Click here to see this email in your web browser if you have trouble viewing it.


February 11, 2009

Dear Friend:

So many of our clients are sharing that the current economy is really challenging them to slow down and assess if it’s time to change their career course. (Read more about this in my recent Life Balance Newsletter.)

Are you nervous about job security and wondering what else is out there? Have you experienced ongoing restlessness in your current job and know that a change is inevitable? Are you ready to progress in your career and receive recognition for your talents? Are you considering starting your own business but feel paralyzed around your first steps or if now is the right time to make a leap? Are you ready to experience work that is meaningful and truly makes an impact?

If you were a client sitting across from me in my office and asking these questions, I’d challenge you to start by doing the following:

• Get support! Whether that’s from a coach, mentor, professional organization or career support group, there is no reason to do this alone and people who seek out help are more successful on their journey (www.AustinCoaching.com lists Austin area coaches). Ongoing accountability is crucial to you meeting your goals.

• Be around people who hold the highest and the best for you. Be picky about who you share your career/life dreams and vision with and surround yourself with people who value and believe in your abilities.

• Stop procrastinating—do this now! Everyone I’ve worked with over the last 20 years shares that after they make a career or job change they have only one regret-- that they didn’t do it earlier!

• Be open to new possibilities. Read more from my blog posting on possibilities. You don’t know what you don’t know. There are more opportunities and work scenarios out there than you can possibly imagine.

• Invest resources and time in yourself. Regardless of our company’s annual sales, I allocate dedicated resources every year to working with a business coach, attending personal retreats and carving out time for regular ongoing personal and professional growth opportunities. There is no better use of your time, energy and resources than investing in yourself!

We would love to support you in gaining greater clarity and focus around your career path or your small business. Call us at 512-459-6700 or email info@careerstrategsts.net to set up an appointment today!

Warmly, Renee Trudeau and Angela Estes and the Career Strategists Team

P.S. If you are one of the thousands that is considering going out on your own, check out journalist Sarah Lindner’s wonderful recent Austin American Statesman articles on what it’s really like to be self employed. I had the opportunity to contribute my perspective, too. And, if you’re trying to decide if self-employment is right for you, come to our popular, resource-packed Finding Your Career Mojo Workshop on Feb. 26th to learn more about what the necessary steps are to finding work is a “fit” for you! This workshop is ideal for anyone in career transition. EARLY BIRD DEADLINE ENDS 2/13!

***************************************************************************
*NEW* DIY CAREER CHANGE AND JOB SEARCH TOOLKITS!
***************************************************************************

Ready to make a change but need a “jump start” to help you get started?  On a tight budget or unable to allocate the resources for one-on-one coaching? Purchase a DIY Career Change Toolkit or a DIY Job Search Workshop today—only $99!   Learn more.

***************************************************************************
FOR ENTREPRENEURS: SURVIVING AND THRIVING IN AN UNCERTAIN ECONOMY
***************************************************************************

How are you responding to the downturn in the economy? I talk to small business owners every day who are frustrated, confused about where to direct their resources and working hard to just keep their heads above water. Here are some ideas to help you navigate these uncertain times and maximize downtime in your business. Learn more about our small business coaching services.


**************************************************************************** UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/EVENTS ****************************************************************************

February 26th: 6:00 - 8:30 pm, St. Edward’s Professional Development Center (183/Mopac): Finding Your Career Mojo Workshop, a career change seminar for professionals in career transition, held in Austin. EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS 2/13. Register online today! 

April 24-26:   Spring Self-Renewal Retreat with Renee Trudeau at The Crossings for women in career or life transition. Don’t miss this life-changing retreat and opportunity to de-stress, reflect and refresh. Learn more or register online here. EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS 2/13. A wonderful Valentine’s or Mother’s Day gift!



Visit our calendar to view more events or learn how to register!


***************************************************************************
HOW CAN WE SUPPORT YOU? VISIT OUR WEB SITE TO LEARN MORE
****************************************************************************
Career Strategists' Personalized Services Include:

• Strategic career planning and management assistance

• Client marketing, branding and positioning services (including resume and cover letter review/development)

• Coaching on job transitioning, interviewing and salary negotiation

• Tailored job search strategy sessions

• Work/life balance coaching, groups, workshops and keynote addresses

• Entrepreneur/small business planning, start-up and marketing coaching

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessment and interpretation sessions for individuals and groups

• Customized presentations and seminars for companies and groups


Have a Hectic Schedule? Consider Phone or Email Coaching

Have an erratic schedule but need help with your resume, salary negotiation, interviewing, preparing for your next annual performance review, jump starting your job search or creating more balance in your life? Consider setting up a phone or email coaching session. Convenient, personalized and affordable. Clients say phone/email coaching is highly effective and a great way to get laser-feedback on very specific career, small business or work/life balance issues.

Email angela@careerstrategists.net to learn more. Or, call our office at 512-459-6700 to schedule an appointment with Renee or Angela.


**************************************************************************** THINGS WE DO FOR OUR CLIENTS ****************************************************************************

Career Strategists' clients receive personalized, targeted, strategic resources, support and guidance to help them create a life and career that is aligned with their personal and professional values. Did you know we:

• Offer email coaching support to all of our clients who purchase career packages and typically respond to our clients' questions within 24 hours

• Offer a complimentary job leads service to let our clients know about jobs in Austin's "underground job market"

• Offer complimentary access to our new online password-protected Career Management Resource Center, packed with hundreds of tips, how-to lists, articles and resource lists on Career Management/Job Search, Personal Branding/Marketing and Work/Life Balance

• Provide our clients with connections and referrals to companies/organizations to help them move forward on their career or life path

• Create special exercises just for our clients to help them gain greater clarity and focus while navigating their career path

• Offer a discount to all current Career Strategists' clients on single sessions

Check out our coaching packages and fees to learn more about our services and don't hesitate to call or email to let us know how we can help you. (Note: we have different rates levels based on which Career Strategists’ coach you work with.)

****************************************************************************
PLEASE SHARE THESE RESOURCES WITH THOSE WHO CAN USE THEM
****************************************************************************

Feel free to forward this newsletter on to friends/colleagues who could benefit from the information.

Career Management Resources is an online newsletter published quarterly by Career Strategists. Please let us know if you are receiving duplicate copies of the newsletter so we may correct this error.

Copyright© 2008 Renee Trudeau, Career Strategists. All rights reserved.

No portion of this newsletter may be copied or reproduced in any format without the express written consent of the author. You may forward this newsletter on, as long as the Copyright information remains intact.