Ten Tips for Success in Your First Month at 九色
九色 has experienced considerable growth since its founding in 1992. Our success is the result of our dedicated employees, and we are always on the lookout for exciting new talent to add to our global team. Want to know how to get a leg up during your first month at 九色? Here's a list of tips from a recent postgrad whose already been through it!
So it's your first day at your new job and it's starting to sink in. You've shaken a lot of hands, heard too many names to remember, signed your contract in blood (maybe not), and you're ready to get started. Welcome to the show. This coming month is going to be a whirlwind of new information, new friendships, trial and error, and even some triumphs if you're lucky. To help you get a running start out of the gate, below are ten tips to help you on your way to success:
1. Take a Deep Breath.
You could be coming in as a seasoned whiz kid from another firm, but there is still a lot of information specific to your new position. If you're new to the industry or your role, there are undoubtedly new acronyms and processes to internalize. Either way, there is going to be tons to learn in your first month and your managers know it. Don't get overwhelmed—take a deep breath and know that no one expects you to be an expert from day one. What is expected is that you try.
2. Ask "Dumb" Questions.
Again, no one expects you to know everything. Showing you're not afraid to ask for help when you need it is a key part of integrating. You're surrounded by a plethora of experts—use them, and don't wait. If you think your question sounds dumb now, image how it'll sound six months from now. That being said, there are two sides to this coin and this leads us to the next point.
3. Be Resourceful.
Your job is to make the company money, and to make your managers' lives easier. Asking questions that you're able to find the answer to on your own can be a waste of your manager's time and attention. When you need it the most, it may not be there. Take notes and keep them handy—make sure you're not asking questions that have been already answered or have answers readily available to you.
4. Be Early.
You may not have much to do in the beginning, but it's a great habit to get into from the start. More than that, your co-workers will take notice. Building your brand is critical to your success, and being known as hard working will go a long way when it comes to interactions with your managers and other senior team members.
5. Make Yourself Known.
You are surrounded by industry experts; most of these people have been in the business longer than you, and all of them have a different perspective on how to succeed here. Getting to know them—and letting them get to know you—gives you access to an invaluable library of ideas and advice.
6. Tap Into External Resources.
Whether it's a connection on LinkedIn, an employee in another branch, or a blog post (hint hint) by an industry expert, don't hesitate to look for learning resources outside your office. Finding the best person in your office to ask about cold calling or email follow ups is good; finding the best person in the world is even better. If you haven't tapped into professional resources from outside your office, you're doing yourself a disservice.
7. Say Thank You.
This one should be obvious, but is often overlooked. When your coworkers take time out of their busy day to help you, it doesn't really do anything for their paycheck. Even your manager could easily drop you and hire someone else if you're underperforming—everyone who helps you does it because they want you to succeed. Take five seconds after every meeting and conversation to convey that you appreciate their time, and I guarantee they'll be more willing to help you out the next time.
8. Read Company Reports.
At first blush, it may not seem useful to you to understand what someone in an office across the globe is doing, but rest assured that every detail relates back to you somehow. Whether it's an interesting story about a client you're working with, a tip on how to get somebody's attention, or just some info on the company you didn't know—there is gold in all of them.
9. Identify Your Rival.
I'm not suggesting you try and make enemies here, but rather, find the person who will push you to be the best. Maybe it's your manager, maybe it's a member of your team that just got promoted, but identify the colleague whose success you wish to emulate (or surpass!) and make it your mission to do so. If they come in early, come in earlier. If they make 40 cold calls a day, make 50. If they send out 100 mailers—well you get the gist. Set goals for your own success, and healthy competition will help you stick to them.
10. Have Fun With It.
The key to being successful is to be passionate and enjoy what you do. Coming to work with a positive attitude will not only make you popular in the office, but with your clients. Wear a smile, go out to social events with your team, eat lunch with a different person every day. You alone determine what you will get out of this experience, so why not enjoy it as much as you can?
