Working from home is now a reality for more than 26 million people (source: http://www.teleworkresearchnetwork.com/7016/7016). It can be part-time or full-time, for an employer or as an entrepreneur. Generally, working from home is seen as one of the choice benefits that companies can bestow on employees, or as one of the perks of being self-employed.
How do you envision the typical day of working from home? Freed from a daily commute, do you perceive it as a leisurely day, complete with jammies and bunny slippers? Or maybe you think it entails flexibility to set whatever hours you want to in order to accommodate your loved ones’ schedules and your own preferences? Are those of us who work in home offices blessed with a better work/life balance because of this set-up?
Consider the downsides:
- The constant interruptions from family members, pets, neighbors who drop in without notice.
- The expectation that you will be able to promptly complete a variety of household chores (laundry, dishes, cooking, etc.) during the day because you are home.
- The belief that you are more available to be a chaperone for your child’s field trip than someone else who has an outside office to go to.
- The fact that work is always there!
- (You can insert your own sticky points here.)
Recently, I participated in a discussion on an elist of career professionals about one other challenge to working at home – BOUNDARIES! Some of my colleagues had great suggestions on working around this particular issue with loved ones.
The signs are clear
Pat Schuler, the creator of KickButt Sales Training, had one suggestion for a client involving red, yellow, and green cardstock. “The color posted on the door of her office carried a clear message,” Schuler explained, “Red – no interruptions unless there was fire or bleeding involved. Yellow – knock first and don’t enter until you have permission. Don’t keep knocking, and don’t yell through the door. Green – okay to open the door and walk in.”
Another suggestion Schuler gave was the use of a clock sign that would indicate when the work-at-home person would be available. She advised, “If you expect you’ll be done at 8:00, you may want to put one of those clocks on your door so you won’t hear plaintive cries every 15 minutes.”
Motion detector
Lisa Parker, CPRW, retold her situation: “Closing the hallway door did not help, closing my office door did not help (barge in), and locking the office door resulted in the ‘door handle wiggling’ approach. The constant interruptions were making me crazy!”
Relief for Parker came in the form of a motion-activated wireless alarm. “My husband hooked it up in the hallway that leads to my office,” she explained. “If the hallway door opens, I hear a low key ding behind my desk and know someone is coming. If my office door is open, the person can come in but give me a moment to complete the task at hand. If the door is closed, I am off limits. Still, the ding lets me know something is needed, so I can pop out a few minutes later to resolve the problem.”
Working around everyone else
Lisa Rangel of Chameleon Résumés chooses to conform to others in her life. “I aim to write when everyone else is sleeping,” Rangel said. “If I need to work outside of the school schedule, I get up at 4:00 or 5:00 am some mornings or just work once everyone goes to bed. I don’t do this every night/day, but often enough to have uninterrupted time.”
Becky Felix of Felix Résumé Group agreed. “I have two little ones at home and a teenager. I work a little bit during the day, but the bulk of my work is completed between 3:00 pm and 1:00 am. This is the time that my teenager comes home to help with the kids for an hour before my husband is home. I catch up on my oldest daughter’s day, chat with my husband, and off to work I go!”
Realistic expectations
Rangel has also modified her working style to reflect her environment appropriately. “If I go into a document thinking, ‘I am getting this whole document done’ or ‘I am finishing this first page before I get up,’ I am essentially setting myself up to fail, because I will be interrupted,” she pointed out. “I write in 10-20 minute snippets, setting mini goals like, ‘I am just going to write this summary’ or ‘I just want to get these two bullets down.’ If I am interrupted after those are done, I still feel like I accomplished my goal.”
Having realistic expectations is something I work toward, as well. Given the schedules in the Cooley household, my husband is the one to pick up our daughter from school. When they both hit the door, they want to talk. Making them wait until I’m done working has failed terribly, so I’ve built it in to my schedule to give them each 15 minutes to talk about the most important parts of their day. That seems to give them enough “face time” so that I can continue my day and finish catching up with them at dinner time.
Hitting the coffee shop
Sometimes, the best solution to getting work done is to remove yourself from the situation. Rangel explained, “If everyone is home and I just need to work, I leave. I don’t tempt them to interrupt me by being in the house…Starbucks, here I come!”
What other methods do you use to handle the boundary issue?
Are you an introvert or an extrovert (hint: if you’re not sure, take this quiz)? Introverts are perceived to be quiet, introspective, and less sociable, while an extrovert may be assertive, outgoing and concerned with external stimuli. While these personality types are vastly different — in fact, they’re polar opposites — each has its own place in an office.
The fact is, when it comes to working with others or managing a team, there is no one-size-fits-all communication style. Introverts and extroverts both require different approaches and contribute different skills.
Introverts
What they prefer: An introvert may prefer to spend time reflecting on decisions or judgments; may like to think a bit before responding with thoughts or ideas; prefers a quiet workplace; and may prefer more direct, “to the point” communication rather than chatter.
How to communicate: An introvert will appreciate communication in writing, giving them more time to think about information and reflect. Give an introvert more time to examine and information-gather rather than pushing them to “catch up” with the extroverts. Allow an introvert opportunities to work by themselves on projects, if possible.
What they contribute: An introvert will be great at paying attention to details and really thinking about a problem. They will think through and reflect on any assignment or project they are given to come up with the best possible solution.
Extroverts
What they prefer: An extrovert is much more verbal with their emotions and ideas and are the first to volunteer them; enjoy group office gatherings and social workspaces; welcome more roundabout communication; and prefers to brainstorm in a group rather than make decisions introspectively.
How to communicate: Give an extrovert opportunities to volunteer their ideas and opinions. Encourage an extrovert’s “go go go” mentality and allow them to move with ideas as they develop. Allow extroverts to work in teams and brainstorm.
What they contribute: An extrovert has undeniable energy and enthusiasm that is motivating to others in the workplace. Their sociable, fast-paced work style will encourage creativity and keep people ahead of schedule.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? What are some other skills of these personality types?
Being an asset in any part of one’s life is to truly enjoy what you do, love who you’re around, and ultimately be who you want to be. To be indispensable in the workplace means to go beyond what’s required and simply love doing it, because if you don’t, someone else will. Think this doesn’t make a difference? Think again. Anyone can do what’s asked of them. But, in order to add real value, you have to genuinely have a passion for what you do, because if you do, the extra effort that you give will be effortless. It’s just something you are accustomed to do—go the extra step.
Here are a few tips on how to be indispensable:
1. Be the expert
A great way to make yourself indispensable in the workplace is to be the expert your company needs in order to be successful. You want coworkers and managers alike to know that you’re the .net programming guru, or that you’ve tinkered around in Excel so much that there’s virtually nothing you can’t do in it. An expert is an asset that a company can’t go without. Most experts don’t realize they’re experts until they’re viewed and sought out as one, because they’re constantly and subconsciously perfecting their expertise. For instance, if you’re genuinely passionate about social media, you’re going to pay attention to that feature piece on the 6 o’clock news about how employers are attempting to require Facebook passwords, and then on Monday when the executive vice president casually starts a conversation surrounding the debate, you can chime in on your point of view. And, the next time Facebook is brought up in conversation, he’s going to think of you.
Your passions could make you your company’s next expert.
2. Network
Whether your job searching or already in a job, the network you create and maintain is critical to your being indispensable because it accredits you. Network with the people you’re naturally drawn to in social situations, your water cooler buddies, etc. Be sure to make it a point to be conversational with higher-ups who can vouch for you at crunch time, from your manager to the president—make your presence and expertise known. A majority of jobs come about by “knowing someone.” Your job once you get “the job” is to continue to nurture your relationships and continue to create new ones to make sure that you are expanding your social circles.
3. Be that person but not that person
People who are the happiest in their jobs are the people who are involved in their jobs, during and after business hours. A great boss of mine once gave me this advice before going to a Christmas party: “Be the second or third person to arrive, and don’t shut down the bar.” You need to find that happy medium of being the reputable superstar who’s “always there at the right time”, but not the party person of the year who’s just there for the happy hour. You don’t have to check emails all weekend, but your boss will notice if you shoot off a quick response to a troubled teammate on a Saturday. Be the indispensable solutions provider who always does a little more than what’s asked of them.
4. Don’t stop learning
This goes hand-in-hand with being your company’s go-to expert, but also demonstrating your flexibility. The people who are the least adaptable to change are often the first ones to complain and the last ones to be viewed as indispensable. The trick is not to lose that “first day mentality” or the hunger that being on the job market instilled in you—otherwise known as that mindset that told you, “I’m going to do this job the best that I can! I’m going to work so hard!” Be resourceful, open-minded, and always willing to learn. “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” Bosses and coworkers alike appreciate someone who always comes in with a good attitude and a willingness to try new things. Be that person, have that mentality, and know those weird new technologies that everybody else seems to just be hearing about.
5. Know yourself
This may sound silly to some, but to truly be a productive, indispensable contributor to a company, you must first start with you. Stay healthy, get plenty of sleep, and know your own limits. When you know yourself, it makes it easier for others to know you and thus develop the best working relationship in which to get things accomplished. Knowing yourself also means identifying your own talents. If you know what your passions are, make that into a job, because after all, when you do what you love, those around you hone in on it and know they couldn’t do it without someone with your talent and passion.
While receiving multiple job offers may seem like the opposite of a problem, especially to those individuals who have yet to receive one job offer, it can actually be a big dilemma when people don’t know how to handle the situation.
The last thing you want to do as a possible employee is burn bridges because not only is it unprofessional, but also it could hurt your chances with other companies in the future. It may sound cliché, but people do talk and you don’t want your reputation to be stained.
So how do you deal with receiving multiple job offers? Here are a few ways:
Figure out your ideal job
It is important for you as a job seeker to know what you’re looking for in a company or position. This means what salary range you’re interested in, if there are benefits or bonuses, what industry it’s in, location, travel requirements, and anything else you believe is necessary. Be sure to write all of these qualities you want down, so if you are ever in a job offer dilemma you can figure out the pros and cons of each position based on your ideal job.
Be honest
It might seem like a good idea to keep quiet about interviewing with other companies, but in reality it’s not. Almost all smart businesses will ask you what your interviewing activity has been like for the past six months or so. Therefore, it is important to remain honest with your potential employers because you don’t want to leave a bad impression. You never know when you might need their help in the future.
Ask for more time
After receiving a job offer, you are allowed to ask for time to come to a verdict. You can ask for a couple days or even a week, but just know, the more time you request, the more their chances of bringing someone else on if you decide not to take the position are diminished. Be sure to keep that in mind while making your decision, and be courteous to not only the company but to the other applicants, as well.
Think it through
The most crucial thing about taking the time to decipher whether or not you want to accept the job offer is that you actually think it through. Don’t take a position just for backup or financial security. The hiring process can be pricey for employers, and so can losing an employee. You want to be 100 percent sure before you accept a job offer because quitting soon after may have many negative consequences for everyone involved.
Sure, receiving multiple job offers can be a tad overwhelming, but if you take these steps into consideration, everything will work itself out. Oh, and don’t forget to breathe.
Has this ever happened to you before? How did you handle the situation?
Whether you are currently working as a manager or are a stay-at-home mom looking to get back into a management role after taking time off, you possess skills that are very transferable to the other side of your life.
1. Project/quality management: At work, you need to keep everything moving smoothly so that, ultimately, the customers get the quality products or services they are looking for when they expect them. This oftentimes requires that multiple initiatives be coordinated at the same time. At home, your family demands to be taken to various activities, be fed good food by a certain time, live in a clean house, have clothes that are laundered and fit well, and the list goes on. To do this well on the job and at home, you need to work efficiently, use high-quality inputs, and ensure that everyone involved is trained to do their tasks.
2. Motivational tactics: A system of rewards and consequences characterize a manager’s efforts to encourage her team to reach goals and do the best job possible. The same idea applies to parents who are attempting to inspire their children in learning new concepts, in performing during their extra-curricular activities, and in their completion of schoolwork. While the specific rewards and consequences may differ, the general idea behind the execution of it is the same in either situation.
3. Conflict management: If you have more than one child, you get the opportunity to hone this skill every day. Whether it’s a toy, computer time, whose turn it is to unload the dishwasher, or who gets Mom to tuck them in for the night, kids will always find something over which to bicker and fight. While you may not tell your employees to go to their rooms for a time out, you can use some of the other negotiation and diplomacy principles at work that you also use to help your children calm down when a disagreement arises.
4. Crisis management: Life at work rarely goes according to plan. There’s always something that goes amiss and needs to be handled right away. And, depending on the day, your home life may feel like one crisis after another. Crisis management skills have been a great help to me at home, particularly with the various Urgent Care and ER visits that have been a by-product of having two kids.
5. Coaching: Being able to do a good job doesn’t always come naturally. Both employees and children often need guidance that will help them be successful at the tasks they are attempting to do, and the approach taken in each situation is very much the same – it’s done with patience and understanding.
6. Development of subordinates (or children): As a good manager, one of your roles is to help members of your team grow professionally. At times, that will mean that the person will develop in a way that leads them to leave your group for a promotion. Parents do the same thing with their children – they talk with them about what their interests are, give them opportunities to learn different skills and determine which ones they want to pursue further, and, ultimately, support them in reaching their goals so they can have the lives they want as independent adults.
So the next time you are at a loss for how to motivate your child or need an idea for mediating conflict at work, take a look at what you do in the other side of your life for some skills you already have! What are some other ways that your work experiences can help you at home, and vice-versa?
How did you get to where you’re at in your career?
I feel lucky to be in the point of my career that I am. A lot of it was predicated on relationship building and gaining the trust of peers and managers along the way. I have been working in marketing for over 15 years, with 11 of those being in the industry of staffing. Over time, you build up a level of expertise and strong relationships that as they progress…you progress. I also feel I was lucky to have people around me that I could learn and grow from. I have always been fortunate enough to have leadership that inspired me every day and challenged me to take risks and not be afraid to make mistakes. When one’s professional career is cultivated in an atmosphere like that, you are bound to advance as a professional. Lastly, I think there was a little good old fashioned luck involved—being in the right place at the right time. Once I was there, I made the decision to stay with my employer when others might have job/employer hopped a bit. Longevity does play out to benefit an individual over time and opportunity is bound to open up when you get to truly know your employer.
Did you always know that you would end up doing this?
Actually, no. I didn’t always think I would end up in marketing and I never assumed I would end up in staffing. In a conversation recently someone posed the question, “does anyone say I want to work in the staffing industry when I grow up?” I found that to be humorous, yet very true. When going to school, I wanted to go into TV production/journalism or political science. As a double major, I found myself drawn to both career options. After graduation, I looked for jobs in both arenas and happily landed in the production field where I stayed for two years. Being exposed to various clients and businesses in this job made me realize that I loved the creative aspect, but wanted more of a business setting. A few stepping stones later, I arrived at Randstad where my career has played out. Have I forgotten my political ambitions? For the most part, yes. However, I am a notary public, which is considered public office. So, I sit here laughingly telling myself that my major wasn’t fully lost!
If someone else were to walk in your shoes for one day, what could they expect?
If someone were to walk in my shoes they could expect a consistently busy day. To do this job, one really has to enjoy a hectic schedule and thrive on a fast momentum and a bit of unpredictability. In my role, I have the advantage of overseeing a number of functions that fall into traditional general marketing, so it is normal to go from a morning PR discussion, to a lunch appointment about job boards, to an afternoon discussion on candidate care/maintenance. The subjects vary greatly and all pose their own set of challenges, opportunities, and deliverables. The biggest thing I have learned and grown to appreciate is that to truly be successful it comes down to the team and not one individual. When you have a strong, dedicated team, the challenges become possibilities and learning experiences. In our organization, the team concept is incredibly important.
What do you like most about your job?
What I like best about my job are the people—the people on my team, the people we support, and the people who lead us. Our business is about people and I feel lucky to have found a place that I can go each day that I truly enjoy. I also tend to thrive on controlled chaos and because each day brings new challenges and new projects, I enjoy the variation.
What would be your advice for someone wanting to take the same career path?
My advice would be to make decisions early about your career. College is a good time to determine a specialization and focus on that. Students would be much better prepared in this economy if they graduated with a specialized degree, such as engineering, computer science, and/or nursing, than a general bachelor’s degree. We are in an unprecedented economy and the more you establish an area of expertise, the better off you will be. It is also important to find internships, volunteer opportunities and freelance work that are in line with your desired professional area to demonstrate some skills on the job and the desire to learn more. Finally, networking is a big part of being a professional and you can never start too early. Find an organization to join that will allow you to rub elbows with people in the business. As with most things in life, opportunity is often times presented through a friendly face.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I enjoy spending as much time as possible outdoors. Regardless of season, I enjoy the fresh air. I also enjoy gardening, interior design, spending time with family and friends— and unfortunately shopping!
I was once an accounting major, until I realized that the analytical, logical side of my brain was fighting a losing battle with the more creative side of my brain. When I made what was at the time an agonizing decision to drop Principles of Financial Accounting and Cost Accounting (and accept two painful F’s), I don’t recall anyone offering advice one way or the other. What I needed was a mentor, but they were light on the ground then (even the couple who were related to me). And based on a recent survey I read (Women & Men in Finance & Accounting Careers by The Mergis Group), there is still a serious lack of mentoring available to women who choose this career. Why is that?
Mentoring can be warm and fuzzy, and some would say that accounting is seriously lacking in the fuzz factor, but that doesn’t mean that CPAs can’t be nurturing. Look at the number of women who have chosen this profession. (Am I stereotyping? Maybe, but just to make a point.) According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, women made up just 39% of all accountants and auditors in 1983, 44.1% in 1985 and just made it past the halfway point at 52.1% in 1995. Today, 61.1% of all accountants and auditors are females. So why did the Mergis survey find that the majority of accounting and finance professionals — both women and men — have not had a mentor, despite feeling that it is an important factor in their ability to succeed in the field?
Mentoring is not taught in a classroom. It’s likely not part of new hire, or for that matter, new manager, training in most companies. Some enterprises have formalized mentoring programs. I’ve been involved in planning discussions about launching formal programs myself, but I’ve never seen one get off the ground. Hopefully, I am in the minority here and there are wonderful programs in place to mentor talent. Falling back on cynicism and remembering the research I saw on mentoring for accounting and finance professionals, however, I think mentoring may still be in its infancy.
So, whether formal or informal, bound by program guidelines or simply a product of good common sense, mentoring is a valuable tool for developing talent in any organization and in any profession. According to Management Mentors (www.management-mentors.com), mentoring can enhance strategic business initiatives, encourage retention, reduce turnover costs, improve productivity, break down organizational “silos,” elevate knowledge transfer, and promote individual employee growth and development.
I have had informal mentors throughout my career who have helped me navigate corporate politics, learn how deal positively with difficult personalities and find effective ways to get things done. On the flip side, I have been an informal mentor to a number of colleagues over the years. I’ve loved every minute of it. The opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with someone who appreciates wisdom is incredibly rewarding.
So, take the plunge! Look around for someone to mentor. Even if you are fairly new to your profession, you may have a completely unique set of experiences to share with someone else. You don’t have to be the ancient mariner to mentor. Keep in mind that, to some extent, you need to click with your mentoring partner, so it may take a bit of effort to find the right person. At the end of the day, however, what’s most important is to get involved in helping others develop their careers. You will find yourself developing your own potential at the same time. Then maybe in a few years, when I come across another survey about mentoring, I might see a completely different set of results. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to find that women are succeeding in accounting and finance because others in their profession have mentored them to success?
For many fresh college graduates finding employment in today’s times is a difficult feat. With the unemployment rate hovering around 9.0%, companies have their pick when it comes to hiring people and that has certainly made things even harder for those who have yet to gain any job experience.
If you are reading this article, I suspect you have already tried the traditional ways of looking for a job, such as networking, career centers, job boards and haven’t had much luck. You’re looking for more ideas. What I am going to share with you is not only some creative tips, but also an approach that you can take in order to create a long lasting rewarding career, not just land another job:
- Find your ideal work and then look for a job: You know why most people change jobs so quickly and still find themselves unhappy? It is not because they didn’t get the right salary or perfect boss or colleagues, but because they are not excited about the job that they are in. They go from one company to the next thinking their next job will be better, that more perks or a bigger title, perhaps a change in environment, will bring more happiness. They spend some time and quickly find out that was not the case. Years go by and before you know it, they are in their 40s and 50s. And yes, on paper they may have a great resume, but inside they feel burnt out and lost, stuck in a job that pays the bills but doesn’t do anything else for them. What if you didn’t have to get to this place? What if you could plan your career better, where it not only brought an income, but also fulfillment and joy? If you are interested in creating a meaningful career, don’t just focus on finding any job, instead identify your ideal work first and then look for an appropriate job. When I say ideal work what I mean is identifying what you would love to do for years to come— something that you feel strongly drawn to and based on that, create your job search. First jobs are important, as they set the tone of the path you’re likely to continue on, so it’s better to give it your careful consideration.
- Get creative: Many people restrict their options by thinking there is only one or two ways to find their ideal job, and when they don’t get it they get discouraged. But in order to find something that you enjoy, you are going to have to broaden your thinking and get creative. Look at all the possible ways that you can take to express your passion or interest. For example, if you thought of becoming a veterinarian because you love working with animals and for some reason you can’t, does it mean your dream job will never happen? No. You may just have to look at it more broadly. You could find a position in the vet’s office, work at the zoo, animal shelter, start your animal care business, become a dog walker or take care of pets and so forth.
- Why should someone hire you: Yes, that is the question that you must think about if you’re looking to get hired, even if it’s for the very first time. Often hiring is not just about the education and resume alone. It’s also about what you bring to the table, how can you be of value to your prospective employer? Research the company and look for ways to stand out and how your presence there will benefit them.
- Can’t find a job? Then use your time to volunteer: Some experience is always better than no experience, and remember jobs can often come from unexpected quarters. Volunteering is one such avenue. While you are still working on finding a real job, explore your options and see if you can find the right kind of work in the right kind of volunteer organization. Now what do I really mean by that? It means looking for the kind of work that you are interested in so that you can network, as well as help you gain relevant experience.
- Is there a hidden entrepreneur inside of you? There are so many young people in their 20s who have started successful companies; they didn’t have a lot of work experience; and they didn’t work several jobs before venturing out on their own. Instead, they had an idea and they went with it. Could that be you? If you are having trouble finding a job that you like, I say create your own job.
- Don’t forget start-ups and small business entrepreneurs: Most tend to focus on finding jobs with larger corporations, but that is not where all the opportunities lie. Consider looking at start-ups and small business entrepreneurs who may need your help.
- If it’s not working out, step back: In the past six months or more if you have been seriously looking for a job, going to job fairs, applying on job boards, networking and nothing is really working out, then maybe it’s time to step back, get creative and add some new manoeuvres to your strategy. Try and see if you can come up with some new ideas or even things you would like to pursue instead of what you are currently focusing on.
In the end, please remember that there isn’t one way of looking for a job. People find employment in all sorts of ways, so don’t be afraid to explore what works for you. While you continue your search using traditional ways, such as networking and applying via job postings, broaden your thought process to include what else you can do that others may not be doing.
Is your company hosting a holiday party this year? If so, take a moment to brush up on some office holiday party dos and don’ts to ensure that you don’t find yourself the “talk” of the office. Remember, your office party is still a business setting disguised as a social event.
Dos
Most importantly, do attend! If your company is kind enough to host a holiday party this year, do take the time to make an appearance. With the economic uncertainty around us, if your company is investing the time and money, you should show your appreciation in person.
Do RSVP by the deadline. Think of the party planner.
Do wear festive, but appropriate clothing. If you have to ask your friend, significant other, or co-worker if your outfit is appropriate, it probably isn’t.
Do be on time and arrive in a happy, positive, and festive mood. No one wants to be cornered by a “Debbie Downer.” The holidays are a time to celebrate and have fun with your co-workers. And don’t make your office party the third stop on the party circuit. Arrive fresh, early, and ready for holiday cheer.
Do take photos, but keep them respectable. No one wants an unflattering or compromising picture on the company blog, Intranet, or Facebook page. Take light, candid shots of all attendees and make an online scrapbook to share with co-workers and friends.
Do keep your significant other or guest in check. You don’t want to be the one whose better half went rogue. Making sure you are on the same page will ensure a good time had by all.
Do work the room and listen more than you talk. This is a great opportunity to meet that new co-worker or use the time to have small talk with the big boss you otherwise don’t have immediate exposure to. Getting to know your boss in a more relaxed, personal level can actually boost your relationship!
Finally, do enjoy the food and drinks (and in that order!). If you are having a few drinks, remember to turn off your social networks, or, like my grandmother would say…”act like you have some home training.”
Don’ts
As stated above, don’t be a no-show.
Don’t forget to thank the host and don’t complain over the details. It’s no small feat to pull off a successful holiday party and you don’t want to be the one caught in the ladies’ room commenting how you would have served shrimp versus the pigs in the blanket.
Don’t fall back into your comfort zone and sit in the corner with your best office friends all night. Give yourself a challenge to talk to three new people – you might just surprise yourself.
If doing a Yankee Swap or Secret Santa, don’t go over the suggested gift amount. Set a limit, stick to it, and don’t try to be the hero.
Don’t forget that people are celebrating various holidays this season. Keep your holiday greetings neutral in respect of those who observe Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the like.
Don’t forget that shots are never a good idea (especially at an office holiday party). Choose beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options. Know your personal limits and stick to them.
Don’t drink and drive. Find a designated driver to ensure you and others on the road enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
Lastly, don’t forget to have a good time. The year-end holiday party is a great time to unwind and have some fun. You earned it!
It’s that time of year again, the holiday season! Besides focusing on all things holiday-related, there is something else you should be doing too – networking. Both parties for relatives and work are great places to meet people. Plus, the holidays are a perfect time to connect with former friends and colleagues.
While some people may believe the holidays aren’t a good time to network, there are too many gatherings between Thanksgiving and New Years Eve to not take advantage of them! According to the MIT Global Education & Career Development Center, approximately 60-80% jobs are found through networking. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get started!
Here are some ways to make the most out of this time of year:
Attend Parties And Events
Use your friends, family, and colleagues to go to as many functions as possible. Always remember when talking to people, don’t ask for a job. The conversation should be focused on the other person, but be open to suggestions and listen to what they are saying. Also, an essential networking tool is business cards. Don’t have any? (You really should…) Follow-up with the people you talked to by sending them an email or using social media.
Send Out Holiday Cards
A personalized way to reach out to people is by sending a holiday card. It doesn’t have to be anything special, just a simple handwritten note. Send these to people you have connected with in the past, or people you have just met. Either way, remember to thank them for their time.
Reach Out Through Social Media
Everything is going digital these days, and the holiday season shouldn’t be any different. Send personalized messages on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter in order to connect with people. It also proves you are going out of the way to wish them a happy holidays. Another thing to do is pay it forward. Send out information about networking parties and events to other people you are connected to through social media.
Network Effectively
You need to be taking action! Yet, it is important to not send out messages in mass quantities. Each note should be personalized and sincere. Networking is about making and maintaining.
How do you network? Is this a good idea during the holidays? Why or why not?
