Reputation COUNTS

I’m always struck by the lack of networking training in schools when it is one of the most important skills both employers and employees need to succeed in the workplace.  While an estimated 60-80% of jobs are found through networking, many people have no idea how to effectively meet and form mutual beneficial relationships.

A few years ago, Dr. Ivan Misner, the founder of Business Network International (BNI), conducted a survey of over 1,400 businesspeople.  He found that 88% of the respondents said “they never had any college course that even covered the topic of networking.”  But another worldwide survey of over 2,500 businesspeople showed that 75% received the majority of their business through networking.

With networking playing such a key role in the ability to move ahead, I wonder why there is a reluctance to include it in a school’s curriculum in a substantial way.  Any thoughts?

Tags: Networking by Marcia Hall
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 How do I shine and get ahead without arousing envy of others?

Rather than focus on how you may be arousing envy, demonstrate that you are trustworthy to your supervisor and co-workers.  You accomplish this by doing what you say you will do, being positive, always being on time, being helpful and listening carefully.  Your boss will notice these types of behaviors and your co-workers will come to know they can count on you.

You need to demonstrate these attributes every day.  This is the way you shine.

Tags: Soft skills by Marcia Hall
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“How can I show them I am capable of so much more than this job, which is beneath my skill level?”

The first step is to demonstrate that you are first-rate in your current position and that you have a positive attitude.  This means saying, “Sure I’d be happy to,” when you are asked to do a task you believe is beneath your qualifications.  The reality is that there is no work that is below your skill level as everyone needs to pitch in to make companies prosper.  Employers are watching attitude and your level of competence.  They want to see if you are enthusiastic and can exceed their expectations.

The next step is to be proactive.  Determine what else you can do and volunteer to undertake a new responsibility.  Anticipate what is needed next rather than waiting to be asked.

By consistently doing what you say you will do, being accurate and professional, and by being positive every day, you build the type of reputation that moves your career forward.  Your employer needs to trust that he/she can count on you, and your actions and attitude either build that trust – or hurt it.

Tags: Attitude by Marcia Hall
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I was talking with my husband, Steve, the other day about the fine art of being friendly, but not too familiar with your boss.  Steve recalled that early in his career, he supervised several people.  There was camaraderie in the organization but one of his team members mistook his friendliness for something more when he requested time off to deal with a family matter.  This employee assumed Steve was his friend and would grant the request.  Because of the need to meet some very tight delivery requirements, it was not possible. 

As an employee, if you try to be too familiar with your boss it will likely be perceived in a negative way.  Your co-workers may be suspicious of what you are doing.  Your boss may think you are immature or unprofessional.  When you assume your boss is your friend you may tell inappropriate jokes or talk as you did with friends in college. 

From Steve’s and my experience, it is best to be positive and friendly, but don’t assume that your boss will or wants to be your friend. 

Tags: Professionalism by Marcia Hall
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