List by J.T. O’Donnell with insertions by Andrea Iranpour, Vice President, Client Services
Inc. magazine columnist Jeff Haden recently wrote in one of his articles that when it comes to how far we push ourselves on a daily basis, many of us in the corporate world often think, “If I was in my dream job, then yeah… I would work really hard. Of course that mindset is backwards: You only get a shot at reaching your dreams if you first work incredibly hard.”
As such, making a list each day helps us to stay focused and on track with how we can put in the work now in order to reach your goals and that dream job. Realistically we all have days when getting all ten things done just won’t happen. But if you keep these items on your list consistently, you’ll have them in front of you each day to go back to and work towards.
- Read something related to your industry.
What are the new, innovative things being done out there. What are your competitors doing? Look at the current trends to help you stay relevant, informed and the expert in your business. - Read something related to business development.
How can you make your company better? Are there ways you can bring in additional business or revenue, streamline processes or create efficiencies within the company? - Send two emails to touch base with old colleagues and business contacts.
You never know when a contact may be able to assist you with project, when you may receive a referral from them or vice versa. Maintaining relationships is key to building your circle of quality partners. - Reach out to individuals in order to network within your industry.
Not only can this lead to making a connection with a potential new customer or client but also lends to connecting with mentors within the industry that can play a central role in your own personal development. - Check in with each team member on their projects and their progress.
Let your teammates and staff know you’re invested in their work. Additionally, it allows the opportunity for collaboration – how can you lend your expertise to their program or project and how can they contribute to yours. - Have a short non-work related conversation with every employee.
At times, we may see our colleagues more than we see our own family. Creating an environment where all members feel like a part of the team goes a long way for productivity. - Review your top three goals for your company that are focused on its growth.
Outline our personal goals on what you can do to contribute to your company’s success and growth for the future. - Identify and execute one task to support each of your top three goals.
- Post a valuable piece of content on one of your major social media accounts.
We all know that social media is crucial to being relevant and getting in front of the masses. If strategically done, it can be used successfully to reach your client base, your industry colleagues or potentials customers. - Take a full minute to appreciate what you have and how far you’ve come.
Putting in the hard work now to help you reach your goals is imperative, but it’s equally as important to reflect on your success and accomplishments that have led you to where you currently are.
J.T. O’Donnell runs a career site, Careerealism, and Career HMO – a Job Search Accelerator Program website. Additionally she just launched a site for executives, C-Suite Insider.
