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DISCUSSION
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What's on your mind?
Packaging Horizons
Be Your Own PR Agent
Get your career on the fast-track by putting your best face forward.
By Lisa Yakomin
Does it seem like someone else is getting all the lucky breaks at work? You work just as hard as everyone else, but a colleague with identical credentials and experience inevitably walks off with the prize, while you sit on the sidelines wondering where you went wrong.
Sound familiar? Before you start working on your resumé, consider this: what you need isn't a new job, but some do-it-yourself public relations. According to Christine Corelli, a professional speaker in Chicago, IL, it takes more than luck and wishful thinking to achieve career success, particularly for women. "It doesn't matter how much experience, education, or talent you have, either," advises Corelli. "You can't expect the world to come knocking at your door. You have to toot your own horn and create your own opportunities."
Have a plan
Before you can begin to take charge of your career, you need to figure out your ultimate objective. Take a good look at your current job situation, and think about what kind of future you envision for yourself within the company.
Start by focusing on the aspects of your job that you enjoy most: is there a position along the corporate ladder that would utilize your professional strengths and interests? Devise a five-year plan that would help you work your way up to the position you want. Perhaps some additional training will help prepare you for a better job. Consider taking on new responsibilities a little bit at a time, to see if this plan is right for you.
"Know where you want to go," agrees Michelle DeJonge, director of packaging systems for Johnson & Johnson's Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. "A lot of companies don't have clear career paths for people, so you need to help define the career path. Let them know where you want to be, and then create that career ladder for yourself."
DeJonge, who had originally steered her career in a technical direction, discovered that what she really wanted was to play a more managerial role. "I realized I needed to go back and take some business courses. I also told my boss, letting it be known that I was interested in taking on more responsibility." When a managerial position eventually became available, DeJonge was ready for it, having already laid the groundwork.
DeJonge also recommends finding a mentor within the company to help you. "Find someone who understands how the management system works in your company," she advises, "someone you can learn from." Advice from someone who has successfully navigated the corporate hierarchy can give you valuable insight into how your company operates. You'll also find that most mentors welcome the opportunity to share their views and knowledge. The key is to take the initiative, says DeJonge, since "you can't wait around expecting someone to pick you."
Ask for what you want
When it comes to career advancement, you can't just sit back and assume good things will come your way. The only way upper management will know where you see yourself in the company structure is for you to tell them. Bottomline: if you want to get ahead, you need to speak up.
Don't be intimidated
"The most important thing that many women have difficulty with," says D.C. (Denise) Hedrick, field sales manager for Green Bay Packaging, "is learning not to be intimidated in the workplace--especially when dealing with high-level individuals." Being shy or nervous around upper management usually stems from the fear of making a bad impression, lack of self-confidence, or simply not knowing what to say. Hedrick recalls an instance where she was in the lobby of a client's building, when she recognized a high-ranking manager she had never met. "I've seen many people actually steer away from those individuals," says Hedrick, "and that's a big mistake." Instead, she seized the opportunity to introduce herself, thank the client for his business, and even exchanged business cards.
Hedrick's actions also provided her with a perfect chance to showcase two of her strengths: communication and interpersonal skills. What's more, she not only displayed initiative in making contact with the corporate manager, she also proved how knowledgeable she was about the client's company, being able to recognize him without ever having been introduced. Setting yourself apart from others can be the extra edge that ultimately brings success in the workplace. "Differentiate yourself in your style and the way you communicate," says Corelli. "Remember, you want to be a cut above the rest."
For DeJonge, that means going the extra mile to respond quickly to client requests. "I always follow up promptly," says DeJonge, "regardless if I have the information. If a client has a question or a request, I am back in touch by phone within 24 hours, even if it's just to let them know I'm still working on it. It lets people know that their business is important to you, that you take your responsibilities seriously, and that when you say you'll call, you keep your word."
Network, network
Of course, there is always the possibility that your dream job may not lie with your current employer. That's why you need to "meet as many people as you possibly can and keep their cards," says Corelli. Networking is the best way to create "good buzz" for yourself, be it within your own company or throughout the packaging industry. "Fine tuning your people skills is very important," Corelli stresses. "If you carry yourself with professionalism and confidence, you'll build strong contacts that will most certainly come in handy down the road."
The most important aspect to remember, says Corelli, is that "every day, we are creating our own future. Once you realize that you ultimately have control over what happens, there is no limit to what you can achieve."
Lisa Yakomin is a contributing writer to Packaging Horizons Magazine. She is based in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
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