Please Know, You Are NOT Alone...

Over the last 5 months, I've had a lot of time to reflect over my nearly 30 years in the IT Security space. There are indeed a lot of amazing people and technologies that I've had the privilege to work with during that time. I've had incredible adventures all over the world. Most importantly I've made some great professional relationships along the way.

There have also been some crushing lows. Like those almost seemingly unavoidable career speed-humps, such as an unexpected Job Loss.

Reduction In Force, Layoffs, Cut-backs, Re-Orgs.... Call it whatever polite business euphemism you wish, but the plain and simple fact is someone's going to be unemployed - and whether you are the giver, or the receiver - It just SUCKS.

First there is shock and disbelief. Then there's the anger. Followed quickly by the onset of panic. And for some, there is grief, depression, anxiety, uncertainty... FEAR... But after a few days hopefully your survival instincts (and/or your Faith) kick-in, you put on your big-boy/big-girl underwear, roll up your sleeves, and get to work - at finding work.

Like most of us... over the years we might get complacent in our roles and daily lives. If you are like me, you may have even let your professional network atrophy from this place of comfort.

Sure, you scanned LinkedIn regularly and you clicked "Like" or made a quick comment on a colleague's post here or other social platforms.

But you didn't truly "nurture" those relationships. You've fallen out of your routine. The follow-through and deliberate catchups, well wishes and general network outreach - all pushed aside for more localized priorities.

It happens, and I want you to know that this is OK. (and it's going to be OK...)

Our current role has kept us so busy, our personal lives even busier, so who has the time to keep up with business acquaintances that aren't directly in our daily lives?

Just to be clear, this is not an article on how to network better or networking methodologies. Simply put - I had a routine and you should too.

My problem is that I just didn't keep up my routine. I'm talking about the monthly and quarterly check-ins with the key leaders, influencers and friends in my business network. It is so easy to let this good habit dissolve into the minutia of the daily grind.

FUDGE!! Now what? Is my network dead? Am I screwed?

Well, I'm here to say, there is GOOD NEWS friends. It is NEVER TOO LATE to rekindle old relationships. Your network isn't dead... It's asleep. It's inactive.

However... It definitely does take action from YOU!

YOU must reach out. YOU must make the first contact (again). YOU must make the first call, email, LinkedIn Message, etc. Only YOU can RE-Activate your network.

I've been pleasantly surprised by my network. There are acquaintances, in some cases that I've not had direct contact with in 10+ years, and yet many of these folks are just as receptive to reconnecting as I was. Most surprisingly, many will go much further than you think in support of helping in your career journey, as likely - they too have been in your shoes.

So don't be afraid to Reconnect with people from your past. Even if it has been 10 or 15 years. Remember, at some point, you have earned a spot of respect in their mind and reconnecting can broaden that "mindshare" again. More importantly it can open the network path to new opportunities and renewed relationships. And I can't stress this enough; DO NOT be afraid to ask a favor of your colleague - the very worst they can do, is say NO.

• IF they are connected to your opportunity, reach out.
• IF they know someone that is an influencer in your opportunity, reach out.
• IF they may have an opportunity.. REACH OUT!!

I think you'll find that as your network reactivates, it will pleasantly surprise you.

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Friends, if you are gainfully employed - please be THANKFUL (even if not an ideal job situation), and show that gratitude by curating your professional network daily. Most importantly show that gratitude by responding to those that have the courage to reach out to you seeking "your" help or "your" advice. I consider it an honor - and so should you.

For the rest of us still seeking our next adventure, I encourage you: Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Make that call. Send that note. Go reconnect and REACTIVATE your Network!!

Lastly.......

Please know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

I am more than happy to reconnect with you. I don't care that it's been years. If I can help you, I will. If I can connect you, I will.

Please reach out!

-DC

#Jobseekers #Networking #Careers #Reconnect #Reactivate

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