Rocking the insights

Have been recently helping young graduates who are entering the work force. Many have a lot of questions about how to go about networking, especially during a pandemic. I wrote down some of the best advice I've received a long the way. Some of the insights are very simple to say, but not always simple in practice. Here's my top ones:

1. Find your purpose. This framework is a great start to start learning more about what makes you tick. Fuel your passion, understand your mission and what you love to do.

2. Use your time well and be on time: This is something that I've had to practice and work on. Schedules can be crazy and Atlanta traffic can be inconsistent. Now, I calendar all my time so that I can balance purpose and passion. I've also been trying to get places early so can enjoy the time spent with others. Planning your time and being on time shows respect for the other person. Moreover, you'll be more relaxed during the day. Jeff Hilimire, CEO of Dragon Army, is someone who has mastered planning, and the calendar, and maximizes his time daily to focus on his purpose.

3. Do what you love, love what you do. Successful people are not more gifted than others. They just work hard, then succeed on purpose. Joe Koufman is someone I admire for his passion and positivity. He's a magnet to others because of his genuineness and aura. On a side note, I really want to learn to be a DJ, and plan to get advice from Joe on this. Check him out @ Joe Koufman

4. Raise your hand. Whether it's at work or in you community, raise your hand to help others. Doing more than what is expected, will show others that you are a hard worker, and can be counted on to deliver. Kimberly Euston, a partner at PwC, and is someone I respect. Kimberly has a big job at PwC, but always finds time to help & and serve others. She and I were in Leadership Atlanta (2012 Best Class Ever), and I've also admired her tenacity to do good work.

5. Bring your whole self to every situation. The successful people I know are authentic, kind, laugh at themselves and have fun. Tim Ziga is our culinary expert @ Honey Baked Ham. Tim uses his work and food to serve others. He brings joy to everyone he works with daily. Get to know people and build genuine relationships with them. The people like Tim Ziga and Jason Simons, are the richest part of being a part of the #hamfam.

6. Stand out and go the extra mile. Over deliver on your projects. Give more than what was asked. Dress for success, but show your creative side. Someone I used to work with, Frans Spekking, @ Interface always had a positive attitude. Moreover, David Gerson, formerly at Interface and now Chief Brand Officer @ Inscape also sprinkles fun and liveliness into anything he does.

7. Be kind, be calm. Business can be very stressful, but some of the more stressful moments will pass. The successful people I know consider the high road and the long-view. They understand that some of the issues in business can be solved and know that the relationships are key. Randy Hain is someone I admire as a mentor. He always takes the high road and is the ultimate giver. He's kind, compassionate and a trusted mentor. John Wells, formerly of Interface, is also someone I trust and admire. John helped me learn the Interface business and became a trusted business partner and friend. I'd walk through fire for John!

8. Be prepared. Know your stuff, especially the numbers. Understand how what you are doing impacts others. Dan McAleenan, our COO at Honey Baked Ham embodies being prepared. He also helps others be prepared and embodies servant leadership.

9. Have fun, be bold, be brave. Stand up for what you believe in. This is for my posse of women whose careers I am admire so much, including Karyn Froseth, Julie Bowerman, Teresa Caro, Sue Sullivan, Nancy Gibson, Rebecca Messina, Julia Lauria, Kayla Deuley, Kate Atwood, Catie Griggs, Cindy Sutton, Linda van Rees, Renee Stevens, Christen Sindone, Rachel Russell, Tami Olivia, Robin Fitzgerald, Mary O' Keefe, Olivia Kaht, Mallory McKensie, Hala Moddelmog, Jill Thomas, Melissa Minihan, Kathryn Towns, Debbie Domer, Patti Tucker, Louise Mulherin, Lisa Lilienthal, Blake Streiff, Marilyn Streiff, Wendy Streiff, Melanie Polk, Heidi Hoff, Nicole Ryan, Wendi Aspes, Elizabeth Nesbitt, Elizabeth Clubb, Danica Kombol, Jennifer Eastman, Ellen Dracos Lemming, Stacy Gryboski, Tracey Atwater, Terri Lewis, Dawn Marie Kier, Jennie Hong, Lisa Dimson, Michelle Spohnholz, Annie Carlini, Danielle Parra, Donna Wilson, Ann Marie Jerningan, Jazz Kilgore and so many other trailblazers!