Behind the scenes of this newsletter

Plus: A thank you & 2023 wrap up

Author

Michael Ly
19 Dec

Read Time: 6 min

Hi networkers,

Writing to you from the comfort of my living room.

The holiday socials last week were a little wild so I’m doing a much needed work from home.

Today’s article is different. With 2023 coming to a close, I wanted to reflect on The Leap Sprint’s journey.

Part of my goal with this newsletter was to build a close connection with my readers so I’d like you guys to know how it started.

🏁 Here’s the route for this week’s run:

🎙️ The Leap Sprint Journey

💡 My Productivity Resources

🎄 A Thank You Note

📍 Go-To Networking Events

TOPIC
The Leap Sprint Journey

Dec 2022

Around this time last year, I had finished my 2nd internship with Scotiabank and noticed a change.

My friends and colleagues were reaching out to me for advice!

Needless to say, this was new to me. I was used to asking for advice, but not giving it.

However, I liked helping others, specifically within the networking space.

The problem was that I didn’t have time to respond to everyone. I needed a platform to reach a larger audience.

Jan 2023

After weeks of deciding on the platform, name, and design, The Leap Sprint was created! You can check it out here

Well, it was called The Starting Line at the time. But regardless, I published my first article on January 1, to an audience of zero.

Feb - Apr 2023

For the next 4 months, I published articles every week and grew my sub list by telling all my friends and family.

May - Aug 2023

During this period, I experienced writer’s block.

I found myself struggling to come up with new topics every week and it started feeling more like a chore.

But even worse, I started to question the newsletter’s purpose.

“Why would someone want to read my articles?” I asked myself.

I didn’t have an answer.

This led to my 4-month hiatus. I spent the time to re-evaluate the value of my articles.

Sept 2023

The Leap Sprint returns!

I had figured out the value I wanted readers to gain and laid it all out in this article.

Nov 2023 - Present

A lot has happened since September.

I updated the logo, changed the name, and played around with the overall look.

But despite these changes, the purpose of my articles has been the same:

To help students/young professionals with their careers and provide opportunities for them to grow their network.

If you’re curious as to how this newsletter evolved, you can see its progress across the main page here.

TIP/TOOL OF THE WEEK
My Productivity Resources

What's a Leap Sprint article without some resources?

Below is a list of all the things I consume daily for personal and professional growth.

Maybe you follow some of these yourselves, either way, I encourage anyone interested in self-development to check them out.

Actionable Steps

  • Take a look at the productivity links

  • Challenge yourself in the new year to improve your skills:

    • ex. start a new book, listen to a podcast, or gratitude journal

Until next time 🎅

-Michael Ly

ANNOUNCEMENT
A Thank You Note

Last but not least. A huge thank you to the 700+ readers! Without you, this newsletter wouldn’t be a thing.

Hearing how my advice has helped even just a few of you is why I write each week.

With that said I wish everyone happy holidays and a great new year!

Upcoming Break:

The Leap Sprint will be taking a holiday retreat.

Next week, I’ll be traveling but will return on Jan 2 to continue writing.

I promise it won’t be a 4-month vacation this time. 😅

Go-To Networking Events
📍Checkpoints📍 

Arcteryx Co-Op Information Session for May 2024

  • Time: Dec 20, 12:00 - 1:30 pm PST (Virtual)

  • Detail: Join us to learn more about the brand, who is eligible for our co-op program, what you can expect during your co-op placement, and tips for applying for your dream co-op experience!

  • Register here

Discover IBM: Consulting Internship Info Session

  • Time: Jan 8, 12:00 - 1:05 pm EST (Virtual)

  • Detail: A career in IBM Consulting is rooted by long-term relationships and close collaboration with clients across the globe. Join us to learn more about our Consulting Internship roles for May 2024.

  • Register here

Canadian Tire’s Ultimate Marketing Challenge

  • Time: Jan 10, 4:00 - 5:00 pm EST (Virtual)

  • Detail: Are you a student looking to kick-start your career in marketing? Join us on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 4-5 p.m. EST to learn about Canadian Tire Corporation’s Ultimate Marketing Challenge.

  • Register here

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