One of my favorite year-end activities is to steal a quiet hour or so to analyze my business results, especially where my clients came from, and set some goals for the new year. I’m not a big planner or goal-setter (very much seat-of-the pants, despite what people say about that!), but ever since I’ve been doing this simple exercise I find that I have met or exceeded every one of the measurable goals I’ve set.

It seems that something as simple as writing them down makes goals more concrete and likely to happen.

As you prepare for the new beginning that comes around each January 1, take some time to define your specific, measurable goals for the 12 months ahead. If you’re in a job search, consider goals like these:

• Make 10 new network connections each week (actually having a dialogue with someone… just sending an email doesn’t count)
• Schedule 2 interviews (job or informational) each week
• Identify, research, and pursue connection with 1 new target company per week
• Land 1 great job!

Before you know it, your job search will be zooming along and you’ll be awash in contacts and leads. Without the clear direction that goals provide, it’s easy to muddle along thinking that you’re making progress but not really doing so. For the holidays, give yourself the gift of ambitious goals!

Nice article by Susan Kreimer in the Washington Post - “A Season for Discreet Schmoozing” - I was pleased to be able to contribute some tips!

While it’s easy to assume hiring doesn’t happen in the 6 weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, that’s a defeatist attitude that (1) ignores reality and (2) prevents you from making the most of the truly wonderful networking opportunities that occur during this season.

Sure, you can (and should) enjoy yourself at the parties, family events, and casual meetings that mark the holidays for so many. Just be prepared with a 1-2 minute message that will help build your network and keep your job search/career on the front burner. Don’t get caught flat-footed and tongue-tied when opportunities knock - even if they’re wearing a !

I’m a big fan of ExecuNet - a terrific resource for executive job seekers. Every Friday I get an email news note that  includes spot-on advice from executives who have “landed.” Here are the words of wisdom from today:

Be sure your objectives are clear to yourself and that you can communicate them effectively.

One of the most important - yet most overlooked - tasks of preparing for a job search is clarifying what you’re looking for. If you haven’t done so, your efforts will be unfocused, you message will be muddy, and you’ll confuse your network contacts. Don’t let that happen to you!

Are you afraid to specialize? Afraid that by stating your specific interests and expertise you’ll limit your opportunities?

Interestingly, the opposite is true. By trying to appeal to all interests, you appeal strongly to none. After all, employers want to hire people who are experts! If you were hiring for a very specific need, which candidate would you choose?

• CFO for any size company, public or private
• CFO with experience in public-company M&A and a background in technology start-ups

• Sales & Marketing Executive - multiple marketing channels, diverse products and services
• Sales & Marketing Executive - expert in building brands and creating demand for luxury consumer goods

It’s true that by defining your niche you won’t appeal to everybody. But… do you really want to? Wouldn’t you rather do what you love and work where your expertise is valued?

Career coaches are always advising job seekers, “Do your homework. Find out about your target companies to be sure they’re really a good fit.”

But how do you look beyond the standard sources - news articles, annual reports, online articles, blog entries, etc.? Check out this excellent article on the “scuttlebutt” technique. Use it to find some truly revealing and meaningful information about companies you’re considering (especially privately held).

Having a friend or relative who becomes obese dramatically increases your chances of gaining weight - according to a study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine that studied the tendency of “social contagion.”

This sounds like bad news, but what it really points to is the deep significance of our social networks. Who we hang out with - virtually or in person! - has a tremendous impact on what we think, how we feel, and how we behave.

When you’re in career transition, then, it’s extra important to spend time with people who are positive, helpful, and genuinely want what’s best for you. Avoid “toxic” people who spread gloom and put obstacles in your way. Let your network lift you up rather than drag you down.

You can always tell them - “Sorry, doctor’s orders.” Because there’s no doubt that negativity and pessimism will harm your career health.