Top 7 Ways to Light a Fire Under Your Career (Part 2)

Spring is here, and so is part two of “Light a Fire Under Your Career.”

So, if you want to make your dental or hygiene career red-hot, these 7 approaches can clear the space and create the spark.

1. Don’t Force Yourself to Figure out Your “Ultimate” Career Goal

And don’t let not knowing your “exact” career path prevent you from making smart career moves. This mind-set does two things: removes pressure from decision-making and supports a flexible approach because you’re not constrained by a prearranged plan. For example, if you are interviewing at a dental practice and it seems like a fit, yet perhaps doesn’t provide all the hours you desire, try it out. If you are proactive, you could increase production for the office, which will increase your value and demand.

2. Make the Most of Things

There’s a big difference between settling and making the most of a situation. Settling encourages stagnation, while accepting added responsibilities for future benefit, for example, is being strategic. This approach challenges the mind and allows for the mastery of new skills, which results in clarity and confidence when making career moves. So learn as much as you can about CAMBRA, caries detection and oral cancer devices, stem cell banking, probiotics – anything and everything that will give you the edge.

3. Take a Vacation

Too much focus can be counterproductive. Whether it’s a week in Mexico or a day away from home, a change of pace and scenery isn’t just fun, it allows the brain to problem solve subconsciously and effortlessly. Hint: leave your smart phone in a drawer!!

4. Sell Yourself

When you’re updating a résumé or home page, it’s best not to “leave things to the imagination.” Using numbers to document performance makes an impression.

“Managed a multi-doctor recare system and decreased no-shows by 20%” is more impressive than “worked as an administrative assistant.”

5. It Really Should Have Stayed in Vegas

It’s a world where anyone can get the lowdown on anyone, so why sabotage a current or future career? Potential clients and employers frequently use Google, Facebook, LinkedIn and/or Twitter to help make hiring decisions. What will they find? Save the racy photos and off-color remarks for “friends only.”

6. Do Something Dangerous

Try enrolling in a public speaking or business program, volunteer at a dental charity event, or write an email to a well-known professional and ask for advice. Being courageous provides accelerated personal growth, which results in new and unexpected opportunities.

7. R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Finding a respected mentor/coach can supercharge a career. Be selective; taking bad advice sinks a career just as fast as not taking any advice. Avoiding pitfalls, having a sounding board and learning from others’ mistakes are just a few benefits that an experienced mentor/career coach provides.

Now go play with some matches and light the fire under your career!!

Kristine A. Hodsdon

Kristine A. Hodsdon is an oral health strategist, executive coach, writer and speaker, with scores of public speaking appearances to her credit. Through firsthand experience and a combined clinical, sales and marketing strategy, she offers a synergy of knowledge and real-world history, making her uniquely equipped to empower individuals and businesses through the delivery of educational programs and evidence-based messages. Dental Influencers, LLC (www.kristineahodsdon.com/) provides online training curriculums and career development opportunities for dental professionals to help understand and practice sales, business and public speaking skills.