Now What? Facilitator Grads

When I started my coaching practice, I didn’t have a network.

I was an actress and a waitress with friends in the theater world, but I didn’t know anyone in business — nobody whatsoever to pay me for what I was trained to do.

In other words, I started from scratch. Maybe you can relate.

Things were tougher back then without social media, but there was also less noise. Even today, building a following isn’t the same as building a network you can tap into.

So what did I do? And what do I recommend my clients do now — whether starting a business or navigating a career?

1. Get out there!

Hiding behind your screen won’t cut it. You need to get to know people, look them in the eye, and spend some time together. (Introverts, this includes you!)
Meet people in person. Join industry groups, clubs, masterminds, or religious and civic organizations. Attend events, conferences, or workshops. The goal is to get face-to-face and let them get to know you.

2. Don’t just show up; really show up.

Be a giver. Contribute your time and skills.
Volunteer, serve on committees, and sign up to be a speaker. Find opportunities to be seen, interact with people, and make it known that you’re reliable, trustworthy, and have something valuable to offer.

3. Connect wisely.

Use social media strategically. On LinkedIn, focus on building connections with people who could benefit from your expertise and whose knowledge can help you grow.

Will these tips immediately lead to clients or job offers? Probably not. But everyone knows somebody, and this is how you get started.

It’s never too late, and you’re never too old. But the sooner you begin, the better prepared you’ll be when you need a network.

It’s not about who you know; it’s about who knows you. Get out there and make it happen.

We’ve all hit the ground running this week, back to work, ready to take on the new year with gusto … right? Okay, maybe not.

The holidays are a welcome break from business as usual. But let’s face it, the season’s festivities rarely offer much respite. Even if you had a chance to do a little hibernating, rolling out of bed and into the swing of things can be tough.

With the merriment over and the downtime behind us, you may even find yourself with a case of the post-holiday blues.

But we have stuff to do — obstacles to tackle, dreams to chase, and goals to achieve in 2025. It’s time to go after what you’re here to do!

We can’t let the winter doldrums sabotage our plans.

Here’s what I don’t recommend: New Year’s resolutions. As a coach, I can tell you they don’t work. Artificial fluff. Temporary distractions.

Instead, I suggest you do this:

1. 1. Pick a “back to normal” date. Accept that being back to work doesn’t mean being back to normal. When are you really going to kick things off? Be honest (and gentle) with yourself.
   2. Keep the party going. Add some festivities for this month. Gather with friends, go see a show, or take a little day trip. Give yourself something to look forward to in January.
   3. Face your finances. Did the holiday magic go over budget or add some debt? Don’t let it weigh on you; put a plan in place to tackle it.
   4. Get some sun. Even if it’s cold outside, the Vitamin D will do you good. Pick up an artificial sunlight lamp if you have to. I keep mine right on my desk.
   5. Move your body. You don’t need to hit the overcrowded gym this month or do anything extreme. Make it fun.
   6. Connect with people. Loneliness can get the best of us in the winter if we let it, but we’re social animals (even you introverts!) Make the effort to get together with friends and loved ones and meet new people.
   7. Give yourself grace. Acknowledge the post-holiday winter blues if you have them, and remember that this is temporary. Spring will be here before you know it.

In other words, the key to a good post-holiday reset is good self-care. You’ve got this! I look forward to seeing what you accomplish this year.