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Getting the new job was just the start!
 
These blog posts are my best advice on how to orient yourself in your new role so you can become a top performer in no time. 
 
Knowing your goals from day one will help you achieve what you need to in your new position and keep up the momentum on your pathway of career growth. 

New Hire

Getting the new job was just the start!

These blog posts are my best advice on how to orient yourself in your new role so you can become a top performer in no time. 

Knowing your goals from day one will help you achieve what you need to in your new position and keep up the momentum on your pathway of career growth. 

What you can do to get off on the right foot at your new job, then hit the ground running!I've seen it over and over again, one of the biggest mistakes new hires make is neglecting to be proactive before beginning their new job.
When you start at a new company, the expectation is not that you will walk in the door on day one and be pre-trained and ready to go. But maybe there is a way to not only make an incredible first impression--but actually be walking the walk and talking the talk, much sooner.
I've found that when new hires put in the energy to prepare for their new job in the ways I'm about to tell you, they make a jumpstart out of the gate in their training process and end up adjusting to their jobs much more quickly.
Here are ten tips to propel you forward. For convenience in referencing, I've broken them up into three stages--Engage With the Company, Engage With the People in the Company, and Know the Competition & Industry. Pst--don't miss the very important bonus tip at the end!
Engage With the Company1. Study up on the company and their products & servicesYou got hired by a new company (and because you were a proactive interviewer, you read their website before the interview), but now is the time to refresh on who these people are and what it is they do.
What are their products and/or services? What makes them unique? In large part, this information is all available to you through their website. Become familiar with how they refer to their products and services.
2. Familiarize yourself with what is currently going on in the companyRead the company's blog(s) or news. Look for press releases. What kinds of events do they have going on? It is important to know where the company is at in terms of their growth and progress, as well as their public standing.
3. Get to know the company & those in itAn important page on the website to review is the company's "About Us." School yourself on the story of their origin, including who the founders were and the current executives are. Get to know the team members (if anything it will help you learn names more quickly!).
4. Experience what it is the company has to offer: its products & servicesThink of yourself as a personal shopper, of sorts. In whatever way makes the most sense to the types of products & services they offer--try them. Experiencing the offerings of the company will give you the most complete picture of what they are really all about.
If it is a restaurant, go and try the food. Interact with the staff and see how they act. If it is a software company, watch demonstration videos, attend webinars, even potentially schedule a demo of the software itself.
Engage With the People in the Company5. Study the people who are currently doing the jobTake a closer look at the people who are currently doing the job. Hop on Linkedin or Indeed to find the profiles or résumés of those who are presently doing what you will soon be. What attributes set them apart? Are there certain types of knowledge, skills, and experience that they have that you haven't yet acquired? Knowing your gaps in experience is the beginning to filling them.
6. Write a thank youSend off thank you cards or emails to anyone you interviewed with; thank them for the opportunity you had to interview--and specifically for offering you the job! A simple thank you note goes a long way. It shows ingenuity and attention to detail--in large part because many people neglect to express their gratitude in a concrete way.
7. Send an introductionA great way to start off the new relationship with your manager is by introducing yourself to them before your first day.
Find their contact information (whether by getting their email from the company website, human resources, or connecting with them on Linkedin) and send them a short message sharing a bit about yourself (similar to your elevator pitch) and expressing your excitement about getting to work at the new company with them.
They'll appreciate getting to put a face to the name, as well as having a more personal feel for who you are.
8. Ask questionsWhen you reach out to HR and your potential manager, be sure and ask them for suggestions on how you can best prepare to start the job on day one.
You may want to ask if they have any information they would like you to review before your first day, as well as any questions you may have about things like the dress code/policy, etc. Developing a good work relationship through open communication early on with these individuals will only benefit you during your training process!
Know Your Competition & Industry9. Study up on your company's competitors (doing steps 1-4, but with the competition)Once you have done steps 1-4 with the company you are about to begin working for, it is just as important to do these same steps with your new company's lead competitors. Study up on their products & services. Review their websites. And as you look into what they have to offer, try and identify what the main differences are between their companies, products, and services and yours.
It may sound time consuming to have to do all of these additional steps to learn about your company's competition: familiarizing yourself with what is currently going on in your competitors' companies, reading up on their "About Us" pages, and experiencing what products and services they have to offer. But by making time to do these extra steps, you will become a greater asset to your new team.
Maybe you won't get through all four steps for the competitors by day one at your new job, but by making an effort to obtain this knowledge, and have these experiences, you will gain fresh insight into how to help your new company be the best it can be--which will only make you more of a rockstar at your job!
10. Learn all you can about the industryDepending on what industry you are about to enter, or if you are simply moving to a new company or job title within that industry, it is still super important to stay up-to-date with the latest industry knowledge, tips, and developments. There are so many resources out there to keep you in the loop!
Get yourself some books from Amazon or Audible. Listen to podcasts by experts, and read their blogs. Find industry groups and associations to take part in through Facebook and Linkedin. There's really no reason to remain ignorant.
Immerse yourself in the types of things they are talking about. What kinds of problems are they trying to solve, and how? You'll find that in no time you will feel up to speed with what is going on, industry wide.
Bonus Tip: Go back and review the job ad or descriptionIn all honesty, this is one of the most important things you should be doing to prepare for that new job. It's not really a "bonus," so much as a big fat reminder to do this again well in advance of day one at the new company.
When it comes to the job description, what you are focusing on this time around are the gaps (or what you are lacking) in knowledge, skills, and experience.
I once spoke with a career coach who gave me the advice that you are never the perfect candidate for any job. There will always be things that you haven't done and skills you haven't touched. But that is part of what makes you good--your willingness to learn and expand yourself--your ability to overcome your fear of trying something new and not being awesome at it, right off the bat.
Figure out from the original job description/ad which software and skills they are looking for that you don't already know.
Google those things! Find training videos through Google and Youtube by typing in "how to use ‘insert name of training or software or skill.'" This is a great way to brush up on old knowledge and skills, or get a foundation of new information, knowledge, or skills for the job you are starting.
ConclusionYou've got this! You really do.
Being prepared is the key to overcoming your fears when it comes to starting a new job (or anything new at that). Do these things, and you will be sure to go in walking, breathing, and speaking confidence from day one.
I had a friend back in high school that used to say, "Does it make you nervous or scare you? If so, then you've gotta do it!" Okay friends, time to go and do!

What you can do to get off on the right foot at your new job, then hit the ground running!

How to Prepare BEFORE Starting Your New Job

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Being a new employee means people don't know what to expect from you. Here is a surefire way to give them a run for their money. 
In part one of my post titled "How to Rock the First 90 Days at Your New Job," I discussed 10 steps to help you get up to speed as quickly as possible at your new job.
 
In today's blog post, we are going to talk about ten things you can do to really set yourself apart--taking your new hire performance to the next level.
 
A word of caution: DO NOT underestimate the power of what you are about to read. Some of this advice may even seem familiar, but you'd be surprised how many people do not apply this counsel on the job.
 
I've found that employees who apply this knowledge--especially during their first 90 days of employment--don't only launch themselves off to being successful at work, they soar!
 
Now for the good stuff.
 1. Identify your strengths & create opportunities to leverage them 
Welcome to Self-Knowledge 101. Today's instructor, Ryan Kay.
 
If you were lucky, back in school they had you take some aptitude tests, and maybe even helped you identify what you liked doing and are naturally good at. Somewhere along the way, many of us lose touch (or never really had it to begin) with our innate strengths and inborn abilities.
 
I'm here to tell you that there is good news, not only do these things still exist inside of you, they are actually the key to doing your job well. You are unique, unlike any other human being on this planet. No matter how much genetic code you have in common with another person, you still have a special stamp to put on everything you do.
 
Being able to identify what yours is, and more importantly--leveraging it, is not only going to help you find success now, but it will carry you to where you ultimately want to go!
 
Tools like the Reflected Best Self Exercise and StrengthsFinder2.0, among others, can help you identify your core strengths and abilities. They can also suggest ways to intelligently bring them to the table in your work and life. 
 
Once you've identified your strengths, and come up with ways to apply them across the board, you will find that much of the other advice you are about to read will then naturally follow/flow for you. The reason why--because people who create a way to use their strengths at work are more satisfied overall at their jobs, which means they do a better job at their job. Funny how that works.
 2. Keep it positive 
We've all worked with negative Neds and complaining Cathys. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that people are happiest at work around happy, positive people. Even if the meeting, or day, or project isn't going as planned, try (when appropriate) to use humor to help relieve your own stress and that of those around you.
 
Reframing, a tool used to look at a situation or problem through different lenses, can be a very helpful way to uncover the lessons learned, or see what can be gained from an experience that hasn't gone as hoped or expected.
 
Back in college, we were taught about something called "Deep Acting." They said that for those who work in service-related fields, there is a certain level of "acting" that a person must do every day.
 
For some people, this "faking it" process leads to burnout if it is too surface level, but if a person can dig deep, and figure out how to really feel that way, they are Deep Acting--which actually helps ward off burnout. Practicing Deep Acting helps create positive environments and atmospheres because emotions are coming from a real place.
 
There is definitely something to be said about "fake it till you make it."
 3. Learn names 
What is one word people love to hear more than any other? Their name! Books on how to succeed have highlighted this simple, yet effective tool for gaining likability.
 
An exercise that I've done with groups of people over time has been how to learn names. When someone introduces themself, you must immediately associate something specific about them with their name. Smiley Sarah, dancing Dannice, baseball Ben, green-eyed Greg, mathematical Matt. The association can really be anything, but it needs to be a memorable que for you that will help you remember them and their name.
 
Then, when you see and associate with that person, use their name. No need to go overkill, but saying their name when you address them or ask them a question can go a long way. For one, it will subconsciously build respect and trust.
 4. Look the part 
I've worked in a variety of environments. Some had very relaxed dress codes. On the other side of the pond, some employers expected us employees to wear a suit coat and have polished closed-toe shoes (no matter our gender) for every meeting.
 
Learn the policy, then stick to it. Dress and appearance is an easy area to become too relaxed, but honestly, dressing the part speaks volumes about what kind of employee you are.
 
When a boss knows that you will be wearing clean, pressed attire and will show up well groomed (no matter what day of the week) they associate this with attention to detail-- translating into a feeling of trust for you. If you are the kind of employee that likes to take little liberties here and there (especially with something that may seem "small," such as what you wear to the office), in the long run, it will reflect negatively on your character.
 5. Help others along the way 
Different cultures have different perspectives on what it means to be successful. Some people come from (or were raised in) a collectivist culture, others of us, a more individualistic society.
 
Frequently, people believe that their success and recognition is one of the most important things they can work towards in their careers, but no true success is achieved alone. Just as my success has depended on others and what they've taught me, so does yours. As a result, the only true way to gain success is by sharing what knowledge and assistance you can with others along the way.
 
Start viewing your success in terms of your ability to help others be successful along with you. In a workplace environment, you will notice a form of synergy that will be created as a result of actively looking for opportunities to help those around you--while you help yourself. Yes, protect your own ideas, but don't be protective of your ability to help others be successful along with you.
 6. Thank your people 
This is something so small, that you may even think I'm being cheesy, but showing appreciation has a profound effect on people. When someone takes the time to teach you something or help you with a project--thank them. It really is that simple.
 
What I've noticed over the years is that expressing the gratitude I feel for people helps them want to help me more. That may sound like a selfish motive, but the truth is we all benefit. They also learn that I'm willing to help them along the way too!
 7. Give credit where credit is due 
Have you ever experienced what it feels like to have someone take credit for your hard work? What about the opposite; have you been in a situation where someone was about to get the credit for your work and then quickly clarified that it wasn't them, but you--who did the heavy lifting?
 
There is a totally different feeling and work dynamic created when someone is wise enough to give the glory to those that created something successful and gives the praise where it is rightfully due. Be that kind of person! It will build trust in a way that no other kind of praise and affirmation can.
 8. Set boundaries early on 
Yes, you are there to do a great job, but you can only do that if you set clear boundaries. Trying to take on too much, or being the pushover that has to get to work first and leave last leads to burnout--which ultimately is the key to being unsuccessful at your job. So, depending on your goals, you can pick what advice out there you want to take, but I'm going to tell you that sacrificing your mental, physical, and emotional well-being (not to mention your relationships) for your new job just isn't worth it.
 
Right out of college I was in a long-term training process for a highly competitive career path. Early on in our training, they had a conversation with us about not making our work all-consuming. They expressed to us that the best employees were those who had and worked on other interests outside of the office.
 
Early on in a job, you will be able to gain a pretty clear picture of what type of work/life balance "these people" (the organization, your new employer) value and believe is important. Ultimately, only your health and well-being can sustain your ability as an employee. Have a real conversation with yourself about what healthy boundaries at work means for you personally. Then draw that line in the sand, and don't cross it or look back.
 
Important note, when you set these boundaries is just as important as what boundaries you set.
 
Setting boundaries need to be done early on. You are setting a precedent for yourself and your employer about what you will and won't do. So if it was clearly contracted that you will only work every other Friday, don't feel pressured to make exceptions to terms that were already agreed up when you were hired (and so on and so forth).
 9. Know when to get lost in the details 
Some projects and responsibilities will never get done if you get overly focused on the details. Other projects can cost your company $$$ if you neglect to spend the necessary time on the finer points.
 
Knowing the difference is key.
 
Perfectionism is real; so is laziness. What your new job is (and which tasks you are responsible for) determines what level of detail-orientation is needed.
 
I once heard an example in the business world of two employees that were both up for promotion. The boss gave both employees the same task to perform. The first did the task as quickly as he could, while the second ended up spending an additional 15 minutes--and was offered the promotion.
 
When the first asked why he didn't receive the promotion--thinking his efficiency should have been the deciding factor--the boss responded back that he hadn't asked any clarifying questions about important details. Those details ultimately determined why the second employee took longer to do the same task but met the needs of the task with far greater accuracy.
 
In many cases, what will set you apart from others in the workplace--will be in the details.
 10. Remember that you are on a journey and that this is a stepping stone 
In conclusion, it is important to remember why you are doing what you are doing. Such a large portion of our waking lives is spent at work. I'm here to tell you that no job will fulfill every aspect of you, but there is such a thing as satisfying work that is meaningful and provides.
 
Perhaps what you are currently doing doesn't yet feel that way, but know that this is a means to an end. If you know where you are trying to go, remember that there are many steps along the way. A journey of a thousand miles really does begin with one, just one, step.
 
Plan out where you want to go, use the advice you receive along the way, and one day, you will look around and realize--you are there! Until that day, I'm here to cheer you on in your journey!

Being a new employee means people don&rsquo;t know what to expect from you. Here is a surefire way to give them a run for their money.

How to Take the First 90 Days of Your New Job to the Next Level

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As a new hire, you hold more power than you think. Don't wait for the HR department to tell you all that you should do. 
Some companies are particularly good at training their new employees. They have protocols set up for engaging you in what you need to know--which software to master, a best practices workflow, your specific roles & responsibilities, and their general expectations of you.
 
Unfortunately, not all companies have come up with an effective onboarding process. Onboarding refers to the method of getting a new hire trained, competent, and happy at their job. This process typically spans a new employee's first 90 days. It takes new hire orientation to a whole new level.
 
Some companies have it down to a science: how to make you feel welcome and teach you how to be outstanding at your job. While others...are wanting in this area. Sadly, a lot of employees leave companies like this within the first six months--although longer-term the company would have been a great fit for them--because of their organization's lack of onboarding process.
 
I've worked for a company like this. The training period was nothing short of BORING! And much of that training process was meant to be self-motivated on my part. Yet, when I looked around at the different teams and people functioning at their jobs at that company, the individuals seemed happy, contented, and glad that they got to work where they worked and with whom they worked. They liked what they were doing on a day-to-day basis!
 
What do these employees know that other new hires don't?
 
Perhaps it is that you as a new hire have got a lot more power than you think in the process. Your first 90 days don't need to be all about people telling you what to do--believe it or not, if you are willing to get in the driver's seat, you will get through training much more quickly, as well as open up other potential doors for yourself to an engaging new job or career path.
 
Below are 10 tips for how to make this happen:
 
1. Get a clear vision of what your new roles and responsibilities are
 
Hopefully, there is some form of orientation at the company you have just onboarded with, but if there is not, you are likely feeling overwhelmed about what it is exactly you will be doing. In as much as you can, ask the clarifying questions you need to best understand your new job description.
 
2. Your first responsibility is to kick butt at your job
 
Learn all you can about the software you are using. Ask those who are part of your training process questions about how to be more efficient in your workflow. Find out the hacks that others doing similar functions are using. There are so many resources available--from digital sticky notes to automated emails. Ask your leaders for feedback on how to be even more effective and efficient.
 
3. Don't be afraid to ask questions
 
If you never ask a question, the answer is always "No." You are new; that is no mystery to your employer and co-workers. In order to learn what it is you don't know, you need to become comfortable with asking questions: "Do you have a project that I can help with?" "What do I need to do with this information?" "How do I work this part of the software?"
 
4. Learn all that you can about the organization's mission, goals, culture, and vision
 
Your first 90 days at a new company or job can be very overwhelming. The easiest way to keep all of the new information in context is by understanding how it relates back to the bigger picture. Getting to know how & why the company came into existence and what they are trying to achieve & how, will help you really apply the things you are learning on the job.
 
5. Have your own goals clear in your mind
 
The more you can define what it is that you personally want to gain from working for this new company and position, the clearer your focus will be. As you know what it is you want, this will help you obtain the individual goals, skills, and connections you need to progress on your individual career journey. And who knows, you may even see new doors open up to you as a result of being explicit with yourself about what it is you are trying to obtain from this new job experience.
 
6. Get to know your co-workers
 
Creating relationships at work is of vital importance in the first 90 days of your new job. Although you may be in one department, it is important to get to know people in neighboring departments of the company as well. Introduce yourself to people in the office. If your new job is a remote position, ask about opportunities to meet the other staff (whether that be zoom meetings, a regularly scheduled department lunch, etc.).
 
7. As you get to know your co-workers, seek to understand what their job functions and roles are
 
Your responsibility to yourself when you begin a new position is to become the greatest asset you can be to a company. Part of the way you do this is by being an asset to the teams that already exist around you.
 
Seek understanding about what it is that your co-workers do and in what way you can contribute to the vision of the company as a whole.
 
8. Take the initiative to make yourself a part of the team
 
Who said you need to wait to feel welcomed? They wanted you as part of their team for a reason. Do what you can to integrate yourself into the organization.
 
Are there natural ways to connect with co-workers? Does the company engage in community outreach or volunteering? Ask questions and get involved.
 
Do people take turns making the pot of coffee in the morning? Well maybe you can bring in a high-class roast. Does everyone congregate around the water machine around 3 p.m.? Stop by and share a joke. Building relationships can hold just as much value as your efforts at your job function.
 
9. Find a mentor at work
 
Ideally, you were paired up with individuals to help you in your training and transition process. However, you shouldn't feel limited by this. There are a variety of people who are more than ready to help you be a success at your new job.
 
Within your first few weeks at a company, these people typically have presented themselves to you by using phrases like, "Don't hesitate if you need help," "Let me know if you need anything," and "I look forward to getting to work with and know you better."
 
10. Look for opportunities to shine
 
Believe it or not, there will be opportunities for you to utilize skills you didn't know you had, as well as develop new ones! Perhaps the boss mentions a new marketing campaign he had been trying to work through the details on and wants to know if anyone has ever had experience with video editing before. If you do or worked on the publicity committee back in college for your sorority--speak up! Employers love employees who are engaged and show initiative. Who knows, this may lead to your next promotion!
 
Conclusion
 
Be brave. Take initiative. If anything, you will gain much more quickly what it is you are wanting from a new job experience. Ultimately, you are in the driver's seat of your own career and life--isn't that fun?! Now go and make the most of this new career opportunity!

As a new hire, you hold more power than you think. Don't wait for the HR department to tell you all that you should do.

How to Rock the First 90 Days at Your New Job

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In today's competitive job market, it's not enough to just meet expectations and complete your assigned tasks.
 
To stand out and make a lasting impression, it's important to go above and beyond the call of duty. 
 
Whether you're an employee or a business owner, going the extra mile can lead to greater success, recognition, and growth opportunities.
 
WHAT DOES THE EXTRA MILE GET YOU?
 
First and foremost, going the extra mile can help you to achieve your goals more quickly and efficiently. 
 
By taking on extra responsibilities and showing initiative, you demonstrate to your boss and coworkers that you are a valuable asset to the company. 
 
This can lead to more opportunities for advancement and growth within the company, as well as increase your chances of being considered for promotions and pay raises.
 
IMPRESS YOUR BOSS & TEAM!
 
In addition, going the extra mile can also help you to build positive relationships with your coworkers and boss. When you take the initiative to help out with a project or offer to assist with a task, you show that you are a team player and that you are committed to the success of the company. 
 
This can lead to greater collaboration and teamwork, which is essential for success in any business.
 
Another important aspect of going the extra mile is that it helps you to stay organized and efficient in your work. 
 
By taking the time to go above and beyond, you are able to identify areas of your work that can be improved and make the necessary changes to streamline your processes. This can lead to greater productivity and time-saving measures, which can have a significant impact on the success of your business.
 
Finally, going the extra mile can also demonstrate your dedication to your job and your commitment to your boss and the company. 
 
When you take the time to do extra things that will help your business and impress your boss, you show that you are willing to go the extra mile to ensure success. This can lead to increased trust and respect from your boss, which can be invaluable in your career.
 
In conclusion, going the extra mile is an essential aspect of success in any business. 
 
Whether you are an employee or a business owner, taking the time to do extra things that will help your business and impress your boss can lead to greater success, recognition, and growth opportunities. 
 
So, make a conscious effort to go above and beyond in your work and see the positive impact it can have on your career and your business.
 
HERE ARE 10 THINGS YOU CAN DO… ASAP!
 
  *  Meet or exceed expectations and deadlines.
  *  Show initiative and take on extra responsibilities.
  *  Offer creative solutions to problems.
  *  Stay organized and efficient in your work.
  *  Communicate effectively and professionally.
  *  Build positive relationships with coworkers.
  *  Take initiative to improve processes and systems.
  *  Seek out opportunities for professional development.
  *  Remain flexible and adaptable to changes.
  *  Demonstrate a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

In today's competitive job market, it's not enough to just meet expectations and complete your assigned tasks. To stand out and make a lasting impression, it's important to go above and beyond the call of duty. Whether you're an employee or a business owner, going the extra mile can lead to greater success, recognition, and growth opportunities.

New Hire

Articles

How to Prepare BEFORE Starting Your New Job

How to Take the First 90 Days of Your New Job to the Next Level

How to Rock the First 90 Days at Your New Job

The Importance of Going the Extra Mile as an Employee!

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