I've been toying with the idea of reinvention for a while now. But not until recently has it becoming the fore running thought in my mind. A few weeks ago The Black Socialite blogged about The Age of The Connoisseur, then I watched the season finale of Desperate Housewives (the part where husband decides to go back to school for Chinese to become marketable in global finance) and that just did it for me! The time is now! We are well equipped with everything we need to achieve the success we desire.
Don't get me wrong ladies... If you are happy or better yet content with where you are in life, then this post isn't for you. But for the rest of who sometimes can't drag ourselves outta bed 'cause we hate our jobs. Or those who are sitting in the cubicle daydreaming about being a PR guru, a socialite, or a billionaire entrepreneur it's time we do something different.
I've always believed that you have to surround yourself with like-minded people. So if you can't share your dreams and desires with your inner circle(and they be supportive) then it may be time to part ways. After that's done, then it's time to foster some new relationships. In Real Estate school I learned when investing in real estate it's always best to buy the worst house in the best neighborhood - the property value goes up just from b/c of the zip code. The same thing applies in making connections. Here are a few tips to help increase your value ;-):
1. Start hanging out in places where the crowd already has what you want. Leave those club "networking" parties behind. The only thing you'll be accomplishing is paying the promoters salary.
2. If you're naturally shy, pick up a book on the art of small talk/networking. Hopefully you'll feel empowered before you even enter the room.
3. Use the web for more than just online shopping. All the info you've ever needed is right there.
4. Time for a makeover. Look, smell, and walk like you've already arrived. This will also help with your confidence. You want people to be thinking "I wonder who that is..."
5. Don't be afraid to voice your dreams. How can someone advise you if they don't know you need it?
6. Learn a new sport. Golf and tennis are good adult sports and you never know who you may meet while playing.
I've started to work on this task myself. The first event I attend got me landed on the front of Charlotteobserver.com!
- Derby Day at The Mint Museum of Art 5/2/09
'Til the next time...