Top Growth Tips From Our CEO

The past year has been challenging in terms of career growth—record unemployment, wage freezes, and a shaky economy that often made people feel trapped in jobs they no longer wanted. But there’s good news! With vaccinations rolling out and (hopefully) some semblance of normalcy on the horizon, there’s no better time to take advantage of the new job landscape to grow your career. Check out the following growth tips from COC Founder and CEO April Koenig.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NEW LANDSCAPE

Over the past year, companies and individuals—especially in the creative industry—have found creative solutions and adapted them to fit their new business models. Remote work also offers new opportunities. “This is such a good thing for those of talent to break away from geographical circumstances that might hold them back from better opportunities,” says Koenig. “I foresee it will also be a leveling ground for future compensation plans. I look forward to this evolution.” 

EMBRACE NEW CHALLENGES

Spotting growth opportunities when they present themselves is key to moving your career forward. Don’t let fear or the feeling of “I’m not ready” hold you back. “Bold, chin-up individuals with their eyes focused on a vision are inspirational to everyone,” Koenig says. “And these ‘learned skills’ can become tools to serve a lifetime of personal and career advancement.”

NURTURE YOUR BRAND

Your website, portfolio, social media channels...everything reflects on your brand. Branding is "100?ntral” to growing your career, Koenig says. “When I need to source a person for a project, their brand is often the first thing I recall. It's a visual marker, an interpretation to be remembered by.” If your current brand isn’t working for you, “don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself.” 

BUILD YOUR NETWORK

A LinkedIn study showed that 85% of all jobs are filled via networking. Pre-pandemic, the thought of in-person networking events made many people break out in a cold sweat. (Or is it just me?) But the past year brought networking online like never before, making it easier than ever to connect with people who can help you move your career forward. “Networking is good career hygiene,” says Koenig. “Not only does it keep you fresh and on top of trends, events, and people within your industry, it keeps your presentation muscles flexed, which is going to be much needed post-Covid. Networking also exposes you to the ‘inside baseball’ about job opportunities and may even lead to an impromptu interview. It’s an opportunity to find friends and acquaintances who just get you!” 

DEFINE YOUR LEVEL OF SUCCESS

What does success look like to you? Unless you’ve done your internal homework, you can’t roadmap your career journey. But not every step needs to be “up” to build your career. “Defining your level of success is the key,” Koenig says. “Stop worrying about ‘I’m not good enough.’ Just move forward and know your vision of where you’re supposed to be.”

PREPARE YOURSELF FOR YOUR SUCCESS

Once you’ve figured out what success looks like to you, “imagine your success and govern your behaviors at all times so you can accept your success without question,” Koenig says. “Only expect from yourself to be successful, however that vision looks through your eyes. Let it be no one else’s vision. When it happens to you, be prepared to receive the duty and honor that goes with it. To quote JFK, be the ‘city upon a hill—the eyes of all people are upon us.’”

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