Take the Spotlight.

Each year on my birthday I set a stretch goal for my professional development and make it a focus over the next 365.  

I’ve been reflecting on what I would choose this year, and found myself jotting down some half-hearted ideas while ignoring the BIG one that kept gnawing at me: being seen.  I spend a lot of time behind the scenes helping my clients and their businesses to grow and am often hesitant to push myself out front.  

I’ve decided to do one event each week that pushes me into the spotlight and helps me build my network community. I know networking can be a challenge for even the most people-loving of us. And for me, I can ebb and flow in how consistent I am at pushing my business and brand forward.

Given that I've chosen Being Seen as my growth focus this year, I set out to plan how I can build my network community little by little each week, so I can see consistent gains in my professional brand.

Below I share a sample week of my plan for you to use in building your network.

Steps to Take Each Week to Build Your Network: Attending Events

1: Research and Select Events

• Spend some time researching upcoming events in relevant industries.

• Select events and contacts you believe will have the most impact on your business and brand.

• Make sure to mix it up - look to network with your peers and 1-2 levels above that.

2: Event Outreach

• Identify attendees of the event. Look on the event webpage, the host committee or business page and social media. See who is speaking, presenting, or commenting that they’ll be there.  Make a list of anyone who is in your network or isn’t and should be.

• Reach out via LinkedIn to let them know you’ll be there and looking forward to hearing their talk, meeting them, or just that you are excited about the event and glad they hosted it.

3: Plan Your Engagement Strategy

• Think about how you will introduce yourself and your brand.

• Practice your “elevator pitch” - that’s your 2-line bio.

• Prepare a few talking points about your brand’s mission and recent achievements.

• Prepare a few open-ended questions to get or keep a conversation going.

• Select a Call-to-Action closing sentence, such as “This conversation has been very interesting. I don’t want to take up all your time here at the event. Let’s keep the conversation going over coffee or Zoom.”

• Prepare a follow-up note ahead of the meeting. It will save you time when connecting with your new contacts post-event.

4: Attend the Event

• Arrive early to get a feel of the environment. This is especially helpful to introverts or anyone who hates a crowd.

• Take advantage of the topics covered at the event to spark a conversation.

• Be curious and use neutral language openers such as, “I thought that panel was insightful and am glad I decided to come to the event. I’m curious what you thought.”

• Look for those folks you did outreach to before the event – the introduction should be easier now that you’ve already met in cyberspace.

• Engage with as many people as possible, be it attendees, speakers, or organizers.

5: Follow Up

• Use that follow-up note you prepared and send emails or messages to the key contacts you made.

• Send it within 3-days of the event so the interaction is fresh.

• Didn’t get to see the person you wanted to meet? Not a problem! Send them a note saying you had tried to connect with them at the event and didn’t get to – then ask them for a virtual coffee to make that introduction.

Building a brand is a journey that requires consistent effort and strategic actions. While there are numerous tactics to enhance your brand's presence, focusing on one impactful action each week can yield significant results over time.

Attending and participating in events can significantly boost your brand’s visibility and credibility. By doing so, you expand your network and create meaningful connections that can propel your brand forward.

Have you attended any events recently? How did they impact your brand?

Got questions for me? Reach out at https://calendly.com/jackiegulley/brand-consultation

Setting Goals for the Second Half of the Year: A Mid-Year Reset

As the second half of the year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect, realign, and set new goals to ensure you finish the year strong. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started:

Reflect on the Past Six Months

Begin by evaluating the first half of the year. Celebrate your successes and acknowledge the goals you’ve reached so far. Many times we believe we haven't accomplished as much as we have, and writing it down can help you see what you've done and what there is still to do.

• 6-Month Start: Reflect on the goals you didn’t achieve and try to understand why. This insight can help you adjust your approach. Now write down what you can accomplish in the next six months.

Prioritize Your Objectives

Decide what’s most important for the remainder of the year. Focus on key areas. Identify the areas in your personal and professional life that need the most attention.

• 6- Month Start: Set SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This will take big ideas and put them into actionable steps - it'll give you a place for jumping off instead of just a list of to-dos.

Break Down Goals into Actionable Steps

Big goals can be overwhelming. Break them into smaller, manageable tasks. Create milestones. Divide your main goal into smaller milestones and set deadlines for each.

• 6- Month Start: Outline daily or weekly tasks that will progressively lead you to your main goal.

Stay Flexible and Adaptable

Life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change. Be open to adjustments. Be prepared to tweak your goals and plans as needed. It's ok to go back a few steps to move ahead - sometimes there are pauses in our progress. This doesn't mean we've failed or won't reach our goal, it just means we need to redirect our path.

• 6- Month Start: Maintain a positive mindset and stay committed, even when facing obstacles. Review your SMART goals progress and your reason why you want to achieve them. Usually, this will help you push past doubt.

Track Your Progress

Regularly reviewing your progress keeps you on track. Use tools like journals, apps, or planners to track your progress.

• 6- Month Start: Set periodic reviews to assess your progress and make necessary adjustments. For example, I use the first of each month to review and refresh. I look at my overal goals, then break down steps for the month, then each week. When I close my planning workbook, I am ready and know my plan for the next 30-days.

Seek Accountability and Support

Involve others in your goal-setting journey. Share your goals. Tell friends, family, or colleagues about your goals. Their support and encouragement can be motivating. They can also help when you need to pivot on your plan or start having doubts. We all need cheerleaders, mentors, and people that will push you forward when you're stuck.

• 6- Month Start: Find an accountability partner. Partner with someone who will help you stay accountable and motivated. That can be a friend, a business or wellness coach, a church or community leader, or a colleague or family member.

Celebrate Your Achievements

Recognize and reward yourself for reaching milestones. Celebrating small wins can help you achieve big goals. Take time to celebrate your smaller achievements. It keeps you motivated.

• 6- Month Start: Treat yourself when you hit a major milestone or complete a goal. It’s a great way to reinforce your hard work and dedication.

Setting goals for the second half of the year gives you a chance to realign with your vision and make the most out of the remaining months. Remember, the key is to set realistic goals, break them down into manageable steps, stay flexible, and celebrate your progress along the way. Here’s to a productive and successful second half of the year.

Happy goal setting!

Need a little help with your goals? Let's Connect! Book a free 15-minute consultation at https://calendly.com/jackiegulley/brand-consultation

Unlocking Opportunities: The Importance of Networking in Your Career

Networking is a crucial aspect of career development that often goes overlooked. Networking allows you to connect with like-minded individuals, industry professionals, and potential employers who can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and even job leads. By expanding your network, you increase your chances of uncovering hidden opportunities and advancing your career - and who doesn't want that! Below I share some key tips to start, or improve, your networking.

How to Approach Networking Events

Attending networking events can be intimidating, especially if you are new to the scene. However, these events can be incredibly valuable for expanding your professional network. The first step in making the most of networking events is to come prepared. Research the event beforehand to get an idea of the attendees and the topics that will be covered. This will help you identify individuals you would like to connect with and allow you to engage in meaningful conversations.

When attending a networking event, it is important to be confident and approachable. Start conversations by introducing yourself and showing genuine interest in the other person - and that 'elevator pitch' ready. I find just writing out 3 sentences and practicing them before I enter an event takes away any nervousness.

Ask open-ended questions that encourage dialogue and allow you to learn more about their background and expertise. Remember to actively listen and maintain eye contact, as this demonstrates your attentiveness and respect for the other person.

Lastly, don't forget to exchange contact information with individuals you meet - and feel comfortable using a QR code such as Blinq.com if you don't have a paper one. Just follow-up! Most people leave an event having made great connections and never speak again. Don't let this be you - block time in your calendar within the following 3-days to send a note. It can be as simple as, "Great to meet you at (event). I enjoyed learning more about your role at (job)." And then you can ask for more time with them if you have a specific request, or you can leave it with that short note.

Tips for Effective Networking

Ok, let's dive into some more tips to make the most of your networking efforts:

1. Set clear goals: Before attending networking events or reaching out to professionals, define your objectives. Are you looking for mentorship, job leads, or industry insights? Having clear goals will guide your networking activities and help you focus your efforts.

2. Be authentic: Authenticity is key when networking. Be genuine in your interactions and strive to build meaningful connections. People are more likely to help and support those they trust and resonate with.

3. Follow up: After meeting someone, always follow up within a few days to express your gratitude and reinforce the connection. (see short note above) This can be done through a personalized email or a LinkedIn message. Mention something specific from your conversation to jog their memory and keep the dialogue going.

4. Offer value: Networking is a two-way street. Look for opportunities to provide value to your connections, whether it's by sharing industry insights, making introductions, or offering support. And, if you told them you would do something when you met, follow-through.

5. Fear of rejection: It's natural to feel hesitant when approaching strangers or reaching out to professionals. This is why it helps to prepare your elevator pitch and review who is in attendance before the event, then you know what to expect from the crowd and will have a few ideas of how to start conversations using open-ended questions related to the theme of the event. Starting with 1-1 peer networking in your industry can also help you practice with less pressure. Ask someone at your level in a related business for coffee and practice your small talk with them.

6. Time constraints: Many professionals cite lack of time as a barrier to networking. However, networking doesn't have to be time-consuming. Set aside small pockets of time each week to engage in online networking or attend local events. Consistency is key, even if it's just dedicating 15 minutes a day to building relationships thought LinkedIn.

7. Feeling overwhelmed: With so many networking opportunities available, it's easy to become overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. Begin by identifying your target audience and focusing on building relationships with individuals who align with your career goals. Quality connections are more valuable than a large quantity of contacts.

8. LinkedIn: As mentioned a few times in this article, LinkedIn is a powerful platform for professional networking. In addition to optimizing your profile, join relevant industry groups, participate in discussions, and engage with thought leaders in your field.

9. Industry-specific platforms: Depending on your industry, there may be niche social media platforms or online communities that cater to professionals in your field. Research and join these platforms to connect with like-minded individuals and stay updated on industry trends.

10. Be respectful: Politics, Money and Religion are never-to-mention-topics? Not necessarily, just treat all networking interactions with respect and professionalism. Be mindful of others' time and avoid monopolizing conversations. Listen actively and show genuine interest in the other person's perspective. And if you disagree, just nod and smile, and move on to your next connection. In networking, it's important what you say as much as what you don't.

11. Follow up promptly: Saying it again, because it's that important: always follow up with individuals you meet to solidify the connection. Prompt follow-up demonstrates your professionalism and interest in maintaining the relationship.

Networking unlocks opportunities in your career journey - get started today! Connect with me on LinkedIn and let me know you're #networking!

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