If you’re starting a new business or are a self-employed sole operator, you have to be able to sell yourself just as if you were in an interview situation. Most career coaching tips are just as relevant when you’re pitching something, particularly selling your professional services.

Recognise your strengths.

Make a list of all the jobs you’ve held or projects you’ve been involved in. List all the strengths you have consistently used e.g. managing a team, customer service, communicating with clients. When considering what kind of job you want to move into, think “outside the box” of your previous jobs - look at how your strengths could work in different types of industries and roles you mightn’t have thought of before. You may find it useful to explore these options with a friend who can give honest and objective feedback, or a professional coach.

Give your CV a makeover as clients usually will ask for it.

Make it as clear and concise as possible. Every assignment listed should clearly and briefly demonstrate what task you were assigned, what action you took and what the result was. Tailor your CV to each specific client to ensure you can emphasise what’s relevant for that assignment; make sure you keep note of specific versions so you can review them when you get to meet them. Keep it to a maximum of two pages; one if you can manage it. It’s not your life story – its an advertisement of what you can deliver.

Use your existing network.

Yes, you’re tired hearing this, but Ireland is a relatively small place, and many opportunities are found through “a friend of a friend”. The chances are that someone you already know can arrange a brief meeting with the right person to discuss what you are offering, and how it might meet their needs. You could be doing them a favour, not the other way around. Use social networking sites such as LinkedIn to connect with former colleagues. Look for relevant events and networking organisations where you can make new contacts, or identify opportunities to move within your own company. Have your 90 second “elevator pitch” ready; a few sentences to introduce yourself and the kind of role you’re looking for; this will help boost your confidence in meeting new people.

You may experience doubts about what you’re doing, but that’s normal. Sticking with the status quo is usually the easy option – just ask yourself if you’re more prepared to stand still where you’re at, than to step up to a new opportunity. It’s all a matter of luck… and you can make your own luck!