Don’t Let It Pass You By- 6 Habits To Keep Yourself Ready For Unexpected Opportunities

If an executive at your company wanted an updated resume from you that REALLY highlighted all of your current work to it’s maximum potential, would you be able to provide it within a few minutes?  I’m sure many of us wouldn’t be ready with a glowing resume that included the metrics of that great project that was completed last month. I’m guessing most of us may have to respond, “Can I send my resume over in the morning?”, and go home and type away to include all of the activities we have done over the past 3-6 months.

Being ready to seize opportunities is important.  I thought about some specific things that Marketing Climbers can do to improve their likelihood of being ready to pounce upon that next opportunity that arises to the best of our ability. 

Here are 6 great habits for keeping/getting yourself ready for the next unexpected opportunity:

1. NETWORKING

It’s hard to find anything more important than networking. Work your contacts regularly. See how you can help them….you never know when you might need the favor returned.

2. ASK FOR FEEDBACK

After a project, presentation, or large meeting in which you are the leader, ask someone you trust like your manager or mentor for feedback.  Work on improving the next time…you’ll be surprised how people notice.

3. KEEP YOUR RESUME UPDATED

Anytime you gain a new skill or qualification, add it to your resume. Over time, take off things that are now irrelevant.  Make use of the metrics that you are accountable for to highlight your performance.

4. KEEP A PERSONAL “METRICS” FOLDER

Keep a copy of all of your major scorecards, program analyses, or other metric-based reporting. Use these to find hidden stories of success over time.

5. KEEP A PROJECT PORTFOLIO

Keep creative copies of marketing programs that you led. Focus on depth or breadth depending on what you want to accomplish in your career (ie. Generalist or Specialist).  This can also be used as a prop in an interview situation.  You may want to tell the story of why each program is important if taken to an interview.  I like using the simple STAR method described by YSN.com. (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

6. CREATE AN ELEVATOR PITCH

Make sure that if an opportunity arises and you get time face-to-face with someone that could potentially create a new professional oppportunity for you that you have a short, brief elevator pitch ready.  It should give an overview of yourself, you achievements/skills, and where you want to go.  I recommend checking out www.15secondpitch.com to try free tool available that helps you craft a 15 second pitch.

I hope that you can utilize these 6 habits to prepare yourself for whatever opportunity may come knocking on your door.