The world is going through the toughest times. Everything around seems uncertain, be it job markets, economies, stock markets, people’s health, and lives in general. So, should we render it all irreparable? Or should we resolutely fight till the good old days strike again? If scientists and micro-biologists had lost hope, especially during these worldwide pandemics, there would never be new innovations, vaccines, or technological breakthroughs.
Akshay and I were colleagues in the PR firm I worked in, between 2010-2014. We got talking in March, at the onset of the first lockdown phase. I told him I was stable at work front, and as businesses revive, things should look up. I guess he traced a hint of dejection in my tone. I divulged that the situation was grim at my end. The work expectations had risen, and delivery mechanisms were limited.
He advised that I talked to ex-colleagues and friends and used their experience. I was repulsed with the suggestion because I was not the kind who kept in touch with many people once I had changed the jobs. I ranted in disgust – “Who has that kind of time?”, “Aren’t the current set of colleagues enough for socializing?” AND “I mostly met as***les in my previous organisations, including the bosses”. My voice had risen several decibels. I was almost shrieking with mental pain.
Our chat ended soon thereafter. I gathered he was not going to pursue my negative disposition. He bid goodbye and proceeded to initiate a call with his ex-boss and mentor, Pradeep. I anticipated a snap in our alliance… which further reinforced my belief that burnt bridges are a natural fallout of advancement.
This evening, as I was winding up a mail to a client at 7 pm when I saw a pop from Akshay. Surprisingly, it was a long mail, from someone who was miserly with words, and had chosen to reconnect after 2 months. I must share a better part of the mail, verbatim, as what appeared in front of me was an advice I would better adhere to. For the sake of proper grasp, let me structure it in three major points.
Networking and Relationships
Most of us recognize that networking is beneficial to our careers. Yet, even though we primarily rely on it when looking for a job, connecting with other professionals can help with every aspect of your career development. Instead of just reaching out to other professionals in times of crisis, I invest in these relationships throughout.
Do you remember I had a call with Pradeep shortly after we spoke last? He was my boss almost a decade and a half back. Yet, I keep in touch with him. Yes, he is an ‘old school’ but he is a person made of grit and tenacity. In difficult times, such people can help you sail. Talking to professionals can help you resolve queries that you cannot google about. Networking will help you develop and improve your skill set, stay on top of the latest trends in your industry, keep a pulse on the job market, meet prospective mentors, partners, and clients, and gain access to the necessary resources that will foster your career development.
Two minds are better than one. Having these connections means that you can tap into their knowledge whenever you need to – and vice versa
an adage
Networking is a mutual relationship. Networking is also a two-way channel. To achieve this, you need to step outside your comfort zone and start connecting with other people in your field. It can pay you back in dividends throughout the course of your career.
Take the time to build meaningful relationships with those in your professional circle, so when the time comes to search for work, you can tap into those valuable connections for referrals, insights into job leads, and other valuable information.
Boost Your Confidence
Because if you do not, no one will! In Sales, there is a saying “you need to look successful if you want to be successful”. Hence, they work on their image and communication skills.
Even if you feel dejected, dress up well. Confidence in personal appearance will help to compensate for other insecurities and help to build self-assurance. See, it is like this…a smiling face not only looks happy but feels happy too. Focus on personal appearance will reveal how you feel about yourself…yes, confident!
There is a relationship between personal appearance and success. It is a part of us that speaks to others without the need for words. We all make judgments about each other based on the personal appearance, so it is important to think about what kind of image you want to project to the world. When you are on video calls or face to face meetings, dress up well. Spray on some perfume for virtual meetings also, it may bring a genuine smile on your face.
Opportunities often come unannounced, so it is worth the effort to always try to present ourselves in a positive way.
Mental Strength
Friend, regulate your emotions, manage your thoughts, and behave in a positive manner, despite your circumstances. Mental strength lets you carry on when the world seems to have turned against you. Learn to keep your troubles in proper perspective without losing sight of what you need to accomplish.
What happens to us plays far less a role in our happiness and success than our responses
an adage
The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us but those who win battles we never see them fight. As a duck swims, it effortlessly glides across the water: calm, cool, collected. Ducks look like they have their stuff together. However, the unseen action beneath the surface is utter chaos. The duck’s feet churn, fighting for every inch to maintain forward progress, creating a storm beneath the water.
The downturn in economy, chaotic circumstances, and their setbacks are not about you. It is not the time to take things personally. Instead focus on what you can control. Avoid the habits that lead to negativity and unhealthy behaviors. Adapt readiness for change as the change is truly the only constant. Flexibility and adaptability are among the most important traits you can develop.
Life and businesses are filled with nonstop demands and unexpected twists. Make sure you have the resources to withstand the professional and personal crises that you will sooner or later be facing. Hone your skills – read, write, and gain an edge over other people. You will be better prepared once you are out for a job or a meeting. Lastly, view challenge as an opportunity to grow and improve, not a reason to give up. Be willing to keep trying until you get it right.
Worrying gets you nowhere… if you turn up worrying about how you’re going to perform, you’ve already lost.
Train hard, turn up, run your best and the rest will take care of itself.
Usain Bolt
Vivek is an entrepreneur and a technology buff. When not at work he is a voracious reader.