Job search Strategy Lab

o find the PEOPLE you need to make your dreams a reality? Read the 7 suggestions below to get started. You might find the people you need are closer than you think.

1. Form or participate in a success team.

This is my secret. For every major project I commit to I surround myself with other people with similar goals. For example: I wanted help keeping my business on track. I formed a group with three other business owners who had the same goal. We learn a ton from each other, share resources, provide feedback and offer unending encouragement. We’ve been together for over a year and they play a big role in my ability to consistently get things done and make things happen.

2. Get coached!

I may be biased, but before I was a coach I hired a coach. It gave me the shot in the arm I needed to launch my business. Coaching is amazing because you get to work one-on-one with someone totally dedicated to you and your success. A coach will offer you encouragement, accountability and help you plan strategic courses of action.

3. Find a mentor.

A mentor will help you shorten your learning curve because they’ve already been where you want to go. Who in your profession or life do you admire? Ask them if they’d be willing to meet with you on a regular basis and be your mentor. For tips on setting up a good mentor-mentee relationship, search Google with the keywords “mentoring tips” or something similar. You’ll find lots of information.

4. Follow an expert.

If you’re looking for advice on a specific topic, let’s say boosting self-confidence, read books, attend seminars or check online. When you find someone whose style you enjoy become an “expert groupie”. Read their books, check out their website and watch for special programs they offer.

5. Join a special interest group.

There’s a group for every interest and everyone! Group members often share best practices, swap referrals and bring in experts related to their unique niche. Look for existing groups in your local newspaper, community education and flyers on coffee shop bulletin boards. Your alumni association may have suggestions, as well as your local chamber of commerce and networking organizations.

6. Go online.

Join online discussion groups. My sister-in-law made a bevy of new friends when she joined an online discussion group of moms with kids all the same age. They’ve become friends, share parenting tips and even meet for an annual girl’s weekend away! One note: always be careful when you join online communities. Although great ones exist there are plenty with unscrupulous characters just waiting to take advantage of trusting individuals.

7. Ask a friend.

Do you have a friend that would just love it if you asked for their help? Sometimes help is closer than you think. Do you have a friend that is particularly supportive and encouraging? If so, tell them your goal and ask for their support. They’ll probably be thrilled and honored you thought of them and asked for their help. They may surprise you and ask for your help in return!

Surrounding yourself with PEOPLE that will help you get what you want is easier than you think but you have to ASK! Don’t hesitate and don’t be afraid. Ask and keep asking until you find “just the right” people to help you achieve your most important goals!

Copyright 2006 Christopher Green

I want to ask you a question. It is the most important question I can ask you, and I wonder if you could provide me with an answer within 10 seconds. Most people cannot. Here it is:

What, exactly, do you want to do with your life?

By exactly, I mean a complete description of how you want to live your life including the most important goal you’d like to achieve. So answers like “make money”, “live in a big house”, or “meet someone special” have no place here. Such vague, non-specific answers are given by most people, and it is a sure sign that they haven’t identified what they really want to do with their lives.

The reason why it is so important to know the answer – in detail – to the question is because the answer reveals your dream. Your dream is unique to you, and it represents something very important to your happiness and growth as a person. It is an expression of the real you and gives enormous meaning and purpose to your life.

So how do you know what your dream is? Many people say to me “If only I knew what I really wanted”. If this applies to you, then here’s my top tips to identify your dream:

1. Take the time to think seriously about what you want to do with your life. Ask yourself “How would I truly want to spend everyday if I could choose freely”. This is serious time and you should spend at least an hour everyday working out the answers to this question.

2. On a sheet of paper, write down all the things you really enjoy doing and that you have a passion for. Write down all of the wonderful things you’d like to try too. For example, my list contains: working with computers, writing, motivating others to succeed, playing guitar, music, cooking, travel, history, the arts.

3. On another sheet of paper, write down all of the things you definitely DON’T want in your life. This is a great technique and brings clarity. For example, on my list, I have: No repetitive work, no bosses, no 9-5, no outdoor tasks, no relationships, no mysticism, no routines. Be honest with this. If you don’t like doing something, write it down. Duty has no role here; this is for you. If you don’t like doing something, write it down.

4. Ask: “Who is this for?” Do you want to live a dream to gain approval from others or do you want to do it because YOU really want it for yourself? Your dream doesn’t need anyone else’s approval, it is all about YOUR life, not theirs. Wanting approval for a dream poses a threat: What if others don’t approve? Do you make them happy or yourself happy? Have a dream because it is something you truly want to do; something that is important and gives meaning to your life because you deem it so. Obviously, approval from others is nice. But if others don’t approve of the lifestyle you choose, then don’t let it make a difference to you. Have the courage to be yourself and live the life you deem appropriate and not the life others deem fit for you.

5. Your dream is something special. It should excite you, fill you with a burning passion and a determination to achieve it. If you’re lukewarm about it then chances are you won’t give it your best shot. It should be something that you absolutely, definitely and positively HAVE to achieve. Failing to achieve it simply isn’t an option because it will make you seriously miserable and unhappy if you don’t get what you want. It is vital that you have this commitment to your dream because a wishy-washy approach just won’t cut the mustard. Think. Plan. Write it all down. Set goals. Then take action each and every day to take you closer to your dream.

Time for me to sign off. Please don’t just read this article and then move on to something else. TAKE ACTION. Use the tips to help you identify what it is you want from life. Remember the question:

“What, exactly, do you want to do with your life?”

Only you can provide the precise answers.

Until next time.