5 Steps to Career Success

 Janet Swaysland, Monster’s SVP of Global Communication & Social Media, recently spoke at an event sponsored by the Global Women's Innovation Network (an organization dedicated to fostering the professional development of women seeking careers in the fields of science and technology). 

At the event, Swaysland outlined five crucial steps to career success:

1. Be clear with yourself.
Know what you love doing, what’s important to you, and where you want to go. For many people, this very basic (and important) information remains unarticulated. Make sure you've put your desires firmly into your conscious mind -- writing them down can help.

"Once you state your goals to yourself," says Swaysland, "they are much likelier to be achieved. Once you share your goals with someone else, they take on yet more power."

But, she adds, it's also important to leave "room for serendipity" and stay open to new ideas and new opportunities.

2. Make it easy for others to help you.
After you've clarified what you want to do, make sure that the people in your network know, too. That way, they know how to help. Swaysland suggests that you "build in checkpoints, so you're accountable": telling other people about your goals can help motivate you to achieve them.

Also consider finding a mentor or coach, and don't be shy about asking for help when you need it.

3. Do a great job in the job you have.
Shine where you are. Even if your current job is not your dream job, it is a step in your career. And almost every job provides networking and learning opportunities. Always be trying to make a great impression, and seek out projects and relationships that support your goals.

Stay busy, but be sure to ask yourself whether you're busy doing the things that move you toward your goals. Swaysland says, "Motion and movement are not the same. Focus on movement.”

Also, don't neglect to document your achievements and your measurable impact -- communicate your successes to your boss and others.

4. Create a presence: "Brand You."
It's important to have a great online presence. The first step, says Swaysland, is to "Google yourself. Get rid of the bad, and then create and curate the good."

A great way to do that is joining (and participating in) the largest and most-relevant professional networks and communities.

Then take a bit of time each week to share your ideas -- via a blog, social-networking sites, and industry forums. Stay active by offering to write posts for other industry blogs, for instance.

5. Give to get -- it's the key to networking.
A great way to get over feeling shy about asking for help when you need it is to start offering and providing help to your network now. You really do have to give to get. Swaysland advises, "Connect online and offline. While sharing your goals, find out theirs -- and offer advice and connections."

She also recommends being purposeful about connecting. Ask yourself, "Why am I connecting to this person -- what can we offer each other?"

And once you establish a connection, stay in touch with periodic updates and news.

(Want more networking advice? Check out "10 Tips to Improve the Quality of Your Networking.")

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