In this episode, Cindy Esliger talks about the social window, the fleeting time that occurs during the first few weeks in a new environment, when people are more open to connection and bonding. The social window won’t last forever, so it’s important to take advantage of it to build relationships, establish influence, and form a supportive network. What is the best way to use the social window to our career advantage, and what should we expect while trying? Cindy explains the process.

The social window offers the easiest time for us to engage in networking. There is a fleeting openness in it that creates a low-stakes environment for relationship building. Cindy shares five ways to make the most of the opportunity: 1) Be proactive, not passive, 2) Join group activities, 3) Leverage shared hardships, 4) Focus on quality over quantity, and 5) Follow up. 

Cindy discusses being intentional about the social window by deciding what we want to accomplish and forming a plan. Having goals will help prioritize our efforts when meeting new people. She suggests reframing our perspective to see introductions as a career investment instead of as a series of awkward moments. If we don’t take advantage of this time, real consequences can follow. Cindy identifies three of the most common: 1) Feeling out of place, 2) Missed career opportunities, and 3) Undermined confidence.  

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Guide to Building Connections That Last
• Astronomic Audio
• Confidence Collective

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Contact Cindy Esliger 

Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email

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