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Planning to succeed

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by Aquent

on Jun 24

Aquent is the leading global staffing firm specialising in marketing, communications and creative talent. With 70 offices in 17 countries, our bloggers are better known for their incredible global network and their specialist recruitment knowledge. They are always available to chat, whether in person, by phone, email, via this blog or through their blog.

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Karen “P” Thompson is a Perth based Senior Agent with Aquent, the leading global staffing firm specialising in marketing, communications and creative talent. A born networker, Karen loves meeting new people. She also loves the helicopter view of the marketing industry that her role affords her. Karen is an Associate Fellow of the Australian Marketing Institute and a Certified Practising Marketer (CPM).

John Lennon once said, "life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans." Do you feel like your life and career are passing you by? Then maybe it's time for you to focus your career planning.

Of all the professions, marketers are the best qualified to prepare a career plan. Why? Because writing a career plan is just writing a marketing plan with YOU as the product.

Think back to Marketing 101 at uni (go on, I dare you…). You learned that the planning process is about:

  1. determining objectives
  2. devising strategies
  3. implementing strategies
  4. measuring the results, and
  5. adjusting things as required.

So why should your career plan be any different?

1. Determining objectives

You need to assess where you are now and think about where you want to be in five or 10 years. Develop a strategic vision for your career. Your desired destination will determine the steps you take along the way to realising that vision.

Do your SWOT analysis. Think about your personal strengths and weaknesses. What are the opportunities and potential threats that could hamper your efforts?

2. Devising strategies

Once you’ve established your major objective, move onto the action plans – the how, what, why, when, where and who. Can your current employer help you achieve your goals? Or will you need to look elsewhere?

3. Implementing strategies

You may think about relocating. I strongly advise young marketers to seek out international experience if possible. Exposure to other markets and different thinking will help when you are competing for future positions. Maybe you’ll be heading back into the classroom for further qualifications.

4. Measuring brand YOU

We all know the importance that brand plays in marketing. What is your personal brand saying about you? As you move through your career protect your brand at all costs. Integrity is the most valuable attribute your brand can have so never compromise it.

5. Review and adjust as required

A goal without a timeframe is just a dream, so set timelines in your plan. When the time is right, seek out your next opportunity, implement your marketing campaign and move on.

Remember, a good marketing plan needs to remain fluid in order to change with market conditions. Many great marketing plans have been written and then left to gather dust – don’t let this happen to your career plan.

Happy planning and enjoy the journey!

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