If you've received an email since March of this year, there's a good chance it began with the following salutation:"Hello Jane! Hope you're doing well in these uncertain times…""Uncertain times," isn't that the understatement of the century? This year has been, well, crazy! You only need to scroll through TikTok or scan a meme or two to see that most of us have no earthly idea what to do with ourselves right now. We're "bored in the house and we're in the house bored," not-so-patiently waiting until noon to start drinking, and slowly trying to create a new normal in our "regular lives" that now include masks and social distancing (which I still think makes about as much sense as "jumbo shrimp").
How often in school did you spend time actually learning about the big picture of who you want to be and how to get there? I'm not talking a loose career goal, a major, or a GPA but the actual qualities and characteristics that you want and need to be successful as both a person and a professional. When you walked out of college with your very expensive degree, did you have all the skills that you needed to be truly successful? If you are anything like me, life after college has been a constant experiment in learning about yourself, the world, and how to be truly successful and happy. For the past ten years, this self-development process has been the driving force for all of my decisions. School never gave me the tools to do this; I had to figure it out for myself.
In my line of work, strategic initiatives and planning are the foundation of growth and success. Once that strategy is in effect, we must continually analyze and assess its position, perspective, and potential to increase gains and profit. The same is true for career advancement. We are each individual brands seeking growth. Much like the businesses I formulate strategies for, we as professionals will make some mistakes along the way that deter us from our full career potential. When I look back at my journey and my brand there are three outstanding mistakes that come to mind that I've found to be common among all professionals.
Liz Elting, Founder and CEO of the Elizabeth Elting Foundation and one of Forbes richest self-made women is officially here to bring you the answers you need. This week: "Is it even feasible for startups to think about fundraising during this time?" and "How should VC-backed startups start preparing for the post-coronavirus era?" Find out what she has to say! Or send over your own questions to askliz@swaaymedia.com
Liz Elting, Founder and CEO of the Elizabeth Elting Foundation and one of Forbes richest self-made women is officially here to bring you the answers you need. This week: "Is it even feasible for startups to think about fundraising during this time?" and "How should VC-backed startups start preparing for the post-coronavirus era?" Find out what she has to say! Or send over your own questions to askliz@swaaymedia.com