December means the prediction industry is in full throttle. Despite the remaining month to make good on this year's resolutions, most people are just looking forward to a new start in 2011.
So, before we get too ahead of ourselves, I have a philosophy that says you can't understand where you are going until you understand where you have been. Let's review 2010 by looking at what I have been talking about in this blog:
1. Get out of the house.
If you were laid off this year or have been on the job market for a while, I have been pushing you to become more social. For some it's hard, but I'm convinced that your next work opportunity will come from someone you actually met or someone who knows someone.
2. Have a personal narrative.
Who are you and why are you here? When the inevitable "So, what do you do?" question is asked, have a good answer. At the start, worry less about being impressive and more about having a firm grasp of your professional mission. If you are working, talk enthusiastically about your work. If you don't like your work, your boss, your building, your commute or the boring clothes your colleagues wear, leave that at the curb. Complaining publicly doesn't land you a nicer job. Instead, think about your narrative and rehearse early and often in a crowd, or with a trusted friend or privately in front of a mirror.
3. Shine it up, shine it up.
This isn't just about your shoes and other sartorial choices. Suppose you did impress someone at a meetup/conference/whatever? How well are you "dressed" online? Have you taken advantage of all the free services available to create an online portfolio that enhances who you are in person? Yes, you need to be both neat and professional in person and online. Check your profile and make sure your Mom would understand it and smile.
4. Share.
This brief self-analysis by blog concludes with an acknowledgment that I clearly I spend a lot of time in airports. I am forever going to conferences in different cities, meeting people for coffee and flirting in and within the diverse the cultures of this country. I'm a journalist, an entrepreneur, a college classroom teacher, project manager and director, I'm an (unofficial, ahem!) anthropologist, a sociologist and psychologist. I'm told it's dangerous to make a living by running your mouth but I spend a lot of time talking and listening. Doing so means I have created a tribe. We tell each other about a lot of things. Do you have one?
How will all of this play out in 2011? I don't know. Really. But, I have some ideas.
*Chantal de la Rionda edits this blog.
