By Jack Perry
Americans love credentials. Whether someone has a CFP, a CPA, a PHD or an LSW after his or her name, the credentials make us stand up and take notice. Credentials are one of the “little things” that can add so much to your reputation and will help you rise above the crowd.
When you have the right credentials, people will perceive you to be more skilled, smarter, and more motivated. Credentials are a tangible representation of your serious commitment to your life’s work. With them, you separate yourself from your competition; without them, you’re just a commodity.
Almost every career field has some aspects in which you can become certified in. It might not be something major, like the CPA exam; it could be a special certificate you earn for gaining new knowledge in your field. Be creative in earning special designations and credentials. Every credential will be a plus to your professional life.
Before obtaining credentials, evaluate whether you want to stay in your current field. If you don’t, becoming credentialed will be a waste of time. Always spend your time in a way that is meaningful and rewarding to you—that includes your workday. If you are an accountant and always wanted to be a Realtor, or if you are a business consultant who always wanted to be a writer, now is the time to make the change—before you invest any more time or effort into your current profession. If you need help finding your dream career, consider talking to a career counselor or a coach.
Once you are sure you’re in the right career, learn everything about it that you can. Attend association meetings, read industry journals, and soak up knowledge. Once you’ve hit a plateau, that’s the time to pursue your certification. For continued success, it’s not enough to provide great customer service, show up on time for work, and be skilled at what you do. To really separate yourself from the crowd you have to have that special something—credentials.
You don’t necessarily need to spend years to get your PHD; you might just need to invest a little cash and some study time to gain a special license. Any extra step you take to further your knowledge and prove your expertise will be well received. Don’t become stagnant and just like everyone else—strive to become a player at the top of your game.
Credentials also give you a competitive edge with your peers. If you and a colleague with similar education and work experience are going for the same promotion or the same business deal, you will automatically earn some “pluses” in your column just for having your credentials. Not only will others see that you have that “edge,” but so will you. You will gain self-confidence and a better self-image, and that will also help propel you toward success.
Realize this will take some work. You will need to invest money, time, and effort toward the pursuit of your goal, but you will be rewarded in the end. When you have credentials, your clients, prospects. and peers will perceive you as being more professional, more dedicated, and more informed. You’ll inspire greater trust and confidence from your clients when you have the credentials that go behind your name. Additionally, you will be seen as a reliable source and the “go-to” person when someone needs to consult an expert.
How do you begin? Here are some tips to help you on your journey.
Tip 1: Determine which credentials you need.
Find out what programs are available in your industry. If you need ideas or recommendations, go to association meetings, networking events, read trade journals, ask your competitors, consult with industry experts, and see which certification programs will benefit you the most. If a specialized niche exists within your profession, focus on that and set yourself apart even more.
Tip 2: Make a commitment.
Put your money on the line and invest in you. Pick your desired certification. Write down your personal deadline for attaining your goal. Then outline a plan of how much time you’ll invest preparing for it. Mark off time in your planner. Prepare diligently and your efforts will pay off. When you achieve your certification, celebrate—you’ve achieved your goal!
Tip 3: Stop making excuses.
Never think you’re too smart, too busy, or too old to gain a certification. Just do it. Realize that gaining the credential will give you personal satisfaction, boost your ego, earn you more power and respect, and put you at the top of your profession. What are you waiting for?
Tip 4: Display your credentials.
What’s the point of having credentials if no one knows about them? Let the world know—tactfully. Don’t brag about something like a bachelor’s degree if all your co-workers have one too, but anything beyond the norm you should advertise. Frame a certificate and hang it in your office and add you certification to your business card, press releases, and your stationary. Include it in any professional correspondence. Put it on your website on your “about” or “bio” page. If you write an article for an industry publication, add your credentials to your byline. Include the information on your professional bio. Use it anywhere you want people to recognize that you’ve gone the extra mile to become certified.
Start Today
A few extra letters after your name won’t change your life overnight, but it will give your career a boost. Don’t get overwhelmed—remember, you don’t necessarily need your PHD. Even getting your LSW, your CFP, your CPA, or your broker’s license will benefit you. You will gain new knowledge to better serve your clients and you will become more valuable in your business. Now is the time to make the commitment. Set yourself a goal, don’t make excuses, and be proud of yourself when you reach your goal. When you do, you will be on a level playing field with the most respected people in your field.
Credentials from The Respect Factor®
THE RESPECT FACTOR® is a trademark of Jack Perry in the United States and other countries. Used with permission. ©2009 Jack Perry. All rights reserved
Comments