“Life isn’t about finding yourself…life is about creating yourself!” – E.W. Wilcox
Most of us have “worked” in some way since we were toddlers helping Mom or Dad set the table. And when we were older we were excited to get an allowance for doing our chores. We remained just as pleased when we got that first real job after high school, college, technical training or some other preparation. After that the bubble burst and we joined the collective mindset that says work is a necessity. The initial excitement was gone!
That shift in perception often led to dreams of marrying rich or winning the lottery, either of which we believe will allow us to stop working and live the life of our dreams. But what if the life of our dreams included “work?” What if “creating ourselves” includes the “work piece” and the journey along the way?!
In my next few posts, I’ll share a few helpful strategies, but here is the most important lesson to take in:
Many people think all they have to do is work hard and respond to job offers, and the perfect job will magically appear. While that occasionally happens, statistically only 36% of applicants get their job that way. “Getting in” is all about contacts, and contacts are all about networking. Now don’t turn up your nose at the thought of endless breakfasts with boring strangers. Networking doesn’t have to be like that!
We’ve all heard of six degrees of separation. It simply means that you can reach anyone through only six other people. I believe we’re down to three or four degrees of separation these days thanks to the Net, but making these connections does require reaching out. Most people don’t realize how big their networks are…family, teachers, friends, parents of friends, friends of friends…well, you get the picture. Start there when looking for your dream job. Don’t wait until you need a support network to get one…build it now!
Delicious Morsels:
1. Get super clear and succinct about your unique contributions. I tell all my coaching clients to come up with three or four things that they want to share with their network.
2. Playing Big is not always comfortable. Channel your courage and show up confident (even when you’re quaking within). Be ready to change directions if needed (more about that in a future post).
So are you ready? How can you be more strategic in your networking? Stay open to all opportunities and remember to have fun along the way!