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One very important part of improving your positioning in your industry is to become an expert in your field. Of course, you might say that is pretty sophomoric, Janice. Even so, I say maybe not. Here's why…
Early on in my professional life I was in the Information Technology industry and worked primarily in the Insurance sector. My last full time IT work experience was with a leader in the Health Care industry. I had the privilege of working with some great professionals. During that time, the director of my department deposited something into me professionally that I will never forget.
She was an awesome leader and a great business partner for the financial segment of the company which consisted of every department that reported to the CFO. She had the ear of everyone, not just because she had the position but because they trusted her as a leader of the company. In John Maxwell's Five Levels of Leadership, I would rank her at least a four. She was a person who didn't mind sharing her knowledge because someone did it for her. She was bright, energetic and a people developer. She was awesome in my perspective, and I respected her as did everyone who knew her.
One day she and I had a ‘sit down' to discuss my career path at the company, and she told me how to become invaluable. We both understood that at that time most people considered IT as an ‘expense' center and terribly difficult to understand. We were known for talking ‘computerese.' Everyone dreaded status meetings. As we talked, this maverick explained how to leverage my career:
BECOME AN EXPERT IN YOUR FIELD
Regardless of your field of endeavor, you MUST become a student of that field. And be the BEST! Be a ravenous learner. If this is not your NORM, start off slowly. Pick one media outlet, follow it and grow. I found a new APP, ‘FLIP.' It has great information about almost anything you can think of. Get started! Be the one!!!
BECOME YOUR CUSTOMER
We must get into the customers’ heads and know what they know and even more about their world. My director explained to me that she, at that time, belonged to several Insurance associations and that she received their magazines. She was equipped to provide support to her business partners. She was an IT professional inside a healthcare company supporting financial professionals. She tiered her career, and it worked for her. It will work for you too! Be the one!!!
BECOME THE ONE
Recently, I was in preparation for a GALA fundraiser for an organization that I support. I decided to take particular care of my entire ‘look,'ON PURPOSE. I set out to find the RIGHT everything. I believe I was successful. I ended up at a well-known department store for shoes. I met a gentleman there who was extraordinary. He seemed mild-mannered and eager to help me. I picked a few pairs of shoes and requested my size. He, another salesperson and I engaged in conversation. In the blink of an eye, he transformed from a mild-mannered salesman into SUPER DESIGNER. I happened to have the outfit that I was wearing with me, and he asked to see it. He outfitted me from head to toe, including nail color selection to make everything POP! Little did I know that he was, in fact, a graphic designer with a gift for fashion design. When the day of the GALA came, I impressed myself. He became the one! When I think of shoes and fashion, I stop at his counter first. Oh yes, I have his number to ensure he will be there before I make the trip. He is the one!!!
Fashion, IT, banking, teaching, etc.; it goes for any and every industry sector.
You know what I’m going to ask… How can you tier your career to be strategically ready to expand your capacity? Gage where you are and take this challenge. Become the one!
Hi! Did you gain any new career insight or keepers from this featured cover article? We love to hear your comments by commenting below. Thank you in advance for sharing.
About the Author: Janice Coleman
Janice Coleman is a motivating communicator specializing in Preparing People to Perform through keynote presentations, customized training programs, and coaching. Janice has the capacity to deliver an action-provoking message to a variety of audiences. She has a vast professional background which affords her powerful in depth understanding of how to help others to become what they have been designed to be. If you are seeking to have a turnaround in your personal or professional world, Janice is the right speaker for you.
Click the following link to learn more about: Janice Coleman
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