By: Ethan Klink, Producer, Strickler Agency, Inc.

Ethan Klink Producer Strickler Agency Inc.
Ethan Klink, Producer, Strickler Agency Inc.

As a young professional in an industry where I am surrounded by tenured and well-established professionals, I am constantly trying to find ways to earn the respect and trust of my clients and peers. Society has conditioned not only me, but the millennial generation, to focus on the final outcome, “get to the point,” or as Nike quotes, “Just Do It.” Far too many times, I feel we ignore the “little things,” and we lose out on the best opportunity to grow as individuals and professionals. Creating a process for your professional life allows you to not only accomplish your goals, but it sets you up for success.

What is the process?

The process to me is a roadmap; it establishes where to start and where my ultimate goal lies. It may be different for everyone or change over time, but overall, you need to know where you are now and where you need to go. This will allow you to set smaller or more obtainable goals and actions to get you to your “destination.” More importantly, be sure to continuously self-reflect on what got you to this point and take that opportunity readjust if you need to.

How to develop your process?

The best way to develop your process is through mentorship. It’s important to surround yourself with a trusted advisory team made up of mentors who may or may not be in your industry but will allow you to “pick” their brain about what has made them successful or what they could have done differently. By continuously leveraging these relationships, it can help create awareness and build knowledge.

How to implement?

Just as they say you cannot fit a square peg in a round hole, not every technique will work. You will fail, so be flexible, roll with the objections, and create what works for you. Much like your career, it can’t be mastered overnight. It is something that must be practiced, tested and constantly reevaluated. By developing a process and a plan, you will find yourself boosting confidence, self-awareness and overall professional growth.


Posted April 9, 2020