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During these times of uncertainty, it is important to stay connected with colleagues, clients, suppliers, peers, and friends to get us through these tough times.
During the month of January we launched our #2021Connect Challenge to bring people together. It’s a new year and starting back to work after a long break, this campaign was intended to help you get motivated to expand your network and create a positive start to your year!
Noel Davidson, summarises the campaign and provides some additional tips during the webinar held on 22 January. Have a look!
It can be tricky to step out of your comfort zone as you can often be surrounded by many extroverts who lead the conversation or generally seem a little more outgoing.
If you’re an introvert, chances are you don’t like small talk and naturally you prefer 1:1 scenarios.
Let’s build on that!
For today’s challenge, we ask you to arrange a video call with a close contact and one of their friends to help you #2021Connect.
This will help you get out of your comfort zone and expand your network in a safe way.
Today’s #2021Connect Challenge is to listen before you speak.
When you are on a video call with peers, mentors, clients or customers who are already in the middle of a conversation, sometimes you can feel the need to jump in with your own story or personal anecdote.
While sharing personal stories can bring us closer, it is important to make sure they’re adding value to the conversation.
Instead, spend a moment truly listening to what is being said, then make a comment or ask a follow up question that shows you were closely paying attention.
Try to offer something in return and make the other person feel heard. This will show you care and value what the other person is saying.
It’s time to smile!
Smiling makes it easier for people to connect with you because you are automatically perceived as more open and welcoming. It also helps them remember you.
For today’s #2021Connect Challenge, we would like you to upload a picture of yourself smiling on your Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter story tagging The Entrepreneurs Academy with #2021Connect.
Let’s see those smiling faces!
For today’s #2021Connect Challenge, it’s time to virtually reach out to your friends!
The best way to expand your network is through who you already know.
Start online today by taking a look at the friends or followers that your connections have on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or even Twitter.
Pinpoint who has connections to your own industry to see how you might support each other!
Drop them a message via their inbox or even a quick phone call to see if they would like to connect with you and help achieve your mutual goals!
The #2021Connect Challenge for today is learning to embrace moments of silence.
Silence is an interesting thing, some people find it incredibly uncomfortable, and they’ll go to any lengths to fill these moments; but for others, silence indicates comfort and thoughtful consideration.
We challenge you to take a moment with a peer or colleagues to relax and unwind from your busy day online and share a few minutes in meditation.
This can help you to learn to be comfortable and connect even through moments of silence.
Are you scared of silence or do you embrace it?
Let’s show some appreciation for our peers!
Your #2021Connect Challenge for today is to take a moment to write a thank you to someone who has done something to help you professionally advance.
Even if it was a while ago, a quick note acknowledging their kindness goes a long way to reinforce a relationship and strengthen a connection.
In these present times, many of us are working from home alone and it can be a lonely space. By sending a message or email to a peer, mentor, client or customer, it creates a connection and strengthens your relationship!
Reach out to someone who is just starting out in a new role!
During these challenging times, many people may not have had the opportunity for face-to-face interaction.
For today’s #2021Connect Challenge we ask you to drop a newbie a message, ask how they’re getting on and see if they need some help!
Try introducing yourself and find out something new about them!
Our partner organisation LIFT Ireland is aimed at increasing the level of positive leadership in Ireland.
LIFT’s leadership learning process is based on eight key leadership values: Listening, Positive Attitude, Respect, Competence, Dedication & Determination, Empathy & Understanding, Accountability, and Honesty & Integrity.
For today’s #2021Connect Challenge we ask you to connect with a peer or friend to register for a LIFT online roundtable session together. Facilitated sessions are available throughout the week and they are only 45 minutes long.
Get registered to grow your leadership together!
www.liftireland.ie/online-leadership-sessions/
No matter how different we might seem from another given person, we always have more in common than we think.
When it comes to networking, act like it’s your JOB to find those common interests so that you can truly connect and form a valuable relationship.
For your #2021Connect Challenge today, we would like you to find a common interest you have with a colleague or client. It could be something as simple as supporting the same sports team or liking the same restaurant.
For today’s #2021Connect Challenge spread the word!