There are some that wait to be invited to parties, never taking the initiative to organise one themselves. And although it takes all kinds to make the world, in this time of Covid-19, I am worried about these people when they start in new jobs, either as employees or external freelancers. Getting into a company’s DNA can be tough at the best of times but today, working from home / in times of social distancing,  it can be really tough. At the beginning of every assignment there’s that ‘honeymoon’ period where you are new and people are nice to you because of it. But in all honesty, you don’t tend to have enough to do.  Sure, you are learning about the company and sussing out the department and how it works, but new people tend to get forgotten when work is being handed out. I find it usually works at the coffee machine and the next thing you know you’re in someones’ office discussing a topic and offering to help out with the challenge they are facing. Four weeks and many lunchtime meetings later with a variety of people,  you’re so busy you don’t know what to do next! ​ But how do you get started when you have to work remotely? How can you possibly stumble across things that need doing? How do you get your feet under the table and prove yourself as a useful and unmissable member of the team? My advice is, don’t wait to be invited to the party, just get it started.  It sounds easy and actually it is!  If some people are working from the office, make sure you are too.  Grab as many lunch and coffee dates (virtual or real) with as many people as possible and let them know what you’re up to and how they can possibly help.  One good turn deserves another and the next thing you know, you’re on your way. So why not, invite the team to a party, even if it has to be a virtual one!  Don’t reflect on your first days at kindergarten or school. This is 2020 and we’re in a totally new world. Take a look in the mirror and tell yourself ‘you can do this’. And then sure enough you can! Good luck! Harley