On top of today's discussion about networking, I'm sending along holiday wishes---however you're spending your time this season.
Some are traveling many miles to spend an extended trip with family while others plan to stick around for the traditional gatherings. Raise your hand if you're doing something entirely different.
Holiday time provides an excellent opportunity to build anew and expand relationships. As you enjoy the company of others, tune in to your communication skills (you have them) and how engaging with others can offer new perspective on many topics (including your career).
You can develop networking skills and affect your career trajectory. This next quote by Harvard Business Reviewsums it up beautifully...
"Networking is not a talent; nor does it require a gregarious, extroverted personality. It is a skill, one that takes practice.
We have seen over and over again that people who work at networking can learn not only how to do it well but also how to enjoy it.
And they tend to be more successful in their careers than those who fail to leverage external ties or insist on defining their jobs narrowly."
Excuses are poison. The mile-long list of reasons you can summon up to justify your fears and “protect” yourself from risk will slowly destroy your dreams. But if you learn to obliterate those excuses whenever they arise, you’ll soon be able to ditch the fears they represent.
Let’s walk through four of the biggest excuses people make that prevent them from jumping.
