For some of us, putting ourselves in a situation where we have to reveal our dreams, fears and triumphs to our peers is taking a huge risk, even if we value the learning that might result. It’s incredibly important to feel safe if we’re going to share what we usually keep inside, especially regarding our entrepreneurial aspirations. In today’s podcast, Cheri Ruskus of Victory Circles introduces us to a tool – the mastermind process – that provides a powerful way to create that safety so that you can make meaningful connections with others while strengthening your business.
Are you making the most of your LinkedIn profile? Or did you set it up ages ago and have to blow the dust off the URL each time you come back? I’ve decided to make 2012 “The Year of LinkedIn.” LinkedIn is a fabulous treasure trove of connections and resources. I thought for the longest time that it was primarily for job seekers. My guest for this podcast, Matt Youngquist of Career Horizons (http://www.career-horizons.com), sets me straight on that point. He shares ways that both the seeker and the entrepreneur can leverage LinkedIn for stronger relationships and stronger businesses.
You know the conference drill.
The day opens with a breakfast of bagels, muffins and oranges (I mean, really… does anyone at an event actually take the time to peel and eat an orange?!), with a side of small talk while you juggle your teeny tiny paper plate and lukewarm coffee. You hope to be inspired and learn something new in between all of the chatter.
The fact is that as an introvert, I can learn and be inspired if left to my own devices, alone with a stack of books and a journal (and preferably, wearing my PJs!). That can sustain me for a while, and then I need interaction and outside input to refine my thinking. Conferences and workshops can certainly fill that need.
But there are potential downsides: Conferences are expensive. Time consuming. Exhausting.
So what’s an introvert to do? There’s an opportunity coming your way in just a few short days…
“Why can’t they just figure it out on their own?” “What is taking him so long?!” “Why does she keep talking about stuff she doesn’t know about?” “Why can’t we ever have a productive team meeting?”
Do any of these laments sound familiar?!?
In the typical workplace, there are a wide range of personality types, all trying to accomplish the same thing but having very different ways of doing it. We often label others as “control freaks” or “fly by the seat of her pants” types, sometimes using even less flattering terminology. Informing those behaviors is a core personality trait – being introverted or extroverted – that points to whether we prefer to have lots of space or be rapid fire.
A few weeks ago, my business coach threw down a challenge.
No social media for five full days.
No Facebook. No Twitter. No blogging.
No lurking, no sneaking, no peeking.
I had to go cold turkey. And it was going to be painful. Here’s what I learned about social media and how it acts like it can quench my thirst, but it’s not a substitute for the real thing.
