While Networking, Get Outside Your Comfort Zone! Step #1: Don't Just Network With Other Women!

Have you ever had to work with someone that was completely different from you, but somehow it just worked?  In cases like this, your personalities or your skill sets balance each other out, or maybe even complement one another.  The beauty of being different is that you can achieve, create and reach higher potential. 

This principle can relate to so many things in life, but for now, let's apply it to networking.  If you only ever chatted with, worked with, and sought mentors that were similar to you, you would be closing yourself off from many opportunities and fresh ideas.  Imagine if your favorite type of exercise was golf, but that's all you ever did.  Your muscles, skills, and know-how would be limited; unknowing of the other great sports and benefits out there.  Think of the benefits of deep breathing in yoga or the full body strength developed by swimming?  Too bad.  You wouldn't know because you stick to the one thing you like.

Back to the main point: diversity of experiences poses the opportunity to develop more strengths, find new opportunities, and appeal to more types of people.  Therefore, when networking it's so easy to stay in the comfort zone of talking to people like ourselves (we already know topics we could discuss, etc).  However, get out there- networking with those who are different than you could lead to learning about a position that is a better fit for your personality, a promotion, or simply making new acquaintances and becoming a more interesting person!  The more you learn about people, the more you like them!

Tips:
1)If networking with strangers is really difficult for you, you can try two different tactics: A)Be courageous in choosing your first person to talk to! Everything else is easier after that initial conversation. OR B)Ease in by choosing someone similar or someone that you know. Maybe working up the courage is preferred for you. (I really do suggest option A though)
2)Conversations are most effective when you ask a lot of questions.  Be interested and curious!  You will learn more.  If it helps you, prepare possible questions beforehand.
3)Know what's going on in the world.  A conversation is like a tennis match- it goes back and forth, so try to keep things even.  If you have a number of topics that relate to the person with whom you are speaking or event that you are at, use those first! If not, current events in the industry are a good backup.
4)Try to keep conversations meaningful, but not dragged out. I would stick to the window of 5-15 min per person (if you are one on one, a group dynamic is different).

As always, be classy, be kind, and you'll earn the respect you deserve.

You're SO Busy! How do you fit in time to go to the GYM? Tips Below!

You already know that exercise prevents disease, improves your mood, allows for better sleep, increases confidence and energy.  Put these benefits together and you will be more successful in the workplace and in your personal life!  So here's the question: among work, family, friends, hobbies, groups, trips, events, and anything else on your schedule, how do you fit gym time in??  I've compiled some tips I find helpful, and if you have some ideas, comment below!

1)Find the right time of day:
-Morning: I've heard it's healthiest to exercise in the morning because it boosts your metabolism.  No better way to way than to be mentally focused for your morning meetings!
-Lunch Hour: If your gym is close, or if you have a nice park nearby, bring your gym bag to work!  Or you can just slap on some tennis shoes and go for a fast paced walk with a friend.
-Right after work: This is my favorite option as it serves as a "pick-me-up" after a long day.  I keep my gym back in the car, change at the gym, and I gain the energy I need to have fun with family and friends in the evening.
-Late Evening:  If you've had events after work, or had to work late, this may be the only time available.  It's not recommended though- the increased adrenaline and endorphins will make it hard to fall asleep!

2)Find the right activity:
-Whatever you do, make sure you have VARIETY!  It's the best way to achieve overall health and make sure you're hitting all muscle groups.
-Gym time: If you go to the gym, again, make sure you're using a variety of machines- DON'T just do the elliptical the whole time.  Mix cardio (treadmill, bike, or stair climber) with doing free weights or other resistance work (weight machines, bands, yoga ball, etc)
-Exercise classes: Great for group motivation and if you don't want to plan out your exercise routine! Especially good if you do a variety of classes (kickboxing, yoga, weights, etc)
-Outdoor activities: Spring is just about here- get some Vitamin D by taking a jog or going on a walk.  Maybe even get a tan to counter your office whiteness!
-DVD workouts: People have seen great results by following P90X or Insanity routines!  Using the videos takes out travel time to the gym.

3)Find motivation:
-Everyone is different so find what will inspire you!
-Friends: have a buddy join you!  Exercising can be a great time to catch-up and have fun together.
-Co-workers: I've heard of offices doing the "Biggest Loser" challenge.  A little competition never hurts!
-That pair of skinny jeans or your favorite dress: Hang them where it's visible and will serve as a daily reminder of what you're working toward! (A picture of an inspiring person or celebrity works too)
-Choose great music: up-beat music with a fast tempo or motivational lyrics can increase your resolve.
-Get rid of your temptations: maybe that's a certain type of food, or a habit.  Substitute with fruit or a different activity!
-Write down your goals!  You can also share them with friends or family.  There's power in writing things down and/or vocalizing them!

Again, if you have other time-saving ideas, please share them!

As always, be classy, be kind, and you'll earn the respect you deserve.

Adding Someone on LinkedIn ...Tip: DON'T use the default message!

I once heard someone say: "If you didn't get their business card (updated: "if you don't add them on Linkedin...") then the great conversation you just had might as well have never happened."

Networking is important for so many reasons: it's the top mode through which people find their next job (60% cite networking in finding their current position), it's how we get great advice, ideas, and critical feedback from more experienced individuals, and it's an opportunity to pay it forward by helping friends and family find positions, business partners, or clients.  Business cannot happen without human interaction and relationships, which is why social media tools like LinkedIn are so helpful!

Back in the day, business cards were meticulously organized into binders or a Rolodex.  Within a few years, we might not be using business cards at all!  Either way, it's important to find a method for turning a great chat, a helpful conversation, or a influential introduction into something you can keep track of.

Here are a "best practices" for adding someone on Linkedin:
1)Only add them if you actually MET them.  If you heard someone speak and you thought they did a great job, don't send them a connection request if you didn't even take the time to introduce yourself. I would suggest having a meaningful conversation with someone before adding them.  However, if you plan to get to know them better in the near future and feel the need to add them urgently, at least make sure you have at least been properly introduced.

2)Ask or let them know you'll look for them on Linkedin.  People are more receptive to something that doesn't come as an unexpected surprise.  So, as a conversation comes to a close, I usually try to say something to the effect of: "It was so great speaking with you.  If I think of other questions, would you mind if I reached out to you?  Possibly through Linkedin or email, whichever is easier for you?"

3)When is best to add them?  Remember that when people are really busy, it's all too easy to face and conversation.  I would suggest adding someone in the window of 4-24 hours.  This way you'll be fresh in their mind, and they may be impressed with your initiative in taking the effort to connect with them.

4)The Message.  To leave it? Or change it?  If it's an good friend you see all the time, and you're just now realizing that you're not connected on Linkedin, I'm sure they won't be hurt if you don't personalize the message.  However, for everyone else, I would suggest modifying the message so it doesn't say the generic: "I'd like to add you to my professional network on Linkedin."  Try to include something specific to your conversation: a joke, an insight they shared with you, or something about a friend you have in common.  And most importantly, if you want to keep in touch with them, include a question or "hook" so it will seem comfortable for them to message you or for you to reach out to them in the future.

Important last note:  Linkedin is for keeping track of connections and relationships- it's not the best place for creating new ones.  People are skeptical of an unseen internet friend.  And if you have a question that wasn't answered above, please feel welcome to comment below!

As always, be classy, be kind, and you'll earn the respect you deserve.