9 Tips for ’09

It’s a new year full of options and opportunities. Consider these tips as you chart your path:

1. Build your personal brand.
No one will do it for you and this takes time. “Group think” is cool, but often, going for your dreams is a solitary excursion. Blog, reflect, work, travel … explore! Take note of how media experts are developing their own online properties and reaping huge rewards. If you have a PC or Mac, then you can too!

Ad Agencies Fashion Their Own Horn and Toot It
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/31/business/media/31adco.html?em

2. Network with yourself.
That’s right; instead of meeting everyone else’s needs, put yourself first for a change. Consider alternative career options. Take class; learn something new. Think about what you’d like to do with the rest of your life. Turn a hobby into a side business. Remember, if you’re an entrepreneur, you can’t be downsized!

3. Take risks.
Within reason, go for it. Don’t wish you had, know you can! In order to get to the next phase, you’ve got to take the first step.

4. Grow and let go.
In order to grow, you must learn to let go. Know when what you’ve done is good enough and all you can do. Often, we hold onto things for too long. This includes toxic relationships, jobs, clutter or even points of view. Boldly press forward; it’s never too late to make changes.

5. Take advantage of what comes your way.
Tackle new challenges, shake off inhibitions and stretch your ambitions. Understand you won’t be able to do all the great things that come your way—but you WILL be able to achieve about 99.9% of what’s out there. Handle opportunities in priority order and be reasonable about your time limits and other commitments. Understand it’s okay to say no. Appreciate “free fun”: precious moments to connect with loved ones, laughter with friends, a quiet walk to reflect on fond memories and understand how far you’ve come. Thus, you can begin to prioritize all you’d like to achieve.

7. Get off the couch.
Life is serious and life isn’t free—you have to participate. Stop being lazy. Give it all you’ve got! Turn your ideas and insight into cash and societal contributions.

8. Lead by example.
Those in your circle of contacts will follow your lead. Talk is cheap. Invest your expertise and reap the rewards. While life has a lot to offer, it’s also important to consider what you can give back.

9. Do more.
Now that you’re motivated, make it a point to do more each day, week, month and throughout the year. Don’t let anything keep you on the sidelines; always make forward progress. Play the game your way; break traditional rules (within reason) and savor each victory even when you’re the only one shouting!