Using career coaching to better and advance your career is often on the career womans' wish list. Unfortunately, career coaching seldom makes the cut when only so many expenses will fit in the budget. Which means there's a vast pool of untapped potential out there, held back only because they lack that guiding hand to show the way up the career ladder,
Part of the challenge is that historically there's been a misconception that hiring a career coach is financially out of reach. Indeed, you can pay as much as hundreds of dollars per hour for coaching from well-known coaches. Is it worth it? Most experts say yes, and that's been true for the last twenty years. And, of those who have used a career coach, over 80% report having experienced a positive effect on their career.
But if you're saying, "yes, but my budget just doesn't have room for it!" there's good news. We now live in a very connected world, so the options are vastly greater than even a decade ago. And there's a rapidly expanding network of career women who are not just open but driven to help other women make their way in this increasingly competitive world. The good news? You can now find quality, valuable career coaching resources for less than you spend at Starbucks. Here's a few you should definitely consider.
Elevate
Sometimes, coaching can look a lot like networking. Elevate is a network of career women that offers insights, tips and coaching to fit your budget. Think of it as a buffet of options. They describe themselves as "a powerful coalition of ambitious and supportive women who believe there is strength in numbers."
Their offerings allow for very flexible engagement. Busy week? Just join an interesting podcast. A few days off? Fill your plate as much as you like.
Hello Career Guru
Hello Career Guru is a new and exciting career advancement resource. It is the first-ever virtual career trainer designed for career women by career women. Based on your work profile, they serve up curated content including articles, videos, and classes that correspond to your ambitions, your needs, and your goals. Their secret sauce is the recommendations are based on female executive advice from those who have achieved. Their mission statement is "to democratize career advancement for all women regardless of age, background, race, income, or geography."
And yes, for far less than you spend on those lattes, you can take advantage of their amazing resources. How much, you ask? Try a very budget friendly under $40.00 for six months of access plus every subscription includes a 30 day trial period so you have everything to gain.
Google It!
While the internet has its dangers and drawbacks, one very positive things it has done is to put nearly endless resources at our finger tips. The number of great career advice and coaching websites grows almost daily. Check the buzz to see what's hot and getting rave reviews today. Here's a few that I've had personal experience with and would recommend:
And of course there's right here where you are, Ms Career Girl. Join our email list and every Sunday you'll get at least three fresh new articles authored by some of the most admired and successful women out there. And never a spam or sales email, just great insights and advice.
Change Your Mental Diet!
My advice? If you want to change your career outlook, and your life, change your mental diet. Cut back on the Netflix series. Snip out some of the time spent on pointless internet browsing. And don't just pick one new career coaching resource, dive into several. Remember, it's what you do TODAY that will determine what your tomorrow looks like!
I'm a serial entrepreneur, with a resume that makes me look like a Jane of all trades. Pretty sure we are all reluctant Messiahs, travelling through life planting seeds where ever we can. Hopefully, most of mine have been good ones! MA from Miami University (Ohio, not Florida), BA from Cal State.