I speak to ‘C’ Suite executives everyday and I consistently see a pattern – a cookie cutter approach that is coming to an end. Unless, you are happy to retire at 50, then this post is of no value to you, but for most, retiring at 50 is not an option. So how do you future proof your career?
First of all, you need to decide what you absolutely no for sure. By that I mean, if I gave you a whiteboard marker, you should be able to illustrate a tried and tested process that takes me from start to promise with absolute ease. If you can find that one thing that you know for sure, then you can position yourself as an authority in that one thing and create an entire Personal Brand around that. This is the new job description. Let me give you a scenario.
One of my clients wanted to apply for a senior role that was almost double the salary she earned. She felt that she wasn’t qualified as far as the job description was concerned. Instead, we unpacked what she knew for sure and created an entire process around that one thing which became a visual. Next, we created a business plan showing the prospective employer how she can solve their biggest problem using her methodology and then positioned her Personal Brand as an authority on that one thing, but also adding in the other parts of the job description as all the other skills that she can do.
She didn’t sit in that interview like all her competitors, she was dynamic and presented a solution and demonstrated how her knowledge in that ‘one thing’ could solve their main problem. She had something tangible to bring to the table. She positioned herself as a Complex Problem Solver, future proofing her career.
She was offered that job that afternoon and the HR Director told her that they had never seen anything like that (presentation) before.
Can you see how powerful this is? You need to do exactly the same for your career. Be known as a expert in one thing only, design a methodology around it and create content on LinkedIn specifically around that one area that you know inside out.
The traditional career path is fading. Future proof your career demands a new approach. Identify your absolute strength, a process you can explain with ease. This becomes your personal brand’s core. Develop a methodology around it and create content showcasing your expertise. Shift your focus from simply meeting job requirements to solving employers’ biggest problems. Become the go-to person in your niche, offering a unique solution – this is how you future proof your career and stand out from the crowd.
I’m curious are you thinking like this? Or are you approaching your career on hope that you are secure until 65. If not, think about this idea and if you need help, please reach out.
About Mary Henderson
Mary is a Transformational Leader and an internationally recognized Personal Branding and Online Business Specialist.
Mary helps Industry Experts systemize, digitalize and commercialize their knowledge, wisdom and skills into a scalable and profitable online business and brand so they become an authority in their niche.
Mary has 22+ years of experience building 7 and 8 figure businesses and high-performance sales teams in the IT sector. She also has 15 years of experience delivering online solutions for large and small businesses. She has been featured in many publications and is regarded as a thought leader in the Digital sector.
Mary’s point of difference is that she fuses business strategy, technology and spirituality into her approach because she believes humans are multi-faceted and success starts on the inside. This approach results in profound transformation.
When you engage Mary, you access 40,000+ hours of knowledge, wisdom and experience in Personal Branding, client profiling, lead generation strategies, online course development, sales leadership, content strategy, digital acumen and personal development.
Mary embraces technology and social media in a big way, and her followers are growing daily.
Mary is a heart-centred, compassionate, tenacious entrepreneur who thrives on human transformation and witnessing people fulfil their dreams. Connect with Mary on LinkedIn and on Facebook.