November 15, 2023 Fall Networking Events: How to Stand Out
Soon, the holidays will hit and things will likely get hectic. Before that happens, you may want to squeeze in a networking event or two. Whether you’re looking to shift career paths next year, gain a few more connections, or share your skillset, it could pay to intentionally network with others. But how can you stand out? And how can you establish meaningful connections that will actually lead to something?
This fall, try following these 4 networking tips:
Focus on the “Give”
The holidays should be a time of giving back, and networking events are no different. If you’re only thinking about yourself and what you can gain, that will likely come across in your interactions. Instead, think about your skills, talents, and what you can give to others. When you focus on the “give” instead of the “get,” you build trust and demonstrate that you care about others and their needs/predicaments. Additionally, you establish that you could be a valuable partner to help in certain areas (which could lead to landing additional projects or even finding a new job).
Prep Your Intro
It’s a good idea to prepare an introductory message for when you meet new people AND practice this intro until it comes naturally. Rather than writing a “pitch,” come up with a few lines about yourself and your skills/talents. Try to make your intro stand out in some way (for instance, say, “Hi, I’m Kim. I write headlines that grab attention and drive engagement,” rather than, “Hi, I’m Kim. I work in marketing.”). Be genuine and authentic in your intro, and make sure it aligns with your personal brand and the impression you want to leave on others.
Be Present and Engaged
When attending networking events, it’s important to be fully present and engaged in the conversations you have. Put away your phone and avoid distractions, so that you can give your full attention to the person you’re talking to. Ask open-ended questions to encourage meaningful conversations and actively listen to what the other person is saying. Show genuine interest in their background, experiences, and challenges.
Connect and Follow Up
After the event (or during, if appropriate), make sure to connect with the people you met on LinkedIn or other professional networking platforms. Personalize your connection requests and remind them of your conversation at the event. This will help solidify the connection and make it easier to follow up later.
In addition to connecting online, don’t forget to follow up with the individuals you met. Send a brief email or message within a week or two, expressing your gratitude for their time and reiterating something you discussed. This shows that you value the connection and are interested in maintaining it.
Remember, networking is not just about collecting business cards or making superficial connections. It’s about building relationships and adding value to others. By taking the time to prepare and going in with an open mind, you can make the most of your time and effort when attending these events.
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
Tags: connect with others networking, fall networking tips, improve networking skills, margaret smith career coach, Margaret Smith LP of Insights, stand out at networking event
November 8, 2023 Finding Balance Amid Holiday Hubbub
For many people, this is the busiest, most hectic time of year. Even though we are expected to be joyful and cheery during our holiday parties and family gatherings, it can all feel like a bit much. Between cooking and baking, cleaning, buying gifts, AND attempting to accomplish end-of-the-year work projects, you might need a holiday from the holidays!
How can you achieve some kind of balance (and the occasional break) amid the holiday hubbub? How can you check off everything on your to-do list and find time for yourself? I suggest approaching this time of year with intentionality. Here are 5 ways to do so:
Delegate What You Can
You don’t have to take on everything yourself. In some cases, it makes sense to delegate little projects or tasks to others (as long as that person has the time and necessary skills). Ask your spouse or another family member to do some of the holiday gift shopping. See if your tech-savvy co-worker has the capacity to put together that spreadsheet. Ask if anyone else is interested in spearheading the office holiday party/garden club gift exchange/nativity pageant. You never know if others’ have the time, capacity, or interest unless you ask.
Settle For Second-Best
It can be helpful to reject the mentality that everything has to be “perfect.” Your apple pie doesn’t have to be homemade. Your house doesn’t have to be flawlessly clean and decorated for guests. You don’t have to put on a Pinterest-worthy holiday spread. Settling for second-best can help relieve the pressure to have everything perfect and allow you to focus on what really matters: spending time with loved ones and enjoying the holiday season.
Say No
Occasionally, it makes sense to just say no. You don’t have to attend every holiday party or event, especially if it causes too much stress or takes away from your own well-being. Learn to prioritize your time and energy by saying no to things that don’t align with your values or bring you joy. It’s okay to set boundaries and protect your own mental and emotional health during this busy season.
Schedule “You Time”
If you’re like many people, if it doesn’t make it onto the calendar, it simply isn’t happening. Set aside time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s reading a book, scheduling a massage, going for a walk in nature, or practicing mindfulness. By building self-care into your calendar, you ensure that you have dedicated time to recharge and rejuvenate amidst the chaos.
Practice Gratitude
In the midst of the holiday rush, take a moment to practice gratitude. Reflect on the things you are grateful for and acknowledge the positive aspects of your life. This can help shift your focus away from the stress and busyness and bring a sense of calm and contentment. Consider jotting down things and people you are grateful for, or sharing your gratitude with loved ones during holiday gatherings. Cultivating gratitude can help you find balance and appreciate the true meaning of the holiday season.
Finding balance during the holiday season is not only essential for our wellbeing, it simply makes sense. Why go through all the effort of planning get togethers and doing all the little seasonal “extras” if you’re not going to enjoy the moment. Embrace imperfection and focus on what truly matters: connecting with loved ones and enjoying the holiday spirit. As you continue through this busy time, prioritize self-care and gratitude. By doing so, you can find balance and, as they say, “make the season bright.”
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
Tags: balance during holiday season, calm during crazy holidays, deal with holiday hubbub, find balance during hectic holidays, Margaret Smith life coach, Margaret Smith minneapolis
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach
November 1, 2023 Resilience Can Be Learned (4 ways)
Many people think that resilience, courage, boldness, and other related personal qualities are 100% innate and cannot be learned. But that’s simply not the case. While it’s true that some people may be naturally bold or buoyant, that doesn’t mean there isn’t hope for the rest of us. We can build our resilience or amplify our courage. These are life skills that can be learned (or improved) with practice, intentionality, and repetition.
But how do you go about it? What methods and approaches can you use to improve your resilience? Here are 4 ways to get started:
Create a Resilience Plan
In some situations, you know when hard times are coming and you have the opportunity to plan for them. For example, if you know a busy season is coming up in the workplace, or if you know your family is going to have to face some difficulties (extra expenses for a home remodel, upcoming health treatments, etc.), you can put together a “resilience plan.”
This might involve setting achievement goals and mapping out periods of time when you’ll need to buckle down to get something done. When you make your plan, be sure to consider how you will achieve your goals. For example, how will you make sure your pile of work is completed on time? Will you get up an hour earlier, block all social media, set timers/follow the Pomodoro method, or get help from an accountability partner? When creating your plan, don’t forget to build in rest time or down time. Intentional breaks can help you rejuvenate and improve your focus in the long run.
Take “One More Step”
When you feel like giving up, challenge yourself to “take one more step.” If you’re exercising, try to do just one more pushup or hold your plank for just a few more seconds. If you’re working on a project, set a timer to work for just ten more minutes. If you’re writing a report, challenge yourself to write just one more paragraph (or even one more sentence). When we push ourselves beyond our perceived limits, we are actively building our resilience.
Seek Support
Building resilience can be challenging, and it’s important to seek support from others. Surround yourself with a strong network of friends, family, or mentors who can provide encouragement and guidance. Share your experiences and challenges with them, and allow them to offer their perspectives and advice. Sometimes just having someone to listen to you can make a world of difference. Additionally, consider joining support groups or online communities where you can connect with others who are also working on building resilience. Remember, you don’t have to go through this journey alone.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Having a growth mindset is crucial for building resilience. Embrace the belief that your abilities and qualities can be developed through hard work, dedication, and learning from failures. Instead of viewing setbacks as permanent or personal flaws, see them as opportunities for growth and improvement. Cultivate a positive attitude towards challenges and see them as stepping stones towards success. Adopting a growth mindset allows you to bounce back from setbacks, persevere through difficulties, and continuously strive for personal growth. Remember, resilience is not about never experiencing failure or hardship, but about how you respond and learn from them. Embrace a growth mindset and watch your resilience soar.
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
Tags: build resilience, build your grit, learning resilience, Margaret Smith business coach, Margaret Smith life coach, ways to learn resilience
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Changing Your Life
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