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!

Be Strategic in Your Job Search: Tips from Coach Colette

You've probably already heard that the January jobless rate fell to 9%, the lowest level since April 2009. Yet, if you're someone who is looking for work, this positive trend may not feel connected to your personal experience. And, it's true, we must look behind the numbers to get a sense of our individual experiences.

As someone who was impacted by corporate restructuring twice in my career, I'm committed to guiding and supporting the unemployed, leaders in transition and all working professionals who are seeking to advance their careers. Recently, I was interviewed by Monica Ross-Williams on Reach Out Job Search Radio to share my tips on how job seekers can gain a true competent advantage TM in today's New Normal -- namely, the tight employment marketplace.

Reach Out Job Search Radio provides the latest information on issues that affect unemployed, underemployed and American workers from all industries. I've uploaded my interview to my podcast channel on iTunes; but, thought I'd share my answer to one of Monica's questions here for you.

MRW: Where would you suggest job seekers begin their research of the current marketplace for trends, true opportunities or current issues to address during the interviewing process?

Coach Colette: Every industry and organization has its unique characteristics. Job seekers need to become investigative reporters who explore all of the issues, trends and opportunities for their target industry. Start with the major news and business news outlets (e.g., CNN, CNBC) to find out about general economic trends and growth areas. Media has also gotten very local; for example, Patch from AOL has over 700 sites with local news about specific locations around the country. If your next career move might involve relocation, sites such as these can help provide an inside scoop on job and/or housing opportunities.

Then, research to find the major websites and publications that are specific to your target industry. Become visible and establish yourself as an expert by commenting on industry blogs and websites. Finally, before your interview, visit the website of the company with whom you're meeting, so you can ask a targeted question about what's happening in their world.

Want to hear my full interview? Visit my podcast channel on iTunes to hear more tips on how you can be more strategic in your job search. Let me know which tips resonate most with you, and share your job search questions and success stories! Comment here on the blog or tweet me on Twitter -- @Coach_Colette.

Earn More, Save More with our NEW Money & Career Coaching Tool

Here's a video describing my NEW multimedia coaching tool: Your Money, Your Career -- How to Thrive in Any Economy.

Your Money, Your Career will help you discover your strengths and realize new ways to promote your accomplishments to key decision makers in your industry. Your Money, Your Career also will help you reduce your anxiety about saving and investing and improve your personal relationship with money.

But, you must act quickly to reserve your copy BEFORE JUNE 30 to take advantage of our pre-launch pricing at http://bit.ly/moneycareer2.  Also, you can join us TUESDAY, JUNE 29 at 8PM ET for a FREE preview call to ask questions of all four contributors. Sign up for the call at http://yourmoney-yourcareer-preview.eventbrite.com/
 

 
Your Money, Your Career features audio downloads, my Competent AdvantageTM career assessment, a financial workbook AND a 30-day step-by-step action plan! It was created by four nationally recognized experts: yours truly, Coach Colette, financial coach and author Jacquette M. Timmons, and two other career coaches Jodi Brockington and Malla Haridat.
 
With a single purchase, you'll get a personalized game-plan -- to help you manage every aspect of your money and your career, in the New Normal. Reserve your copy online NOW to take advantage of the pre-launch pricing at: http://bit.ly/moneycareer2.

Then join us on the FREE Preview Call on Tuesday, June 29 at 8 PM ET!

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.

Nice Gig if You Can Get It - New Podcast

I recently published a NEW podcast called Consulting Gigs: Freelance Your Way to Your Next Role. It's my recorded interview with Laura Smith Dunaief, a fellow career transition consultant who also helps people to consider career alternatives and then effectively position themselves in the job market.

In this podcast, Laura and I talk about the benefits of taking on freelance gigs while you're in between full-time opportunities. We talk about the so-called "perks" of the consulting lifestyle, and also dispel some of the myths. And, since any gig is a chance for you to highlight your competent advantage, we discuss ways you can maximize your value and exposure from these opportunities.

Many of you may recall that I re-ignited my business via consulting gigs after I was "downsized" six years ago. It was February 2003 and I'd just shipped back the laptop, printer, etc. to my former employer. I felt I had two professional options:

1. Attempt to find another job
2. Attempt to sell my skills in the “open market” as a consultant

What did I do? I began to leverage the contacts I'd built in my external consulting role, and promote the skills I'd gained as both a training manager and facilitator. I started sending out email campaigns to showcase my talents and reaching out to colleagues to find out who might hire a contract trainer. Back then, I gave myself until the end of the year to make the freelance consulting option work for me. As they say, the rest is history; I've been building my practice ever since.

For me, I found it thrilling to discuss concrete ways I could add value to a project -- which to me meant focusing more on my comparable work, even if for a different industry. Of course, I know you can have those same conversations in interviews for full-time employment [in fact you'd better be focusing on highlighting your transferable skills in your interviews!]. Perhaps it was the sense of adventure I felt while auditioning for my first few freelance training gigs that kept me motivated to keep consulting.

Do you need a little help to step out of your comfort zone or put your "shingle" out there? In addition to listening to our consulting gigs podcast, I'd also suggest you read an article by John Carpenter called The Advantage of Having an Adventure Attitude. Try to view your transition as an adventure worth your time, energy and creativity. Discover new ways to freelance your way into the role of your lifetime!

In Interviews, How Do You Back that Asset Up?

To keep on track with our getting back to basics strategy on career and personal development, I thought I'd provide some tips to answer an "oldie but goodie" interview question: What are your strengths (and weaknesses)?

Check out this quick video featuring my hints on how to respond to both sides of the question. And, let me know what you think -- post your thoughts and comments here, or tweet Coach Colette on Twitter.

Has the question about your weaknesses ever tripped you up? When, sharing your strengths, how do you back that asset up? [just checking to see if you're really paying attention here, LOL!]

Given we're at the end of the year, how would preparing to answer this question help you in a performance review conversation with your manager/supervisor?

Watch the video and let me know if you get some clues or ideas!

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?

Colette is On the Radio - July 30th & 31st

Happy Friday! Hope you're getting ready for a fun-filled, relaxing weekend. I'm excited to report that next week I'll be a featured guest on TWO radio shows!

Next Wednesday, July 30 at 6:00 PM EDT, I'll be chatting with Sharlene Gordon on W-E Talk Radio. The "W-E" stands for Women's Empowerment; and, the network aims to provide informative, interactive, empowering and engaging topics of discussion for women all over the globe to participate in, learn from and grow. On the show, I'll be discussing components of the Competent Advantage TM program, and sharing tips on how you can become a "master chameleon." Since it's being hosted by Blog Talk Radio, you'll be able to listen online and dial-in to ask questions and share your success stories. Call us at (646) 652-2878 next Wednesday!

Next Thursday, July 31 at 7:00 PM EDT, I'll be joining Jessie Cheung on Doctor Radio on Sirius Channel 114. Doctor Radio is powered by the NYU Medical Center and provides real medical information delivered in a down-to-earth-style. On the show, I'll be discussing components of the Work-Life Balance program, and sharing tips on how you can manage your stress in our fast-paced world. Since it's being hosted by Sirius, you'll be able to listen online (if you sign up for their FREE 3-Day Trial) and dial-in to ask questions and share your stories. Call us at 1-877-NYU-DOCS next Thursday!

Looking forward to chatting with you on the radio next week! :)

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!

Stressed about Getting Downsized? Tune in to Own Your Power TONIGHT at 8:00 PM EDT

TONIGHT, I'll be back "on the air" on the Own Your Power Radio show during the ME TIME segment. Once again, I'll be chatting with Own Your Power host Simone Kelly Brown. This time, we'll be discussing tips for dealing with the stress of career transitions -- when you need to make moves in or out of the workforce.

If these are issues you're facing now (or will be in the near future), tune in tonight at 8:00 PM EDT. You can either listen online for live streaming, or if you're in the Miami area, listen to NewsTalk WTPS Radio at 1080 on your AM dial.

You can also call us with your questions at: 877-825-1080. Visit: http://www.wtps1080am.com