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!

How to Position Yourself in a Tight Job Market

Yesterday, I offered insights to participants at Tory Johnson's Women for Hire NY Career Expo in a Power Seminar on How to Position Yourself in a Tight Job Market. I thought I'd share some of the pointers from my talk here on the blog. I still believe that today's market provides an opportunity for you to reevaluate your priorities and refresh your game plan. So, in essence, my tips on positioning yourself in the market are more internally than externally focused.

We know that in today's New Normal keeping your head down, doing your work and just hoping that your efforts will get recognized won't help you land your next major job or business opportunity. I've spoken before about the value in developing 20/10 Vision: the ability to see things clearly at 20-feet that other people can only see from 10-feet away. It means developing your own bird's eye view of your target market, industry or opportunity.

Here are Four Steps to Develop Your 20/10 Career Vision. They are aligned with the steps in my eBook Focus on Your Vision.

1. Clear Your Lens: Remove Distractions -- Get centered and refocus on what's most important. Track your schedule over the next three (3) days to see how you REALLY spend your time, and begin to recognize the times of day when you're most productive. Why? Because then you'll be clear about when it makes sense to do your market/industry research; when to make "warm" calls to your champions and advisors; and when to make "cold" calls to industry leaders for informational interviews. Every company and industry has its own unique characteristics. In today's New Normal, you need to be an investigative reporter who explores and uncovers all the relevant issues, trends and opportunities.
2. Reveal Your True Intentions: Figure Out What You REALLY Want -- Revealing your true intentions can make it easier to choose between competing careers, jobs, tasks, and industries. Have you created a crystal clear vision of the type of job you want, the level of income you desire, the work environment in which you'll thrive, the qualities in your ideal manager or team? Do you know the values that reflect your personal attitude and work ethic? The more you know about your motivators, strengths, and values the easier it will be to attract opportunities that truly inspire you to perform.
3. Envision Your Future: Visualize Your Dream Job -- Imagine your world as it will be when you've landed your dream job -- do this proactively and consistently. What is your next best role? Write down positive affirmations of what you'll be able to do, what you will have accomplished once you've secured this position. Keep visual reminders to stay motivated -- create a vision board with inspirational images and quotes that reflect your dream job and ultimate lifestyle. Review it often.
4. Watch for Blind Spots: FLIP Your Script -- Even with the best laid plans, you will encounter setbacks -- both external roadblocks and even situations where you might get in your own way. My clients have told me about past situations where their inertia or indecisiveness led to missed opportunities. Listen to the things you say to yourself about your career, your job, and your chances of achieving your carer goals. How many are positive vs. negative? When you hear yourself repeating negative messages, say "STOP!" and replace the thought or message with a more positive statement. Do what you can to flip your script to get back on track to visualizing your dream job and ultimate lifestyle.

Let me know your thoughts and reactions, and also share your own success stories and tips -- here on the blog or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

Believe the Hype - Coach Colette is the NY Career Coach Examiner

If you're following me on Twitter, you may have noticed some tweets with links to Examiner.com. Just let me confirm – the rumors are true! I am the NY Career Coach Examiner.

I’m sure you’re not surprised that I’m writing about my passion for this subject and I can’t think of anything better than to share that passion with the millions of people who are perusing Examiner.com's content on a daily basis. Well, maybe one thing better, which leads me to my next point.

I would like to invite you to subscribe to my articles so you can stay in the loop; simply click on this subscribe link and you'll be notified whenever I publish a new article. Also, feel free to forward this link to anyone else you think might enjoy my articles. As always, thanks for your support!

In case you're wondering, I'll still continue to blog here about Competent Advantage and Stress Management topics, plus other insights gained from my coaching and consulting clients. [yes, you can breathe a sigh of relief now, LOL! :-) ] But, if you do have career-related questions, feel free to post them here or use the Ask Coach Colette feature on the website. I'll post and respond on my NY Career Coach Examiner site.

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.

Have You Defined Your 2010 Social Media Strategy?

Have you defined your 2010 Social Media Strategy? Whether you are a job seeker, career changer, career builder or aspiring entrepreneur, it's important that you consider which social media outlets will best help you create a buzz about you and your brand this year. The good news is there are resources to help you!

Tune in on Sunday evening (1/24/2010 at 5 PM EST) to hear my pals from "down under" - Career Success Radio hosts Keith Keller and Annemarie Cross as they discuss how to select YOUR best social media platform (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter etc.) and how to leverage your social media platform in YOUR job search, career management or business development.

Guest experts include: Daulton West Jr., Melissa Martin and Coach Colette Ellis.

In addition to sharing how these platforms differ, I'll also be offering tips on how to create YOUR best 140-character pitch to share with the Twitterverse! You may recall this discussion from last February - well, you'll be able to build on those ideas to include the new developments and Twitter companion sites that have been created since then (e.g., TweetMyJobs.com).

If you are able to listen in live, the Career Success Radio phone lines and chat room will be open. Ring in via (914) 338 0714 and get expert career advice. You can also listen to the show recording HERE on the blog via the widget below.

If you have a job-search or career related question, tweet us in advance: @Coach_Colette or @careerradio. One question will be selected to be answered live on air the show. And, the Career Success Expert Panel will answer questions in the online forum.

AGENDA for Land Your Dream Job Teleclass - TONIGHT

Join me tonight at the FREE Land Your Dream Job teleclass TONIGHT at 8PM EST: http://bit.ly/4yWsMZ.  Here's the agenda of what you can expect:

• Introductions – Coach Colette Ellis and Simone Kelly-Brown of Own Your Power
• Coach Colette's Career Transition Story
• Intro of Competent Advantage™ Model – Exercises/activities:

            o Your Core Values: How They Relate To Your Work

            o Your Top 3 Strengths: How They Add Value to Target Market

            o Your Top 3 Champions: How They Can Help You Make Connections

            o Your WOW! Factor – How to Create a Buzz and Get Noticed

• Creative Visualization: Life With Your Dream Job
• Q & A and Info about FREE products/tools

Tweet me your search questions and join the discussion on Twitter using the #LYDJ hashtag.

Coach Colette Helps You Land Your Dream Job on December 10

In 2009, the battle for talent was fierce. The trend will likely continue into 2010. Are you ready? To be successful in a job search, you must be able to let the right people know what skills you have to offer. Can you position yourself strategically so that key decision makers will pick YOU?


Join us for a FREE, practical teleclass to learn how to leverage your top skills and talents, and communicate your WOW! Factor to prospective employers. This teleclass is co-sponsored by the Own Your Power Community.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST

Register NOW - Click HERE

Post your career and job search questions here on the Competent AdvantageTM blog, or tweet them to @Coach_Colette using the hastag: #LYDJ.

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?

In Topsy-Turvy Times, Focus on Your Spheres of Control

I received a message today from a colleague that mirrors the topsy-turvy nature of our times -- everyone seems to be wondering: "How the events on Wall Street affect me and my career?" As an eager, soon-to-be-entry-level-employee, she's concerned about being able to secure a stable position upon graduation. I'm hoping she doesn't put all of her "eggs" in one basket (i.e., only targeting the firm at which she interned last year).

While a certain degree of concern is normal, I coached her to not get too distracted by the external events -- of course, not to bury her head in the sand either! Know Your Market is a key Competent Advantage component. I encouraged her to focus on aspects of her search that are within her sphere of influence and control:

• Professional Collateral - having an updated CV/bio that can be shared at a moments notice. What specific experiences can be highlighted given the current turn-of-events? What key skills are especially relevant right now in your target company/industry? How can you show you've mastered them?


• Personal/Professional Network - using your inner circle to help get to the people you want to meet. What Web 2.0 resources can be tapped (e.g., social networking sites)? How can you access people in different ways: cross-functionally, across organizations/industries?


• Plan "B" - considering other roles/companies/industries if your current target is in a restructuring stage. Who else would value the skills/talents you bring? How can you use your network to identify key contacts and information?

What do you think? What strategies are you using to navigate the career landscape these days?

Colette is Coach at Nonprofit Boot Camp August 16

If you're in the New York area, and are considering a career in the nonprofit sector, I'd highly recommend you join me in attending the Nonprofit Boot Camp sponsored by the Craigslist Foundation on Saturday, August 16 at New York University.

This promises to be a a day of knowledge, resources and networking, all focused on how to start and run a vibrant nonprofit. Nonprofit Boot Camp is designed to educate and empower the next generation of nonprofit leaders and social entrepreneurs. Event highlights include:

• A choice of over 20 interactive workshops and panels across 5 - 10 educational tracks, covering the essentials of starting and running a nonprofit or social enterprise
• More than 100 partner organizations, representing virtually every local nonprofit management support resource
• Appearances and keynote speeches from leading figures

PLUS Individual "Laser Coaching" Sessions -- I'll be one of the coaches available to meet with you between 10:30 AM -12:30 PM to discuss your career strategy.

Your $75 registration fee includes a full day of workshops, keynotes, Exhibit Hall access, one-on-one coaching, and the opportunity to network and collaborate with 1,000 emerging and established nonprofit leaders. Hope to see you there! :)

PS -- if you're on the West Coast, there's a similar event being held on October 18 in San Francisco.

Summer Career Coaching Group Begins July 15

I've decided to start a Master Chameleon Career Coaching Group this summer. Why?

As a coach in today’s ever-changing economy, I feel compelled to create a safe space for people to learn, grow, discover and even vent a little [in a constructive way!]. And, to help them recognize how to adapt their skills and their “buzz” to find their next adventure – in a way that doesn’t compromise what they believe in and value.

Where does the chameleon concept come from? Five and half years ago, I received notification that my position would be eliminated because of a recent company merger. Ironically that was the second such notification I’d received 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 five years building my consulting (and now) coaching practice to the level it is today. For me, the chameleon concept is really at the heart of the Competent Advantage TM model.

How can you "change colors" or adapt your skills/talents/abilities to add value to an organization? But, what's most important, is how can you stay true to your personal and professional goals, motivators and values?

So, that's what I'm hoping this Master Chameleon Coaching Group will help people to explore. Because, I think the real lessons I learned about career transition came from my first “downsizing” experience, which came without warning [or so I thought!].

What did I do that time? I panicked. I spent a good two to three weeks in partial denial and seclusion. I was embarrassed and ashamed that “it” had happened to me. I eventually came out of hiding, began to establish new contacts and expand my network and think about what I wanted to do. Through these efforts, I successfully “landed” approximately three months later.

Do you know people who could benefit from this supportive, transformational experience? Could you? If so, join us for 4-weekly tele-sessions plus structured activities and online support. Don't be like everyone else who takes the summer off, empower yourself NOW!

Colette gets “Sirius” about Career Development on March 15th!

SAVE THE DATE!

On Wednesday, March 15th at 6:00 PM Eastern, I’ll be on Martha Stewart Living Radio revealing tips on how to stay motivated during your career exploration.

You will have three ways to ask me questions and share your experiences:

1. CALL IN to the show at 1-866-675-6675
2. POST your question here in the Competent Advantage TM community
3. EMAIL your question to me at info@instepconsulting.com

If I answer your question or share your story on the air, I'll be sure to keep the source confidential unless you tell me otherwise.

If you’re not already a Sirius satellite radio customer, you can sign up for a FREE TRIAL at: http://www.sirius.com/WhatIsIt/TryIt

Hope to chat with you on March 15th!