How To Transform Your Name into Your Personal Brand Name

How To Transform Your Name into Your Personal Brand Name 29 The largest words on any resume should be your name. As the text that will be seen and repeated the most throughout life, what can you do to make your name leave a positive impression? First, some terminology. There are 2 kinds of names: Anthroponyms â€" literally meaning ‘human name', an anthroponym is any real name that can be given to a human being such as given names, surnames, nicknames, etc. Pseudonyms â€" The opposite of “anthroponym”, it means ‘false name' in Latin. There are many good reasons for people to use false names without being a James Bond-esque spy as you'll see.eval Both anthroponyms and pseudonyms can be used as personal brand names. What is a personal brand name? If a brand name is a word or group of words that communicate ideas about a subject, then a personal brand name is a word or group of words that communicate ideas about a person.eval For most people, that group of words is simply their birth name. If your birth name is Barack Hussein Obama Junior that might be good enough, but there are some cases where an improvement is desperately needed. Personal brand name nightmares Having the same name as someone famous â€" Albert Brooks was actually born Albert Lawrence Einstein. Now a famous Hollywood actor, he changed his last name to avoid confusion with the Albert Einstein that the whole world already knows about. Having the same name as someone who's infamous â€" As Steven Moody wrote to Penelope Trunk, “I am trying to get to the top of Google searches for my name, but competing with a Death Row inmate in TX and a con artist in Utah is proving difficult.” Having the same name as someone not famous, but still being found ahead of you online â€" even with his own blog and solid web presence, Ryan Healy is still finding it a challenge to be found first in search results on his name. Having a name that's also used regularly as a pseudonym â€" In the US, John Doe and Jane Doe are names that police officers use for unidentified bodies but if you search Facebook, there are many live Jane Does. If you're living a personal brand name nightmare or just looking for ideas to improve your personal brand name, there are more options than you might think. To fully understand those options, let's take a look at how names convey meaning. Ways that personal names share meaning Names that are words or sound like them â€" the most obvious case, when part of a name seems to have literal meaning or actually does. Examples: George Bush, Danielle Steele. Single names â€" this only works when someone is so famous that the context makes it clear who's being referred to. Examples: Madonna, Elvis. Titles â€" used to indicate special status. Examples: Sir, Doctor, Prince of Wales. Historical names â€" the classic example would be biblical names; aside from having a meaning in Hebrew, these usually indicate a Christian/Jewish background. Examples: Sarah, David. Ethnic names â€" names like Fernandez, Goldberg or Wu can give an idea of a person’s origins. Patronyms matronyms â€" many cultures used to express names through who the parents were. Examples: Wilson, Carlson. Hyphenated family names â€" these typically mean that a woman in the family decided not to take her husband’s name at marriage time. Example: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Maddox Jolie-Pitt. Senior/Junior â€" a way of distinguishing a son from a father with the same name, the ‘Jr.’ often gets dropped later in life or when there's no longer a risk of confusing father and son. Example: Martin Luther King. Roman numerals â€" typically associated with royalty, aristocracy or wealth, roman numerals can make someone appear aloof or even silly if the person doesn't fits the association. But how can you use these possibilities for your own personal brand name? 4 ways to improve your personal brand with your name 1. Capitalize on existing meanings â€" use an etymology dictionary to fully understand what your name means and then harmonize that definition with the personal brand you’ve chosen for yourself. This works best when your name's meaning is easy to grasp i.e. no etymology dictionary is needed, but don't let that limit you if your name has a story to tell. 2. Use a nickname â€" everyone knows who Joe the Plumber is now. If my last name was different, I could go by ‘Jacob the Job Search Expert' on my blog, in discussion forums, even on my resume. Give yourself a nickname that meshes with your personal brand. 3. Take on a pseudonym â€" probably the most typical usage of pseudonyms are as entertainment (stage/screen/pen) names. Many Jews have used less ethnic-sounding stage names â€" Jon Stewart is actually Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz, Natalie Portman is really Natalie Hershlag â€" because they thought it would improve their chances of success. On the other hand, Caryn Elaine Johnson chose the more ethnic-sounding screen name of Whoopi Goldberg for the same reason. The advantage of a pseudonym is that using the list above for inspiration, you can literally design a name that conveys the meaning you want. 4. Change your legal name â€" this is the brute force scenario, the kind of thing to do when you feel you have no choice such as when Talula Does the Hula, age 9, was granted a court-ordered name change that will save her from a life of embarrassment and increase her chances of eventually getting a job when she's older. Conclusion The sweetest words to your ears, you will make your name appear in many places over your lifetime. Take advantage of that reality and use your name to convey the branding message of your choosing. How far would you be willing to go in using your name to improve your chances of success? I originally published this article on the terrific Personal Branding Blog.

7 Study Tips for Exam Preparation

7 Study Tips for Exam Preparation Preparing for an examination  can be a very challenging experience. The experts believe that it does not matter what type of a student you are, the pressure will get to you and unless you equip yourself with the best studying tips, you will surely falter. It takes some conditioning to get physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to face such a challenge. Perhaps you are wondering why some breeze through these things, while you struggle tremendously. The most effective way to study begins with preparedness; and most importantly, by giving yourself ample time for revision. Cramming and leaving things to the very last minute is very irresponsible. As a student, you need to master how to pass exams, because they tests are an integral part of your study life. Most Useful Study Tips for Exams Think of your exam as a battle and as one you need to design a plan of attack that fortifies your claim. York University reiterates that you cannot go into it without a plan or you will be a headless chicken with no drive or aim. The following are some of the most effective and productive study tips for exams; use them as you deem fit: Write a revision schedule. Whether you are gearing for a small or big exam, it will be important that you plot a schedule or timetable for yourself as it will give direction to your purpose. First, determine how long you have to study. Second, decide how many days in the week, and hours in the day you wish to devote to studying. It is important that you also allot time for some rest and recreation, so that you do not get too exhausted. Third, you have to make sure to stick to the schedule religiously. If you encounter a roadblock, along the way, gather your bearings and continue on. Compile all the necessary study aids. Preparing for a test involves gathering up all the notes and resources that you will need to learn the subject. Make sure that you are properly equipped, so that you are ready for battle. You can also read past exams, so that you will know what to expect. It is essential that you leave nothing unturned. Do not memorize. Memorizing is cutting corners. Although it seems effective and strategic, understand that it only hits the surface. Your efforts to memorize achieve superficial success, but if you want to prevent blacking out in the middle of your exam, you have to make sure to analyze and interpret the subject matter. Doing so brings depth to your revision and you will enjoy long-term benefits for it. You know the subject in its entirety so you will not fall victim to blacking out and losing everything that you have learned. Choose the right study setting. The time, location, and overall setting you allot for your revision is very critical for the results you are aiming to have. It is, therefore, important that you choose the right setting for your revision. Choose the hour when you are most productive; choose a location where studying is conducive and you are certain to retain more information; and make sure to come in physically, mentally and emotionally prepared for the whole ordeal. Quiz yourself. From time-to-time during the revision process, it is important that you gauge your capacity. To find out how effective your work is, you need to quiz yourself. Doing so enables you to measure what you have learned. It will help you identify strengths and weaknesses, so that you make changes, accordingly. Use appropriate study tools. There are several study tools that are proven effective for learning. It helps you to organize information in to bite-size packages that makes them easier to digest and learn. Examples of such tools are diagrams, flowcharts, flashcards and so forth. Some people learn better with audio-visual materials; so you need to make good use certain tools that will make learning more fruitful and productive.  Also you can look for essay samples on writing services sites for better understanding how to write them. Identify your motivation. Of course examinations are part and parcel of your academic learning and education, but you have to identify the main motivation for your journey. You are taking the exam because you want to receive a degree and that will help you land a better future. You have dreams you want to fulfil and although farfetched, taking the exam is going to get you there. You need to be in tune with the right motivation, so that you will always be reminded of your goals. Come Up With Your Own Strategies The above-mentioned strategies are only examples of some of the study tips you can use; but the best study tips are the ones that are effective for your specific need. So do not be afraid to come up with your own. Studying and taking exams may not be your thing, but you do not have to always be bad at it. Do you remember the first time you rode on your bike? You probably struggled in the beginning, but as soon as you mastered the tricks, you realize that it’s not too bad at all. The same is true with taking exams. Preparing for a test does not have to be hard; you just need to know what to do to make things easy for you. Summary Preparedness is the key to conquering any type of examination. The strategies described in this book, as well as the ones that you will design on your own will be helpful, but they will be worth nothing unless you give yourself enough time. Procrastination is the enemy of success. The most effective way to study is one that is carefully planned and properly timed. Cramming and going at it without a plan is very careless and exhausting. At the very least, you have to make your revision a positive experience; so that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for the battle.

Personal Branding Weekly and LinkedIn Word of Mouth - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Personal Branding Weekly and LinkedIn Word of Mouth - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Personal Branding Weekly Editor’s Note:   Did you see the relevant and helpful posts about your brand at holiday parties? Or, how about the post that you still (and always) need a business card?   Do you agree?  From securing a mentor to how to brand yourself when you have years of experience â€" take a look at last week’s insights: Make Sense Out of Change and Join the Dance by Deborah Shane The Art of the Cold Call Voicemail by Jun Loayza Branding Years of Experience by Phil Rosenberg The #1 Thing Hiring Managers are Looking For by The Daily Muse How to Get A Mentor by Nance Rosen 5 Ways to Turn Around a Bad First Impression by Heather Huhman Practical Online Writing Tips for Personal Branding Success by Roger Parker What Hiring Managers Want in a Good Job Candidate by Glassdoor.com Use Your Personal Brand, Find the Job by Lesley Mitler A Classic Example of How NOT to Resign by Skip Freeman Know Thyself First, then Create Your Personal Brand by Kristen Fischer Your Chance to Get On-Camera Training. Literally. by Manoush Zomorodi Be Your Own Brand, Not Your Generations by Lindsey Pollak The Power of the Pen by Jeff Shuey You ALWAYS Need a Business Card from Erik Deckers Build Your Brand at the Company Holiday Party by Michael Spinale Find Your Dream Job? Develop Rare and Valuable Skills! by Beth Kuhel Next week, there are some great posts about subtle ways to look smart, how to save face when things go wrong and some stellar tips about getting that interview. Look forward to your comments! LinkedIn Word of Mouth LinkedIn is possibly one of the best social networks to develop your personal brand. While other sites such as Facebook and Twitter provide a platform for interaction, LinkedIn provides a place where building a professional image is the primary focus. This platform can be a powerful asset for any personal brand, as long as it’s used effectively. Needless to say, LinkedIn does have a few quirks that separate it from all other social sites. Some are good while others are bad, if you don’t know how to present yourself through this online medium. LinkedIn is a professional oriented site, so whatever you say will define you. Basically, don’t lie. Social sites make it easy to detect a lie, especially when it’s so easy to cross-reference accounts or make a simple Google search. Stick to the facts and present opinions as opinions. Your presence on LinkedIn will affect your professional image as a whole and make or break future networking relationships. Top (3) LinkedIn How To’s How to develop a professional profile? Initially, everything starts with your image. How do you present yourself? What can your potential contacts see about you? Your picture says a lot about your personal brand. Because LinkedIn is primarily about contacts as individual personal brands, it’s usually wise to use a professional photo of yourself. It is possible to use your brand’s image, such as a logo, though it may not be as effective as your professional photo. There is a potential problem with not providing a photo at all. It could be seen to be delivering a message that you either don’t take your social campaign seriously or you have something to hide. Either way, other networkers are less likely to consider you as a reliable expert in your field. Additionally, be sure that you include all your external brand sources. Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and website addresses should be a part of your LinkedIn profile; it is an important step to developing a complete profile. Then there is the importance of filling in all the blanks. As a professional, the worst thing you can do is fail to provide all the applicable profile data. Who you are, what you do, and a headline that defines your brand, all these are important places to start. Be sure to utilize all the fields effectively. How to connect effectively with ones contacts? Take the time to personalize invitations. When you invite for a contact or group, LinkedIn delivers a standardized message for you. What using such generic message really says is that you either didn’t have the time to consider the recipient individually or that the subject isn’t important enough for your attention. Either way, you’re less likely to be perceived as a valuable network resource and less professional. It only takes a few moments to construct a simple message that provides a little information that will go a long way to developing a quality contact. At the same time, it is important to avoid getting too personal through a business network. The “friend” option is available through LinkedIn, but should be avoided when it comes to brand related contacts. The goal of a personal brand is to generate a business oriented network, which is what other networkers are also looking for. Many will not want to be termed “friends,” so it’s best to keep that in mind when building a contact network. Additionally, don’t ask unfamiliar contacts to recommend you before you give them a reason to recommend you. This presents you as unprofessional, and their recommendation may not be effective or even valuable. Develop your contacts before you begin utilizing them to ensure authentic word of mouth marketing. How to interact professionally? Groups are a big part of LinkedIn, providing forums of all types and genres. This is a great place to begin developing your brand authenticity. You have to be cautious with how you go about it. Use LinkedIn groups effectively. Be sure that you don’t just use these groups to get link-backs to your website or blog, since you will likely be perceived as a spammer and lose credibility. Otherwise, maintain regular interaction (scheduled meetings and times for dedicated activity) and always keep an eye out for groups that cover new topics regularly. Be sure that you use LinkedIn the way it was designed to be used â€" as a professional social site dedicated to helping you develop your brand. As long as you understand how to approach this professionally oriented social platform, you will be able to make the most of your marketing campaign and develop a quality network of valuable contacts. Author: Maria Elena Duron, is managing editor of the Personal Branding Blog, CEO (chief engagement officer) of  buzz2bucks.com  â€"  a word of mouth marketing firm. She helps create conversation, connection, credibility, community and commerce around your brand. Maria Duron is co-founder   and moderator of  #brandchat   a weekly Twitter chat focused on every aspect of branding that is recognized by Mashable as one the 15 Essential Twitter Chats for Social Media Marketers.

6 Ways to Effectively Promote Your Content - Classy Career Girl

6 Ways to Effectively Promote Your Content Building amazing content is hard, but you’ve mastered it. You have content that’s specifically tailored to detailed customer personas, your website is optimized to appeal to potential clients at all points of the sales funnel, and you’ve built out a beautiful analytics dashboard to track your success. But now your content is just sitting there! Having great content is almost meaningless if you aren’t promoting it properly. Let’s walk through some awesome options for building a sustainable content marketing empire: 6 Ways to Effectively Promote Your Content 1. Social Media Social media sometimes feels like a sinkhole of time and attention. Writing posts, responding to comments, managing ads and sifting through endless analytics can be overwhelming. Use your content to both make your social posts sparkle, and to drive traffic back to that carefully crafted funnel on your website. Distribute and promote your posts, whitepapers, and infographics via all social platforms. Also, time a follow-up post a few weeks later for a second hit of traffic you may have missed the first time around. For the best results from social media when it comes to content promotion, prepare a daily social media plan. This way you can schedule posts to go live automatically instead of having to remember to do it yourself (or worse forgetting to!). In addition, you can find out when your profiles have the most traffic and schedule your posts for the busiest times of the day. Here at CCG, we use Social Report  for our Facebook posts. 2. Email Whitepapers and other gated content pieces are excellent for building a solid database of interested readers. Don’t let that go to waste! Distributing your work through social media and using SEO will build that list, and then all you have to do is write those e-mails and put it into motion. When you publish a new blog post or have a contributed piece picked up by an influential outlet, make sure you’re sending out those useful stories to your opted-in audience. One more note on email content distribution if you have customer personas that differ quite a bit, make sure to be segmenting your email list. It’s not useful (and doesn’t make a great impression) to send inapplicable content to parts of your audience. Make sure all emails contain valuable information for the specific person you want to engage through the communication. Nobody likes to feel like theyre getting an inapplicable mass e-mail. 3. Outreach and Influencer Marketing As part of your larger content marketing strategy, influencer marketing is more than just a buzzword these days it can really be a game changer. The first step here is to identify key influencers in your area. Select industry darlings, bloggers with a large audience of ideal customers, or local leaders that have access to the audience you’d like to reach. Then, only  market to them. Develop a specific marketing campaign or networking goal of converting that person into a follower, and create the opportunity for that influencer to spread a tailored marketing message or piece of content to that audience. This tactic is like a super referral campaign. The influencer’s audience trusts them and sees aspects of their own personalities reflected in the content the influencer shares. When they recommend your product, service, or blog, you’ll have a much higher rate of success with conversions in that audience. [RELATED: Social Media Marketing Plan in 7 Steps] 4. Link Building As with most content machines, a lot of your content will relate to other areas of content, or even build on itself from post to post. Translation: link other articles youve written to articles youre currently writing, like this: Use internal linking to build SEO and lead the reader from post to post (see how we linked another related CCG article there?). For search engines, all this internal linking builds authority and decreases your bounce rate, making you look more appealing in search rankings. On top of a strong internal link structure on your website, you want to make sure you are actively acquiring quality links from other websites, too. This will have the biggest influence on your search engine rankings. 5. Guest Blogging Guest blogging is perfect for the fledgling blogger. This is another tactic that piggybacks on an established outlet’s audience, to drive traffic to your own. Create a list of bloggers or industry publications that members of your audience would frequently engage with. Develop content specifically for those blogs. Many outlets that accept guest contributors have strict rules regarding self-promotion or linking back to your own website outside of a bio. Read up before you send something laden with links to content on your site. Dont fret if you cant link to your own blog in an article! Even without these, getting your name out there with larger audiences in your industry will increase traffic and engagement with your own content. (Pssst. CCG does guest posting. In fact, what youre reading is a guest post. Check out our guest contributor guidelines here.) 6. Paid Media Finally, sometimes you’re going to have to allocate some budget to amplify your voice. There are a ton of ways to do this, so we’ll just outline a few here: Search Engine Marketing: 2016 B2B Content Marketing Survey found that this is the most used method for B2B businesses using paid methods to distribute their content. 66% of B2B business are shelling out cash for this medium. SEM (Search Engine Marketing) refers to paid search methods like PPC, CP, and CPM. These are generally paid only when the medium performs. Digital Ads and Retargeting: This option refers to buying into an ad program that places advertising on websites in the program’s network. Once a visitor leaves your site, the retargeting system will push your digital ad to that same visitor on other websites they visit, keeping your content top of mind. Promoted Social Posts: These are the ads you see in your Facebook or Twitter feed. They can be relatively inexpensive to get started and are easily targeted by keyword or demographic. As you can see from the many examples here, building a following for your blog is far from impossible. Through strategic use of the many tactics available to you, you’ll have traffic streams coming from multiple mediums, and their engagement with content will fuel growth and conversion.

5 things I learned from working abroad - Debut

5 things I learned from working abroad - Debut This article was written by an external contributor. Emma Taylor draws on her own experiences to discuss what working abroad can give you.   When I was 25, my younger sister, Hannah, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Bummer. I had also just started working for a multinational travel company within a successful marketing department. It paid well, the people were ace and I kind of enjoyed it, but my big dream was to try working abroad. It was a vague goal for me though, as I didnt really know what area I wanted to end up in, so I kept one eye on international job sites to dip into when I felt particularly antsy. Nine months into this cushy new role and with my family riding the tumultuous chemo-coaster of Hannah’s treatments, a vacancy for an operational position overseas within the travel company’s ski brand came to my inbox via a business newsletter one rainy October afternoon. The thing is, when staring into the grim eyes of mortality every day (sorry Han), your perspective on what you want to achieve sharpens. Life is unpredictable and precious. I had to take a swing at this chance as another one might not come around again. I got the job, tearfully said goodbye to loved ones and set off for the Austrian Alps. The best things do happen outside of comfort zones Clichés are clichés for a reason; because they are so annoyingly true. As a hardcore introvert with little to zero self-belief, my default setting is saying I cant do something to stay safe and warm in my cosy circle of familiar comfort. As pleasant as it is; the memories you’ll look back on arent made in that circle; the new community of support you need to build for yourself isnt found there either; neither is figuring out how to work alongside colleagues from different nationalities or finding out whether or not you can drive a minibus down snow-covered mountain roads. Working abroad pushes you to take a risk and shoves your feet outside what you consider to be within your bounds of possibility, and that is something you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life. You’re incredibly resilient When you fling yourself hundreds of miles away, dont speak the local language and have shaky confidence in your abilities at best, your mind switches on the defence; fight or flight. The smallest tasks seem overwhelming at first; even doing a simple food shop gets perceived as a mammoth chore.  But once you’ve carved out a new way of living and settled, bigger challenges that you come up against, strangely, feel casually conquerable. Sure I can put snow chains on in a blizzard. Yep, I’ll arrange evacuation for an elderly couple in France during snowmageddon who dont have a phone or email address between them. To be frank, once you’ve been screamed at for several hours by a thousand angry diverted passengers, airport staff and irate Austrian coach drivers in Salzburg airport the night before Christmas Eve, anything else this life has to throw at you is a piece of cake by comparison. Skills, Skills, Skills Of course, you’ll inevitably pick up a fistful of skills when working abroad  a new language, international diplomacy and accompanying dance routines to certain Austrian après songs. But you’ll also acquire softer skills that aren’t as easily defined on a CV. I’ve found that  employers look at your overseas experience quite favourably. Unexpected things crop up in a job abroad. You may learn to solve problems quickly and stay calm under pressure. These ‘fluffier’ skills are just as important assets to keep in your work-life war chest as the actual job itself.  Even if you do only leave with the basic ‘danke’ and ‘bitte’ under your linguistic belt, youll still be significantly wealthier in other skill areas. Explore more   During your time-off, take advantage of every moment to go do or see something that your new home has to offer as your free moments will feel like you’re on holiday. One day you could be dancing on tables shotting Jäger, the next eating delicious regional dishes in a hut straight from an exquisitely illustrated storybook. My only regret from working abroad was that I did not take this advice seriously enough and wasted more hours than necessary watching Netflix or scrolling through Instagram. There’s a whole world out there and each unique corner is worth exploring. Make a list of all the touristy things on your doorstep and start there. Don’t take the opportunity to investigate and soak in what’s around you for granted. Trust your gut   Another Pinterest-quote cliché I’m peddling with blind-belief. When you ultimately have only yourself to rely on and come through for, the feeling gets stronger the more you let it lead you. I don’t think I would have listened as closely had I not dunked myself into unfamiliar territories overseas with only me to fall back if times got tough. I took a gamble and trusted my gut to apply for that job abroad even though I wasn’t massively interested in operational work. I believed that everything would be okay once my head stopped spinning after the first week. I also trusted my gut when it told me it was time to move on from seasonal work and chase another aspiration I had kept tucked away for years. It also tells me that this winter is going to be brutal not skiing every week, but I think I can tune that bit out. Connect with Debut on  Facebook,  Twitter,  and  LinkedIn  for more careers insights.

Are You Cut Out For A Career In Care - CareerAlley

Are You Cut Out For A Career In Care - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Looking for your lifes calling, and not just another job? Then a career in care could be the perfect option for you. But how do you know that you are suited to this line of work? Keep reading to find out. Do you have patience? Patience is a big one if you are going to work in any of the caring fields. This is because you will be dealing with members of the public, probably ones that need something from you quite urgently, or are not at their best due to illness. That means their behavior can be anything from exhausting to incredibly challenging, meaning patience is going to be something you will need in vast amounts. Looking for your lifes calling, and not just another job? Then a career in care could be the perfect option for you. But how do you know that you are suited to this line of work? Keep reading to find out. Tweet This In particular doing a caring job in areas like mental health, dementia care, and psychology can really test your patience levels. As the folks you are working with arent always responsible for their own actions. That means you can be put in physically and emotionally tough situations, where you have to look after their wellbeing as well as your own, without losing your cool. Meaning patience is a vital quality for a career in any of these fields. Do you have empathy? Next, empathy is a vital quality to have if you are going to work in care. This is when you can understand how a person is feeling, even though you have never experienced it yourself. Image link This helps you to make a connection to them, look after their needs in the best way possible, and have a good bedside manner. One that deals with their emotional wellbeing as well as just their physical health. Something that is actually a huge part of caring and helping people recover, or be as comfortable as possible. Making empathy a great quality for anyone entering the care field. Careers in the healthcare industry are incredibly diverse. At the top end of the scale, you have people in fantastically well-paid jobs, earning more than the average wage in the country. Then, at the lower end, youve got people that dont earn as much as they perhaps should, and are taking home around the average wage, if not less. 4 Simple Steps To Advance Your Healthcare Career Can you stand your ground? Its also important when you are working with members of the public that you are able to stand your ground in a crisis. This is because you need to be able to make spot decisions and stand by them for others well-being. Meaning if you let them influence you too much in your choices you may be giving them what they want rather than what they need. Something that might not be useful for their health overall. Picture source So that is why you have to learn to stand your ground, even in the toughest of situations if you want to succeed in care. Do you live for learning? Lastly, to have a truly successful careering in their caring professions, you need to love learningnew things. This is because medicine, psychology, and elder care are all fields that are constantly being developed and informed by new research. Picture link That means there will always be new methods and techniques to learn, that will improve the standards of care that you are providing. So you need to be willing to keep up with this if you are setting your sites on a career in the caring field. What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to find the opportunities that help you grow your best career. Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search

What to Expect When You Change Careers to Become an Entrepreneur - When I Grow Up

What to Expect When You Change Careers to Become an Entrepreneur - When I Grow Up Leaving one job and starting another even on our own accord is listed as a Top 5 Stressful Situation. The others? Death of a loved one, divorce, moving, and major illness. I mean, these are often traumatic, life-changing events!  And yet, most of us try to brush off our impending career change as something thats no big deal. In fact, we should actually just suck it up and continue with our soul-crushing work because, really,  isnt that what adults do?   When we  know its unacceptable to spend the next insert-however-many-years-you-have-before-retirement-here years being drained and unfulfilled at best and abused at worst, its time to start initiating change. Our cavewomen brains HATE it when things change, and double hate it when were the ones who are controlling it! Its one thing to have to run from a bear that has just so happened to stumble across your tent in the woods, but its another to call for the bear and ask it to come charging. amIright?! To  soothe our inner cavewoman and inflict a bit less trauma on ourselves, heres what to expect when you change careers to become an entrepreneur: There will  be a moment where you have to jump no matter how prepared or confident you are and itll be damn scary.  I like to preach that quitting your job does not have to be a jump off a cliff. Instead, it could be you walking directly on top of a safety net, eventually noticing that youre walking on your own and the net is a few feet behind you. But no matter how many  SNAP (Safety Net Action Plan) tasks youve crossed off or how much money you have in your savings account,  giving your notice will make you feel like peeing your pants.  If it doesnt? Be worried. Youll yearn for support from like-minded people.  Community. Community. Community. I hear it from the vast majority of my clients, regardless of whether they feel supported at home. You are probably going to want to seek out other entrepreneurs, locally and/or virtually, and have a hive you can go to for resources, recommendations, and help. Youll be waiting for someone to walk in the door and take you back to your old job.  I expected this for  months when I quit my Executive Assistant job. I didnt even purge my closet of my business casual clothes for a few weeks because it didnt quite feel real! People might ask if you feel like youre on vacation, and it will, in a sense a working one! You wont make as much money for the first few months (or year!) that you did at your last job.  I dont care how long you side hustled for its near impossible to match your salary right out of the gate. Lower your expectations and realize that youre playing a long game here. Youll pinch yourself that  It actually happened and  Youre really doing it.  For years.  Its been five years and change for me and Im still shaking my head. HOW is it possible that I can be The When I Grow Up Coach full-time, of all silly things? And I can be making more money than I ever did at a stable job? Youll gain trust and confidence no matter what the outcome is.  Even if your business doesnt work out, or if it winds up looking different than when you started, you will take away so.damn.much. One of my clients said that starting a business led to more growth and clarity within herself than anything else shes ever done. Aint that the truth!  Never underestimate the act of doing. Youll have to be a beginner all over again.  And seriously? Its kind of the best. Youll have to learn how you work best and then make the rules.  This might be weird, especially for those of us who had never been in a managerial role before. Even if youre working without any outside help, youll have to discover how  you can best manage your time and projects, how  you want to communicate to your clients, what  your boundaries are. All I have to say is: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable! Youll experience more work/life integration than you ever have before.  A client of mine used this phrase the other day and I love it: work/life integration. Working from myself took away the distinction I felt between my Executive Assistant persona and my wife/daughter/friend self. Now, Im just me. 24/7.