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How to create clarity in your career

November 28, 2020 By // by Rachel Brushfield

“How do I decide what career I want?”

A big and important question, is it not?

Clarity is one of the 6 C’s you need when deciding what career you want.

It is especially important to successfully create, market, manage and evolve a portfolio career, because a portfolio career has multiple components, and therefore more options and decisions to make.

Confidence
Clarity
Community
Conviction
Competence
Courage

This blog post shares some useful resources – articles and podcasts, about how to create career clarity.

Why is career clarity so important?

As career coaches, helping our clients to get really clear about who they are, what they want and how to get it, is an important part of our job.

Investing time in creating clarity saves you a lot of wasted time, money and stress going down the wrong road.

In the digital age, there are millions of career options, resources to read, people to talk with.

A big decision like what career option to choose is a massive decision to make.

Especially in the uncertain times in which we live, with Covid-19 and Brexit.

How do we help our clients gain career clarity?

Self-completion questionnaires
Self-reflective questions
Personality and psychometric tests
Exercises – values, motivations, career drivers and many more
Creating unique exercises for them

Every client is different and so we tailor our approach to each client.

Career clarity is especially important when creating a portfolio career.

It is also important to review your career strategy regularly, as you change e.g. at different life stages, and as markets change.

Rachel, Energise founder, takes regular away days and career retreats to think, reflect, plan and create. House sits provide a brilliant way to do this, explore new places, meet new people, and some gorgeous pets! Newness is one of Rachel’s values.

How clear are you on what you want from your career next?

What’s your career goal, strategy and plan?

Useful resources about gaining career clarity

Blog. What is lack of clarity costing you?

https://www.juliehyde.com.au/what-is-lack-of-clarity-costing-you/

Podcast. Journey to clarity – This episode is all about getting clear and building a new path to evolve your life. This is what clarity can do for you!

https://www.disruptnowprogram.com/blog/disrupt-now-podcast-episode-40-journey-to-clarity

What next?

Get in touch to arrange your free 20 minute meeting to explore how we can help you to gain career clarity:

https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/contact-us/

How does career coaching work?

November 28, 2020 By // by Rachel Brushfield

This blog post shares a detailed example of how career coaching works in practice.

This case study is one of Peter Wilford’s clients, Mark P.

Objective

To provide a tailored programme of 1:1 career and executive coaching for a senior employee in his 50’s who was leaving his employer after over 30 years’ service.

To explore alternative options including securing employment with another organisation, moving into consultancy or starting up a new business.

To build rapport with the client over a period of time and deliver a tailored programme of sessions.

Background

From my experience of working with many people facing similar situations, I was able to spend some initial time with Mark in a “Review and Explore (Taking Stock)” phase during which he completed several documents including a series of profiling tools (personality and psychometrics).

These allowed me to clarify in some detail specifically what he, uniquely, could bring to his next role or work.

From here we discussed the different work and job options open to him.

There were four alternatives and each one required a full analysis and discussion.

Four career options:

Setting up his own business

2. Marketing himself as a specialist consultant

3. Developing a portfolio career

4. Targeting the not for profit / public sector or SME organisations in the private sector.

Each option and strategy needed careful thought and positioning.

Mark was keen to keep all options open and I coached him in how to do so whilst not losing momentum.

I helped him understand what he would need to do to move forward in each of the agreed options.

How the programme evolved.

During our sessions, it became clear that Mark needed to draw up a formal marketing plan for each option, and a structure to help him keep on track.

We agreed that we would need to test out the necessary marketing actions and approach required for each option to establish a priority order.

It was important that Mark was comfortable with and could own and drive forward this plan and the actions confidently in the months ahead.

My coaching also revolved around building Mark’s confidence and giving him the tools to use on his own both with, and without my support, once his coaching was complete and we stopped working together.

He needed to have a good CV, to develop a good ‘talk’ about his career and work, and to be able to position himself in the market professionally both on paper and face to face at interview.

He had to believe in himself and his career strategy.

How did we achieve this?

By agreeing a plan of action at the end of each coaching session, by following up on agreed actions and by reviewing these and revising them both at the start of and during our next session.
By maintaining momentum so that Mark was able to see progress moving forward.
I needed to challenge Mark and he wanted to see me do so in order to build up his confidence in me as his coach.
By narrowing down the options as time progressed so that Mark was able to focus his attention on the options that were likely to reap the most benefit.
By helping Mark come to terms with his situation and to move forward confidently from employment to a new life and a fresh career, after being made redundant and 30 years working with one employer.

Building confidence and momentum

Mark favoured a structured approach and we needed to develop a good relationship so that he trusted me and knew that my advice and coaching would benefit him.

We worked in a way that suited him, but I needed to take him out of his comfort zone on several occasions.

He valued this and it helped to strengthen our working relationship.

I ensured that Mark saw real progress through regular reviews and email / telephone conversations in between our sessions

Challenges that we faced

A challenging jobs market. Slowness in the job market. I coached Mark to learn how to persevere and overcome the slowness of the market with confidence.

Networking. Mark was not a natural networker and had been cautious about the value of networking and using LinkedIn.

Social media. Like many clients initially, social media was quite alien to him. We had a session on this so that he bought into its value as part of his marketing activity.

Developing progress on his career journey

Gaining quick momentum gave Mark greater confidence in his marketability and him as a person.

He started to see things in a different light to what he had experienced in corporate life.

We measured success by delivery against actions and making progress towards the agreed plan.

We also measured it by the number of new conversations that he started to have, both through new network contacts and from more established routes.

I saw Mark’s confidence grow in how he viewed and progressed the option to set up his own business and develop a portfolio career as opposed to going into another PAYE role.

What were the results?

Mark has set up his own business and picked up some initial retained consultancy work and this has been very motivational for him.

He now has a portfolio career in place.

It has also helped him to recognise that this was the best way forward for him and that he has an offering that people want to buy.

Also that he is able to make the transition to self-employment and run his own business.

Mark has become confident in managing his career by himself with me as a mentor as well as a coach.

He has driven his own career being self-employed with myself as more of a ‘back stop’. A career coach is like a pair of armbands, essential but then not needed anymore, as the client has learned to swim.

Phase two has worked well and he is now developing a successful business.

He is also developing, with a partner, an interesting and potentially lucrative project for regional businesses.

He is working through the business plan and financials.

He is also in contact with a multinational retailer who is interested in the programme.

Client testimonial

“Following my redundancy last year, Peter worked with me to assess my situation and help me consider the options open to me. Throughout this process he was unflagging in his enthusiasm, support, and encouragement. His approach was excellent – he listened sensitively to me as well as challenged and motivated me to make progress. He helped at a practical level too by, for example, drafting of a new C.V. for me. Peter’s professionalism backed up by his extensive knowledge, sources of information and a range of practical tools enabled me to explore options that I would never have thought of and ultimately helped me to decide on my new career path. Peter has been both a mentor and ‘critical friend’ and I have greatly valued his support. He was also fun to work with at a time that was fairly testing for me, which was a real bonus. I hope we can keep in touch!” Mark W.

What next?

Why choose a portfolio career? https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/why-portfolio-career/

Who is a portfolio career for? https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/who-has-portfolio-careers/

What is a portfolio career? https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/what-is-a-portfolio-career/

When is it time for a portfolio career?https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/when/

Curious about how career coaching could help you at your career crossroads?

Get in touch to arrange your free 20 minute meeting: https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/contact-us/

How to increase Confidence

November 26, 2020 By // by Rachel Brushfield

Confidence is one of the 6 C’s you need to successfully create, market, manage and evolve a portfolio career.

Confidence
Clarity
Community
Conviction
Competence
Courage

This blog post shares some useful resources – articles and podcasts, about how to increase confidence.

Women especially we find, tend to lack confidence.

We help our clients increase their confidence and self-belief.

We do this using:

Self-completion questionnaires
Self-reflective questions
Practical tools to manage unhelpful thoughts
Exercises to identify insights causing a lack of confidence
Transforming negative beliefs into positive helpful beliefs
Associations e.g. music, objects, inspiring quotes
Humour
Creating unique exercises for them

Every client is different and so we tailor our approach to each client.

Building self-confidence is one of the most important things you can ever do, and it is ongoing throughout your life!

It is essential in an uncertain world and when making a career change.

And especially so when creating a portfolio career.

What affects someone’s confidence?

Many things can dent your confidence:

Redundancy
Overt or covert criticism
Unaffirming bosses, peers or parents
Narcissistic leaders
Negative self talk from yourself to yourself! e.g. perfectionist tendencies – common amongst certain people e.g. lawyers

The good news is ….you can change this!

I have.

Useful resources about confidence

Article in The Guardian: “It’s not lack of clarity that’s holding women back, it’s the myths we tell ourselves.”https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/mar/08/its-not-lack-of-confidence-holding-women-back-its-the-myths-we-tell-ourselves

Article: “Why women are less confident and what we need to do to change.“

Why are women less self-assured than men? Why does so much research point to the fact that while women have just as much talent and ability as men to make it, they all-too-often lack confidence when it comes to their careers.

https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/equal-opportunities-menu/why-women-are-less-confident-and-what-we-need-do-change/

Entrepreneur: 4 Podcasts That Will Help Boost Your Self-Confidence

1. Mommy Millionaire Podcast with Cayla Craft

Podcast’s mission: “Bring you inspiring stories, business and mindset tips to help you be shameless in pursuing your ambitions.”

2. You Turn Podcast w/ Ashley Stahl

Podcast’s mission: “Spark inspiration to upgrade your confidence in work, love, and life. Ashley is a counterterrorism professional turned career coach, and forthcoming author, who uses her experiences and humour to spark thought-provoking conversations to up level your life.”

3. Levelling Up: Creating Everything from Nothing with Natalie Jill

Podcast’s mission: “Learn how to achieve success beyond anything you ever dreamed possible, by levelling up, even when the odds are stacked against you.”

4. BossBabe Podcast with Natalie Ellis and Dr. Danielle Canty

Podcast’s mission: “Show how to balance life and achieve peak performance while building a successful business. The real behind the scenes action takes place on this podcast with Natalie and Danielle sharing their journey with ambitious women around the world.”

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/334506

What next?

Start a portfolio career – tips

November 15, 2020 By // by Rachel Brushfield

There are 3 key stages to launching your own successful portfolio career:

Stage 1: Re-evaluating your career

Stage 2: Marketing your portfolio career

Stage 3: Managing your portfolio career

Stage 1: Re-evaluating your career

Deep self-reflection is common and very useful, if not essential, before starting your portfolio career, in order to ensure efficiency, maximum success, minimum stress, and a bespoke work-life blend to fit you exactly.

Many life and work events create a career or life crossroads – a catalyst for a need to re-evaluate and a desire to make a positive change. These include; not achieving a promotion or pay rise, having a baby, divorce, returning to work after having children, a stress tipping point, moving locations/countries for a partner’s job, redundancy or a bereavement.

Stage 2: Marketing your portfolio career

Research by Executive Appointments shows that the most important elements for success are networking and self-marketing. Yet in their study, 32% of professionals worry about finding suitable roles and 21% worry about the constant need to network.

We help many of our clients to market themselves. Women naturally feel uncomfortable marketing themselves, which is partly why a low proportion of women achieve senior positions or enjoy the same rewards as their male peers, with the result that many women opt out and choose self-employment.

We help our clients to find self-marketing strategies that work and are time and cost-efficient. We have run many events and written articles in this area and, as seasoned networkers, we can support you in many ways.

Stage 3: Managing your portfolio career

Multiple work strands means more things to juggle, so it is essential to be organised and have good systems and processes in order to be efficient and look professional.

We have perfected our own self-management over the last 20 years so can share shortcuts and tips to help, including time-saving technology, templates and tools, and using a virtual PA.

Energise approach

We support our clients with all three key stages to help them to create, market and manage their portfolio career.

Benefits of our approach and experience

There are many benefits for you from working with Energise:

· our personal experience of having and evolving a portfolio career over 20 years, including freelance, interim contracts and retainer work;

· up-to-date knowledge of work trends, what skills are in demand and what qualities and competencies employers are looking for;

· a deep understanding of in-demand skills and competencies and where and how these are transferable and useful;

· extensive high-quality networks to introduce you to useful people to help you find out about options and understand what’s involved;

· extensive experience of helping professionals and executives to market themselves, overcome blocks and use social media expediently;

· the Energise team members’ experience of successfully evolving their own career directions and evolving their own portfolio careers over time.

Peter Wilford https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterwilford/

Rachel Brushfield https://www.linkedin.com/in/energiseliberateyourtalent/

A portfolio career enables you to liberate more of your talents.

Many people when working in one job feel frustrated that not more of their skills, knowledge were being utilized. This is why we love the image of a butterfly and use this image on our Inspiring Portfolio Careers web site.

Get in touch to arrange your free 20 minute consultation: https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/contact-us/

Pros and cons of a portfolio career

November 15, 2020 By // by Rachel Brushfield

A portfolio career has many positives, especially if you find the hierarchical nature of working in a corporate frustrating and limiting, or are a creative person with multiple interests and pursuits.

There are some cons to a portfolio career, but these can be managed and the risks mitigated with careful planning.

Research shows the top four things that people look for in work:

1. Freedom and flexibility (79%)

2. Using my talents to the full (54%)

3. Meaningful work (44%)

4. Control (37%)

The main reason to become self-employed:

1. To have more freedom (55%)

2. To be creative and make the most of a good idea (30%)

3. To escape a bad workplace (15%)

Pros of a portfolio career

Freedom
Autonomy
Fulfilment
Flexibility
Choice and control
Safety net to spread risk
Work-life balance
Build skills & marketability
Follow multiple passions
Evolve and edit to suit
Time to study and travel
Politics & hierarchy free
Self discovery, learning & growth
Safely explore self employment
Variety and stimulating challenges
Scheduling to suit your needs & family

Cons of a portfolio career

Financial uncertainty
Disciplined self-management needed
Unpredictable work
More things to juggle

Must monitor changing trends
Need to market yourself
Regular networking essential
Fund own holidays
Fund own benefits eg pension
Fast learning curve
Personal change can have an impact
Can be hard to switch off
Possible loneliness & isolation
Reduced employment rights
Responsibility for own decisions
Need a distinctive personal brand

Get in touch for your free 20 minute consultation to find out if a portfolio career is for you: https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/contact-us/

What is Energise founder Rachel Brushfield’s portfolio career consist of? https://www.linkedin.com/in/energiseliberateyourtalent/

What does portfolio career mean?

November 15, 2020 By // by Rachel Brushfield

There are a number of different definitions of a portfolio career. The government (HMRC) defines self-employment as: “when an individual can decide how, when and where they work”.

Other definitions include: a work pattern of several employments followed simultaneously and an employment pattern that involves working part-time or several different jobs or freelance projects at any one time, rather than a succession of single full-time jobs.

The impact of Covid-19

Covid-19 has caused many redundancies, increased the number of people becoming self-employed because they cannot get a job in shrinking sectors and also reduced the number of freelance projects available with increased the competition for them.

Companies are focusing on ‘must do’ projects with on-going uncertainty, not ‘nice to have’ projects, and sticking to existing trusted providers. There is also downward pressure on pricing/day rates – supply and demand.

All these factors are increasing the number of people open to a portfolio career to spread the risk of having all your career ‘eggs in one basket’.

Types of people for whom the variety, challenge, flexibility and fulfilment of a portfolio career appeals

People with multiple interests who are independent, creative and/or entrepreneurial in nature tend to be drawn to portfolio careers, as they can find the hierarchical nature of corporates stifling.

Young workers (Millennials) wanting to travel and study also find portfolio careers appealing.

Working mothers seek the flexibility of a portfolio career to successfully combine their career and family.

People over 55 who want a new challenge but face ageism when seeking a new full-time role may choose a portfolio of part-time jobs.

Employees not ready for retirement who want to keep purposeful, can create a portfolio, gradually reducing their working hours while taking on non-exec director/volunteer roles, and increasing their leisure time as they wind down to 100% retirement.

What appeals to you about having a portfolio career?

More

Why choose a portfolio career? https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/why-portfolio-career/

Who is a portfolio career for?https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/who-has-portfolio-careers/

When is it time for a portfolio a career?https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/when/

To receive a free Energise report Discover Portfolio Careers, get in touch: https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/contact-us/

How do I set up my own business?

November 15, 2020 By // by Rachel Brushfield

Setting up a business is a dream come true for some people and something that others wouldn’t touch with a barge pole. A high proportion of businesses fail but you don’t need to be one of this statistic with careful planning and research.

There are many catalysts to setting up a business; spotting a gap in the market; taking on a franchise, commercial demand for something you do as a hobby; the opportunity to buy an existing business, being made redundant and having a cash sum; wanting more freedom or money etc.

So how can you set up your own business with minimum stress, expediently to create ease in future?

Below are some tips to maximise your chances of success:

Do thorough research into the demand for your product or service including the market, pricing and competitors and especially find out what your customers’ needs and desires are
Ensure that your product or service is different or better in a way that is relevant to the needs of your target audience, not simply something that you like
Buy a book and/or do an on-line course in setting up a business
Take advantage of any cheap or free training available from the local council, Chamber of commerce or other government initiatives etc
Create a thorough yet simple business plan that is user-friendly for ongoing monthly use
Have some savings to take the pressure off in the first few months and work out your break-even costs to cover key expenses. Ensure you don’t overstretch yourself financially and have a proactive business banker and accountant to give you expert advice
Set up I.T. and efficient filing systems and templates that will save you time in the long run when you get even busier
Plan time in your diary to network and do marketing and also to review progress and plan next steps. It is easy to put off things that aren’t urgent but vital to invest time in important not urgent activities.
Network face to face or on-line with other self-employed people through organisations such as BNI or Linked in. Not only can they generate business for you, they’ll also give you support and advice
Think carefully about the environment in which you’ll work – this can really affect both your productivity and how you feel
Get a business coach or mentor to help you to minimise mistakes and fast track success
Ensure that you get key people in your life on board; partner, kids etc so that their support helps rather than hinders you

More

Read how we help our clients

Hobby becoming a business

https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/hobby-becoming-a-business/

Turning a passion into a business

https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/turning-a-passion-into-a-business/

Turning a strength into a business

https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/turning-a-strength-into-a-business/

How do I do contract work?

November 15, 2020 By // by Rachel Brushfield

Contract and interim work is a growing market and is commonly used for covering maternity leave, sabbaticals and special projects where a specific skill and experience set is needed.

With employers nervous about recruiting people and having them on the payroll with all that this entails, it is likely that contract positions will be popular with employers for the foreseeable future.

Contract and interim work is mainly for more experienced executives who can hit the ground running and need little supervision. If you relish freedom, variety and new challenges and don’t mind uncertainty, doing contracts and interim can be a great and varied career choice.

Careers are becoming more and more fluid with individuals working full time, doing some contracts, a bit of freelance then doing another full time job.

Contract and interim work has pros and cons and isn’t for everyone:

Pros

Variety and new challenges
Can go travelling in between contracts
Remain separate from company politics
Get paid more than in full time employment
Experience different cultures and varied challenges
Useful option post redundancy to take stock and evaluate options

Cons

There may be periods of no work/income
You may be resented by full time colleagues for getting more pay
You may need to set up a company and register for VAT etc and submit annual accounts
You need to think ahead to secure your next contract
You may have to work away from home which can be isolating

Here’s some tips to smooth the path of doing contract/interim work.

Have 3-6 months of savings to cover any lean times, tax and VAT
Choose not to worry about where your work will come from
Source references and create case studies for each contract
Keep your CV updated
Register and keep in touch with specialist interim recruitment agencies
Plan regular time to network and market yourself, don’t leave it until your latest contract comes to an end
Keep your skills updated by doing courses and study and ensure that your unique selling proposition is clear, specific and relevant to current and future market needs
Ensure that you get and give a good handover with each contract/project

Read how we help our clients

From employment to contracting

https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/from-employment-to-contracting/

Get in touch to arrange your free 20 minute consultation: https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/contact-us/

What is a personal brand and why is it important?

November 15, 2020 By // by Rachel Brushfield

A personal brand is essential in the digital age.

But what is a personal brand and why is it important?

You as a brand – what’s your USP?

USP stands for Unique Selling Proposition and it means simply the thing that makes you different, distinctive or better from other people who do what you do.

A brand is a product or service with a unique or distinct territory or character that occupies a space in the minds and hearts of its target audience.

What territory do you or do you want to occupy in the minds of your target audiences, i.e. your current or future employers/clients?

With time so precious, it is key to create a clear differentiation for yourself through your qualities, skills, experience and/or knowledge because then it is easy for people to find a fit. If they find it hard to find a fit, then you may be side-lined, not because you’re not good, but because they can’t quickly and easily see how, where and when to use you.

This is especially true for freelance work where often quick decisions are made. However the danger is if your territory is too narrow, you’ll be typecast, so manage your brand carefully and keep track of market changes.

Gain clarity to the extent where you can answer the question, “the only xxx e.g. communications professional who…..”. Another way of describing what you aspire to is for someone to say, “Ah you mean xxx, the one who specialises in…”

Here’s some tips to help you get clear on what your USP is.

Research market needs and trends – what are the emerging issues and competencies that are going to be in demand e.g. empathy with difficult clients, knowledge of innovative digital assets etc.
Reflect on times in your life when you’ve found yourself ‘in-flow’, i.e. everything just works naturally. What were you doing at those times? What natural gifts were you exhibiting that you may not even be aware of?
Ask people who know you well for their feedback about your skills and qualities
Identify the link between current and future market and employer needs and your natural skills and qualities
Do some training or studying to build upon your strengths
Write a brand positioning statement and bounce it off people your trust
Narrow your brand down to between 1 and 3 words
Come up with an impactful audio logo/verbal business card, i.e. a short memorable phrase that you can respond with when someone asks you “What do you do?”
Create an impactful and consistent brand experience through everything that you do and say. Ensure that your image expresses and matches your brand

Read how we help our clients

Reigniting passion and defining your personal brand

https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/reigniting-passion-defining-your-personal-brand/

Get in touch to arrange your free 20-minute consultation:

https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/contact-us/

What should I say when networking?

November 15, 2020 By // by Rachel Brushfield

Networking whether face to face or on-line is stressful for many people, especially when new to self-employment.

They worry about what to say and how to say it.

That age-old question – “What do you do?!”

Have you ever been to a networking event and your eyes glazed over with how people answer the question “What do you do?” Most people reply with their job e.g. I’m a lawyer or accountant etc.

This misses a trick and also an opportunity for you to engage people and share what sets you apart from other people who do what you do. Meeting prospects or contacts at networking events is just the start of the relationship, so why not start it with positive impact? What is needed is a great ‘verbal business card’.

What is a ‘verbal business card?’

A verbal business card is a creative and relevant way of answering the question What do you do? in a way that is memorable and evokes curiosity, allowing you to continue and develop the conversation. It also keeps you interested and be interesting to them. Just as your printed business card reflects your brand and company, setting it apart from other companies, so your verbal business card needs to too, only appealing to people’s ears instead of their eyes.

Examples; for a roofer “I keep the roof over my customers’ heads and them out of the gutter”, a photographer “I shoot people”, a business psychologist “I stop people from going mad at work” or an accountant: “I am a bean counter with a difference.”

What could your verbal business card be?

5 tips to create a verbal business card

What makes you different to other people who do what you do?
What’s a creative or metaphorical way of expressing how you help people/what you do?
What’s the benefit of what you do to your customers?
If you had to choose 1 word that makes your approach distinctive, what would it be?
If you weren’t allowed to speak to explain your job, what prop would you hold?

Self-reflective question

If you were explaining your work to a young child, what would you say so that they understand?

Get in touch to arrange your free 20-minute consultation:

https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/contact-us/