Bring in the big guns
People love to be needed, and love to be thought of as a leader in their field even more. If you could use a hand reaching a goal, ask around until you find someone in the field who seems universally respected and on the ball. Call them up and explain that you are trying to break into the field (be sure and choose someone for whom you will not represent up-and-coming competition) and that you've heard that they are the as the go-to person for the inside scoop. Ask them for what's known as an "informational interview", and offer to treat them to lunch so that you don't take up their valuable work time. Pick the nicest place within your budget, or ask where they like to eat - and don't forget your checkbook or credit card (call the restaurant first if you're unfamiliar with the place, to ensure your card or check will be accepted). Have a backup payment option on hand, just in case their credit card swiper is down that day. If your target decides to meet in their office, make sure you don't take up any more of their time than you originally asked for, unless they specifically ask you to stay on - and even then, use good judgment about overstaying your welcome.
Prepare a list of questions beforehand and make sure that you listen carefully to everything they say. Taking notes is nothing if not flattering to the speaker, so feel free to do so. If they start to wander off on a conversational tangent, a good way to bring them back on target is to say something like "Wow, someday I'd really love to hear all about (whatever they're talking about), but since I know you're very busy, I really have to ask you about (your question) before you/I have to leave."
After the interview, write a brief thank you note (on paper, not email) and get it in the mail that day or the very next morning at the latest. Then add that person to your network list!
(c) Soni Pitts
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Soni Pitts is the Chief Visionary Butt-Kicker of sonipitts.com. She specializes in helping others reclaim "soul proprietorship" in their lives and to begin living the life their Creator always intended for them.
She is the author of the free e-book "50 Ways To Reach Your Goals" and over 100 self-help and inspirational articles, as well as other products and resources designed to facilitate this process of personal growth and spiritual development.
affordable house cleaning Wilmette ..Ever have those days where no matter what you try... Read More
You can be a master achiever by developing the same... Read More
An old fable tells about a religious man and a... Read More
Have a therapeutic meltdown It's crunch time: you're two days... Read More
It happened again in class. While sharing my insights on... Read More
Does the thought of failure send a cold shiver down... Read More
Plants of all kinds (including trees), herbs and roots have... Read More
What characteristics are common among successful people. If you analyze... Read More
Too many times in the pursuit of our dreams, we... Read More
How can anyone with the brain of a cockroach make... Read More
We all want success in life. We want success in... Read More
Trying to keep up with the Jones only drags good,... Read More
Each human being, who exists above the level of simple... Read More
Don't talk to me about how to succeed! I've read... Read More
To be clear about what success is must be the... Read More
I am sure that you're familiar with the old formula... Read More
If you are like me you have probably lost a... Read More
Something's missing! As a Hispanic in this great country, I... Read More
If you want to be rich and famous, you have... Read More
Following are a series of questions I needed to ask... Read More
The 2004 final of the World's Strongest Man METRx Championship... Read More
The best and fastest way to learn how to make... Read More
Have you ever heard of the "secrets of success"? Many... Read More
"Never, never, never give up; never give up, never!." -... Read More
Unless you have been living in a cave, you have... Read More
quick home cleaning Northbrook ..I once heard a speaker use the statement, "I have... Read More
As a work-life and career coach, I regularly work with... Read More
The Great Library of Alexandria once held the wisdom of... Read More
Clown around Among the Plains Indians, heyoka, or sacred clowns,... Read More
The present model of business and career motivation, the one... Read More
If that sounds like you, you're not alone. Everyone needs... Read More
The only thing in life we have direct control over... Read More
If you'd like to fulfill your long-held dreams, try a... Read More
Persistence is the foundation of success. Although there are many... Read More
Signs of DiscontentYou don't need a degree in psychology to... Read More
An effective self- concept generates the desire to strive for... Read More
If you have read this far, we both know you... Read More
We are repeatedly told that we should forget about unpleasant... Read More
Choose "impossible" goals When faced with a hard-to-reach goal, your... Read More
Bank account bare? Bedroom barren? Body running on empty? Buddha... Read More
Of all the things that can have an effect on... Read More
However there is one success secret that costs nothing. And... Read More
Being busy has become a way of life for many... Read More
Once you've made it...throw a Success Shindig! Of course you... Read More
1. Clearly define what you want and what is most... Read More
All of us could work on our skills in influencing... Read More
(Excepted from the book The Five Major Pieces to the... Read More
Success, in the dictionary, is defined as, "The achievement of... Read More
Effective listening is almost certainly the most important communication skill,... Read More
Jack Nichlaus was asked if there are really talented golfers... Read More
Success |