A mentor once gave me some sage advice on how to build a portfolio career that builds on itself. He suggested that I build an asset that would be more valuable in six months than it was that day.
For many marketers, the asset is an email list. For journalists, it might be a collection of bylines and published articles. But equally important is the trust and reputation that comes from dealing fairly with people.
This is important to remember because not all work can be captured and documented, much less discussed. Much of my best work over the past decade as a facilitator and speaker has been behind closed doors, helping leaders navigate the turbulent waters of cultural change within their organizations.
My friend Shelby‘s career takes challenge to its logical extreme: she spent six years at the State Department engaged in high-stakes, international diplomacy and crisis management. Can she talk about the specifics of her work? Of course not. But does she win business for her leadership coaching on the strength of her credibility and experience? You bet she does.
If you can get a testimonial, an email address, or a referral, by all means, do it. But every conversation, email, and difficult decision along the way is an investment that pays dividends.
Willie Jackson is a