The coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on every part of our business communication. And professional networking hasn't avoided the crunch. Ironically, these many obstacles to connecting have appeared at a time when engagement and support are more important than ever. But just because there are challenges to getting together in person, you don't have to stop your networking activities. In fact, there is a lot of value to be found in continuing to grow and cultivate your network with colleagues, prospects, and partners while stuck at home. How I Kept Networking During Self-Isolation I try to be "evergreen" in a lot of my writing … [Read more...]
How to Make Past Validation a Key to Future Success
Scattered around my house are approximately ten Cuban oregano plants. They explode out of mason jars and thrift store flowerpots with thick, fuzzy leaves. When you rub those leaves your fingers come back with a delightfully spicy smell. My wife uses them in the place of regular oregano in all sorts of recipes. But that's not why I have so many of them. They have taken over as our houseplant of choice because a few years ago I learned: You can put a branch of Cuban oregano in water and it will sprout roots. It's the start of a whole new plant. And as long as you give that plant even a little bit of attention, it will grow … [Read more...]
This is Why You Want to Find an Apprenticeship (No Matter Your Age or Career)
I'm pretty handy at fixing a toilet. That doesn't really make me unique, but it's a skill that I've been proud to have in my toolbox over the years. And yes, it's also saved me hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars on plumbers over the years. I can also paint a room well, rewire a light switch, and replace a ceiling fan. And there are a bunch of other random home repair jobs I can do. And I didn't learn them from YouTube. I learned them because I had to help my dad during what amounted to a totally unwanted apprenticeship as a kid. Because while other kids were playing on Saturday mornings, for me they were filled with helping … [Read more...]
Us vs. Them vs. Us
I don't write much about politics. Not because the way we engage with each other isn't important. But because my focus has always been on the individual journey. There's so much to be spoken about right now. And so much to be heard. There are powerful words being said and written by others much better suited than me to speak to the realities of not being white and male. I'd rather let those voices speak for themselves and encourage others to listen. I can only offer a private realization I've made in the past that has been useful for me. Our Mind Wants to Create an "Us" When researching an article a few years ago, I came upon … [Read more...]
The Battle In Every Doughnut
I really love doughnuts. And donuts, too. Whether there's an "ugh" or not, I'm a big fan. But no matter how you want to spell them, they're not really that great for you. Sure, the perfect combination of sugar and carbohydrates is good for the soul. But it's not necessarily good for the body. Which means every time I consider popping a doughnut in my mouth, I have an internal debate with myself about whether or not I really need this one. Sometimes I win that debate with myself. Sometimes not. But I've found it's not worth dwelling on it either way, because it's just one small battle in a very long struggle. There is No … [Read more...]
Life Passes You By When You Wait for the New Normal
My house is pretty chaotic right now. Before the pandemic and ensuing shelter-in-place orders, my wife and I were beginning the process of selling our condo and looking for something a little bigger. My son is getting to the walking stage and once his nursery overtook my home office, it was clear we needed some bigger digs. Then the coronavirus came along and put a pause on our move. My wife started working from home and I truly worked only from home (no more coffeehouses). And there is still a 9-month-old scooting around. Pausing for the New Normal So it's gotten pretty busy around here. Every room has basically become a slash: … [Read more...]
How to Quickly Boost Your LinkedIn Recommendations
If you keep scrolling through your LinkedIn Profile, tucked in at the bottom you'll find the Recommendation section. And it's not getting a lot of love these days. Which is kind of ironic because it's one of the oldest sections of the profile. And one of the few that hasn't seen any significant changes over the years. Being down there at the end of the profile makes it easy to skip over. Many professionals gloss over it because they don't know how to ask for recommendations from their network. And they don't know the powerful impact a robust Recommendation section can create. But... Adding 3rd-party testimonials to your profile … [Read more...]
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