#BizChats: How to have a prosperous & productive 2016

Mashable's last #BizChats Twitter chat of 2015, discussed how professionals can take stock of their accomplishments and catapult their career in 2016.

Storified by Mashable· Wed, Dec 16 2015 20:25:14





Whether you realize it or not, if you want to become a better professional, it's important to get insight on how you've been and where you're headed.



and several workplace experts participated in a Another year, another annual review. 2015 has nearly come to a close, which means at some point between now and January 1st, you'll most likely sit down with your supervisor to take stock on your successes, failures, and everything in between. When was the last time you sat down and honestly measured your accomplishments of the past year? Are you taking steps toward being the professional you've always wanted to be?Whether you realize it or not, if you want to become a better professional, it's important to get insight on how you've been and where you're headed. @mashbusiness and several workplace experts participated in a #BizChats Twitter chat to discuss how professionals can prepare for a fruitful 2016.

Welcome to our #BizChats Twitter chat, where we’ll be discussing the how to evaluate your year professionally. Please introduce yourselves!Mashable Business

A warm welcome to our career experts: @danschawbel, @jtodonnell, @SarahLandrum, @smallbiztrends, & @stevenrothberg! #BizChatsMashable Business

#BizChats tip: Be sure to number your answers according to the question you're

answering. (ie., Q1.—> A1., Q2. —> A2., Q3. —> A3.)Mashable Business

Question 1:

Q1. What ways can professionals take stock of their accomplishments in 2015? #BizChatsMashable Business

A1. Use numbers (analytics, budget reports, etc.) & trace increases back to your involvement for objective, quantitative proof. #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A1: To take stock of accomplishments: $ u r making & likely 2 make but also r u happier now than yr ago? #BizChatsSteven Rothberg

@mashbusiness A1: You don't know how far you've come, if you don't know where you've started. So, take stock of your goals. #BizChatsJennifer Baker

A1: This is why setting goals is so important. One way to take stock of achievement is to see how many goals you accomplished #BizChatsPaysavvy

A1. Ask coworkers for feedback, and be receptive - whether it's praise or criticism. #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A1: Do a peer review. Grab lunch w/coworker & walk thru what you each saw the other achieve. Helps jog the memory. #BizChatsJ.T. O'Donnell

A1. Maintain a list of big wins throughout the year & keep it in a place you can view daily #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A1: They need to document their accomplishments as they happen so they don't forget about them for future promotions/money #BizChatsDan Schawbel

A1: List your 2015 accomplishments. We forget them! Set aside one hour w/out interruptions; write them on paper / screen. #BizChatsAnita Campbell

A1b: Once you write down your accomplishments you will be impressed and feel motivated for 2016 - I guarantee it. #BizChatsAnita Campbell

A1: Set achievable goals, recognize employees efforts and reward as a team! #BizChatsRymax Marketing

A1: Evaluating your progress through your company's peer-to-peer program. Celebrate goals reached #BizChats https://t.co/0Dmf6K5VrgShannon Caulfield

A1) Ask for an end of year review from your manager - get honest feedback on any shortcomings! #bizchats https://t.co/qSCVa69ENIHappyFox

A1: Ask your manager to share 3 things you should continue, start, and stop doing in 2016. #bizchatsBrad Karsh

A1 Set measurable goals. Often, professionals will set vague or generic goals that can't be tracked and then wonder why they fail. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley

Question 2:

Q2. What ways can professionals turn their mistakes this year into lessons? #BizChatsMashable Business

A2: Everyone makes mistakes.Learn from them instead of repeat them and think of new strategies based on what didn't work last time #BizChatsDan Schawbel

A2: Map out Experience + Learn = Grow story for each failure. Make your own happy ending by owning the process. #BizChatsJ.T. O'Donnell

A2. Diagnose the issue. Identifying the root cause of a past error is the first step to learning from it. #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A2 reflect on why those mistakes happened and write out how you I'll handle it differently in 2016 @mashbusiness #bizchatsAlexis Yeboah

A2 Don't personalize your failures/mistakes in business. Remaining objective allows you to find solutions without ego interfering. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley

A2: Take feedback in stride, dont dwell on mistakes&move forward. You are not your mistakes #BizChats https://t.co/I99skcZlg4Shannon Caulfield

A2: Focus on action items, not beating yourself up. What do you intend to do in 2016? (Not what went wrong in ‘15) #BizChatsAnita Campbell

A2: Turn 2015 mistakes into lessons by writing them down then list your related 2016 goals for each item on list #BizChats @mashbusinessSteven Rothberg

a2: use a simple template like stop-keep-start to modify your behaviours for self-improvement in 2016 #bizchats #coachingPay Compliment

A2. Reflect, reflect, reflect - on what you did well, what you could have done better & what you will do differently. Then do it. #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A2B When you're not emotionally attached to problems/solutions it allows your mind to be more open and creative to solving them. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley

A2b: Every past mistake of yours you evaluate should be immediately followed with a statement such as “In 2016 I will …” #BizChatsAnita Campbell

A2 What did you DO after you made a mistake? How did you improve yourself? #BizChatsLanderCareerServices

A2 be honest with yourself and team about past mistakes and make an actionable plan for improvement @mashbusiness #bizchatsAlexis Yeboah

@mashbusiness A2 Everyone deserves a 2nd chance, optimize it. Set goals, listen, learn, share and grow more! #BizChatsIdeon

A2: look at the mistakes as market research. Learn from them, replan and build a system that will prevent it from happening again #BizChatsSylver

A2 Don't try to hide your mistakes. That has the tendency to make matters MUCH worse! #BizChatsLanderCareerServices

A2b: Be like good salesperson: they know that "no" almost as good as "yes". Embrace mistakes, objections. as they get u closer to a win.Steven Rothberg

Question 3:

Q3. What skills are going to be important for professionals going into 2016? #BizChatsMashable Business

A3: Career skill you need in 2016: comfort with tech tools. It’s no longer what you know, but can you find right tool to help. #BizChatsAnita Campbell

@mashbusiness A3: Continuous learning, and the ability to quickly adapt to external market conditions. #BizChatsJennifer Baker

A3. Interpersonal skills may seem less important in the digital age, but tech has also made collaboration easier & more frequent #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A3. Leadership skills remain important; team leaders impact an entire company positively vs. one worker making an indiv. impact #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A3: The top skills for professionals in 2016 are: communication, teamwork, managing/working remote, priotizing work, analytics #BizChatsDan Schawbel

A3: I believe small business need to understand how to use social media to get in touch with local consumers! @mashbusiness #bizchatsBizfi

A3 The ability to change directions quickly. The market place is evolving RAPIDLY and you've got to be willing to act decisively. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley

A3: Resourceful & speedy. Employers need high-productivity team players who dive in & solve problems. Put out fires = hot talent. #BizChatsJ.T. O'Donnell

A3: Communication and collaboration skills, especially as more and more of our projects and teams work remotely #BizChatsPaysavvy

A3: Skills important for 2016: creative thinking, networking by planting seeds b4 u need to eat #BizChatsSteven Rothberg

A3b Value based business always thrive in any market climate so long as they're trusting what the market is showing them and act. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley

A3: Communication skills, always. More managers will have to adjust to the multigenerational office, too. #BizChats https://t.co/mPCZzDTfe2Shannon Caulfield

A3: The top skills for professionals in 2016 are: communication, teamwork, managing/working remote, priotizing work, analytics #BizChatsDan Schawbel

A3: Resourceful & speedy. Employers need high-productivity team players who dive in & solve problems. Put out fires = hot talent. #BizChatsJ.T. O'Donnell

A3: Skills important for 2016: creative thinking, networking by planting seeds b4 u need to eat #BizChatsSteven Rothberg

A3. Entrepreneurial passion is another forward-thinking skill needed in 2016; new ideas are fuel to modern businesses #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A3. Analytical skills are more important than ever for business insight, thanks to growing arsenal of tools #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A3b: Skills (competencies) overvalued by #job seekers. Just as important r interests, values. https://t.co/JBPn6fGDCS #BizChatsSteven Rothberg

Question 4:

Q4. How can professionals take smarter career risks in 2016? #BizChatsMashable Business

A4: Find sponsor to back your career risk. Someone more senior who cam help you navigate the process & minimize chance of failure. #BizChatsJ.T. O'Donnell

A4: Take smarter career risks in 2016 by listing goals and pros/cons for each #BizChats @mashbusinessSteven Rothberg

A4: Always focus on doing additional projects outside of your current job role. Be bolder at work by raising your hand more. #BizChatsDan Schawbel

A4 Study, listen, watch, study some more, ask questions and then formulate strategic risks based on the conclusions you've drawn. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley

A4: Take risks, but always have a solid strategy with data to ensure full support from peers and managers. #bizchatsBrad Karsh

A4: Set aside 5% of your time to step outside your comfort zone. Still get your core duties done but layer on something new #BizChatsAnita Campbell

A4: Ask ourselves: What's the worst case scenario if we try and fail? Then weigh that against the risk of not trying at all #BizChatsPaysavvy

A4: Think of who or what the risk benefits/impacts and ask for feedback. #BizChatsRymax Marketing

A4. Move away from the known & towards the new/unfamiliar. If you don't risk exploring the new, you'll miss big opportunities #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A4. Do your homework before switching jobs. Research co. & use employer review sites (@Glassdoor) to gauge employee perspectives #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A4. Choose culture over salary. Money can't buy happiness or success, but the right culture can help you with both #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A4: Trying something new for just 5% of your time is low risk - provided you manage to do your existing duties #BizchatsAnita Campbell

@mashbusiness A4b Join a global networking organization that meets 7-8.30am to move you into a new comfort zone+deliver benefits. #BizChatsIdeon

Question 5:

Q5. How can professionals improve their networking skills in 2016? #BizChatsMashable Business

A5: Improve your networking skills in 2016 by thinking of it as planting seeds mths or yrs b4 u need 2 eat #BizChatsSteven Rothberg

A5. Embrace hobbies; join a class or club & meet others. You never know what opportunities can arise from extracurriculars. #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A5. Start a blog about your hobby or business to connect with existing and new audiences. #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A5: Don't overthink networking! Just get out there. Press the flesh at events. Chat people up online. Be fun, spontaneous #BizChatsAnita Campbell

A5: Be intentional in participating in #TwitterChats by scheduling them on your calendar. #BizChats https://t.co/scSY7ONakeBrittani L. Hunter

A5 Stop treating people like strategic partners. It's 2016 and it's obvious when you've got one sided or disingenuous intentions. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley

A5B Every year "business" is becoming more and more an extension of YOU. Reach out to people because you genuinely want to connect #BizChatsBrenden Dilley

A5: When approaching networking, think about what you can bring to the interaction rather than what you can get out of it #BizChatsPaysavvy

A5: #ContentMarketing, a genuine social presence and employees who support your company's purpose #BizChatsRymax Marketing

A5: Join professional societies. For #PR there is @PRSA w regional chapters.It's true for all professions. #BizChats https://t.co/4uxxBnuY0bShannon Caulfield

A5: make in-person a priority. Face-to-Face is the new power play. Show off your EQ. #BizChatsJ.T. O'Donnell

A5. Get involved in office & industry functions, and make it a point to strike up a conversation with someone new #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A5: Find a way to connect on a human level before handing your business card #BizChatsSylver

A5: Ask a networking expert if you can network along side them at an event. See how they start conversations & make connections. #bizchatsBrad Karsh

Question 6:

Q6. What steps are you going to take to be more productive in your career in 2016? #BizChatsMashable Business

A6: I will spend more time developing attainable professional and personal goals, tracking my progress and committing to them. #BizChatsDan Schawbel

A6: Focus on fewer things. I’m less productive (and so is my company) when attention is scattered. #BizchatsAnita Campbell

A6. Do the things I should have in 2015 (LOL): Stick to my scrum scheduling/time-blocking and “eat the frog” each AM #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A6: I am going to utilize scheduling tools more to stay organized and get my life together. #BizChats https://t.co/ixw15c0Q8tBrittani L. Hunter

A6 I will not only make a plan, but I will write down a tangible goal to accomplish each month that I will wrk on #bizchatsAlexis Yeboah

A6: De-clutter the schedule. Prioritize the big goals and don't get distracted by the little things #BizChatsPaysavvy

A6: Spend more time investing & developing my team at @JBTSolutions Investing in your people improves morale and the bottom line. #BizChatsBrad Karsh

A6. Listen to friend + productivity guru @KaylaEMatthews and finally start taking breaks at work! And sleeping more. #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A6: We motivate our staff with a value-based #loyalty program that offers consistent recognition, feedback & reward! #BizChats #IncentivesRymax Marketing

a6: I'll grow & develop staff. i'll succeed if they succeed #bizchatsPay Compliment

A6: To be more productive in 2016, I'm focusing more on measurable weekly, monthly, and quarterly goals #BizChatsSteven Rothberg

A6b: Biggest hindrance to forward progress is not giving enough attention to anything to bring it to conclusion. #BizchatsAnita Campbell

A6. Say no + delegate! I'm not superwoman, no matter how hard I try. Need to focus more on big tasks & not get caught in whirlwind #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A6b Keep asking myself the question..."What else can I GIVE/CREATE?" I base everything I market around "value" for consumers. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley

Question 7:

Q7. What are the most valuable career lessons you've learned this year? #BizChatsMashable Business

A7: Most valuable career lesson I learned in 2015 was don't forget the past but do focus on the future #BizChatsSteven Rothberg

A7: The most valuable lesson I've learned this year is to have more "you never know meetings". Meet random interesting ppl! #BizChatsDan Schawbel

A7: That even when people believe in what you do, do not expect them to sacrifice for your biz like you would #BizChatsSylver

A7: Lesson learned: invest in your business (or yourself) even if it’s scary to spend money. Must spend money to make money. #BizChatsAnita Campbell

A7. Relationships first, projects second. A relationship mindset helps projects run smoothly, deliver better results + multiply #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A7: Give yourself the time to go above and beyond. What's the point in starting something if you're not going to make it great? #BizChatsPaysavvy

A7. Who you work with is just as (if not more) important than what you do. A great boss + culture makes all the difference. #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A7 The less emotionally attached to outcomes, the more you're able to create magic in business. Perseverance & Authenticity > All. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley

A7: Don't be afraid to SHINE! As the quote says, 'your playing small doesn't serve the world' #BizChats https://t.co/XK0fwZEDwhBrittani L. Hunter

A7: My biggest career lesson in 2015? Bigger isn't better. Growth can be achieved through efficiency. Growing pains = progress. #BizChatsJ.T. O'Donnell

#bizchats A7 I've learned that burnout is real and that I need to know my limits before I exceed them @mashbusinessAlexis Yeboah

A7: Create a culture of feedback in every business relationship - peers, employees, managers, and even clients! #BizChatsBrad Karsh

A7: Absorb as much info as you can w/ your boss. It's a reason why they're THE boss. #getontheirlevel #BizChats https://t.co/CoUFadUy8mBrittani L. Hunter

A7 When taking on large projects, get your team involved early so you gave back-up and everything doesn't fall to you. #BizChatsDarryl Walter

Question 8:

Q8. What final tips do you have for all professionals moving into 2016? #BizChatsMashable Business

A8: 1) Write a blog 2) Do projects outside of your day job 3) Network with at least 1 person/day 4) Find a mentor 5) READ MORE! #BizChatsDan Schawbel

A8: Final tip for 2016: we spend far 2 much time working not 2 love what we do. If u don't love your job, get 1 u will. #BizChatsSteven Rothberg

A8. In the new year, be more receptive to feedback and criticism in general, even if you don’t agree with it. #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A8. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and never stop learning #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A8: Find these 8 people in your network to help you excel in your career in 2016: https://t.co/KWjEBCg5RL #BizChatsJ.T. O'Donnell

@mashbusiness A8: Network. Continue to learn. Be open to change. #BizChatsJennifer Baker

A8 Commit to pursuing PASSIONS and PURPOSE in business. Your finances don't have to be separate from your happiness. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley

A8: Remember, behind every successful company are the dedicated employees who got it there - show appreciation! #BizChats #FutureofWorkRymax Marketing

a8: get yourself a feedback ID, continuously listen, & own YOUR career. Use others to help, but set your own course #bizchatsPay Compliment

@mashbusiness A8 Nurture your employees, they're your best brand ambassadors! #BizChatsIdeon

A8. You need a bias for action. If you wait to feel 100% ready + able, you'll never accomplish anything. Be brave + trust yourself #BizChatsSarah Landrum

A8 Always seek out educational and networking opportunities. Participate in #tweetchats such as #bizchats to share ideas in your field.Darryl Walter

A8B You're far more likely to create/execute brilliance when you actually LOVE what you're doing. Commit to finding that purpose. #BizChatsBrenden Dilley

A8: Career tip: visualize having achieved your goals. Picture what success looks and feels like. Visualization = powerful. #BizchatsAnita Campbell

A8: Perfection & Procrastination are BFF's & they don't have a healthy relationship. #justdoit #BizChats https://t.co/ehYUzt9YQjBrittani L. Hunter

Closing comments:

This was our last #BizChats of 2015. Thanks to EVERYONE for an amazing year. #BizChats will be back in 2016. We appreciate the support!