Hi Abhishek! I am a lost entrepreneur having 13 years experience. I found decent exit from my previous startup where I've put in 10 years in different roles at elementary level like Marketing, Customer Success, Product, Tech but haven't developed a niche. In last 3 years, I've worked with an early stage startup which failed. Now when I came out of there, I feel so insecure about future not having any expertise even after having 13 years of experience so to say. Please guide how to find my liking and develop expertise quickly or how can I navigate my career so that I am viewed at least as a competent mid career professional.

Ans: Hi there,

It's great to hear about your extensive entrepreneurial experience. Finding your niche and developing expertise can be a valuable step in advancing your career. Here are a few suggestions to help you navigate your career and be viewed as a competent mid-career professional:

Reflect on your past experiences: Take some time to reflect on your previous roles and identify the aspects you enjoyed the most. Consider the skills you excelled at and the tasks that brought you the most satisfaction. This reflection can provide insights into potential areas of expertise.

Assess your strengths and interests: Conduct a self-assessment to identify your strengths, skills, and interests. What are you naturally good at? What topics or industries fascinate you? This evaluation can help you pinpoint areas where you can build expertise more quickly.

Stay updated with industry trends: Stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your field of interest. Subscribe to relevant newsletters, follow influential figures on social media, and attend industry conferences or webinars. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and identify potential areas of specialization.

Seek learning opportunities: Take advantage of various learning resources available, such as online courses, workshops, or certifications. These can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to build expertise in a specific area.

Network and collaborate: Engage with professionals in your field of interest. Attend industry events, join relevant communities or associations, and participate in networking activities. Building connections and collaborating with others can help you gain exposure, learn from experts, and discover new opportunities.

Start small and build gradually: Begin by focusing on a specific aspect or niche within your field of interest. By starting small, you can gradually build your expertise and become known for your proficiency in that particular area. As you gain experience and credibility, you can expand your scope and take on more challenging projects.

Remember, developing expertise takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and embrace continuous learning. By leveraging your past experiences, identifying your strengths and interests, staying updated, seeking learning opportunities, networking, and starting small, you can work towards becoming a competent mid-career professional in your chosen niche.
Good luck on your journey!

Regards,
Abhishek