From my first job at 16 working in an ATM kiosk, where I intuitively upsold customers on pop and soft drinks, I've built a successful sales career. After nearly a decade at major corporations, I pivoted to graduate school and became a full-time freelance writer within six months of graduating.
But I didn't achieve this alone. Three key people in my network made my career freedom possible. Here's who they are and how you can connect with similar allies.
Related: 10 Ways to Find Your Perfect Mentor
Who: The Connector
Why: To launch my writing career, I left Southern California and returned to my hometown after eight years away. I'd lost touch with the local scene, but reconnected with high school and college friends like Zack, deeply embedded in the startup world.
When a startup he knew needed a copywriter, Zack introduced me. I sealed the deal, and we still meet at networking events where he champions my work and makes valuable introductions. Connectors like Zack not only link opportunities but also advocate for you.
How: Spot them at every local networking event – they're the friendly faces greeting everyone. Introduce yourself boldly, follow up on social media, and nurture the relationship. Remember existing contacts too: A friend, Drew, from hospitality once connected me with a new online media launch. Tell everyone you know about your goals and availability.
Who: The 'Next Two Steps' Mentor
Why: Forget chasing icons like Oprah. Focus on someone just a couple steps ahead on a similar path. A friend of a friend, Alex, wrote for a San Diego publication. She invited me to pitch a Beyoncé article, which led to my first regular column. Now an established journalist with national bylines, Alex shares practical advice, and I model her career moves.
Related: 6 Mentoring Do's and Don'ts
How: Use social media groups and events to identify those slightly ahead. Facebook writing communities have been goldmines for me – I reach out to admired writers, and mutual respect often sparks connections. Pay it forward by mentoring others.
Who: The Parallel Peer
Why: I met Kaitlyn at a creatives networking event. Like me, she'd just gone full-time freelance, but served publishing, PR, and her own business. We shared financial goals, accountability metrics, and client referrals without competition or jealousy. She guided me on PR needs; I sent her business her way.
How: When you exchange 'let's grab coffee' at events, follow through. Kaitlyn invited me post-meetup, and we've sustained it amid busy schedules. Seek peers with matching drive but non-competing goals for genuine mutual support.
Transitioning careers is daunting, but the right supporters accelerate your success. No one succeeds solo – build your own team of connectors, mentors, and peers to launch yours.
Related: 8 Ways to Create a Killer Relationship with Your Mentors
