Contribution from Kirsty Ferguson, Interview & Resume Expert

Last night I attended a Style Workshop prepared by a new Fashionista Entrepreneur, www.tribo.com.au. The owner is a friend and she had never done a workshop like this one before. Myself plus other friends rallied around to help promote and fill the first workshop. We did it without hesitation, as we believe in her talent and drive to get this new business going. It was an amazing success!

We also debriefed her the next day;  discussed what improvements and innovations would make the next one even better. That got me thinking, do employees have the same sort of support network? I asked some employees from both SME’s and big business. The answer was a resounding NO!

For business owners and self employed people there are a multitude of groups and networks that we can join to gain inspiration, gather support and keep up with latest trends. The same networks are not always available to employees.

Many employees have not sought out a mentor to help guide their career goals. A mentor doesn’t have to be from within your organisation, they can be a friend who has achieved some of the things you aspire to, or an ex-colleague you admire. If you don’t know who you would like to ask to be your mentor, consider hiring a professional. Many of you had also not heard of a “Career Coach” or if you had, did not know how one could support you.

A Career Coach, such as myself, acts as mentor and guide that helps you with regard to negotiating, office politics, seeking pay increases or promotions, managing interviews and presentations, seeking a career change, managing the recruitment process as well as helping you build your confidence in day to day situations. Being a professional mentor and coach in my own business, I still have 3 mentors myself and they are invaluable in achieving my business goals.

Whether you are employed or a business owner, we all need support and people who challenge us to grow.  So who do you know who could act as a sounding board and mentor for you? Ask them to be your mentor. I suspect you will get a very positive response.