Steve Barnhart: Early Career Advice

Steve Barnhart is phenomenal mentor and life coach I had the great fortune to be introduced to during my time interning at The Walt Disney Company. A Kentucky native, Mr. Barnhart earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Kentucky University. From there he would go on to have an incredibly successful career in technology sales. He has worked for business big and small, from well established companies like NCR Corporation and Strategic Systems to startups such as ISR Global. Just a few of the accounts Mr. Barnhart has managed include: Office Depot, Disney Parks and Resorts, Universal Studios, Publix, and Royal Caribbean. Below is a list of some early career advice Mr. Barnhart has given me that I find really valuable and wanted to share!

Network Early and With Purpose

When coming onboard with a group of peers always seek to build positive, lasting relationships with them. In the future those same peers can become your subordinates, boss, or even business partners. Even if there are frictions early on, it is important to keep things positive between yourself and your peers. You will make or break your early career with the connections you make and keep. Treat each like gold and always stay in touch.

Socialize Responsibly

Going for happy hour or a night on the town with colleagues is an excellent way to build comradery among your team. However, never drink to excess or act in a manner that would embarrass you. Even outside the office building, your professional image can be affected negatively like this.

Watch Your Language

Swearing is never a good look and can lead to lazy speech patterns. Even if those you are around cuss often, that does not mean they will not think worse of you for cussing just as much. Learning to speak without constant swearing will improve your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and professionally.

“Attitude not Aptitude Alone Will Determine Your Altitude”

No matter how much success comes your way, always remain humble. Confidence will serve you well, your team can rest easy believing in your ability. However, arrogance can be your downfall. No one will want to help a self-centered fool, no matter how skilled you are in what you do.

Keep Positive

On your journey to the top there will be tough times and negative people. Never let it get to you. Those that do nothing but try to bring you down, are only doing so to have company in their misery. Maintaining a group of positive peers will ensure that you are able to continue reaching new heights.

Dress for Success

Investing in your wardrobe is critical to do from the very beginning. First impressions are given by what you wear and how you present yourself. Think about many of the other successful people in your field. More than likely they are own well-fitted clothes that elevate their personal image. But remember, even the best clothes do no good if you aren’t wearing a smile. A warm, inviting smile is the most important thing you can put on each day.

Take Risks

Take risks if the reward is worth the risk.  Remember they call it “risk” because you could fail.  Taking the right risk and winning is a big way to accelerate your early career.  Always remember, “under promise and over deliver” – it is the Golden Rule.

Be Patient to a Degree

Be patient but not too patient.  If whatever you’re trying to do does not work out, either cut bait or try a different approach. One of the first rules of business is to accept sunk costs. There is nothing to be gained by continuing to invest time and money in something that is simply not working.

Your Superiors’ Requests

With your work superiors avoid the word “NO”.  There may be times when a superior of yours wishes for you to do something or coordinate with your team. Even if what they are requesting is not urgent or may conflict with existing plans, you must respond diplomatically. What they want is important to them, and as your superior they have influence over your early career trajectory. If you cannot fulfill their request immediately for whatever reason, explain that you will do your best to accommodate and will confirm given the reason you would normally not be able to is resolved.

Contact

Mr. Barnhart would love to hear back and help in any way he can. If you would like to ask him for advice in anything feel free to reach out to him via LinkedIn or email (sbarnhart2@cfl.rr.com)!