Subterms
In 2020, you baked bread, learned to needlepoint, and ordered takeout more times than you can count—you probably even perfected
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When my cofounder Danielle and I sat down in August 2011 to brainstorm what launching an online magazine would look like, we had a lot of lofty goals for this not-yet-existent company.We were 28 and 25-years-old respectively, basically strangers. We both had full-time jobs to tend to, and let me just say, we had no idea what obstacles stood in our way. We simply believed the sky was the limit.
As I feverishly transcribed everything we were saying, pen to paper, I noted the seemingly attainable, low-hanging fruit goals… but as all big dreamers know, you don’t settle for low-hanging fruit. You set the bar high.
As we drank coffee and excitedly talked over one another, rattling off one idea after the next, and visions for what this site could become danced in the air around us, one of us may or may not have suggested “a product line in Target!”
Suuuure! Why not?! Add it to the list! What a dream that would be! “The products would be stylish, affordable, and practical, of course.” Items that would help women everywhere reach their goals of living a well-rounded, creative, career-driven life with purpose.
Well, fast forward ten years, and let our story be another example of not settling or giving up. As we’ve said many times before, we’ve grown this business slow and steadily, patiently and staying true to our mission, as we encourage all of you to do the same with your dreams.
And we are elated to say that as of today, The Everygirl 2021 day planner collection is now live at Target.com and will be in a store near you over the next few days!
How did this come to be, you may ask? Let’s rewind to 2018.
I remember the moment like it was yesterday. Our partnership director gave us the exciting news that she’d be talking with Day Designer–the premiere name of planners and notebooks–and they wanted to partner with The Everygirl on a 2021 collection of day planners. Gasp. As if that wasn’t thrilling enough, she told us that we’d be pitching the collection to Target.
I’m fairly certain dogs in Indiana heard our screams of excitement at the news. Sure we dreamed of seeing The Everygirl name on products, but planners are to The Everyirl team what books are to Rory Gilmore. Lists, goals, charts, stickers, reminders, all organized neatly in one specific place–Ooo boy! It gets our blood rushing.
The Day Designer team are true experts in the planner space and we can’t thank them enough for making this whole process so easy and fun. Collaborating with them meant we’d get to design a large collection of planners, front to back, choose the formatting and content, curate and design stickers, pick out the details, all of it. Truly one of those 2011 pipe dreams coming true.
Once we got the news and details, we immediately got to work, pinning inspiration, mood-boarding color palettes, brainstorming creative details to include.
Unsurprisingly, we settled on our signature color palette: a base of white and grey neutrals paired with soft blush, mint green, and pastel blue and finished with gold foil accents and spirals. We wanted beautiful texture and went with a linen material for our two signature planners: The Career Planner and the 30 Day Challenge Planner.
As for patterns, thick stripes, striking ikat dots, and feminine florals round out a collection that is as classic as it is beautiful. Our graphic designer hand-lettered quotes for each month page, and we pulled helpful resources from our archives to include to help inspire and guide your year.
It’s crazy to think we had this entire collection finalized over a year ago and were so proud of the pieces we put together and presented to Day Designer. So you can only imagine our elation when we found out The Everygirl planners were being picked up by Target to be sold in stores all over the country and on their website! That’s right–as of today, you can shop the entire collection of 2021 planners on Target.com and in a few days, they’ll be in a Target store near you!
The collection comes in a range of sizes, from desktop calendars to wall calendars, spiral-bound and book-bound notebooks. They’re all so beautiful, it’s almost impossible to choose one. How many planners is too many, we wonder? The limit probably doesn’t exist.
We hope you enjoy!
available at Target More
You don’t need us to tell you this, but 2020 was a hard year for most. But so many years can have stressful (or euphoric) ups and downs. Maybe you found out you scored that big promotion or maybe you’re trying to forget about that argument you had with a friend or family member. All of this can result in a lot of retail therapy (whether for yourself or in the form of gifts for loved ones). Luckily, there are things you can do to reduce your stress and cut down on your emotional spending—so close that Amazon Prime window and follow these five tips to help you get through it all unscathed.
1. Spare your inbox the sales
Do you really need to know about that flash sale from Old Navy for the 20th time? Probably not. Do yourself a favor and unsubscribe from the stores you know you’re likely to shop from. If you’re prone to online shopping when you’re stressed out (or bored in quarantine), not getting email alerts for every sale might save you from the impromptu shopping spree. Just because you miss a sale doesn’t mean that you’ll actually miss it—and your wallet won’t either.
2. Forget your passwords (on purpose, this time)
Credit card information already stored on your laptop or cell phone? It can be a little too easy to make a purchase with your credit card information literally at your fingertips. By removing the saved information from your computer, it’ll be one more step you have to go through to make that purchase—and who wants to get up to dig through your wallet for your credit card when there are endless movies and TV shows to watch or stream?! (Not to mention those new hobbies you’ve picked up while staying home all year to enjoy.) By creating an extra step, you’ll be less likely to press “buy” on a whim.
3. Check your list, twice
Sometimes a little time can help you make a better decision, particularly if you’re on an emotional shopping spree. Instead of buying something right when you see it, wait a few days to see if you think it’s actually a good idea or not. If it’s in your budget, it’ll likely still be there a few days later. If it’s not, it will give you time to decide it’s not in the budget, and wait ‘til your next paycheck or set up a savings goal. You’ll thank yourself for thinking it through.
4. Don’t be afraid to get creative
After a year of quarantine, a pandemic, and working from home, it can be easy to justify a few extra purchases for yourself or loved ones, but just because you deserve the world doesn’t mean you need to buy it. If you’re approaching the edge of your budget or spending cap, consider choosing a lower-priced gift, DIY-ing the artwork for your walls, or opting out of plans that include spending a lot of money. Particularly during this year when finances are tight for many, your friends and family will understand if you’re on a tighter budget.
5. Close those tabs and step away
Shopping can be an easy outlet for stress because it’s something you can control in an instant. But understanding that you’re quick to press “buy” when feeling high or low also means you’re capable of finding another outlet. Consider something else you can do to resist the urge when temptation strikes, like throwing yourself an at-home spa day, reading the next chapter of a book, or testing out the perfect cookie recipe.
What are some ways you cut back on emotional spending? Let us know in the comments below. More
When we first entered quarantine last spring, I’d have bet a large sum of money and lost that there was no way we’d still be working from home come December. But here we are, and I’ll be honest, I feel like we’re all making the most of it. Being stuck at home in the winter is an entire different ballpark than the killjoy of being stuck inside when it’s sunny and 80 degrees out.But we’d be remiss if we didn’t discuss the couple of items making it way better. Because a cozy day at home *while* you’re working is possible—as long as you have these essentials.
Mid-Rise Cozy Faux-Fur Jogger Sweatpants
I ordered these a couple of weeks ago realizing that I needed to give up the dream that I’ll get dressed every single day for work, especially when it gets freezing. These are a cool fabric and style that make me feel kinda dressed up, but they are also the freaking most comfortable thing I’ve ever put on in my life. I’ve worn them like four days the last week with sweaters, T-shirts, and everything in between. I run very hot, but I moved into an apartment that has minimal heat and poor windows, and I am freezing 24/7, so these have
Water Sleeping Mask
On the days I don’t put makeup on, I give my skin some extra TLC—one of the many benefits of being at home all day! The winter weather has taken a toll on my skin, as it has most of us I’m sure, so I’m loading up on moisturizing ingredients to heal my moisture barrier and hydrate as much as possible. It’s an extra self-care step that feels fun to break up the monotony of my days and makes me look forward to something. This mask is meant to be worn while you sleep, but staring at a screen all day writing words over and over is similar enough, and I’ve experienced the same moisture at the end of the day as I do when I sleep with it on. Plus, it’s clear, so I’ve worn on it more than a few Zoom call occasions than I care to admit. Hehe, coworkers! 🙂
Equilibria
Daily Drops
At around 3 p.m. every single day, my anxiety sets in. How on Earth am I supposed to get the 10 tasks still on my list done all before the end of the day? I know I work best in the crunch time, but it doesnt stop my stress from creeping in. Lately as this is starting to really affect my day-to-day health, Ive tried putting my Equilibria Daily Drops in an afternoon glass of decaf tea. It really helps calm me down and has become quite ritualistic. I look forward to it every day!
Use code THEEVERYGIRL for 20% off your first order at Equilibria!
Glass Water Bottle with Protective Silicone Sleeve
I’m not a water person. There have been more than a few days where 9 p.m. rolls around and I realize I haven’t had a sip of H2O literally all day. But ever since I got this Porter water bottle, I’m getting through multiple refills. There’s just something so fun about drinking from it: I love the rolled glass opening that fits my mouth perfectly and the silicone sleeve that is grippy-y and easy to pick up. It’s also dishwasher-safe, so it’s super easy to clean. Honestly, 10/10 would marry Porter.
MALA THE BRAND
Fireside Candle
I find I work best from home when I cultivate a mood. I make sure my work area is tidy. I plug in my Christmas tree. I cue up the fireplace channel on my TV. I throw on a coffee shop sounds video on Youtube. And I light this truly excellent hand-poured soy candle that smells like all your holiday dreams coming true. And it does make the work day feel a bit more fun and festive.
Simple Modern
Insulated Tumbler with Straw
If you’ve been on TikTok even one single time, you’ve likely seen this tumbler that basically went viral this year—and I’m here to tell you the hype is real. I love drinking my water out of this all day long and have it with me no matter which corner of my apartment I’m working in. I got the largest size and it’s upped my water intake by at least double. I can’t wait to drink homemade iced coffee out of this when we go back to the office.
Barefoot Dreams
Bouclé Knit Hooded Cardigan
I am known as being a very cold-running person, and so when I knew that we’d be working from home throughout winter, I wanted to make sure I could maximize my coziness (and warmth) as much as humanly possible. I bought the leopard version of this during the Nordstrom sale, so it was slightly cheaper, but I swear I have gotten my money’s worth already. No matter what I’m wearing (even if it’s a sweatshirt), I throw this on top and lounge in it every single day. It’s so warm without being as bulky as a robe, and truly sparks joy every single time I wrap up in it. It’s definitely a splurge, but if something happened to mine, I’d buy it again.
Hamilton Beach
Personal Blender
I purchased this 14 ounce personal blender years ago, and haven’t used it as much as I have this year working from home. This blender is perfect for a quick smoothie or shake before logging into work. It blends quickly and its compact style allows me to take it to my workspace and drink from there without having to transfer it to another cup. This blender lets me get a quick breakfast in before the day picks up!
Hydrating Shea Body Butter
Between working from home during the dry fall and winter season and washing my hands multiple times a day, I have been neglecting my hands and feet, which have been drier than usual. To make sure I infuse some moisture on my skin during the workday, I keep this body butter close to me. It’s thick enough to lock in moisture, especially during the harsh, dry weather, which is a necessity even more now, since it’s easy to neglect skincare while working from home.
Vertuo Next Light
There’s just nothing that gets me out of bed like knowing that the cup of coffee (or tea, but in this case coffee) that I’ll drink once I make my way to the kitchen is going to be really good. After tiring of my trusty old affordable machine from years ago, I finally sprung for a Nespresso machine. My morning coffee routine is the best it’s been all year.
Crate & Barrel
Long Stem Wine Glass
So I initially bought these wine glasses for, you know, wine—and while I do use them for that in the evening, I also use them during the day to make my sparkling water, kombucha, or green juice feel more like an ~event~. I miss sipping wine with my friends while out to dinner, so at least I can get the joy of a cute glass while drinking a healthier daytime beverage.
Mini North Bondi Eau De Parfum
If you’ve ever smelled any of Ouai’s hair products, you know that they smell AMAZING. I have always loved the scent of their Leave-In Conditioner and wished they would make it in a perfume. BOOM, wishes come true! This year, Ouai launched the most perfect desk-sized fragrances (and the one I love is North Bondi, which is floral and a bit musky). They’re incredibly budget-friendly, so I feel comfortable spraying it on myself every single day. It’s a simple luxury that makes me feel a bit more like my non-pandemic self!
Capri Blue
Glam Mini Tin Kit
I love seasonal fragrances, but sometimes I get tired of burning the same one for too long. I bought this four-pack of Capri Blue scents when they were on super sale a few weeks ago, but the non-sale price isn’t bad either. The set includes the iconic Volcano candle, plus one pumpkin scent and two winter fragrances. My favorite so far has been the pumpkin (the Alpine Juniper is definitely a sweeter greenery scent), but I haven’t even cracked the Frosted Fireside open yet. This is perfect for anyone who likes different rooms to have different scents, or who just wants to mix things up!
Nomad Noé
Poet in Hangzhou Candle
Candles have become one of my work from home must-haves—the more fragrant, the better. This hand-poured candle doesn’t have a winter scent, and that’s what I love most about it. It’s bright and refreshing, and it has notes of my favorite flower: gardenia. Once I light this, the scent fills my entire apartment and acts as a pick me up for my senses.
Brother Vellies
Cloud Sock
Before I hit the purchase button on these socks, they took up a lot of space in my head. I went back and forth on whether I really needed a $30-something pair of socks, and my answer after weeks of questioning was yes. Since we’re in the house 99.9 percent of the time these days, a pair of lavender socks that give back—proceeds from the purchase of the lavender socks fund Brother Vellies’ mask making and food distribution initiative in Kenya—and keep my feet warm while I work is the ultimate win for me.
Brazil 8 Cup / 34oz French Press Coffee Maker
At the start of the pandemic, I was using a Moka pot to make an americano each morning until I realized that caffeine might be making my anxiety worse. I have since given up coffee (inserts crying emoji) for herbal tea. Instead of going the tea bag route, I found Aesthete Tea, a QBIPOC-owned tea company that makes an assortment of herbal teas. After trying a couple of teapots that didn’t work well, I saw a YouTube video that showed how to use a french press for loose teas and bought this one. I use it every morning, and I love that making tea has become a part of my morning self-care.
Hydro Flask
Water Bottle – Wide Mouth Straw Lid
Ever since I was a small, red-haired child, I’ve had water on my nightstand, in my backpack, on the table, on the desk, you name it–absolutely everywhere. It drove my mom crazy, but even now I still can’t seem to leave the house, or my couch for that matter, without it. To cut down my use of plastic and the dishwasher, however, I started using my hydro flask as my primary water source while I’m working. It not only holds a lot more H2O than my regular glass, but it also helps me keep track of how much or how little I’ve been drinking during the day.
New Balance
Fresh Foam Vongo v4
Despite what my Netflix account may tell you, the activity that got me through this year the most was walking. I’ve barely missed a day since the pandemic started (while wearing a mask of course!). It’s helped me think, destress, and get my heartrate up a bit, and having a great pair of sneakers has made going for long, daily walks so much easier. These never give me blisters, are always comfortable, and have held up so well!
We are SO excited about the launch of our latest online course, Modern Hand Lettering. The course is all
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I’ve always wanted to be a homeowner. I’m not exactly certain when I realized this (so maybe always is an overstatement), but all I know is there’s something so attractive about the idea of having a solid piece of real estate that I can call my own. That’s why, from college graduation on, I’ve made a conscious decision that my big, long-term goal in life is to own a home of my own. You see, beyond just wanting a space that’s truly mine, I most certainly do not want to spend money on an apartment when I can put those same funds toward a mortgage. This is a very personal choice, and one that has largely to do with the fact that I don’t like the idea of paying rent on a property I’ll never own. So, to turn my dream into a reality, I started saving. From the outset, I knew this wouldn’t be the easiest thing in the world. I’m a writer and editor and, while head over heels in love with my job, I’m the first to admit that there are much more profitable careers than my own. Even so, I didn’t let my early days as a struggling freelance writer and collector of odd jobs deter me. I have a vision, and I’m not going to stop hustling until I have the deed—and the keys—to my very own home in my hands.
To work my way toward my home ownership goal, I keep a few ground rules. I’m a rule-follower by nature, so having a handful of things to do (and not to do) in place has been instrumental to help me stick to my resolve.
1. Say no to memberships
The first thing I promised myself when I decided I wanted to become a homeowner was to avoid any and every sort of membership I could. To start, I skipped the gym membership in favor of free fitness classes and programs I found on Pinterest or YouTube. I love switching up my workouts, so I’ll often hop from Pilates on PopSugar Fitness to a HIIT routine I pinned to my “healthy living” board. Sticking with free fitness opportunities has been relatively easy to do and, since I haven’t been to a gym since college, I don’t really miss it. I did invest in hand weights and a yoga mat early on, and I’ve found that those two things are really all I need to get in a good sweat session.
The second type of membership I turned down is perhaps a harder one to quit, but also one I believe has so many positive effects. You see, I don’t have—and never have had—a streaming service subscription. That means no Netflix, no Hulu, no sort of paid television program whatsoever. Is this a controversial choice? Perhaps. But it also saves me a fair chunk of money that would otherwise go to monthly fees.
To get around the lack of paid streaming programs, I’ve become BFFs with free services like Crackle, Tubi, and YouTube. They might not have the hottest movies and TV shows all the time (hey, did I say this was a perfect world?), but they do have a solid selection of content. For instance, I got to watch Labyrinth, one of my all-time favorite movies, on Tubi the other day, and it was everything. On top of that, I’m also an avid reader who would rather curl up with a book than stream a movie most days of the week, so I’m always happy to pick up a good read when I’m looking for entertainment.
2. Live with a parent
This is a hard one, Everygirls. It’s also something that is completely circumstantial and not for everyone. Personally, I’m lucky enough that my father is willing to let me live in my childhood home until I can find a place of my own. He purchased his own house, the one I live in today, around when he was my current age, so he understands and supports my vision. That being said, it’s a give-and-take arrangement that comes with its own set of sacrifices. Even so, for me, it’s worth it in the long haul.
Starting with the pros, I’ll say that the cost of living compared to renting an apartment is far less. While I do pay for expenses and “rent,” those costs total less than it would to keep up an apartment. Because of this, I’ve been able to stash away that extra money into a savings account and CD to build up my personal funds more quickly. Plus, my dad and I get along well, and he’s always down to taste-test any recipes I make.
As for the cons, living at home is not great for my dating life. One of the biggest downsides to living at home is knowing that I will never, ever bring a guy back to my place. My father’s house is small and I’m sleeping in my childhood room, so it’s just not an option. While it wasn’t as much of an issue during those times when I was #singleandlovingit, it’s not the greatest thing in the world now that I’m dating someone. To deal with it, I’ve been upfront with my boyfriend about my dream of owning a house, and he supports it. There’s no perfect way around this, so I think facing the issue head on and rolling with the punches is what keeps me going.
Source: Aimée Mazzenga for The Everygirl
3. Set up those income streams
Like I mentioned above, I’m a writer and editor. I love, love, love what I do, but I also love a good side hustle. It keeps me busy and keeps the extra dollars coming in, so that’s a win-win in my book. To up my savings on the path toward home ownership, I’ve set up multiple side projects that help me bring in additional cash each month. This includes everything from freelancing to selling clothes on Poshmark to scanning receipts on Ibotta. Sometimes I’m not earning a lot from each outlet, but that’s not the point. What matters most is that every extra dollar goes straight into my house fund. And watching that number grow month by month is so, so motivating each time I scour my local Zillow pages.
4. Save every penny
When you’re saving for a house, the big picture is a long-term goal. Because of this, staying dedicated to the goal over not just months, but years can be more than a little challenging. From the start, I set up a few savings strategies to keep me going. In terms of how I’m saving, I break it up between a savings account and a certificate of deposit (CD), the latter of which earns me interest more quickly. While COVID-19 did a number on CD interest rates, overall, this option has been a great way to passively earn additional dollars each year.
As for how I save on a day-to-day basis, it’s all about being mindful. Over the years, I’ve made it a practice to really think about each dollar I want to spend. Will the money go to something meaningful or essential? Is it something materialistic that I don’t actually need? By pausing for reflection prior to each purchase, I’ve been able to curb my spending in a big way. On top of that, I pay for a cheap phone plan, I never order takeout and only eat out occasionally, and I use coupons when I shop for groceries. Plus, a few years ago I made the decision to stop purchasing fast and new fashion. While the decision was primarily an environmentally-driven one, it’s led me to save a ton of money by looking for new-to-me duds at consignment stores, Goodwill, or The Salvation Army instead of paying full price for mass-merchandised apparel.
Source: Stil Classics
5. Find free things to do
There are so many free things to do, you just need to know where to look.
When I first started saving for a house, I found finding ways to stay entertained particularly challenging. I didn’t want to stay inside and browse the internet for hours on end, but I also didn’t want to go out and spend all my cash. To remedy this, I started making a list of everything I wanted to do but hadn’t done in my area that was 100-percent free. In no time at all, I had a lengthy notebook page full of everything from hikes to picnics to window shopping in towns I like. And those are just the adventures I planned for outdoors. When the weather is cooler, the homebody in me loves staying indoors to try new recipes, catch up on movies, and get lost in a book or two. Plus, for savers who want to brush up on skills or learn new ones, there are so many (free!) courses available online that cover nearly every topic under the sun. Recently, I watched Canva’s design and marketing courses to help me dive into new layout concepts and improve my social media skills.
6. Keep yourself motivated
Last but not least, Everygirls, is the most important step on this list. It’s hard to save. Every day, there are so many temptations (that new restaurant, those trendy shoes, that awesome experience) that make it feel like pure torture to turn a blind eye and drop those hard-earned dollars into your savings account instead. But I’m here to tell you that it’s so worth it. Sometimes you just need a little extra motivation to convince yourself of that truth.
To stay motivated, the key is to stay mindful. While I’m a huge fan of mindfulness in everyday life, I think this practice rings especially true when it comes to weighing the pros and cons of saving vs. spending. Go beyond just asking yourself “Do I really need this?” and get to the core of the matter with “Does this add value to my life? If so, how?” If the answer isn’t as meaningful or satisfying as it should be, then you probably don’t need to make that purchase.
On top of that, it’s also important to do everything you can to visualize yourself in your new home. In addition to signing up for all the Zillow alerts, start planning what you can. Organize those Pinterest boards with your interior aesthetics room by room, set a picture of your dream home as your desktop, and write a list of all the little things that make a space feel like home to you. That way, even when the saving gets tough, you’ll never lose sight of the big, house-shaped picture.
How do you save for large purchases? Let us know below. More
Have you ever wanted to write like an artist? Has “learn hand-lettering” been on your bucket list for years?
The post Introducing Our New Course: Modern Hand Lettering From The Everygirl appeared first on The Everygirl. More
There’s a reason the word “networking” has “work” in it—it takes effort, initiative, and drive to network purposefully and effectively. It’s not easy, and can be really terrifying when you’re just starting out. Effective networking starts with being purposeful about what you’re doing; putting time into building career connections that can diversify and offer you a fresh perspective is essential.Make the whole process more fun with a go-to ice breaker to get the conversation going—we love a good virtual happy hour to celebrate that week’s wins with a La Marca Prosecco mini in hand. Remember that networking and building connections don’t have to be ultra serious or devoid of fun. Make them meaningful conversations that spark thoughtful ideas and help you release a bit of tension from a challenging week or toast a win, big or small.
To get you started, we’ve put together a list of connections (or reconnections) to make over the course of your career:
1. A Lifetime Mentor
Many of our mentors or sponsors come and go as we change jobs, but one of your best network additions will be a mentor who sees you through the course of your career. A “lifetime” mentor can provide you that long-term perspective and help you reflect on how you’ve grown over time.
Look for your lifetime mentor among an immediate manager that may have assisted you developmentally. And remember, to keep someone in your network over the long haul, it takes effort. Schedule periodic check-ins over coffee and always offer to pay it forward.
2. A Thought Leader
We’re increasingly in an ideas economy. Staying on the cutting edge of your field means that you need to know what big ideas are brewing, where the industry is headed, and how your sector may transform. What do you read? What conferences do you go to? Find a person or “thought leader” whose future vision of your work feels meaningful to you, then track their work and keep in touch.
How do you find a thought leader in your world? You probably have a lot in your purview that you might not recognize! Again, look to what you read or events in your industry you’ve enjoyed. Identify speakers or authors that speak to you.
3. An Academic in Your Field
Similarly, being excellent at your work often means understanding some of the emerging views coming out of academia. Often times academic colleagues are also closely connected to firms’ talent pipelines. You might also be able to find unique opportunities to bring students into your company for short-term intern programs or special task forces that can be useful for the school and your company.
Universities often keep blogs for each respective area of expertise. This more informal publication can be a great way to identify an expert who is working on a topic of interest to you.
4. A Teacher from Your Youth
Giving back to your alma mater (or even your high school) is an important piece of networking. It can help you source new talent for your industry. Schools are also a great place to ensure you stay plugged in with events, alumni offerings, and to leverage the built in network from your previous academic experience.
Checking in with your alma mater should be super straightforward! Alumni networks are in place just for that purpose. And, even reaching out to the registrars office is a great way to keep in touch. School connections can also be a great place to look for speaking or panel opportunities as you continue to build your public profile and brand in your field.
5. The Incumbent in Your Dream Job
Cold pitches may seem a little intimidating. However, a thoughtfully crafted pitch to the person who is currently in your dream job can pay all kinds of dividends. Remember, you’re not explicitly on the hunt for this seat in your ask, but want to learn about the path that got them to where they are today.
Be incredibly thoughtful and tactical in this outreach. If this is someone who works inside your current organization, see if your current manager or a mentor can help broker an introduction. You want to use this person’s time really effectively. Ask them if they may have time for a brief call (15 minutes) and send along an agenda of three direct questions. What are the things they could answer for you about career development that no one else could? Use that time wisely!
6. The Most Junior Person Doing Your Job
A well-structured network is purposefully built to pay it forward. That means it’s important for you to connect with people at all levels of seniority. There is always something to be learned from those who are coming up in the organization who are more junior than you are. And, more importantly, think how amazing it feels to have someone senior in the organization take an interest in your work. You’ll be encouraging, supporting, and helping the next generation of leaders in your field.
Think of the skills you currently have that a newer generation could benefit from. You may consider setting up some informal roundtables, “lunch and learn” sessions, or a panel of your mid-level peers.
7. A Skills Coach
Part of career success is identifying our flat spots. Whether it is around the technical aspects of your job or around softer skills like building emotional intelligence, a skills coach is an important network addition. Through your annual review process or your own self-assessments, figure out the two or three skills you really want to refine. Ask around and recognize among your contacts who excels there, and get them on the books for a coaching coffee.
Who can play the role of skills coach? Often our own immediate peer set is a great place to look. If you saw a colleague rock a public speaking gig, be sure to pay her that compliment. Then, ask if you can put a coffee date on the books for her best tips, or, if she’d be willing to be the audience for your own future prep sessions.
8. An Interviewing Expert
Interview skills are tricky. It’s one of those capabilities that we may not practice often if we stay in a job we love for years, or have promotion opportunities. That means that when it’s time to hit the interview circuit and find a new job, we might need some brushing up. It is essential to find that colleague or senior leader who always seems to have the best interview tips. Book them for practice sessions and offer to do the same for the more junior people they connect with.
It can feel a little fake to completely practice an interview start to finish, but especially in our digital days, it’s worth being really deliberate here. Sometimes the best interview experts are of course our HR colleagues, but also those who work in high volume or frequently turning over positions. They’ve seen a lot of resumes!
9. Your Polar Opposite
As someone who has worked in finance her whole career, folks who have done the same tend to be most of my network. But that’s the fastest way for your network to simply become an insular echo chamber. For new thoughts, new ideas, and to give you a fresh perspective on career opportunities, find your “opposite.” For example, that means I’ve been deliberately trying to add more colleagues in the arts, sciences, and non-profit world to my set of connections.
To expand that horizon, I have to go a little outside of my comfort zone. It means asking other friends who they know in those industries. And, it means that I may need to employ some of the same tactics you use to make friends as an adult, like saying yes to a lot more invitations and being “social” on social media. Which leads us to…
10. A Social Media & Branding Rockstar
Whether or not we’re in the social space, branding and messaging matters. Building your personal brand ensures that you can articulate exactly how your skills and expertise match with opportunities over the course of your career. Find that social and marketing expert in your world and stay on top of the tips that keep your digital first impression fresh and current.
What could this person help you with? The debate rages on over how SEO continues to evolve for professional profiles like LinkedIn. But, it certainly can’t hurt to have your expert colleague provide you some feedback on the language you’re using to describe your achievements. They can also keep you posted on newer networks, and really help you refine the target audience for your skills and talents.
Tips for Making Socially Distanced Connections
These networking efforts can be challenging in the best of times. In 2020, networking needs a whole different set of skills. It’s nearly impossible to do the same “grab coffee” routine we’ve all gotten used to. And, even if restrictions are lighter where you are, you don’t want to put colleagues in the awkward position of declining an in-person invite. The good news is, our all-virtual world has some perks.
It’s never been easier to drop slightly dormant contacts a “How Have You Been?” note. Flag an interesting article, share a story of a project you’ve worked on, or simply ask how they’ve been maintaining their network this year. Do they know of any virtual industry events? Have they read or attended any webinars of interest? Simply sharing stories around how work is changing and staying connected can be a big part of sustaining and building our network this year. It’s also really important to build digital visibility. Get active on your work-related social channels. Comment on others’ posts, and take the bold step of creating content yourself. This could look like some sort of newsletter on your industry, or round up of interesting reads that are relevant to your peers. (Be sure to check in with your compliance colleagues that this doesn’t pose a problem for your day job!)
Lastly, virtual industry events now give you a perfect hit list of experts you can reach out to and connect with. Drop a note via LinkedIn or see if the event shares contact information for presenters. A simple, “Hi – I really enjoyed your webinar presentation on building new digital marketing channels. I’d like to share a few interesting papers our team has put out on the topic, and get your quick feedback on part of a project we’re undertaking. Do you have 15 minutes for a call?” Make sure, however, it is a super brief, pointed call, and voice only unless they offer otherwise. We’re all completely burnt from sitting on video all day for our actual day job, so it’s best to keep as light a footprint as possible with new contacts.
If you want to add a fun spin, invite them for a 30-minute virtual happy hour. Grab a La Marca Prosecco mini (prosecco makes everything better) and just have a loose, after-work chat. Remember that not all your connections have to be stringently work-related. You want to start a relationship with this person, so don’t be afraid to inject some personality! And chances are, after a full day of work-related calls, they’ll welcome the chance to relax over some bubbly and just talk and enjoy.
You’d be surprised how many people will take you up on this, especially if you have a robust public profile and a well-built digital work presence. And, using this approach allows you to network far beyond your own backyard. Get creative! Ever wonder how your work is done in London? In Shanghai? Stretch your comfort zone and use our virtual world to expand your networking horizons.
La Marca Prosecco is an elegant sparkling wine grown in the heart of Italy’s Prosecco region. La Marca Prosecco believes in celebrating the joy in everyday moments, including the tireless work that so many women go through to make their dreams come true. A focus on career empowerment has always been part of The Everygirl’s mission and our partnership with La Marca Prosecco has helped us take that mission into the real world with live and virtual events, small business grants, and more. Let’s raise a glass to that!
This post is sponsored by La Marca Prosecco but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl Media Group editorial board. More
