When your professional future feels daunting or uncertain, there is no better way to deal with it than through preparation. This can involve both conventional and fun methods, all of which will keep your eyes on the prize. In the end, you want to be ready to make good use of that goal, whether it is a promotion or a ground-breaking start-up. Here are 10 great steps to priming your potential.
10 – Reflect
The first thing you need to work out is why you want to change now. What is it that urges you away from your current career or lifestyle? This way you can do your best to avoid repeating the same mistakes on your way to a new and exciting self.
09 – Visualise
Form a clear idea of what you want to achieve and, more specifically, how content you want to feel once you reach it. Get creative when laying out your future. Why not try psychic readings for an objective yet intuitive analysis of your prospects? Skilled psychics can provide clarity on your present circumstances, as well as how your future may unfold. Such inspiration is vital to visualising your success.
08 – Explore
There is no limit to what advice and opportunities you can find in the physical and digital world. Career centres, relevant publications, social media groups, even chatting on Minecraft forums could impart invaluable gems of professional wisdom. Write down the best ones and prepare to act on them.
07 – Strategise
Find out exactly what you need for your project to work. Is it training or funds? How about a greater network and online presence? All these can be acquired through careful planning and action. Plan targets and stick to them, not only to manage priorities, but your finances too. Psychological research has linked goal-setting with self-confidence. 33% of participants in a study reached their goals after writing them down.
06 – Set Foundations
Among the many decisions you have to make about your professional future is where the project stands in the physical and virtual world. The needs of a brick-and-mortar store, for example, are different to an e-shop’s, but there are also common demands, like digital marketing. Well-prepared foundations make ventures stronger and more durable.
05 – Budget
The more ambitious the project, the more money you are likely to need. Just setting up a website costs a fair amount for design, marketing and so on. As soon as you have settled on what you want to do, start saving. Free apps like Money Dashboard come in handy.
04 – Learn
A new job may need specific skills you lack. Starting up a business also may involve procedures you know nothing about. Use what time you have leading up to your goal to expand your skillset. Once again, digital options are available, like online corporate finance or marketing courses. Become the expert your brand needs.
03 – Network
Your new business or position may not get you very far without friends. Explore what companies or people would make valuable partners in terms of boosting your performance or promoting your brand. And, while big names are worth approaching, do not underestimate smaller businesses or face-to-face networking. 68% of professionals will appreciate meeting you in person.
02 – Research Competition
If your goal has competition, keeping an eye on them is as important as managing your own affairs. Firstly, you can see how they deal with different challenges. Secondly, services they fail to provide are a consumer demand you could cover. The overall aim is to stand out as a professional.
01 – Focus on your Audience
Finally, always remember who you are making all this effort for. Personal satisfaction is key, but so is pleasing target audiences. This means being approachable, considerate, efficient and a source of quality services. Apple, for example, noted for its forward-thinking and social branding, would agree that a good reputation earns loyal customers, visibility and a high turnover.
Each of these steps are worth exploring to its fullest. Put them together for a clear and fulfilling professional future.