take action – Rock Your Career®

You’re at a networking event… meeting… conference… cocktail party… and it happens.

“So, what do you do?” the networker asks you.

“Um, well I’m a consultant / L&D pro / social media expert…” you say.

Slash happens. And I get it. You have a lot to offer and a lot of interests. When you’re at an event, all those slash titles can be hard for one person to take in. A more effective approach, decide how you wish to be known and communicate that one thing – not everything. It’s confusing to the listener.

What’s the one thing you wish to be known for and and your best, most relevant story, that demonstrates your expertise to the audience who needs to know about you?

When I coach my clients on effective networking, we work hard on creating a dynamic brand-driven sound bite that gets attention, without overwhelming the listener.

Picking one thing can be tough, but it’s important. As one of my client’s said, working through the exercise, “It’s like my whole career – skills, experience, knowledge is summed up in this one project. It just doesn’t feel right.”

That may be true, however, in networking, and asking your friends, etc. “who do they know, who…” it is important to be clear and focused. Sharing ONE story helps people get an idea of what you can do for someone. It also helps them easily share your story with their connections. And your network becomes your personal sales force.

Challenge: Create your sound bite. Be focused. Share a benefit-driven story that demonstrates your expertise. Tell how your network can help you best.

Want step-by-step help to network like a rock star? Check out my book, Rock Your Network® and rebuild your network in 5 minutes a day online or off.

© 2018 Wendy Terwelp | Wendy Terwelp speaks about social networking, F2F networking, personal branding, and career development. Want raving fans, referrals, and even happier, more engaged employees? Book her here: https://www.knocks.com/speaking/

Just got back from the Career Thought Leaders conference where I was a presenter. What a positive experience!

Now, it’s back to work and there is a lot to do. I’m guessing I’m not alone in that feeling. Who hasn’t gotten back from a trip and then looked at the huge pile of work looming on their desk waiting to be completed?

The same is true for job seekers. With so much advice coming at you, it can be overwhelming, and sometimes tough to know where to begin.

Here are some suggestions to help you get things done and whittle that pile down to a manageable size.

1. Do ONE thing. Just one. Taking that first step is a start in the right direction. My friend Dr. Rich Schaefer, author of “Extreme Thought Makeover” says, if you want to get into an exercise routine, just take that first step on the treadmill. The rest will follow. The same thing with your work. Do ONE thing.

2. Baby steps. Yes, if you watched the movie What About Bob? that’s the concept. Break up those overwhelming tasks into smaller chunks. What’s one thing you can do right now that takes you toward your goal? Just one.

3. The daily list. Rather than making a huge list that has item after item after item on it, break it down. What are the top three things you’ve got to finish today? Make a list of action items before you go to work each morning. This way, you’ll get most things done and not respond to all those emails, tweets, calls, and questions before knocking some items off your list.

Getting a blog post in today was one of my things. What’s one of yours? Have you done it yet?

Share YOUR ideas of how you get things done. We’re listening.