[Think As Inc.] December 8, 2008 Newsletter/ Play Offense

[Think As Inc.] December 8, 2008 Newsletter/ Play Offense

Something to Think About: PLAY OFFENSE

Inspirational Quote: J.K. ROWLING

News and Upcoming Events: CAREER WORKSHOP ON JANUARY 12, 2009

Your life is a business. You have a:

MISSION: the reasons you live your life;

BRAND: the message you project to the world;

PRODUCT LINE: the skills and qualities that are your unique assets;

BOTTOM LINE: your financial picture;

CLIENT BASE: professional, personal, and don’t forget, yourself.

Your life is YOUR business, and you are its CEO.

Play Offense

Because my background is financial services and media, the last few months have been steeped in bad news. Many of my former colleagues who have been laid off are hunkering down for a protracted search in a bad market. My other colleagues who haven’t yet been laid off are hunkering down and counting their days. It’s always good to stockpile cash reserves and to take a step back and get refreshed, but that’s good defense. To win their next job, they need to put themselves out there. Success requires that you play offense and focus on winning, not on not losing.

In baseball, you see a lack of offense when a pitcher doesn’t use his best pitch because the hitter might hit it (thus causing a loss), instead of using his best pitch to get the hitter out (thus sealing a win).

In job searches, you see a lack of offense when people focus foremost on what’s available – what industries are hiring, what jobs are suitable to their skills. Playing offense requires that you focus foremost on what you want and then focus on getting it. It’s a risk if your desired industry is not hiring or if you need to augment current skills. But the win is getting what you want and not just settling.

In careers, you see a lack of offense when people decline challenges – e.g., turn down a high visibility project, postpone a job switch. Playing offense requires that you take shots at your goals.

In life, you see a lack of offense when people do not follow their dreams. You may want a different life – a different career, more family time, new friends, a new location. Playing offense requires that you move in the direction of your dreams. If everything remains status quo, you may protect yourself against failure, but you also preclude yourself from success.

Inspirational Quote

The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive…You will never truly know yourself, or the strength of your relationships, until both have been tested by adversity. ~ J.K. Rowling

News And Upcoming Events

SixFigureStart Career Check-up: Is 2009 the year you finally go for it?

If 2009 is the year that you are going to change careers, change employers, or get that dream job, find out if you are on the right track:

Take the 60-question SixFigureStart Career Assessment and see exactly what you are doing well and what you need to do better;
Learn the six job search steps that really matter in the hiring process;
Hear strategies and tips that you can use specifically in this challenging market.

Monday, January 12, 2009

4:00p – 6:00p

In Good Company Workplaces

16 West 23^rd Street, 4^th Floor

$95*

Space is limited. Advance registration required

Email caroline@sixfigurestart.com or call 212-372-0277 with questions or to register.

*Special offer for Think As Inc newsletter readers: Pay only $75, if you register by December 31, 2008 (don’t forget to mention Think As Inc to get the special price!)

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