Page 6 - PA_Enterprise_January-2025

PAE
doesn’t take long to clean them out, and you’ll
be glad you did. Weed through those files,
recycle what you don’t need, and organize the
rest. This goes for your computer files, too.
Sign up to follow one relevant blog
There is a world of free information, insider
tips, and great motivational writers online.
Find a blog that you enjoy, whether it’s specific
to your industry or just someone who puts a
little pep in your step, and sign up to follow it.
Don’t know where to find one? Ask around the
office. If you find one your co-workers like, it
also becomes a topic for conversation. Win-
win!
Find a work mentor
The right mentor can be a powerful tool to
propel your career forward. Is there a person
at your company – someone who is a step or
two above you – who you highly respect? Don’t
just look up to them. Ask if he or she is willing
to be your work mentor. It works best if it is a
recognised relationship between the two of you.
Set workplace goals together for the new year
and have a little fun while you’re at it.
Get a new professional headshot
If you cringe every time you look at your
profile photo on LinkedIn, then consider the
new year to be a great time to invest in a new
one. Depending on your career goals and the
type of company culture you like best, your
profile photo may be casual or professional
in its nature. The key is to select a photo that
is high quality – at least 400 x 400 pixels,
no larger than 8MB in file size, and does
not exceed 20,000 pixels in height or width.
Most importantly, you want a picture that truly
represents who you are both personally and
professionally.
6 January 2025
Send at least one thank-you note per
month
Sending a handwritten thank you is a
great way to show your appreciation and
professionalism. It feels good, too! Buy a box
of thank-you notes that you like. Then, each
month, think of someone who did something
nice for you. It could have been a LinkedIn
recommendation, an introduction to a valuable
networking connection, a free lunch, or a
small, kind gesture at the office. Even if it’s not
related to work, sending a thank you to your
mother-in-law for the soup she made when
you were under the weather will make you feel
good about yourself – and that positivity will
show in your work.
Join a professional organisation
Yes, professional organisations usually
cost money. However, the benefits you can
receive from the connections you’ll make
and what you can learn is often well worth
the cost. Look for one that is focused on your
favorite part of your career and check out any
conferences they hold. A good conference can
help you expand your network significantly
and boost your work energy for weeks. Not
sure how to find a professional association
that’s right for you? Start by finding out which
groups your colleagues and managers are
active in. You can also check out resources
like Meetup, 10times, and the Directory of
Associations for more options.
Measure your work-life balance
We all hear about work-life balance, but how
do you measure it? The first step is deciding
that you want to see where you are at. Look
over your results and maybe discuss them
with your family and friends. With the survey
results and the feedback of your loved ones,