We are well over half way through the networking challenge! In case you missed it, here are Days 1-5, Days 6-10, Days 11-15 and Days 16-20.
One of the many things that I have learned since starting the 4 X 4 Networking Challenge is that networking is so much more easier than you think. After a few months of focused planning of who I would meet with every month, it starts to become a habit. I also have learned that once you make up your mind of what direction you want to go AND you begin telling everyone around you, opportunities will open. But, if you keep what you really want to do just to yourself, no one will know and they won’t be able to help you get there!
I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can’t truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles.” -Zig Ziglar
Here are days 21-25 of our 30 day networking challenge. Good luck!
- Day 21: Make a master list of all of your contacts. This way you will be ready to send out Christmas, birthday, thank you or job search update cards or emails to your network to stay in touch! Put reminders in your calendar every month to make sure you stay on top of birthdays and other important events.
- Day 22: Send thank you letters. Follow up with everyone that you have met so far and thank them. Also, thank all of the people who have opened up their networks and connected you with their friends and co-workers. Be generous and let them know how they helped you!
- Day 23: Let your friends and family know your goals. Now that you have spoken to a few people, your dreams and goals should be getting narrower. If this is the case and you now know more of what job or industry you want to be in, tell your friends and family. It is amazing how once you start telling people what you want to do, doors start opening. It is sometimes a leap of faith but it is worth it to have support of your friends and family.
- Day 24: Ask to have a meeting with your boss. If you don’t have one, have a mock meeting. It is sometimes hard to have a comfortabl dialog with your boss because you are nervous. Today, initiate a meeting with your boss by asking him/her to lunch or coffee or showing him/her a project that you have been working on. Better yet, tell them about an idea you have that could increase sales or efficiencies. Your boss will appreciate it. If you don’t have a boss right now, ask a friend to pretend to be your boss and do a mock meeting instead.
- Day 25: Review your resume and make changes based on conversations you have had this month. Is there a skill that employers are looking for in the industry you want to get in that you have? Make sure you highlight in on your resume. If you have no changes, try sending your resume to someone you met this month and asking them for feedback.
(Phtoto by icescreamo )
