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In2Win Book

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE NEXT TIME?

As a SMART BOOK that keeps getting SMARTER this is where you reap the rewards.  Feel free to read any of the notes/updates offered below and share any ideas that may have come to your mind.  In2Win is all about leveraging the power of SOCIAL MEDIA to help others in their time of need.

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FROM THE BOOK IN2WIN

In today’s world of high activity and rapid change no one, including you, should ever assume a current job will last forever. As you may now realize the best time to prepare for transition is while you are still gainfully employed. As of today commit to being proactive and setting yourself up for future success. Document all of the lessons you have learned during this time and make sure you continue to apply them in your life. As the world evolves so must you. Invest in continuing education and make timely decisions as to where you need to reposition your skill set and experience. Spend time each week strengthening your professional network as well as finding new ways to enhance and communicate your professional brand. Your network, reputation and skills are the lifeline elements you must never ever ignore. Never forget the path you’ve taken and remember to thank all who helped you along your journey. Prepare to welcome those who now need you because you know better than most what being in transition feels like and how much you could have used a friend. From this day forward document every success you achieve and be prepared to market it in the future. If you don’t have many, take a good hard look as to why not and commit to creating your brilliance. Finally, never forget you are In 2 Win! Life sure gets better when you learn to live spectacularly. 

Curt's Keeper

Remember: It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark! – Howard Ruff

IN2 WIN AFTERTHOUGHTS

As a senior business professional, ensuring you are always prepared for a job loss is crucial for maintaining career stability and resilience. Here are ten tips, in order of importance, to help you stay prepared

1. Build and Maintain a Financial Safety Net

  • Emergency Fund: Save at least 6-12 months’ worth of living expenses to cover unforeseen job loss.
  • Diversify Investments: Ensure your investments are diversified to reduce financial risk.

2. Develop and Enhance Your Skills Continuously

  • Lifelong Learning: Regularly update your skills through courses, certifications, and professional development.
  • Stay Current: Keep up with industry trends and technological advancements relevant to your field.

3. Cultivate a Strong Professional Network

  • Networking: Attend industry events, join professional associations, and maintain relationships with colleagues and peers.
  • Mentorship: Both seek and offer mentorship to stay connected and relevant in your industry.


4. Keep Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile Updated

  • Document Achievements: Regularly update your resume and LinkedIn with recent projects, accomplishments, and skills.
  • Professional Branding: Ensure your profiles highlight your unique value proposition and expertise.

5. Stay Visible and Active in Your Industry

  • Thought Leadership: Publish articles, give talks, and participate in industry forums to establish yourself as a thought leader.
  • Social Media Presence: Actively engage on professional platforms like LinkedIn by sharing insights and connecting with others.

6. Seek Regular Feedback and Self-Reflect

  • Performance Reviews: Use performance reviews to identify areas for improvement and track your progress.
  • Self-Assessment: Regularly evaluate your career satisfaction and alignment with your long-term goals.

7. Understand and Maximize Your Benefits

  • Insurance and Retirement Plans: Be aware of and fully utilize your current job’s benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and severance packages.
  • Negotiation: Be prepared to negotiate these benefits when transitioning to a new job.


9. Maintain a Professional Online Presence

  • Personal Website: Create and maintain a personal website showcasing your portfolio, resume, and professional accomplishments.
  • Blogging: Write blog posts on topics related to your expertise to increase your visibility and credibility.

10. Stay Mentally and Physically Healthy

  • Work-Life Balance: Prioritize a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and maintain long-term career sustainability.
  • Health and Wellness: Engage in regular physical activity, practice mindfulness, and ensure adequate rest to stay resilient during career transitions.

By following these tips, you can build a robust safety net and be well-prepared for any unexpected job loss, ensuring your career remains resilient and adaptable.



RECOMMENDED AI PROMPT

Now that I have been hired into my mid to senior business professional role what advice can you give me so I can ensure I turn this career transition into a positive learning experience for the future. What did I learn that I need ?

What are the best salary negotiation strategies for a {insert title/role here}?

Write a follow-up message to a hiring manager after a networking call that includes these {three points of discussion} and reinforcing these {insert three key strengths}  I posess.

What are the most common resume mistakes for a {insert titie/role here?

QUESTIONS FOR SELF-REFLECTION

Here are some essential questions to ask yourself as a mid- to senior-career professional to be prepared for the next time:



1. What did you learn about yourself and what will you now do differently?

  • Reflect on the things that surprised you about yourself?
  • Ask: What you do differently to ensure history does not repeat itself?
2. What were the biggest challenges you faced in your last career transition?
  • Reflect on obstacles or setbacks that slowed your progress. What could you have done differently to overcome them?

 my personal brand clearly align with the roles I am pursuing?

  • Evaluate your resume, LinkedIn profile, and interview narrative. Ensure they showcase a consistent message that aligns with the type of role you’re targeting.
  • Ask: Am I communicating my expertise and leadership in a way that resonates with hiring managers?

3. Am I solving the right problems for the companies I’m targeting?

  • Research the companies you’re applying to and understand their pain points or growth opportunities. Tailor your approach to highlight how you can address their needs.
  • Ask: What challenges does this organization face, and how can I position myself as the solution?

4. What am I doing to stay current in my industry and profession?

  • Stay updated with trends, skills, and technologies relevant to your field. This demonstrates adaptability and continued relevance.
  • Ask: Am I investing in learning opportunities or networking within my industry to stay ahead?

5. Am I leveraging my network effectively?

  • Networking is critical at this stage of your career. Identify and engage with mentors, peers, and industry contacts who can offer guidance or connections.
  • Ask: Who in my network can provide insights, referrals, or opportunities, and how can I give value in return?

These questions can help you focus your efforts, highlight your strengths, and build a compelling case for why you’re the ideal candidate.

What did you learn about yourself (strengths, weaknesses...) what will you do differently this time to ensure you don't repeat history?

SUGGESTED READING (Click On Title)

These books are recommended because they focus on starting a new role

Crushing It
Crushing It! by Gary Vaynerchuk offers an inspiring roadmap for entrepreneurs and creators seeking to harness social media’s power to establish personal brands, grow audiences, and drive business success. Drawing on case studies, personal anecdotes, and strategic guidelines, Vaynerchuk emphasizes authenticity, perseverance, and constant innovation. The book outlines essential tactics for dominating platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and beyond, while showcasing real-world success stories to motivate readers toward seizing opportunities and achieving their lofty goals.

Deep Work
"Deep Work" by Cal Newport emphasizes the value of uninterrupted concentration for producing substantial results. Newport provides strategies to cultivate a disciplined mind, stressing that digital distractions and multitasking undermine productivity. He encourages readers to prioritize thoughtful, focused engagement to master complex concepts, spark creativity, and excel professionally. Through practical rules, real-life examples, and scientific research, Newport demonstrates how deep work fosters efficiency, innovation, and personal satisfaction, making it an essential skill in today’s world.

The Excellence Habit
"Crucial Conversations" provides strategies for navigating high-stakes, emotionally charged conversations with confidence and clarity. The book teaches essential techniques for staying calm under pressure, fostering open dialogue, and building trust even in difficult discussions. By mastering these skills, readers can resolve conflicts effectively, strengthen relationships, and achieve positive outcomes both personally and professionally. With practical tools and real-life examples, Crucial Conversations empowers readers to communicate persuasively and collaboratively, even in the toughest situations.

EXTRAS

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In2Win - Page Backstory

Bonus Audio Download:  The First 90 Days

The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins provides practical frameworks and strategies for leaders transitioning into new roles. Watkins emphasizes the importance of early wins, understanding organizational culture, and establishing key relationships. He offers a phased approach for building credibility, diagnosing challenges, and defining strategic priorities. With clear, actionable advice, readers can navigate the critical transition period more effectively, accelerating success and avoiding common pitfalls. This guide sets leaders on a path for impact.


Do you have ideas to share?       Join the  In2Win Discussion

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