Lead At Any Level

When a Recruiter Calls, Answer!

a rotary dial desktop phone sits atop a page of handwritten notes

Many people I know tell me they hang up on recruiters. Excuse me?!? Recruiters are fantastic people to have in your CHAMP network! You’re likely to be looking for a job someday, or know someone who will be. You may or may not be looking for a new position. The recruiter won’t know until he […]

Break the Ice: Networking Events 101

a woman and a man shake hands and smile at one another in an outdoor setting

The first time you attend a networking event, such as a conference or Meetup, you may be as nervous and uncomfortable as I used to be. Most people’s biggest concern is how to break the ice. Take a deep breath, relax, and know that it does get easier with practice. Pretty soon you’ll find yourself […]

Networking Is a Super Power

A child wearing a leotard, cape, and a mask has one fist on their hip and the other arm extended with a pointing index finger

The old question for success was “What do you know?” In the information age, though, we all have access to Google. Knowledge has become a commodity and is taken for granted. What you should be asking yourself instead is “What can you do, and who do you know?” (Yes, I know it should be whom, but […]

Networking in Your Industry and Beyond

in the foreground, an airplane approaches a runway against a nighttime cityscape background

Once you understand how important networking is to your career, you’ll want to get started right away. Don’t limit your CHAMP network to your own company, or even your own industry! Get out of your own backyard as often as possible by attending formal and informal networking events. Within each industry, there are countless opportunities […]

Making Introductions: Tips for Value-Add Networking

a cartoon rabbit reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland holds a rolled parchment in one hand and a bugle to its mouth with the other hand

Perhaps you’ve already built a deep CHAMP Network through participation in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), attending conferences, and building your personal brand on social media. You’ve started to build genuine relationships with a diverse collection of talented people. Now the real fun begins: making introductions. Everyday people make connections, but Superhero Networkers use introductions to create […]

How Long Will You Continue to Work? Combating Age Discrimination

a cross-section of a tree with the rings visible. a place marker sits on an out ring and reads "you are here"

Age discrimination is gaining more attention in the media, as Baby Boomers’ influence in the workplace is dwindling. Millennials now comprise the largest segment of the workforce. Ask anyone over 50: it’s tough to compete with tech-savvy, confident 20-somethings who know how negotiate wages, benefits, and company culture. During several recent conversations within and around […]

Inclusive Networking: 3 Ways to Say “You’re Welcome”

feet in front of a mat that reads "welcome on board"

Identifying missing perspectives in your network is relatively easy. And finding people who can fill those gaps isn’t terribly difficult. But how do you attract people who differ from you? How do you make yourself the light in the room to which they are drawn? In this article, I propose three pillars of inclusive networking […]

Network Like a CHAMP: Meerkats and Mountain Guides

Two meerkats standing on hind legs. One looks off to the left, the other stares directly into the camera

Author’s note: This article is adapted from my book, Network Beyond Bias. In this series, learn the five critical connections you need to maintain for growing your career, your CHAMP network. CHAMP is an acronym that stands for Customer, Hire, Associate, Mentor, Protege. Part 1 provided an overview and outlined Customer and Hire networks. [Read more…] This article explains the value […]

Network Like a CHAMP: 5 Critical Connections

a map of europe is marked with thumbtacks connected with string

Professional networking is essential for the longevity of your career and your company. Yet, many people cringe when the subject of networking comes up. If you are new to networking, you may have no idea where to begin. My advice is to start building strong relationships with the people closest to you. In this series, […]