From Kindergarten Coffee Chat to Startup COO: Why You Have to Keep Pulling the Thread

External Networking - Blog 6 of 6

A person should set his goals as early as he can... Or he may find something that is even more rewarding.  — Walt Disney

My initial meetings focused on re-connecting with colleagues, practicing my message and understanding the CFO role at a tech startup.

After a few weeks, I focused on meeting with any connections with my desired companies, even if they did not work in the same functional area as the CFO.   In fact, it was a Marketing contact who eventually introduced me to the CFO who hired me. This focus helped me make progress.

It also became apparent that I needed to broaden my search. I included mid-size companies on my list and expanded to non-CFO roles that would build my skills to become CFO in a few years.

Having this repeatable process helped me focus and execute. It also helped me avoid feeling overwhelmed by a seemingly daunting and sometimes disheartening process.

This process was not easy – physically, mentally or emotionally. It required significant focus and dedication. I found that having a clear objective ensured that I took steps to propel me forward in my career, rather than running away from my current situation. Also, the plan enabled me to take one step at a time and make progress – no matter how small it seemed at the time.

I hope my experience is helpful to you – whether you are searching for your first job or looking for an ambitious leap forward. Good luck!