Simple Career Advice That Makes a Difference

Most of us would like to increase our career prospects, but often the advice we receive is overwhelming and requires a lot of effort. Where is the practical, simple advice when you need it? Luckily, many business experts say that advancing your career doesn’t have to be that hard. If you're ready to make some strides in your career, here are 5 simple tips that you can start implementing right now:


1. Say Yes. This seems to be a recent theme and many have found that saying “yes” in work and life can reap rewards. Shonda Rimes, prolific TV writer, creator, and producer, explores this in her book “Year of Yes” and found herself inspired and energized. Google’s Eric Schmidt believes finding a way to say Yes will open new doors, introduce new people, and provide professional growth.

2. Keep it Simple. Life and work can be complicated, so it’s up to us to simplify and focus on what’s important. Bill Gates, co-founder and Chairman of Microsoft, especially admires this trait in his friend Warren Buffet, Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. If these two business rock stars can find a way to stay focused on the basics, we can too.

3. Where you are, is not where you’ll be. Don’t keep yourself trapped by your current job, what you used to do, or what you studied in school. Marla Malcolm Beck, CEO of Bluemercury internet and retail business, reminds people to look ahead and aim for where you want to be, rather than feeling stuck where you are.

4. Let’s do Lunch. You may think it’s better to work through lunch to get a lot done, but Red Lobster president Salli Setta advises against it. Lunch is a great time to meet others, share ideas, and gain knowledge. So don’t eat alone: seek out lunch partners, share your insight, and listen keenly to what they do and think.

5. Make a Plan. More specifically, make your own strategic business plan. According to Mark Bartels, CEO of StumbleUpon, treat yourself as a business and set up 6, 12, 24 month goals and strategies. With these specific plans, you can evaluate your progress on a regular basis and position yourself for success.

So go ahead, put these easy tips into action and make a big difference in your career success and happiness. Lunch anyone?