Actually this is NOT the last post being made at The InterChange Desk, at least I hope not, but rather it is what I might say if for some reason it were.

This article is actually part of the Blog Apocalypse, a meme being hosted by Albert Foong aka The Urban Monk, who is inviting participants to imagine that, shock horror, the blogosphere is coming to an end, and they have the opportunity to make one final post before it is all over.

For every person who takes part Albert will put aside one dollar. Once 500 participates have been logged, he will make a $500 donation to a selected charity. He’s even open to suggestions as to which charity as well. So since it’s for a good cause, why not?

And if it were your blog, what last message, or words of wisdom, would you leave your readers, while you still could?

It was something I had to ponder for a short time. The InterChange Desk, being a blog dedicated to all matters career change, and job search, made me wonder what one topic or issue could I elevate above all others, and highlight in a final post?

Then I remembered a comment a reader had made a few days ago. The commenter had said while she always wanted to make a career change, she was too afraid to take the plunge, and make it happen.

Therefore my last post at The InterChange Desk would to be quite simply to say “go for it”.

In fact I would quote the words of Mark Twain, which have always, for me, made a lasting impression.

And his words are exactly spot on. It’s always the things we didn’t try to do that linger in our minds long the opportunity to act has passed. Of all the questions we ask ourselves, it is the “what if” ones that we keep trying to answer.

If you’ve gone out and tried to do something and failed, then at least you have the consolation of telling yourself that you gave it a go, and it didn’t work out.

You however can’t say that if you just sat out the moment, and let the chance pass you by.

And then of course there is the possibility you will succeed, in which case many of us are left wondering, “why didn’t I try doing this far sooner?”

To quote the ancient Roman poet and possibly, motivator, Virgil:

We really are only afraid or fearful when the prospect of the unknown, or uncertainty presents itself, and that fear alone is enough to hinder us.

This is where making plans and doing research can make all the difference. If we know what we are up against then we are far better prepared to deal with it.

As I’ve said when contemplating a career change draw up a road map. While it won’t eliminate every last doubt and unknown, it will supply you with direction and a means of reaching your goal.

So there we go, my last words of advice, plan it, research it, and then go for it. And in parting let me offer one final motivational quote. While the creator’s name eludes me right now, I’m sure you’ve heard it before:

And in true MEME style I’d like to tag the following bloggers, people I either know in person or by reputation: Kumiko, Darren Rowse, Eastwood Zhao, Uncover Your Bliss, domestika, shokthx, and Cedric Ang.

Several years ago while in the process of becoming a web designer I discovered the best self promotional tool I had was my personal website.

It proved a great way to not only learn new design skills “on the fly”, but also showcase them at the same time. Since I didn’t have a whole lot of commercial work to produce a “proper” portfolio with, I decided to design my website according to a fictitious theme, and “tell a story” as it were.

One of these “themes” entailed my being a researcher at a disposable razor blade manufacturing company, and I designed a website that outlined by “work” at this “company”.

Though a million miles from web design as such, the website nevertheless demonstrated my design abilities, and due to its “quirky” nature was noticed by a number of professional web designers, including the one who went on to offer me a design job.

While having some sort of showcase website may seem like an over-obvious requirement for an aspirational web designer, there are a number of reasons why anyone who is changing careers should also consider having their own personal website, or blog.

Blogging isn’t just for those who wish to share details of their personal life or an interest in a pastime, and with some thought and careful execution, a blog can be a powerful self promotional and networking tool for career changers.

1. Make a name for yourself
A blog allows you to introduce yourself to the world and potentially make yourself known to a large number of people, and all before you’ve even left the house!

Who you are, and what you do (or would like to do) becomes visible to anyone looking (through search engines for example) for someone with your particular profile, interests, or goals.

2. Network with potential colleagues and contacts
A blog is a great way to create a network of people who share your interests and outlook, and it shouldn’t take too much searching around to find others who are blogging on the same topic as you.

You can start to make yourself known to these people by adding them to your blogroll, and making comments on their blog posts, or even by directly introducing yourself to them.

3. Share (or show off) what you know
One way to demonstrate your interest and knowledge is to write posts sharing your insights on issues and developments relating to the industry, or career field, you are interested in.

Well researched and written articles will give your readers the clear impression you are knowledgeable and up to speed with what’s happening around you.

For my part this proved very effective in finding web design work.

4. More than just a name
Many people effectively use discussion forums, news lists, and other online communities as a way of networking, and making a name for themselves, by sharing their knowledge on a given subject.

A blog though, containing more information about who you are and what you know, linked from your profile page or forum signature, can add a little more dimension to what is otherwise a two dimensional screen name or avatar.

5. Brand “You”
Creating a personal brand is one way of standing out from the crowd, and a blog is ideal way to go about a establishing your own brand.

Conclusion
Getting started and creating a blog has never been easier thanks to tools such as Wordpress and Blogger. Not only are they free to use, complete web novices, or those who don’t have time to develop a website, can be up and running in a matter of minutes, by simply using a standard blog template.

While becoming a “blogger” may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as a promotional and networking tool, it is certainly worth giving the prospect some consideration though.