Karen Brown Tyson

Tag: #vision

  • 10 Steps How to Write the Best Chapter of Your Career

    10 Steps How to Write the Best Chapter of Your Career

    10 Steps How to Write the Best Chapter of Your Career

     

    I focused on dealing with career changes and following our dreams in recent posts. Now it’s time to turn our attention to redesigning your career. In today’s post, we will look at ten steps to write the best chapter of your life.

     

    Disclosure:  This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

     

    Sometimes it’s a good thing when bad things happen.

    Gone are the days when you stay with an employer for 30 years. Four years ago, I was laid off from my corporate communications job. While I wasn’t expecting my day job to go away, it didn’t take me long to see that it was the stepping stone to the next destination on my career path.

     

    My story of being laid off has been on my mind lately as I see so many people taking part in the Great Resignation. Since my corporate job ended, I started:

    • a freelance communications and public relations business,
    • offering my services as a writing coach,
    • writing a book, which I published in 2018,
    • traveling to conferences as an attendee and a speaker, and
    • teaching my favorite subject, English, at a community college.

     

    But none of that would have been possible had I not taken control of my story.

     

    And you can too.

     

    This post will take you through the ten steps I used to map out a new life and career vision to write the best chapter of my life.

     

    Step #1 – Define who you are to find the career you want.

    The first time I got laid off, I was 29 years old. I was in such a rush to find another job that I ended up taking a terrible job that did not end well.

     

    But the experience forced me to step back to define who I am.

     

    Therefore, I had to ask myself questions like:

    • What makes me different?
    • Do I have products or services to offer?
    • How can I highlight my accomplishments?
    • Will people benefit from the information I can provide them?
    • In what ways do I offer value?

     

    These questions helped me understand who I am and what I have to offer to a potential new employer or client. The exercise also helped me develop my personal brand story.

     

    You can create your questions or use Stanford’s career assessment tool.

     

     

    Step #2 – Exercise your idea muscle in planning your next career.

    I am a big fan of capturing ideas in a notebook or as part of mind mapping exercises. I like to use mind maps for everything from career planning to writing. A mind map is a chart that visually displays ideas. While some people like to create mind maps using notebook paper and pens, I like using an online mind mapping tool called MindMeister.

     

    Once you decide which tool to use, here’s how mind mapping works:

     

    • Write the topic in the middle of your paper or screen.
    • Draw lines that point away from the middle. Each line expresses one thought or idea related to the subject. Use keywords to write these ideas onto each line.
    • From each line, add more ideas. Don’t feel like you have to limit the number of ideas you add to a mind map.
    • Use pictures, colors, and icons to help bring your map to life. This approach helps to spark new ideas during the brainstorming process.

     

     

     You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere. Lee Iacocca

     

     

    Step #3 – Use your ideas to map out your vision journal.

    After completing the idea mapping activity, divide your ideas into two groups – short-term and long-term. First, select the ideas you want to pursue. Using a plain notebook, sketchbook, or journal, write a brief description of each idea. For example, one of my ideas was to write a book that helped people find hope and strength during challenging times. I listed the idea in my journal. Next, add pictures related to your ideas. You can draw images, cut out pictures from magazines, and add stickers. Since you are creating your vision, make it as clear, bright, and exciting as you want.

     

    Step #4 – Bring your ideas to life with a vision board.

    If you like the idea of having your vision posted on the wall, consider making a vision board. Your vision board should feature keywords and phrases from your idea map like the vision journal.

     

    Don’t forget to add your favorite images, quotes, or objects. You can use various pictures like postcards, family photos, and photographs from magazines. Use index cards to write messages.

     

    If you’re wondering where to begin, here’s a shortlist of tools for creating a vision journal or a vision board.

     

    Step #5 – Start researching the next chapter of your career.

    Make a list of all the ideas you want to explore from the mind-mapping exercise. Then, take the ideas you want to research and start listing questions about each idea. The questions you create for each idea should help you find the answers you need. For example, if you see yourself working as a professional writer, ask questions about everything required to begin working as a writer.

     

    Answer the Public allows you to type in a keyword or phrase, and the tool generates a wheel of question keywords related to your topic.

     

     

    Step #6 – Develop the skills you need to succeed. 

    Once you have your new career vision mapped out and researched, determine what skills you need to succeed. Talk to people who are doing the type of work you see yourself doing in the future. Create a list of the skills required and a timeline.

     

     

    Step #7 – Build your brand.

    Building a personal brand is not optional.

    It is a strategy for survival. Personal branding, also referred to as personal marketing, helps you to:

    • Establish your reputation in your industry;
    • Promote your experience;
    • Stand apart from your competitors; and
    • Attract new employer, client, or fan.

    In a world of economic uncertainty and job loss, you owe it to yourself to build your brand.

    Taking the time to market your know-how and skills will move you closer to the next chapter of your life.

     

     

    Step #8 – Take your new career vision for a test drive.

    As you work to transition to your next chapter, find ways to test your new career vision. Look for opportunities to volunteer, job shadow, or work as an apprentice. Use your current job to explore new avenues for your career vision.

     

    While working as a corporate communicator, I was fortunate to gather a lot of experience. I worked as a communications manager for our company’s manufacturing business unit in one role. To better understand the manufacturing world, I studied Six Sigma. While it wasn’t a requirement for my job, I saw it as an opportunity to move in a different direction. As a result, I use my Six Sigma knowledge to help clients with efficiency and productivity.

     

    Step #9 – Track your progress.

    Once you begin to work through your plan, keep track of your progress. Re-evaluate where you are and make changes as necessary. Don’t be afraid to switch gears if you don’t like something.

     

    Step #10 – Don’t lose track of your new strategic vision.

    Don’t lose track of your vision as you begin to map out the next chapter of your life. For example, if you dream of becoming a professional writer, don’t get discouraged if you don’t have 20 clients lined up. Instead, stay focused on your vision and keep working at it consistently. However, if money is running low, don’t be afraid to take a non-writing job to pay the bills. The most important thing is to not give up on your dream.

     

    If you haven’t started your writing journey yet, there’s no better time than today. But, first, read through my 10 Steps to Writing a Nonfiction Book.

     

    Pink and white tulips on a pink desk with notebook and cup of tea

  • This is How to Reach Your Writing Dreams

    This is How to Reach Your Writing Dreams

    Thoughtful attractive woman in spectacles writes in diary to do list of goals, makes notes in personal organizer, poses at cozy coworking space

    Ever dream of becoming a writer? Do you wonder how you can reach your writing dreams?

    You are not alone. 

    [bctt tweet=”This is How to Reach Your Writing Dreams” username=”KBTWrites”]

    According to Brian Tracy International, at least 82 percent of adults dream of writing a book. Outside of writing a book, many people dream of other writing opportunities like becoming a freelance writer.  

    Unfortunately, without a clear plan, most people don’t write a book or reach their writing dreams.

    I am a firm believer that it is never too late to write the next chapter of your life or renew interest in your dreams.  

    Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

     

    But why is it important to pursue your writing dreams?

    First, life is too short. If you want to become a writer, don’t wait until your children are off to college, or you think you’ll have more time. You owe it to yourself to explore your writing dream today.

    Second, you need an outlet. Whether you work inside or outside the home, you need an outlet that allows you to express your creativity. For example, writing a book is a great way to focus on something outside your job or family commitments. The process allows you to research information and share your thoughts with readers.

     

    Unfortunately, too many people hold back from pursuing their dream to write.  

    According to Mitch Matthews, entrepreneur, success coach, and founder of the DREAM THINK DO podcast; there are two reasons people don’t pursue their dreams. The first reason is people think they have to have all the answers before they start. 

    But this isn’t true. 

    Mitch encourages people to start pursuing their dream and then gather information along the way.

    In some cases, people don’t pursue their dreams because they believe they must be an expert to prove their credibility. In 2017, I decided to start a blog. While I was familiar with internal blogging in a corporate environment, I didn’t know everything about blogging to external audiences. Since starting my blog two years ago, I have learned a lot, which I’m happy to share with others.  

    Here are some things to try to reach your writing dreams

    Start with the end

    Identify your goal and work backward. From your goal, make a list of questions to answers. As you find the answer to each question, use the information to a series of steps that will help you reach your goal.  For example, if your goal is to launch a website, some of your questions could be:

    • What domain should I use for my website? Should I use SiteGround or Bluehost?
    • Which niche should I choose as my focus?
    • How can I build an audience?

    You get the idea. Continue asking questions and conducting research to find answers.  But don’t drag out this process forever.  Use your answers to create a plan to get you started.

     

    Make a visual plan

    Consider making a vision board that features pictures, words, and inspirational messages focused on your dreams and goals. You can also use a vision journal or planner (see also ‘How To Create A Planner To Sell?‘).  

    Here’s a list of tools for creating a vision journal or a vision board

    15-minute experiments

    Another great idea from Mitch Matthews is to test your dream 15-minute experiments. For example, consider a 15-minute freewriting session to write about a specific topic or use a writing prompt. As you write, don’t worry about editing, grammar, or punctuation. From start to finish, write, and don’t stop. Here is a 30-day supply of free writing prompts to get you started.

    Create an idea system

    Coming up with ideas to write content can be challenging. So once you develop a process for generating ideas, it’s crucial to create a plan for saving your ideas.

    • Keep a notebook — Jot down a new idea as it comes to you. Get a notebook that transports easily and can fit into any bag. Carry it with you throughout the day as ideas and inspiration may strike at any time. If you are in a position where you cannot write, like a car or on a treadmill, use the recorder on your mobile phone to capture your idea.
    • Keep a digital idea log — Any idea from your notebook that you decide to pursue should be transferred to a digital file. Use Trello or Mindmeister to organize your thoughts. You can also use these tools to store photos.
    • Idea board — If you work in an office environment, consider adding an idea board in a central location. Encourage staff to add ideas to the board regularly. Reward employees for their willingness to share.

    Find support

    To reach your writing dreams, find people who will support you. Look to add people who are good listeners and who can offer valuable input.  Also, consider asking someone who already does what you want to do.  If you want to become a writer, connect with other writers and authors. 

    Avoid negative people

    Stay away from negative people and people who never support your ideas. Please, no dream killers or people who always see the glass half empty.  The last thing you need are people who will shoot down all of your ideas or people who are afraid to follow their dreams.

    Don’t let fear stand in your way another day

    When you think about reaching your writing dream and what it will take, consider what Valerie Nifora, the author of I Asked the Wind: A Collection of Romantic Poetry., said:  

    “But here’s the part that I didn’t realize — doing the thing you dream about, actually doing it — even in small measures is enormously gratifying. If you don’t worry about succeeding at it (Not sure I’ll ever make NY Times Best Seller or Poet Laureate), somehow it comes. And it doesn’t matter how successful whatever your dream is — the joy of using your talents fulfills itself!”

    The time to follow your dreams is now.  You owe it to yourself to make time for the creative work that matters to you.  If you need a little help to get started, download a free copy of, How to Start Writing Today.

    Yellow typewriter

  • This Is How You Save Yourself After Being Laid Off

    This Is How You Save Yourself After Being Laid Off

    Portrait of a young woman in a room. Working at home. Remote work. Teleworking. Freelancer.Most people don’t like getting laid off.

    You’re committed to your job, contribute to the team in hopes of climbing the corporate ladder. You follow the rules to help the company succeed. You enjoy what you do and the people you work with every day.

    Then you get laid off.

    Often, getting laid off has little to do with you and more to do with the company’s changing strategy or cash flow.

    But just because your employer lays you off, doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines twiddling your thumbs.

    Here are seven tips on how to save yourself after being sidelined from the workplace.

    [bctt tweet=”Getting laid off is never great. But it’s not the end of the world, and it’s not the end of you. This is How You Save Yourself After Being Laid Off” username=”KBTWrites”]

    Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

     

    Take care of the basics before getting laid off

    Before you decide what to do with your time after you get laid off, you must first understand the basics related to your job ending.

    First, find out what benefits you are entitled to by your employer. Know your employee rights and your company’s policy on what to do once your job ends.

    Next, create a spreadsheet that outlines your finances — last paycheck, unused vacation and sick days, severance pay, and savings. If you don’t have one already, create a spreadsheet outlining your expenses.  Knowing how much money you have versus how much money you need to spend is essential.

    Finally, contact your state unemployment office to find out if you are eligible for unemployment benefits.

     

    Start with the end in mind

    Before you get laid off, start working on your vision for the future.

    To create your plan, think about the person you want to be in three to five years. For example, if you want a job similar to the one you left, write that as your goal. If you’re looking to start a new career or your own business, list that as your goal.

    Also, to understand the steps you need to take to reach your goal, I recommend you work your way backward from the target by asking a series of questions.

    For example, let’s say you want to become a freelance writer. The types of questions you could ask are:

    • What skills do I need to learn to improve my writing?
    • What content have I written that can go into my portfolio?
    • Where will I display my writing samples to secure new clients?

    Then, what are the steps that go into becoming a freelance writer?

    While you might feel strange asking questions but not having all the answers, don’t worry. You can do research, interview others who are doing the work you want to do, and attend free classes and webinars.

    In the end, clear answers will help you plan your vision for the future.

     

    Offer freelance services

    The writer and director, Tyler Perry, is known for making movies and televisions shows and giving generously to the world.

    However, Perry is also known for great quotes like, “Own your stuff, own your business, own your way.” To motivate others, Perry talks about building your table instead of always asking for a seat at someone else’s table.

    After getting laid off, consider offering freelance services. Find companies in your industry that may need help. If you’re creative, consider offering writing, drawing, or painting for companies or clients.

    While freelance work can be sporadic, at least you will be working. You can work with companies like Fiverr, or you can work on your own. Before reaching out to potential clients, determine your rates for the type of service you will offer.

     

    “Own your stuff, own your business, own your way.” Tyler Perry

     

    Write a book

    If you have always wanted to write a nonfiction book, why not start while sitting on the sidelines?

    Writing a nonfiction book is a great way to spend your time researching and writing about something that excites you. It also gives you a chance to express yourself or help people solve problems.

    If you decide to write a book, you can search for an agent to publish your book through the traditional route, or you can self-publish your book through IngramSpark for sale on Amazon, Apple, and Kobo. Also, you can write a shorter ebook that you sell on your website.

    Trust me, I used being laid off as a motivator to write my book.

    Teach a course online

    Have you ever considered how your knowledge and skills can help solve a problem for someone else? Creating an online course allows you to share your experience.

    The beauty of creating online courses is that you can teach just about anything.

    I’ve seen online courses on how to take care of goats, chickens, and dogs. How to bake bread, write captions, and learn to paint with watercolors.

    Offer one-on-one coaching

    Similar to offering online courses, one-on-one coaching allows you to help others grow.

    Start by identifying your coaching niche by answering four questions:

    1. What do you know? Consider the skills you learned from your previous jobs.
    2. What do you love? Think about your passion or the things you work on during your spare time.
    3. What do people need? If friends and family members are always asking you to help them with a particular topic, start there.
    4. What will be the outcome of your coaching program? Decide whether you are trying to teach something or guide someone from point A to point B.

     

    Donate your time

    Giving away your time to a worthy cause is one of the best things you can do.

    I have three job layoffs under my belt. During my first layoff, I obsessed about finding a new job.

    Filling out applications, sending out resumes, and making endless trips to Kinko’s was exhausting.

    During my second and third layoffs, I volunteered a portion of my time at my church, a local food bank, and helping people who needed free advice about communications or public relations.

     

    Getting laid off is not the end of the world

    Getting laid off is never great. But it’s not the end of the world, and it’s not the end of you.

    Whether you decide to look for a new job or start your own business, your time on the sidelines doesn’t have to be boring or unproductive.  Keep moving.

    You can save yourself after being laid off by mapping out your vision and focusing on things that cause you to jump out of bed every day.

     

    Woman sitting on the beach with arms raised in victory with laptop computer