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40 Years ago if you asked someone what his ideal career path was, he would given you a heartfelt speech about working his way up the ladder of a Fortune 500 Company. You know, the type of career that ends in a pat on the back and a gold watch.

These days, it’s increasingly unlikely that you are going to end up drifting through the smoke stacks of middle management for 20 years. Modern economics is working against you. This doesn’t have to be a problem, if you are willing to capitalize on these changes.

Here are a few tips.

You Inc.

If you don’t already know, you are no longer defined by your job. Your job is defined by you. Especially in a startup environment, you must be able to provide something unique. More importantly, you need to be able to prove it.

You need to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and show the world that you are more than the sum of your credentials. A degree will get you in the door, but your brand is what will get you the job.

Social Capital

Speaking of proving it. Someone clever once said it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Never be afraid of making a few new friends. You will find that especially in the digital economy, everyone knows everyone and nepotism rules over all. Having a few friends on the inside will save you a lot of frustration when taking a crack at your next career move.

Stepping Stones Not Strongholds

Your job is a step along the path, not the path itself. You have to get used to the idea that you are one corporate downsizing away from ending up on the streets. No matter where you think you are in your job, you owe it to yourself to constantly be growing your skill sets.

Go to conferences, keep abreast of the news, talk to the interns, do everything you can to stay current. The age of the stodgy, old company man who thinks he knows all is quickly closing.

Learn To Communicate

Blogging, Social Media, Social Networks — all of these are opportunities to show tiny fractions of the world what makes you unique. If you want to make waves, you have to start by making ripples. Get yourself out there, put some ink to paper and stop waiting for someone else to show off your accomplishments.

Everyone has some insights to share, unfortunately few people have the time or the inclination to go digging around for it. It’s your job to make it easy for them.

Take Your Ego Out Of Play

There is a great, big difference between confidence and ego. Confidence is a fantastic, necessary tool. Ego, on the other hand, blinds you. If you are not willing to learn from people, even people who you think have nothing to teach you, you are going to miss opportunities.

We live in a world of where there is a razor thin difference between genius and stupidity. If you want to get anywhere, you need to have the patience to recognize this.

Web 2.0 Roundup

If you plan to get ahead in a new economy, you need to be able to adapt to it. The most important point is that “Everyone’s a consultant these days.” You need to recognize that at the end of the day we’re all in business for ourselves, and the companies we choose to work for are just renting our time.

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