I kicked off one of the biggest moves of my career because I asked a question.
I got an introduction to one of the world’s most famous fast-food chains because I asked a question.
I’m closer to launching my career advice TikTok channel because I asked a question…*
Wait. What?
Ok, so they’re not all massive achievements or ground-breaking life moments, but that’s not the point.
Taking the step to ask a question that could dramatically change your career is incredibly brave.
I’m not here to tell you it’s easy, far from it, but I am here to tell you that the only thing holding you back is your own lack of self-belief.
My big career question
Regular readers will know the most recent arc in my career journey.
From winning Blue Light Card as a client to eventually working there, it’s been an incredible journey.
The latter happened because I dared myself to ask a question.
For a split-second – until I hit call – it was probably the most nervous I’ve ever been.
But I managed to embrace those nerves long enough to ask a question – “I would like to work for you, is there a role for me?” – to which there were several potential answers.
A no would give me closure, whereas a maybe or yes would give me hope.
All of them would help me focus. None of them, especially no, would be the worst thing that could happen.
You might ask, what would be?
Quite simply, not knowing – especially for my inquisitive mind.
That would gnaw away at me until I no longer had the willpower and the idea evaporated into nothingness. A ‘what if’ so tortuous to consider I’d probably regret it for many, many years.
Thankfully, that didn’t happen… I asked a question.
Using your network
Remember that fast-food chain introduction I mentioned?
I messaged someone who was in the year below me at school to see if they could connect me with the right person to discuss offering a Blue Light Card discount.
They did and I was able to make the necessary introductions to kickstart that conversation.
Securing this kind of work wasn’t my area of expertise, but I could see a way in which that might help the business and, most importantly, the members.
While it stumbled along the way, it would eventually lead to a discount.
Something similar happened recently, but the other way around.
Someone who also attended my old school messaged me to ask if they could chat with our team about offering a discount.
Time will tell what the outcome of that message will be.
Using your network isn’t just about messaging those you went to school with, but thinking about similar examples in your life.
(Although you should look them up, you never know where they might work).
Asking a question could lead to a new piece of work, a new role, or something completely life-changing.
Things you can ask of me
With all of the above in mind, you might be thinking of something you want to ask me.
And, if you’ve ever thought of something, please comment below or drop me a message.
If you haven’t, here are some examples:
How to work out what your question is
How to ask it
What to do next
Career guidance
Mentoring support
CV advice
LinkedIn tips
My preferred social media channels
My favourite pub
My top-three films of all-time
I know that’s not an exhaustive list, but I sincerely hope to hear from you soon!
*TikTok?
Coming soon. 👀