Here are seven key questions to ask yourself if you should leave your current job/position BEFORE you find another one.

1.    Does your current job offer opportunities for you to develop key skills and experiences to advance your career? If your job has “run its course” and you know that nothing good will happen within the next year like a promotion or new project/opportunity, set your sights on something bigger and better.

2.   Could you survive for at least 6-9 months on unemployment and savings?  Even if it means moving back in with your parents, relying on a spouse or partner, getting another roommate or seriously downsizing your lifestyle, if you can cover your bills for the next 6-9 months, you could take the risk of leaving a job without another lined up.

3.   Are you depressed and overwhelmed by being at your current job?  If you hate your current job and/or the people you work with, leaving that environment may be the best thing for you to do.  Often you can make better decisions when you feel less stressed. 

4.   Do you have one skill that you could do as a freelancer or consultant? Perhaps you can parlay your experience as a copy editor at a publishing company to work for small businesses and start-ups.  This is the one job you can do to always make money.

5.   Are you open to relocating to another city? Sometimes you need to change not just what you do but where you do it.  Ask yourself if now might be the perfect time to move someplace new.  That right opportunity may be waiting for you – just in another city.

6.   What can you do part-time to make extra money?  Perhaps now is a good time to take that bartending course/license. In NYC, if you can connect with the right crowd of bartenders and caterers, you might be able to create a part-time stream of income. 

7.   Are you tired of being sick and frustrated? At some points in life, career and business, you need to say enough is enough and move on to a happier more positive environment. 

This week remind yourself that sometimes in life, career and business, you have to take a big risk. Ask yourself these and other questions to help determine if quitting your current job without another one lined up is the best option. That big risk might be just the thing you need to stir up some new positive opportunities and change.  

What Cardi B Can Teach You About Branding and Making Money Moves in Any Industry

Cardi B is the girl you gotta’ love. Her Cinderella story is one that many can identify with and everyone can root for. The “Broad of the Nation” who once lived in the Bronx projects and danced at clubs is now a Grammy-winning artist and solo female rapper, with multiple Billboard 100 hits to her name. This breakout star of reality TV hit Love & Hip Hop New York has some interesting lessons to teach you about professional branding that could do wonders for your own career.

1.    Sell others on your Cinderella story: If Cardi B can go from “living in the P’s - to a crib with a gate” there is hope for your dreams to come true too. She shows regular people that with one awesome talent or skill your dreams can come true. What’s your Cinderella story? What personal and career obstacles have you been able to overcome and/or create successful accomplishments out of despite modest beginnings? How can you portray yourself as a Cinderella that others can root for and believe in?

2.   Know your “X” Factor and work it: Truth is, Cardi B has the X factor. That thing that you can’t name but that makes her stand out and be noticed. Cardi is one of a handful of reality TV stars who showed us her “flaws” with a smile on her face. We all have an “X” factor in our personalities that allows us to succeed personally and professionally. What’s yours? Perhaps it’s your sense of humor or style, the compliments you give or the questions you ask to show interest in others? Whatever it is - find your inner X-factor and work it!

3.   Create a lane or space where you excel and be yourself: Cardi created her own space/lane and uses her best asset (her personality) to her advantage. One of the reasons Cardi is winning right now is because she’s just being herself. The Hip Hop artist reminds us all that being ourselves is the one thing we CAN’T fail at doing! Be confident in who you are, what you bring to the table and find ways to perfect your unique trait, personality or skill. When you can be yourself and do what you do best – you will succeed in ANY industry because people will like, relate with, and want to work with you.  

4.   Don’t be the person people love to hate – be the person people love to love: If you are hating on Cardi – then there is something wrong with you. She may be a little over the top for some people, but she proves that bold brands are better able to differentiate themselves from the competition because they are unforgettable and have greater success in creating and maintaining brand loyalty.

5.   Gain power and fans when you claim (not hide) your imperfections: A couple of years ago Cardi B was a rougher version of the diamond we see today. By her own admission, she talked “funny,” coined her own words and phrases (including my personal favorite “Sh-money”), created trademark mannerisms and was in need of oral surgery to fix her teeth. Instead of hiding these flaws like most people would do, Cardi fully claimed them and talks about these things in her lyrics, songs and interviews. You too can claim your professional weaknesses in a way that makes them seem like strengths. In the process, you will also gain the interest, respect and support of others.

6.   Surround yourself with a smart and strategic team: Cardi is a smart girl, who became even smarter by surrounding herself with a great team. Whether it’s Mona Scott-Young and the L&HH senior team (including my dear friend Stephanie Gayle, overall Executive Producer for the L&HH Franchise), her manager, A&R, or her glam squad, Cardi has enlisted an A-list team that truly believes in her and has the expertise to take her to the top. We all need help to help our dreams come true. Surround yourself with smart, strategic industry insiders to help you advance in your field. 

7.   Ensure your brand has synergy by making sure everything you do stays “on brand” and connected to your core: We all have a rough side, a far-from-perfect side, which is why so many people “get” Cardi B. She has created a brand based on her Cinderella story. Everything she does, from hosting parties, to booking shows, to media appearances, is designed to help her stay “on brand” and “on message.” What’s the core of your personal brand and how can you find ways and opportunities to help portray your core in the best way?

Whether you are a hardcore Hip Hop fan or someone who never heard of Cardi B or her music before today, this dynamic, smart and talented artist has lots to teach any professional trying to make a name for themselves. This week pick one of these seven professional branding strategies and start applying these successful tactics to help cultivate and strengthen your professional brand.

ASK Patrice – No Interviews, No Callbacks, Just Follow These Simple Steps

 Dear Patrice, I am having NO luck changing careers. I recently paid someone to update my resume to reflect my new education and experience but no one is showing any interest or call to bring me in for an interview.  HELP?

This week check us out on social media for simple ideas and information tips to help you make your career change happen.