Tech Tip of the Week
Start an Otter live note before the call. Add three outcomes at the top, let it capture the conversation, then copy the action items into your follow-up within 10 minutes. Calls become commitments, not just chats.
Fifteen years ago, I picked up the phone and changed my entire career.
I didn’t know that at the time, of course. I was a doctoral student buried in research about college students and career transitions. There wasn’t much written on the topic then, but I found one book that came close to what I was studying.
Most people would’ve cited it, referenced it, and moved on. But something in me decided to call the author.
I wasn’t trying to “network.” I just had a burning question I wanted answered.
So, I found his number, called him, and said something like, “Hi, you don’t know me, but your book inspired my research. There’s not a lot out there on this topic — have you ever thought about doing another publication?”
He paused for a moment and said, “Why don’t you do it?”
That one phone call led to a two-year conversation.
That conversation led to a 15-year collaboration.
Since then, we’ve co-authored books, articles, and chapters together. We’ve presented at conferences. He’s become a mentor who became a sponsor, who’s now a friend to me. The kind of person who not only gives advice but also opens doors when you’re ready to walk through them. At this point, he’s practically family.
All because of one small act of reaching out.
Practicing what we preach
As coaches, we tell our clients to do this every day.
Follow up after the interview.
Reach out to that person in the field.
Send the message.
Make the call.
But how often do we take our own advice?
Reaching out feels risky. It makes us vulnerable. We tell ourselves we’ll do it later, when we have something more polished to say, when we’ve done more research, when we feel “ready.”
Does that moment ever really arrive?
If I’d waited until I felt qualified to call that author, that relationship never would’ve existed.
Serendipity doesn’t reward those who wait. It rewards those who act.
What could you achieve next year?
As we wrap up this year and look toward 2026, I keep coming back to that moment.
All I did was pick up the phone and ask a question.
Every major opportunity in my life has started with curiosity and courage. Read that again.
With a willingness to start the conversation and connect without expecting anything in return.
So before you turn the page on this year, take a quiet moment to think about the people who’ve shaped your path — and the people you haven’t met yet, but might, if you just reach out.
Maybe there’s a conversation waiting to begin. Maybe there’s someone who needs to hear from you.
The year ahead is full of possibilities, but they won’t find you on their own.
Who could you reach out to this month — just to ask a question or start a conversation?
Here’s to a new year of connection, curiosity, and courage.
Heather
The Coach for Career Coaches
To learn more about me and what I do, visit my website
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