Starting a new job? The first 90 days make or break your success. Here are 8 steps to help you crush them (and win more promotions):
1. The “New Person” Card
As a new employee, you have superpowers. You can ask for meetings with almost anyone. You can ask questions that tenured employees can’t get away with. That magic lasts for about 90 days. If you capitalize on it? You’ll hit the fast track.
2. Make Your VIP List
Think of every person who could influence your upward mobility at this company: — Your Manager — Teammates — Colleagues On Other Teams — Skip Level Managers — Etc. Aim for 10–20+ people. Get their name and email, then add it to a spreadsheet.
3. Send One Request Per Day
Here’s a template: “Hi [Name], I’m [Your Name] and I just job started on [Your Team]. I’d love to find time to grab a virtual coffee and learn more about your background, what you do here at [Company], & how we can partner in the future!”
4. The 3 “Magic Questions”
When you meet with them, ask:
- What are you and your team working on?
- If you could wave a magic wand and have our team do one thing to make your life easier, what would it be?
- What’s your best piece of advice for someone new here?
5. Document Their Answers
After the meeting, open up your spreadsheet. Document their answers to each question. Also, add any personal notes like:
— Names of family members
— Interests/hobbies
— Personal goals
This is your relationship roadmap.
6. Identify “Double Dip”
Wins After speaking to your colleagues, review the data. What are the most common asks of your team? What are the most common challenges? What were the best pieces of advice for you as a new hire? Brainstorming plans for those things.
7. Take Action & Report Back
As plans begin to form, take action! Pitch your team on something that would help one of your VIPs. Test a solution to a VIP’s challenges. Take action on VIP's advice. Then report back to your VIP with what you did and the result that followed.
8. Growth Acceleration Time!
This framework is powerful because it:
- Helps you identify career difference makers
- Uncovers their needs/goals
- Gives you a blueprint to help them
Those things lead to strong relationships with people who can fast-track your career!
