As we head down the final stretch of 2011, I (like the rest of the world) am engaging in a little annual professional planning and review session. Today, I thought I’d share some of the highlights with you. After all, plans are much easier to keep when you share them with the world, don’t you think?
I would say, all in all, I’m pretty pleased with 2011. In total, I’d call it a productive, successful year for me professionally. I had some amazing clients, I created a lot of cool products, and I made a decent living financially.
But there’s always room for growth. So, I’ve done a lot of analysis over the past few weeks (and a little soul searching as well), and I’ve created a plan for 2012 that I feel honors my true gifts and the areas of my work that really feed my soul.
Mind you, there are a few fairly major changes here. But I’m convinced that they make sense. And, best of all, I truly believe that plans are never set in stone. So, if these things start to feel “wrong”, I’m giving myself permission right now to rethink my strategies and course-correct as needed. (You should give yourself this same leeway when making your career plans!)
Here’s a quick overview of the items in which you may be interested:
1. Shift of Focus
As you may know, I run two businesses. One is what you see here. I provide a variety of products and services dedicated to helping people just like you to achieve career success and fulfillment. The other is a freelance writing and editing business. This year, I’ve had a hard time figuring out the perfect mix of work. I like having two different gigs—the diversity of work means I’m never bored—but it often leaves me feeling fractured. So, I’m making a very clear commitment in 2012 to maintain a 70/30 split. 70 percent of my time will be spent on writing and editing projects for my various clients, and 30 percent of my time will be spent on my career services work. Hopefully, this very intentional way of thinking about my time will help me feel more in control of my choices.
2. No More One-on-One Coaching
This one is a biggie. While it was a hard decision, I don’t question that the time has come to move away from this work. I absolutely love my clients, but (considering the shift of focus discussed above) my schedule can only handle a limited number of one-on-one appointments each week. Over the last year, I’ve also found that many of my clients have similar questions, concerns and situations, and I know they would benefit greatly from working together—not just with me, but also with one another. This realization has inspired me to shift my 2012 coaching focus to…
3. New Group Coaching Programs
Instead of one-on-one coaching, I’m now only going to offer group coaching, which thrills me to no end! This will give my future clients amazing new opportunities they wouldn’t have had in a one-on-one setting. They’ll be able to learn from others who are going through the exact same thing as them, and they’ll develop bonds that simply don’t tend to happen all that often in life. The people in group coaching programs end up feeling like family. I’ve experienced it time and time again (as a participant and as a leader), and I can’t wait to help facilitate it for you. Plus, group programs are significantly more affordable (about one-fourth the cost of an individual program).
The first group coaching program will be 4 months long (running from March through June) and will be on the topic of “Finding Your Right Career Path.” So, if you’re a job hopper, or if you’re simply not content doing what you’re doing but you have no idea what the next step should be (or how to go about doing it), this program is for you. Every group program will include a variety of activities: webinars, Q&A sessions, buddy calls, etc. You’ll be busy, but it’s well worth it.
Registration isn’t open yet for the Finding Your Right Career Path program, but if you think you might be interested, get your name on the list early and you’ll get special Early Bird Pricing. Just visit this page and submit your info. When registration opens, you’ll get first dibbs plus a $50 off coupon. By getting on the list early, you’re not obligated to join. You’re just expressing possible interest and getting the coupon.
4. More Webinar Series
Earlier this year, I held a very successful 4-part webinar series called Building Powerful Professional Relationships. The feedback was astounding! And I loved doing it. So, in 2012, I’ll be offering this same series once again, along with a brand new one called Winning the Inner Game of Career Success.
The first series, Building Powerful Professional Relationships, will be held in May so mark your calendar now. Registration isn’t yet open, but you can learn more about it here.
Note: Because the material has been slightly revised, everyone who attended this series in 2011 will get free attendance to this. You will receive an email with details.
The second series, Winning the Inner Game of Career Success, will be held in July. Details aren’t yet available but will be soon.
5. More Corporate Group Coaching
I’ve also decided to focus more on leading small group coaching programs for teams. As you may know, my core audience is administrative professionals. I really enjoy going into companies and working with teams of admins to help them feel more productive, more empowered, and more motivated. The two-day program I’ve developed is pretty amazing (if I do say so myself) and it has seen a lot of success in the past. And I’m always happy to customize my work to meet the specific needs of the company and team I’m serving. I’d love to tell you more about it if you’re interested. If you think your team and your organization would benefit from working with me, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Or, you can always connect me with your HR Director or another appropriate individual at your company.
6. Free Stuff Continuing
While I’m hoping to have several new products available (for sale) in the next few months, I also want you to know that I’m planning on continuing to offer my monthly free coaching calls as well as a variety of free webinars and free video training in 2012. These have been so popular—and I enjoy doing them so much—there’s no reason to stop!
I could go on and on, but I don’t want to bore you more than I already have. If you haven’t started working on your 2012 plan, I encourage you to get started! (If you need help, I recommend grabbing a copy of my Build Your Professional Development Plan e-Workbook). This kind of planning is really fun and it helps give you a sense of focus and control. After completing mine, I feel ready to hit the ground running in the new year.
What can I do to help you on your professional journey in 2012?
Photo Credit: J’Roo (Flickr)
