Shades of Success, Inc.

Working Smart versus Working Hard

Would you like to be known as a hard worker or smart worker? 

Let's be honest.  There was a time when we would have grinned from ear to ear if someone called us hard-working.  It reminds me of the time when there were no computers and every document had to be typed--sometimes retyped from scratch.  Back then, there was no choice.  Nowadays computers save us lots of time and energy.  No one would be caught dead "working hard" using a typewriter. 

Working hard denotes a long, tedious, draining process that usually leaves us without energy to focus on anything else.  Think of the all-nighters we endured in college or preparing for an upcoming presentation for management.  The mindset is 'this is a tough job--it's going to take a lot to get it done.'

Working smart focuses on results and the most effective way to get there so we can move on to the next project.  The mindset is 'what is the best way to accomplish this without reinventing the wheel?'

Look around your professional environment and spot those who are viewed as winners.  Do they work smart or hard? 

Why and How to Join Professional Organizations

Why should you consider joining a professional organization, trade association or chamber of  commerce?

• To broaden your network, make friends
• To find job leads
• To learn about trends in your industry
• To meet the power brokers in your area of interest
• To promote your products and services

How should you go about it? Here are three ways to approach it:  1) Just do it, 2) One target in mind; and 3) Best of both.

The just-do-it approach happens when you feel compelled to join because a friend, coworker or significant other is a member.  This spur-of-the-moment decision may lead to many pleasant social connections that may or may not help your professional life in the long run. 

The one-target-in-mind tactic is not any better.  Some will only join a group if they are certain they will get a specific benefit (e.g. sales lead, hiring manager).  They fail to see the value in building relationships with other members and only focus on their one target.  There could be many missed opportunities as some of the less-known members could have a strong connection to the target.

My recommended approach:  Best of Both.  Figure out what is your interest in joining and identify several organizations that could potentially meet your expectations.  Do not join right away.  Attend one or two sessions to get a feel for the people, the networking dynamics and chemistry in the room.  Some organizations welcome the help of volunteers to run their events. This is a good way to learn about the people who run the organization.

Happy networking!

How to Self Manage your Professional Life

Job security is a phrase seldom used nowadays.  The business world and other areas, such as non-profit, government and education, attempt to keep up with changing economic conditions. 

There is no doubt these trends affect our professional lives.  Do not fool yourself thinking you are immune to downsizing, restructuring or market shrinkage.  Worse yet, do not freeze in fear of not knowing what to do.

Instead, consider taking a proactive approach to manage your professional life.  Note that I purposely say, "professional life" to include career-minded people who work for organizations and those of us who work for ourselves. Here are three suggestions to start self-managing your professional life:

• Reality Check - This is the equivalent of having a physical exam. If most of us go to the doctor at least once a year for an exam, what prevents us from doing a check up of our professional lives periodically? Reflect where you are with your goals.  Are you doing what you want to do?  Is it rewarding financially and emotionally?
• Decide next steps - If you are content with where you are at the moment, acknowledge that milestone! Still, have a plan B in case the world turns upside down later on.  If you realize you would like to redefine your professional life, then identify exactly what it is and develop and action plan.
• Review your progress weekly, monthly, quarterly.  Have a buddy or coach to work with. Or join group of like-minded people.  As the saying goes, "two heads are better than one."