If you are considering a plural or “portfolio” career, there are many things to consider. While the opportunity to build a consultancy business with multiple sources of income (rather than relying on a single job or profession) can be appealing, it can also be challenging in the early stages.
However, this type of career is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people seek to have greater control over their work and income, and to have a career that is more diverse and interesting.
There are several steps you can take to develop a portfolio career:
- Identify your skills, interests, and values: The first step in developing a portfolio career is to take stock of your skills, interests, and values. This will help you identify the types of activities and work that will be most fulfilling and satisfying to you.
- Develop a plan: Once you have a clear idea of your skills, interests, and values, the next step is to develop a plan for how you will use these to create a portfolio career. This may involve setting goals, identifying potential sources of income, and developing a strategy for achieving your goals.
- Network and build relationships: A portfolio career often involves working with a variety of different people and organizations. Building strong networks and relationships can help you find new opportunities and get your foot in the door with potential clients or employers.
- Be willing to take risks: Developing a portfolio career can be challenging, and it may require you to take risks and step outside your comfort zone. Be prepared to try new things and be open to new opportunities, even if they are outside of your usual field of expertise.
- Be flexible and adaptable: A portfolio career often involves working in a variety of different settings and on a range of different projects. This means that you will need to be flexible and adaptable in order to be successful. Be prepared to change course and adjust your plan as needed in order to stay relevant and in demand.
The most successful non-executives or portfolio directors use peer-2-peer networks
Peer-to-peer networking is a type of networking that involves individuals connecting and sharing information, resources, and expertise with one another. This type of networking is central to the Virtualnonexecs model and is often considered to be more effective and beneficial than traditional networking, as it allows individuals to connect with others who are in a similar position or who have similar interests and experiences.
There are several reasons why peer-to-peer networking is important:
- It allows individuals to connect with others who have similar experiences, challenges, and goals: Peer-to-peer networking allows individuals to connect with others who have similar experiences, challenges, and goals. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are seeking support, advice, or guidance from others who have been in a similar situation.
- It enables individuals to share knowledge, resources, and expertise: Peer-to-peer networking allows individuals to share knowledge, resources, and expertise with one another. This can be a valuable way to learn new skills, gain access to new resources, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in a particular field.
- It can help individuals to build stronger, more meaningful connections: Peer-to-peer networking allows individuals to build stronger, more meaningful connections with others. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are looking to build a professional network or to establish themselves as thought leaders in their field.
- It can lead to new opportunities and collaborations: Peer-to-peer networking can also lead to new opportunities and collaborations. By connecting with others who have similar interests and goals, individuals may be able to identify opportunities to work together on projects, to share resources, or to support one another in achieving their goals.
Overall, peer-to-peer networking is an important tool for individuals who are looking to build their professional network, to learn new skills, and to find new non-executive director opportunities. By connecting with others who have similar experiences and interests, individuals can gain valuable insights, support, and resources that can help them to achieve their goals.