I met Daniel several years ago and have always been energised and inspired by our discussions, particularly around architecting your dream career. Daniel has always been there for a coffee whilst I have made my own career decisions and so I was thrilled to be asked to be part of his latest book 'Build The Invisible'. This week is the official book launch, you can order a copy here.

I thought I would share some of my key takeaways from the book that is full of practical ideas for achieving your dream career:

• The iceberg effect - the hard work, dedication, sacrifice, rejection and disappointment and consistent effort people don't see is what separates those who are successful.
• Constantly read and write about the topics in the area that you want to build your career into.
• When networking in your chosen area keep adding value by looking through the lens of others, not yours.
• If you enjoyed the content of others, share it with your networks, reference the creator and explain authentically why you saw value. This is a great way to open doors without leaving your desk! 
• Have a story and tell others so they become your communicators about where you want to go. It's exponential having other people telling your story on your behalf. 
• Fit with other people's time schedule to network. I always remember one of the most senior and influential business relationships I made was by going for the persons morning run around regents park at 6am! 
• Your first role doesn't have to be your final role. I love this from Sarah Martin of Sheridans. It is a reminder that it is a process but you have to start somewhere. 
• Put yourself in the way of opportunities by keeping an open mind and talking to a lot of people...a great piece of advice by Carol Joy, Managing Partner of Pro Talent Sports. These opportunity chains are vital as Thomas Gronnemark (ex Liverpool, Ajaz, Leipzig throw in coach) explains as it is impossible to see past an opportunity that hasn't presented itself yet. 
• You have an untapped network in front of you that can lead in so many different directions - this recently happened to me and resulted in exactly the place I didn't realise was an opportunity. 
• Play the long game with added value. There is a great story about Dr Erkut Sogut writing a legal update for 8 months and hand delivering to a sports agency before being offered a role. You could think 8 months of updates for no guaranteed outcome is a lot of effort but it isn't much for potentially finding your dream job for the rest of your life...
• It also demonstrates how finding your passion will make this process far more enjoyable and easy! 
• When reaching out to ask for help consider three things 1. Can you provide insight? 2. Can you find a solution to a problem? 3. Can you add value?
• If you are asking for help make sure you are proactive and specific! 
• Have a serendipity mindset - make the most of the unexpected and connect the dots. Christian Busch does a brilliant job of this by explaining that you shouldn't see something in isolation but as a result of the invisible work. 
• One of Daniel's top tips is listening better and being curious about other people when you are building your network. In my experience not only is this the way humans like to engage but it also starts to open up hooks or potential opportunities to add value. Otherwise, how can you add value? 
• Don't forget to prepare for your meetings but almost more importantly, follow-up promptly demonstrating what you learnt and a next step with some value add
• A really helpful foundation is to map your network out and see how each person can be part of your objective 

One of the final quotes in the book is from Misha who is Head of Sport at MediaCom "you should compare yourself to who you were yesterday not to who someone else is today". I think this is important as we live in a world where we are forced into comparison, it only slows us down. You have to take ownership and responsibility of build your career. Those who are easily to compare against are often monitising your observing (influencers etc). 

A golden thread throughout this book is the importance of building long term relationships through listening and adding value at every opportunity. Be proactive and specific. 

I called this a manual, there is no exact path but this book will help you build the right foundation if you are committed and excited. The act of doing leads to doing more. 

If you found this interesting I have a few copies on my desk so please reach out and I will pop one in the post.