Advocacy: Who's looking out for you?

Here's the process for most career managers:

Update resume: Check

Monitor online job boards: Check

Build a network: Check

Tell a compelling story about your future: Work in progress.

Advocacy: Huh?

Who will be an advocate for you when you look to elevate your career?

Success in life is often tied to the help you receive from others. You need advocates who will sing your praises and keep an eye out for your interests. Sounds simple, but most of us have fewer advocates than we should.

Advocacy is fascinating because it is related to marketing. If you proclaim: "I am determined to establish a non-profit that will send children's shoes to third world nations" you have begun the process of attracting advocates. You will attract people who believe what you believe. These people will help you accomplish your desired goals.

Here's the catch. Your intentions must be clear in order to attract advocates. Otherwise people walk away confused about your direction.

Take the time to craft a compelling story. Start with why you do what you do. When you build your list of advocates there is no limit to what you can accomplish.