Relationships

Facing a Career Crossroad: Should You Stay or Should You Go?

pictured: four signs saying "career" and pointing in different directions

Facing a Career Crossroad: Should You Stay or Should You Go?

November 13, 2023

pictured: four signs saying "career" and pointing in different directionsShould you stay in your current job, or should you go?

In my recent blog posts, I delved deep into recognizing the red flags that might signal it's time to reconsider your current job, as well as the green flags that indicate you're right where you should be.

But what should you do once you've identified these signs?

How do you navigate the nuanced process of deciding whether to stay or go?

Making a career decision, especially one as significant as whether to stay in or leave a job, is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. Deciding whether to push through challenges or when to seek new opportunities is rarely straightforward. It's filled with variables, personal values, and considerations that will be unique to you.

Let’s explore how to process these signals and make an informed decision that feels right.

Balancing the Red and Green Flags

First and foremost, no job is perfect. Recognizing that every position will have its mix of pros and cons is crucial.

Your goal is not to find a job without challenges, but rather to find one where the challenges are balanced by rewards and where you see a positive trajectory for your future.

Quantify the Flags

Create a list of all the red and green flags you've identified. Assign a weight to each based on what’s important to you. For example, if work-life balance is a top priority, you would give it more weight than something else. This will provide a clearer picture of which issues or benefits are mere inconveniences and which are deal-breakers or major positives.

Assess Personal Impact

Reflect on how these flags affect you, both personally and professionally. Are the red flags causing stress, impacting your relationships, or stifling your growth? Conversely, are the green flags promoting your personal well-being, driving your career development, and giving you a sense of purpose?

Seek External Perspectives

Talk to mentors, a career coach, trusted colleagues, and your friends. These discussions can provide you with a fresh, external perspective and help you see things you might have missed or validate what you've been feeling. Keep in mind: Your perspective matters the most! But it’s easy to get stuck in a singular perspective. Use these conversations to help you think more broadly.

Questions to Ponder

The world isn’t static. There’s often room for change, either on your end or somewhere else… within reason! Here are some additional things to think about.

Can the Red Flags Be Addressed?

Before making a move, consider if there's room for change. Can a conversation with your supervisor or HR address some of the issues? Would a small move (perhaps internal to the company?) create enough of a shift to mitigate the red flags?

Is There a Future Here?

If you can see yourself growing, learning, and advancing in your current position, it might be worth staying, even if there are red flags. If there's no clear future, it might be time to consider other opportunities.

What Are Your Personal and Career Goals?

What you want for yourself matters! Ideally, your job is a stepping stone toward achieving your broader objectives. If it's diverting you from what you want for yourself, it's worth reconsidering.

Looking Ahead

Now that you’ve looked at both red and green flags, what’s next?

If you decide it's time to move on, remember that it’s best to do your job hunting while still employed because it offers advantages. You're less pressured to accept the first offer that comes along, allowing you to be more selective. Furthermore, having current employment can be appealing to potential employers.

On the other hand, if you decide to stay, be proactive in addressing any red flags. Open up lines of communication, seek opportunities for growth that appeal to you, and regularly revisit your feelings to ensure you remain aligned with your career trajectory.

Ultimately, the decision to stay or move on from a job is deeply personal and complex. It involves weighing the good against the bad, and also considering your long-term aspirations and personal well-being. By thoughtfully evaluating both red and green flags and seeking external advice, you can make better decisions that align with what you want for yourself.

Remember: The goal isn’t to make a perfect decision, but a more-informed one. Trust your gut, trust the process, and know that each decision you make moves you closer to a more fulfilling career.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

Download the guide, The Secret to Getting to the Front of the Line, and learn how to access the hidden job market.

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Seeing the Red Flags: Is it Time to Leave Your Job?

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Seeing the Red Flags: Is it Time to Leave Your Job?

October 17, 2023

pictured: red flag with a cloudy sky behind itWe've all had those mornings. You know… the alarm goes off and the first thing you do is start thinking of reasons to call in sick.

While everyone has a rough day now and then, how do you know when those feelings are a sign that something worse is happening. Are you just in a rough patch, or is the job itself a problem and it’s time to move on?

The Personal Impact of Staying in an Unsatisfactory Position

Staying in a job you don't love isn't just a professional decision—it affects you personally. If you're consistently unhappy, it will show up in your sleep, your eating habits, your stress levels, and even your relationships.

More than that, it can hold you back. It can stop you from reaching your potential and growing in your career. Not just in terms of missed opportunities, but emotionally too. If a job drains you, it can also stifle your ambition or your drive to excel.

Is it time for you to look for a new opportunity? Let’s dig into the red flags that can serve as a powerful hint.

Red Flags: Signs it Might Be Time to Move On

Dissatisfaction and Dread:
We all have off days. But if that "I'd rather be anywhere but here" feeling is a regular morning companion, it's time to listen!

Stagnation and Lack of Growth:
Do you feel like you're stuck on a treadmill, running but going nowhere? If the company you work for doesn’t offer any room to grow or the opportunity to learn new things and expand your skills, it might be time to consider a change.

Misaligned Values and Company Culture:
If you feel out of place or notice that the company's actions don't resonate with your personal values, it can be hard to stay motivated or feel proud of what you do. If naming your workplace makes you wince, this is a powerful sign that there is an important misalignment that you should address.

Frequent Overwhelm and Burnout:
Sure, everyone's busy. But if your level of "busy" is creating constant stress or feeling like you will never catch up, that's a problem. If you’re not allowed to say no to projects even though your desk is already full, if you’re required to work late constantly to stay caught up, or if you’re regularly in a state of anxiety, these are big red flags that are leading down a dark path.

Feeling Underappreciated or Undervalued:
A simple "thank you" can go a long way. If your hard work consistently goes unnoticed or you feel you're not compensated fairly, it's worth reassessing whether you’re in the right place. If you are regularly handed additional work or responsibility but not compensated for those extra duties, this is a bad sign.

Trust Issues with Management or Leadership:
Trust is a two-way street. On one side, you need to trust that the decisions made by leadership are in the best interest of the company and its employees. If you find yourself frequently questioning their decisions or sensing a lack of transparency, it's worth taking a closer look at what’s happening there. On the flip side, it's equally important that the leadership trusts you. If you sense they're regularly second-guessing your decisions or hesitant to entrust you with more responsibility, it raises concerns about whether you’ll be able to grow in that environment.

Weighing the Red Flags

But hold on a second—don't send in that resignation just yet! Your best first move should be to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

One bad week or a single incident might not mean it's time to go. It could indicate red flags, or the challenge might be easily addressable!

It’s always a good idea to talk about what you’re experiencing with your boss. And if you're still unsure, try keeping a work journal. Jot down how you feel each day. Over time, patterns might emerge that can create clarity.

Preparing for the Next Step

If you’re leaning towards making a change, start your job hunt while you’re still employed. Dust off that resume, reach out to contacts, and ramp up that networking! If you're feeling uncertain, seeking advice from a career coach or mentor can be invaluable. I've often encountered and assisted clients right at this juncture, when they're contemplating whether to stay or make a move. It's a significant decision and having the right support can make all the difference.

Here’s what I want you to keep in mind: Your well-being and growth should always be a priority. Trust your gut! If something feels off, try to figure out what it is.

Remember: Every job or experience, good or bad, gets you one step closer to where you want to be. Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll explore the "green flags" that signal you're in the right job!

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

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Building Trust: The Cornerstone of Lasting Connections

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Building Trust: The Cornerstone of Lasting Connections

September 11, 2023

Pictured: 2 men in professional clothing shaking hands and smiling.As you consider your professional relationships, have you ever wondered what really cements a connection?

The answer is: Trust.

Trust is that intangible bond, that invisible thread, which ties us together in the professional realm and beyond.

Why is trust so crucial?

While networking events might give us a plethora of contacts, trust is the element that determines which of these contacts evolve into fruitful collaborations, partnerships, or even friendships.

Trust isn't just about believing someone will do as they say. It's about genuinely understanding the essence of a person, recognizing their values, and establishing an emotional connection.

When you trust someone, you're more willing to take risks with them, share your thoughts openly, and support each other in pursuing your goals. In the professional realm, this translates to collaborative projects, new business opportunities, and the sharing of valuable resources and information.

When trust is present, you know the other person has your back. This trust significantly reduces the energy and time spent on verifying, cross-checking, and second-guessing. The result? It saves time, reduces stress, and brings you peace of mind!

How to Cultivate Trust: The Actionable Steps

Building trust is akin to planting a tree. You sow the seeds, nurture them, and patiently wait as they sprout and grow. But what does that look like in real life?

Here’s a roadmap to help you foster trust:

Be Genuine. Authenticity is the starting point. In every interaction, be yourself. People can sense pretense, and nothing erodes trust faster than insincerity.

Keep Your Word. If you say you’re going to do something, make sure you do it. Reliability strengthens trust. Every time you follow through, you’re saying: You can trust me.

Engage with Empathy. Approach every interaction with a genuine heart, listening intently and responding thoughtfully. If you want to know what this might look like, consider Grieving Grace from one of my recent posts.

Keep Lines of Communication Open. Encourage open dialogue. Ask questions and invite feedback. When both parties engage in open communication, it creates a trust-enriching environment.

Recognize and Respect Boundaries. Everyone has their own unique boundaries. Recognizing and respecting these is vital to nurturing trust.

Create Shared Experiences. Spend time together beyond networking events. Shared experiences like coffee chats, lunch, or even shared projects, can deepen the bond of trust.

Trust is a Two-way Street

As you embark on this journey of trust-building, remember: It's not just about you trusting others, but also about making yourself trustworthy. Like the "You, You, Me, You" framework, it’s about mutual respect and understanding. The goal is to create a balance where both parties feel valued, understood, and most importantly, trusted.

Trust is the bedrock of every lasting connection. It's the foundation upon which all successful professional relationships are built.

So, the next time you're at a networking event, meeting, or even a casual get-together, approach each conversation from the perspective of building trust. It's an investment that will pay rich dividends in the form of enduring, valuable relationships.

For more insights on building trust, relationships, and effective communication, I'd recommend diving into my book: "You, You, Me, You: The Art of Talking to People, Networking, and Building Relationships."

Remember, trust is more than a word; it’s the heart of every genuine connection.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

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Building Strong Professional Relationships: The 4 Steps to Effective Networking

pictured: four people at a networking event

Building Strong Professional Relationships: The 4 Steps to Effective Networking

August 28, 2023

pictured: four people at a networking eventDo networking events feel like a whirlwind where you just exchange business cards and brief hellos? It's a common scenario, especially if attendees don’t understand how to leverage the networking event. There’s a better way to participate in these events! It's all about building genuine, lasting relationships, and I want to help you get more out of them.

Networking with Purpose: Building Bridges, Not Just Contacts

You might be wondering, why bother? Isn't networking just about expanding your contacts list? Actually… no! The real power of networking lies not in the quantity of connections you gather, but in the quality of relationships you cultivate.

I'm going to guide you through a simple yet profound 4-step process that can transform your networking experience:

Prepare for Impact:

Before you even step into a networking event, here's a trick I've found to be remarkably effective – preparation. Take the time to research the attendees beforehand. Most events have an online registration portal that shows who has registered. Grab that list and get to know their backgrounds, roles, and the companies they represent.

Armed with this information, you're not just making random conversations; you're engaging intentionally. This groundwork can enhance the meaningfulness of your interactions and even help you identify people you genuinely want to connect with.

Quick tip: Identify who you want to make sure you meet so you can keep an eye out for them and connect.

Engage with Curiosity:

I believe in the value of curiosity in relationship-building. Being genuinely interested in others not only helps me establish connections but also fosters a positive and lasting impression. People can tell when if we’re just nodding along or if we’re genuinely curious.

True curiosity fosters engagement and leaves a lasting impression. Think about it: wouldn't you prefer talking to someone who's sincerely interested in what you have to say?

Find the Balance:

It's important to both listen to others and also share about ourselves. I strive to strike a balance. I avoid dominating the conversation with my too much of own experiences. No one likes a monologue!

I've found that sharing about myself becomes more meaningful when it's woven into the fabric of the conversation. If they talk about their job, share a relevant experience. If they mention a company, connect it to something you know. Statements like, “I have a friend that works at that same company. It sounds like a great place,” make it less about “you” or “me,” and more about “us” – the synergy that happens when two minds genuinely connect.

Follow Up

This is where a lot of people trip – they don’t follow-up. Building relationships doesn't end when the event concludes. This is still only the beginning! Sending that follow-up email, connecting on LinkedIn, or setting up a coffee meeting is a continuation of the relationship-building process. Don't let the momentum fade away. Nurture those connections like you would a newly planted seed – with care and attention.

Networking is about creating bridges, not just contacts.

The next time you step into a networking event, carry this approach with you. Invest in conversations, prioritize connections, and watch how the landscape of your professional relationships transforms.

This 4-step process is a deeper look at the networking framework that I developed, called: “You You Me You.”

To dive even deeper into the “You You Me You” framework and the art of cultivating meaningful connections, I invite you to explore my book: You, You, Me, You: The Art of Talking to People, Networking, and Building Relationships.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

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Unlocking Career Success: The You-You-Me-You Approach to Networking

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Unlocking Career Success: The You-You-Me-You Approach to Networking

August 15, 2023

pictured: two poeple at a networking eventWhy do you network?

Are you simply making connections, or are you striving to cultivate deeper relationships?

This distinction isn't trivial; in fact, it can shape the trajectory of your entire career.

In today's fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it's tempting to prioritize quantity over quality, focusing simply on accumulating contacts. However, the real essence of networking lies in nurturing relationships that endure, offering mutual growth and professional development.

Balancing Network and Relationships

You likely understand the pivotal role networking plays in your career journey. But let's delve into the deeper aspect – the significance of forging genuine relationships within your network. It's not about the sheer number of connections displayed on your LinkedIn profile; it's about the depth and authenticity of those connections. The objective isn't just to add names but to establish meaningful bonds.

Investing Time and Effort

Crafting relationships demands more than superficial interaction. It entails dedication, endeavor, and effective communication. The goal is to truly comprehend the individuals in your network, creating a support system that you can all benefit from over the course of your careers.

Introducing the "You You Me You" Framework

To navigate this journey of building profound relationships, I offer you the "You You Me You" framework – a simple yet potent approach. This technique emphasizes the art of listening, understanding, and expressing genuine curiosity.

As you consider the “You You Me You” framework, notice the "Me" to "You" ratio within the framework. At 3:1, it underscores the importance of listening. This positions you to inquire, listen to their responses, and then follow up with more questions. The magic of this framework lies in prioritizing the other person's perspective and interests.

Elevating Interactions

The "You You Me You" framework has a transformative effect. When you ask questions and then listen to their responses, and then follow up with more questions, you create engaging and positive interactions during which the other person feels heard and seen.

Maya Angelou said it best: “…people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Applying the Framework

In the realm of networking, the real power unfolds when you nurture relationships beyond the surface. So, as you step into networking events or conversations, remember the "You You Me You" framework. When you infuse authentic interest and balanced sharing, you convert networking encounters into lasting relationships.

Networking isn't just about connections; it's about the meaningful bonds that define your career. So, when you approach networking with the "You You Me You" framework at its core, you reshape experiences into enduring, valuable relationships that stand the test of time.

Next Steps

For a deeper dive into the "You You Me You" framework, explore my book, You, You, Me, You: The Art of Talking to People, Networking, and Building Relationships. It will help you uncover the secrets of transforming networking from a mere transaction to a transformative connection, shaping your professional journey.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

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Building Connections: Mastering the Art of Networking with Different Personalities

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Building Connections: Mastering the Art of Networking with Different Personalities

July 30, 2023

Two people talking at a networking eventHave you ever noticed that when you’re networking, each person you meet has a unique personality that you need to figure out how to navigate quickly? Some are easy to work with, but others can feel sticky, frustrating, or confusing. What can you do?

I’ve found that understanding and managing these diverse personalities is the key to having productive and positive conversations that enable us to build meaningful relationships.

In the world of networking, you're likely to encounter all sorts of personalities, so let's focus on four common ones: Hijack Harry, Grieving Grace, Humble Hannah, and Pushy Pete. When you understand how to navigate conversations with them, you can create more authentic connections that will serve you in the long run.

Hijack Harry

Have you ever experienced someone who constantly hijacks your conversation? You start sharing a personal experience, like a trip you've taken, and suddenly, they jump in, talking about their own trip, cutting you off. It's frustrating, right? Well, you've just met Hijack Harry.

Hijack Harry is that person who tends to dominate conversations and steer them towards their own experiences. It can be helpful to recognize that Harry probably doesn’t even realize he’s taken over; It can be helpful to recognize that it’s not a malicious move on his part.

If you catch yourself about to hijack a conversation, take a moment to pause and refocus. Acknowledge the other person's experience and let them share their story. By showing genuine interest, you build stronger connections and create a more balanced conversation.

Grieving Grace

Grieving Grace is the person you’ve just met who is going through a major loss or facing a challenging situation. When talking to Grieving Grace, it's crucial to be an empathetic listener.

Don’t assume that you understand exactly how they feel, even if you’ve been through something similar. We all experience grief differently and without knowing them well, it’s hard to know what to do. Your best bet every time is to listen with an open heart and just let them express themselves. Offer empathetic responses to let them know you genuinely understand and support them during their difficult time.

Humble Hannah

If you meet someone who is very reserved and doesn’t seem to want to share her achievements, you’re talking to Humble Hannah. Especially if you’re looking for a balanced conversation with mutual sharing, this can feel like a bit of a struggle.

When talking with Humble Hannah, you might draw her out by showing genuine interest in her experiences, accomplishments, and interests. Compliment her on her strengths and the positive impact she has on others. When you notice and celebrate her successes, you create an environment where Hannah feels valued and comfortable sharing her achievements.

Similarly, if you tend to hesitate to share your own experiences, remember that in the networking environment, you need to tell people about your achievements as part of helping them get to know you. If you worry about sounding like you’re bragging, think about it as inviting them to celebrate with you.

Pushy Pete

Are you feeling like the person you’re talking to is trying to push a sale before they’ve even given you a chance to get to know them? Say hi to Pushy Pete!

Pete is all about the sale to the point where he neglects the essential aspects of building relationships. When dealing with Pushy Pete, try to shift the conversation towards making a genuine connection. Ask questions about the business, how he got into it, and try to find out more about who he is as a person.

Similarly, if you feel yourself jumping into sell mode, remember to avoid pushing for a purchase too soon and let the relationship grow naturally. Trust and mutual understanding lay the foundation for successful transactions in the future.

The goal is not to avoid people who have these personalities; it's about being present and steering the conversation based on who you're interacting with.

Developing these skills will empower you to navigate various networking situations more effectively. You may even find that networking gets more interesting and fun because you’ve started to understand what’s happening and how you can control it better.

And this is just the beginning!

If you want to master the art of talking to people and forming genuine connections, my book, "You, You, Me, You: The art of talking to people, networking, and building relationships," offers valuable insights and practical tips about these and many more personality types.

I delve into specific strategies for creating authentic connections, becoming a better listener, and nurturing relationships that stand the test of time. When you practice the principles outlined in my book, you will elevate your networking skills and unlock the true potential of meaningful connections. This will enable you to build relationships that matter and open doors to endless opportunities in both your personal and professional life.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

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Finding Clarity in Your Professional Journey: The Power of Career Coaching

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Finding Clarity in Your Professional Journey: The Power of Career Coaching

July 10, 2023

two women sitting across from each other in a coffee shop. One is pointing to a laptop screen that they have positioned between them.Have you ever felt lost in your career, unsure of which direction to take and wondering who could possibly help you? We all encounter moments like this when we could benefit from professional advice.

Reaching out to colleagues or managers can be helpful, but there are times when a dedicated career coach becomes essential. For example, if you want to keep your professional exploration private, or if you want to talk to someone who doesn’t have their own professional interest in your decisions, a career coach is your best choice.

But how do you find the right one for you?

One of the key aspects of working with a career coach is finding someone who specializes in your area of expertise or where you are in your journey. Let's take a look at the types of clients that career coaches typically work with and how they can assist you in getting unstuck and finding a clear direction.

Recent Graduates:

Many recent graduates find themselves feeling lost after completing their studies. They often lack clarity regarding where they want to go in their career, and they may have trouble landing a job.

As a career coach, I often work with new graduates, offering them guidance and support. Together, we delve into their motivations for choosing their field of study and identify the aspects they enjoyed the most. By thoroughly examining their academic experience, including classes, projects, teamwork, and extracurricular activities, we uncover valuable insights that they can use to find a sense of direction. For graduates who are no longer interested in the field that they studied, I help them identify their skills and experiences which can open doors to the career paths that fit them better.

Limited Work Experience:

For people with limited work experience or internships, it can be challenging to demonstrate their capabilities to potential employers.

As their career coach, I help them highlight their educational background, projects, team collaborations, and any relevant summer jobs. We work together to carefully examine their experiences and identify valuable skills and social abilities that employers seek. With that information in hand, we develop a plan to explore suitable career opportunities that leverage these skills and experiences, even if they are not directly related to their degree.

Experienced Professionals:

Experienced professionals who have grown unclear about where their career path is going can benefit from career coaching. It’s not unusual to want to change directions later in your career, especially if your interests and values have shifted.

We begin by identifying their core strengths and skills, focusing on areas where they excel and have achieved notable results. We then delve into their values and desires, determining the kind of work environment, team dynamics, and manager-employee relationship that align with their personality. We also explore their interests, areas of passion, and aspirations to narrow down potential career paths.

Working with a career coach involves unraveling your unique skills, values, and interests to uncover hidden opportunities. My mission as a career coach is to help you gain insights into yourself and guide you towards making informed career decisions.

Finding a job that suits you involves more than simply applying to countless positions. A strategic approach is required, which includes aligning your skills, values, and interests with job descriptions and effectively utilizing keywords in your resume. Applying for jobs that match your qualifications significantly improves your chances of securing interviews. When you work with a career coach, you can streamline your job search, focus on the most relevant opportunities, and increase your chances of receiving positive responses.

No matter where you are in your career journey, partnering with a career coach can be a transformative experience. By aligning your skills, values, and interests with job opportunities, you'll approach your job search with confidence and focus. With a career coach as your trusted partner, you can navigate the challenging job market and discover the right path for you that leads to your fulfillment and success.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

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Building Your Professional Network: Tips for Early Career Professionals

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Building Your Professional Network: Tips for Early Career Professionals

May 8, 2023

Group of business people talking at a networking eventBuilding a professional network is essential for growing your career.

Networking can open doors to new opportunities that aren’t otherwise available. It can help you find a mentor and give you insight into industry knowledge that you can’t access through the public media or the internet.

But how do you get started? How do you network in a way that will help you build the relationships that you need over the long term of your career?

That’s a real challenge that most people face. Networking takes time, practice, and a consistent effort. Here are some specific things you can do to build a network that will help you grow your career.

Tips for Building Your Professional Network

Start Early: It's never too early to start building your professional network. If you're still in college, take advantage of networking opportunities such as career fairs, alumni events, and industry associations. Connect with professors, alumni, and professionals in your field of interest to build relationships and learn from their experiences. If you're already in your early career, it's not too late to start. Look for networking events, professional associations, and online communities related to your industry or career path.

Be Yourself: When networking, it's important to be genuine and professional. Show interest in others and be respectful of their time and expertise. Choose to be yourself; this will invite them to be authentic with you in return.

Be Professional: Avoid using networking solely for self-promotion; instead focus on building authentic relationships based on mutual respect and value. In other words, give as well as take. Maintain a professional demeanor and be mindful of your online presence, as potential employers or colleagues are probably checking your social media profiles.

Ask for Advice: Don't be afraid to ask for advice from your network. Ask questions, seek guidance, and show curiosity about others' experiences and insights. People love to share their knowledge and expertise; asking for advice can be a great way to build connections and learn from others. Be open to feedback and be willing to learn from others' perspectives.

Give Back: Giving back is an important aspect of networking. Offer your help, resources, or support to others in your network without expecting anything in return. This could include sharing articles or resources, providing introductions, or volunteering your time and expertise. If you aren’t sure how to help, ask them what you can do for them. Even just an expressed willingness to help can go a long way. By being generous and helpful, you can build a positive reputation and create meaningful long-term connections.

Be Proactive: Building a professional network requires that you be proactive. Seek out networking opportunities, attend events, and connect with professionals in your industry. When you make connections, be proactive in staying in touch with them by scheduling coffee or agreeing to go to the same networking event.

Follow Up: Most people don't do this so this is where you can really stand out. When you meet contacts at networking events or online, follow up within 24 hours. You can really make an impression when you send a personalized thank-you note. At the very least, send a follow-up email. Following up is the thing that most people don’t do, so it’s the perfect way to stand out.

Building relationships takes time and effort. I encourage you to be patient, keep working on it, and plan on sticking with it for the long term.

A professional network is essential for every professional. Whether you're a student, early career professional, or mid-career professional, now is the time to invest in building your professional network. Take action today and watch your network grow and thrive, opening doors to new opportunities and career success.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

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Why You Need a Mentor & How to Find One

Pictured: Office setting with an older professional male being a mentor to a younger professional female

Why You Need a Mentor & How to Find One

March 6, 2023

Pictured: Office setting with an older professional male talking with a younger professional femaleWhat if you had a confidante that you could turn to for career advice? Someone who could help you develop new skills, guide you through conflicts at work, and help you advance your career? If you find yourself a mentor, you can have all these things and much more.

A mentor can be a game-changer for your professional growth.

Here are just some of the ways they can help you:

Personalized Guidance and Support
A mentor can provide you with personalized guidance and support that is tailored to your unique needs and goals. They can offer insights into the challenges you face and help you navigate them successfully. Their advice and support can help you to avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your opportunities.

Access to Knowledge and Experience
The right mentor has been in your shoes before and has valuable knowledge and experience they can share to guide you. They can help you to develop new skills, learn from their successes and failures, and provide guidance on how to overcome obstacles and deal with conflict.

Networking Opportunities
Mentors can also provide you with access to their professional network by introducing you to new contacts and opportunities that can help you to advance your career. They can also offer recommendations and referrals to help you to secure job offers.

Increased Confidence
Mentors can help you to develop the confidence and self-assurance you need to succeed. They can offer support and encouragement, help you to identify your strengths, and provide constructive feedback on areas where you can improve.

Great! So… how can you find the right mentor who will be a game-changer for you?

Here is where I would start:

Get clear on your goals and needs. Before you start looking for a mentor, identify your goals and needs. Think about what you hope to achieve and what kind of guidance and support you need to get there.

Find out if your company or professional association has a mentoring program. They can connect you with someone who is interested in being a mentor and is in a good position to guide you.

Ask a colleague who has a parallel career if they have a mentor. Ask how they found them and if you can talk to them about finding one for you.

Seek out a good fit. The best mentor-mentee relationships are built on mutual trust and respect. Look for someone who shares your values and who you feel comfortable talking to and learning from.

Take the initiative. Don't be afraid to reach out to potential mentors. You can start by sending an email or LinkedIn message expressing your interest and asking if they would be willing to meet with you.

Having a mentor can be a game-changer for your professional growth. Finding the right one who’s a good match for you can take time, so plan to put in the effort. It’ll be worth it!

With their guidance, support, and knowledge, you can achieve your goals and take your career to the next level.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

Download the guide, The Secret to Getting to the Front of the Line, and learn how to access the hidden job market.

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How to Create Relationships that Build Your Network

Pictured: 2 hands, a pen, and a card that reads: "Thank you for meeting with me today."

How to Create Relationships that Build Your Network

December 5, 2022

Pictured: 2 hands, a pen, and a card that reads: "Thank you for meeting with me today."A common trend with networking is the lack of follow-up. We connect with people on LinkedIn, during networking events, or at conferences, and then months go by without any additional interaction. Over time, we forget where we met the person, they forget about us, and then we never reconnect.

Building, following up, and staying connected to your network takes time and effort. If you don’t make the effort to stay in touch with a new person that you just met, your connection with that person was merely a transaction, not the beginning of a relationship. That means you’re missing the opportunity to add them to your network.

It also means you’re wasting your time! All that networking effort goes to waste when you don’t do the follow-up work to build a relationship with them.

The power of your network and its usefulness is based on the strength of your relationships with the people you know.

The whole point of meeting people and getting to know them is so that you can strengthen your network. When you do this, you increase the number of people you can turn to when you need help, be it with your job search, going for your next promotion, or support for a project you’re working on.

But just meeting a person once and not talking to them again is not enough. That’s just a transactional exchange and it doesn’t add them to your network.

To add someone to your network, you need to connect and communicate with them multiple times. This means following up, scheduling another time to talk, meeting up with them again at another event, and so on.

Your main driver might be to get to know the other person better because you anticipate asking them to help you in the future. However, the focus should be on helping them.

Building lasting relationships within your network is all about the other person, not about you.

It’s when you help other people that you build the true bedrock of your relationship.

Maya Angelou said, “…people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

When you build a relationship with the people in your network so that you can help them, you make them feel supported and safe. They, in turn, will be there for you when you need them.

Perhaps this goes without saying but I want to be clear that this doesn’t apply to every interaction. Not everyone you meet will be a good fit, and that one-time interaction may be enough.

But for many of the people you meet along the way, it will serve you to move beyond the initial meet up and build a relationship with them.

How do to move an encounter from a simple transactional experience to a network-building relationship?

I mentioned at the beginning that it’s a common trend to not follow up after meeting someone for the first time. It’s too bad this is the case, because following up is a great place to begin!

After meeting someone for the first time, if you feel like they are someone who would be a great addition to your network or think you may be helpful to them in some way, follow up your initial meeting with an email or, better, a hand-written card.

It need only include a statement or two, saying that it was nice to meet them and proposing a next time to connect. If you met at a networking event, you could suggest that you make a point to cross paths at the next event. Or if you’d like to have a more focused opportunity to talk with them, consider meeting over coffee.

If you’re going to put out the effort to meet people and build your network, don’t waste your time by only meeting people once and leaving the rest to chance. Put in a little more effort; follow up with them and schedule your next meetup. This will help you build a strong network full of people that you know and can rely on, because they know they can rely on you.

What if you could find out about job openings before they were posted?

Download the guide, The Secret to Getting to the Front of the Line, and learn how to access the hidden job market.

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