ayments is an industry of continual change. Companies acquire and merge with other companies, and they redirect sales territories and switch product lines. If one thing is constant in our industry, it's that things constantly change!

Starting a new job or taking over someone's client roster are other changes. Jumping in and quickly learning new processes are difficult when your company and clients are accustomed to your predecessor.

If your predecessor did a great job and satisfied customers, you might have some big shoes to fill. It's daunting to feel like "the new kid on the block" or that clients aren't yet confident in your abilities.

When tasked with a new responsibility or job, you might feel like a visitor rather than a member of the team. After all, each colleague and client has some history that you don't share. This can make you feel excluded.

Following are some ways to bring success to a new position:

Learn From the Past

When reviewing client notes, plans or agreements, it might feel like your predecessor has left her stamp or imprint on the accounts.

These serve as physical and constant daily reminders that this was once someone else's territory; seeing her work might make you feel like a caretaker rather than the owner.

Instead, use these documents to learn about the client and company. These tools often provide a look into the account's history.

They show what the company tried before and what failed and succeeded. Use that information when drawing up plans for the future.

Take Ownership

The people who hired you recognize your skill and potential. Now it's time for you to do the same. After reviewing the client history, take ownership of these projects and accounts. Decide how to approach situations, make plans and then run with them.

Recognize Value

Don't re-invent the wheel unless you need to. When taking ownership of new responsibilities, it's tempting to toss everything your predecessor did and start anew. Nothing is wrong with starting fresh, but don't create extra work for yourself.

Use existing materials as is or as starting points for new projects. Allow some time in the position before tossing old files. These might reveal value unrecognizable until you've worked in the position for a while.

Prioritize

When beginning a new job or assuming a new sales territory, you have a lot to learn and do, from setting up an office space to drawing up new client proposals. Don't try to tackle everything at once; you'll be overwhelmed.

To make the project load more manageable, make a priority list and slowly work through it. Taking time upfront to really think about what's important and in what order to approach tasks will save time, energy and provide a better chance at success.

Push Doubt Aside

As you work through your first few weeks and months in a new position, you might start doubting yourself by thinking that you could never follow such a successful act. Yes, you can. You can do the job just as well as, if not better than, your predecessor.

Since you are a unique individual, you approach and execute tasks differently, which is a good thing and probably why the company hired you. Taking a new approach will help clients discover a new perspective and new ways to run their business. Show confidence in your choices, and your colleagues and clients will too.

Be Patient

Following any life change or new experience, it takes time to feel comfortable. Don't expect to feel at home and win over each client immediately. It will take time to foster trust, demonstrate competency and get to know colleagues and clients. Be patient with yourself and those around you.

Starting a new job or assuming new responsibilities can feel scary, but it's also an exciting time. Everything is new, and the possibilities are endless. To make the most of this new opportunity, become organized, show patience and don't be afraid to take charge.

Finally, have confidence in yourself and the position. You'll feel like a member of the team and win the approval and esteem of colleagues and clients.