Articles

Networking Mindset for Creative Coast

The Networking Mindset

November 24, 2020

I have recently had the pleasure of sharing an extended version of my presentation on The Networking Mindset. This 90-minute webinar covers the essentials from Parts I & II of Helpful.

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Silhouettes of a man dancing in eight different poses

So, you think you can dance? The choreography of networking.

April 28, 2020

Think back to the last time you were at a wedding — or any event with a dance floor. There was no shortage of well-meaning people encouraging the wallflowers, “Come on … get out on the dance floor … it’ll be fun … you’ll have a good time.” In many ways, networking is like…

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Picture of Heather in front of a prestentation screen

Interview on The Creative Introvert Podcast

January 21, 2020

Introverts often feel as though networking is not their thing. Cat Neligan and I put that notion to rest in a delightful conversation on her Creative Introvert podcast.

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Extraverted Man

Debunking the myth that extraverts make better networkers

November 25, 2019

The world is awash in myths and bad advice about networking. The most frustrating of all might be the myths that involve the notion of extraversion, often prodding those of us of the introvert persuasion to “just be more extraverted.” While it’s absolutely true that you must be visible to be successful, building professional relationships in a meaningful way is infinitely more nuanced than simply being more extraverted.

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Art for Cold Shower Podcast

Interview on The Cold Shower Podcast

October 4, 2019

A millenial and a baby boomer take a broad look at networking, leadership, college, student debt, and honoring the value that people bring to our lives.

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Podcast Interview with Angee Linsey

September 25, 2019

It was a delight to be interviewed by the talented Angee Linsey for her new show Dare to be Deliberate. She is a gifted show host and a savvy career coach.

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Blank name tag

What do you do?

July 12, 2019

Imagine a scenario where you are meeting for someone for the first time. If you live in America, there is a good chance that the conversational exchange will go something like this:

An opening volley of small talk …

A bit more small talk …

Something about the weather …

And then someone will inevitably say … (wait for it …)

“So, what do you do?”

How do you answer the question, “What do you do?”

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An introverted man on the left and an extraverted man on the right

Where Do You Think? A Key Difference Between Introverts & Extroverts

July 5, 2019

There are many contrasting and complimentary differences between introverts and extraverts: where we get our energy, what stimulates us, how we feel about small or big groups, to name but a few. The contrasts are rich and numerous. However, as a long-time Myers-Briggs practitioner, I find that the most defining characteristics of the introvert / extravert spectrum is where people think.

In general, extraverts tend to think externally; they need to verbalize their thoughts to think. Thoughts are actually formed as they are verbalized. They speak to think.

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Sonar rings radiating out in the upper right quadrant

A Quick Guide to Informational Interviews

July 3, 2019

How do you decide what direction to head next in your career? Would you like to be more visible inside your company? How do you increase your chances of getting a job offer inside of a company that interests you?

Over the course of my speaking and client engagements I find myself frequently recommending informational interviews as a tactic to learn, as well as gain exposure for your career. Informational interviews are a great way to explore opportunities, discover mentors, and get information about a field of work from someone who has firsthand knowledge.

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Page-A-Day wall calendar with the words "Networking Event" circled in red

Networking at Events

July 1, 2019

In the spring of 2017 I was invited to be a guest blogger on the AICPA website. The AICPA — the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants — was gearing up for its annual convention later that spring. I offered six great tips on networking, especially at large events. The ideas were as timely then as they are today. .

I used to be afraid of networking. As an avowed introvert with a moderate case of shyness, too often I would pass up opportunities to meet and connect with people. Much later in life I would discover that networking was an acquired skill and was well within my reach…

Read the entire article at the AICPA Insights Blog 

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