Number 184

At times in your career, you feel ready for a shift. You want to move on and you don’t want another job just like the one you have today. Perhaps you are tired of doing the same thing for years on end? Or maybe you want more opportunities, more money or more variety?

If you want to stay in your broad field, but find a different kind of job, here’s a plan for getting started:

• Write a big list. Start by listing everything you want in your next phase. Dream about what would be great not only in your job, but also in the rest of your life. Sometimes we think we want a career adjustment, but part of what we’re seeking may be available without a job change. For example, if you’re bored or lonely, you might create a richer life by pursuing new interests in your free time. Or, if you love your job but want more income, you might consider a side business.
• Organize your list. Break your comprehensive list into categories of what you want, like “health and fitness” or “social life,” as well as “ideal job factors.” You are creating this broad picture partly because it will help you to see that not everything must be found through your work. But this is exciting: when you create positive change in any part of your life it’s likely to bring new energy to your work life. I see it with clients all the time. When you make progress in one area, like your fitness program or your social activity, it has a positive impact on your work life.
• Commit to small steps. Once you have your categories, start moving slowly forward in each one. Decide how many steps you’ll take each week, for each category. It’s important to find a realistic pace, and stick with it. For example, you might decide that each week you will:
  • Pursue your job search by taking three steps. The first week might include (1) going out for coffee with a friend, (2) spending 20 minutes doing research on the Internet, and (3) working on your resume for 30 minutes.
  • Start exercising by walking for 20 minutes three times during the week.
  • Take one social step, like making a phone call to arrange a future dinner with friends.
• Do research and notice trends. While you’ve been busy in your day job, you may not have been tracking developments in your professional area or in fields that are just a step or two a way. Your job-related steps should include looking around, seeing who is making contributions, money or headlines. Read everything you can, but don’t stop there. Look for conferences and associations where you can learn from people working in fields not far removed from yours.
• Network methodically. On your list of steps will be the names of people who might be willing to brainstorm with you. Include not only those you’ve known well over the years but also professional acquaintances who seem career savvy. Then work your list. Set up coffee dates, or find other ways to visit with just about anybody who might be able to spot trends or suggest opportunities. Ask your contacts if they can suggest others who might be willing to talk with you. If people are too busy to help, they’ll let you know. And, if they are willing to chat, know that someday you’ll be able to return the favor or pay it forward with another job seeker.
• Engage on-line. Social media now are playing a huge role in the hiring process. Job seekers today are at a disadvantage if they don’t at least have LinkedIn profiles. And Twitter is a tool that will allow you to connect with recruiters and others you might not be able to reach by phone or email.
• Learn something new. Taking classes is an excellent way to pick up new skills and broaden your perspective. When you are engaged in learning, it helps you see your routine work in new ways and become more creative. And certifications earned through course work can demonstrate your commitment to excellence. Taking classes at a local college could have the additional benefit of broadening your network. But if there’s no convenient local option, there are many good providers of distance learning.
• Volunteer. If you want to build additional skills, look for ways to get new kinds of experience. A good starting point can be to join clubs or service organizations.
• Find a buddy. Making a career shift can be a lonely process. Find a friend who also is engaged in reinvention and meet regularly to share ideas, networks and encouragement. You don’t have to have similar careers. Somebody in a different line of work might offer a new way of looking at things.

A circle of positive relationships is important for every aspect of your life. Being connected is good for your mental and physical health, and it makes life more enjoyable. In your professional life, a strong network can be vital. Connected people stay in touch with trends and opportunities during the good times. And when a career crisis comes, your network can help you spot the next move and go forward.

But what do you do to strengthen your network if you don’t have the time or energy for one more project? Try these networking tips for over-burdened professionals:

1. Listen & notice. You probably have casual contact with people throughout your work week. But in many interactions you’re not fully engaged. Instead of listening, maybe you’re thinking about what you’re going to say next, or perhaps you’re worrying about another project. Like most of us, you’re often so distracted that you’re not taking full advantage of your opportunities to connect. Get more from your routine conversations by becoming more mindful of what others are saying. In each conversation, focus all your attention on the other person. If your mind wanders, bring it back to the moment. You might try arriving at meetings one minute early, and devoting that minute to listening to the person sitting next to you.
2. Use every occasion. When you are in networking mode, it makes sense to vary your patterns and get out more often. But don’t think of “networking” occasions as special events that you attend just once in a while. Great networkers engage with others wherever they go. Every time you are out and about, whether it’s at a PTA conference or the gym, there’s a chance to meet somebody who could become a friend. The goal is to connect with people as often as possible, in a genuine way. And when you meet somebody new, do follow up, even if it is just with a two sentence email saying what a pleasure it was.
3. Try a little social media. My clients sometimes say they don’t want to try social media because it takes too much time. But I urge most of them to at least sign up for LinkedIn. At a basic level, LinkedIn operates as both a simple on-line resume and an easy-to-manage interactive address book. By joining, you make yourself available to folks who may want to reach you. And you acquire a tool for staying in touch with contacts, even if they move around. When the time is right, you may choose to go further and mine your LinkedIn network for new connections and useful discussions.
4. Give and ask for help. The essence of networking is exchanging help and support with other people. In a brief, positive interaction, you might simply share a smile or a kind word with the other person. A key principle is to remain alert to small, easy ways you can add value in any situation. Look for opportunities to offer a little assistance, or make someone’s day by saying “thank you.” At the same time, routinely ask for help. For more about the smart way to build your network by requesting help, please read my recent post on Forbes.com.