The document outlines 12 keys to career success: 1) Manage your career by planning and setting goals. 2) Take responsibility for your own career and do not blame others. 3) Start today working on self-improvement rather than procrastinating. 4) Define success for yourself rather than comparing to others. 5) Establish a foundation through work reputation and experience. 6) Create value for your employer by contributing to organizational goals. 7) Challenge yourself and continuously improve through certifications and education. 8) Get focused on helping your employer succeed. 9) Consider publishing writing to increase visibility in your industry. 10) Use career setbacks as an opportunity to learn and improve. 11) Continuously train and learn new skills. 12

1. Toastmasters Power Speakers Club #9309-77 12 Keys to Career Success November 29, 2007

2. 12 Keys to Career Success 1. Manage your career 2. Take responsibility 3. Start today 4. Define success for yourself 5. Establish a basic foundation 6. Create value 7. Be hard on yourself 8. Get focused 9. Become a writer 10. Use setbacks as a springboard 11. Train for success 12. Consider past employers “ 12 Keys to Career Success” by John Oltesvig, Quality Progress Magazine, October 2006

3. Manage Your Career Plan Identify what you want Consider type of job, location, family life, etc. Avoid disasters Prevent burnout Set goals “Within 5 years, I want to be promoted to the next level” “I will have my CPA license by 2012”

4. Take Responsibility Do not depend on your current employer to ensure your career success! Don’t play the blame game when bad things happen. Consider how you might have prevented and/or prepared for it better. Taking personal responsibility improves the chances that you will not become disenchanted, cynical and bitter, or develop a poor attitude

5. Start Today The choices you make today to change and continuously improve will lead you eventually to the results you seek. Don’t dwell on the past, move on! Don’t procrastinate!!

6. Define Success for Yourself “Success is the progressive achievement of a worthy goal” – Earl Nightingale, Lead the Field How do YOU define success? Personal net worth? Recognition by your peers? Level of expertise in your field? Keeping a job?

7. Establish a Basic Foundation Create a good reputation for yourself Establish credibility through longevity, e.g. you may have to keep one or more jobs for a period of time Make a name for yourself through volunteer work and community service Constant job-hopping can undermine this goal (unless you are a consultant)

8. Create Value Determine organizational goals and how you can contribute Ensure your efforts are known & recognized by organization leaders Keep judicious personal notes of your accomplishments for future reference

9. Be Hard on Yourself Do things to push yourself, don’t take the easy road Work hard Pursue professional certifications & training Consider college degrees Don’t just “punch the clock” – add value through meaningful contributions

10. Get Focused “ In order to get what you want, you must help others get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar, Over the Top Determine what you can do to help your boss and your organization achieve goals Focus on how you can contribute toward meeting those goals

11. Become a Celebrity Make yourself “known” in your industry Submit a paper or news article or write a book Consider speaking engagements

12. Use Setbacks as a Springboard Most Americans change jobs at least 3 times during their career Chances are that you will be fired, laid off, or downsized or your company will be acquired or go bankrupt Don’t dwell on the situation, move on!

13. Train for Success “You don’t earn a living, you learn a living.” Consider getting an associates or bachelors degree, especially if your employer pays Professional certifications and licenses are also worthwhile Distance learning programs offer a lot of flexibility to working people

14. Consider Past Employers Going back to a former employer after some period of time might work in your favor You have an established reputation and are a known quantity to them You have continued to establish your reputation elsewhere You should get a job with more responsibility and increased pay

15. 12 Keys to Career Success 1. Manage your career 2. Take responsibility 3. Start today 4. Define success for yourself 5. Establish a basic foundation 6. Create value 7. Be hard on yourself 8. Get focused 9. Become a writer 10. Use setbacks as a springboard 11. Train for success 12. Consider past employers