6 Ways To Take Your Career To The Next Level

There’s an army of super skilled and talented people changing the world right now, so if you’re an entrepreneur or employee looking to take your career to the next level— never get complacent.

Chances are you’ve gathered a following by creating and providing consistent communication, products or services. And, people have begun to put you into categories: the problem solver, go-getter, connector, innovator, etc.–So now what?

Sometimes minor adjustments or simple changes to your network can spark next level thinking. Surrounding yourself with people who don’t have the same background as you or don’t think like you can subsequently produce game changing power moves.

One thing is for sure, nothing ever changes until we realize we have the power within to take action. Here are six ways to advance your career and position yourself for next level success:

1. Tell your story. I always say people buy into people not corporations. Have you experienced

a setback in your life or career, but you managed to bounce back from adversity? Or maybe you have experienced an “aha moment” that led you to start a new company or get promoted? Turn your personal story into a speaking platform and become a person of influence that empowers people to change. Whenever you can inject something personal into your communications, you build emotional relationships and a sense of loyalty with your audience.

To get started, volunteer for speaking opportunities at your office, with professional organizations or universities. Then turn your audience into paying clients and let your brand story take center stage with speaking engagements.

Check out more steps on page two …

2. Blog your way into a book deal. Whether you publish articles, videos or photos for a blog, take your most popular posts and repurpose them into a book or e-book. Journalist, Blogger, Life Coach, and Author, Demetria Lucas turned her award winning blog, A Belle in Brooklyn

into “A Belle In Brooklyn: The Go-to Girl for Advice on Living Your Best Single Life.” And, photographer Eunique Jones Gibson, creator of “Because of Them, We Can” campaign turned her popular photo site into a coffee table book of images that would refute stereotypes and build the esteem of our children.

Start or join a mastermind group. A mastermind group is the coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony. According to Forbes, “When you join a mastermind, you will most likely find ways to help each other by utilizing cross promotion.” Paul C. Brunson, author and entrepreneur, hosts an online mastermind group every Monday.

Go global. Demonstrating skills learned from working in a multicultural environment speaks volumes about what you bring to the table. Apply for a global assignment

within your company or get involved with an organization that supports cross cultural exchanges or events. Universities, the international trade council, and art or cultural centers are also great resources to learn more about global opportunities.

Establish yourself as a thought leader. Make your content work for you. Publishing free content across social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) is an excellent way to stand out from your competitors and even drive sales. According to BlackEnterprise.com contributor, S. Lynn Cooper, a Google chat or Twitter chat is a great place to answer any questions other professionals in your field may have; thus, demonstrating your value and expertise.

Give back to the community. I often ask myself: “Are you creating a legacy that will outlive you?” Giving back to the community is a fantastic way to ignite hidden talents. Find your sweet spot and start a passion project. Or get involved in social causes at work to raise awareness about an initiative. “Leaders don’t create more followers, they create more leaders.”— Tom Peters. Hosting an event where leaders can share their talents, skills, and abilities to help empower others to become leaders is another sure-fire way to stand out from the crowd and amplify your brand.

Consistently pursuing opportunities to tell your story and promote yourself, as an asset inside and outside of a company is key to beginning the next chapter of your career. Are you ready to get ahead? Which step will you take?

Kandia Johnson is a freelance communications strategist, brand builder and world traveler who also loves fashion, food and wine. She’s traveled from Brooklyn, N.Y., to Thailand to Africa. When she’s not helping clients create engaging communication campaigns, she’s writing about her globe-stalking adventures for her blog LadybugsInWonderland.com and Travelista.TV.