How Will You Make 2007 Better Than 2006?

It's almost year-end and time to think about your goals for the New Year. Before you plan ahead, why not spend a few moments to look back on 2006.

As you look back on 2006, how would you rate your professional accomplishments?

• What were the high-lights? As strange as it may seem, it’s important to take note of things that you did well. Don’t be shy – write them down! Why? Because these descriptions can come in handy later (in a performance discussion with your manager, or in an interview with a recruiter).
• What were the low-lights? It’s just as important to keep track of the things that didn’t go quite as well as you would’ve hoped. Why? Having a clear sense of what areas you’d to like improve can help you focus and channel your energies.

Based on your reflection, what professional goals will you set for 2007?

When you get back from the holidays, we'll be ready to help you start the year STRONG!

Sign up for our newsletter (box to your right) so you can get registration details for my two-part January teleclass series: Work & Money -- The Real Connection in collaboration with Jacquette Timmons & Sterling Investment Management.

Until then, I wish you every happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals in 2007!

Can Video Help You Land Your Next Job?

SONY Pictures recently announced the Grand Prize winners of "PURSUE IT" - The Ultimate Internship Contest on its website. Applicants were asked to submit videos of 5 minutes or less, which share their personal motto (or words to live by) and demonstrate how it makes them uniquely qualified for their chosen company.

Sound familiar? Remember Aleksey Vayner's video to UBS?

We've talked before about the pros and cons of electronic portfolios as a job search strategy in general, and his in particular. In this case, 7 lucky winners have earned internships with companies such as Gap Inc., NBC and Yahoo! One winner will even work at Morgan Stanley, which challenges my earlier premise that investment banking firms wouldn't see videos as a viable job search technique.

Of course, these video submissions focus on the applicants' personal philosophies, giving them a chance to articulate how their philosophy gives them a competent advantage over their peers -- which is what you want to do with any of the tools in your career portfolio. I'm sure this won't be the last time we see videos as a search technique.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! What would you say?

How Will You Spend Your Bonus?

They're predicting another "banner year" on Wall Street for bonuses -- up 20% to 25% from 2005. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, it's important to maximize your earnings.

Tune into the Competent Advantage TM Gcast channel for a podcast with tips on reducing your debt and increasing your savings to improve your lifestyle.