Personal mistakes and life experiences can be one heck of a teacher. However, there is a lot to be said about learning valuable lessons from the mistakes that other people make. Someone else’s bad decision can point you away from what they did and into the “right” direction. If you are hoping to make some major career moves in the new year, here are seven (7) of the biggest mistakes that others have made when trying to advance their careers. Each is more than a cautionary tale, but rather a specific example of what NOT to do moving forward.

1. Telling others everything that you are thinking: A prospective employee once told me during an interview that, “she was going to have to talk with her husband to see if he thought the job was a good fit for her.” I’m still amazed that she verbalized that thought! Truth is, you should reach out to friends and family for advice. And, you also need to discuss major work moves with your spouse or partner. However, there is no reason on earth to tell your would-be boss everything you do or think. FYI: Although she was a lovely person, I never hired that candidate in large part because of that one comment. I am sure her intent was not to appear as someone who would need constant direction from me and others, and perhaps, it was unfair of me to judge her by one statement. However, it proves that you only have one chance to make a first impression.

2. Having a resume that does not represent your total work experience: When looking for a new job, you should always take time to update your resume to better fit the job description or specific opportunity. You should also make sure that your resume highlights your total work experience (i.e., the number of years since you received your bachelor’s degree or high school diploma).

Even if you are like most people and have a degree or experience that is completely unrelated to your current field or what you want to do in the future – you need to include it and let others see this accomplishment or expertise.

Finally, ensure that your resume includes: a strong profile statement or core competencies at the top; and any recent training, certification and/or education at the end.

3. Appearing indecisive: People who succeed in career, business, and even life often do so because they are confident and decisive. Decision making is a skill that you must cultivate by making big and small choices every day. One of the biggest professional (and sometimes personal) mistakes that you can make is being indecisive and constantly second guessing yourself in front of others. Yes, you should always give thought to what you do. However, you also need to be a person who can think quickly, make a decision, and then stick with it.

4. Getting “lazy:” Making career moves is a draining and sometimes daunting process. Over time, it is very easy to stop giving 110%, get a little lazy and stop giving your best. People don’t get hired simply by posting their resume to a job board site or creating a LinkedIn profile. Trying to advance your career, switch fields, or find a new opportunity is not the time to slow down. Remember, it’s in the final stretch of the race that you need to bring your A game and give your best effort.

5. Telling potential employers that you want to “change” careers: People don’t want to hire someone who “wants to be an event planner” they want to hire an event planner. No matter how experienced you are or aren’t, your job is to act as if you already do that thing that you want to do moving forward.

6. Failing to network enough: You have to be in the game to win. Many people fail to make successful career moves because they surround themselves with the same people, places and things. If you want to create something new you have to do and interact with new people.

7. Refusing to work as a consultant: It is far easier to break into a new field or industry by working as a freelancer or consultant than it is to find a full-time position in a new field. You have to be open and flexible to work on freelance projects, part-time opportunities and volunteer efforts in order to land something bigger and brighter.

If you are trying to make changes but are not getting the results that you had hoped for – you might be wondering if you are simply not good enough. Here are seven (7) things to help ensure that you are doing everything possible to put your best foot forward and present yourself in the best possible light.

1. Have someone in your industry critique your resume: If your phone isn’t ringing; the problem might be your resume. The best way to test if your resume is good enough is to ask an industry insider to take a peek.

Then ask, would they hire you based on your resume? If the answer is no, seek help from a writer friend or a career professional to step up your resume game.

2. Test out your elevator pitch: You need a great “why you” story to capture someone’s attention or impress a potential client or employer. Practice your best “elevator pitch” on a work friend. Then, instead of asking what they liked, ask them to tell you three things they would change/add to help make it clearer or more compelling.

3. Review and update your portfolio or work samples: In today’s digital world, everyone needs an electronic “portfolio” to show what you have done and can do for others. Use Instagram to share your social media content or campaigns. Create your own personal website or curate a beautiful Pinterest page to share photos of the people, brands and companies that you’ve worked with.

4. Ensure you are not saying the wrong things in an interview: Sometimes you can unknowingly say the wrong things in an interview that crushes your chance of getting hired.

For example, one of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to change careers is to tell people that they are “changing careers.” No one wants to hire someone who “wants to be an event planner” they want to hire an actual event planner. You have to fake it until you make it, which starts by sharing that you already have experience in the field you want to work in, even if that experience is minimal or limited.

5. You don’t have an active or basic LinkedIn Profile: Nowadays some people consider a LinkedIn profile as important or perhaps even more important than a resume when it comes to getting hired. LinkedIn is the first place that HR and hiring managers go to research prospective employees or consultants. Spend time increasing your connections, and making sure your profile is professionally perfect and free of typos and grammatical errors. Most importantly, ensure that your profile includes a compelling profile statement that positions you not for the job you currently have but the one you want to have in the future.

6. Test your follow up skills: Getting a job is not about going on the interview and waiting to hear back. You should be persistent and creative when it comes to following up with a prospective employer or client. Send a thank you note (not just an email) a couple of days after your conversation, presentation, or interview. Then find creative ways to make sure you stay at the top of their mind, like following someone/reaching out on social media, or sending a letter of recommendation or simple email to reiterate your interest in the opportunity.

Make sure you come across as enthusiastic and energetic: If you have been looking for a new opportunity for some time, chances are you may be frustrated and even depressed that things are taking so long. Make sure that you leave all of that at home when you meet and connect with others. Even if you feel like pulling your hair out in frustration about your current situation, put a smile and your game face on whenever you interact with others.

I am trying to attend more networking events to meet new people and hopefully find a new opportunity. What are some good ways to stand out at an event with lots of attendees?

Here are three (3) tricks that can help you stand out in any crowd, and do wonders for promoting your professional brand.

1. Reverse the process and reach out before the event: Instead of being one of the 101 people to introduce themselves at the event, take the initiative and introduce yourself BEFORE. Reach out to someone via social media or email to let them know how much you look forward to meeting them tomorrow. Then find a way to connect at the event and mention that you were the one who contacted them yesterday.

2. You don’t have to be best – sometimes you just have to be first: Next time you are at a networking event – find a way that you can be the first to do something. Avoid the “cliché” things like being the first in line to greet the speaker or get your booked signed. Instead, be the first person to: give the speaker a compliment, offer a bottle of water or a cocktail from the bar. If you really want to standout, be the first person to arrive at the event and offer to help the organizers with last minute preparations.

3. People remember people who are memorable: Writers often use alliteration for emphasis – but you can use it to help others remember your name. Alliteration is the repetition of a letter or sound. Introduce yourself in a unique way – like, “Hi I’m Bryce and I’m originally from Brooklyn.” Ask for their card, follow up with an email the next day with a subject line like, “Hello from Bryce from Brooklyn” to remind them exactly who you are.

Gone are the days when you need to “moonlight” (i.e., work for someone other than your main employer) behind their back. Not only should your immediate boss/supervisor know about your side hustles, you should ask their advice and support to make your next move. Here are seven (7) ways that your current boss can help you find your next opportunity.

1. Tell your boss exactly what you want to do: Don’t assume that your boss, who has their own life and career, knows your current or future career ambitions. simple image hosting Create new opportunities by first letting your supervisor know exactly what you want to do both inside and outside of your company. They may have creative ideas on how you should approach your next steps.

2. Ask your boss for help: Telling your boss that you want to do something bigger and better is not the same as asking for their help. Be direct and ask your boss for suggestions to work help achieve your goals. Any good manager will support you in succeed in your field or industry.

3. Follow your boss’ lead: Ask your boss to tell you their story and how they got started and succeeded in your field. Then determine what moves and paths might be a great fit for your career. Remember, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery – so pay your boss a compliment by following in their footsteps.

4. Request a big favor: You don’t want to overwhelm your boss with too many requests, so be strategic and save your “big ask” for that one key favor that your boss can deliver. Perhaps it’s introducing you to someone you have been dying to meet. Determine what the biggest request is you can think of – and have the courage to ask for what you want.

5. Ask them for names of others to speak to: Chances are your boss knows many people in your industry. Ask if she/he can suggest some people you reach out to for career advice or an opportunity. And, if you come across people who are insecure about your power, be glad – it reminds you of your potential and how powerful you really are.

6. Pick your boss’s brain for career advancement and transition advice: Ask your boss for their best lessons learned and career tips that their former bosses and mentors told them. The wisdom they gained can now help you make career moves and changes.

Ask them for a letter of recommendation: A glowing letter of recommendation from your current boss can do wonders in impressing your potential employer. Find creative ways to share the letter with others during your job search process.

Throughout your life people have told you that you are this or that. Often, these “skills” are not things that you consider an asset – let alone a tool that can help you in your career. However, if people say that you love gossiping and talking trash – take it as a compliment that means you think and speak well on your feet. Here are seven (7) things that people may be saying about you and how they can actually help improve your career advancement.

1, “You remember everything” – Yes, being a person who doesn’t forget anything can be a huge asset in your career. People with long memories tend to remember key processes and procedures for successfully doing things at work. If this is your skill, impress others by letting them know that you remember the details of their business, something they once told you, or even stories they have shared about their personal lives.

2. “You love talking trash” – Trash talkers now occupy the airwaves – in the form of reality TV stars. Truth is, some of those who have become mega stars did so by talking some great trash about other people. There is great power (not to mention huge entertainment value) in a person who speaks their mind and has an opinion – so become one of them. Trash talkers are skilled at thinking well on their feet – which is a huge asset in any field.

3. “You can talk about anything” – If you want to find people who have mastered the skill of talking about anything and everything – listen to morning talk radio.

All radio personalities have the gift for gab, but those who do morning shows are experts in creating an engaging discussion about a wide variety of topics and can literally talk about anyone or anything.

4. “I can’t believe you said that” – If people have been telling you this for years – be happy because this most likely means that you say what others think. Every job needs the person who keeps their ear to the ground and has the finger on the pulse of what is really on people’s minds. Whether it’s in an interview, meeting, or new business pitch try to be memorable by “mirroring” (paraphrasing what others say and think).

5. “You are so articulate” – Many people are strong communicators. However, only a small percentage are also natural orators and engaging presenters. If this sounds like you, you might want to explore careers in communications. Both those in front of and behind the TV, YouTube camera, or microphone excel professionally because of their ability to communicate. Simply sharing that colleagues and friends always note and compliment your skill for communications, can help you stand above the competition.

6. “You’re able to ‘read’ people well” – If you think that being able to “size” someone up and being a great judge of character has nothing to do with your professional life – think again. Knowing what drives people to do and say what they do, as well as knowing when people are stretching the truth, can help you immensely. Avoid people who promise – but don’t deliver. In fact, most attorneys and people in law enforcement excel in their respective fields because they are human lie detectors – experts who know when people are telling the truth.

7. “I trust your judgement” – People with good judgement generally excel in positions and roles where they can offer advice and suggestions to others. Truth is, good judgement is not something that everyone has. So, if this is a personal trait of yours – capitalize on it.

Continue to hone (and trust) your instincts and soon you will find that this valuable skill can be an asset in a number of ways, like avoiding people and opportunities that aren’t good for you.

Ask Patrice: “I attend many networking functions, but rarely make any meaningful connections. What are three ways I can create make new professional connections to actually help me find a new opportunity?

1. Approach networking as a numbers game. A 10% response rate is considered good in direct mail marketing.

Therefore, when it comes to networking, your goal should be to connect with 10 people in the hopes that one leads to a job or a work/professional opportunity.

2. Set different kinds of networking goals. One of your first networking goals should be to contact 10 people every week on LinkedIn. Hopefully at least five will become actual “connections” and one will lead to card exchange, meeting or new opportunity. Continuing this process for 52 weeks will generate 260 new connections – more than half of your ultimate goal of 500.

You can set other goals like “the 100.” Every month tell 100 people (friends, strangers that you meet, and anyone who will listen) that you are interested in a certain job, industry or company, AND/OR that you are open to working as a freelancer/consultant in XYZ on the side. Be creative in establishing other specific goals for reaching out to others by email, phone, social media and by attending events.

Be aggressive in your outreach. There is no such thing as “too pushy” when it comes to finding new opportunities. Unless someone calls you to say, “please stop calling me” you can and should be proactive and aggressive with your outreach and follow up efforts. Your job is to tell almost everyone you meet (including those you currently work with) about your short-term and long-term career goals.

You never know where a single conversation can lead. Contact former bosses, professors, co-workers, etc. and ask them if they know anyone who does what you want to do.

Everyone needs a side hustle, something that is related to the real career you hope to have one day. However, when you first start working for yourself you might unknowingly make mistakes that can cost you time, money and even future clients. Here are seven (7) rookie mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Being too available: You want to be accessible without being too available. For example, return potential clients' telephone calls promptly but don't answer the phone. It's good for clients to know or assume that you are working on other projects. It will indirectly help your business blossom.

2. Missing deadlines: One of the worst things that you can do is tell a client you will have something for them on a specific date but fail to deliver. Even missing a scheduled meeting or conference call is an absolute no-no. Your goal as a freelancer, consultant, or business owner is to under promise and over deliver.

3. Giving too much info away: Most clients will request and expect an initial proposal – even for the smallest project. Your goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of what you can and would do – without giving away all the details. For example, you might propose to create a new marketing plan for their core products. It’s far better to show examples of similar work that you have done for another client than to spend a week developing a detailed plan. A plan that the client can do themselves or hire someone else who charges less than you to execute all of the wonderful ideas you propose.

4. Working on projects that don't provide professional benefits: Avoid opportunities that cause you to work on things that you DON’T want to do moving forward. And, grab any project that will add something new to your resume, portfolio or land a bigger opportunity down the line.

5. Unknowingly bad mouth a client: I once had a client who was hired for a consulting project. She said the clients loved her and her work but she was not hired to work on the second phase of the project. After asking her a few questions about her interactions, we soon discovered that she had shared what she thought was constructive feedback in a public forum, and her comments rubbed the client the wrong way.

6. Charging too much or too little for a project: One of the most difficult parts of working for yourself is determining what to charge for your work and time. When first starting out, take on any projects (paid or not) that you can benefit from. Then you’ll need to establish an hourly rate (that includes a 20-30% mark up) and a flat rate that allows you to make a profit.

7. Fail to offer your biggest clients a discount: Even if your client is a million-dollar corporation, be sure to give them – and all of your clients who you work with over an extended time – a discount for their continued patronage. Everyone likes to receive a deal and know that their business is valued and appreciated.