CREATING YOUR OWN CAREER PLAN AND A MAP FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

“If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want – and all that is left is a compromise. It’s your call.”

What holds you back? Many never make the career plan journey at all. ‘Safer’ path of staying with the know. We will find any avoidance strategy to avoid a career review Don't rock the boat…..better the devil you know…. We want to contribute something to creating a better way of life for others.

So is Comfort stunting your Growth? Explore new possibilities, by making your world wider. Here are four ways to do that: 1.Meet new people 2.Go to more seminars. 3.Visit new places. 4.Read more books. So have no fear and make no excuses. Some people watch things happen, some people ask what happened and some people make things happen.

People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, if they can’t find them, make them. GEORGE BERNARD SHAW

How to start your journey of self discovery and change 10 Ways to be your Best : 1.Ask yourself – am I fulfilled 2.Reflect on what you really want to do and achieve 3.Devise a Strategy to achieve your goals 4.Work hard at that strategy – right now 5.Identify and overcome limiting patterns and thoughts 6.Don’t be sidetracked 7.There is no success without hard work 8.If needs be, seek a mentor or motivating coach 9.When you succeed, reward yourself 10.Be proud and celebrate in the new you!

Your Career Vision Do you have a vision of your own? In what industry or profession would you most like to work? What are the characteristics of the role you’re seeking? What are the traits that would make a person your best boss? What salary do you need? What salary do you want? QUICKLY WRITE DOWN: At least 5 choices/job titles/roles that you believe you could seriously consider.

WHAT I DID, HOW I DID IT, THE DIFFERENCE IT MADE. Make a list of how your initiatives affect: time savings revenue generation your income performance improvements behavioural or company change strategic development. Achievement Statement: “Developed and implemented a new management reporting system to analyse and plan business segment profitability, leading to better resource allocation and accountability”

SETTING GOALS KEEPS YOU FOCUSED Yours goals must push your limits, while being achievable Your goals must be measureable Your goals must be in writing Your goals need to be balanced Decide who can help you achieve your goals Keep a journal

SELF MARKETING Send copies to others of any idea Let people know if you have prevented a disaster Forward a copy of interesting articles Schedule two lunch breaks a week to network Become active in your industry association Join groups outside work where you can meet new business contacts Do as much personal skills training and development as you can Don't be afraid to speak out in meeting Watch your words! KNOW YOUR COMPANY BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE

NETWORKING It has become common knowledge that the majority of positions are not filled via public advertisement. "The Hidden Market” Contacts become very important Networking is not a devious activity Cast aside your copy of “People Using for Dummies” and instead be completely open

NETWORKING But for many people, “networking” is a dirty word and a vile concept Networking for you is to inform the market that you are available: the more you network, the wider your circle of awareness/influence spreads. This greatly increases the likelihood of you encountering unadvertised opportunities. It’s a natural human condition A thank-you letter You should define networking as “information gathering or introduction to another person”. You’re after data or people or both

Contacts Personal friends Work and business associates Family, neighbours and acquaintances Previous clients or customers Members of clubs (both sporting and social) School parents’ associations Your doctor, dentist, accountant, financial planning advisor, Members of professional associations such as Society of CPA’s Specific recruitment contacts, e.g., Recruitment consultants

VALUE PROPOSITION – personal brand You need to define your value proposition Are you ready to state where you are heading at the drop of a hat? You are able to define the value proposition for your company, aren’t you? – Why not for yourself as the company. A recent Survey showed that 91% could not articulate a clear answer to this very question with focus and clarity. Repetition and rehearsal is good for the mind-set!

Ten strategies for effective networking 1.You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours 2.Don't be intimidated 3.Plan your networking 4.Maintain your contacts 5.Find a mentor and a coach 6.Look close to home 7.Don't wait until your desperate 8.Always ask permission to use a name 9.Report back 10.Be polite and clear

“MUST DO” List Prepare yourself to take control of your career, because no one else will. Re-motivate yourself to undertake a personal career review regularly. Find a coach or mentor.. Start a journal to record activities, achievements and contacts. Make a diary date 3 months ahead to update your career review. Look at your life/work balance.

WITHOUT A PLAN, YOU ARE SIMPLY A TOURIST! GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU!