How to Handle Career Setbacks

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." - Mark Twain

It's easy to get discouraged in this economy, so how do you handle career setbacks? 

Here's a couple of ways to look at it in a different light:

Connect Daily: Reach out to new contacts, follow up and ask for introductions to more people. Repeat. I can't stress this enough! The days of submitting your application and resume are done. Jobs are given through referrals. If you don't know anyone in the company you are applying for, you don't have a chance. In fact most positions that are posted, usually are given to internal candidates or friends of friends. It's a numbers game. You need to get on the right side. 

Keep Fighting: There's several factors you can't control when it comes to your job search, but the one area you can control is your effort. What are your career goals? What measurable steps can you take this week to make progress? Who will keep you accountable for action? Setbacks are inevitable. Successful people actually fail more. They are willing to take risks because without risk, there are no rewards. Giving up is easy. Rise above that. Keep pushing.

Be Innovative: Do what no one else is doing. Create you own job description and submit it. Volunteer at an organization you are passionate about. Record a video resume. Look to help someone else in need. Start your own network group. Stand out. You career depends on it.

There's no timetable when seeking a new career. Focus on having the right process and trust it. The worst thing you can do is sulk and quit. Remember, isolation kills, so surround yourself with supportive people and keep moving forward. You'll get there and when you do, you'll be thankful.  

The Cost of Workplace Motivation

What truly motivates you to work harder? Although it's personal, here are some ideas to ponder: 

What's the transaction? There's give and take with any relationship. The question is what are you giving and what are you receiving? We all want meaning, to feel valued and to make a difference at work, but at what cost? Would you rather get a bonus check or perk that's equivalent? Bottom line: If you're happy at your job, you're receiving value. If not, well...you can figure it out.

What are your expectations? Think pricing. When you purchase a luxury item, there's the perception that it will make you feel better. When you're underpaid, you feel undervalued. Why is that? Money is the most expensive motivator, but ironically one of the least effective. A high salary actually doesn't make you work harder. Any volunteer will attest to that. Clearly irrational, but true.

It comes down to relationships. Look at companies such as TOMS, Betterworks, Factual & Shopzilla. They focus on culture, more than anything else. It's the little things that make the difference. You know what "perks" represent? Care. Perks say, "I care about you enough to eliminate distractions and give you the proper resources to do your best work." There's a difference between being paid to work and working to make a difference. Relationships are about emotional investment. Now that's motivating.

Interested in learning more about this concept of social vs. market norms? Check out Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely.

Job Search: Culture Trumps Position

In today's economy, you can't stop "looking." That means whether you're employed or unemployed there's always room to upgrade. Like my friend Wing Lam, owner of Wahoo's Fish Taco, said, "What job is secure?"

Here are several reasons why looking for the right culture is more important than the actual position:

Culture aligns a company towards its mission, vision and goals.

Culture is an extension of the company's core values. That means how people behave.

Culture will determine your working conditions: resources provided & people around you.

Culture reveals how much collaboration and cohesion between departments is encouraged.

Culture says how you will be supported and rewarded a.k.a. motivated.

Culture shows how long you will stay.

Companies such as Google, Zappos and Facebook are starting a trend where company cultures attract the best talent. It's no secret that new offices are popping up everywhere highlighting the perks of working with them. Sure, it's harder to get in, but since the standards have been raised, the quality of the worker has improved. This isn't saying position isn't important, it is. What's more important is culture.

The High Cost of Not Keeping Your Word

Is it just me or have we become a society that doesn't value keeping our word? 

Are we commitment phobic or just plain selfish? Nowadays promising something doesn't always mean you'll follow through. Why is that?

Is there no honor in doing what you say? What effect does it have on others? How does it affect your reputation?

In your career, how does your boss and co-workers view you if you don't follow through with what you say you will do?

With your friends, what consequences arise when you flake out?

Not keeping your word is NOT the same as an emergency or about being "perfect." 

People will let you down. It's human nature. Expect perfection and you'll be disappointed. 

Everyone is busy, but that's not an excuse. Have the decency to let others know if plans have changed. At the core of this issue is trust. Your reputation is at stake. Without it, what do you have? 

It's much more than job performance, being a good friend or making mistakes. 

This is controllable. Before you speak, think about what you say. Don't make a promise you can't fulfill. The cost is too high... 

Career Fitness

Your career is a lot like fitness. Look at these 3 ways fitness can boost your career:  

What are your goals? When you hire a personal trainer, you tell him/her your goals. It's up to them to create a program for you to achieve your goals. Your career is the same. What do you want to accomplish? Once you establish your "career target", you can start drafting a game plan of how to achieve it. Without an end goal in mind, how do even know if you're going in the right direction? 

There are no "quick fixes." Diets don't work. A lifestyle change does. When it comes to your career, let's use networking as an example. If you treat connecting with people like a "diet," you won't get the results you desire. Instead look at it as part of your career, period. Meet and follow-up with people weekly for the rest of your life. Even though your "job" may change, your career is a lifelong investment. Treat it that way.

Self motivation & discipline. You can join a gym, but what good is it if you don't workout there consistently? Actions speak louder than words. You can gather all the greatest knowledge in the world, but if you don't apply it, it's worthless. At the end of the day, it's up to you. No matter who you hire, what you delegate/crowd source or whom you have access to, your career growth is your responsibility. What daily habits can you implement to become more successful in your career?

I love going to the gym. It's had a huge impact on my career. Working out helps me visualize my goals, reminds me it takes time to develop and the feeling I get from achievement keeps me coming back for more. Try looking at your career in a new way. How can you become more "fit" in your career?