There is no bad time to connect with people that you want to build a relationship with, but contacting people only when you want a favor is definitely inappropriate and will send the message that you are a “user.”
Remember that networking is about building and maintaining a relationship and there is never a bad time to do this.
Just checking on people who have helped you along your life journey is a good place to start.
Several suggestions I make to clients include:
SEND A NOTE To rekindle a relationship, send a note to let a person know that you are thinking of them. Although no special reason is required to keep in touch, a congratulatory email, a thank you note, a birthday or holiday wish or an articles that may be of interest are good ways to build relationships.
Emails and text messages are convenient ways to keep in touch; however a hand written note or a personal phone call from time to time, can and usually will set you apart.
Sending a note telling someone that you’re thinking of them, thanking them for their support, guidance or their friendship will always be well received.
If you know the person reasonably well, think about something they have told you about themselves that you can add to the note showing that you have been paying attention.
You might also include an article, a book or some other small area of interest or token of appreciation. For example, if you know someone likes cooking, send an interesting recipe or a link to interesting cooking gadgets. This small token allows you to be a resource without asking for anything. Your note might just say, “I saw this recipe and thought of you and how much you enjoy cooking new dishes. I hope all is well. Please let’s keep in touch and catch up sometime soon.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by reaching out to those that you admire.
REACH OUT TO PEOPLE YOU ADMIRE You may have to step out of your comfort zone for this one, but sending a note to someone who you admire whether personally or professionally can be a good way to expand your network.
Reach out to someone who is successfully doing some of the things that you would like to do or learn more about, with you offering a compliment, not asking for a favor.
Let the person know what you admire about them and why. You might be surprised at how much your positive words will be appreciated.
I also suggest you have a few talking points prepared so that you are ready if the opportunity to speak with them personally presents itself.
It should be noted that when sending email or social media messages, online etiquette is mandatory.
There is nothing more annoying that getting a generic LinkedIn message (I call this the “lazy LinkedIn message”) from someone you don’t know, asking you to be part of their network with no indication of how they know you or why you should connect.
START A MASTERMIND GROUP The sharing of ideas with others who have ideas to offer is another great way to build a network. A mastermind group allows participants to learn from you and from one another. Participants may be of a different age group, race or gender and the group may be structured as formally or as informally as you like. Meetings can be in person or virtual and can be held as often as decided. This exchange of ideas allows for great networking relationships to be formed.
ATTEND EVENTS Although technology makes it easy to stay in touch, it is also important for you to be visible. Therefore, don’t rule out attending events, when possible, where you can meet like-minded people. This means attending events that are not only within your work field, but also events within your other areas of interest like MeetUps.
When attending an event outside of your work area but an area that you know and care about, you may be one of a kind and able to demonstrate your genuine interest and uniqueness.
NIX THE NETWORKING HANG-UPS The biggest reservations people express about networking is that they are uneasy about contacting people because it feels like they’re asking for a favor.
My response is: Don’t ask for anything, share something instead. Make it a point to build relationships and then make a habit of following up.
The best time to develop your network is when you don’t need anything. Now is a great time to start.
I hear so many people saying they are unhappy at work without giving much thought to what they dislike about their current situation or what choices or opportunities they have to make changes.
Yes, there is always the choice to look for a new place to work or just quit but, as we are learning, the Great Resignation may not be all that it is expected to be for those making the change.
Of course, you should prepare for change, especially if you are unhappy. However, preparation requires more than just preparing a resume and responding to open jobs that you learn about.
It may be tempting to look for better work arrangements, but preparation may also require a better “you”!
Know your WHY!
Take time to think about what is not working for you in your current situation and make a list of the issues.
The complaints I hear most often relate to salary, title, and coworkers and not usually about the work itself.
So, if you like the work that you are doing and you are giving it your best, prepare to have a discussion regarding the value you bring. Do some research beforehand as it relates to salaries. (Despite what you might think, your company does not have to raise your salary because your personal finances have changed).
Notice I said, the value you bring. If you cannot articulate your value, and how you bring a solution to a problem or help the organization’s mission, you have some research to do before making an ask.
If you are interested in different/additional work you should be able to clearly express your interest. Indicating why you and why now is an important part of this conversation. What you want may not be known to others unless you ask for it.
There is no question that a lousy boss and /or difficult coworkers are hard to ignore. If all else is working for you, think about ways that you can limit the amount of time you must spend with them. This is where I suggest “strategy over emotion”.
Often times others are watching how you handle a difficult situation and, because of your positive attitude, you may have the opportunity to work with a different team or on a different project.
With workplaces being reorganized and personnel changes being made, it may be the ideal time to look for and request an internal switch.
Also note, (and hope) that some of your least favorite coworkers take advantage of the Great Resignation and leave 😁
Even if you are looking to make a move, it does not necessarily mean moving to a new organization. Sometimes the place you know and are familiar with, maybe better than the bright, shiny options out there.
Of course, you should always explore the options available to you, however, remember the grass is not always greener on the other side.
Now is the perfect time to Review, Plan and Prepare for all the opportunities that await you!
Please contact me if you would like a Strategic Thinking Partner to work with you through this process.
Did you set intentions that have now become stale?
Quarter 2 is here and now is a good time to review and clarify the Goals and Intentions you set for yourself this year.
Reexamine if the intentions you set were the right ones for you during this time:
Have you allowed yourself quality time to work on the goals you set?
Are the goals documented/written down in places that are visible reminders?
If this speaks to you, you are not alone!
Take some time to think through what barriers prevented you from starting or from continuing to move forward.
What or who were the distractions?
Is the goal even still relevant?
What Can You Do to Get Back on Track?
Know that taking time to examine what is working and what is not working is a good first step. Focus on your priorities and take small actionable steps to move forward.
Ask yourself, what is something that I can do immediately to get back on track?
What is a small positive action that I can build upon to develop into a routine?
If you have heard me speak, you know that I suggest dedicating at least 15 minutes daily to give yourself time to think and clear your mind to focus on your priorities.
Take time to review and plan ahead and refresh your plan as needed.
Share your plan with someone who can help and hold you accountable
Determine some daily, weekly or monthly check points
Track your challenges and your wins.
I keep an accomplishment/affirmation journal to help me stay motivated.
I also review my “to do” list each evening and highlight any “must dos” for the next day. I then review them again in the morning before reviewing emails or social media.
Share any ideas you have to help stay motivated and keep you on track. Let’s learn from one another.
If I can help you move forward with purpose, let’s talk!
We have all experienced some emotional ups and downs over recent years and changes, challenges and surprises continue to affect us.
Personal, professional, financial, spiritual as well as our attitude, beliefs and actions have all come into question and should be assessed in this new year.
When is the last time you evaluated your life?
Are your emotions in line with your goals?
There is no better time to assess what you want and how best to Move Forward with Purpose.
A self-assessment means deciding who you are.
Take some quality time for reflection. Think about your accomplishments big and small, your skills, your enjoyments and your habits. Decide what you want, what you’ve learned about yourself and what you may want or need to do differently.
I like to reflect on what I should keep doing, stop doing, start doing or do differently and document my answers to hold myself accountable.
What do you do to hold yourself accountable?
Rather than think of this as a New Year’s resolution, I consider this assessment exercise as one of my success routines. It is a way for me to give myself credit!
I think that if I can’t be grateful for what I’ve done, I can be real thankful for what I’ve avoided!
Self-knowledge helps align your actions with your purpose and enhances your success and your happiness and I think we should all work toward that goal.
Learning about yourself takes time, but, trust me, it is so worth it!
Contact me if I can help you with this so you can Move Forward with Purpose.
Checking to make sure the kids have done their homework, checking on family and friends, checking to make sure we have fed our pets and watered the plants before heading out the door, in addition to checking in to see if we have a response to that very important work-related email – sound familiar?
More often than not, we are checking on everyone else but are we checking in with ourselves?
In a world where we are constantly inundated with so much distraction from work, family, and numerous other commitments, it can be so easy to forget to take care of ourselves.
Next time you are on an airplane, pay close attention to the safety presentation, particularly the part where they instruct passengers to “place the mask over your own mouth and nose before assisting others”.
We must be whole and well by taking care of ourselves first before we are able totake care of others.
Self-care is essential to our overall mental, physical and even spiritual well-being… but what does self-care really mean?
I like to think of self-care as the practice of preserving self through kindness, understanding, and doing things for ourselves that in turn will change the way we think, feel, and behave. When you practice self-care, you are tapping into your inner self by connecting with your thoughts, feelings and emotions and by truly acknowledging your reality.
Don’t wait until you are “burnt out” or stressed to take proactive steps to take care of yourself. Instead, make time for yourself and put yourself on your “to do” list!
Of course, self-care can include different things for different people. What is pleasurable and relaxing to one, may not necessarily be that for another. Self-care can be as simple as taking a walk, or as grand as going away for a weekend or longer to relax and pamper yourself.
Self-care is about doing what makes you whole and happy not anxious and stressed. It should be an intentional mindset that makes your overall health a priority.
Let’s look at a few reasons self-care can be beneficial:
Improves Self-Compassion Improves Self-Esteem Improves Energy Levels Improves Physical Health Improves Mental and Emotional Health
A Few Examples of self-care activities:
Reading or listening to a Book of choice Exercising, Hydrating and Getting more sleep Getting a Massage, manicure, pedicure or facial Listen to Music or a podcast that Motivates and Inspires Joining a Club Painting, Coloring, Doodling Going on a trip Turning off your Phone Going to the Beach Meditating Starting a Gratitude Journal Setting short quiet times in your day Reciting Positive Affirmations in the Mirror
In this fast- paced world, it is so important to slow down and take time to check in with yourself.
As you can see, there are various things that we can do that won’t take much time or may not cost much money that would be beneficial to our overall well-being. Not sure where to begin? The great thing is there are so many resources out there available to help get us started!
Check out some of these Self Care Apps and let me know what you think
Self-Care Apps & Websites:
https://reflectly.app/
Reflectly is a journal utilizing artificial intelligence to help you structure and reflect upon your daily thoughts and problems. Your personal mental health companion.
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https://www.tenpercent.com/
With the Ten Percent Happier app, you’ll discover guided meditations and practical teachings you can carry anywhere.
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https://productiveapp.io/
Free and easy to use, Productive helps you set personal goals, build new habits and create momentum in your life!
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https://mymoodpath.com/en/
If you are struggling with emotional problems or simply want to be more aware of your mood and wellbeing, MindDoc accompanies you with daily questions.
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https://tinybuddha.com/
Tiny Buddha is about reflecting on simple wisdom and learning new ways to apply it to our complex lives—complete with responsibilities, struggles, dreams, and relationships.
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https://www.thefabulous.co/
Fabulous uses behavioral science to help people make smart changes and build healthy habits.
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https://thedoneapp.com/
Done helps you build good habits and quit bad habits. Improve yourself, one color at a time.
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https://aloebud.com/
Aloe Bud is an all-in-one companion that helps remind you of daily self-care activities and checks in on your well-being.
Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking time for yourself makes you feel better and your loved ones will appreciate the “new you” as well!
What are you doing to keep your cup Full?
Treat yourself like you would treat a precious commodity.
The Holiday Season is upon us, and I don’t know about you, but time seems to be going way too fast!
This past year has been challenging for many, and I found myself having to remind folks to take time to relax, reflect and reinvest in themselves.
Of course, change can be uncomfortable, but it can also be the kick needed to get us out of a rut. So today, I’m suggesting taking some quality time for self-care.
That means taking better care of yourself- mentally, physically, and spiritually!
It means putting yourself at the top of your to-do list.
It means not putting off those things that bring you joy.
Suggestions include:
Connecting with people that make you laugh or that you may not have seen or spoken to in a while.
Planning something fun to look forward to- a trip, outing, or holiday event
Taking a break and scheduling some quality time to unplug
Dancing, like no one, is watching (this is my favorite)
When life gets busy, it is easy to ignore taking care of yourself or to feel guilty for doing so. However, you cannot or should not try to “give from an empty cup.”
When you invest in yourself, you will benefit, and so will those that count on you.
I am following my own advice, and I am getting back on track with:
Morning walks
Stretching exercises
Dancing
Trying to get more sleep by going to bed a little earlier
Managing and organizing all medical and dental appointments
Finding and listening to some great podcasts – (let me know any podcast that you recommend)
I would love to hear some of the self-care ideas you have done or plan to do in the coming months.
What fun suggestions do you have? Reply to this email and let me know.
