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11 Ways to Think Outside the Box
Write a Poem
Poetry bridges between our emotional and rational capacities. Though it may feel foolish (and getting comfortable with feeling foolish might be another way to think outside the box), try writing a poem about the problem you’re working on.
Your poem doesn’t necessarily have to be seen or propose a solution – the idea is to let the more creative part of the brain work on the problem instead of the more rational one.
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Networking is necessary
We have to get over the belief that being competent and qualified means we shouldn't need help finding a new job.
We feel this way because networking makes us feel vulnerable. We are also overconfident in a linear click-apply-send process on job sites.
Networking is effective
Hiring managers want job candidates whom they know they can trust. That is why they prefer candidates who come through personal referrals.
Referrals have a 50 percent chance of getting an interview, while non-referrals have only a 3 percent chance. Referrals or internal candidates fill up to 80 percent of jobs.
How to network
Networking is not just talking to strangers - it is also initiating career conversations with your existing acquaintances.
Keep these questions in mind: Can your siblings, neighbors, friends, hairdresser or other regular contacts describe your aspirations and particular expertise in one or two sentences? Can you explain theirs?
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Be a regular
The best way to have friends is to interact with the same person regularly.
Look for activities where the same core people show up. Keep showing up yourself.
Talk about yourself
Share some details of your life more freely so that your conversation partner doesn't have to interrogate you. If you feel uncomfortable talking too much, give yourself permission to stretch and grow.
Be the conversation starter
Most people are secretly scared of getting rejected. Assume that people like you and act in kind.
Don't wait for them to start a conversation. Say "hello." They might be relieved you took the initiative.
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Step #5: Exits
Use bookmarks to end well. Examples:
- Future Mentions: “Well, I can’t wait to see you at that ___ coming up—I’ll email you!”
- Inside Jokes: “It was great laughing with you. I’ll be sure to ___ in the future ;)”
- Same Same: “I’m so glad I met a fellow ___ fan. You made my night!”
- You Have to See: “I’ll be sure to send that link your way, great talking to you!”
Step #4: Evaluate Your Conversational Performance
After an event ask yourself what went well, what did you learn and who should you follow-up with so you can keep learning and honing your ability.
This can help you identify patterns and remember to follow up on bookmarks, LinkedIn connections and promises.
Step #3: Bookmarking
Use the ‘Bookmarking’ technique to create a deeper connection by adding verbal markers or emphasis to parts of the conversation:
- Future Mentions: saying something that will require follow up on later.
- Inside Jokes: making jokes that refer to something interesting or funny you and the listener was involved in.
- Same Same: exclaiming how crazy it is you have something in common and talking about it.
- You Have to See: saying that you will share something they are interested in with them later.