Healthy Work Habits Formation

Networking can open doors…or close them. Avoid these 7 mistakes to make the right impression. 1. Only networking when you need something ❌ Don't: Wait until you're job hunting to build connections ✅ Do: Regularly engage with your network and build relationships before you need them 2. Neglecting to follow up on advice ❌ Don't: Take someone's advice and disappear ✅ Do: Take action on their suggestions and circle back to share your progress. Show them their time mattered 3. Dominating the conversation ❌ Don't: Dominate conversations with your own achievements ✅ Do: Ask thoughtful questions and practice active listening. Aim for 30% talking, 70% listening 4. Rushing to ask about jobs ❌ Don't: Don’t rush to ask about job openings right away ✅ Do: Focus on learning about their experience and building genuine rapport first 5. Ignoring online networking ❌ Don't: Treat LinkedIn as just a resume database ✅ Do: Engage meaningfully by commenting on posts, sharing relevant content, and celebrating others' milestones 6. Forgetting to add value ❌ Don't: Focus solely on what you can get from the relationship ✅ Do: Learn about their goals and actively look for ways to help them succeed 7. Letting connections fade ❌ Don't: Let valuable connections fade away ✅ Do: Create a simple system to track check-ins and send quick, personalized notes about their achievements The key to successful networking isn't just about making connections. It's about nurturing them. Reshare ♻ to help others in your network. And follow me for more posts like this.

𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞-𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠? We all know that networking is key to career growth. But let’s be real—some people treat it like a transactional game rather than building meaningful relationships. When I first started networking, I thought it was all about connecting with big names and sending cold DMs. Turns out, that’s not how real relationships are built. Here’s what I’ve learned about networking with integrity and respect: 🔹 𝟭. 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 🚫 We’ve all seen it—someone connects with you today and asks for a favor tomorrow. ✔ Instead, build relationships before you need them. ✔ Offer value before asking for help. ✔ Engage genuinely—not just when you need something. 🔹𝟮. 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 🤝 Want someone to remember you? Help them first. ✔ Share an opportunity. ✔ Introduce them to someone useful. ✔ Engage with their work meaningfully. Networking is a two-way street. If you only show up when you need a job or referral, people will notice—and avoid you. 🔹 𝟯. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🎙️ There’s a difference between showcasing your work and shameless bragging. ✔ Focus on sharing insights, not just achievements. ✔ Celebrate others’ success, not just your own. ✔ Be someone people want to associate with. 🔹 𝟰. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗘𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 🚦 ✔ Cold messaging? Make it personalized, not copy-paste. ✔ Asking for a coffee chat? Be clear about your intent. ✔ Got a ‘No’ or no response? Move on, don’t chase. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙪𝙡𝙚: 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣, 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙋𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝. 𝙊𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨. #Networking #CareerGrowth #BuildingRelationships

I used to struggle with staying productive all the time. I tried all the “productivity hacks” everyone talks about, but none of them actually worked for me. I’d feel: - Overwhelmed - Unable to focus - Unsure what to prioritise So, I created something simple: The Personal SOP It’s a Notion page where I keep track of what works for me in different situations. Here’s how it’s works: I started by observing myself. - When I felt stressed, I noted what was causing it. - When I couldn’t focus, I reflected on what had helped me before. I wrote it all down. Now, whenever I feel stuck, I have a clear plan to fall back on - no overthinking, no spiralling. Best part? It’s not any general guide. It works because it’s built for ME. Here’s the exact template I use: https://lnkd.in/eXEwhJmi This is about understanding yourself. And once you do that real work upfront, I promise you, life will feel energised and you'll be living in alignment. For more such productivity tips, subscribe to my weekly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eknmEpN7

If you don’t know how to create systems, you will never achieve true freedom as an entrepreneur. Here is the exact process I used to build systems that help me manage 8-figure companies (while working 4 hours a day and traveling the world): Systems are the secret weapon of entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. Systems allow you to: • Eliminate unnecessary work  • Automate repetitive tasks like email marketing  • Delegate so you can focus on high-impact work A good system shortens the road to the goal. My 5 Rules for creating a successful system: Rule 1: No morning meetings • Consolidate all meetings to 1 day per week  • Use async video tools like Loom to record updates instead of meetings Protect your peak creative hours for deep work. Meetings are a creativity killer. Rule 2: 4 hours of deep work per day • Use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize important over urgent • Focus the first 4 hours on critical tasks that drive 80% of growth Quality deep work trumps quantity of shallow work. Example: My deep work time is sacred. From 6 am to 10 am, I focus solely on content creation and product development. No meetings, no calls, no distractions. This 4-hour block is when I do my most impactful, needle-moving work. Everything else can wait. Rule 3: Automate, Eliminate, Delegate • Automate repetitive tasks  • Eliminate unnecessary tasks that don't drive growth • Delegate low-value activities to team members As an entrepreneur, focus only on high-impact tasks. This frees up 20+ hours/week to reinvest in growth. Rule 4: Apply the 80/20 principle • Identify the 20% of activities/clients driving 80% of results • Double down on those and eliminate or delegate the rest • Always ask yourself: "What's the most important thing I can do now?" Focus on the vital few, not the trivial many. Rule 5: Architect scalable systems Systemize content creation, distribution, and monetization. • My content assembly line allows me to produce weekly content in 2 hours • My distribution is systematized through auto-posting • My self-serve sponsorship systems helps monetize My personal routines are also systemized: • Morning journaling to gain clarity • Evening reflection to optimize the next day • Daily movement to energize body and mind By making these non-negotiable habits, my days run on autopilot for maximum productivity and performance. Start implementing systems today: • Write down all your recurring tasks and responsibilities • Break them into documented step-by-step processes • Use automation tools to eliminate manual work • Delegate remaining tasks to team members • Continuously optimize for efficiency — Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want help implementing this strategy in your own brand? Send me ‘Freedom’ and I’ll share how we can support. For action-takers only, not info collectors.

Your network expands when your intent is to connect, not to collect. A meaningful network isn’t measured by how many contacts you collect, but by how much trust and reciprocity you create. The real value lies in relationships where support flows both ways. At times you may be the one offering guidance, a connection, or an opportunity. At other times, it’s about having the humility to reach out and ask for help. Both are equally important. Here are some ways to invest in your network: 1. Listen actively : Understand what others need before you speak. 2. Offer value : Share insights, knowledge, or introductions generously. 3. Stay consistent: Keep relationships alive beyond moments of need. 4. Be authentic : Build trust by being genuine, not transactional. 5. Ask when needed : Seeking support strengthens bonds, not weakens them. Networking done right is not transactional, it’s transformational. How do you nurture your network? #possibilitariangauri

I rarely talk to the passenger sitting next to me. I don’t know why, but that’s just how I am. Being an introvert, I used to avoid those networking conference halls, crowded networking receptions, and even the small talk at coffee tables. My comfort zone was always in my books, my laptop, and my work. But over time, I realized something powerful – networking is not about being the loudest in the room, it’s about being the most authentic. Here’s what helped me: 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 – I stopped treating networking as a one-time event. Instead, I built small, consistent habits: a follow-up message after meeting someone, sharing my thoughts on LinkedIn regularly, staying connected through meaningful updates. Slowly, it created compounding effects. 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞 – I leaned on what I knew best: Intellectual Property. The more I shared insights, answered queries, or just simplified a complex IP concept for someone, the more people started remembering me for my knowledge rather than my volume. 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 & 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 – When you genuinely care about what you do, people feel it. I noticed that when I spoke with energy about IP, startups, and innovation, the “networking” part happened naturally. Passion is contagious – it connects faster than business cards ever will. Networking, for me, is no longer about breaking the ice in a room full of strangers. It’s about building bridges with authenticity, one conversation at a time. If you are an introvert like me, remember – you don’t need to change who you are. You just need to be consistent, share what you know, and let your passion be your voice. Tell me — what’s one small networking habit that has worked for you? #Networking #Introvert #GrowthJourney #personalbrand #passion #emotion #consistency #PersonalStory

Most people “network” only when they need something. Leaders, on the other hand, nurture networks long before they need them. Here’s how to build genuine, lasting connections 👇 🔠 Acronym: N.E.T.W.O.R.K. N – Notice before you approach Observe who’s in the room. Notice energy, conversations, and who’s connecting with whom. Awareness builds alignment. E – Engage with curiosity Ask thoughtful questions instead of rehearsed elevator pitches. Curiosity makes you memorable; self-promotion doesn’t. T – Tailor your tone Match your tone and pace to the listener. The best communicators adjust, not dominate. W – Warm introductions win If you’re new, find mutual connections. A warm referral opens doors faster than a cold message ever will. O – Offer before you ask Give first — a resource, advice, or simply appreciation. Reciprocity is the silent law of influence. R – Remember and reconnect Follow up after the event — a short message, a shared article, or a compliment. Relationships die in silence. K – Keep it authentic You can’t fake interest for long. People feel energy — be real, not rehearsed. 💡 Quick Tricks: ✅ 1. Arrive early — easier to talk before the crowd builds. ✅ 2. Carry a story, not a CV. ✅ 3. Smile with your eyes, not just your lips. ✅ 4. Remember one unique detail about each person. ✅ 5. Always exit conversations gracefully: “It was great speaking with you — I’d love to stay in touch.” Networking is not about collecting cards. It’s about collecting connections that turn into collaborations. #Networking #Leadership #ExecutivePresence #CommunicationSkills #SoftSkills #Influence #PersonalBranding #ImageCoachShivani

Three Secrets of Networking: Do You Know? For a long time, I thought networking was about “working the room”—swapping cards, shaking hands, collecting contacts.  But over time, I learned that true networking is far deeper than just building a list of names. Here are three secrets that changed the way I approach networking and helped me build genuine, lasting relationships. ➡️ Lead with Generosity Early in my career, I met someone who taught me the power of giving before asking. I reached out to them for advice and they shared their time and insights with no expectations. This experience showed me that the best connections come when you lead with generosity. Now, when I meet someone new, I ask myself, “What can I offer them first?”—whether it’s sharing an idea, introducing them to someone, or just listening closely to what they need. ➡️ Don’t Overlook the “Weak Ties” Some of my most valuable connections came from the least likely sources—someone I met briefly while on a tour, a friend of a friend, or an old classmate I hadn’t spoken to in years. It’s these “weak ties” that often bring fresh perspectives or even career-shifting opportunities. Staying connected beyond your close circle doesn’t just widen your network but it opens up opportunities from unexpected corners of life. ➡️ Follow Up—Thoughtfully I’ll admit, I used to be terrible at follow-ups, thinking that a quick “nice to meet you” message was enough. But real relationships are built with intention. Now, when I meet someone, I make a point to send a thoughtful follow-up—a note on something we discussed, a link to an article they’d enjoy, or simply a “thank you” message for their time. This small effort not only keeps the door open for future conversations but also shows that I genuinely value the connection. Building a network of genuine relationships takes time, but in the end, these connections add real depth to our lives. What’s one networking tip that’s made a difference for you? #Networking #Linkedinforcreators

We say ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ but how often do we apply it to work? In the chaos of deadlines, back-to-back Zooms, and caregiving roles, physical wellbeing is usually the first thing we sacrifice. But here’s what research (and real-world teams) are making crystal clear: 👉 Physical rituals = mental resilience. No need for marathons or green smoothies (unless you’re into that). What matters more? Tiny, consistent actions that shift your state, physically and emotionally. In fact, recent UK studies show: 🧠 Employees who move more report significantly less stress 🧠 A 4-week workplace steps challenge improved mood and engagement 🧠 Even 10-minute daily walks can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression And in 2025, we need this more than ever. Burnout hasn’t gone away. But our strategies are finally evolving. The New Work-Wellbeing Equation: Mind + Body Here are 4 rituals that actually work tested by real professionals and easy to adopt: 1/ Morning Motion Start your day with movement: → 10-minute walk → A few stretches → Dance to one song before checking emails You’ll boost endorphins, clear brain fog, and enter the workday on your own terms. 2/ Midday Recharge Instead of scrolling at lunch, try: → A 5-minute “walking call” → 4-7-8 breathing (inhale 4s, hold 7s, exhale 8s) → Standing outside and taking 10 deep breaths Your nervous system will thank you and so will your next project. 3/ End-of-Day Wind Down Don’t let work bleed into your evenings. Try a closing ritual: → Tidy your desk → Quick yoga flow → Walk with your dog or around the block This helps your brain switch off and reclaim personal time. 4/ Share & Lead By Example Are you a founder, manager or HR lead? → Share your wellbeing habits (even imperfect ones) → Host a #MindfulMonday or #WellbeingWednesday chat → Create a space where small acts of care are encouraged Culture doesn’t shift with posters. It shifts with people. Why this matters for business: Burnout = 2.6x more likelihood of job hunting Movement improves decision-making and reduces absenteeism Teams that feel supported in wellbeing are more creative, loyal, and productive 💡 Think of athletes: they don’t train non-stop, they recover on purpose. We’re corporate athletes. Our game is mental. What’s one small physical habit that helps you feel better at work? Do you do squats between calls? Garden on weekends? Walk during 1:1s?

Workforce planning has always been an incredibly complex and difficult task. Despite valiant efforts to improve these models, they have remained relatively static and simplistic, relying predominantly on small teams crunching data or on predictions from the hiring manager community. In an ideal world, we would shift from a static, once-a-year exercise to a dynamic, more proactive model. We would stop reacting to what's happening now and start anticipating what's likely to happen next. Last week, I had the pleasure of spending time with our enterprise data and analytics team, a group that services over 800 customers. The most exciting topic we discussed was three pilots we're running with customers right now that aim to make this a reality: using a digital twin for work planning. It works by connecting vast amounts of external market data with a company's many internal data sources, some they typically wouldn't consider, such as ERP, CRM (sales), LMS, and Time and Attendance systems. This allows us to run scenarios and model future talent needs. Here’s a concrete example: By analyzing Salesforce, HRIS, and ATS data, we can predict that when multiple prospect opportunities reach a specific stage in our customer’s sales cycle, there is a high likelihood of winning at least one of them. We can then analyze the consistent skill sets across all of those prospect opportunities, allowing us to confidently and proactively start a recruitment process for those skills. The goal being that we have candidates at the final stages of the process, before an official requisition has been raised, positively impacting time to hire. We’ve also been able to replicate a similar model based on website sales activity. The question to ask is: what data is generated in what system that allows you to get ahead of the hiring process today.