The First Step Can Be Paralyzing—But There’s a Solution
Taking that initial step can feel daunting. But what if I could get help without directly asking someone? Technology provides an unexpected but valuable solution. Tools like ChatGPT can help refine a networking email, clarify business strategies, and provide a starting point when I feel stuck.
How do I strike the right tone in a networking email? What are the best steps to grow my financial consulting business? Instead of staring at a blank screen, I asked ChatGPT to help me refine my messaging. That small shift—from hesitation to action—made all the difference.
Reframing Networking: From Asking for Help to Offering It
Once I had a well-crafted networking email, the next challenge was hitting “send.” Why? Because putting myself out there feels vulnerable. Networking is, at its core, a form of asking for help, and that can be uncomfortable.
But what if I flipped the perspective? What if, instead of seeing it as a request, I saw it as an offer—reaching out to a small business that might genuinely need my help? Why shouldn’t I hustle for myself the way I hustle for friends looking for new jobs or connections?
Leveraging AI to Build Confidence and Efficiency
Using AI like ChatGPT has been a game-changer. It has helped me refine emails, improve business documents, and even prepare for job interviews. For example, during a job search, I asked ChatGPT: Tell me five reasons why I’d be a great fit for this job based on my resume and the job description. The response gave me clarity and confidence.
In business, AI has helped me streamline the paperwork that only banks and state agencies care about—freeing up my time for meaningful work. Just like networking, using AI effectively is all about asking
the right questions. Open-ended questions often lead to vague responses, but specificity unlocks valuable insights.
What’s Your Next Small Step?
Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small shifts—whether in mindset, networking, or leveraging the right tools—can lead to significant results.
So here’s my challenge to you: What small step can you take today to move from surviving to thriving?