Are you a community builder? If you are thinking about your career, no matter what stage you are at, you MUST think about the network you have and how to leverage those resources to help you as you continue your career sequence.
Having a fortified ‘network’ at your disposal is one of the most effective tools you can use as you create a career path. This network, or community is a very precious commodity and to not use it properly will surely make your career journey that much longer. It will also disturb the navigation of the journey.
Learn to utilize ALL the resources you have. The best resource you have is yourself. Not because of who you know, but whom they know. That’s what the community is built on; one added resource to the next. You think of all these people as a possibility that can help you open the next door. Keep opening as many doors as you can and eventually, someone will ask you to come in and have a seat.
Having a community of friends, industry friends, peers, colleagues, family and personal friends to rely on will provide an advantage to you that should make the process of moving your professional life forward a whole lot easier. Never take for granted ‘who you know’, as these people are not thinking on your behalf. No, in fact, they are not thinking about you at all. It’s your responsibility to wake them up, inform them you are on the hunt and just maybe, they know someone that can help you. If you don’t ask for help, you won’t get it. Never be afraid to ask for help. The most anyone can do is turn you down and should they do that, you move on.
This valued commodity, called ‘the network’ is never to be taken lightly. You are in need of a career shift, a career pivot, a career change or you need that first land that will get you on the road to, what you hope will be a wonderful path, you should use the network but NEVER abuse it. Don’t take it for granted. Don’t minimize the potential it has and always be willing to reciprocate for those that have been so generous to you. And, I might add, as I have always used this philosophy – always be willing to help the ones that ask you for it.
Don’t anticipate or expect a ‘payback’, take the high road, do the right thing and help the ones that reach out to you. Do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.
Remember, work can and should be a social environment. Always consider establishing peer partners while you are there. Avoid the peer pressure, but look to build your network and develop a community.
