Thursday I was part of a panel in Atlanta with other corporate executives. It was quite a large group of people eager to learn and share ideas. I had to share the mic so I couldn't expand on each and every question to the depth that some of the questions deserved. So, I wanted to take a second and expand on the last question which was "What advice would you give the audience as they move forward in this environment?" I answered by saying I would encourage all of you to BE FEARLESS. To want the ball. I am surrounded by athletes and coaches who want the ball when it’s the 9th inning or want to coach their team in the national championship game and give the half time speech of their life. They embrace the opportunity to be, "the guy."
If I had more time to answer the question Thursday I would have added, if your looking for a job, be fearless in your approach. Make the phone call, send the email – don’t be afraid of “no". I meet people who are afraid of getting "no" so they do nothing at all. You must be fearless in your actions so you can close the relationship gap. One way to do this is by asking for advice. I often say, if you ask for a job you get advice, if you ask for advice you may get a job. Most decent people will give you 15 minutes. Spend 15 minutes getting advice, impress them enough that they might give you three names of people they believe will also be kind enough to spend 15 minutes with you and give you advice. If you are fearless in your job pursuit, you will get in front of all kinds of people, make it a goal for them to either help you or hire you. You can only build relationships and get in front of people, if you are fearless.
If you have a job, now is the time to be someone a company can't live without. Position yourself in such a way that you clearly impact the business in a positive way. Be fearless at times by saying that thing you are confident people may be thinking but don't have the guts to say. Or, put together a business plan that you believe can prove beneficial to your company and approach your boss about pursuing it. Work hard, work smart and remain aware of challenges and ways you can add value in light of those challenges.
Our athletes are fearless when they have the ball and when they are trying to get the ball. I belive you should be as well....be fearless as you pursue your career and be fearless once you have secured it.
