Friday, June 26, 2009

How You Make A Successful Career Transition

By Christopher Poff

Wouldn't it be great to click your fingers to make a successful career transition?

Millions of Americans are currently in career transition mode either on a voluntary basis or due to violent changes in the economy. Here are some tips to making a successful career transition.

Think outside the box! Now more than at any time in history you have to think outside the box in order to make a successful career change. Why? Because the playing field has not only changed but it's gone! The elite at the top are making the rules up as they go. Scary? Only if you let it get to you! Look for the niches that are being created and capitalize on them. A good example is the explosion in home based internet businesses.

Keep a cool head and act with confidence and purpose. The world gets out of the way of someone that knows where they are going. And you are going to make a successful career transition.

Use your sphere of influence. Call friends, family, and business associates. Call in favors. If you want to make a successful career change it's critical to stay in touch. One of my most successful career transitions was initiated by a former girl friend.

Do your homework. Get on the internet and see what's going on. Are there some new business opportunities that you keep stumbling upon? Keep an open mind and surf! You never know when an opportunity will pop up that doesn't look like an opportunity. I have enjoyed at least one successful career transition that came to me in disguise.

Rethink and reassess your strengths, weak areas, and passions. After you do this formulate a plan of action for your successful career transition. Do you need extra education or training? Do you need to totally revamp your career focus? Can you turn a hobby or passion into a successful career transition?

Most important is to persevere and stay positive. In these chaotic times you are 100 times more likely to make a successful career transition if you are positive and persevere. One of my old mentors used to say, You don't have to be 100 % better to get the deal, you only have to be 10% better. Sometimes the spoils, or in this case the successful career change, goes to the one that persists. As Winston Churchill said, Never Give Up!

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