Feeling stuck in your current career can be frustrating and disheartening. However, exploring new opportunities and redefining your professional path is always possible. DFW Veterans Chamber shares some strategies to help you transition smoothly into a new career that aligns with your passions and abilities:
Gain Experience and Exposure to New Fields
Freelancing offers a flexible platform to explore various career paths and develop skills pertinent to your desired industry while earning an income. Volunteering provides hands-on experience and vital networking opportunities, enriching your resume and connecting you with causes you care about. These activities demonstrate your versatility and commitment, enhancing your attractiveness to prospective employers. Freelancing and volunteering build a professional profile that stands out in competitive job markets.
Explore Various Industries and Roles
Venture into different industries and roles to discover a career that matches your passions and strengths. Start by exploring fields that intrigue you, taking note of particular positions that attract your attention. Attend industry-specific conferences and webinars to expand your knowledge and network with professionals. Conduct informational interviews to acquire direct insights into potential jobs’ everyday challenges and requirements.
Enhance Your Career Options with a New Degree
Pursuing a degree in a new field can open up many career opportunities by providing you with specialized knowledge and valuable credentials. Considering online healthcare programs allows you to continue working while gaining expertise that can profoundly affect the health of individuals and families. This flexible educational path means you can enhance your qualifications without leaving your current job. By earning an online degree, you seamlessly bridge the gap to a new career, ensuring you remain competitive and impactful in the evolving job market.
Find a Mentor to Guide You
Securing a mentor is a strategic advantage in navigating a career change. A mentor offers wisdom, support, and insight, drawing from their career experiences in your field of interest. Engage with potential mentors through networking events or professional platforms like LinkedIn to find someone who has traversed a similar path. Their mentorship can help you sidestep common obstacles and open doors within your chosen industry through valuable introductions.
Reflect on Your Interests, Values, Strengths, and Skills
Self-reflection is crucial in identifying potential new career paths. Consider what activities and subjects excite you and where your natural talents lie. Reflect on your values and what you want from a career, such as work-life balance, job stability, or opportunities for creativity. Assess your strengths and skills, including transferable skills from your current job. This reflective process can reveal careers that align with your personal and professional goals, helping you make a more satisfying career change.
Network with Professionals in Fields of Interest
Networking is a powerful tool for gaining insights and advice about different careers. Connect with professionals in your fields of interest to learn about their experiences and gather tips for breaking into the industry. Attend networking events, join professional associations like the DFW Veterans Chamber, and participate in online forums related to your desired career. Building relationships with industry insiders can provide valuable information, job leads, and potential mentors—all essential for a successful career change.
Maintain a Positive Attitude and Be Persistent
A positive attitude and persistence are critical to a successful job search. Career transitions can be challenging, but staying optimistic and determined increases your chances of success. Focus on your goals and celebrate small achievements along the way. Remember that setbacks are part of the process and can offer learning opportunities. Keep refining your approach, seeking feedback, and applying for jobs until you find the right fit.
Consult with a Career Counselor
Career counselors offer personalized advice and support tailored to your unique situation. They can help you identify suitable career options, develop a job search strategy, and improve your resume and interview skills. Career counselors use assessments to understand your interests and strengths, guiding you toward careers that match your profile. They also provide resources and contacts to aid your job search, making the transition smoother and more manageable.
When stuck, transitioning to a new career can be an empowering and rewarding experience. Gaining new experiences, exploring various industries, finding a mentor, reflecting on your interests and strengths, earning a relevant degree, networking, maintaining a positive attitude, and consulting with a career counselor can help you successfully navigate this change. Embrace the journey and take proactive steps toward a fulfilling, dynamic career that reflects your passions and abilities.
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. As we navigate through 2024, several innovative trends have emerged, transforming the business landscape. These trends not only shape how businesses operate but also redefine the way entrepreneurs think, act, and achieve success. Let’s explore some of the most impactful trends that are driving successful business practices today.
1. The Rise of Sustainable Business Models
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it’s a business imperative. Consumers are increasingly demanding eco-friendly products and transparent business practices. Entrepreneurs who incorporate sustainability into their business models are reaping significant rewards. This includes adopting green manufacturing processes, utilizing renewable energy sources, and ensuring ethical supply chains. Companies like Patagonia and Tesla have set the benchmark, showing that sustainable practices can lead to profitability and brand loyalty.
2. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Automation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are revolutionizing industries by streamlining operations and enhancing customer experiences. Entrepreneurs are harnessing these technologies to gain competitive advantages. AI-driven analytics provide valuable insights into consumer behavior, enabling businesses to personalize marketing strategies and improve customer engagement. Automation, on the other hand, is optimizing workflows, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency. Startups leveraging AI for predictive analytics, chatbots, and automated customer service are setting new standards in customer satisfaction.
3. Remote Work and Flexible Workspaces
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, and it’s clear this trend is here to stay. Entrepreneurs are increasingly recognizing the benefits of remote and hybrid work models, such as reduced overhead costs and access to a global talent pool. Companies like Zoom and Slack have thrived by providing essential tools for remote collaboration. Creating flexible work environments not only enhances productivity but also improves employee satisfaction, leading to better retention rates.
4. E-Commerce and Digital Transformation
The e-commerce boom shows no signs of slowing down. With more consumers preferring online shopping, businesses must adapt to this digital shift. Entrepreneurs are investing in robust e-commerce platforms and utilizing social media for targeted marketing. Additionally, integrating technologies like augmented reality (AR) can enhance the online shopping experience, giving consumers a tangible sense of products. Successful e-commerce entrepreneurs are those who continuously innovate and offer seamless, personalized shopping experiences.
5. Data-Driven Decision Making
Data is the new gold. Entrepreneurs who leverage data analytics are better positioned to make informed decisions and identify market opportunities. From understanding customer preferences to optimizing supply chains, data-driven strategies are crucial. Tools like Google Analytics, Tableau, and various CRM systems provide actionable insights that drive growth and efficiency. By adopting a data-centric approach, entrepreneurs can anticipate trends, mitigate risks, and outperform competitors.
6. Emphasis on Health and Well-Being
The well-being of employees has become a focal point for businesses. Entrepreneurs are increasingly prioritizing mental health initiatives, work-life balance, and wellness programs. This trend not only fosters a positive work culture but also boosts productivity and reduces turnover. Companies that invest in the health and well-being of their workforce are likely to see improved performance and higher employee satisfaction. Programs offering flexible hours, mental health support, and physical fitness opportunities are becoming standard practices.
7. Social Media and Influencer Marketing
Social media continues to be a powerful tool for brand building and customer engagement. Entrepreneurs are capitalizing on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn to reach their target audiences. Influencer marketing, in particular, has proven to be an effective strategy. Partnering with influencers allows businesses to leverage their followers and create authentic connections with potential customers. Entrepreneurs who skillfully navigate social media trends and build strong online presences are experiencing significant growth.
Conclusion
The entrepreneurial landscape is dynamic, with new trends constantly emerging. By embracing sustainable practices, leveraging AI and automation, adopting flexible work models, focusing on e-commerce, utilizing data-driven strategies, prioritizing health and well-being, and mastering social media marketing, entrepreneurs can ensure their businesses not only survive but thrive. Staying agile and innovative is the key to capitalizing on these trends and achieving long-term success in today’s competitive market.
Shopping today is more accessible, convenient, and speedy than ever before, thanks to increasingly innovative online and in-person channels. But with brands saturating every space—from billboards to social media—how do you ensure that you stand out? The key is branding, or the distinct identity of your business.
Statistics find that having a consistent brand identity can increase revenue by up to 23% and that 55% of customers are more likely to buy a product if they love a brand’s story. While these benefits are substantial, fostering your brand image requires highly specialized skills. And to harness these, your business needs to partner with an experienced brand manager.
What does a brand manager do?
A brand manager is crucial for every business since they ensure that all your products or services follow a running theme and identity that resonates with and appeals to your customers. The brand manager’s responsibilities include monitoring marketing trends and being vigilant about other competitor products in the marketplace. They develop, implement, and execute marketing initiatives and activities and coordinate with clients, senior management, and junior marketers to oversee all branding-related operations. A skilled brand manager can help you create a strong and consistent brand that solidifies your business’s identity in consumers’ consciousness.
Why is a brand manager vital for your company?
They can streamline branding operations
Branding is more complex than marketing individual projects. Ultimately, every effort should cohere with your brand identity—from the conceptualization of products and services to its execution and marketing. To illustrate, Coca-Cola has cemented its brand in public consciousness worldwide by contextualizing promotions in the regions they’re aired to resonate with the target market. However, an initiative like this requires strong collaboration throughout the company to ensure cohesion. A brand manager can be crucial since they direct the visual and messaging guidelines and facilitate inter-department collaboration. This streamlines branding operations so they all work toward a consistent brand identity.
They set your brand apart from the competition
An experienced brand manager knows which aspects of your product can appeal to customers owing to up-to-date insights on industry trends. As such, they can highlight unique and positive features that emphasize your band’s selling points and make it stand out. You can see this in Apple’s marketing: the tech giant specifically highlights the privacy features of its voice assistant, Siri, to set it apart from competitor brands that sell consumer data to improve algorithms that address common customer pain points. Likewise, a brand manager can help you identify and market your offerings’ unique offerings to establish authenticity and simplicity while elegantly setting you apart from top brands.
They elevate your online presence to boost your brand
Your online presence is crucial to elevating your brand since websites, mobile apps, and social media focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and quality content can invite trust. For example, Sephora’s e-commerce sales grew from $580 million to $3 billion from 2016 to 2022 thanks to its digital marketing strategies involving partnerships with influencers and user-generated content that heightened its visibility and credibility. Brand managers can help with this, too, since they boost your branding efforts by using the right digital tools to elevate your online presence. They use content management systems to manage and publish high-quality content across all channels and improve your website’s SEO to make you more visible. In doing so, they make you more accessible and consistent, helping solidify customer trust.
In today’s fast-paced world, your brand needs to stand out to succeed. With the help of a brand manager, you can set yourself apart from the competition with the latest strategies.
Article exclusively submitted to BLU DRAGONFLY
Written by Rae Jessa
The General’s Corner—“General”-y Speaking
Brigadier General Matt Barker, Texas Air National Guard
Our military is a leadership laboratory. When veterans return to civilian life, employers appreciate their attention to detail, work ethic, and no-nonsense approach to workplace challenges. I think this is because military service immerses new members in complex situations with diverse teams, often under pressure with risk of physical harm. Success in these conditions requires a unique brand of leadership, which is why our armed forces devote a great deal of attention to professional military education and growing ethical, competent leaders at every echelon. I’m going to tell you about four of them I was privileged to work for.
It’s said you can learn as much from bad leaders as good ones, but when I reflect on my Air Force career, I focus on the great bosses I had who showed me the ropes, lifted me up, and gave me an honest “vector check” when I needed it, even if I didn’t know it at the time. As a new lieutenant serving as a Minuteman missile launch officer, Dave was my primary crew commander and mentor. A history buff and passionate baseball fan, our conversations over many long drives, and long alerts buried in a launch control center beneath the North Dakota prairie covered the Civil War and the playoffs, but also his thoughts on leading people in the profession of arms. I was brash and probably a bit arrogant, and I appreciated his steady leadership and coaching. He helped me see myself the way others saw me, and a portion of that truth hurt. But that truth was exactly what I needed to refine my leadership approach and follow in his footsteps as a crew commander, then flight commander. 25 years later I still value his friendship and remember the challenges we faced together.
When I started flying, Justin was my supervisor for my first operational deployment to Turkey in 1997, helping enforce the United Nations no-fly zone over northern Iraq with our radar aircraft. I immediately noticed his genuine engagement with everyone on our large crew, and how deeply cared about people, not just the mission. The extra time he took to learn their stories and circumstances gave him unmatched authenticity and set an example I’m still trying to follow. Tensions were heightened in the region at that time, and Justin’s sense of humor and calm demeanor on the jet set us all at ease and helped us focus on the tactical problems at hand.
Leaving that assignment for Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, I met one of the most impactful leaders of my career, to whom I’m indebted for helping me refine my long-term Air Force goals and then lighting my fuse to send me chasing after them. This squadron commander was relentless in the pursuit of excellence. From our EC-130’s maintenance readiness to the unit’s standing in the base sports leagues, he led by example and demanded results. His callsign was “Stormin,’” and you didn’t want to be caught in that storm if you weren’t working to help the team move forward. As that squadron prepared to shut down, he was able to keep morale high and imbue our Airmen with a sense of pride and purpose right up until the very last flight. Loyal to his people, he personally worked the details of our follow-on assignments as 400 of us raised a parting glass and scattered to our new bases still bound by the camaraderie he’d fostered.
Great bosses make the best out of tough situations. As a major, I was assigned to Headquarters USAF, at the Pentagon. Any veteran who has done a staff tour will tell you they’d rather be back in the field, and Pentagon duty amplifies one’s longing to escape the bureaucratic grind and get back to his tank, ship, jet, or jeep. Anything but another meeting or PowerPoint presentation! Throw 10 or 12 Majors and Lieutenant Colonels with that mindset in an office full of cubicles, assign them an endless deluge of position papers, weapon system specifications, and other “special” projects to work (after fighting Washington traffic for at least an hour), turn on the coffee pot and wait for the fun to begin. For my office, the one bright spot was our Division Chief, Colonel “Buck.” Buck was as old-school as it gets. He had a razor-sharp wit and was brutally honest no matter who he was talking to. He also enjoyed a smoke (frequently), so we learned early to keep our jackets handy, because we usually had our impromptu meetings with him “al fresco,” despite the weather. I’ll spend a little more time discussing him because of his unique character and the ripple effect his style had on those who worked for him.
Buck knew how frustrating it could be chasing paper, spending hours churning out briefings that could be rendered irrelevant overnight by a budget decision or congressional mandate. As a seasoned officer and commander, he also had the big picture and knew the value of the work our team did, even when the daily grind distracted us. We had one of the largest portfolios on the Air Staff, and Buck reminded us on a regular basis of the national-level impact we were making. He also appreciated the impact the work could have on our families, and did everything he could to ease the stress. While other offices held late night sessions in the office to respond to higher level mandates or congressional inquiries, he’d send us home at a reasonable hour with the understanding to keep the phone handy.
Buck’s leadership philosophy was “Professionalism, Accountability, Communication, and Teamwork,” a “PACT.” He said it was a pact you made with yourself first and then with those you are privileged to lead. He lived that pact, he ensured that his officers upheld it, and I still remember and use it today. After I spent two years in his Division, a Colonel in Florida reached out to him about hiring me to lead one of his squadrons. We were undermanned, and my tour was supposed to last one more year—the obvious answer was no. But Buck gave a glowing recommendation and released me early, setting me on a path to command that you could say was my first big break. He wasn’t rewarding me, he was betting on my future leadership potential to benefit Big Air Force, and I’ll be forever grateful for his confidence.
I guess I’m lucky in that I’ve had more great bosses than I have room to list. I’m also lucky to still be experimenting in the leadership laboratory, trying to synthesize all the best traits of all those great bosses, trying to pay forward their investments in me. If we served together, you probably recognize at least one of the leaders I described, and if we didn’t I’m sure you can substitute those bosses that made you who you are. And for those of you still in the laboratory, thanks for of taking care of America’s sons and daughters who put it all on the line for us. You’re growing the next generation of awesome bosses.
Until next time, stay frosty and Hold the Line.
As Veterans, we identify as part of a special community of men and women who have volunteered to serve our great nation. We further identify with the branch of service we chose, and even more specifically with our “tribe”—our “rate,” Military Occupational Specialty, or Air Force Specialty Code. Every military specialty has unique training requirements, performance standards, and often history and customs surrounding the job. For most of my 31 years in uniform, I held the AFSC 13B: USAF Air Battle Manager (ABM). That defined my day to day duties, shaped my career, and gave me a front row seat for the interesting times we live in.
It’s been said that air traffic controllers use radar to keep airplanes separated, whereas the ABM uses radar to run them together. That’s an oversimplification, but maybe a good start. The Air Force uses ABM officers to orchestrate and execute the combat air campaign for the commander using tactics and technology. I volunteered for the career field in 1996, when the Air Force was increasing school house throughput to bolster the ranks in this critical specialty. I was attracted to the duty because unlike some other specialties, ABMs are in demand everywhere the Air Force fights. ABMs must learn and appreciate the nuances of air-to-air combat, air-to-ground operations, electronic warfare, missile defense, search-and-rescue and a multitude of other airpower missions; only then deploy to support them around the world.
I reported to the 325th Training Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, near Panama City, Florida, in June 1997. The location was perfect for the task at hand, as a primary location for fighter pilot training with weather and overwater airspace conducive to a rigorous flying schedule. That dovetailed with the ABM syllabus: we’d be able to meet face to face with the pilots we were supporting to plan training missions and receive “constructive criticism” in person minutes after they landed. The mobile radar equipment we trained on was identical to what the USAF deploys to operational theaters, just set up on a more permanent concrete pad with robust power and environmental control systems to ensure reliability in the Florida heat.
The course (at the time) ran nine months, not including survival school and water survival training I completed in the weeks prior. We started out in the books, going from higher level command relationships and equipment before drilling down into very specific details about fighters, bombers, weapons, and automated command and control systems—those used by our forces and allies, and also those of potential adversaries. Like me, many of my classmates had an affinity for military aircraft and devoured the material. We did, however, have a few candidates that struggled, having been assigned to the career field without prior knowledge or even interest of the technical subjects we explored. This would become more of a challenge as we progressed to radar control of rudimentary, then more complex air-to-air training engagements. In fact, our class would eventually hit the “average” attrition rate, with four of our original twelve failing to meet performance standards and being reassigned to other career fields.
Most graduates at the time were assigned to the E-3 “Sentry” Airborne Warning and Control System, a 70s-vintage jet liner converted for the command and surveillance mission. I was no exception, and reported to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City to begin my operational career on that storied airplane. One thing I came to recognize and enjoy early on was the camaraderie, and sometimes hijinks, that come with the territory when your crew consists of up to 30 aviators with different backgrounds and perspectives. The other thing I came to appreciate was the importance of the “big picture” that our eyes in the sky provided to pilots, as well as to commanders on the ground. I saw this on my first operational deployment to Turkey, helping enforce the United Nations no-fly zones over Iraq, during a time when Saddam Hussein was still lobbing the occasional surface-to-air missile at our jets and being punished accordingly.
I cut my teeth as an ABM at Tinker and would go on to fly the E-8C Joint Stars and EC-130E airborne command posts supporting the Army on the ground (taking me back to the renewed action in Iraq and Afghanistan) and the much smaller RC-26B for the Texas National Guard, reconnoitering the impact of Hurricane Harvey and supporting counter-drug and border security missions. I also got to command a ground radar squadron and work in our Air Operations Center in Germany, orchestrating the daily air campaigns in both Europe and Africa while getting graduate-level experience in a variety of joint mission areas. As a one-star general, I’ve been privileged to still be flying and leading a battle staff of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines on the U.S. Strategic Command’s E-6B airborne command post and finding the same rewards in the “crew dog” life that I did as a much younger officer. I still learn something new every time I step on the jet.
My time as an Air Battle Manager offered lasting memories: being airborne over Iraq during their first election day. Watching 100 or more aircraft on my scope squaring off over the Nevada desert in the world’s largest air combat exercise, RED FLAG. Seeing my name on the side of an airplane for the first time. Seeing the sunrise behind the San Jacinto monument from 6,000 feet, and seeing destruction wrought by Harvey on the Texas coast in the same mission. Most importantly: countless early morning briefings, long missions, and work hard/play hard deployments with some of the best people you could ever hope to serve with. I’d do it all over again without hesitation.
Until next time, Stay Frosty and Hold the Line.
Branding is a crucial aspect of any business, and it’s essential to invest time and resources into building a strong brand identity. Your brand identity is the personality and reputation of your business, and it’s what sets you apart from your competitors. In this article from Blu Dragonfly, we’ll discuss how to boost your branding efforts to ensure that your business stands out in the market.
Make Your Brand Identity Known
The first step in building a strong brand is defining your brand identity. Your brand identity should be unique and reflect your business’s values, purpose, and goals. You can start by answering some questions about your business, such as:
- What is your mission statement?
- What are your core values?
- Who is your target audience?
- What makes your business unique?
Once you have a clear understanding of your brand identity, you can start creating branding materials such as logos, taglines, and messaging that communicate your brand’s personality.
If you would like help developing your brand and marketing strategy, contact Blu Dragonfly for a consultation.
Improve Your Website’s SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) is critical for ensuring that your website ranks high in search engine results pages (SERPs). Optimizing your site for SEO involves creating high-quality content, using relevant keywords, and ensuring that your website is mobile-friendly and has a fast loading speed. You can also use a variety of tools to help you optimize your site. These tools can help you track your website’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and monitor your search engine rankings.
Content Management System
One of the best ways to enhance your brand is by using a content management system (CMS) to create, manage, and publish high-quality digital content across different channels. A CMS can help you streamline your content creation process, ensure that your messaging is consistent across all channels, and improve the overall user experience.
Include Strong Visuals in Your Messaging
Visuals are a powerful tool for enhancing your brand messaging, and incorporating impactful visuals into your marketing materials can help you stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Some effective ways to use visuals in your branding efforts include:
- Creating a distinctive logo that reflects your brand’s personality
- Using high-quality images and videos in your social media posts and blog content
- Developing a consistent color palette and design aesthetic across all branded materials
Promote Your Business Through Advertising
Investing in advertising is an excellent way to boost your brand’s visibility and attract new customers. There are many different types of advertising channels available, including social media advertising, search engine marketing, and display advertising.
When creating your advertising campaigns, it’s important to keep your target audience in mind and tailor your messaging to their needs and interests. You should also set clear goals for your advertising campaigns and track your results using analytics tools.
Analyze Your Rivals’ Marketing Strategies
Understanding your competitors and how they market their businesses can provide valuable insights into how you can enhance your branding efforts. By analyzing your competitors’ branding strategies, you can identify areas where you can differentiate yourself and create unique value propositions that appeal to your target audience.
Some effective ways to analyze your competitors include:
- Conducting a competitive analysis of their branding materials
- Researching their social media presence and engagement rates
- Analyzing their website traffic and search engine rankings
Get Customer Feedback with Surveys
If you’re aiming to improve your business’s marketing game, conducting a survey can be an excellent way to start. To gain valuable insights from your customers, an incentivized survey can do wonders. You can easily offer a survey study gift card through an API that will encourage customers to participate in a way that benefits both them and your brand. The gift card can provide an extra incentive for people to take the survey and give their honest opinions and feedback.
With this feedback, you can get a better understanding of your customer’s needs and expectations, which will undoubtedly benefit your branding efforts. Plus, it’s relatively easy to offer a survey study gift card and get started on your survey journey today.
Review Your Marketing Plan Frequently
Finally, it’s essential to regularly revisit your marketing strategy and adjust it as needed to ensure that your branding efforts remain effective. As your business evolves and your target audience changes, your marketing strategy should adapt accordingly. By regularly revisiting your marketing strategy and tracking your results, you can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions about how to enhance your branding efforts over time.
Boost Your Knowledge with a Business Degree
Pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in business can be a key to success as you gain a wealth of knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to the field of marketing. With an understanding of business principles and strategies, you can better navigate the complexities of today’s marketplace and develop effective marketing campaigns that resonate with your target audience.
By studying topics such as market research, consumer behavior, and digital marketing, you can expand your knowledge and enhance your skills as a marketing professional, positioning yourself for greater success and growth in this dynamic industry.
Review Your Marketing Plan Frequently
A strong brand identity is essential for a business to succeed in today’s highly competitive market. It helps to differentiate your business from the rest and creates a recognizable image that customers can relate to. By implementing various branding strategies like optimizing your website for SEO, managing content using CMS, analyzing competitors, and more, you can enhance your branding efforts, increase brand visibility, and ultimately drive more sales.
