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Career Coaching 360 Newsletter

 In This Issue...                 View this newsletter on our website.               Sherri Thomas, Publisher

August 26, 2008

Published bi-weekly.  You are on our list because you signed up for one of our programs.  To change your subscription, see link at end of newsletter.

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Visit our Website at www.CareerCoaching360.com

 
Note from Sherri:  Prove to the Universe That You Mean Business!

Featured article:
Career Sampling - 5 Ways to Try Out a New Career

Please add "Info@CareerCoaching360.com" to your white list or address book in your e-mail program, so that you have no trouble receiving future issues!

Professional Speaker, Sherri Thomas

 

 



Sherri gives Wall Street Journal readers
tips for finding the right career coach!

One thing I know for sure is that when you set your sites on a goal, and then step up to do the work in order to reach that goal - wonderful things happen.

In my day job as a worldwide program manager for a Fortune 100 Company (yes, I'm a career coach who's actually out there driving my own career!), I came to a big fork in the road several years ago.  I had an opportunity to take on an extended assignment in a technical leadership role (vs. my current marketing leadership role), and I had to decide whether to step up and embrace the challenge, or take flight and flee to a different department.

I embraced the challenge.  I studied, got my certification, found a few technical mentors, put in a few late nights and focused all of my priorities, time and energy into my new position. 

The results were BIGGER than I ever could have dreamed.  A promotion, a 32-percent salary hike, and more career choices than I ever could have dreamed.

Now, the same is happening with Career Coaching 360.  By stepping up to do the work and proving to the universe that I mean business(!) the universe is rewarding me with wonderful opportunities every day - like being a contributor to the Wall St Journal, speaking in New Orleans next month, and witnessing my awesome clients transition and thrive in their new career!

If you're thinking about making a career change, check out this month's article, "Career Sampling - 5 Ways to Try Out a New Career." Write to me and tell me what you think at SThomas@CareerCoaching360.com

To your success!

Sherri Thomas
 


 

FREE VIRTUAL CLASS THIS WEDNESDAY!!
"11 Ways to Blast Through Career Roadblocks"  Learn more

Career Change Boot Camp by Sherri Thomas

Sign up to join Sherri tomorrow for the virtual class, 11 Ways to Blast Through Career Roadblocks.  A one-hour conference call designed for professionals and executives who want smart strategies and real solutions to take their career up to the next level.   

View the complete list of virtual classes available including "Resume and Interviewing Strategies, Reinventing Your Career Program, and the Career Change Boot Camp.   Learn more.

Listen to Sherri's recent class, "Reinventing Your Career Overview" for FREE!  Learn the 5 Stages of the Career Transition Cycle, plus get tips to strengthen your personal brand!  Listen now


 

Career Change Boot Camp by Sherri Thomas

Career Change Boot Camp 
Audio Program

A step-by-step action plan to help you change careers quickly and easily.


AVAILABLE NOW!  This boot camp program includes two (2) audio CD's, e-Workbook, and transcripts

I designed this program as a step-by-step action plan with proven, easy-to-use tools, insider secrets and strategies to help you transition into a new industry, company, or job role quickly and easily.  This is the exact same formula that I've used to successfully transition into the radio, television, finance, retail, and high tech industries.  Learn more.

 

 

 

Career Sampling - 5 Ways to Try Out a New Career 
by Sherri Thomas
 

Everyone has bad days at work, but if your bad day stretches to a hundred bad days(!) then you may want to start shaking things up a bit.   

Twice during my own career I found myself in a frustrating and unchallenging job and stayed longer than I should have.   Mostly because I was delusional and thought that if I proved my loyalty and stayed with the company long enough they'd reward me with a "new and improved" job, (did I mention the delusional part?), but also because I was afraid of trying something new, and potentially failing. 

If you're in a similar situation and the thought of charting into unknown career territory makes you want to curl up under your office cube, then you may want to try career sampling - the art of dipping your toe into a pool of new career opportunities, before diving in head first.

Career sampling is a great way to test drive a new career without investing a lot of time, or risking your paycheck.  Here are three great strategies to help you determine if a new career is right for you... 

  1. Take on an extended assignment. 
    Look across all the departments within your current organization to see if there are any projects or teams that interest you.    Many times managers and project leaders jump at the chance to have someone join their team - even if that person doesn't have any experience.  This is a great way to test the waters of a new career.

    Also, are there any external initiatives that inspire you?  Many companies have community programs and special events that you may be able to support.  Finally, talk to your manager, peers and other department managers to see which professional and civic organizations they're involved in.  Take advantage of opportunities that could help you learn about new industries or job roles.
     
  2. Try freelancing or consulting.  If you're thinking about owning your own business, try setting up shop first as a freelancer or consultant.  You'll be able to set your own hours, develop your business plan and gain some experience before investing all of your time, money and energy full time.  It's also a great way to earn some extra cash! 
     
  3. Work part-time.  A great way to test drive transitioning in a new job role, company or industry is to start out part time.  Investing a little time up front to take on a part-time position is a much better strategy than investing all your time and realizing you've made a bad career choice.

    If you think you don't have the right experience, a great attitude and eagerness to learn can help get your foot in the door.   And once you start proving yourself and showing results, a promotion to a full time position could be just around the corner!
     
  4. Volunteer your time. This is the quickest way to gain insight and experience into a new career. 

    Research company websites, read trade magazines, and attend industry conferences and business networking events to learn about volunteer opportunities.  Volunteer your time and talents, and in return, learn all you can about that industry, different job roles, and the skills and qualifications of others who have been successful in those job roles that interest you.
     
  5. Join a Professional Organization.  Most cities have organizations such as the American Marketing Association, American Medical Association, Small Business Association, American Society for Engineering Education, etc. which provide excellent education, training and networking opportunities.

    Consider attending meetings, becoming a member, or stepping up to join their Board of Directors.  Take advantage of every opportunity to learn about various industries and career opportunities.  

If you're itching to leave your job for something more meaningful or invigorating, then try career sampling.  It's less risky, less stressful, and a smarter way to transition into a career that's right for you!

Sherri Thomas is President of Career Coaching 360, an international speaker, and author of "Career Smart - 5 Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand." Career Coaching 360 (www.CareerCoaching360.com) provides career planning, management coaching, and leadership development support to help professionals change careers quickly and easily.

 


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You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Career success coach Sherri Thomas is President of Career Coaching 360, an international speaker, and author of "Career Smart - 5 Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand." If you're ready to jump-start your career, transition to a new level, and move into a more meaningful and enriching career, get your FREE tips now at www.CareerCoaching360.com


Know anyone who would benefit from reading this article?  Forward this newsletter to your network   :) 

Career Smart - 5 Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand
 

  
a
Career coach
a International speaker
a Contributor to the Wall St Journal, Monster.com, Hoovers
a Author, "Career Smart - 5 Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand"

Sherri's book is receiving RAVING REVIEWS including -

t  "This book takes you from ordinary to extraordinary!" Michelle
     Dunn, Amazon.com reviewer
t  "Career Coach Sherri Thomas gives a roadmap to mastering the
     art of personal branding." Womens Digest reviewer
t  "I recommend spending the time and money to get this book!"
     Amazon.com reviewer Gary Dale Cearley

Available RIGHT NOW on-line at:
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Career Coaching 360 provides strategies, tools, and personal coaching to help professionals and executives advance their career.  Visit the Career Coaching 360 website to jump start your career! 
 

 

Get FREE CAREER TIPS delivered right to your in-box every month!   
Sign up below for our exclusive bi-weekly newsletter and click the button, "Yes! Send Me Now!"   
-we'll also give you a FREE COPY of our exclusive "Career Analysis Package"!

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    Questions?  Feel free to contact us at Service@CareerCoaching360.com,
or give us a call at (480) 636-8899, or 877-559-4533.
 

 

 

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