iAmIT - Career Coaching.

iAmIT Career Coaching ( Let's get your dream job )

The fastest way to build your career is to learn from someone who has done it. Boost your career progression by seeking guidance from a successful mentor like Amit Patel, a career coach who has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share. Patel has held positions as the CXO of two startups as well as a director at AMC Networks, Macy's, and BBCA, and has helped many individuals advance their careers through coaching and mentorship. By learning from someone who has already achieved success in their field, you can gain valuable insights and guidance to help you reach your career goals faster

  1. 01/09/2023

    What is quite hiring? And why should you care?

    "Quiet Hiring" is a strategy used by businesses in which employers use their current staff to fill skill and talent gaps rather than hiring new employees. It may also involve external quiet hiring, in which employers supplement their existing team with contract support rather than taking on full-time employees. The purpose of quiet hiring is to make the most of the current workforce and improve retention, with the goal of benefiting the business in the long run. It may also be a response to the trend of "Quiet Quitting," where employees are taking control of their lives and work. Are you tired of constantly hiring and training new employees? Well, buckle up because the next big thing in the employment world is "Quiet Hiring"! This trend involves using current staff to fill skill and talent gaps rather than hiring new employees. Alternatively, businesses may also choose to supplement their team with contract support rather than taking on full-time employees. But why is Quiet Hiring so important? It's all about maximizing your current workforce and improving retention to benefit your business in the long run. After the wild ride that was the past few years, some companies are now trying to correct their over investments, while others are waiting to see what others do. For those in the middle, the question remains: how can we take advantage of the excess talent in the market without breaking the bank? The answer is simple - invest in your people! Of course, there's a right way and a wrong way to go about Quiet Hiring. Don't just expect your employees to do more for less. Instead, consider hiring subject matter experts (SMEs) to enhance your core competencies and invest in training for your full-time employees. This will not only fill the gaps you need, but it will also lead to career development for your current employees. But before you start hiring SMEs and investing in training, take the time to identify what skills and competencies you need. Simplify your strategy around your highest-performing business units and identify 1-3 skills that would enhance or grow those competencies. Then, create a financial model to estimate the potential return on investment. Once you've done all that, test your Quiet Hiring strategy by hiring an SME on a contract basis for 3-6 months with clear objectives and KPIs. Track progress and evaluate performance on a monthly basis, and when the SME's work is complete, create a blueprint to document the procedures for your organization. So, what are the benefits of Quiet Hiring the right way? It can help avoid employee burnout, result in long-term cost savings, lead to better strategic planning, drive continuous innovation, and identify your best and brightest employees. Plus, it's a great way to respond to the trend of "Quiet Quitting," where employees are taking control of their lives and work. So, don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your business - give Quiet Hiring a try!

    2 min
  2. Top Talent Drives the Shift towards remote working ( Bonus: 6 free tools you should try )

    01/04/2023

    Top Talent Drives the Shift towards remote working ( Bonus: 6 free tools you should try )

    The future of work is constantly evolving and it is often the top job candidates who drive these changes. According to economist Raj Choudhury of Harvard Business School, the current trend is towards extreme flexibility in the workplace. Top talent no longer wants just a hybrid work option, they want to be able to work from wherever they choose. Choudhury believes that this will lead to a divide between companies that embrace the "work-from-anywhere" model and those that are resistant to it. He predicts that those in denial may lose their best talent as a result, forcing them to catch up to the changing landscape. The pandemic brought about the idea of the 3/2 work model, where employees would spend three days in the office and two days working remotely. However, this model has not fully materialized. Instead, remote work has become increasingly popular, with companies expecting their employees to work from home for almost half of the week. Startups, with their nimble and adaptable nature, are well-positioned to take advantage of this shift towards remote work. Established firms, on the other hand, must decide whether to hang on to expensive real estate and traditional management styles or to adapt to the trend. One group that has particularly favored office-based work is senior leaders, who often have their own private offices or meeting spaces. With the economic downturn, some of these veteran corporate managers may use the softer job market as leverage to bring employees back to the office. However, top talent has already demonstrated a preference for remote work, which could lead to conflict as the issue is resolved. In conclusion, the future of work is influenced by the demands of top talent and the current trend is towards extreme flexibility, including the ability to work from anywhere. This shift presents challenges for both startups and established firms, with the latter facing the decision of whether to adapt or hold on to traditional ways. The economic downturn may also play a role, as senior leaders try to bring employees back to the office, but they may face resistance from those who prefer remote work. 6 free tools you should try Remote work has become increasingly important in recent years, and technology has played a crucial role in making it possible. There are many tools and software available to help make remote work more efficient and effective. Here are some of the best tools for working from home (WFH): Loom: Loom is a simple desktop app or browser plugin that allows you to privately record your screen and/or camera and send video messages to your team members. This can be a much faster and more efficient way to communicate than typing out emails or having long meetings. The free plan is robust enough for most teams, but you may want to upgrade if you want to keep videos permanently. Miro: Miro is a virtual whiteboard that allows for collaborative drawing, writing, and adding images, text, links, and stock graphics. It's a great tool for fostering creativity and communication, and the free plan includes three boards. Trello: Trello is a simple, flexible project management tool that's easy to use from day one. It also has a great library of Trello boards to help you get started. Xtensio: Xtensio is a collaboration platform that allows teams to create and manage beautiful presentations, reports, and documents called folios. It offers easy-to-use drag and drop functionality and helps with branding by allowing users to work under a custom dashboard. Slack: Slack is a popular chat tool for the workplace, and it has several enhancements that keep it ahead of the competition. It's robust, reliable, and heavily integrated, making it a crucial tool for remote teams. Zoom: Zoom is the leader in video conferencing, with high-quality video and audio reliability. This makes it an essential tool for virtual meetings. Overall, these tools can help make remote work more efficient and effective by facilitating commun

    3 min
  3. 01/03/2023

    The Importance of Timing in Salary Negotiations: When to negotiate is more important than how.

    Salary negotiations can be a nerve-wracking experience, but they are an important aspect of any career. Knowing when to negotiate and how to effectively communicate your value to your employer can make all the difference in securing the salary you deserve. In this article, we will discuss the importance of timing in salary negotiations, strategies for increasing your bargaining power, and the right time to negotiate. The Importance of being able to say NO! Timing is a crucial factor to consider when negotiating salary. If you are not in a position of power to say NO during the negotiation, it may be difficult to negotiate effectively. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as a lack of experience, a lack of valuable skills or contributions to the company, or simply not being in a position within the team.  On the other hand, if your company is not in a position to say no to you, it may be the perfect time to negotiate. For example, if you are an essential member of a team or have been consistently delivering strong results, your employer may be more willing to consider a salary increase. Strategies for Increasing Your Bargaining Power There are several strategies you can use to increase your bargaining power in salary negotiations. One key strategy is to make yourself valuable to the company through your skills and contributions. This can include taking on additional responsibilities, delivering high-quality work, and continuously seeking out opportunities to learn and improve. By demonstrating your worth to the organization, you increase the chances that the company will agree to your terms. Another effective strategy is to have a backup job or at least the appearance of other options. This can show your employer that you are not desperate and are willing to consider other opportunities, which can increase your bargaining power. In the past, while working as an engineering lead, I used to casually mention to my manager that I was being "bugged" by other companies on Linkedin, or that a friend had reached out about an open position at their company. These approaches were less aggressive but still conveyed to my boss that I was not desperate. It's important to remember to still provide value to the team and demonstrate your worth to the organization, even while negotiating salary. It is important to approach this strategy with caution, as overly aggressive negotiation tactics can backfire and damage your relationship with your employer. The Right Time to Negotiate Knowing when to negotiate salary is crucial to your success. One good time to consider salary negotiations is when a new project is starting ( When the company doesn't have time to replace you ) or when something important needs to be completed and you are a key part of its success. This can be a prime opportunity to increase the chances of getting a higher salary. Another good time to negotiate is when you have received a job offer from another company or have been approached about a new opportunity. This can provide leverage in negotiations with your current employer, as they may be more willing to consider a salary increase to retain your services. It is important to be mindful of the timing of salary negotiations. Picking the wrong time can result in missing a window of opportunity and potentially jeopardizing your position within the company. For example, if your company is going through a tough financial period, it may not be the best time to ask for a salary increase. Similarly, if you have just received a promotion or a significant raise, it may not be appropriate to negotiate again for a while. In addition to timing, it is important to be prepared when negotiating salary. This includes researching industry standards and knowing your worth in the job market. It can also be helpful to have a clear understanding of your accomplishments and the value you bring to the company. By being knowledgeable and prepared, you can effectively communicate

    4 min
  4. 01/02/2023

    The Power of a Strong "Tell Me About Yourself" Response: How Answering this Common Question Can Set the Stage for a Successful Interview!

    Tell me about yourself" is a common question that you may be asked in an interview or at a networking event. It is an opportunity for you to share some information about your background, skills, and accomplishments, and can help to navigate the direction of the interview. By answering this question well, you can give the interviewer a sense of your relevant experience and qualifications, and provide ideas for follow-up questions. When answering this question, it's important to keep in mind that the person asking is looking for a brief summary of your relevant experience and qualifications. It's not necessary to share every detail of your personal life or work history. Instead, focus on highlighting the experiences and skills that make you a strong fit for the role you are interested in. This can give the interviewer a clear understanding of your strengths and areas of expertise, and provide ideas for further discussion. Here are some tips for answering "Tell me about yourself": Focus on your professional background: This is your chance to give a brief overview of your education, work experience, and career goals. You can highlight your most relevant achievements and skills, and emphasize how they make you a strong candidate for the position. Tailor your response to the job: Make sure to mention any experience or qualifications that are particularly relevant to the role you are applying for. This will show the interviewer that you have a good understanding of what the job entails and that you are a good fit for the position. Keep it concise: You don't want to go into too much detail about your personal life, so try to keep your response focused on your professional background and goals. Aim for a concise, two-three minutes overview of your career. Use this as an opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the interview: You can use your response to "Tell me about yourself" to set the tone for the rest of the interview and establish the themes that you want to emphasize throughout the conversation. It's also important to tailor your response to the specific role or industry you are interviewing for. For example, if you are applying for a position in marketing, you might focus on your experience with social media campaigns and data analysis. If you are attending a networking event, you might emphasize your leadership skills or your passion for a particular field. Answering the question "Tell me about yourself" well can set the tone for the rest of the interview and help to establish you as a strong candidate. By highlighting your relevant experience and skills, and keeping your answer focused and concise, you can give the interviewer a clear understanding of your qualifications and set the stage for a productive and successful interview. It can be a great opportunity to steer the conversation in the direction you want it to go.

    2 min
  5. 12/29/2022

    Empowering Strategies for Successful Leadership Transitions A Letter to New Leaders

    Congratulations on taking on a leadership role! This is a major accomplishment in your career and a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional growth. As you embark on this exciting journey, it's natural to feel a mix of emotions including excitement, anticipation, and even a little bit of insecurity or fear. But remember, you have the skills and potential to succeed in this new role. With a little guidance and by creating a personal success plan, you can tap into your full leadership capacity and make a positive impact on your team, your organization, and the world. Embrace this opportunity to think on a larger scale and make a difference. With the right strategies and support, you can thrive in your new role as a manager and lead your team to success. 1: Connect with Your Team on an Emotional Level In order to effectively lead and connect with your team, it's important to understand and embrace your own values and mindset. Consider seeking out a coach or mentor to help you navigate challenging personal and professional circumstances and develop your leadership skills. Remember to reach for a heart before you reach for a hand – building connections with your team is essential for building strong, successful teams. 2: The Importance of Listening in Leadership As a leader, it's essential to take the time to listen and understand the perspectives of your team members. This helps build trust and shows that you value their input and ideas. Remember the 80-20 rule – aim to listen 80% of the time and speak 20%. This not only helps you gain valuable insights and knowledge from your team, but also demonstrates your commitment to collaboration and inclusion. 3: Define Your Leadership Style Leadership is a dynamic, active process, and one style does not fit all. Take the time to evaluate what works and doesn't work for you as a leader, and consider developing your "authentic" leadership style or approaching it from a "purpose-driven" perspective. Remember that leadership is situational and evolving, and the expectations and skills you develop as a leader will continue to grow and change. 4: Dos and Don'ts for Your Leadership Transition As you take on a new leadership role, it's important to build trust with your team and define your management style. Avoid oversharing, but make an effort to connect with your team members on a personal level. Focus on creating a positive culture and helping your team members connect with the leader's vision and the company's goals. Remember to seek out allies and advocates, and build your social and human capital to support your initiatives. 5: Delegating for Success As a leader, it's natural to want to take on as much as possible to prove your value. However, it's important to remember that part of your role is to delegate tasks to your team and establish a leadership process. Take a step back and consider whether you are the best person to tackle a specific task, or if it would be better suited for someone else on the team. Thinking from a leadership perspective and considering how your team and organization can best be served will help set you up for success and prepare you for future promotions. Remember, it's okay to say "no" and prioritize your workload. Delegating tasks and guiding your team to success is an important part of your role as a leader.

    3 min
  6. 12/29/2022

    The Power of Perseverance: How One Middle Manager Became the CEO of a $1.8 Trillion Company

    Have you ever heard the saying, "Winners never quit, and quitters never win"? It's a cliche, but it holds a lot of truth. Most people give up too soon or become complacent before they've truly reached their potential. But the winners in life are often those who don't look like winners in their early years. If you can't imagine yourself as a successful person right now, that's okay. Success is often a journey, not a destination. It takes time and effort to get to where you want to be, and it's important to remember that your current circumstances do not define your future. So, if you want to be a winner in life, don't give up too soon. Keep improving yourself and keep hustling. Don't let setbacks or challenges hold you back. Keep going no matter what, and eventually, your time will come. Successful people aren't born that way. They become successful by constantly striving to be better and by never giving up, even when things get tough. If you want to be a winner, you have to be willing to put in the work and persevere through the difficult times. So, don't worry about what you look like now. Be the person you want to be by constantly working towards your goals and never giving up. With hard work and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Satya Nadella is a great example who never gave up on his dreams. Today, he is the CEO of Microsoft, a company worth a staggering $1.8 trillion. But it wasn't always easy for Nadella. In 1993, he was just another middle manager at Microsoft, working on Excel demos. Despite this humble beginning, Nadella didn't let his circumstances define him. He worked hard and climbed the ladder, eventually becoming the CEO of Microsoft in 2014. Today, he is worth an estimated $700 million, a testament to his hard work and determination. Nadella's story is a testament to the fact that there are many ways to win in life. It doesn't always come easy, and it takes hard work and perseverance to achieve success. But if you are willing to put in the effort and never give up, you too can reach the top. So, if you want to be a winner like Satya Nadella, remember to never give up on your dreams. Keep working hard and pushing yourself to be the best you can be. With hard work and determination, you too can achieve great things. When we see someone who has achieved great success, it's easy to assume that they took an easy path to get there. But the reality is that most successful people have had to put in a lot of time and effort to reach their goals. It's not uncommon for people to spend years, even decades, working towards their dreams. You might not want to follow the same path as someone else, and that's okay. There are many different ways to achieve success. But one thing is certain: if you want to achieve something big, it will take time and effort. So, if you're feeling discouraged or like you're not making progress, remember that it's all part of the journey. Keep working hard and persevering, and eventually, you will reach your goals. Don't give up, even when the road gets tough. With hard work and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

    3 min
  7. 12/29/2022

    Maximizing Your Potential and Impact as a 40-Year-Old individual contributor How to Explore the Possibilities of a Managerial Role

    If you're nearing 40 and still an individual contributor as a developer, it's understandable to feel a little worried about your career prospects in a fast-paced and constantly evolving industry. While it's true that you may not have the same level of technical expertise as someone who has been coding for decades, it's important to remember that your experience and perspective can be valuable assets as you consider your next steps. One option to consider is moving into a management role, which can offer new challenges, opportunities for growth, and the chance to have a bigger impact on your organization. There are several benefits to becoming a manager, even if you don't have the same level of technical expertise as someone who has been coding for decades. Your experience working with people, for example, can be a valuable asset as you seek to inspire and motivate your team. You'll have the opportunity to foster a positive and inclusive work environment, and to help guide others as they develop their careers. You'll also have the chance to work on larger-scale projects and be responsible for the overall delivery of your team's work, which can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. In addition to the professional benefits of becoming a manager, you'll also have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. By helping your team members grow and develop, you'll be able to contribute to their success and well-being, and make a difference in their lives. This sense of purpose and meaning can be incredibly fulfilling, and can be a major source of satisfaction in your career. If you're interested in moving into a management role, there are several steps you can take to prepare and position yourself for success. This might involve seeking out additional education or training to develop your leadership skills and understanding of business strategy. You can also consider building your network and connecting with other professionals who can offer guidance and support as you navigate your career. It's also important to be proactive in seeking out opportunities to demonstrate your leadership potential, whether that means taking on additional responsibilities or volunteering for projects that involve managing others. One way to accelerate your transition into a managerial role is to leverage your own experience and expertise. If you have already had the opportunity to manage a team or project in the past, be sure to highlight these experiences on your resume and in job applications. You can also consider seeking out additional training or education that can help you build on your existing skills and knowledge. This might involve taking a course or earning a certification in project management, or seeking out opportunities to learn from more experienced leaders within your organization. As you consider your options and plan your next steps, it's important to be patient and persistent. Moving into a managerial role can take time, and you may need to put in the work to demonstrate your leadership potential and build your skills and experience. However, with the right approach and mindset, you can be successful in making the transition and achieving your career goals. Becoming a manager can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that allows you to make a bigger impact on your organization and the lives of others. By leveraging your experience and expertise, and by seeking out opportunities to develop your leadership skills and knowledge, you can position yourself for success and take control of your career path. So if you're nearing 40 and still an individual contributor, don't be discouraged – instead, embrace the challenge and start thinking about how you can make the transition to a managerial role. It's also worth considering the potential challenges and drawbacks of becoming a manager, and making sure that it's the right fit for you. Managing a team can be a demanding and stressful role, and you'll need to b

    5 min
  8. 12/29/2022

    New Manager? Now what! 11 Strategies for Success as a New Manager

    New Manager? Now what! First of all, congratulations on your new managerial position! Being a manager can be a challenging, but also a rewarding experience. As a new manager, you'll be responsible for leading and inspiring your team to achieve their best work. Here are some strategies to help you get started in your new role: Build relationships: As a new manager, you'll be interacting with other leaders and department heads. Take the time to build relationships with everyone you work with. This will be beneficial in the long run, as you'll have a better understanding of how the organization operates and who you can turn to for support when needed. Set up one-on-ones with your team: One of your top priorities should be building trust and confidence in your team. One-on-ones are an effective way to receive feedback and address any issues that may not come up in a group setting. This can also be an opportunity for you to get to know your team members better and understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Manage up: As a manager, it's important to maintain a good relationship with your superiors while also defending your team when necessary. Know your team's limits and don't make promises you can't keep. It's also important to be proactive in communication and keep your bosses informed about what's happening on your team. Celebrate your wins: Even the smallest victories are worth celebrating with your team. This will boost morale, improve teamwork, and make you look good to senior management. It's important to recognize and appreciate your team's achievements and the hard work they put in. Get support: All managers can benefit from coaching and mentorship to develop their leadership skills and get an objective perspective on their performance. New managers may also benefit from training programs that can help them get up to speed in their new role. Don't be afraid to seek out support and guidance as you navigate your new role. Communicate clearly and effectively: As a manager, you'll be responsible for communicating with your team, other departments, and your superiors. Make sure you're clear and concise in your communication and that you're able to effectively convey your expectations and goals. Set clear expectations and goals: As a manager, it's important to set clear expectations and goals for your team. This will help them understand what's expected of them and how their work contributes to the larger goals of the organization. Foster a positive work environment: As a manager, you have the opportunity to create a positive and productive work environment for your team. This can include things like recognizing and appreciating their efforts, providing support and resources for them to succeed, and promoting a culture of transparency and open communication. Empower your team: As a manager, it's important to empower your team to take ownership of their work and make decisions on their own. This will help them feel valued and trusted, and it can also help you delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively. Provide feedback and support: As a manager, it's important to provide regular feedback to your team to help them grow and improve. This can include both positive feedback and constructive criticism. Make sure you're providing support and resources to help them succeed in their roles. Lead by example: As a manager, you'll be setting an example for your team to follow. Make sure you're leading by example and demonstrating the behavior and values you expect from your team. This includes things like being punctual, being respectful to others, and taking responsibility for your actions. Congratulations again on your new managerial role! Being a manager can be a challenging, but also rewarding experience. By following these strategies, you can set yourself up for success and be an effective leader for your team. Remember to focus on building relationships, setting clear expectations and goals, and providing support and r

    3 min

About

The fastest way to build your career is to learn from someone who has done it. Boost your career progression by seeking guidance from a successful mentor like Amit Patel, a career coach who has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share. Patel has held positions as the CXO of two startups as well as a director at AMC Networks, Macy's, and BBCA, and has helped many individuals advance their careers through coaching and mentorship. By learning from someone who has already achieved success in their field, you can gain valuable insights and guidance to help you reach your career goals faster