Posted under Career Management, Career Planning, Networking on April 23rd, 2007
As we cruise into the lazy, crazy days of summer, and summer vacation, now is a good time to do a little career planning.
Just as you “plan” your vacation – researching potential destinations, planning stops along the way and activities while you are there, and calculating your budget – you can apply the same strategy to researching your next career move. Most people actually spend more time planning their yearly vacation than they do thinking about their next career move – the “activity” that funds the vacation!
While you are lying on the beach, sitting in the hot tub, awaiting the sunrise or sunset, resist the urge to pull out the latest romance novel or murder–mystery thriller before you’ve spent at least 10–15 minutes reading a book that will help you move your career to the next level. I’m happy to make some suggestions.
“Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty” by Harvey MacKay
“Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi
“We Are All Self–Employed” by Cliff Hakim
“Executive’s Pocket Guide to ROI Resumes and Job Search” by Louise Kursmark and Jan Melnik
Feeling adventurous and motivated? If you are a member of a civic or professional organization, attend a chapter meeting located in your vacation destination. This is a great way to expand your network and uncover new opportunities you would otherwise never know about.
Being out of your normal environment and circumstances can sometimes trigger creativity. Let your thoughts drift to 3–5 years from now. Where do you see yourself? Capture your thoughts in detail and on paper. Dreams become goals when you commit them to paper.
What is one thing you can do during your summer vacation to begin moving your career to the next level? Post your ideas in the comments section.
“You are your greatest asset. Put your time, effort and money into training, grooming, and encouraging your greatest asset.” -– Tom Hopkins
Posted by Cindy Kraft
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