…someone who can change my life?
“Probably not, but I’ll try.”
Does this exchange sound familiar? Maybe only the first question, as the second part is a big promise.
How about this one:
“I am about to lose my job, so can you introduce me to:
1) any good recruiters?
2) your LinkedIn network?
3) I know you used to work at XYZ, can you get me in to speak with someone there?”
“Sure, I’ll try to help with that…”
With today’s intense focus on building networks, I receive weekly requests asking for introductions to someone or to a certain company. I even get a few hubristic ones, cutting to the chase with more a demand than request of “Introduce me to all your c-suite connections.” No kidding.
But very often such requests have little or no explanation as to what or why the person is asking.
When I reply with “What is it you’re looking to do?” Many times the response is too long, too short, or not thought out, and drifts.
When you’re on the path of looking for something new – job, opportunity, or business – consider the person sitting opposite you. You’re trying not simply to get a helping hand, but help others along the way-that is how you’ll distinguish yourself from the crowd.
And instead of regularly asking for introductions, I’d suggest another way.
Take 12 minutes and build a career your way. Add the following points to your daily activities. Make it habit; like exercise, it takes a short while and you feel better afterward.
Allow yourself 3 minutes:
- At the start of your day to reflect on your story and what you offer
- In the middle of your day to visualize career success
- At the end of your day to explore core values
- In your day to re-connect with your career advisor
If you don’t have a career advisor, take 15 minutes now. Jot down names, connections, relationships you want to build, and where you believe you can add some help to that other person.
Build your own advisory board – mentor, coach, family member, former boss, [ex]colleague, those who have an opinion about you – this group will become your virtual support community.
Want to know how career success feels? You just started down the path.
