Wow July was 90 days ago. Now that the autumn leaves are falling and the nights are drawing in, those hot summer days feels like an eternity ago! But it’s actually not been that long.
And what was happening in your career in July? What did you want to change about your situation? And what have you managed to do since then to make those changes?
In the context of a whole year, 90 days doesn’t seem that long. And it’s true, you probably can’t achieve ALL of your career goals in 90 days.
BUT. You can make some big changes. You can get off the starting blocks. You can create a clear vision of where you want to go. You can start to unpick some of the fears that have been holding you back, begin to feel more confident and more like the real YOU again. You can set out an action plan to guide you towards a brighter future.
What I’ve discovered from working with dozens of busy professionals from all sorts of backgrounds, is that it’s not about finding more time to reach your career goals. It’s about finding clarity and focus.
Instead of wasting your precious energy feeling stuck and stressed out, how about focusing your energy on taking action instead? If you really move closer to your dream career in the next 90 days, then get in touch to book your introductory 45min coaching session for just £97.
Here’s to starting your new year with a new career you love
My top tips for people who hate networking
Are you someone who dreads networking? Is it something you feel like you SHOULD be doing to make progress in your career or your business?
Well there is valid data to back up why we should be doing it more often, as this LinkedIn survey found that 70% of respondents got hired at a company where they had an existing connection, and 35% said that a casual conversion on LinkedIn led to a new opportunity.
Networking can feel daunting but ultimately it’s just about talking to people we like and making genuine connections, and we can all do that right?
So here are some ways that you can network in a way that feels authentic and enjoyable, but will also get you results:
1. Firstly remember that not all networking looks alike. It might be a workshop or conference where you learn something new and then chat to other participants in the breaks. It might be a lunch or coffee with someone who you have mutual connections with. It might take the form of an online Facebook or LinkedIn group that you contribute to a couple of times a week. Choose a format that you feel most comfortable with and go from there.
2. If you spot an event that you’d like to attend but feel intimidated because you won’t know anyone, then why not bring a friend? There’s no rule to say you have to do this alone. If you have a friend or colleague who already knows people at the event and can make introductions then great. But also if they’re a great wing woman (or man) who will encourage you, then by all means just take them along for moral support. However it’s important that you don’t don’t end up hiding in corner together and gossiping to each other all night as that kind of defeats the point!
3. If you’re going alone then make yourself accountable and set yourself a time limit. This has worked well for me when I’ve been going to an event and felt really nervous. Firstly I pre-book my ticket if it’s a paid event, tell someone else that I’m going and ask them to hold me accountable. Secondly I tell myself I’ll go for 20mins and speak to one person, then if I’ve managed that then I’ll allow myself to go home if I really need to. Of course once I’m there, I usually end having a great time and chatting to some lovely people, but those little tricks help to calm my panicky brain and get me in the door in the first place.
4. If you’re an introvert and think that’s make you less good at networking then think again. Introverts are good listeners and often deeper thinkers, so that makes you great at asking the right questions and building meaningful connections. No-one likes those people at networking events who just want to pitch you, hand over their business card and then move on. Ugh.
5. Play the long game. Relationships can take time to evolve and deepen, and it’s no different with networking. Don’t be one sided or pushy. Be curious about the other person, be present with them (no scanning the room mid-conversation!) and offer to help them if you can. It all contributes to your networking karma.
6. At the same time, be focused and know what you eventually want to get out of it. Whether you’re attending an event or arranging a coffee with a contact, have an objective. Do you want to learn more about a potential role? Ask for an introduction to a particular person or company? Meet potential clients? Knowing your ‘ask’ will give you focus and stop you wasting time and energy on the wrong activities or events.
7. Follow up. Met someone interesting where there was collaboration potential? Don’t be afraid to ask for their business card or how you can find them online. You can follow their social media accounts afterwards and interact with their content to keep the relationship warm, or if you want to chat further then send them a friendly message and invite them to a quick coffee or Skype chat if they’re open to it. Don’t worry too much if they say no, they might be too busy at that moment in time but still be open to staying in touch in the future.
So there you have it. You never know who you might meet and how they could impact your career and your life. And at the very least, you will have got to meet interesting new people and probably got some free snacks out of it. What’s not to love?!
Now I’d love to hear what’s worked for you. Where have your best work connections come from? Have you tried some unusual routes? How do you get over your pre-event nerves? Share in the comments below!
Want to sign up for coaching but don’t have the budget? Here’s how
So you’d like to get some coaching, and you know it would be great for your life and career, but you’re just not sure if you can afford it right now.
If that is the case, then let me suggest looking at it from another perspective. Instead of saying to yourself “it’s too expensive”, have a think about “what could I do to make this affordable?".
One of the most frustrating things in life is having to say “I’d love to, but I can't afford it". I completely get it. Investing in yourself and your future career can be scary and I felt exactly the same before I signed up for my coaching training, and the subsequent courses and coaching I've paid for since then to build my business.
What I would say is that sometimes you have to change what you're doing in order to see any growth. If you don’t take action now, what will have changed in 6 month’s time? Or a year's time?
I don't want you to keep waiting to find your dream career, you’ve probably waited long enough! So here are 14 creative ways to make some temporary savings or bring in extra income:
Are you a coffee drinker? Try making your own at home and taking it to work in a little flask. The average Briton spends £600+ a year in coffee shops!
Could you eat out less often, or take advantage of 2for1 voucher deals?
Cancel a monthly subscription e.g Sky, the gym, magazines etc?
Use public transport instead of paying for petrol and parking?
Compare and switch deals with your utilities supplier/mobile phone company/insurance company/mortgage provider?
Review your Direct Debits and Standing Orders. Are you paying out for services you don't use anymore?
Sell old clothes, shoes, books, furniture, kitchen gadgets, CD’s, DVD’s?
Rent out your driveway?
Take part in a focus group?
Get cashback on your credit card?
Would your partner or a family member be willing to loan you the money on a temporary basis?
Collect money that someone owes you?
Use your day job skills and moonlight as a freelancer?
If you’re already freelancing, could you increase your rates?
How much is it worth to you to finally find a career you truly love? That allows you to bounce out of bed on a Monday excited for the week ahead? One where you can truly flourish and use your talents to make a difference?
If you’re unhappy at work, you might be spending money on various ‘quick fixes’ to help yourself feel better such as booking a week’s holiday (£500+), buying yourself a latte every morning (£600+ a year) or shopping for a new outfit at lunchtime (the average Briton spends £1000+ a year on clothes).
However these experiences only provide a temporary high, and once that has passed then you’re back at square one again.
Coaching is transformational work which creates long lasting, positive changes. By learning new skills and being supported by me though that initial period of self-discovery and growth, coaching might just be the best investment you have ever made in yourself and your future.
Want to finally discover your purpose and build a fulfilling life and career you love? Then book your introductory 45min coaching session here for just £97.
