Career Road Map: Reflect, Reset, and Plan Your Next Step. Week 4, December 15, 2024.

Connect and Spread just like the Ivy.

Welcome to Week 4 of our six-weeks challenge.

I would like to extend my thanks to all my readers who participated in the previous challenge activities which focused on career growth, values, beliefs, and feedback. It was interesting to hear about your experience of doing the challenge activities and I value your comments. I encourage you to continue to share your comments.

This week, I will focus on Networking, a universal activity that cuts across all cultures, underscoring its importance in personal and professional success.

Now is the perfect time for mid-career professionals to reflect on their networking activities over the past year and recharge their efforts for the year ahead.

Think of your professional network as your garden: it's essential to sow, prune, weed, and water. These actions can help cultivate the relationships that matter most to you.

This week's challenge activity will guide you through an inspiring quote, a reflective question, and an actionable step. By engaging in this challenge, mid-career professionals will gain a new perspective on their networking activities and become more confident in building their unique networking strategy for the coming year.

Let's get started!"

Take a moment to reflect on this quote

"Networking is not about just connecting people. It's about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities." — Michele Jennae.

Reflective Question

• What contributions did you make to your professional network this year?

• Did you attend any networking events? If so, what did you gain from them?

• Which of your professional relationships have been most beneficial to your career growth?

•  Are there any professional relationships that did not add to your growth this year? If so, how can you change this in the coming year?

Action

Create a strategy to expand your network. Consider the types of people you would like to connect with and why. Outline the steps you will take to identify, engage, and build meaningful relationships with these people.

Final words

What new insights have you gained about your network from this activity? I would like to reassure you that whatever the current state of your network, there is always room for enhancement and growth.

Use the coming year as an opportunity to:

• refresh your approach and prioritise your visibility

• invest in high-quality connections, and

• contribute meaningfully to your network.

By taking these steps, you can strengthen your relationships and position yourself for greater opportunities. Recharge yourself to harvest your benefits in the coming year.

Keep Moving with confidence towards your goals.

I wish you success with your career transition.

Regards

Pamela Odukoya

Calabash Coach