https://www.rochester.edu/alumni/alumni-benefits/career-resources/conversations/20/how-introverts-can-survive-and-thrive-at-work/recording
Networking for Introverts
An excerpt from my new book published in mindbodygreen.com
As an editorial team full of introverts, we love how Jane Finkle's new book The Introvert's Complete Career Guide lends actionable advice on how introverts can break out of their shell a bit while remaining true to themselves. Here's her take on how to effectively network like a pro—even if you'd rather be in bed with a good book.
Managing Your Career in the Age of Acceleration
Managing Your Career in the Age of Acceleration
In case you haven’t noticed, the world of work has changed. Securing a stable job, working for one company until retirement or steadily climbing the ladder is a thing of the past. Tom Friedman, New York Times Columnist refers to this state of transformation as the age of acceleration. We are in a relentless race to keep up with the fast pace of advances in technology and the impact of globalization.
Hold On to Your Job
Hold on to Your Job
Eight Building Blocks to Succeeding at Work
Economic turbulence. Unpredictable job market. Competitive workplace. These words may have you tossing and turning on your pillow at night conjuring up images of your job on the chopping block. But it might help you to stop staring wide-eyed in fear at night if you take specific actions to increase your chances of achieving job success, and building a career that will make the future seem more rosy than scary.
How to Ace a Behavioral
Just Say No to Work Addiction
It’s a wobbly job market and many workers fear losing their jobs. Employers are faced with the high demands of producing in this economy and expect employees to deliver strong and measurable results. Cell phones, email and texting all conspire to accelerate work and create clients and customers who demand immediate attention. With all these external pressures more of us are working longer and harder and slowly slipping into a toxic state of workaholism.
How to Ask for Flex Time
As work continues to squeeze out more of our energy and time, we want flexibility. Young millennial workers expect it, and baby boomers are asking for part-time work hours as they transition into retirement. While not a miracle prescription, flextime offers some relief for those of us seriously suffering from the inability to manage time against work and family demands.
Blazing the Trail to a New Career
As you take delight in the blooming flowers of spring, you might be inspired to plant some personal seeds that will blossom into a new career. Trying to figure out what you want to do with your life can be both challenging and exciting. You can often find clues to your future by stepping back in the past and reflecting on your experiences, accomplishments and those unique and special talents that you may have been taking for granted.
Creating a 30 Second Elevator Speech
If you are stuck about the whole career networking process, think about creating a 30-second elevator speech. This simplified approach provides an organized way to introduce yourself to a professional contact. Think of the 30-second elevator speech as a personal pitch, or as a script that you develop with the distinct purpose of establishing rapport or a relationship with a potentially valuable contact. This short-hand introduction can also act to stimulate interest on the part of your contact.
Take a Stab at Freelance
It’s no fun pounding the pavement, wearing your shoes and your spirit out, looking for work opportunities. You dutifully post your resumes online, network your heart out and attend career fairs, all with negative results. If you are frustrated by a tough job market, consider freelance or contract work as way to tide you over. With some luck, your temporary job could turn into a full time job. However, freelance work provides an opportunity to continue to develop your skills and earn some money at the same time. Many professionals in full time positions pursue freelance work as a way to enhance their salaries.
A Day in the Life of a Career Counselor
For most of my professional life I have been a career counselor and coach. I spend countless hours guiding people through an intricate maze that includes their experiences, talents, skills and interests. The goal is to come up with job options that have the potential to be life changing and satisfying. I have had many opportunities to educate and advise students, young professionals, seasoned workers and Baby Boomers on all areas of career development. On a personal level, I have benefited from learning about the highs and lows of their experiences and found a deep sense of pride inspiring clients to take initiative and risks that have unfolded into exciting new opportunity and positive change.
Networking for Your Career
The prospect of creating a professional network can be intimidating and confusing. But the most compelling incentive for getting beyond your angst is the fact that a lot of folks are finding the right job because they developed a healthy and vital professional network. It is not really a new concept. Even before the economic downturn, many people found their jobs through connections.
While You Are Waiting for Something to Change
The search for an exciting new career or even the less adventurous prospect of finding a decent job is a unique challenge in a sluggish economy. Admirable qualities such as patience, a positive attitude, creative thinking, a willingness to take the initiative and some old fashion finger crossing can only take you so far before the sturdiest, most optimistic personality crumbles a little at the edges. Even a sparkling, polished resume combined with an effective job search strategy no longer guarantee immediate success.