Mistakes to Avoid when Planning Your Career Move
If you want to try yourself at a new career or start your own business, it is easy to believe that - if you buy some books and enroll in a training - you are guaranteed success. Instead of jumping in head first, you should think the new business or career through to make sure that you are able to tackle the challenges ahead. Below you’ll find a few mistakes to avoid when planning a career move.
No Market Research
No matter if you would like to become a professional medical freelance writer or get started with flipping properties, you need to get to know the market you are entering. A good way of assessing your chances for success is completing a SWOT analysis. Once you have a clear business plan, you can identify the strengths and weaknesses of your model, the opportunities, and the threats. Further, you will have to assess the competition in the marketplace.
Lack of Investment
While people will tell you that you can make money without investing, this is hardly ever the case. Even if you are looking for remote jobs for graduates, you will need to upgrade your laptop and software, invest in research training, and get a home office built. If you want to enter a manufacturing market, however, you will need to buy equipment and get professional certifications and insurance.
Not Paying Attention to the Latest Technologies
Many people think traditionally when entering a competitive market, and they fail to differentiate themselves. No matter if you want to make money through oil production or consulting, you need to be aware of the trends. For example, check out greasebook.com to find out more about the latest developments in the oil and gas industry. Do your research and order white papers, read research studies and patent documents to be in the picture.
Not Being Realistic
You must create measurable and clear goals for your business. It is highly unlikely that you will break even in just a few months’ time. If you are starting a freelance business, you will need to take lower payments in the beginning, until you have a solid reputation and great feedback score.
Neglecting Marketing
Whether you seek a paid position with a company or want to work for yourself. It is important that you learn how to market yourself as a professional. Learn basic CV writing skills, find out more about what customers and companies are looking for, and invest time and money in marketing. Use social media, start networking, and find out as much as you can about your potential employers, customers, and business partners.
If you would like to change your career, more often than not you will need to change your mindset, too. Don’t set unrealistic expectations, but invest in your training and research, as well as marketing your skills and services. Find out as much as you can about the latest trends, and learn how to differentiate yourself in the competitive market.
