11 CAREER TIPS FOR SUCCESS

I recently came across a very nice article on career tips and decided to share it. Below is the article.

1. LOOK OUT FOR #1. Take
responsibility for your own career
development. Many large
organizations have scaled back on
training and development-a
common outcome of the economic
downturn-and small companies can
rarely provide significant support.
Simply put, your career rests in one
set of hands: yours.

2. BE STRATEGIC. Have a long-term
career strategy or, at the very least, a
sense for where you’re headed. Ask
yourself, “What do I really want to
do?” or “Where do I see myself in
five to ten years?” Seek people in
similar roles and ask for their advice.

3. WORK IN STEP WITH YOUR
COMPANY'S GOALS. Connect the dots
from your role to your company’s
vision and key objectives. How does
your work align with the
organization’s goals? What can you
do to maximize your contributions?

4. BE CUSTOMER-CENTRIC. Whether
your customers are internal or
external, know their wants and
needs, and be fervent about meeting
them. Bring the voice of the
customer into your day-to-day work
and let it enhance your decisions
and deliverables.

5. COLLABORATE. Working with and
through others is requisite to
innovating, creating, and producing
business results. Adopt a mindset
for teaming and collaborating, and
put it into daily practice.

6. HONE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS .
Communication skills can make or
break careers. Pick one area that
needs your attention-considering
skills such as listening, presenting,
influencing, persuading, or distilling
messages-and commit to
improvement. Take a class, practice
with a trusted friend or colleague, or
join a group such as Toastmasters.

7. CROSS OVER FUNCTIONALLY. Many
successful executives have risen
through the ranks by taking cross-
functional roles, such as moving
from finance to sales or from
marketing to IT. Follow their lead
and you can grow your skills, your
network, and your political capital.

8. EXPAND YOUR NETWORK .
Volunteer for special projects or
assignments that are outside your
everyday role. Discuss your goals
with your boss, an HR
representative, or a senior leader,
and ask for help in finding
opportunities to broaden your
experience base.

9. FIND A GUIDE . Mentors can serve
as influential role models and
provide important guidance for your
career. Reach out to a potential
mentor within your company or
industry and see if he or she would
be open to mentoring you for a
specific purpose and timeframe.

10. NETWORK-NOW. The best time to
increase your network is today.
Starting now, get involved in groups
such as professional associations,
charitable organizations, or even
sports leagues. Step into leadership
roles and make your expertise
known.

11. SPECIALIZE. Today, companies
look for specialists, not generalists.
Develop a personal brand,
distinguish your skills and strengths,
and determine how to best market
yourself.

Source: m.techrepublic.com/blog/career/ rt-career-tips-for-2011/2712