I get it. You’re a doer, and action taker. You make things happen. That’s great!
When it comes to advancing or even transforming your career, however, you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, you shouldn’t.
I believe the greatest asset for any career or business is your network.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, “employers fill the majority of job openings through the unadvertised, or hidden job market.”
Rather than waste your time surfing the web for your dream job, you ought to invest your time and energy on engaging your network.
The benefits of engaging the right people who can champion your success extends beyond finding your next job. Setting your sights on a big promotion? Having trouble navigating office politics? Leading a massively important project? Starting a new business?
Who you know and how effectively you engage their support is just as important, if not more so, than what you know, your skills or abilities.
Don’t believe me? I can prove it. Have you ever worked with someone significantly less qualified than you who is higher up than you or further along in their career? There you go!
There are 3 champions that can move mountains for your career or business.
- The Mentor. The role of a mentor is to guide you in the right direction.
They are your teachers and your coaches. Ideally, have been through a similar journey, so you can learn from their successes and their mistakes.
They can help you navigate office politics, guide you on your path to promotion, or outline the steps to pursue your dream job.
A great mentor will give you the “need to know” and share the good, the bad, and the ugly before you take major action.
- The Sponsor. The role of a sponsor is to create opportunities for you.
They are influencers in their circles and can create career changing opportunities for you, facilitate promotions or fast track your transition into to your dream job at your dream company.
They are your advocate and have the power to position you for success. One good word from them can move mountains for your career like nothing else can.
Here’s a little secret, and one of the most valuable business lessons I learned long ago from a mentor of mine. “Don’t let the titles fool you. Observe the people in the room. Notice how others react to each person who speaks. Pay close attention to see who is really the leader and influencer. You may be surprised.”
- The Fan Club. The role of your fan club is to talk you up when you’re not in the room.
They can make or break your reputation. Think of them as your “Yelp” reviewers.
They also look out for opportunities for you and make great references!
Now that you know who they are, here are few strategies to engage them:
- Build Trust.
Before your champions can do anything for you, they must KNOW and TRUST you.
Lots of high-achieving, accomplished professionals find it difficult to ask for help, especially from people they don’t know too well. There’s good reason for that.
Just like you wouldn’t propose marriage on a first date, before you ask your champions to commit to helping you, you must first build trust.
Here’s a not so secret “big secret.” People love to talk about themselves and give advice. Start there!
Reach out and let them know you’re interested in learning more about that thing they did or that accomplishment they had. Let them know why you’re interested.
Be humble and respectful of their time. Consider starting with a phone call, rather than an in person meeting, and suggest 30 minutes rather than an hour.
Always thank them for their time.
- Be clear with your “ASK,” and phase it.
First, be clear with yourself. Think about what you need to learn to achieve your goals. Is there someone you’d like to be introduced to? Which mountains do you need moved?
Most people prefer to start conversations with friends and former colleagues or with a little friendly catching up before they get down to business.
The problem is the conversation can get awkward fast once you shift to business.
It might feel ingenuine, leaving your friend or former colleague feeling a bit “tricked” about the true purpose of your call.
Be clear from the start. Whether you know them or not, set the expectation when you initially reach out that you have a professional or business question or request. Start your call or meeting defining the purpose, and you’ll eliminate any discomfort from the get go.
Finally, timing is everything, so consider phasing in the asks. Again, no marriage proposals on a first date. Think about what you can ask for on that first call, and what might best be left as a next step.
- Nurture the relationship.
In my experience, when someone truly believes in you and the value you can provide, often they will want to play a part of helping you to succeed. Help them to share in your vision
Stay connected. Consider scheduling the next call or meeting before you end this one. Even if you don’t plan to talk until next quarter or next year, if it’s on the calendar, it’s more likely to happen.
If you know what mountains you need moved, and you can identify who can help you move them, then get to it! Start engaging your champions and watch your career achievements accelerate!