The Morning Blend: Ultimate Networking!
Brad Raney | Feb 17, 2011 | Comments 0
Last week, I told you a story about the power of connections and how the magic in that formula helped a young woman find her dream job. Today, let’s take that thought process a step further and discuss where to build your connections and what I consider to be ultimate networking – volunteering !
Recently, I was sitting at the bi-weekly meeting of my Optimist International Club, waiting for the bell to ring that signals the start of the proceedings. I looked around at the other club members in attendance and I realized that each of those 30 folks must have literally thousands of powerful, vibrant, impactful, and truly personal connections. Connections suited for finding new friends, enhancing business contacts, exchanging leads for goods and services, and especially for finding outstanding job leads.
The truth is that of the 30 people at the meeting, two had just recently found new jobs, two others were still looking for their next great opportunity, and six or seven had expressed dissatisfaction with their jobs and would love to find something more meaningful to do with their lives. And the two that had just found new jobs had each gotten leads from other club members that eventually led to them hearing “You’re hired!”
So, over 33% of the club are in some level of what I call the “job seeker strata.” There are four layers to this strata including folks who are: unemployed, underemployed, hate their job, or can see the train coming for job change or loss. My guess is that each of the four strata exist in the club, but those who know change is coming haven’t shared it easily with the group yet. However, each of the members of the club share something very special and something that can help you with your job search right now – a regularly scheduled meeting with caring, compassionate members who want to help each other succeed!
Am I telling you to go out and join an Optimist Club in your area? Well, not directly. However, I strongly suggest that you find some kind of volunteer organization to get involved with – NOW! If you are out of work, nothing shows more Energy, Effort, great Attitude, wonderful Outlook, Uniqueness, Integrity and Intensity (Wow, that’s all of the VOWELS!) than giving your time and talents to a non-profit or not-for-profit organization that you care about.
Why should you do this? Many reasons… First, just being active will keep your mind sharp and the inertia of “waiting for something to happen” at bay!
Second, if you are working with a non-profit you will undoubtedly come into contacts with dozens (if not hundreds!) of companies and probably HR/staffing folks – so it’s a great networking opportunity!
Third, karma is a wonderful thing and if you are filling your karma-bank with “helping feed the homeless”, or “mentoring an at risk child”, or “raising money for cancer research”, good things are bound to happen for you!
Finally, look around at the shelter, or the board room, or at the charity event . The folks you are working with – the other volunteers who care as much as you do about other people – each have their own incredible network of colleagues, friends, business contacts, and trusted allies that might just be the gateway to helping you find your perfect job. And because they know you and how much you care for others, they will be unbelievably willing to help you as well!
As a hiring manager, I love to see an applicant that is involved in the community and especially if its for a cause they are passionate about. It sets them apart from the average job seeker and it gives me a sense that they understand that the world is about give and receive, yin and yang, and doing good before expecting it for themselves. Those are vital qualities in any employee and if you can show a hiring manager or recruiter that you really care, it will absolutely have a positive effect on your opportunity to get the position.
Take my advice – get involved with an organization or cause you feel passionate about today! It’s good for you, it’s good for others, and it’s great for your job search!
If I can help you get started in the ultimate networking of volunteering, don’t hesitate to ask!
Sincerely,
Brad Raney
Brad Raney is a motivational speaker, life coach, author and sales trainer. He has over 25 years of experience in sales and sales management within the broadcast industry. Brad developed the VOWELS program in 2009 and the success it brought his sales team has spurred keynote speeches, workshops, seminars, a website, and his first book “Improve Your VOWELS, Improve Your Career!” which was released in July 2010.
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