Do you have a career plan? Probably not. Many people don’t, and yet they often find themselves feeling stuck and frustrated.
The truth is, successful careers are rarely accidental; they’re built on a foundation of realistic planning and consistent effort. This isn’t about rigid adherence to a fixed path, but rather a flexible framework that guides your journey.
What worked for me is a simple, yet powerful framework I call the BE DIFFERENT Career Plan.
It’s not about being different for the sake of it, but strategically differentiating yourself from others to serve your organization’s strategy and achieve your ambitions.
The BE DIFFERENT Career Plan Elements
This plan focuses on three key questions, each demanding a concrete action plan and regular review.
1. HOW BIG do you want to be? — This isn’t about vague aspirations. Define the specific position you want within the next 24 months.
Be precise. Instead of “a better job,” aim for “Senior Marketing Manager at Acme Corp” or “Lead Software Engineer on Project X.”
The more concrete your goal, the easier it is to create a roadmap to achieve it.
Your action plan here involves researching target positions, understanding the required skills and experience, and identifying companies where you’d like to work.
2. WHO do you need to help you get there? — Identify the key decision-makers—The Foxes—in your organization or industry. Who are the people making the hiring decisions for your target roles?
Your action plan should involve networking strategically – attending industry events, connecting with individuals on LinkedIn, and actively seeking mentorship opportunities.
Understanding their goals and priorities is crucial. What are their key performance indicators (KPIs)? How can you demonstrably help them achieve their success? This is about building genuine relationships, not just making connections.
3. HOW will you WIN? — This is the crucial differentiator.
Given the competition, what makes you The ONLY natural choice for the role you’re targeting? What unique skills, experiences, or perspectives do you offer?
Create your Personal ONLY Statement to guide your differentiation Moves.
Your action plan here involves highlighting your achievements, developing any missing skills, and creating a compelling “ONLY” narrative that showcases your unique value.
This might involve seeking out projects that showcase your abilities, creating a strong portfolio, or actively seeking out opportunities to demonstrate your leadership potential.
Measure and Adapt
The beauty of this plan lies in its iterative nature.
Regularly measure your progress against your action plans. Are you on track? Are there unexpected obstacles? Are your initial assumptions still valid?
The BE DIFFERENT plan is not a static document; it’s a living strategy.
Be prepared to revise it “on the run,” adapting to new opportunities and challenges as they arise. This flexibility is key to navigating the ever-changing landscape of the professional world.
By focusing on these three key areas – your desired position, the key influencers, and your unique competitive advantage – the BE DIFFERENT Career Plan provides a simple yet powerful framework for building a successful and fulfilling career.
It’s not a magic bullet, but a strategic roadmap that empowers you to take control of your professional destiny.