Secret Of The Month
                    “Me, Inc.”

Success in today’s workplace demands new and innovative strategies.  The traditional business model is out of sync with reality, and job security has gone the way of the buggy whip.  There’s a lack of allegiance on both sides of the desk, and in this age of free-agency, you must assume prime responsibility for managing your own careers.

“Me, Incorporated”

One popular approach is to think of yourself as running your own company, “Me, Incorporated,” and not only are you the product, you’re also the Director of Marketing, the Chief Financial Officer, Human Resource Director, etc.  You must take charge and manage your career as though it were a business.  And a key component of any business is its Board of Directors.  The Board for “Me, Incorporated” should include mentors, professors, acquaintances from professional associations, and a few others who understand your business and the industries in which you’re interested.  You, as head of the company, are responsible for ensuring that you’re meeting the needs of your client — your employer.  You’re also responsible for continually evaluating whether this is a client relationship that meets your needs as well as the long-range goals of your business — “Me, Incorporated.”

Put It In Writing

But it’s not enough to just think about “Me, Incorporated,” — put your business plan in writing!  To ensure that your career remains on the right track, your written plan should include your current compensation along with your career and compensation goals for the next five to 10 years.  Evaluate this document every six to 12 months to make sure you’re progressing on target.  If you’re not, proactively take the steps necessary to put your plan back on track.  You, and no one else, are responsible for your career.

In the absence of your own personal career management consultant, our book: “The Secrets of Executive Search ... Professional Strategies for Managing Your Personal Job Search,” can serve as your virtual coach throughout the search process.  It will help you work smarter and more confidently, while avoiding the mistakes and miscues that cause so many other candidates to “come in second.”  By putting its “secrets” to work on your behalf,  your career will not only be destined for the right track, but also for the fast track!

"The Secrets of Executive Search" is published by John Wiley & Sons and is available at all major bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and most other online booksellers.

Note: Expenses associated with finding a new job are generally tax deductible.  Consult your tax advisor.