What three “gifts” would you give a 20-something if you were a “Forty-Godmother”? Here 40-somethings share three things to help a 20-something get a head start on the confidence to make decisions that are right for themselves. No more woulda, coulda, shoulda.
Three Gifts for a 20-Something
By Briana Carlesimo, 40:20 Vision Ambassador
For today’s “3 Gifts” I talked with Nancy Feldmann, a real estate “all-star” agent and broker in Metro-Detroit, on what three gifts she would give to a 20-something.
Take risks early on in your career. Taking a risk might mean taking on a job or project at work that is more than you think you can handle. Or if you’re an entrepreneur, it may be opening up an additional location or opening up a new business. Taking risks early on in your career helps you to learn from the experience even if you fail. The saying “no risk -no reward” is true when it comes to both business and careers. Taking risks early on not only gives you more time to recover should you fail, but it will help you to trust yourself more and more as you succeed, which can only lead to more rewards.
Don’t over-promise and under-deliver. This is a statement that I’ve said a million times (probably to the annoyance of my kids ????). It’s a matter of time management in the workplace. Time management is important in any job, and being able to prioritize what needs to be done and getting it done on time will send the message to any employer that you are the “go-to” person to get things done within a deadline. If your boss asks for a project to be done within 2 hours, and you know that’s an impossible request but still say “no problem”, your credibility is at risk if you don’t perform.
As a business owner, this statement also means something else for me. Try to reasonably promise and over-deliver so that clients know that not only do you keep your word, but you can go above and give them a bit more as well. Honoring what you tell your clients at the beginning of a sale is critical to building up your reputation of being trustworthy and honest. Going above and beyond those expectations can help solidify referrals and repeat business.
Surround yourself with the right people. This statement is true in life overall, but it’s especially true in the workplace. In business, surround yourself with people who are smarter or more successful than you so that you can grow and learn from them. People who challenge you and ask you tough questions will be the most frustrating; however, they will also be the ones you can learn the most from.
About our Ambassador
Briana is a corporate communication coordinator in Metro-Detroit, Michigan. Not only is she a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), but she also started her own networking organization called Beyond Brunch Detroit to connect millennial women with experts in their fields. Her favorite things include creating videos, listening to music, blogging on her personal website Bri Car, and her 5 lb. Yorkie, Captain.