The “Reach Out” versus Networking: A Conversation with Molly Beck of Messy Bun

Summary

In this fireside chat, Molly shares her journey from corporate America to launching MessyBun.com, a podcast creation platform, and authoring 'Reach Out', a book on networking. She emphasizes the power of consistent daily outreach to expand one's network, offering practical tips on making meaningful connections online. Molly discusses different types of outreach, the importance of specific compliments, and how to manage a busy inbox, ultimately encouraging viewers to proactively engage with their network to enrich their professional lives.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Molly's journey includes a decade in corporate America with companies like Book-of-the-Month Club, Hers van Mow, and PayPal before transitioning to entrepreneurship and launching MessyBun.com, a podcast creation platform.
• 📚 Molly is also an author, having released a book titled 'Reach Out', which provides practical networking tips and strategies.
• 💡 The concept of 'Reaching Out' is defined as a strategy to expand one's network by consistently reaching out to someone on the periphery of one's network every weekday.
• 🔍 Molly differentiates 'Reaching Out' from traditional networking by emphasizing its online nature, making it accessible regardless of location or industry.
• 🏢 Molly advises that networking should not be seen as a last resort when seeking a new job but as a long-term investment in building relationships.
• 📈 She shares personal experiences where 'Reaching Out' has been impactful, including finding a mentor, discovering new roles, and making lifelong friends.
• 📝 Molly outlines four types of 'Reach Out' strategies: REO (Reaching Out and Reconnecting), Follow-up IRL, Borrowed Connection, and Cold Arrow, each tailored to different stages of relationship building.
• 💌 When crafting a 'Reach Out' message, Molly suggests including a brief bio, a specific compliment, and a definable favor or question, making the interaction meaningful and respectful of the recipient's time.
• 🚀 For those starting their networking journey, Molly recommends beginning with REO to reconnect with people from the past who are likely to remember and respond positively.
• ✉️ Molly emphasizes the importance of responding quickly and being brief when managing a busy inbox, as well as following up after taking the advice given.
• 💡 A final piece of advice from Molly is to be a joy in someone's inbox by sending genuine compliments and building relationships that can be leveraged when needed in the future.

Q & A

What was the main topic of the fireside conversation with Molly?

The main topic was Molly's journey and her concept of 'reaching out' as a strategy to expand one's network and change career trajectories.

How long did Molly spend in corporate America before leaving?

Molly spent about 10 years in corporate America before leaving.

What entrepreneurial venture did Molly embark on after leaving the corporate world?

Molly started a website to make it easy for people to create podcasts, which she launched about four months ago.

In addition to her entrepreneurial journey, what other professional role does Molly have?

Molly is also a writer, with a weekly column on networking for Forbes and a book about creating a community around oneself.

How does Molly define 'reaching out' in her own words?

Molly defines 'reaching out' as a strategy to expand one's network by reaching out to one person on the edge of your network every weekday via email or social media, making it a habit.

What is the difference between Molly's approach to networking and traditional networking?

Molly's approach is different because it is 100% online and can be done from anywhere with internet access, not requiring physical presence at events or business cards.

What is Molly's advice for someone who doesn't feel the need to network because they are not currently looking for a job?

Molly suggests that networking should not be seen as a last-minute activity but as a long-term investment in building relationships that can be helpful for various career goals, not just job hunting.

How has reaching out impacted Molly's career?

Reaching out has been impactful for Molly by helping her find a mentor, new roles, make friends in her industry, and take on interesting side projects.

Can you explain the four types of reach-outs Molly mentioned in her book?

The four types are: REO (Reaching Out and REconnecting with someone from the past), Follow-up IRL (In Real Life after meeting at an event), Borrowed Connection (through a friend of a friend), and Cold Arrow (to a virtual stranger without direct connection).

What should someone starting out in their career or network focus on when reaching out?

Molly suggests starting with REO, reaching out to someone they used to know well and have a positive history with, as it is likely to get a response and build confidence for more complex reach-outs.

What are the key components of a successful reach-out email according to Molly?

A successful reach-out email should include a short bio tailored to the purpose of the email, a specific compliment related to the recipient's work or story, and a definable favor or question if applicable.

What is Molly's strategy for managing a busy inbox when she receives many responses to her reach-outs?

Molly recommends responding quickly and being brief, acknowledging the response promptly, and following up after taking the advice or action discussed.

What is the dream reach-out Molly would love to receive, and why?

Molly would love to reach out to Hoda, inspired by her success and personable nature in the television industry, as an example of someone who makes people feel seen and valued.

What challenge does Molly set for the viewers of the video to encourage them to start reaching out?

Molly challenges viewers to send an email to someone they used to work with, reconnecting and complimenting their current success, as a way to build a positive relationship for future opportunities.

What quote does Molly find particularly inspiring for her leadership journey and why?

Molly is inspired by Paris Hilton's quote, 'The only rule is don't be boring,' as it encourages her to be proactive, embrace change, and make life more interesting through networking and reaching out.