Jennifer McClure`

Equipping people leaders to navigate change — and design the future — with boldness and purpose.

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Archives for December 2019

Written by Jennifer McClure

Intentional Networking Strategies for Introverts (And Extroverts!)

When you hear the word “networking”, or someone tells you that you need to “network”, what comes to mind?

In general, if you’re extroverted, or gain energy by interacting with people, then you may feel as excited about networking – as you would if someone invited you to a theme park with lots of rides and roller coasters. That’s assuming, of course, that you like theme parks and roller coasters. 🙂

If you’re more introverted, or prefer to avoid situations where you’re around a lot of people that you don’t know well, you may feel as excited as you would if someone invited you to go to the dentist’s office. Unless, or course, you like going to the dentist’s office… which probably means that you’re a relative of the dentist. Or you’re a masochist. (Hey, no judgement here.)

I know, those are generalizations, but I think I can safely say that most people – whether they’re introverts or extroverts – aren’t that great at networking… even if they love it, or think they’re good at it.

Why is that? Well, it’s because most people aren’t approaching networking in a strategic way, and considering it a skill and practice that’s critical for their personal and professional development.

But, I’ve got good news!

That doesn’t have to be you! Whether you love networking, hate it, or don’t know what it means to be good at it, I can help.

In this episode of the Impact Makers Podcast, I’m sharing why it’s important to Always Be Networking, as well as who you should choose to network with in order to get and give the most benefit, and how you can network like a pro – whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert.

I’ll also share ten awesome questions that you can ask to start great conversations at networking events – and make others think that you’re the most interesting person in the world. 🙂

10 Questions to Ask at Networking Events:

  1. What brought you here today?
  2. What has been your biggest takeaway thus far?
  3. Who have you enjoyed meeting, or who would you suggest I connect with at this event?
  4. What is the best book you’ve read recently? Or, what is your favorite podcast?
  5. What was the biggest challenge that you faced in your job or career recently, and what did you do to solve it?
  6. What is your favorite thing about the work you do, or where you work?
  7. What do you do for fun outside of work?
  8. What is the best piece of career advice that you’ve gotten – or that you’ve given?
  9. What is the most exciting or interesting thing that you’re working on at the moment?
  10. What other conferences or events do you attend, or get value from?

IMPACT MAKERS PODCAST – EPISODE 33

Show Highlights:

  • Why you need to view your networking strategy just like you do anything else that is important and adds value.
  • Why your mantra when you go to an event should be, “I’m going to be interested, and not worry about being interesting.”
  • How to be intentional about networking.
  • Ten awesome questions you can ask to start great conversations.
  • Understanding the value and need for investing in yourself.

More Info and Resources:

Impact Makers Episode 7 — How I Became A Speaker and Entrepreneur

Mike Lynch – President, Mike Lynch Career Consulting

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Thanks to King University, who’s support makes this podcast possible! King is proud to offer sixteen online degrees with accelerated programs and affordable tuition so you can start a new career faster than ever. You can choose from programs in technology, communication, and business – like an online MBA with six concentrations including human resource management. And because the program is offered fully online, you can earn your degree on your own schedule in as little as 16 months. Visit https://online.king.edu/impactmakers to learn more about the King Difference today.

—–

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase I’ll earn a commission. Keep in mind that I only link to products or companies because of their quality, or my personal experience with them, and not because of any commissions I receive from your purchases.

Categories: Networking, Podcast
Posted on December 18, 2019

Written by Jennifer McClure

Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish – and How to Make It a Strategic Priority

Maybe it’s because I’m getting older every year – which is totally unfair – but more and more, when I think about what I’m grateful for, it’s my health – specifically my body’s ability to move about the world and do the things I want to do, as well as my ability to see, hear, and use all of the gifts that God gave me. And I’m conscious of the fact that not everyone has full use of all of these blessings – regardless of their age.

So, I’ve been thinking much more these days about how to invest in my health. Because I ideally I want to be able to live an active and healthy life for years to come. While that may not totally be in my control, for the most part it is. And I have to admit, I haven’t always been the best at doing my part.

I don’t always eat right. Actually, I don’t choose the right foods to fuel my body often. I don’t exercise and move my body enough. (Did you know it’s possible to walk less than 500 steps in one day? I have it on good authority that’s true.) And probably the biggest area for improvement for me is related to prioritizing my sleep. I simply don’t. I see far too many 1:00 AM bed times, and for no real reason.

So, when I was asked recently to deliver a keynote presentation on Self-Care as part of Paycor Inc’s online web summit, I first said no. Because as the self-appointed poster child for the not-so-great self-care crowd, I didn’t think I was the right person to deliver that message.

But after thinking about it for a bit, I realized that I am exactly the right person to deliver that message. Why? Because it’s an area that I’ve both failed in, and one that I’m regularly researching ways that I can improve.

I don’t like to fail. And I want to take care of my body, mind and spirit. I’ve also made some changes that have dramatically improved my well-being. Some of those changes were my choice, and some were forced upon me.

As is often the case, the student can become the teacher. 🙂

IMPACT MAKERS PODCAST – EPISODE 32

As we enter the last few weeks of the year, where many will be spending time being thankful, as well as planning and setting goals for the new year, I wanted to share some information and research about the importance of self-care, as well as 5 key areas I believe we should all consider for intentional self-care in order to live our best lives, full of positive impact.

Self-care isn’t selfish. It is necessary. We truly can’t pour from an empty cup and we can’t help others if we’re emotionally worn, completely stressed out, or too sick to help.

My goal is to help you understand the importance of self-care and how to practice it, proactively, without feeling guilty. I hope you enjoy today’s episode!

5 Key Areas For Intentional Self-Care

Show Highlights:

  • What is self-care? I’ll give you my favorite definition and share a great quote to help you remember why it’s so important.
  • I share the five key areas of self-care and give you tips for each area.
  • Our bodies speak to us, sometimes loud and clear. If we don’t listen, the consequences can be devastating.
  • We’re talking about self-care, but I believe that caring for others is also a form of self-care.
  • Self-care has a physical, mental and emotional impact on our lives, our bodies and on those around us.

More Info and Resources:

King University Online

Paycor, Inc.

Paycor, Inc. Self-Care for the HR Pro web summit presentation by Jennifer McClure

Paycor, Inc. Web Summit (On Demand)

The Five Rules for Self-Care By Shelly Tygielski

Michael Hyatt

Ideal Week Excel Spreadsheet by Michael Hyatt

Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy –

Full Focus Planner

Oprah Super Soul Conversations: Tom Brady on Life After Football: “I Think About It More Now”

National Sleep Foundation Recommends New Sleep Times

Shawn Achor

Shawn Achor 6 Daily Happiness Exercises

The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life by Shawn Achor

Before Happiness: The 5 Hidden Keys to Achieving Success, Spreading Happiness, and Sustaining Positive Change by Shawn Achor

Oprah Super Soul Conversations: Oprah & Shawn Achor on the Secret of Happy People

Get More Done With Calendar Blocking – Amy Landino YouTube

The Importance of Scheduling Nothing by Jeff Weiner

Oprah Super Soul Conversations: The 5 Keys to Happiness That LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner Lives By

—–

Thanks to King University, who’s support makes this podcast possible! King is proud to offer sixteen online degrees with accelerated programs and affordable tuition so you can start a new career faster than ever. You can choose from programs in technology, communication, and business – like an online MBA with six concentrations including human resource management. And because the program is offered fully online, you can earn your degree on your own schedule in as little as 16 months. Visit https://online.king.edu/impactmakers to learn more about the King Difference today.

—–

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase I’ll earn a commission. Keep in mind that I only link to products or companies because of their quality, or my personal experience with them, and not because of any commissions I receive from your purchases.

Categories: Podcast
Posted on December 13, 2019

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