It's All About Who You Know!

Some of my girlfriends at a birthday party!

Happy July everyone!  I feel like school just got out and we are already making plans for 4th of July THIS WEEK!  Crazy how time flies.  So, we are going to take this month to talk all about how to grow as a business person.

I had the opportunity to attend my husband's graduation a couple of weeks ago.  It only took him 21 years but he earned his business degree from Eastern Oregon University.  Never wanting to miss a party, I made him go.  He was reluctant at first, but I think after all was said and done he was glad he went.  A good way to close that chapter of his life.  As I was standing outside their gym waiting for T to get all checked in, I had the pleasure of overhearing two twenty somethings talking about what they were going to do after graduation.  One planned on helping his Dad out on the farm until he could raise enough money to move to Portland to find a "corporate job".  The other explained that he was just going to pick up and move to Los Angeles.  "There are tons of jobs there.  Plus I have a degree now, how hard could it be to get a job."  Oh, the innocence!  I really wanted to walk over and just give him a hug.  He is going to need it in a couple of months when reality is knocking at his door.

My point is that those of us in the business world know that it is an ongoing process.  We never stop learning, trying to do things better or more efficiently, learning new skills or for some just trying to keep up with technology.  We are going to spend all month talking about some ways to do that by networking, continuing your education, checking personal habits and then finding that balance between working hard and playing hard.

We have talked a bit about networking in the past.  You can check out one of our previous posts here.  When a lot of people think about networking they think about getting dressed up in uncomfortable clothes and hanging out at event either pursuing or avoiding awkward conversations.  But, what about networking with your existing contacts?  They say it's all about who you know.

Reconnecting with former colleagues or school classmates can be a great way to network.  Chances are they are someone, or know someone who might be able to use your services, point you in the right direction, or help you land that dream job!  Here's a couple ways to re-connect:

1.  Social Media

I never really felt popular until I signed up for Facebook a few years ago.  It's amazing how over the years, you create this great rolodex of people who have come into your life.  Social media is a great way to gather all those people in one place and allows you to put the word out non-chalantly of what you are up to.

2.  Send a Note

I had a great friend from college who I really wanted to connect with when I was getting married.  We had lost touch over the years, and she was not on social media.  But, I still had her parents address.  So on blind faith, I wrote a note and enclosed it in an invitation to my wedding.  Thankfully, they still lived there and passed it on.  She wasn't able to attend, but we did re-connect over coffee a few weeks later.  I don't know about you, but I love getting personal notes in the mail.  Really anything other than a bill is great!

3.  Invite an old friend to lunch or coffee

A day date is a great way to re-connect and find out what the other has going on in their life.  It is an hour or two out of your life and who knows what can come of it!

Cheers!

Kristen