Cool, Calm, and Career Ready

Hi

If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: plan your career—don’t just wait for opportunities to show up or for frustration to push you into action. Back then, my CV was always out of date, I’d apply for jobs on impulse, and I was never really prepared. Even for internal roles, I thought, “I’ve got this!” (Spoiler: I didn’t) and skipped the prep.

The result? I missed out on promotions—over and over. And I’m not alone: only one in ten employees are getting promoted now, which is a 23% drop from last year!

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to be actively job-hunting to start getting ready for when opportunity strikes. The end of the year is a natural time to reflect and think about what’s next. Things are usually quieter, too, making it the perfect chance to take a breath and get ahead.

This week’s newsletter is all about taking charge of your career—whether you’re eyeing a role in your organization or planning a leap elsewhere. The time to act is now.

🎯 Take Control of Your Career—Starting Now

When was the last time you really thought about your next career move? If you’re waiting for the “right time” or letting frustration push you into action, it’s time to flip the script.

Owning your career means being proactive—whether it’s preparing for a future role, leveling up your skills, or creating a standout personal brand. This applies whether you’re climbing internally or stepping into a new organization. Here’s how to start:

Action Steps: Start Small, Think Big

1. Take Stock of Where You Are

   • What’s working in your current role? What’s not?

   • Write down one career goal for the next six months—growth internally or a leap elsewhere.

2. Refresh Your Achievements

   • Highlight one recent success and turn it into a measurable metric. For example: “Increased account revenue by 15% in six months.”

   • Update one section of your LinkedIn profile or resume this week.

3. Learn One New Thing

   • Pick a soft skill or technical skill to sharpen. (Check out the “20 Free KAM Courses” below!)

   • Follow one thought leader in your industry for fresh insights.

4. Expand Your Network

   • Connect with someone new on LinkedIn or reach out to an old colleague.

   • Look for internal opportunities to collaborate across teams.

5. Plan Ahead for Opportunities

   • Start a simple 90-day success plan you can use when the right role comes along.

   • Bookmark one job posting that excites you—even if you’re not looking.

🎥 Must-Watch: Last-Minute KAM Interview Prep

Got an interview tomorrow? Don’t panic—prepare like a pro with my latest YouTube video. You’ll learn how to answer common questions, handle tough scenarios, and showcase your achievements confidently.

Plus, grab your free Interview Preparation Checklist to stay organized and focused. Watch now and ace your big day. 🚀

📖 Featured Article: “40 Best KAM Interview Questions”

I have put together a comprehensive list of the most common interview questions for key account managers, alongside tips on how to answer them. Learn how to prepare responses that showcase your skills, experience, and personality.

Check it out here​.

Additional Career Resources

• 90-Day Success Plan Template: Build trust quickly in a new role with this comprehensive action plan.

• Zety Resume Builder: Effortlessly update your CV with professional templates designed for applicant tracking systems.

• 20 Free KAM Courses: Grow client revenue and retention with these free skill-building resources.

• Bonus Mind Map: Get a visual preparation template to organize your interview responses like a pro.

📌 This Week’s Finds

• Gamma App: A lifesaver for creating stunning presentations in seconds. Paste your content, and this AI-powered tool formats it beautifully with professional visuals—perfect for client proposals or team updates. Perfect for creating stunning client proposals or sales decks in minutes—just paste and go.

• Habitica: Boost your productivity by gamifying your goals. Earn rewards, track habits, and tackle your to-do list like an RPG character levelling up. Fun and motivating! Use it to turn your goals into a game and stay motivated all year long.

• 120 LinkedIn Post Templates: Struggling with LinkedIn content? This resource offers ready-to-use templates with real examples, helping you share ideas that engage your network and enhance your professional presence.

• Kleo Chrome Extension: Improve how you use LinkedIn. From enhanced search filters to better formatting options for posts, Kleo makes networking and content creation easier and more effective. Try it to make LinkedIn searches easier and your posts more polished.

📆 Your Action Plan

1. Update one section of your LinkedIn profile today (like your headline or summary).

2. Jot down three recent accomplishments with measurable results.

3. Write out one career goal for the next six months.

4. Bookmark a job posting that excites you—even if you’re not actively looking.

5. Practice answering “Tell me about yourself” in under 60 seconds

Taking charge of your career isn’t a one-time project; it’s an ongoing journey. The small steps you take today—polishing your profile, networking with intention, or learning new skills—add up to big wins over time.

Remember, progress doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to start.

You’ve got this, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. 😊

Until next time,

P.S. When you're ready, here are some ways I can help you:

1. Join The KAM Club: Get access to unmatched training, open office hours, exclusive templates, and a community of experts.

2. Try KAM Fundamentals: My 6-week training journey to build trusted advisor relationships and boost client revenue.

3. Get Career Coaching: Whether you need interview prep, first 90-day support, or help at any career stage, I offer tailored coaching programs.

4. KAM Training and Consulting Advice: If you could like to discuss key account management training programs, consulting projects and group coaching, book a 1:1 discovery call and let’s talk

5. Sponsor the Newsletter: If you like the newsletter and thought your product might be a good fit for my audience, learn more about how to feature in the newsletter