I've been speaking and training on networking for years, and in all that time, I've only met a handful of people who feel they really have their hands around their networking. Most people sullenly acknowledge that having better professional relationships would help, but stress that they just don't have the time or attention. Too often we wait until we need something from our network before we reach out. That never works since it comes off as self-serving and desperate (because it is). But you don't have to wait. Even if you don't need anything, in fact especially if you don't need anything, you should be investing in the important … [Read more...]
The Secret Reason to Like Job Anniversaries on LinkedIn
updated January 2022 I've been showing people how to leverage LinkedIn for over a decade. And one of the most consistently maligned pieces of functionality has been the job anniversary notification. Over and over I hear some form of, "Why is LinkedIn gumming up my feed? Why should I care if Bill Jones has been at Company XYZ for 6 years? Does "liking" that really mean anything?" Well, yes it does. The Science of Online Small Talk To explain the value of liking job anniversaries, we have to look at something else that people don't really enjoy: small talk. It's easy to bash small talk. We think that it's an awkward and … [Read more...]
3 Mistakes That Are Killing Your Network at the Office
One of the most under-appreciated drivers of your career success comes from your professional relationships. Most people think networking is just something you do when you are trying to land a job. Those people are missing the boat! Networking isn't just a bunch of salespeople sharing bad appetizers in a hotel ballroom. It's not trying to schmooze the boss for preferential treatment. Approached correctly, networking is about connecting with other people so that you have access to the information, resources and support that you need. An effective network at the office helps you do your job more easily, effectively, and … [Read more...]
You Need Networking to Find a Career Minesweeper
Do you have someone pointing out the potholes (or worse, mines) that are waiting as you travel down your career path? One of my younger brothers served in the US Marine Corps and performed a number of tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was a truck driver who ferried supplies and troop where they were needed. Because he underwent additional training in security, he drove the lead truck that had extra armor and a big mine-sweeper. His job was to uncover any hidden dangers and obstacles, and then respond to them. There's a picture that he took in Iraq of him standing outside one of his trucks. He played a critical role in ensuring that … [Read more...]
Relationships are the New Job Security
If you haven’t noticed, the way the world works has changed a lot. Daily life is going to be a lot different for my children than it was for my parents. In times of change, we yearn for security. Unfortunately, the places that we’ve traditionally found security – career, families, culture - are where most of the changes are happening. One area this is obvious is the lack of traditional job security. Flexibility = Insecurity From a historical perspective, it was way easier when you knew that someday you would take your parent’s job. Millers milled, Porters ported, Smiths smithed (I’m pretty sure I know what my forefathers did for a … [Read more...]