In my recent series of posts on change, I outlined how I think change is vital and should be embraced. Furthermore, I’ve announced how I took on two new projects – ambassador of TEDxMcGill and moderator of the LinkedIn group Vie Montréal. There’s one big change that I’ve wanted to talk about. My contract at Astral as a social media consultant is coming to an end. Back to looking for work.
I’m leaving on great terms and I’ve met some great people there (I’m not going to name anyone, but you know how you are!!). I don’t think social media is the job of one person as I had previously explained so my objective was to plant the seeds of social media at Astral: Respect and earn the trust of the people that give you their time by visiting their site and watch their TV stations. Notice how I didn’t use expressions such as “target market,” “audience” or even “visitors.”
What’s next?
That’s a good question. I can decide to go down two roads: find another job or go the consulting route. I’ve met with some great people for opportunities at other companies and I’ve met with new potential clients for myself. Both options really interest me. But it got me thinking, how do we answer the question “What’s next?”
Open doors and windows or blueprints
One way you can answer the question is by letting all the windows and doors open and let the opportunities find you. Once you have enough options out in front of you, make a decision based on the one that feels best for you. On the flip side you can operate with a blueprint. Know exactly what fits where. What comes next will vastly depend on what you had planned.
Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Letting all the opportunities pile up will give you great opportunities “right now” but not necessarily what’s best down the road. Having a plan might lead you where you want to be, but you’re leaving out any unplanned opportunity that might bring you in a great new direction.
The road map: Plan and believe
A third way to answer that question is by thinking of it as a road map – plan for where you want to go, but be open to side roads and detours and even a new destination. The job at Astral was a contract so I wasn’t planning on staying there forever. Because of that I had a plan for what comes next. I wanted to look into working on my own and I’m doing that. But I still wanted the safety of knowing I could land a great opportunity at an established company because I have the right skills and experience; and I have that.
You should embrace change, but plan ahead and believe that you have what it takes to execute that plan. Plan by figuring out where you want to be and work backwards. What are the steps you need to achieve your goal? For example, if you want to work at a local ad agency. What are the skills they are looking for? How can you develop these skills? In your current situation, can you develop these skills or do you need to go elsewhere before? If you need to move, do you need a financial cushion first so that you can go to school to learn what you need?
That’s what I did anyway – I pretty much know where I want to be down the line. I don’t look at the destination as being VP, CEO or entrepreneur. I look at the destination as having the best possible family life I can have and that includes a fascinating career. You can’t plan forever and you need to believe that you can make this happen. A great plan will help you feel more confident. So keep your eyes and ears open for new opportunities, work on executing your plan and new opportunities will come.
What do you think? How have you prepared of change?
(Photo credit: sidewalk flying)
