President Barack Obama has seen victory, becoming the 44th president of the United States and winning a second term in the Oval Office. With all the spotlight on what’s next, I think we all can be inspired by his second chance at pushing for more change in the right direction for jobs, the economy, and foreign policy.
As the President and his cabinet get in gear toward his next step in leading the country, it’s a good time to look at what your next steps will be as the top boss of your professional brand, and how you too will re-invent or upgrade your career mojo— as Obama will be tasked to do.
Here are a few key steps to get you started:
President Obama has a plan, fully detailed during campaigning and debates. What’s yours?
If you haven’t already made a plan for your next year, five years or 10 years, it’s prime time to do so. What are your career benchmarks of success? Where do you see yourself in the future? Who will you lead, and what will be your agenda? These are all things that — though life can bring changes — can be mapped out and strategized. Determine what your professional agenda is for your life and map out a direct plan of action to achieve goals that will take you where you want to be.Now that the President has been elected, it’s time to show and prove. You must do the work, too. You’ve got your plan together, and now it’s time to do
. Are you taking those meetings with key people in your industry (or the industry you aspire to excel in)? Have you built that Website? Have you started saving money for your transition into self-employment? Have you taken on new clients, created more opportunities for others to prosper, or sparked a movement that will mean ultimate career growth and wealth? Have you joined those key organizations where you can make a difference, earn your seat at the table and gain advocates? Did you lease that retail or office space, or invest in tech tools needed to take your career or company to the next level? Get to doing the work and seeing results.The President and First Lady have made social agendas a vital part of their leadership. How will you incorporate those elements into your career climb?
Many say the President’s humble and sincere response to families in need after Superstorm Sandy won him supporters who’d previously been skeptics. And we all know that the more you give, the more you receive. The benefits of service go well beyond just feeling good about helping someone. Whether it’s investing in a cause, volunteering to provide disaster aid, providing job opportunities, or mentoring youth, giving back opens you up to the reciprocity of further advancement. It also provides prime opportunities for brand exposure and networking.The President is taking on the task of creating new jobs head on, and the employment outlook is already seeing a gradual improvement. How will you change the game a bit in your strategy for advancement? Are there resources you could be tapping into to upgrade your skills, find the right career match or revamp what you offer to the market all together? Could you be doing more to improve your knowledge, way of doing things or way of thinking? Brainstorm innovative ways you could offer your skills or get your job done that can save both time and money. Go that extra mile not just to meet a quota but to exceed expectations. Step toward the new and unknown — almost crazy— to get better results. We’ll all be looking to Obama to step his game up, so why shouldn’t we do the same?
These are steps I too will be working on, as I continue to be uplifted and excited about second chances and hope for the best to come.