How to Stop Chickening Out and Talk to That Professional You Admire

Knowing how to effectively network is a super-skill that can help you achieve career success: In fact, 70 percent of people get hired at companies where they already have a connection. While it’s exciting to hit up the cool conference on your bucket list or finally find the courage to cold-email your dream mentor, it can also be majorly nerve-wracking to approach a person in your industry you idolize. LinkedIn career expert Blair Decembrele gave us some tips for approaching someone you admire without chickening out. From little things like planning your conversation-starters ahead of time to broader goals such as polishing your personal pitch, her advice will boost your confidence so you can totally rock it.

1. Do your homework. Decembrele tells us that when it comes to approaching someone you admire, you should brush up on their background. Social sites and professional platforms like LinkedIn are an awesome way to inform yourself, and what you find should help you form answers to key questions that’ll help you get into the right mindset. “Why do you want to meet or connect with this person?” Decembrele asks. “Is it to learn about a company for particular job opportunities? Are you looking for advice?” She says you should also consider how a professional relationship can be mutually beneficial. “Have specific goals in mind, so you can make the most out of a conversation once you connect.” When it comes to LinkedIn specifically, Decembrele shares that finding something you have in common can be a big help. “See if you can find at least one mutual interest or experience to bond over,” she wisely advises. “Maybe you share an alma mater, saw them speak recently, or have volunteered for the same organization. Whatever the case, highlighting something you share can make your message more sincere.”

2. Polish your pitch. “Take time to develop a compelling, 30-second description of yourself, your experience, and your goals,” Decembrele says. She says that having an elevator pitch will keep you from stumbling and help you easily explain who you are and what you do. “Before you connect with the person you admire, plan out what you want to say. A mentor or professional contact might be able to help you practice your delivery to give you even more confidence in your pitch.” Need a conversation starter before you feel confidently launching into your personal pitch? Decembrele suggests that mutual connections or a career milestone (such as a job change) will do the trick to break the ice.

3. Stay in the know. Doing your homework on someone you admire is a solid start, but Decembrele reminds us to keep up even after connecting. “Stay up to speed on industry trends,” she instructs. “Follow trending topics and the latest headlines, and know about developing news and perspective in your field.” Decembrele notes that being able to speak to recent industry trends and forward-thinking ideas will help you feel confident communicating with someone you admire, while demonstrating your value as a professional. Luckily, many events will share speaker and attendee lists in advance, which you can use as a cheat sheet for anyone you may need to update yourself about. Decembrele proposes having an action plan before you go, which can include sending an InMail message to someone you’d like to talk with during an in-person event. “Come up with conversation starters that will help you with the topic you’re hoping to cover, be it a new job or expanding your client base,” she urges. “Make sure your openers give the other person a chance to talk about themselves too; this will help you figure out how to steer the conversation.”

4. Focus on follow-up. Confidently connecting with someone you admire is awesome, but you should always follow up to nurture the relationship — be it with a handwritten note, email, or LinkedIn request. “Follow up within 24 hours, and be sure to thank your contact for taking time to chat with you — you never know what doors a new connection might open,” Decembrele encourages. We love that the LinkedIn mobile app makes this extra easy, as you can fire off a connection request in real time. Boom.

Have you pushed fears aside to connect with a professional you admire? Tell us how you did it on Twitter @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

Netflix has given us some bangers (hello Nobody Wants This!) but, according to TV viewers, it's also given us some epic flops. Whether the scripts fell flat or the actors had no chemistry, these are the worst TV shows on Netflix you can watch right now — with Rotten Tomatoes ratings of less than 40 percent! Listen, sometimes we all need a good hate watch while we're doing chores right? Is that just me? Anyway, let's get into it.

Here are the 8 worst Netflix shows you can stream in 2025.

1. The I-Land (2019)

Netflix

The I-Land has been compared to Lost, and it's a comparison that (somewhat) rings true. 10 people wake up on an island with one another...and without their memories. Unfortunately the 8 percent RT score proves this series missed the mark. "I-Land was terrible acting, just nothing redeemable," one Reddit user says. "They even green screened most of the beach scenes."

The I-Land stars Kate Bosworth, Ronald Peet, Michelle Veintimilla, Sibylla Deen, Gilles Geary, Kota Eberhardt, and Kyle Schmid.

2. Girlboss (2017)

Karen Ballard/Netflix

Sophia Amoruso might be rebellious and creative, but Netflix watchers aren't a fan of this TV show (and it has nothing to do with the fact we're in the post-girlboss era). "Some of the outfits were really cool but the main character was absolutely insufferable and had no redeeming qualities," one Reddit user points out.

The show, which follows Sophia's rise to business woman through selling vintage clothes online, has a 35 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Girlboss stars Britt Robertson, Ellie Reed, Alphonso McAuley, Johnny Simmons, and Dean Norris.

3. Another Life (2019)

Eike Schroter/Netflix

Another Life follows Niko, an astronaut on the hunt for AI. Except in this Netflix show, AI stands for alien intelligence. That means Niko and her crew are in for some serious alien danger, but unfortunately, according to the 6 percent RT score, that danger isn't enough to hook viewers.

Another Life stars Katee Sackhoff, Justin Chatwin, Samuel Anderson, Blu Hunt, A.J. Rivera, Jake Abel, Alex Ozerov, Alexander Eling, Jay R Tinaco, Lina Renna, Selma Blair, and Elizabeth Ludlow.

4. Sex/Life (2021)

Netflix

Viewers consider Sex/Life — which follows a love triangle between a woman, her husband, and a special someone from her past — to be one of the worst Netflix shows because "the acting and the writing was so, so, so bad," according to a Reddit user. "It was so corny and felt like fan fiction." And the 40 percent RT score agrees.

Sex/Life stars Sarah Shahi, Mike Vogel, Adam Demos, Margaret Odette, Cleo Anthony, and Darius Homayoun.

5. Echoes (2022)

Netflix

Leni and Gina are identical twins who have secretly swapped lives since childhood. But everything about their perfectly-curated double lives spirals when one sister goes missing. Sound gripping? The RT score of 22 percent says otherwise.

Echoes stars Michelle Monaghan, Matt Bomer, Daniel Sunjata, Ali Stroker, Karen Robinson, Rosanny Zayas, Michael O'Neill, Celia Weston, Gable Swanlund, and Jonathan Tucker.

6. Blockbuster (2023)

Ricardo Hubbs/Netflix

Blockbuster stars fan favorite actors like Melissa Fumero and Randall Park. But not even the incredible cast could save this Netflix show, which follows the last Blockbuster video store in the country, from a 23 percent RT score.

Blockbuster stars Randall Park, Melissa Fumero, Olga Merediz, Tyler Alvarez, and Madeleine Arthur.

7. Insatiable (2018)

Tina Rowden/Netflix

In Insatiable, a recently-thin Patty is out for revenge on anyone who ever fat-shamed her, and a beauty pageant sounds like a great place to start. The show has a 12 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and one Reddit user says they "can’t name one good thing about it." Yikes.

Insatiable stars Dallas Roberts, Debby Ryan, Christopher Gorham, Sarah Colonna, Erinn Westbrook, Kimmy Shields, Michael Provost, Irene Choi, Alyssa Milano, and Arden Myrin.

8. 13 Reasons Why (2017)

Beth Dubber/Netflix

This Netflix show might have been an iconic pop culture moment, but the 35 percent RT rating shows it's not necessarily an enjoyable one. The series follows Clay, who receives 13 voice tapes from a girl named Hannah after she takes her own life — and each tape details one reason she ended her life.

13 Reasons Why stars Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford, Christian Navarro, Alisha Boe, Brandon Flynn, Justin Prentice, Miles Heizer, Ross Butler, Devin Druid, Amy Hargreaves, Derek Luke, Kate Walsh, Brian d'Arcy James, Grace Saif, Brenda Strong, Timothy Granaderos, Mark Pellegrino, Tyler Barnhardt, Jan Luis Castellanos, Deaken Bluman, and Gary Sinise.

Tell us your worst Netflix show in the comments!

As 1923 comes to a close, you might be wondering, What should I watch after 1923? Well you've come to right place because on the latest episode of Yap City, Brit + Co hosts Kayla and Chloe (that's me!) chat about the best Western TV shows to add to your watchlist. From When Calls The Heart for romance fans to Billy the Kid for Tom Blyth lovers, these shows can't be missed.

Here are the best Western shows to watch after you finish 1923 season 2.

What should I watch after 1923?

There are plenty of TV shows any 1923 fan will love (beyond 1883 and Yellowstone of course!), and Brit + Co hosts Chloe and Kayla dive into all the Western, romantic, and sci-fi shows you can stream right now. Keep reading for 5 of our favorites.

5 TV Shows To Watch After You Finish '1923' Season 2

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Landman — Stream on Paramount+

In this Taylor Sheridan show, crisis executive Tommy Norris is fighting to secure his company's spot in the oil business during a fuel boom. Easier said than done. 1923 fans, keep your eyes peeled for Michelle Randolph!

Landman is on Paramount+ and stars Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph, Jacob Lofland, Kayla Wallace, James Jordan, Mark Collie, Paulina Chávez, Demi Moore, Jon Hamm, Andy Garcia, and Michael Peña.

Prime Video

Outer Range — Stream on Prime Video

If you like your Westerns with a side of sci-fi, tune into Outer Range. This show follows the Abbott family, who are trying to protect their ranch while also reconciling their daughter-in-law's disappearance. But things get even crazier when a black void appears.

Outer Range is on Prime Video and stars Josh Brolin, Lili Taylor, Noah Reid, and Imogen Poots.

Hallmark Media

When Calls the Heart — Stream on Hallmark+

1923 fans who can't get enough of Spencer & Alex's romance will want to watch When Calls the Heart, which follows teacher Elizabeth Thatcher as she relocates to the small town of Coal Valley, and faces all kinds of love, loss, and adventure.

When Calls the Heart is on Hallmark+ and stars Erin Krakow, Kevin McGarry, Pascale Hutton, Jaeda Lily Miller, Kavan Smith, Andrea Brooks, Chris McNally, Martin Cummins, Viv Leacock, and Jack Wagner.

David Brown/MGM+

Billy The Kid — Stream on MGM+

Before he became the infamous outlaw, Billy was just a kid who experienced all kinds of heartbreak, fell in love, and got into plenty of trouble. Watch our interview with star Tom Blyth!

Stream Billy The Kid on MGM+ and see Tom Blyth, Eileen O'Higgins, Daniel Webber, and Alex Roe.

Ursula Coyote/Netflix

Godless — Stream on Netflix

Godless is the perfect show for 1923 fans because it reorients the cowboy narrative we're all familiar with. It follows a supposed traitor named Roy who's chased by a gang of outlaws to La Belle, a town nearly entirely governed by women after a mining accident killed almost all the husbands, fathers, and brothers.

Godless is on Netflix and stars Jack O'Connell, Michelle Dockery, Scoot McNairy, Merritt Wever, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

Will there be another series after 1923?

Paramount

There are a few more Yellowstone spinoffs on their way! In addition to the new show The Madison with Michelle Pfeiffer, it looks like we're also getting a spinoff about Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler.

What order to watch Yellowstone 1883 and 1923?

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

If you're new to the Yellowstone universe, you can watch the shows in chronological order or in release order, depending on how you want to experience the story. If you want to watch chronologically (my personal favorite), watch the shows in the following order:

  • 1883
  • 1923
  • Yellowstone

But if you want to watch in release order, watch this way:

  • Yellowstone
  • 1883
  • 1923

Check out even more Western show recommendations with our 17 TV Shows For Yellowstone Fans!

This post has been updated.

Nothing sets your week up for success more than a productive Sunday. By taking a few hours out of your weekend to get everything ready for the workdays ahead, you can set yourself up for success in every area of your life. Trying toeat healthier? Working toward some career goals? Trying to reduce stress in your life? All of these goals can be more easily accomplished by laying the proper groundwork for each week as it starts. Here are a few of the habits you should try to cultivate on Sundays for a more productive workweek.

Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash

1. Meal prep. First and foremost, meal prepping makes eating healthy throughout the week significantly easier. This is especially true if you work full time. Meal prepping doesn’t have to be a multi-hour, day-long process either. Here are a few of our favorite tips and tricks for keeping it quick:

  • Meal-prep your breakfasts by creating ready-to-go smoothies. Slice up whatever fruit and veggies you like to use and place them, along with any other mix-ins, into a ziplock bag. Store in the freezer. Each morning, all you need to do is add the contents of the bag along with water or milk to your blender and hit go.
  • Batch-cook your proteins for the week by laying 5-6 servings of meat on a baking sheet. Cook in the oven and store in the fridge, and then reheat throughout the week.
  • Cook a huge batch of rice or quinoa as a base for convenient, ready-to-go healthy sides.
  • Pre-slice any veggies you use tend to use often so you don't have to slice them up as you cook throughout the week. Common combos include mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery), sofrito (onion, garlic, tomato, bell pepper), and the Cajun “holy trinity" (onion, bell pepper, celery).
Photo by STIL on Unsplash

2. Organize your planner. Whether you use a day planner or a bullet journal, take 30 minutes or so to get everything organized for the week. Write in any appointments, plans, or projects you have on the horizon, and section off as much time as you'll need to get everything done. You can also use your planner to make grocery lists, track habits you want to accomplish each day, and schedule relaxation time.

3. Set goals. While you're working in your planner, set some goals for the week. Make sure they are timely things you can actually accomplish before the following Sunday: When you set unattainable goals, you only stress yourself out. In your planner, break down concrete steps and actions to take to ensure you achieve those weekly goals.

Photo by Lee Campbell on Unsplash

4. Clean out your bag. Too many of us start the week with last weekend's receipts, wrappers, scraps, movie tickets, and god-knows-what-else in our bags. Give yourself an organized start to the week and stay ahead of the mess by cleaning out your purse.

5. Pick out your outfits. Take a glance at the weather forecast, and use it to inform what outfits you want to wear on each day of the week. Even if you're WFH these days, having outfits all picked out will keep you feeling both comfy and ready to crush the day each day. You can either fold each outfit and arrange them side by side, our plan the outfits in an app like Stylebook.

6. Call an accountability partner. Pick a person — be it your mom, your best friend, or your SO — who will be an uplifting force in your life and help you stay focused as the week goes on. Agree to check in on each other mid-week to see how each other is doing and help gently remind each other of the goals you both want to accomplish. This should be a person who can also lend a friendly ear if you need to vent about your passion project, your coworker, or your creative blocks.

What productivity hacks do you use to prepare for the week? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know, and sign up for our newsletter to get more tips delivered straight to your inbox!

There's just something so alluring about the cottagecore aesthetic. It represents a dreamy return to simpler times when fresh-baked bread was left to cool on windowsills and kids frolicked in meadows for fun.

This romanticized picture of rural life has inspired everything from fashion to home decor and even baby names. These monikers are full of nostalgia and often draw inspiration from nature, literature, and the past.

They're also soft-sounding and reminiscent of the countryside. So, if you're on the hunt for a baby name that feels poetic and peaceful, here are some cottagecore-inspired choices that might just capture your heart.

Scroll to see all the darling cottagecore baby names we adore for 2025!

1. Faye

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The name Faye has a delicate charm that makes it seem as if it were plucked straight from a fairytale. It literally means "fairy" in Old French, too, and calls to mind images of enchanted forests that are home to woodland creatures.

Aside from its more mystical appeal, Faye has roots in Middle English and Latin, where it signifies "belief" and "loyalty." So, along with being a bit whimsical, this pick is perfect for a devoted girl with a free spirit.

2. Jasper

Ksenia Chernaya

Jasper sounds warm and deep, which is why it really fits in with the cottagecore aesthetic. Persian in origin, the name means "treasurer" and also represents a beautiful gemstone.

And historically, Jasper was one of the Three Wise Men who journeyed to Bethlehem, adding some wisdom and tradition. This is a fitting choice for a boy who's strong but still in touch with his soft side.

3. Maisie

casper somia

Derived from the Scottish form of Margaret, Maisie means "pearl" and can symbolize your small yet precious baby girl.

This name is sweet and vintage but maintains a playful and modern appeal. Maisie truly feels like the name of a little one who loves picking wildflowers and staying in touch with their surroundings.

4. Lyle

Helena Lopes

Lyle has a quiet allure that suits the tranquil spirit of cottagecore well. This name has Norman French origins, meaning "island" or "from the island," and evokes pictures of nature.

While Lyle might seem soft, understated, and gentle, it's equally strong and sounds like the name of a boy who spends his mornings reading beneath old oak trees and afternoons exploring the world around him.

5. Dahlia

olia danilevich

Graceful and elegant, Dahlia is derived from the Swedish word "dal," meaning "valley." The flower itself is also known for its vibrant colors and intricate petals, which symbolize creativity and inner grace.

Dahlia feels like a great name for a girl who's resilient, loves the environment, and feels most at home in serene settings.

6. Miles

Вальдемар

With Latin and German origins, Miles means "soldier" or "merciful" and balances strength with kindness. It's this juxtaposition that makes the name feel old-worldly and timeless.

Miles is simultaneously refined and approachable, making it ideal for a baby boy who will come to appreciate life's simple pleasures.

7. Rosemary

Bárbara Marques

Rosemary is botanical, harking back to the herb, so it's a pretty irresistible choice for plenty of cottagecore parents. Derived from the Latin "rosmarinus," meaning "dew of the sea," this name is steeped in history, romance, and natural beauty.

It's also been long associated with remembrance and love. As a vintage pick, Rosemary epitomizes the cottagecore lifestyle.

8. River

Emma Pender Photography

Finally, a few names are able to capture the spirit of nature quite like River, which embodies movement and serenity. It's traditionally been more common for boys but is also rising in popularity for baby girls.

River symbolizes growth and change, so it's a wonderful reminder for any child to embrace the journey and go with the flow.

Looking for more baby & parenting advice? Sign up for our newsletter!

Brandon Sklenar has some pretty epic love stories under his belt. 1923's Alex and Spencer and It Ends With Us' Lily and Atlas are two iconic couples in pop culture right now, and I'm adding Violet and Henry from Drop (premiering in theaters April 11) to the list. What starts out as a fun first date turns terrifying when anonymous drops to her phone demand Violet kill Henry before the date's over. Whoa. That's intense.

But despite the fact this is probably the worst first date in recent cinema, Brandon Sklenar and White Lotus star Meghann Fahy's chemistry is so electric that I'll be referring to the movie as a scary rom-com from here on out. Naturally, I have to ask Brandon if he'd ever do a classic rom-com!

Here's what 1923's Brandon Sklenar had to say about starring in a rom-com in Brit + Co's Drop interview. Plus, Meghann Fahy's best dating advice!

Is Brandon Sklenar in a rom-com?

"It's possible. I'm not saying no, but it's possible," he teases. "I'd love to do a comedy at some point. Everything I have in the future is very far from, and very far from romance, but I'd say it's possible. Yeah, never say never."

As far as his dream comedy goes, Brandon tells Brit + Co, "I love Peter Sellers and I love like Chevy Chase movies. I'm like I'm a very physical guy and I'd love to be able to do something just absurd like grounded but completely absurd."

What have Meghann Fahy said about Brandon Sklenar?

The best ensemble comedies and rom-coms always have incredible casts, but I can't imagine a better duo than Brandon and Meghann. They make an incredible team in Drop, and Meghann admits if she found herself in the same situation as Violet, she wouldn't hesitate to tap Brandon in to help her.

"If sh—t went down, he'd be a good guy to be with," she says. "I feel like you got some real survival skills."

"I could do a couple of things, but most of that I learned from my friends of mine who are even gnarlier than me," he says. "I take little credit. I mean, you learn everything from somewhere, right?"

"I mean, I'm pretty good with like hand to hand combat," he continues, before Meghann tells him he's good at intimidation and he quite literally goes, "Grr, scary face. Spooky."

What is a good first date conversation?

But, more often than not, a bad date won't have any danger...just awkwardness. "I think if you're on a bad date and you realize 'I'm probably not gonna end up with this person,' just try to enjoy yourself anyway and make it about just trying to connect with somebody," Brandon says. "Just just get to know somebody for the sake of getting to know someone."

When it comes to ice breaker questions and conversation starters, Meghann loves "a final meal [question] like last meal, appetizer, main, dessert, drinks, sides, the whole bit."

"What did you want to be when you were really little growing up?" Brandon adds. "Dream scenario." (Let the record show Brandon has admitted he loved Batman growing up, and he's a leading fancast for the DCU. I'm totally here for it).

Can't get enough of this duo? Here's What Brandon Sklenar Said About Potential It Starts With Us Movie, and the first look at Meghann Fahy's Sirens on Netflix!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.