Summer is here. In fact almost two-thirds of the “100 days of Summer” are behind us. Are you hot and thirsty?
Harvey Mackay says, “Dig your well before you’re thirsty” and in West Texas we say, “Take your shade with you.” Shade and water can help you ward off or solve many of the problems that arise due to the summer heat.
Here are a few quick and simple ways to ensure the summer heat does not beat or blister your career. No matter your industry, career expertise or area of interest, think of these actions as “water and shade” to help you handle any career problems or opportunities that crop up.
Seek out face-to-face connections. Find professional, industry, and social groups/associations in your geographic area. For example, the local CPA association, the software developer or WordPress Meetup Group, Rotary Club or the community garden group. These groups are think tanks, user groups and natural places to make face-to-face connections. They provide opportunities to build visibility and credibility. Face-to-face interactions are far more powerful than relationships exclusively based online. A Google search will help you find the groups in your area. You can also ask your current network what groups they recommend.
Look for online groups to join and get involved. LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook all have millions of groups. There’s one for most anything that comes to mind. Make a short list of your interests, then search for a group. You can comment, post a question or add your expertise/technical knowledge to help others solve a problem. Recommendation: before posting a question, search existing discussions to see if your question has been asked and answered. If so, comment that you found the information/group helpful.
Connect with people that solve the problems you need solved. Everyone has problems. Everyone solves problems. We need other people and naturally feel a stronger connection to people who like the same things we like and enjoy. Gardeners help other gardeners with any problem they have, not just things to do with growing a garden. The same holds true for teachers, Apple junkies, golfers, etc. Add a keyword to your online profiles to help search features link you with other like-minded people. In some ways this is better than “carrying shade with you” because it helps shade show up just when you need it from those with whom you share common interests.
Say “Yes” to friends and invitations. It is sad to me when I hear, “I only connect with people I know well.” Why? Knowing someone well takes time, interaction, and effort, saying “yes” can be that first step toward getting to know someone well. Those you connect with today may be those you know well tomorrow. They also know people you don’t who may be able to help you achieve your goals.
Connecting with people may be all you need to find water, shade and the solution to keeping the heat from blistering your career. Enjoy who you connect with during the final “100 days of summer.” Have fun and add prosperity and satisfaction to your summer, your career and your life.
Have an amazing week!
This is excellent advice for any business owner! You always provide such sound advice. Interesting that three out of four are face to face relationship strategies! These relationships are most important! Thanks so much @Cindy!
Great advice. It’s easy, in the online world, to forget about face to face connections. Being an entrepeneur can get a little isolating. Hammering away at the keyboard may seem productive, but it doesn’t usually result in connections with people in real time. I find this is a bigger and bigger focus for me, as nothing is quite so satisfying as connecting with people in the flesh and blood. =-)