Have you ever considered hiring an outside person to survey potential clients about you and how they perceive you? I know I've written previously about the idea of a perception audit, but this is different.
I met yesterday with a researcher who has his own business, who recently rebranded and refocused what he does. He talked about having spent nearly a year figuring it all out (and I'm not even at half a year, so I guess I'm doing okay). As part of his investigation of what he wants to be when he grows up (still the way I think of all this!), he actually hired an outside researcher to talk to CEOs at companies with whom he wants to work someday, as well as some of his past clients, to find out what they think of him and his skills. It all turned out okay for him, but that must have been really hard to do. Not only do you put yourself out there, but imagine hearing things you don't want to, like maybe you're not perceived the way you want to be, or that they think you're not as good at certain things as you thought, or that they wouldn't contract you at all.
I don't think I'm courageous enough to take that kind of step, but it does bear thinking about. Would you get an outsider to research your prospects?
Showing posts with label career goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label career goals. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
How am I perceived?
I read an article recently about whether you really are a strategist, and one line really jumped out at me:
This brought me back to a conversation I had with a senior woman in my profession that I wanted to share here. I've been having a lot of these discussions in the past couple months, trying to get a better handle on my career goals.
This one woman, who I've known for many years but with whom I haven't worked in more than five years, was illuminating about how others in my profession in town view me. She asked about my recent work, and seemed a bit surprised to learn about the senior level of work I've done in the last half decade. Of course, my career has advanced a great deal since last I worked with her, and my projects and clients bear that out. But in her mind, I was not necessarily at that senior level.
She suggested I conduct a "perception audit" -- find out what people think of me. It's a common tactic for public relations, to gain a benchmark of understanding of how the client is perceived by their target audiences, stakeholders etc. But I had never thought of applying it to myself. But when the lightbulb went on, I realized that perhaps I wasn't trying hard enough to project the career image of myself to others that I held in my own head. I've always looked young, and because I've been a freelancer for so many years, I haven't had job titles to build public perception of how my career has grown.
Then there's my physical image. I tend to be a casual person, and I am not a big one for dressing up if I don't have to. But my colleague made the point that it's not about suits and heels, but about how I carry myself and the confidence I project. And I think it's true that when I look more professional and senior (not in age, but in career responsibility), I act that way just a bit more. And that may improve how others view me.
If I want to find either a job or better freelance security, to make the money I think I deserve it will have to be 'senior' work. So it's important that people like her view me at that level. I'm going to do a bit more asking around on this topic when I do more of my 'career goals conversations' from here on out, and I've already begun to dress up for ordinary meetings, if only to boost my own self-confidence.
How would you go about doing a perception audit for yourself, or your own "brand"?
If you are a strategist, then quit talking about it and do it.
This brought me back to a conversation I had with a senior woman in my profession that I wanted to share here. I've been having a lot of these discussions in the past couple months, trying to get a better handle on my career goals.
This one woman, who I've known for many years but with whom I haven't worked in more than five years, was illuminating about how others in my profession in town view me. She asked about my recent work, and seemed a bit surprised to learn about the senior level of work I've done in the last half decade. Of course, my career has advanced a great deal since last I worked with her, and my projects and clients bear that out. But in her mind, I was not necessarily at that senior level.
She suggested I conduct a "perception audit" -- find out what people think of me. It's a common tactic for public relations, to gain a benchmark of understanding of how the client is perceived by their target audiences, stakeholders etc. But I had never thought of applying it to myself. But when the lightbulb went on, I realized that perhaps I wasn't trying hard enough to project the career image of myself to others that I held in my own head. I've always looked young, and because I've been a freelancer for so many years, I haven't had job titles to build public perception of how my career has grown.
Then there's my physical image. I tend to be a casual person, and I am not a big one for dressing up if I don't have to. But my colleague made the point that it's not about suits and heels, but about how I carry myself and the confidence I project. And I think it's true that when I look more professional and senior (not in age, but in career responsibility), I act that way just a bit more. And that may improve how others view me.
If I want to find either a job or better freelance security, to make the money I think I deserve it will have to be 'senior' work. So it's important that people like her view me at that level. I'm going to do a bit more asking around on this topic when I do more of my 'career goals conversations' from here on out, and I've already begun to dress up for ordinary meetings, if only to boost my own self-confidence.
How would you go about doing a perception audit for yourself, or your own "brand"?
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
What's my passion?
I had a coffee this morning with another person, a man this time, in my field to get an opinion from someone who's been in the PR business longer than me. I've been doing this a lot, asking for input about what I should aspire to if I stay in this field for another 20+ years. And his take was a bit different than the others.
Mostly to date, I've been hearing that I'll need to take a job, either with an agency or a corporate job, to build some specific expertise and contacts. The advice I've heard a lot is that I should go in-house for a couple years, try for as much flexibility as I can but expect to work regular office hours without much time for the kind of work-life balance I have now as a freelancer. And after I pay my dues, so to speak, then take steps to either gain more flexibility from my employer (who now will be willing to make concessions to keep me) or to go back to freelancing but from a position of more strength.
But today I heard something else. My collegaue today told me that if I could find my passion, the thing I like best about my work, and become the best at doing it, I could find the money and security that are perhaps more illusive in my current freelance career. He drew me a picture, which he credits to this book:
His point was that if I find my passion and it's something I can be or am the best at, I can find the money. And to me, this says that maybe, if I can figure out the passion part, I can stay as a freelancer for another 20 years.
But figuring out my passion is easier said than done. I've had a career primarily as a generalist, so to narrow it down is hard. But I do have some ideas, which I'm going to give serious mulling-over time to now.
Mostly to date, I've been hearing that I'll need to take a job, either with an agency or a corporate job, to build some specific expertise and contacts. The advice I've heard a lot is that I should go in-house for a couple years, try for as much flexibility as I can but expect to work regular office hours without much time for the kind of work-life balance I have now as a freelancer. And after I pay my dues, so to speak, then take steps to either gain more flexibility from my employer (who now will be willing to make concessions to keep me) or to go back to freelancing but from a position of more strength.
But today I heard something else. My collegaue today told me that if I could find my passion, the thing I like best about my work, and become the best at doing it, I could find the money and security that are perhaps more illusive in my current freelance career. He drew me a picture, which he credits to this book:
His point was that if I find my passion and it's something I can be or am the best at, I can find the money. And to me, this says that maybe, if I can figure out the passion part, I can stay as a freelancer for another 20 years.
But figuring out my passion is easier said than done. I've had a career primarily as a generalist, so to narrow it down is hard. But I do have some ideas, which I'm going to give serious mulling-over time to now.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Who do you ask for career advice?
Via the Globe and Mail, I read a news blurb that said that for most people, their spouse is the preferred person to offer career counsel.
I don't know if that's true in my case. I talk things like over a lot with my husband, but he doesn't work in my field at all, so has no idea what I'm talking about when I discuss my options. Of course, asking the blogosphere for advice is probably not the best thing either, is it?
I guess by making my list of women in my profession who I admire and picking their brains one at a time, I'm consulting mentor types. Who do you ask?http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
Who's the first person you'd go to for guidance on a career change? Your spouse, a survey finds.
Forty six per cent of 150 senior executives said they'd turn first to a spouse or significant other when evaluating a potential job change, up from 42 per cent when asked five years early, the survey by staffing service Accountemps finds.
Next up: a mentor, chosen by 41 per cent, up from 28 per cent in 2002.
After that, the executives opted for a co-worker or other family member, chosen by 4 per cent each, then a friend, selected by 3 per cent, or someone else, at 2 per cent.
I don't know if that's true in my case. I talk things like over a lot with my husband, but he doesn't work in my field at all, so has no idea what I'm talking about when I discuss my options. Of course, asking the blogosphere for advice is probably not the best thing either, is it?
I guess by making my list of women in my profession who I admire and picking their brains one at a time, I'm consulting mentor types. Who do you ask?http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
Monday, February 4, 2008
When is it too late to change careers?
When is it too late to change careers?
Via U-Turn Ahead, I found an interesting website called Life Two, which is all about mid-life crises, personal and professional. Some of it hit home.
I like this article about when to change careers. It quotes from a newspaper article that says essentially, if you're going to change, do it before 50, because after that you're too old.
I guess I'm not alone then in thinking that career goals seem to extend only as far as middle age. We grow up with a focus on the first 20 work years -- get a job, build a career, earn good money, then settle in and keep it up for the next 20 years. That's the part I find unsatisfying. There must be more to it for the second half of work life.
When is it too late to find new career goals?
Via U-Turn Ahead, I found an interesting website called Life Two, which is all about mid-life crises, personal and professional. Some of it hit home.
I like this article about when to change careers. It quotes from a newspaper article that says essentially, if you're going to change, do it before 50, because after that you're too old.
I guess I'm not alone then in thinking that career goals seem to extend only as far as middle age. We grow up with a focus on the first 20 work years -- get a job, build a career, earn good money, then settle in and keep it up for the next 20 years. That's the part I find unsatisfying. There must be more to it for the second half of work life.
When is it too late to find new career goals?
Monday, January 28, 2008
Finding a work partner?
I learned last week that a very small marketing agency I've partnered with occasionally is folding its tents and joining up with a bigger agency. While it's great news for them, I'm a bit down about it.
When I heard, I realized that one option I had been considering for the near future was to partner up with a like-minded person or small group to work on stuff together. I've had this informal relationship with the folding agency for a few years, and we've done some great projects together. I think in the back of my mind I thought down the road I'd talk to them about moving in-house with them, which may have lessened my need to constantly source work, while still getting to work on interesting projects.
The folding agency and I shared the same work philosophy and ethical interests, so it's really disappointing to me to lose them as a partner. Their new agency is great people, but they don't use freelancers, or at least when they do, they don't pay any where near what I need to be paid.
Still, it does get me thinking about how I would find that kind of partner. The right small group situation might allow enough freedom to keep my independence feeling, while sharing resources and client development. Would it make it easier to keep from the constant fear of not having enough work to pay the mortgage if I shared the burden?
When I heard, I realized that one option I had been considering for the near future was to partner up with a like-minded person or small group to work on stuff together. I've had this informal relationship with the folding agency for a few years, and we've done some great projects together. I think in the back of my mind I thought down the road I'd talk to them about moving in-house with them, which may have lessened my need to constantly source work, while still getting to work on interesting projects.
The folding agency and I shared the same work philosophy and ethical interests, so it's really disappointing to me to lose them as a partner. Their new agency is great people, but they don't use freelancers, or at least when they do, they don't pay any where near what I need to be paid.
Still, it does get me thinking about how I would find that kind of partner. The right small group situation might allow enough freedom to keep my independence feeling, while sharing resources and client development. Would it make it easier to keep from the constant fear of not having enough work to pay the mortgage if I shared the burden?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Asking around
As part of my whole career exploration post-40, I've made a list of successful women in my city that I know, women who are older than me, at least a little, who seem to have their working lives in order. I'm hoping that these women, who primarily work in PR or marketing, have figured out what kind of professional role is possible for someone of my skills in her 50s and 60s.
Armed with my list, I am slowly calling and scheduling lunches/coffee/drinks with each of them and chewing the fat on the subject of "What should I be when I grow up?" On the one hand, I'm hoping I'll get offered some great advice on revisioning my career and setting new goals for the next half. At the same time, I can't deny that this is good networking too. But really, it's the career goals that drive me to this. Hopefully I'll work my way through the list over the next several months.
Funny that essentially I'm doing "informational interviews." I find this ironic because when I first moved to this city 12+ years ago, I did this kind of thing with people I didn't know in order to get a handle on the PR scene in town. Back then I was job-hunting, or contract seeking. I guess I have more in common with my 20-something self than I thought.
Armed with my list, I am slowly calling and scheduling lunches/coffee/drinks with each of them and chewing the fat on the subject of "What should I be when I grow up?" On the one hand, I'm hoping I'll get offered some great advice on revisioning my career and setting new goals for the next half. At the same time, I can't deny that this is good networking too. But really, it's the career goals that drive me to this. Hopefully I'll work my way through the list over the next several months.
Funny that essentially I'm doing "informational interviews." I find this ironic because when I first moved to this city 12+ years ago, I did this kind of thing with people I didn't know in order to get a handle on the PR scene in town. Back then I was job-hunting, or contract seeking. I guess I have more in common with my 20-something self than I thought.
Monday, January 14, 2008
40 under 40 as a goal?
Over the winter break I read Business in Vancouver's 40 Under 40 feature and it was one of the things that made me start on this quest for career goals past 40. All those 20-30-somethings who were being recognized for having achieved success in their working lives -- where do they go now?
When you hit the pinnacle of your career before the half-way mark, how do you continue? I have no aspirations to become a CEO or SVP or COO or any of those other acronyms. I don't terribly want to build a big company. And frankly I like my profession a lot, and at least today, am not planning on changing careers. I just want to know what I'm building up to now.
It's not like they publish 50 Under 50 or 60 Under 60 lists.
When you hit the pinnacle of your career before the half-way mark, how do you continue? I have no aspirations to become a CEO or SVP or COO or any of those other acronyms. I don't terribly want to build a big company. And frankly I like my profession a lot, and at least today, am not planning on changing careers. I just want to know what I'm building up to now.
It's not like they publish 50 Under 50 or 60 Under 60 lists.
Friday, January 11, 2008
You mean I have to work another 25 years?!
I'm turning 40 this year, and it's sent me into a bit of tailspin.
Not because I'm old -- I don't mind being this age and look and feel great. Not because there are things I didn't do before the 'best years of my life' were behind me -- I have a good career and I'm good at it, I'm married, we own a home, I have kids and on track for all that stuff.
No, I'm in a tailspin because I've realized that I have 25 more years to work, and I don't think I want to be doing things the way I'm doing them now, at least not for that long!
All my work role models to date were my parents and their generation. They had real jobs, and stayed at them, usually at one company, for their whole lives, then retired. But I've been self-employed for most of my career. I've had jobs for two years, six months, part time for a year -- but it always comes back to finding my own opportunities and building my own business.
Well fine, that's worked out okay for the last 15 or so years, but I can't see me chasing contracts or projects in my 50s and 60s. What ever will I be when I grow up?
Not because I'm old -- I don't mind being this age and look and feel great. Not because there are things I didn't do before the 'best years of my life' were behind me -- I have a good career and I'm good at it, I'm married, we own a home, I have kids and on track for all that stuff.
No, I'm in a tailspin because I've realized that I have 25 more years to work, and I don't think I want to be doing things the way I'm doing them now, at least not for that long!
All my work role models to date were my parents and their generation. They had real jobs, and stayed at them, usually at one company, for their whole lives, then retired. But I've been self-employed for most of my career. I've had jobs for two years, six months, part time for a year -- but it always comes back to finding my own opportunities and building my own business.
Well fine, that's worked out okay for the last 15 or so years, but I can't see me chasing contracts or projects in my 50s and 60s. What ever will I be when I grow up?
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