Advice for All Seasons

Permit me a moment of motherly pride. My daughter, Lindsey Pollak, has just published a fabulous book, Getting From College to Career. Drawing on her wide experience in the field of career advice, Lindsey has written a must-have strategy guide for recent college graduates facing that all too common question: "What now?"

While Lindsey's book is a boon to new grads, and the parents who wish them well, as I read it, I realized that many of the questions, decisions and transitions of the new grad, are also those of the blossoming entrepreneur. Faced with similar issues, the many insightful strategies and gems of wisdom are just as valuable to you.

So here is a selection from the 90 nuggets of advice, ideas and secrets in Lindsey's book:

Networking

Your network is your professional lifeline. And, it's not just about who you know; it's who knows you.

• Compose a 15-second summary of your business and practice delivering it from memory.
• Remember to ask, "Is there anything I can do to help you?" Networking is a two-way street.
• Never overlook a networking opportunity - from your neighbor to the barista at your local coffee shop.

Become an Industry Expert

Keeping current allows you to speak knowledgably and feel comfortable when doing business or networking.

• Industry e-newsletters are a quick, easy and free to immerse yourself in your chosen field.

E-mail like a pro

Lindsey offers helpful do's and don'ts to help you project a professional image and avoid common e- mail pitfalls.

• Avoid cute acronyms, such as "lol." You may just baffle your audience.
• Skip the smiley faces - your message should be clear without illustrations.
• Use action-oriented subject lines that tell the reader exactly why you are writing. E.g. Request for pricing.
• Make the e-mail address the last thing you type - that way you won't launch an unproofed e-mail by mistake.

Follow Every Rainbow

• You never know where your path will lead you, so be sure to follow all leads and you may be surprised to discover a pot of gold in the place you least expected.

Get Organized

A professional organizer once shared with me the 15-second rule. An organized system should enable you to find the information you need in 15 seconds or less. So consider investing the time to establish a system early and reap the rewards of efficiency. Here are just a few of Lindsey's organizing tips:

• Keep a notebook dedicated to your business with you at all times. Use it to jot down ideas, phone numbers and any other information.
• Tailor a filing system to your specific needs and then keep it current.
• Your contacts are often your most valuable resource. Establish a securely backed-up electronic contact database to protect them.

And lastly, Lindsey suggests considering a coach (she is her mother's daughter after all). As relevant to the entrepreneur as the new graduate, the experienced professional advice of a coach can be invaluable in helping you achieve success.

To learn more or to buy Lindsey's book, click here.