How Can I Find a Mentor to Help Me Succeed

When you're in transition or looking to take that next step in your career (or business), finding a mentor can seem like a lost art. Here's another question and answer from the Today's Woman: Your Life, Career & Outfit coaches panel with my tips on how to find a mentor.

Q: How would I find a mentor, preferably of the same gender, who is already working in the field I am interested in?

A from Coach Colette:

In addition to exploring whether your company has a formal mentoring program, you should consider other external resources to find a mentor.

Find professional organizations that offer a supportive environment and opportunities for you to meet other women (or men -- depending on your goal).  Expand your network by attending activities and events where you can interact with your potential mentors (e.g., networking events, workshops, industry groups, alumni functions, sporting events, etc.).

Seek out champions and connectors in your existing network:

• A champion is someone typically higher up the ladder with whom you have worked and have a good rapport. This can be a former boss, partner, client, or even a supplier/vendor who would vouch for your capabilities. If your champion is internal to your company, s/he may be a great ally during the performance management process -- either s/he can share feedback directly with your manager or s/he can advise you on how best to navigate the process. If your champion works elsewhere, s/he may be a great reference as you seek new job opportunities.
• A connector is someone who seems to know everyone and who is willing to use their network on your behalf -- to make introductions and put you in touch with the right people in their network. Similar to above, your connectors can help you to meet influential people both within your existing company and outside the company but within your industry.

Take advantage of informal opportunities to connect with your champions and connectors for quick coffee breaks or lunch -- ask them if they would be willing to share their insights and expertise with you. Often, mentor relationships develop informally -- you just need be confident and willing to ASK for help and guidance.

When you receive business cards from your champions and connectors, write down their interests and goals on the back so you’ll remember what’s important to them. Then, you can share information that would be helpful or interesting to them.

Be a connector yourself – help your champions and connectors to meet relevant contacts in your network. Don't sell yourself or your contacts short -- too often, we think that mentoring and networking is only a one-way street. If your champions and connectors see you as someone who is helpful, they’ll be more likely to help you too.

What do YOU think? Have you had a mentor who has helped you to succeed? How did you find him/her? What was the best advice you received from your mentor? Let me know in the comments here or tweet me on Twitter.

How Can I Change My Career Path or Move to a New Industry?

Here's a photo from last month's coaching panel for City Tech alumni -- Today's Woman: Your Life, Career & Outfit. Pictured with me (L-R) are coaches Randi Cole and Shari Sambursky, along with event organizer Jessica Malavez.

Here's another career question posed by a participant at the event:

Q: What is the best way to change career paths or industries; i.e., how can I transition from a non-profit organization to a for-profit company?

A: from Coach Colette

Start by defining your ideal career vision -- to help you get a clear picture of what jobs will be most fulfilling and to screen companies or organizations during your job search. Try this on: just as they will be interviewing you to find the right fit for their company, you can be "interviewing" them to find the right fit for your career goals! Think about the elements that would shape your ideal work environment, the characteristics of the people you would prefer to work with, and the ways in which you would like to generate results and perform your responsibilities. Consider and complete the following statements:

* My ideal role would require I use which of my best skills and strengths?
* My ideal manager would be someone who ...
* My ideal work environment would have ...
* My ideal job/role would mean that I get to ...
* My ideal work-life balance would allow me to ...

Then, research who are the market leaders and successful companies in your target sector, and begin to identify where are the growth opportunities in your target industry. Begin to compare those companies to your idea career vision -- where do you find the greatest alignment or overlap? Also, discover which companies are hiring and review your network to find out who you know that works there (and/or can help you get connected to people there).

Determine which of your best skills and strengths would be of most value to this industry -- when you're moving to a different industry or sector, you may look to your transferable skills (skills that are valuable across different jobs or roles) -- and be able to explain why. Document examples of how you have used your best skills and strengths in your previous roles to add value to your current or former employers -- come up with as many quantifiable results as you can.

Identify relevant professional associations that have meetings and events in your area so that you can network and meet influential people in your target industry. Jump on the social networking bandwagon if you haven’t already (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.).  If you’re looking to connect with someone in a specific company or industry, don’t be afraid to reach out directly or to be introduced by someone in your network.

Over the course of my professional career, I transitioned from the government sector to the non-profit sector to the corporate sector, and finally to entrepreneurship. In those moves, when I used aspects of the tips mentioned above, I had the best career experiences.

If you'd like more guidance on how to navigate your career in today's new normal, consider getting a copy of my Career Management Assessment and Career Management Workbook -- both available for purchase on my website.

How have YOU done it -- how have you made successful career transitions? Share your success stories and lessons learned here in the comments or tweet me on Twitter. And, keep an eye out for more Q&A from the coaches panel!

Coach Colette to Speak at Women For Hire NY Career Expo - April 15

Social Media & Your Career: What's Your Strategy?
In today’s 2.0 world, social media has become a primary means of communicating information – like it or not! And, you know that to successfully market any product, image is everything. We decide what to buy based on the impression we have about a product’s quality and reputation. Often, we form our opinions from the product’s packaging – details we find on the label or features we've seen in a commercial.

As you know from our Competent Advantage TM program: "If you are embarking on a job search or seeking to advance in your industry, you are engaging in self-marketing. And, the product is YOU! The quality of your professional pitch can dramatically impact your success."

So, which social media outlets have you chosen to create a buzz about you and your accomplishments? LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook? Whom are you hoping to reach? What image or presence are you seeking to create?

All of these questions suggest that you develop a Strategic Social Media Strategy to help get your information in front of the “right” people in your target industry. For example, you need to be aware of the content of YOUR tweets and posts AND the people with whom you are linked — as 70% of HR executives indicate that they have disqualified candidates due to information they have found out about them via Internet searches. The implication here is HR executives do make judgments based on things they see/read about you on any website — even if it's not your own.
Want more ideas/suggestions?

On Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 10:30 AM, I’ll be leading a Power Seminar at the upcoming Women For Hire NYC Career Expo called: Social Media & The Job Search. Join me to learn 5 Key Tips to incorporate social media into your career management strategy.

For more information and to register, visit: http://www.womenforhire.com/career_expos/spring_2010/new_york

In addition, you’ll be able to meet Tory Johnson (founder of Women For Hire), connect with top employers and receive a resume critique. All that—and more—and it’s FREE! I look forward to seeing you in New York on April 15th!









The writer of this blog receives compensation when books featured herein are purchased from an ad.

Coach Colette Gets Canned on December 16th!

OK, now that I have your attention, let me tell you about an exciting career and social networking event on Tuesday, December 16, from 7:00 - 10:00 PM called Get Canned.

Get Canned is a charitable, social networking event to help you expand your contacts and discover your next professional opportunity in 2009. It will be held at e l e m e n t, a funky venue in lower Manhattan.

Being laid off, or 'getting canned,' rarely has a positive side to it; but, Get Canned takes a positive spin and embraces the theme - collecting canned goods for the Food Bank for New York City in place of a cover charge to attend the event.

Coach Colette is IN!

I'll be on hand in the Elevation Lounge to answer your questions and offer complimentary laser-coaching sessions. Get the guidance and support you need to face (and embrace) your career transition! One lucky raffle winner will win a FREE CAREER COACHING PACKAGE!

You CAN do it – I did!

Nearly six years ago, I found out that my position would be eliminated because of a company merger. Ironically, that was my second "downsizing" experience within 13 months! The way I saw it, I had two choices [now I know there were many others too!]:

1. Attempt to find another job

2. Attempt to sell my skills on the “open market” as a consultant

What did I do? I leveraged my contacts and skills, and chose the latter option. I’ve spent the past six years building my consulting and coaching practice to the level it is today. Come to Get Canned on December 16 to learn how you too can transition into success in 2009!

Healthy mind -- healthy body -- healthy career!

Equinox Fitness will have personal trainers onsite to answer your questions and help plan your 2009 fitness routine. They're donating a FREE MEMBERSHIP pass to the raffle!

Join me on Tuesday, December 16 at element for Get Canned!

Register TODAY and stop by to say hello. Don't forget to bring two non-perishable canned food items for FREE admission!

Podcast with Career Management Tips

I've spent time today catching up with all of my social networking sites and can't help but notice the multiple conversations surrounding the economy -- and the personal impact it's having on many people.

Since this is the time to revisit our career management plans and think about what needs to be "tweaked," I thought I'd help us focus and get back to basics on career and personal development. On the Competent Advantage TM podcast channel, I've posted a recording of one of my Career Management teleclasses. In it, we review the components of the Competent Advantage TM model and share tips for each area.

Take a listen to the podcast and share your thoughts and "A-HA!" moments. Also, post/share your email address if you'd like to receive a copy of the teleclass worksheet to follow along.

Given our current situation, I think it's also relevant to consider some NEW questions related to the Competent Advantage TM model:

1. Know Yourself -- Which of your priorities have SHIFTED in this new economic climate? [That's OK -- it's just important to recognize and own it.]
2. Know Your Market -- What NEW or alternative industries/markets can benefit from your skills and talents?
3. Leverage Your Strengths -- What network connections can you STRENGTHEN to help you in your current role/situation?
4. Create a Buzz -- How can you MAXIMIZE your Web 2.0 presence to let people know what you're doing and/or how you have succeeded?

What NEW ideas or strategies have you implemented?

Free Career Development Teleclass March 21 at 8:00 PM

Hi everyone, believe it or not, we're almost through the first quarter of the year and I`m excited to announce a FREE introductory teleclass on Career Development. Learn how to develop an action-oriented career strategy and create a compelling professional pitch to get the job you really want on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 8:00 - 9:00 PM

Don't miss out -- Register NOW!
http://competent-advantage-intro.eventbrite.com

If Your Career Were a Snake, Would It Bite You in the ...?

I had an illuminating experience last week that led me to pose this question to you. The experience involved shipping and packaging. So, you might ask: “How is this related to my career development?” Please indulge me, and read on!

My company, InStep Consulting, recently submitted a proposal to an organization seeking training and development services. Due to the critical nature, I decided to call the Purchasing department on the due date to confirm our proposal had been received. I’d already tracked the package via FedEx, and noted it had been recorded as delivered at 9:37 AM. However, at 10:00 AM, the Purchasing department could not locate our proposal. I made a follow-up call to FedEx to confirm what I read on their website. Of course, the representative could not offer any new information; however, he did offer to contact the driver to confirm that the package had been delivered to the organization’s office (not just the building). In the meantime, I emailed a copy of the delivery confirmation I’d downloaded off the website to the Purchasing director.

I’ll fast-forward to my last conversation with the Purchasing director that afternoon, which went something like this:

PD: “The delivery confirmation you sent does not show a delivery address. Are you sure that your package was addressed correctly?”
CE: “Yes, the package was addressed to your organization to the attention of your proposal reviewer. I provided your shipping address to my production company, Printers-R-Us. Printers-R-Us shipped my proposal to you directly.”
PD: “Wait a minute, did you say Printers-R-Us?”
CE: “Yes, why do you ask?”
PD: “Oh, I have a package from Printers-R-Us right here – it’s been here since early this morning! I was looking for a proposal from InStep Consulting. You’re all set!”

Ok, maybe you’re still wondering why I chose to recall this story. Upon reflecting on my experience, I thought of some potential applications. When things are too close, we can’t always see the whole picture. For example, when you hold a book too close to your face, the words are too blurry to read.

In your career, have you ever missed out on a project or opportunity that was right “under your nose?” When you found out about it later, did you wonder how you overlooked it? Luckily, in this story, I was able to help the director find the proverbial “snake” (or proposal) by describing a bit about our production process. That conversation helped her to “adjust her lens” and find the package on her desk. Are you able to step back and “adjust your lens” to discover potentially hidden career opportunities?

The miscommunication described in my story also can apply to career development and exploration. The director was looking for a proposal (and, thus, a package) with my company’s name. While the proposal inside clearly indicated my company name, the package more clearly referenced the production company. Does your “career packaging” – perhaps in the form of a resume or cover letter – convey the best impression of your accomplishments?

Just food for thought -- let me know what you think. Take care, and don’t let the career “snake” bite YOU!

Sell Yourself into your "Dream Job!"

On the first birthday of Competent AdvantageTM, I’m excited to launch a NEW FEATURE for our online community. Each month, one of my HR colleagues will give us an “inside scoop” on career development and transition strategies.

Our first HR professional to share her views is Karen Robinson, Account Manager with Career Blazers, Inc. Career Blazers offers Temporary Staffing, Legal Staffing and Permanent Placement services to Fortune 500 companies in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.

Since January 2003, Karen has managed recruiting for Career Blazers’ premier clients. (Think financial services, advertising, and other leading industries!) Karen describes recruiting as a “puzzle” – the client has one piece, the candidate another. She enjoys helping make the pieces fit together. Blazing her own trail in staffing and recruiting since 1992, Karen knows a thing or two about how to position oneself during a job search or career transition.

Here are Karen’s TOP 10 Suggestions to “Sell Yourself into Your Dream Job!”:

1. Network, network, network – in creative environments so that you can practice telling your story in a relaxed environment.
2. Join and participate in organizations – be active so that you can be noticed for your talents and “competent advantage.TM”
3. Identify the trends and changes in your field of interest.
4. Incorporate visualization into your life. – If you can see it, it will become your reality.
5. Research, research, research – identify competitors, latest news or anything that will give you an “educated edge.”
6. Set goals – daily, weekly and monthly to help you plan ahead.
7. Incorporate time management into everything you do.
8. Have a current reference letter from a former supervisor or someone in upper management that highlights your accomplishments.
9. Go on “Interview Runs” – Seek out opportunities to practice your interviewing skills, especially if you have been out of the market for a while.
10. Once you “land,” spend the first few weeks getting the lay of the land. – Figure out who’s who, how the team works, and how upper management handles team relations.

So, what do YOU think? Have you tried any of these strategies? Which ones have worked best for you?

It's hard to pick the best one, but I rely a lot on # 5 – research. With all of our gadgets and technology, you can stay on top of trends in your industry in so many ways! It’s important during a search or transition to demonstrate how you can add value to an organization (using your skills and competencies). Staying aware of “in-demand” skills in your industry will help you know which previous experiences to highlight in an interview, or what training you might seek to improve your proficiency.

Thanks, again, to Karen for sharing her tips with the Competent AdvantageTM community!

Can Pension Plan changes impact your Career Development?

Alcoa recently announced changes to its defined benefit pension plan (no longer will it be offered to new employees beginning March 1, 2006). The plan for new employees will be replaced by a 401(k) plan with defined company contributions and company match of employee contributions. Recent accounting regulation changes suggest that Alcoa will not be alone in making adjustments to company retirement plans.

Not linked to career development, you may think? What does this trend signal for your career?

Employee contributions to retirement and healthcare plans have become the modus operandi for most companies. I’m sure most of us have become quite accustomed to it. However, these aren’t the only HR arenas in which some of the responsibility has been shifted to employees.

Another trend has been the move towards self-directed learning. “What’s that?” you may ask. Well, you may recognize it as e-learning or online courses you can take at your desk, on your laptop or even from your home computer. Or, maybe you have the ability to apply for tuition reimbursement that enables you to continue your education or pursue an advanced degree.

I’m not necessarily debating the pros or cons of self-directed learning (although I’m eager to hear your views). However, this trend strongly suggests you adopt a proactive approach to your career development:

• Make it a point this year to become aware of all learning options (formal and informal) that your organization offers.
• Figure out which ones will be beneficial for your current (or your next) opportunity.
• Create an action-oriented development plan … in other words, “just do it!”

Let 2006 be the year you take charge of your career!

Taking Advantage of Summer