And THAT's What it's All About

Focusing on Relationships and the Journey In Today's Workplace

I like LinkedIn. I like it a lot. It's a place where professionals can connect, keep things "professional" and there isn't too much chest thumping and complaining (see Facebook) or overt self promotion and judgement (see Twitter). But I've realized that there's one aspect that is getting lost in our career endeavors, especially with younger professionals.  It's the pursuit of "achievement" and or "being someone". 

I was at a LinkedIn class three years ago and one young dude had a goal of having 500+ contacts on LinkedIn. He lacked the wisdom to realize that the purpose of social media, is to socialize, not achieve a number. 

I happen to have a lot of contacts on LinkedIn. But, the numbers are absolutely meaningless if there is no substance to the relationships. On the other hand, I don't have many contacts on Twitter (see for yourself). I know that I could hire someone to build my Twitter list, but why? Who cares if I don't really know them, and they aren't genuinely interested in what I have to say and vice versa.  I find it preposterous that people (or companies) connect with you on Twitter, only with the hopes that you'll connect back. Is this what our lives have become? 

While I'm proud that I've started a couple companies that have produced $1mm+ in annual revenue, I'm far more grateful for what I've learned, the people I've met along the way, and how I can share lessons learned from my mistakes. And I'll never sacrifice the relationships with my family for my career. I have a difficult time understanding people who do. 

It dawned on me, that there are about 15 people in this modern world who will be remembered for their careers. The likes of Jobs, Bezos, Gates, Branson are few and far between. I'm quite certain my career won't be remembered. And pretty certain that yours won't be either. Heck, most of us are forgotten two weeks after we leave our company. So what's the point? What's it all about? Winning? Contacts? Twitter followers? I'm certain it's not. It's about lifting up others. It's giving. Taking risks. Doing more. Talking less. Laughing. Enjoying ALL that comes with the journey (good and bad). And as quoted from the ever so insightful Hokey Pokey, "That's what it's all about".