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Sadly, I get at least one call a week from people who have been told to meet me about their transition from employment to a new career or job. What I do with each depends on who they are and the feasibility I can even give them advice or help. I do try.
But what drives me crazy unless I know them…why are they calling me? They would be just as lucky as calling the “Ghostbusters”!
What I’m going to do in this short blog is make one huge suggestion: get off your ass and network now in person and online.
The second place you go to when the s- - t hits the fan after friends and family is YOUR business and community network!!
Under any circumstances, networking is the best opportunity to:
- Learn something new
- Bonus points is if you can use that info to help in your job and career
- If it’s a nonprofit - good – pay it forward and help people
- If it’s a club or sports team great have fun!
- Meet new people – they maybe your newest friend
- Learn more about folks that frequent the program, you may have something in common…when I learn someone is from Chicago and a Cubs fan they instantly added to my Christmas card list
- Extend your brand – show people you are engaged, knowledgeable and good person – they will remember and when you reach out to them it won’t be “who”?
- At least be on LinkedIn – but Facebook is not a bad place to be either.
Unless you are missing the point here…these folks are your network and possibly next career move. Please do it. Or you will be calling “Ghostbusters”. Thanks.
Al Maag is author of the book "Social Media Isn't Social" available on Amazon.com; and a principal at MaagComm+
