341. Big Ten Tennis Changed Her Life

“I always loved the dynamic of making connection, both interpersonal and in groups, so I studied Communications at Michigan State University. I found it was what I really loved. I was so intrigued with connection, how it works, what allows it to happen, and each person’s role in it. After I graduated, I wanted to be in the business end of sports but I didn’t know what that would look like. I knew it needed to be something that allowed for my communications degree to come into play, obviously, and my ability to try to connect with people to make their worlds better. That’s what I was passionate about.”

“One of the first turning points was playing tennis for Michigan State University. I grew up in East Lansing and was a good tennis player, but not a great tennis player. The coach at Michigan State gave me a shot at being what we called a recruited walk-on. I love the game and I found that I got better and better every year, and was a real contributor to the team. I can say confidently that tennis and being a Big Ten Conference athlete absolutely changed the trajectory of my life.”

“Sometimes when you ask for advice you get a job, and when you ask for a job, you get advice. So I met with people and asked for advice. My goal was to get them to like and respect me enough to either hire me or help me. I found that after each of those meetings, I would have the names of three or four people to contact who would either hire me or give me an opportunity or offer, or they would give me names of several more people who could help me. When we are afraid of ‘no,’ we don’t lean into our challenges, but when we are not afraid of ‘no,’ we’re not afraid to ask. When we ask, we push ourselves and create some pretty awesome opportunities for ourselves.”

1. Look for opportunities to reach out and make meaningful connections with people. If you can connect, really powerful things can happen.
2. Don’t be held back by your fear of getting a “no.”
3. Develop authentic relationships.
4. Look for opportunities to support other people on their journeys.
5. Do the right thing consistently with everyone, whether you are making money or benefiting directly or not.

The Business of Being the Best: Inside the World of Go-Getters and Game Changers (MP3 CD – Audiobook, MP3 Audio, Unabridged), by Molly Fletcher

A Winner’s Guide to Negotiating: How Conversation Gets Deals Done, by Molly Fletcher

The 5 Best Tools to Find Your Dream Career, by Molly Fletcher

Your Dream Job Game Plan: Five Tools for Becoming Your Own Career Agent by Molly Fletcher, Steve Kincaid