• The Season of Giving
• Having a Fabulous 2007
• Becoming a Chicken Entrepreneur

No doubt you are busy right now with holiday plans, last-minute gift shopping and perhaps some added stress that goes along with everything!

As the year draws to a close, take some time to reflect on all that you have achieved this year. Write them down. And remember all the things that you are truly grateful for.

"The man who will use his skill and constructive imagination to see how much he can give for a dollar, instead of how little he can give for a dollar, is bound to succeed."
Henry Ford

I am grateful for you, my subscribers, and have a couple of special gifts I'd like to share with you.

The first gift is a report called: The 5 Worst Career Mistakes You Can Make and How You Can Benefit from Them. I have made every single one of these mistakes at some point in my career, and have coached others through some of these mistakes, as well.

To gain access to this report, just click on the following link: 5 Worst Career Mistakes Report
The password for access is success.

The second gift I'd like to offer is a free website. Many of you know I used Site Build It to create my website, and for a very limited time (until Dec. 25th), you can buy one website, and get one free! If you've ever thought about starting your own online business, but don't have any web building knowledge, then Site Build It may be right for you. You can keep both websites for yourself, give one away as a gift, or split the cost of the website with a friend or family member. For half the cost, you each get your own website.

Click here for additional details on the Buy 1, Get 1 Free Deal

As you may have suspected, January is the highest volume month for people looking for new jobs. I suspect there are several factors. Many people make New Year's Resolutions to make positive changes, some people need to make more money, etc. Perhaps you are considering switching jobs as well.

Whether you're changing careers or not, start your year off with the following:

• Write down one big goal that you'd like to accomplish in your career in 2007. To simplify this, write down your ultimate goal, and then break it down into smaller tasks that can be spread out over the year in order for you to accomplish your goal.
• Focus your efforts, whether at work or home. Rather than trying to be all things to all people, focus on the things you really enjoy. Learn to say no!
• Before you jump into a job search, really understand and plan what it is you'd like to do.
• Be easy on yourself. Most of us are our own worst critics. Take pride and be gracious for the things you accomplish.

I recently finished reading 2 books by marketing expert Michael Masterson: Automatic Wealth and Seven Years to Seven Figures. You can borrow them from your local library or find copies in any bookstore. Both books contain solid information about how to build wealth in order to be financially independent. Gone are the days when we can rely upon our employer to take care of us in the golden years. Taking charge of your own financial future is up to you. One of the best paths to wealth is building your own business.

One of the concepts that I took to heart from these books is the idea of being a "chicken entrepreneur." What this means is that you start a business, but do so while still gainfully employed with an income. This way, you have the benefit of starting your own business, but don't have the worry about your income. Once your side business starts making you more than your day job, you can quit.

One of the easiest side businesses to start with little investment is an online business. You create a business based on something you enjoy (golfing, for instance) and create a website around that. If you're at all serious about doing this, I urge you to do your research first, before signing up for web hosting, or programs promising to make you a gazillion dollars, etc. I have personally done this myself, and would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

What did you think of this issue? I'd love to get your questions and comments. Also please send any suggestions you have for future editions of Career Focus. I'm thinking about having a monthly giveaway, let me know what types of career-related products you'd be interested in receiving (resume service, motivational books, resume software, subscription to resume distribution service, etc.). Please send me a note.

Please forward this newsletter to your friends!

Thank you!

Best wishes to your success,

Kristen

www.career-development-help.com