It’s being said 2021 will be the year of the conversation. At Rising Coaches, let's make it the year of the networking conversation. Interested in moving up, building your network or growing in the profession? The time is now.
Focus on building your network
Normally you would be working camps, headed to Rising Coaches events, attending conferences, traveling to games and visiting with the opposition’s coaches.
Instead, many of you are stuck at home, quarantining due to the coronavirus. Take networking into your own hands! Develop a list of aspirational places of employment, as well as coaches and/or administrators to assist you in growing your network.
It’s time to get busy
Start by reaching out to those on your list for informational interviews. The first email should be simple and personalized, not a form email. Introduce yourself in a sentence or two (mention you are a member of Rising Coaches). Ask them if they would join you for a 15 minute informational conversation.
Make it perfectly clear -- YOU AREN'T LOOKING FOR A JOB. You want to grow and to learn more about what makes them successful. If they think you are a job seeker, 99.9 percent of them will delete the email QUICK.
How much is too much
Email them twice. Once and then send a follow up a week later. If they don't respond, move on. If you want to talk to 10 coaches - start by emailing 25.
Stay organized
Create a spreadsheet to stay organized. Click here for an example of that spreadsheet.
The call
Work around their schedule when setting up the conversation. When you start the call, ask to record it. You will want to review all the nuggets they share with you later.
Be professional. This isn’t a job interview, but leave the best impression impossible. Brush up on your video call etiquette.
Potential questions
What was your career goal in college?
What was your career path to where you are now?
I am a _____ coach looking to make the move up - do you have suggestions?
Can you recommend someone else I can reach out to continue to grow and learn more?
Thank you note
Afterwards, send them a handwritten note thanking them. Make sure you add your business card. If you don't have one - make one. You can get 100 printed at Vista Print for $15.
Follow-up
Follow up with whom they recommend. Connect with the person you spoke to on LinkedIn and reach out again in a couple of months.
If you have additional suggestions -- please share them with this post on @RisingCoaches social media.
To learn more about what Bee Young Comms can do to help you or your team, contact us today.
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