Posts by The Strategy Company

Avoid self-criticism. Didn’t quite reach all your 2021 goals? Reflection is good, but don’t criticize yourself too harshly. You’re human. Avoid self-criticism. Replace it with a positive affirmation. “I will succeed.” Be specific. Nothing advances a goal more than writing it down. But be specific. Don’t just write, “improve communication skills.” Instead, write, “prepare, practice,…

When following up, use the rule of three: reach out three times, stop, move on. You want an introduction. You need information, an online “like”, or a new job. Before you make that ask, wait some time after you offered your value. Avoid the quid pro quo of an immediate ask. Give it some time.…

Be present with the people you are with―always. That applies especially to your network. Listen more. Talk less. Train yourself to give your undivided time and attention to the people who matter most. The pandemic of 2020 made introverts of us all. We hid behind Zoom and avoided physical contact. Some of us still do.…

Offer Value. Price is what you pay. Value is what you give. The best way to meet long-haul connections is to be one yourself. Offer value. Long-term friends are ones who share. Start first. Give them your attention. They will respond with theirs. If you have something to share, share it. For a seasoned professional,…

Go for Long-Haul Connections ​Aim for long-term relationships. Avoid the transactional ones. Build a network of professionals whom you help now. In turn, they will help you down the road. ​Don’t try to be everybody’s friend. ​No one told you to set yourself ablaze to keep others warm. Slow down. Find a select few contacts…

Avoid Hit-and-Run Networking You know the one. The guy at the chamber of commerce mixer peddling cards, selling office furniture, looking for the one-time sale. Don’t be like him―the hit-and-run networker. That goes for both in-person events and online networking sites. Aim higher. Build a strong network of long-lasting relationships. Seek out people you can…

Do you feel out of place at networking events? What about feeling cringy when reaching out to other professionals on LinkedIn. If you are proactively trying to expand your network, it’s not uncommon to feel awkward putting yourself out there. That particularly applies today as we emerge from the pandemic after hiding behind Zoom. The…