“Stop should-ing all over yourself,” was a comment made in my networking meeting.

Each person nodded as they interpreted it as they saw fit, pertaining to their clients, and here are a few to ponder:

  • They regret not doing something they now realized they should have done something in the first place.
  • They lament events had gone a different direction and lost an opportunity for lack of something the client sought.
  • They misinterpreted a connection request, accepted it, and were served a heavy dose of selling, all stuff they do not need.
  • They failed to reply in a timely manner to a referral and were presumed dead or uninterested.
  • They missed a deadline for lack of foresight and will never receive that opportunity again.
  • Finally, the worst IMHO: Their profile is dull, drab, boring. Resume-y. No one hires or considers you for lack of energy and contributed insight to self-brand!

Stop should-ing and get cracking.

Act. As the graphic says, do. You have everything to gain.

Show us, crackle with energetic optimism, respond timely with words well chosen for maximum impact, react to referrals to show the intelligence and value of the favor that was shown to introduce you, and lastly, fix that LinkedIn profile to make it your best calling card.

What “shoulda” did you overcome by acting swiftly and resolutely?