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23 Feb

LifeStyle Note 002-017: Pass the Olives, Please

There’s an obvious reason the world’s most successful business leaders are also incredible at building relationships. I would argue that success in nearly every aspect of life comes down to your ability to build meaningful relationships – both personal and professional.

 

Cue the Confetti, the work week is coming to a close and it’s time to let your hair down a bit before you pour all of your energy into your weekend #sidehustle.  A common way to unwind after the  long work week is to go to happy hour for drinks  and tapas with friends and co-workers. Psst, I’m not sure if you got the memo but Margarita’s and Martini’s are ALWAYS a good idea. Like it or not,  after work functions are actually one of the best, most effective forms of networking and marketing yourself for upcoming positions, so though it may be uncomfortable and sometimes even inconvenient, you should make your best effort to attend at least one of these events monthly.

 

If you’re a gladiator and wearer of multiple “white hats” (mom, wife, chef, chauffeur, fur-momma etc), you’ve probably got some planning to do if you’re going to participate in after work functions BUT, listen,  don’t use this  as a crutch to justify not attending.  Instead, plan for it.  Often times work events come with some advance notice so spend a little time sorting the logistics before-hand. Maybe you can ask your mom, or a trusted friend to pick the kids up from school or even schedule for them to attend after care for the evening; OR if you normally cook after work, try preparing Friday’s meal on Thursday. That way, you make it easy for hubs or the BF to cook.  All they’ll have to do is pop the food in the oven and keep it moving. Easy peasy, Right?

StyleNOTE:

Here’s a pro tip: Save yourself the hassle of having to go home to change clothes by wearing something multifunctional. You know, something that transitions from office to after hours. A side trip to the house will actually increase the probability of you not attending, you’ve already got a million and one justifiable reasons NOT to attend so do yourself a favor and don’t create another one.  There will always be something the needs tending to, be it the dishes, the laundry, your daughters school project, the dogs afternoon walk, the ketchup stain on the ceiling, and of course the couch, the wine, and good ole Netflix.  YOU NAME IT, theres always going to be a perfectly logical reason why you shouldn’t go. But, heres the thing. If you allocate your time wisely, you can actually do both. You can tend to the house and do a little networking. It’s called happy HOUR for a reason. You don’t have to stay out all night getting blitzed out of your mind (unless you want to of course), You’re just going for an hour or so, to be social. Let the group know upfront that you will be leaving at a pre-established time. It really is that simple.

People make time for things that matter, so if you’re always conveying the message that you’re “too busy” to attend the networking functions at work, it’s likely that your co-workers are translating the message to mean that you’ve set a hard boundary and that you’re just not interested in getting to know them beyond work. If this is indeed the case thats okay, however, it’s not okay if you’re looking to advance beyond your current position within the company or outside of the company for that matter.  It’s no secret; statistics reveal that 85 percent of jobs are filled through networking. Keep this in mind the next time you think about declining your invite for a “seat at the table”.

 

Remember to work hard, eat well, and order dessert

 

22 Comments
  • Emily Soto

    I love your inspirational posts so much! You looo fabulous in olive!

    02.23.17 at 8:44 am Reply
  • Nikki Arnold

    Umm yes always, always, order dessert! You can take it home if you are really too full haha. I love these tips. I feel like a lot of time I say no to going places and meeting up with people because I get anxious. I feel like I wont be prepared to leave straight from work, or I have too many things to do at home, or how many people will I really talk to there? I am now starting to break out of my bubble more and say yes and MAKE plans to see people and build relationships. I have noticed that I now need a planner to remember everything haha. Hope your week has been great babe!
    Xo, Nikki
    http://www.thefashionableaccountant.com

    02.23.17 at 9:00 am Reply
  • Jenna

    This is such great advice and I can totally relate to how easy it is not to go if you go somewhere else. Thanks for the reminder of how important networking is.

    Cheers, J
    http://www.cheersj.com

    02.23.17 at 9:44 am Reply
  • Tiffany Schmoyer

    Totally agree with your style tip! So much easier wearing a transitional outfit, love this look!

    02.23.17 at 11:14 am Reply
  • Tania Lockhart

    Those pumps are sooo nice!!!!! And they go perfect with that dress!!! You look so nice!!!

    02.23.17 at 11:33 am Reply
  • Mary Gui

    love your bag, especially the color!
    http://www.layersofchic.com

    02.23.17 at 12:07 pm Reply
  • Laura Mitbrodt

    What a beautiful dress! I love how you styled it with all of the details
    xo
    http://www.laurajaneatelier.com

    02.23.17 at 1:29 pm Reply
  • Katherine Clemins

    Great pieces of advice here!

    02.23.17 at 1:54 pm Reply
  • Jana

    Love this dress on you and your accessories are perfect! xo Jana | http://www.janastyleblog.com

    02.23.17 at 4:40 pm Reply
  • Angelica Chavez

    Completely agree about relationship building. I had a friend once that believed all she had to do for success was market and people would buy, or fluffing herself up for certain people while ignoring the rest of the world. Of course, her multiple ideas failed and she still decided to isolate herself to remove negative influences (in her mind, that meant everyone lol). Communities work for a reason.

    You look fab by the way!! Great look that can transition from work to after party.

    02.24.17 at 12:11 am Reply
  • Kimberly Lane

    What a great post! Relationships are everything. Also I adore your bag, and this look!

    XO,
    Kim

    02.24.17 at 10:13 am Reply
  • whatdevondiscovered

    Great advice. So much gets done in those out of office get togethers. It is the place to make personal bonds that will move you upward.

    02.26.17 at 3:03 pm Reply
  • Zofia Biala

    Very wise words! I am more of an introvert, and I love to unwind with a book in the park. I’m so happy that spring is finally coming.

    02.27.17 at 8:35 am Reply

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