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Today’s job market is shaky and several career guide consumers are hesitant to spend. Some economists believe it will take until 2014 to replace the 8M+ jobs lost since December 2007. Likewise, it is important to diversify your income streams to gain control of your future. Below is a four-step career guide process to help you accomplish this.

Identify a Potential Part-Time Business

During your job search, also take time to identify your passion or what you like to do. Next determine if you can commercialize this passion. Ideally you want to start a part-time business with low start up cost. Feel free to review some of my previous blog posts that discuss this in more detail.

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This opportunity will be more like a hobby. Thus, you will participate in it during your spare time. Also be prepared to spend 2-4 years to allow this business to take off.

To increase your success, locate specialists where you can outsource some of the business activities to. Next determine the cost for these services. As a result, you will be able to spend your time managing the entire process while enjoying some form of work-life balance.

Land a Suitable Job

Continue to perform the necessary job search activities to land your next job. You will land eventually. Try to acquire a position that will allow you to advance in your career, grow professionally and personally, and provide discretionary spending. You will use a portion of your discretionary spending to pay for your part-time business process outsourcing.

Start Part-Time Business

Once you have your funding begin your part-time business. Develop a plan of deadlines, milestones, and metrics to measure the performance of both your outsource vendors and the success of the business. Make the necessary adjustments, learn from this experience, and continue to move forward. Ideally, you will want the business to eventually start generating income to cover its monthly expenses and to generate a profit.

Passively Network

Update your LinkedIn profile and network with all individuals who contact you about potential opportunities. Build rapport with these individuals and stay in touch although you may not be interested in their opportunities. As a result, you will passively grow and strengthen your network and can reach out to these individuals in the future if you decide to make a career transition.

You should listen to Noah Blumenthal’s “How to Overcome Challenges During Your Job Search.” Go to www.blogtalkradio.com/thecareercatalyst to download the previous shows, register for a free BlogTalkRadio account, and mark these shows as a favorite.

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Tune in to Episode 34 “Design Your Career and Let Your Talents Work for You,” Tuesday, February 23^rd at 9PM EST with expert guest Dr. Paula Caligiuri.

Remember the wisdom of a crowd is greater than the wisdom of a few. So participate in JobRadioUSA’s career community and encourage others to do the same.

Bonus Lens, Hub, and Examiner Articles You Should Read (If You Have Not Done So)

• Examiner: How to Continue Your Daunting Job Search
• How to Successfully Conclude Your Job Search in 2010
• 4 Ways to Uncover Hidden Jobs
• How to Supercharge Your Stalled Job Search
• How to Get a Job by Networking with Your Warm Contacts
  
• Tap into the Hidden Job Market via Cold Calls
• 6 Step Process to Ace Any Job Interview
• The Characteristics of a Dynamic Resume
• The Four Components of a Dynamic Cover Letter
• How to Prepare for an Upcoming, Potential Layoff
• How to Cope with a Difficult Job Search