Page 137 - Free Yourself From

120 It’s Not a Glass Ceiling, It’s a Sticky Floor

Commitments and Specific Actions: Take some thoughtful time to
complete this column. Identify a concrete strategy for engaging
each person. If you’ve done a good job of analyzing your personal
links to these people and the mutual benefit to each of you, this
part will be easier, so don’t be afraid to go back and rethink
the previous columns if necessary. Consider which relationships
take priority based on the timeframes you have in mind for your
goals in column one. And be realistic about how quickly you’ll be
able to concentrate on each relationship. It might be this week,
the next three weeks, or by the end of the year.
Hint: Try to put one person on the list who will be a stretch for you;
that is, a little out of your comfort zone.
And if there is someone on the chart who you’ve lost touch
with, send an e-mail, pick up the phone, or drop a note saying
something recently made you think of them and you’d love to
catch up. If you happened to have read an article or come across
a Web site you thought they might like, send it along as a show
of good faith.
Success: How will you know that you’ve been successful? The answer
is: When you routinely (perhaps not daily but reasonably often),
and without thinking much about it, pick up the phone or meet
with others for support, feedback, and advice. And when you also
find yourself fielding those calls and meetings from others.

Seeking the Kindness of Strangers

I’ve talked a lot in this chapter about bringing new people into your
network. I know this can be the most challenging part because you’re
going into it knowing that you want something from someone who
might not even know you yet (at least not well).
Find a mutual acquaintance who can introduce you, if possible.
But if not, don’t let that deter you. Either way, being prepared is the