Create Your Own Luck by “Expanding Your Circle”
Post 2 of The Go-Getter Girl’s Guide series is about expanding your circle.
First, let’s start by reviewing a few career myths (which you need to start accepting as myths!):
Successful people just got lucky.
Successful people always know exactly what they are doing.
Successful people are so talented in their field that they never needed others to help them get to the top.
Loose acquaintances are not helpful in achieving professional success.
WRONG!
Now let’s correct these myths:
1. Go-Getter Girl’s all have one thing in common: they are constantly expanding their circle. Why should you do this? Because expanding your circle means you can create your own luck. Chapter 3 of the book gives several great examples of how expanding your circle will lead you to “luck” and career success. I have several examples of how it has helped me in my life (including getting my current job). How has expanding your circle helped you create your own luck? Do you believe that successful people just got lucky? Do tell.
2. Successful people are actually the ones who have become comfortable being uncomfortable. Recent grads listen up: yes you have a solid four year degree you worked your ass off for. That doesn’t mean you’re going to know everything (or anything) once you get into your first few jobs. The career newbie who learns how to sit down and figure it out without asking is the one who will rise to the top.
Also, get comfortable with uncomfortable conversations with colleagues, clients, superiors, and those you meet in your community- those conversations will undoubtedly lead you to good things. What uncomfortable situations have you been in at work? How did it help your confidence and progress?
3. Direct quote from Chapter 3: “EVERYONE needs to seek out resources and support to get to the next level.” Yes, I said everyone. This is why you need mentors- diverse mentors even who will guide you. How many mentors do you have? How did you meet them?
4. According to Chapter 3, “loose acquaintances” are the most helpful in your quest for professional or financial success. Family and friends are fabulous but at some point they are limited in what they can help you with. With each new person you meet, you are being exposed to a whole new network and a new set of experiences. Simply asking an acquaintance for an introduction or recommendation goes a very long way. Several examples of this are given in the book. When is the last time you emailed an acquaintance just to say hello and touch base? When is the last time you asked for something from them?
In conclusion, successful Go-Getter Girls are curious creatures. They act on their curiosity in order to learn new things and meet new people. They know that they need others to help them get to success. Therefore, they are constantly expanding their circle- whether it be at the nail salon, walking into a manager‘s office to introduce themselves or at the dog park. They continually scout out new info with a professional purpose.
How have you created your own luck by expanding your circle?
What do you feel is more of a factor in career success: raw talent or expanding your circle?
