Get Ready for the New Year

Whether we're employed, in the process of looking for a job or building a business, there are things we all need to do as we look toward a New Year in order to keep our careers, and our businesses, flourishing.  Here's the first installment of 12 ideas to support you in 2012:

1. Update your "Golden Rolodex."  Who's in your circle of influence?  Are you in touch with them?  Do you even have their current e-mail, address and phone number?  The holidays are a great time to update your "Golden Rolodex," a phrase I've coined to describe all the people you know.  Remember, anyone and everyone can be a resource to you as you build your career or your business.  Treat them like gold because that's just what they are. 
2. Examine your environment.  It may seem trivial but our environment has a huge effect on our attitude.  Is yours organized and in good working order?  Do you know where to find things?  Take some time to get those files in order, sift through the detritus of last year and pitch as much as you can to make room for a New Year filled with abundance.  If you need help organizing your office or your life, contact someone from NAPO, the National Association of Professional Organizers.  You'll find it's money well-spent.
3. Scrutinize your calendar. The uber-guru of management Tom Peters has a famous phrase: "Show me your calendar and I'll show you what's important to you."  What's on yours?  Are you scheduling time with prospective employers, people within your network, those in your "" and people with whom you can make a difference?  If you're selling a product or service, are you in front of people?  If you're in a job transition, Richard Bolles of What Color is Your Parachute recommends 10 appointments per week--per WEEK!  That's a lot of coffee dates.  But if you expect results, you have to be in action.  And your calendar will let you know if you're in action or not.
4. Don't be so picky.  Now, I don't mean be indiscriminate or lower your standards.  I just mean, quit judging who can and who cannot help you.  Everyone you know can help you.  If you're on a mission (vs. just looking for a job), people will love to help you achieve it.  They see themselves in your passion and commitment and want to be part of something big.  Just be sure to share your mission, not just your objective.  Frankly, no one cares if you need a job or more money but they sure do care if you're up to making a difference in the world.  Stop judging who's "worthy" of helping you on your mission and just get out there and share your mission with everyone you know, AKA your "Golden Rolodex."
5. Clean up your act.  Now is a great time to think about your image.  Is your image aligned with what you want to be, do, project?  Is your hairstyle a leftover from the 70s?  Are you still wearing aviator frames? (Oh, wait a minute--those might have come back into style again.)  When you're on your way to the top, whether it's as an employee or as an entrepreneur, we really are judged by how we look.  Do an inventory.  Get rid of out-dated styles and anything with torn seams or frayed cuffs.  Polish your shoes before you head out.  Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.  Invest in some quality clothing and if you need help with your grooming, hire a professional like Susan Fignar from Pur*Sue, Inc.  Susan has years of experience helping everyone from corporate executives to entrepreneurs align their image with their aspirations.
6. Build your "Posse."  JLo has a Posse and so should you.  I define "Posse" as the group of people who surround you and provide unconditional support.  Your posse may include family and friends--but if that family member always leaves you with that one zinger that makes you doubt yourself, gently "fire" them from your Posse. (You don't have to tell them.)  People on your Posse may be those who love you or those you pay--doesn't matter.  Your coach, your attorney, your accountant, your massage therapist--all those folks are on your Posse because they have your best interest in mind.  Take a look at who's supporting you, identify any gaps and fill them.

Stay tuned for Part II of "Getting Ready for 2012."

Vickie Austin is a business and career coach and owner of CHOICES Worldwide based in Wheaton, IL.  She's getting ready for 2012, updating her strategic marketing plan and helping her clients do the same.  If you need help getting ready for the New Year, contact her at vaustin@choicesworldwide.com or call her at 630-510-1900.