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Using Your Network to Jumpstart Your Career

By October 21, 2019September 21st, 2020No Comments
J. Kelly Hoey - Build Your Dream Network

Vision boards and career plans are great when you know what you want to do with your career. But what if you’re at a crossroads? When you’re befuddled and seeking career direction, turn to your network for ideas.

Key takeaways:

  • Self-assessment can limit the parameters of a career transition.
  • Those we’ve worked alongside are frequently in a much better position to assess – or unearth – our talents, and superpowers.
  • You can unearth your possibilities by diving into your past interactions and engagements (paid and voluntary) and soliciting input.
  • Key parts of an action plan:
    • What are you seeking to learn about yourself?
    • Make a list of those whose input would be helpful. Include a diverse list.
    • Craft some specific and grounded questions to ask.

What to listen for:

  • 02:04 Limits of self-assessment
  • 04:39 What are some common aversions to, and benefits of, 360 reviews?
  • 06:30 Forming your Build Your Dream Network Action Plan
  • 08:28 Example questions to get you started

Quotes:

“When you have no idea or you’re mulling ideas, that’s the time to tap into your network. It’s a chance to seek feedback, gather suggestions – or crowdsource ideas for your next career.” [00:56]

“We downsize our contributions, and that’s as bad as overinflating them” [02:50]

“Our networks often see bigger visions of us than we do, more possibilities in the skills we devalue, or overlook, or ignore, or don’t even know we possess.” [04:28]

“Whether you work for a company that has a formal 360 review process or not, you can unearth your possibilities by diving into your past interactions and engagements (both paid and voluntary) and solicit input.” [06:14]

“A 360 review could light the way to a new career or help you leave an unsatisfying one behind or it could provide the much-needed motivation to stick to doing what you’re already doing.” [06:58]

Discover the networking path to achieving your career dreams in Episode Five of the Build Your Dream Network podcast.

J. Kelly Hoey

Networking Expert + Career Transformation Coach + Author + Speaker, Kelly Hoey looks at "networking" through a new, modern, fresh lens, offering you (who are pursuing and perhaps struggling with your big ambitions), advice on how to connect for success in a hyper-connected world that is woefully short in its attention span. Her network-building advice is relatable, instilling confidence with actionable insights and practical information. www.jkelyhoey.co