[Think As Inc.] October 2006 Newsletter http://ezezine.com Your life is a business. You have a: MISSION: the reasons you live your life; BRAND: the message you project to the world; PRODUCT LINE: the skills and qualities that are your unique assets; BOTTOM LINE: your financial picture; CLIENT BASE: professional, personal, and don’t forget, yourself. Your life is YOUR business, and you are its CEO. IN THIS ISSUE Something to Think About: NETWORKING SUCCESS STORIES Something to Do: MAINTAINING YOUR NETWORK Inspirational Quotes: fun thoughts relevant to networking News and Upcoming Events NETWORKING SUCCESS STORIES A PhD in molecular biology makes key venture capital contacts (and eventually lands a VC job) after tracking down a fellow PhD in molecular biology who is now a senior banker; An art assistant lands an art director position at a national magazine, after regular contact with her former boss (now editor of this magazine) puts her in the right place at the right time; A management consultant transitions into recruiting after a former colleague hires her into her search firm; A little league basketball coach gets a job interview at one of his dream firms because it turns out he is coaching the son of a top executive there. Many people make introductions, get promoted, or jumpstart career transitions because of networking – having the courage to meet new people and having the discipline to maintain familiar contacts. In most examples, however, the payoff is in the future. You can’t expect your first phone call to lead to a job. Often, networking leads to more and more networking, which eventually yields a success story. It takes persistence, commitment, and an upbeat attitude. But it does work. So, keep in mind, wherever you are, you are surrounded by a potential network. Your classmates, your colleagues, your friends’ friends at that party could be your next employer, funder, client, mentor, or best friend. Keep yourself open to the possibilities of networking success. MAINTAINING YOUR NETWORK No one wants to be contacted only in times of need. That’s what gives networking a bad rap. The best way to build a solid network is to contact people when you don’t need anything. Maintain your network by keeping in touch with people regularly, “just to say hello”. Here are some creative ways to say hello: SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER Send holiday cards, and include some information about yourself to keep people updated. Remember to note information you receive in return (e.g., changes of address, changes of employment). ANNOUNCE A LIFE CHANGE You might announce a new baby, entry to a graduate degree program, a promotion, or just an email change. When you send out the news, include news about other areas of your life. OFFER AN INTERESTING ARTICLE If you find an article that could be interesting to people in your network, email/ send a copy. This works well for professional contacts, who are not familiar enough for a holiday card or personal announcement. An insightful article lets the contact know you are thinking of them and you understand what’s important in their industry. INTRODUCE A NEW CONTACT When you make introductions to other people in your network, not only do you expand the contacts of the person you introduce, but you also get an opportunity to catch up with your network. Like an interesting article, an interesting referral lets the contact know you are knowledgeable about their needs and willing to help. SIMPLY SAY HELLO Sometimes a person just pops into your head. Maybe they resemble someone on TV. Maybe you heard a joke they would enjoy. Follow your instinct and call/ email to say hello. It’s always nice to know people are thinking of you. INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle. – Abraham Lincoln I really did think that life would be like college, but it isn’t. Life is like high school. – Meryl Streep Taking risks doesn’t always mean risking your money. Sometimes it just means risking yourself. – Harry Beckwith Why not go out on a limb? That’s where all the fruit is. -- Mark Twain NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS In November, I start coaching training with CTI (Coaches Training Institute). I have long wanted to study their intuitive style of coaching as a complement to my analytical approach. On Saturday evening, Nov 18, I will need a volunteer coaching client for a 30-60 minute phone coaching session. It can’t be a family or friend, and it needs to be someone I haven’t coached privately. If you are interested in being coached and are available after 7p on Nov 18, please email me at cenizalevine@yahoo.com. All information is copyright © Caroline Ceniza-Levine 2006 www.thinkasinc.com