Mo Bunnell, founder and CEO of Bunnell Idea Group and author of "Give to Grow," dives into the power of strategic giving in the job search. He discusses how personal connections can enhance job prospects and the transition from a rigid actuary role to a relationship-building career. Mo emphasizes the importance of non-transactional networking, overcoming self-doubt, and developing genuine relationships. He also shares practical strategies for overcoming networking fears and the value of maintaining consistent outreach efforts.
Building strategic relationships is essential for career growth, as connections can significantly enhance job search opportunities beyond mere skills.
Adopting a mindset of 'thinking 10x' and strategic giving can help overcome self-doubt and internal barriers in networking.
Deep dives
The Importance of Strategic Relationships
Building thoughtful and strategic relationships is crucial for career advancement. A common misconception is that only skills matter in job searches, but who you know plays an equally vital role. Most organizations fail to emphasize this aspect, leading many professionals to neglect relationship-building in their career development. By intentionally focusing on the right connections, individuals can greatly enhance their opportunities and leverage alliances more effectively.
The Concept of Strategic Giving
Strategic giving refers to the practice of offering help or value to others without expectations in return, yet being mindful of how to receive assistance when needed. This approach distinguishes 'givers' from 'takers' and 'matchers,' and research indicates that strategic givers tend to have greater success in their professional lives. For example, instead of directly asking a contact for a job, offering something meaningful or assistance first can lead to valuable introductions and opportunities. This mindset fosters a culture of mutual benefit and strengthens professional networks.
Overcoming Self-Imposed Barriers
Job seekers often face internal barriers that hinder their networking efforts, including fears of looking needy or rejected. Many of these obstacles stem from unproductive self-talk and the need for perfectionism in interactions. A recommended strategy is to adopt a mindset of 'thinking 10x,' focusing on adding value to others rather than stressing over individual outreach. Implementing proactive actions, accountability partners, and tangible tracking methods can help overcome these challenges and sustain momentum in a job search.
On this week’s episode of Get Hired, LinkedIn Editor at Large Andrew Seaman speaks with Mo Bunnell, founder and CEO of Bunnell Idea Group. They discuss Mo’s new book Give to Grow and how the concept of “strategic giving” can be applied to the job-search process. Mo also shares advice for overcoming the biggest barrier to achieving career success: self-doubt.
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