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Hello Bright Minds,

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Today's episode:

Networking and business development are often on the minds of coachees who are exploring whether/how to get on the Partner track. It's a key area I've been working with a few coachees lately, and whether you're a Partner, an MD, Principal or CEO, if you shy away from networking events or repeatedly come away from the flat, frustrated or feeling it was a waste of time, this episode is for you.

I take us through seven key things my coachees are doing when they go to professional gatherings that lead them to see themselves as effective networkers and able to generate new business and career opportunities. 

They are:

1. An optimistic, positive mindset about professional gatherings as a useful tool for growing your network for commercial or career gains.
2. Clarity on both your career goals and your professional/commercial objectives.
3. Having criteria for what gatherings you go to and therefore being selective about what you say yes to.
4. Purpose, planning and preparation before attending a professional gathering.
5. Asking enjoyable questions and listening intently to the answers.
6. Making elegant exits from conversations that aren’t right for you and elegant entrances to the ones that are.
7. Diarised time to follow up after the gathering with a focus on making a helpful difference.

MORE FOR YOU

• DM Jessica on instagram @comebackcommuk
• Get Caremail (free, every other Sunday at 7am)
• Read Mothers Work! How to Get a Grip on Guilt and Make a Smooth Return to Work by Jessica Chivers.
• Watch five coachees talk about working with us
• Connect us to your HR team - bring the Comeback Community™ employee experience to your workplace