Recently, a friend confided in me that he’s seeing the writing on the wall and may need to start seeking other work. He asked how to go about networking. First off, I told him that it’s important to let people know in whatever way works for you — be it discreetly, slowly, whatever. Heck, I started a blog. Your network is not valuable until you turn it on, so to speak. And whether you have many little switches or a big one doesn’t matter. Just turn it on.
In my life, I view everyone as a potential opportunity. I don’t mean that in a Glengary Glen Ross-salesman-is-always-on-type of way. I mean it more organically; that truly every contact – whether your sister’s friend’s husband or the person you strike up a conversation with on the bus – could actually be the person that provides you the next step on your ladder…and one step closer to your goal.
And I say that out of experience. I have struck up conversations on the bus which have led to connections, meetings and a contact. Pursue everything, everywhere.
Blessing – Rainy summer days. Good for the grass. Great excuse to bake chocolate banana bread.
So true. I just met someone at our town pool who was an appliance repairman. His wife landed a teaching job because one of the folks whose appliances he was repairing was a school admin and he mentioned his wife was a teacher looking for work!!