Want to Be in The Room Where It Happens? Network Like Crazy

Navigating how to network is not always easy, even before a global pandemic. Sometimes people mean well but end up making rookie mistakes like asking for BIG favors via email (vs. by phone or in-person). When it comes to networking, we have three simple but effective tips. Be bold in your efforts and approach. Be respectful of your contact’s time. And, be strategic in your efforts. This week we’re heading to social media to inspire you to take your networking to the next level.  

The Real Reasons People Get Hired and Advance in Their Career

 This week we’re taking an honest look at how and why some people achieve professional success and others do not.  Here are seven real reasons why people get hired and advance in their careers.

1.    You know the right people: No matter your field, professional success comes down to who you know. Some people will always be given the intros, invitations and interviews because they were connected to the right person.

2.    You benefit from nepotism: It’s one thing to know the right people, it’s quite another to know someone in a position of power or who can give you an opportunity and/or a job. Many people get ahead because of their family and business connections. Is it fair? Of course not! But it’s a reality. Nepotism gives many people the opportunity to be successful. Did you know that A Star is Born co-star and director, Bradley Cooper, hired his own dog Charlie to play his on-screen pet? Charlie now has a new career thanks to his famous “dad” - proving that nepotism is alive and well even for canines.

3.    You know a lot of people: Whether it’s in or outside of your field, movers and shakers know other successful people. Anyone can use this to their advantage by cultivating relationships with business and industry contacts. For example – if you know a key decision-maker in the hospitality industry and have a friend who wants to be a manager at a London based hotel – make the connection. You now have a professional favor that is owed to you; i.e. your friend should now do all they can to introduce you to a similar person in your specific field. If you want to find new employment opportunities, you must expand your professional and social networks. Your goal is to ask everyone if they know anyone who works in the same industry.

4.    You have a professional mentor or industry leader: Early on and when changing career fields, you don’t often know what you “don’t know.” This is why a professional mentor is essential to help you make effective decisions and successfully navigate situations. Even if it’s not someone in your same field – seek advice and counsel from an experienced person who you know and trust. Ask your former supervisor, client, professor, head hunter or life/career coach for suggestions to find and create new opportunities.

5.    You applied to twice as many jobs as other candidates: Finding a new job or venturing out in a new career is a numbers game. You have to apply to nearly double the opportunities. For example, if you have been applying to 3 jobs/opportunities a week, however, barely get callbacks for phone screenings or interviews – increase your odds. Start applying to 6 or even 10 jobs every week and see how your responses increase too.

6.    You’re young, in shape and/or attractive: I know that this sounds ageist, sexist and shallow, because it is. However, if you are lucky enough to fit into one of these categories, use it to your advantage. There is nothing wrong with a recent college grad mentioning to a potential employer that they are just as experienced but require only half of the salary as a more seasoned candidate.

7.    You are prepared: Even the most privileged professionals need to be ready and able to do the job at hand, including having a positive attitude. Make sure your resume and professional bio are updated and ready to send to others. Ensure that you have a game plan to be able to answer the door when opportunity knocks.

This week, take a reality check when it comes to the things you can control to help create your business and professional success. If you don’t have all or even several of these things – don’t worry. Next week we’ll share seven (7) simple things that everyone can do to help increase the likelihood that you will be more effective in your career advancement and readiness.

Ask Patrice – How Do You Deal with Work Bullies?

A year ago, I started working at a new small company. There is one co-worker who goes out of her way to make me feel excluded and treats me very disrespectfully in front of others. This negativity is really taking its toll on me and I am seriously thinking about taking another job because of the situation. How do I address this issue while positioning myself as someone who can handle things and people?

The truth is, there are 101 reasons why she may not like you. Perhaps she was overlooked for your position, or feels threatened by you or simply doesn’t like having to change her routine.

Unfortunately, bullying doesn’t stop in 5th grade. There are many adult bullies, tormentors and unhappy people who the rest of us have to work with. Though she may not like you, you must demand that she respect you. Here are the next three (3) things that you should do to address this issue.

1.    Try to schedule one-on-one time to talk to her about your working relationship: Take ten minutes to clearly and firmly put your cards on the table and tell her that she is treating and speaking to you in a way that doesn’t make you feel respected. Chances are she is fully aware of her actions, but this will give you the opportunity to put her on notice that you don’t like how she treats you and that it needs to stop.

2.    Document her actions: Keep a daily log or email of exactly what she says and does. Record the dates and times. Depending on how bad the treatment is, you may need to speak to your immediate supervisor to intervene. Share your FACTS (not emotions) about what happened, when and where. If your supervisor fails to act – or the situation remains the same – you need to consider how much you really want to stay at this job/organization.

3.    Deal with it head on: If your job is a place you like and want to stay working at, you have two choices to deal with this. 1) Ignore her immaturity and insecurities, put your head down and do your work. OR 2) Escalate the situation by taking the issue to HR or to the senior client/boss.

This week, take 30 minutes to develop a new way of working/dealing with a not-so-nice co-worker, even if that means to simply ignore them and not let their antics bother you anymore. Then try to find ways to minimize the amount of time you have to work together.

Improve Your Sleep Hygiene Now That Summer Has Ended

 Labor Day is here and Summer is officially over. This Fall is actually the perfect time to focus on your sleeping habits and make some small but important changes to your sleep health. Believe it or not – there is a correlation on how much sleep you get and how many goals you successfully accomplish. Here are seven (7) ways to refocus your sleep health and in turn give a surprise boost to your life, your energy and your motivation.

1.   After you get home, change into your PJs or your comfy clothes: The mere act of taking off your “work” clothes and putting on new ones sends a signal to your brain to relax and unwind. Ancient cultures and civilizations have long used robes for their comfort, convenience and ease of wear. Studies show that it is an ideal way to start your unwinding process before bedtime.

2.   Change your sheets at least once a week: If you can’t remember the last time you changed your sheets, you may be among the 40% of people who have the bad habit of changing their sheets monthly. Microbiologist Laura Bowater recommends washing your bed sheets every seven days (or at least every two weeks). Doing so will eliminate your exposure to bacteria, dust mites and other allergens that can make you sick. This week, remind yourself that fresh linens can actually make you feel more productive, happier and healthier.

3.   Only drink small sips of water if you’re thirsty in the middle of the night: It’s natural for many people to awaken thirsty in the middle of the night, however, it’s not a good habit to drink anything other than water. Avoiding sugar, caffeine and other stimulants will smooth your transition back to sleep.

4.   Wear socks to bed: According to the National Sleep Foundation, warming your feet before you go to bed helps give your brain a clear signal that it’s time to go to sleep. Wearing socks also increases blood flow and helps maintain core body temperature, which helps you sleep more soundly and comfortably.  

5.   Avoid blue light two hours before bedtime: The light that is emitted from your phone and laptop can inhibit your body’s natural melatonin production. Stop looking at your phone an hour or two before bed and let your natural melatonin lull you to sleep.

6.   Go to sleep and wake up at the same time: Doing so not only improves your sleep health but also helps create a positive circadian rhythm. A balanced circadian rhythm can contribute to better eating habits, digestion and even increase energy levels throughout the day.

7.   Explore homeopathic and traditional OTC remedies: If you have problems getting at least seven hours of sleep each night, look into a wide range of resources such as trying over the counter/homeopathic remedies, talking to your doctor or seeing a specialist. Doing so might be just the thing to cure your bad sleep habits and chronic sleep problems.

Sleep may be the wonder cure for what ails you – and in turn, may be holding you back from starting new projects and accomplishing key goals. This week try one of these sleep health success tips and you may soon have greater physical, athletic and cognitive performance in your life and career.

Avoid the Biggest Mistakes People Make When Asking for Help

What if I told you that your feeling like you’re in a rut or your inability to move to the next level has everything to do with HOW you are requesting help from others? Would you believe me? 

Asking for help can make a huge difference and can jumpstart a “stuck career.”

Here are seven of the biggest mistakes people make when asking others for help.

1.    Asking via email or text: The best and most effective way to ask for help is via the telephone or our new “socially-distant-in-person” option – Zoom.  People easily overlook emails and texts they don’t expect. So always make a follow-up call or text to alert others that your email or text is in their Inbox.

2.    Being too vague or general: Your request for help should be specific and concise. Instead of saying you want to pick their brain or get their thoughts on the career search process – ask “Can we meet for coffee to get your suggestions to improve my resume?”

3.    Sending requests to multiple people simultaneously: Mass emails may be ideal for companies trying to promote a new product or offer. However, mass emails are a bad idea when asking for help. People may assume that someone else has already responded and will move on to other things, leaving you without feedback from anyone. 

4.    Fearing someone will say no: The truth is that most people want to be helpful towards others. Yes, people can and might say “no” but who cares. It’s better than never asking someone who would have been happy to assist you.

5.    Thinking it’s a bother to others: Other people will let you know if they cannot help you or if your request is too time-consuming. Asking for help is like playing the Lotto, you can’t win if you don’t try.

6.    Being afraid to ask:  Are you afraid to ask someone for professional help or a favor because you are worried about what they will think or assume about you? Who cares! Everyone needs help from time to time. Speak up or risk losing out.  

7.    Forgetting it’s not what you say but how you say it: Whatever you ask, do it with a polite and respectful tone and a smile. Joking has its place, but it’s not best used when asking for serious advice.

This week try asking just one person for help or support – but do it “the right way.”