How to Get Ahead at Work 7 Jewels to Get Ahead At Work (Part 1) - Your Career Intel

How to Get Ahead at Work 7 Jewels to Get Ahead At Work (Part 1) - Your Career IntelEach day, social media newsfeeds are jammed with career self-help articles that promise you insight on how to get ahead at work. While there is no secret sauce on how to gain that promotion or finally vanquish that toxic colleague, there is a roadmap you can follow that can help you zero in on your passion and scale the ranks without trampling on any toes.As a professional recruiter, here are my networking tips to propelling your career forward to the next levelForget Work, Target Passion Its an old clich but its true. Your occupation cannot be work. Nothing will make you happier than finding your passion and pursuing it. Find something you really enjoy doing, reading about, or discussing and monetize it.If nothing comes to mind immediately, keep a journal for 30 days and simply list the 2 or 3 things that were the highlights of your day.Talk to your friends and family about what areas they see your pa ssion and interest shine and keep track of their answers.After 30 days, look for common themes and youll soon find youre on the right track.Friend of a Friend of a Friend Once you zeroed in on your passion, you will know the kind of career you want to pursue. At this point, its time to make friends.In your first 30 days of career planning talk to as many people as you can in your industry or sector of interest. Make sure you reach people at all levels.Your goal is to understand the top companies, their cultures and differences in their business models. This will help you find a company that will both engage your interest and be an environment to foster your growth.When networking never ask for a job, but always ask for information. The job will come. Good people always know other good people and may get you a favorable introduction.This step gives access to getting information for interview prep and hot buttons to focus on during your interview.BYOB-Build Your Own Board (of Director s) Your work colleagues and industry network are an invaluable resource for insights, perspective, and experiences. And its your professional contacts who will play various roles in your success.So, look at yourself as a company and build your personal hauptplatine of directors.Before exploring any new opportunities or making major presentations, seek counsel from this Board and make sure to give them (and yourself) enough lead time before critical deadlines.As you can see, there is a way to leverage your existing relationships and networks to propel your career forward. In my next blog post, Ill share some ideas on how to create an actionable plan to execute your career vision.I would love to hear your stories about how you have used your networking skills to advance your career. Please share your stories and experiences on how to get ahead at work below.

7 Things Financially Savvy People Always Make Sure They Spend More On

7 Things Financially Savvy People Always Make Sure They Spend mora On While it may seem counterintuitive, sometimes the best way to save money in the long run is to spend a lot of money up front. Theres a wealth of information available about how to better budget and save money, but those who are financially savvy know that there are certain things that are usually worth the splurge.1. ShoesIt may seem simple, but purchasing a good pair of shoes helps ensure that you arent forced to buy a new pair each year or walk around in discomfort. You wear shoes everyday, so it makes sense to put your money toward something that youre sure to get a lot of use out of.2. SkincareSkimping on skincare can lead to more problems in the future down the road. No, you dont need to fork over thousands for special skin caviar that supposedly makes all of your pores disappear and removes every last wrinkle, but spending money on high quality sunscreen that wont clog pores and cleansers and moisturizers th at keep your skin feeling its best help you put your best face forward for years to come.3. Training and educationOnce you establish what career path you want to follow, learning as much as you can about the industry will serve you well. Receiving the proper education will make performing your job easier, youll be able to perform your job better, and youll likely have a higher earning fhigkeit than if you forego the education. It can also make you a more competitive candidate for landing jobs and earning promotions.4. MattressThis simple concept can save you thousands in the long run. Sleeping on a poorly made mattress can lead to complications that can last a lifetime, not to mention a lack of comfort that can lead to sleep disruptions that can increase stress levels. A bad mattress itself can cause pain and may lead to expensive medical procedures down the road. When its time to buy a mattress, spending more up front can save cashand more importantly your bodyin the future.5. Time -Saving ServicesMoney is time. One of the best ways to spend money is to save time. Financially savvy people know that being overworked can lead to more mistakes and end up costing them more money later. When your schedule gets extra hectic, taking measures such as dropping off laundry or using a rideshare can reduce stress and6. Tools for WorkWhen you buy something that directly contributes to your income, its best to buy things that will make your doing your job as easy as possible. If you spend a lot of time working on a computer, instead of getting the cheapest model, look for something that will make you want to work on it. If your job requires frequent travel, invest in a nice luggage set that will help getting through the airport easier.7. Wardrobe StaplesThough there are guides that recommend articles of clothing that every person should have, curate your list based on where you live and your lifestyle. If you live in a cold climate, spending more on a high quality jacket wi ll help keep you warm for years to come. If you work in a professional setting, purchasing a perfectly tailored blazer can be worth the investment. For those who spend a lot of time working out or playing sports, investing in a high quality sports bra can save money in the long run. If you know youll wear it regularly, you could end up saving money instead of heading to the mall each regularly for replacements.--Kayla Heisler is an essayist and Pushcart Prize-nominated poet. She is an MFA candidate at Columbia University, and her work appears in New Yorks Best Emerging Poets 2017 anthology.