First, ASK - I'm talking about Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge here and it's all about lessons learned.

Consider your attitude. Too often we prejudge what we can or can't do, achieve or have. Stop doing that. You can achieve whatever you want as long as you're willing to work at it until you get there. Take the limits off your thinking and really concentrate on what you enjoy most and do best.

Second step is Knowledge - what do you know and how can you apply that knowledge? This is where your academic training and applied learning kick in.

Third - take stock of your transferable skills. These are intangibles that are needed commodities in almost any job and any industry.

Do Your Homework

Integrate a SWOT analysis on yourself --- what are YOUR strengths, weaknesses, best opportunities and possible threats?

Understand what's happening in your industry of choice whether it's where you already work or where you want to transition to.

Learn what's happening in the geographic area where you want to be. Do you understand the specific needs, challenges and opportunities of the area?

Research your resources. Clearly identify what you do, have or need to help you achieve your objectives. (mentors, referrals, funders, etc.)

Discover what sets you apart from all the rest and makes you valuable to your target industry/market/profession. Be able to confidently communicate this.

Make the Grade

Report on your findings. Based on what you now know - determine your professional identity. Quiz yourself on questions like: What do I want to be known for? Where is my real expertise?

Examine the problems you are equipped to solve and provide quality solutions. It's a great way to turn a grade point into a decimal point on payroll checks with six or seven numbers in front of it!