TL; DR 14. How to Build Your Network(143 words)

Networking is not LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a directory, and we all know what it has become. Networking is staying in touch with people, properly, over years.

Start with the people you already know: former colleagues, clients, people you studied with.

Keep a simple list of the people who matter in your working life and contact a few each month. Give before you ask. Send an article they will find useful, make an introduction, recommend them. Help with no expectation of return. It comes back, though often not from the person you helped.

When you meet someone new, be curious. Ask questions. Remember details and ask about them next time.

My own network is small, but it’s lively, fun and beneficial.

The best time to build your network is when you do not need it.

First action: List ten people who matter in your working life and contact one of them this week.

It’s short, it’s instant, it’s to the point. It’s 100% practical. It’ll help with life and with career.

It’s budget-priced and instantly available worldwide.

TL; DR 13.

How to Dress the Part (101 words)

Dress a notch better than your audience; dramatically better is too distracting. If they are in jeans, wear chinos and a good shirt. It tells people you take them seriously.

Lay out your clothes the night before; it takes a few minutes, and perhaps add a pop of colour for variety. It’s about making an effort for the person you love, your client or the occasion.

Buy fewer, better clothes. A small wardrobe of good pieces that work together looks sharper than a large wardrobe of cheap ones. When in doubt, ask about the dress code. Nobody minds the question.

First action: Tonight, lay out tomorrow’s clothes, shoes polished, with one pop of colour.