Hi Fearless friend,

What to expect in this rendition of Stay Fearless or Die Trying:

1. Networking 101: how to land every job you want following a networking event

2. A special Be Fearless update for our NYC event below

3. A quick update on the new books I’m reading and what the biggest takeaways are for founders (AKA you don’t need to read them, I’m giving you the full rundown!)

Have questions about the event in April? Reply to this email with I’M FEARLESS! and I’ll send you a code for 20% off your first Be Fearless ticket. Or, read up on it here.

The Importance of Networking

This one might be a no-brainer. You NETWORK, to increase your NETWORK, and make new connections! Sometimes these connections help you, sometimes you help them. Either way, knowing a lot of professionals can only benefit your business.

My Secret to Better Connections

PROVIDE VALUE!

It may seem simple, and you might think, “Duh, Alexa, tell me something I don’t know!” But in reality, it's the most important tool for creating better connections. Here are my 3 tips to best show your value while networking:

1. Understand their needs: It's crucial to truly understand the needs of the person you’re networking with. For instance, a small business may not be ready for a full-time project you’re proposing. Tailoring your approach to precisely what the potential client needs can ensure success.

2. Personalize your interactions: Really get to know who you’re connecting with! Make personal and professional connections. Did they just hire a new employee? Reach out and see how their first month is going! Just went through a big change in their personal life? Congratulate them, or send your condolences. Personal connections make you come across as a real person and not just a business robot focused on money.

3. Be transparent and honest: People value honesty. If a project seems a little out of your league right now, tell them! They would much rather wait on a big project than rush to complete it before everyone is ready. If you make a mistake, own up to it as best as you can, without causing harm to your own interests. People don’t want to hear business savvy excuses, they’ll feel like they’re being lied to. Represent yourself right!

Books I’m Reading Update!

^{Andy Dunn (Bonobos co-founder) captures mental illness in the rawest and most genuine form in his book Burn Rate. While the first chunk of the book was about his startup process, I’m really diving into the mental health struggles he went through this week. Stay tuned for takeaways!}

Paul Van Doren tackles his entrepreneurial journey in Authentic, A Memoir by the Founder of Vans. I just got to the part of the book where he talks about his Business Lessons. A focus on improvisation, and focusing on people over profits seem to be key takeaways.

Sarah Knight is helping me Calm The F*** Down in her book, you guessed it, Calm The F*** Down. What I’m practicing this week? Managing my Reactions. I have always been the type of person who gives everything away with my face.

This week on The New Unfiltered is How To Meet New People with Yvonne Dougher. Haven’t subscribed yet? Subscribe on Spotify & Apple podcasts, write me a review and I’ll send you a $5 gift card to Amazon or Starbucks. Reply to this email with a screenshot!

This Week on The New Unfiltered

My wish for the New Year? That everyone in my life starts feeling Fearless Everyday. That’s really why I do this, to help people I know and people I don’t know on their fearless journey.

Stay Fearless or Die Trying,

Alexa

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