bull by the horns (take charge.) What things can you change about your life that would make you happier? Remember only you can change yourself…and even you cannot change others. Sit down and make a list…a short list of doable things you want to change. Be specific. For example: I will read one self-help book by February 15. I will add at least one new person to my personal network each month. I will read Elizabeth and Pat’s blog: leadershipmentorgroup.blogspot.com once a week and respond at least once every two months. Then take the time to follow-up on yourself. Success breeds success. When you start to see results, you will add other doable resolutions to your...

Aim your goals high. Often this phrase is used to refer to someone who chooses a mentor who is rising in an organization (a rising star, someone who is advancing in an organization) and they are promoted to higher jobs as their mentor is promoted. ---Credited to Emerson

The Articulate Executive: Learn to Look, Act, and Sound Like a Leader By TooGood

Networking can happen anywhere, sporting events, holiday programs, children's parties and dances. December is always a golden time for networking. Send cards to your family and friends updating them on your life. Attend fund raising events and holiday parties both public and private. Talk to people, show your genuine interest in their lives, ask about their holiday plans, their accomplishments, their children's accomplishments. You will be surprised what they share with you, perhaps unveiling opportunities that might be mutually beneficial. Holiday time is also a perfect time to say thank you to all the people who helped you, but never received your appreciation in writing. Write a note or card and make your appreciation known! After the party, link to your new friends, send them follow-up emails and invitations to your private network. Schedule follow-up events such as lunches. Remember our 52 lunch networking tips? (Have lunch each week with a person you either nev...