Books

2. Network:

It means to interact with others in order to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.

Advancing your career simply means advancing your life*

If you have a good network with Buhari, you are just a phone call away from Also Rock...

If you are connected to Trump, getting to White House from Nigeria will never be difficult...

Even, to get to heaven, you must NETWORK with JESUS

Also, to get to hellfire, just NETWORK with Satan. This is the Power of Networking

The power of networking is your ability to maximize your interactions with people or something for your optimum advantage.

Some have interacted with many great people and/or things but don't know how to maximize such interactions for their optimum advantages...

I have met many people that will boast of the knowing many great people/things and yet they are still suffering physically, socially, spiritually and even financially

Many people will attend great events and leave just like that without adding one good contacts to their phone...

Yesterday facilitators advance his Career using the power of networking via his mentor...

The ONLY way to advance your career through the power of networking is by adding ONE THING to your life. That ONE THING is the focus. Many of us have met great people and still, our lives are far from being great...

I met someone that boasted of having the contact of past Governor of Lagos and I told him, "call him that you need this and this" but he refuses to give and excuse.

He even refuses to give me the number

And that ONE THING is VALUE.

For you to maximize the power of networking to advance your career, you must carry  VALUE or add it if lacking.

He added value to his life before using the power of networking. He went for his Master after first degree...

VALUE: It means what is consider (someone or something) to be beneficial or important or worthy or useful in life.

Values are what you exchange your life with. These things are so persuasive, powerful, dominant and convincing that many people almost don't doubt their decisions to give their lives in exchange for them

Each of us has meaning and bring it to life through our VALUES

Values give life meaning and direction. When you interact with people and you don't have any VALUE to offer, you will need a miracle (which may not) to advance your career*

HOW TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR LIFE:

Self-Education is the surest way. There are many ways to add value to your life but the lasting way is through Self-Education.

In conclusion, when you are a person of high value, your network will always yield positive results and the right people will flow to your network.

Self-Education is a continuous process that can never expire

To advance your career, add value to your life in the right direction and the power of networking will work for you.

Many people are busy looking for connection without connecting to any VALUE; even if the connection comes, you may lack the needed requirements

In this year, what VALUE do you add to your life?

Are you planning to add VALUE to your life in the forthcoming year 2020?

Add VALUE to your life in the right direction and all good resources will flow to your life accordingly.

Even looking for trouble & gossiping is a skill....  Some people are just so good at it.

Fighting is a skill... Although classified under sports, like  Anthony Joshua, but I'm still  wondering within  few minutes he bagged $80 million dollars.

let's move forward and Let's now discuss how to monetize our skill & passion

Please, ladies  & gentlemen... I'm also learning too so anything  I say here could be from experience, motivation  or inspiration

If each and every person here begin to consider to monetize their skills nobody will want to be in the labor market wait  for salary  for all the days of their life..

The reason why this country has also refused to develop fast & so many crime & decadence in society is because  we have a system that doesn't care about human skills & development...

Someone will be working for a firm for 30-35 years...  Waiting for salary year in year out claiming staff of the company waiting for a promotion that the financial difference is 5k -10k...  While in his or her head gratuity package is what they are calculating when they retire...  I call it wasted years o!!!

The reason we are to work with firms is to learn administration & management not to work our lives out.

When you learn management & administration then you begin to program how to use your skills to develop your own business or take a loan if possible and set up yourself and leave that workplace so that those who are graduating from university can get jobs. There will even be more jobs because when you set up your business, you will need some young staff to work for you and the workplace you left is a vacancy for someone else.

Let me not go too far... Let's come back to our skills,  passion & monetization, based on what I mentioned above,  I will say how to monetize them...

This now a lucrative  business both in church everywhere...  All you need to do is create a good  content,  go to the studio, and voice  what's done pay them to push up and will  push you to a general acceptance of your sound... Before  you know  it you will be paid  millions  to perform on live stage.

But it is easier when you begin from the church ..

Yes this one  too is a special  skill... But if you increase value  & content.  Try to do something that will inspire people to always want to listen to your voice & content on podcasts,  radio, etc and you will get sponsorship as you appeal to those already there...

I will give you an example of a voice below...

Teaching is a very special skill.... Not everyone can teach... But if you have the skill then you will make money because teaching a blood-sucking job... But if you can really and open block brains then through private coaching people will pay you will just to grab knowledge.

When  I was a teacher two parents contracted me with 500k just to ensure their four kids pass waec, jamb & gains admission... I enjoyed teaching  those days... & if I have my way soon I will go back  to it in a total different  way  just to uniquely teach an individual

There are skills I think are lucrative,  that those who have the skills are not looking out for.

In Europe taking care of the elderly people is a big business and I bet whoever starts it in Nigeria will anytime be patronized by government, private firms,  and insurance bodies too.

This is more reason why they keep looking for nurses & doctors from Africa because it's never enough.

In conclusion, working with what we love can be very pleasant, but remember that any work well-done demands dedication, discipline, and focus. It's better we fail over the skill that we love & have a passion for than not attempt it.

We all do have a skill we just haven't attempted it yet or give it a shot...

If only we can act on it... Probably, in the long run, we will thank  God you did waste your time elsewhere. Sorry  I couldn't really put things out as have wanted to... I'm driving and it's not easy to combine...

Also if you can  tell us your skill then we can directly tell you how to monetize that very skill...

Many of us did not discover ourselves first before choosing a course of study.

In this path of the world, we are familiar with JAMB jambing people and changing their course of study from what they originally have passion for. I wonder why this is getting normal in Naija.

Many graduates are getting more confused after graduation. Many are pondering what they will do with the course they studied in school.

I wanted to study Medicine because I love to care for people and help the sick but I was given Microbiology.

God knows I hate lab work with passion because it's boring to me. Besides that, the so-called MICROBIOLOGY is no more marketable because Medical Lab Scientists MLS has taken over the market.

Many of us have a similar story... We are now left to discover a new path that will be suitable for us...This is why we are discussing this topic to help others

Honestly, there are several courses in our institutions that are not marketable...the only available job is to be a teacher which was not their original interest.

If you have a similar story with me, I want you to know that there is still hope for you because all you will ever be in life is already confirmed by God, our job in life is to discover it.

Our purpose in life determines our career path, while our career determines the knowledge, skills, and experience we acquire. I also want you to know that no knowledge is wasted.

The Holy book says Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might.

The purpose of this class is to guide you in choosing the right career path that is suitable for you and will make you productive and successful in life. These can be achieved when you discover yourself, know your strength, weakness, personal trait, talent, and interest.

Career planning is a lifelong process that focuses on making choices to help you manage your work and personal life. Good career planning requires information about you, the world of work and your commitment.

Career planning is very essential. Career planning can help you

*To prepare to enter the workforce,

*Plan for education,

*Deal with changing workplace demands,

*Anticipate trends or changes,

*Plan to upgrade or maintain your talents or skills,

*And plan for career advancement.

Most career workshops always go in one direction (focusing on white-collar jobs) neglecting the artisans, technicians and the likes. An artisan like Carpenter is not regarded as a career person but an Accountant in a bank is seen as a career person - this is the error in our education which must be corrected to eradicate poverty.

I have discovered that not everyone is meant to be in the academic section... Through my years of teaching, I have come across students that are good academic-wise but are excellent in vocational skills. They are talented.

Our society has made us believe that if you are not academic outstanding, you can't be successful. They underrate the place of talent, creativity, and innovation.

In choosing the right career, it is very important to discover yourself. You cannot do all careers, neither can you do any career.

The purpose of self-discovery is to know your strengths, weakness, and career that will make you productive and successful in life.

If you want to migrate to a new career path that will be suitable for you, you have to discover yourself first. It is an error to compare yourself with others like your friends, brothers, or sisters.

Everybody is unique with different ability and capabilities. The secret to success in life is early self-discovery. It is risky to choose a career path without discovering yourself because you will struggle in it and it can lead to unproductivity if it is not the right one for you. Self-discovery will make you to know your ‘Niche’.

Your Niche is that position or activity that particularly suits your talent and personality. If you find your Niche you won’t have to struggle in your career choice.

If you will like to choose a new career path, the following guide will walk you through the five stages of career planning:

1. Evaluating yourself – Evaluate yourself using the SWOT analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity & Threat). learning about yourself having a clear picture of your unique talents, interests, values and skills will be the base of your career-planning journey. A great start to a brighter future.
2. Exploring Options – learning about available work opportunities once you have a clear idea of your interests, current skills and the things you value, you can start exploring options. Gather information about occupations, education and training opportunities.
3. Making Decisions – deciding on your future path once you have explored your options, the next step is narrowing down the work and/or training field on which you would like to focus. Take time to analyze the options you have explored and make decisions about what path you want to travel.
4. Setting Goals – Create a plan once you have identified your career path. Identify the steps you need to take to start moving towards your goal. Prepare an action plan and chart your course.
5. Gain practical experience related to the career you want. Select a job that offers skill development, knowledge and experience that support your career goals.

Pursue education and training to move toward your career goal. Find a job with a company that offers tuition reimbursement.

Gain experience by volunteering, participating in an internship or participating in on-the-job training and apprenticeship opportunities. Join an association in your career field.

As I conclude, I will advise you to get a certification for your new career path...

Certification is highly required by employers. I can't post all the certifications needed in some careers here but you can visit https://www.certopedia.com/professional_certifications.php and find the certification for your field.

After missing the opportunity to become a medical doctor, I discovered a new career path that is a Professional Teacher and a Certified Caregiver.

Now I'm taking deliberate steps to advance my career.

I close with this Take responsibility for your own career. Shape your career; don’t let it shape you. Decide what you want your career to be, and watch for opportunities to reach your goals.

Like a typical graduate, my expectation was to land a good job with good pay, get married and live happily ever after.

Well, it did not turn out that way. Every high paying job I applied for required an extra qualification.

Therefore, I had to settle for less. I got a teaching job, worked for a year, saved enough money to return to school.

During my masters program, I realized there weren’t plenty of options to choose from as an emerging anatomist.

I was convinced as such because most of the people in my field (suppose career path) were lecturers, almost as if we were condemned to the lecturing job. So I became frustrated

Amidst the whole frustration, I ensure I got the best out of my time in the masters program. One of the things I did during this period that helped to start my career as a Neuroscientist was attending a conference.

It was at this conference that I met a senior colleague, now my mentor, who guided me on how I started, sustained and advanced my career as a neuroscientist.

All these happened in 2014. And between 2014 and now (that's a period of 5 years) I have not only started my career, I have significantly advanced my career, traveled the world (still traveling), expanded my network, written several publications, won several grants and awards, and mentored other people on their career path.

And I'm not even a lecturer like I thought I was going to be

So, how did I go from being a clueless graduate to starting a career and ultimately advancing to this point?

I think the first thing for me was choosing a Mentor.

Someone who was already far ahead in my chosen field.

Dear participants, in whatever career path you have chosen, endeavour to find someone who can mentor. Yes, there are different kind of mentors but as far as our discussion here goes, the person has to be

1. Far more experienced than you in your chosen field
2. Accessible to you whenever you need him or her
3. Trustworthy, reputable and respected by other people in the field
4. Free-spirited, friendly, approachable
5. Some that cares about your growth

Your mentor must genuinely care about you and every aspect of your career wellbeing. Another thing that has helped me is attending conferences... Scientific, social, local, international,

For as long as I can afford it and I can free up time, I will attend

I try to attend at least two conferences a year and at each of these conferences, I make it a point of duty to present at least two papers.

This has enabled me to expand my network and enhance my research portfolio, and because making a paper presentation at conferences requires me to carry out research, write manuscripts and prepare powerpoint presentations; my writing and oration skills have significantly improved over the years. In fact, I have been able to win awards of best presentation at two different conferences

These meetings and conferences have also availed me the opportunity of meeting experts in my field who have picked interest in my research and me. This, in fact, was how I was able to land my research fellowship at the medical university of Vienna in Austria and become an ambassador to the international society for neurochemistry.

Two tips so far

• Mentoring
• Attending conferences

Another important tip:

You have to be deliberate

You career advancement has to be a conscious effort. It has to be something you really want.

You cannot afford to be passive about it. This mentality of being deliberate is what then pushes you to make the necessary sacrifices and put in the hard work.

To be honest, every new level in your career demands and new you that is better than the former you at the previous level. This is where the hard work and sacrifices come in

The late nights, the early mornings, And as you rise through the cadre, it won't get easier, but you'll only get tougher. If you decide to stay passive and contented, you just find yourself stuck, not growing, advancing or moving forward

So by my count, Be deliberate and Hardworking

There are tons of articles to read online about career advancement

My personal experience is what I have shared thus far

Also, the quality of people you surround yourself with and very importantly God Thanks for the opportunity Motivated Mankind.

One reason soft skills are so revered is that they help facilitate human connections. “Soft skills are key to building relationships, gaining visibility, and creating more opportunities for advancement,”*

Have we ever wondered why relationship officers are highly paid in firms or banks or any company that has anything to do with services...?

Basically, we can be the best at what we do, but if our soft skills aren’t cutting it, then we are limiting your chances of career success.

So let's read on to learn which soft skills are critical to have firmly under your belt and what steps you can take to acquire them.

1. Communication

Why you need it: Both written and verbal communication skills are of utmost importance in the workplace because they set the tone for how people perceive you. They also improve your chances of building relationships with co-workers. Communication skills boost your performance because they help you to extract clear expectations from your manager or boss so that you can deliver excellent work.

Why employers look for it: Workers are more productive when they know how to communicate with their peers, If you can clearly express the who, what, when, where, why, and how of a project, you’ll be a hot ticket.

How to gain it:

One way to hone your communication and presentation skills is to join Toastmasters, a national organization that offers public speaking workshops.

Just be optimistic outspokenly.

2. Teamwork

Why you need it: A company’s success is rarely dependent on one person doing something all by him/herself. Success is the result of many people working toward a common goal. When employees can synthesize their varied talents, everyone wins. (Bonus: Having friends at work can also boost your job satisfaction.

Why employers look for it: Employers look to team players to help build a friendly office culture, which helps retain employees and, in turn, attracts top talent. Furthermore, being able to collaborate well with your co-workers strengthens the quality of your work.

How to gain it:

To generate goodwill, lend a hand when you see a co-worker in need. (“Hey, I know you have a ton on your plate. How can I help?”) Another way to build rapport is to cover for a colleague while she’s on vacation.

3. Adaptability

Why you need it: Things don’t always go as planned, and instead of digging in your heels, you need to be able to pivot and find alternate solutions. “Successful leaders are the ones who know how to be flexible when problems arise.” Employers need workers who can adapt to industry shifts and keep the company current.

How to gain it:

Push yourself to be an early adopter of change. “For example, adapting to technology without mourning what used to be true yesterday is crucial for people to be seen as someone who is capable of meeting new challenges,” Inquire about training sessions and offer to teach your co-workers what you learn.

4. Problem-solving

Why you need it:

When something goes wrong, you can either complain or take action. Tip: It’s the latter that will get you noticed. Knowing how to think on your feet can make you indispensable to an employer.

Why employers look for it:

Nothing is a given. Companies rely on problem-solvers—a.k.a. their top performers—to navigate unexpected challenges.

How to gain it:

“Always approach your boss with a solution, not a problem,” (some people  have  asked me severely why boss like you so much, I just smile

So when an issue crops up, sit down and think through how you’re going to address it before bringing it to your boss’ attention.

5. Critical observation

Why you need it:

Data doesn’t mean much if you don’t know how to interpret it. Is there a pattern emerging? What else should you be looking for? Being a critical observer can help make you a better worker all around.

Why employers look for it:

Companies need critical thinkers—people who bring a fresh perspective and offer intuitive solutions and ideas to help the company get a leg up on the competition or improve internal processes.

How to gain it:

To be a critical observer, you need to be able to analyze information and put it to use. One tactic is to try to identify patterns of behavior at work.  For example, does your boss actually read the weekly sales reports? What was her reaction to bad news in the staff meeting? What’s the best time of day to approach your manager with a question? By observing how people respond to the constant flow of information you can better understand the critical aspects of improving business operations.

6. Conflict resolution

Why you need it:

“Any time you put more than one person into an organization, there is going to be conflict,”  “It’s human nature.” Therefore, being able to resolve issues with co-workers will help you maintain relationships with peers and work more effectively.

Why employers want it:

Being able to constructively work through disagreements with people is a sure indicator of maturity—as well as leadership potential. Someone like this helps to promote a healthy, collaborative workplace.

How to gain it:

The best way to resolve disagreements between co-workers is to address issues directly but delicately. So, when stepping in as a mediator, let both parties air their grievances in a judgment-free environment and then work together to find a solution.

7. Leadership

Why you need it:

Having confidence and a clear vision can help influence your co-workers and get them on board with your ideas now and in the future. Displaying such leadership skills helps you gain visibility within an organization, which can lead to more opportunities for promotions or salary bumps.

Why employers want it:

Bosses and managers are always looking for employees with leadership potential because those workers will one day be taking over the reins and building on the company’s legacy.

How to gain it:

Being a leader isn’t merely about getting people to do what you want. Leadership means inspiring and helping others reach their full potential. One way to do that is to become the internship supervisor, which gives you the opportunity to manage people, learn how to motivate a team, and take on more responsibility.

If you are working for any firm have it at the back of your mind that you are preparing to own ur own firm so work like it's yours because if you don't you can't really be able to manage urs with all necessary experiences require.

How do we balance them especially if you are based in a city like Lagos where high level of Excellence is daily required at work and the lifestyle is 'too clumsy'

1. Set your Priorities right:

Never esteem your career above your family.

Career has a lifespan, even those career that seems one can't retire from, there is a time frame for everyone to shine and it can't be forever.

But your family will be there with you from cradle to the grave

Once u put the family above your career, it will help you to balance the 2. But doing otherwise, u will never have a sense of fulfillment deep inside u even though you have a room filled with awards.

2. Quickly settle the career path you want to follow, preferably before u marry.

I think it's Mankind that taught us how to choose a career path and he's written a book on that.

You may contact him for more info on that.

Why do I say this? A man double-minded man is easily tossed to & from by winds. He's unstable himself. But having made up your mind on a career path will do the following for you:

- help you know the kind of person you can marry & will accept and assist you.

-  It will give your life a structure (I'll talk more on this later)

- At the start of every career journey, you tend to make mistakes, unstable because you are learning the ropes. You wouldn't want to unsettle your spouse and kids with what u should have done earlier before they came fully into your life.

- The way God fashioned it is that a man would have been in the field (career), working the garden before he thinks of a woman. So my advice to the single brothers, get a career first before marriage if not u will be unstable, pass the instability to your wife and the love will become sour

So it's better to set the foundation right by being in the career path before family

But what about those that have made the mistake...

I advise they should TEAM UP WITH YOUR SPOUSE...

what do I mean... Make sure your spouse (especially if you are a man) buy-in into your dreams and aspiration.

Paint the vision for your spouse in such a way that he or she's ready to support you all the way. And remember LET YOUR SPOUSE KNOW THAT YOU VALUE THEM THAN THE CAREER AND WITHOUT THEM U CANT TO IT - this is beyond the words of mouth.

1. To balance, according to little knowledge of Equilibrium in Physics, there must be a fulcrum.

Here is the point, build an effective network at work, and within the surroundings of your family (e.g. neighborhood).

No one can do better without a team. The constituent of your team will determine how well u perform.

Have a great talent but bad teammates/ network, you will see how horrible you will perform in your career.

Your network will serve as a fulcrum which u can leverage on when storms that unbalance work & family come

This point focuses on maximizing the external factors (i.e. outside you and your family).

It is crucial. Other points include...

1. Have time for your spouse and kids. If you don't have time for them, you will be shocked by how quickly they can bring down your supposed success.

NOTE: Not just time, as in staying at home. Give them what Tim Lahaye in his book 5 Love Language called QUALITY TIME.

1. Give equal passion at home, as you give to your work. Once your family sees that u are passionate about them, you have passed.
2. Be flexible. Don't be so rigid with your schedule of things. Allow a chance for an impromptu family emergency. Once your superior knows you are a responsible family person, they will give u chance for impromptus. Let them know your standard but it shouldn't be every time that u are making excuses because of your family.
3. Have a God-ordained Purpose that's driving your life.

Living a divine purpose gives one stability and balance in every area of life. Make sure your job is a platform for your purpose, choose a marriage partner based on your purpose, let your family be a purpose-driven family... Then I bet you, YOU WILL BE HIGHLY BALANCED.

I think I have been able to remind us of some things and they are applicable and practicable.

But I believe you have been blessed.

Thank you Motivated Mankind family for your time