Your
#skills and your
#relationships. That's pretty much what it comes down to.
Here are some thoughts on the relationship piece I recently shared on
Apprenticely.org:
I know—the same old mantra: “It’s all about who you know.” Well, it kind of is. Life on Earth is essentially about people learning to relate to one another. So embrace it—it’s a skill as well. With the right perspective, you’ll find that people are fascinating. Their interests, their stories of overcoming adversity, their successes can inspire you if you’ll let them. But you have to do the work of connecting with them first.
Building valuable professional relationships is tough and takes longer than completing an online workshop—but it’s so worth the effort. You have to be intentional and approach others with the mindset of learning, discovering, and serving. For introverts, this concept may be terrifying. So take baby steps. The more you practice, the easier it gets.
As an introvert myself, I’ve prioritized networking and have met some incredible people who have helped me, inspired me, and become personal friends. As I said, it’s well worth the effort. But in order to do that, you need to go where the people are, whether it’s online or in-person—and preferably in-person. That means attending conferences, workshops, and meetups.
Such events are extremely valuable ways to meet people in your industry, but your approach is critical. Don’t go with the desperate mindset of needing to convince them to hire you. Go to learn. To serve. To simply connect. Introduce yourself to the speaker after a workshop. Meet those who’re running their company booth in the exhibit hall. Listen to their professional stories and the exciting things their companies are up to. Be friendly, not demanding or pushy. You’ll build some connections that very well may turn into something significant.
Look for opportunities to volunteer at an event, to lead a session, or to give a keynote speech. The more that you can exhibit your skills and knowledge in the company of those in your field, the more career growth opportunities you’re creating for yourself.
Charities and nonprofit organizations unite people from all walks of life around a shared passion. Engaging in an organization that attracts others who share your cause can introduce you to individuals with a wide range of job roles, from new hires to CEOs. And don’t forget chambers of commerce—I love chambers of commerce! Most offer a variety of teams that you can serve on, while getting to know influential leaders in your community. For building local professional relationships, chambers of commerce are unmatched. Working together on a team gives everyone the chance to get to know and appreciate one another’s strengths and work habits.
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🔥 Remember…Your skills will put you in the position to seize the opportunities that your relationships bring you.
Read the full article:
https://lnkd.in/gf3scza6
Thoughts?
The 2 Career Ingredients That Never Change
The 2 Career Ingredients That Never Change