THE VALUE OF HAVING A NETWORK....

For my 2nd Article...….I'm Reposting a Story from a few months ago to remind people about the value of creating, maintaining and actively participating in a network. Far to many people find me and ask for my help and it becomes clear to me that one of the reasons they are struggling with their job search is because they lack an effective network.

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20 MONTHS/UNEMPLOYED...………

I received a wonderful phone call yesterday….someone I’ve been working with for 17 months called to let me know that he got a job! It was an epic battle, in the end I didn’t have anything to do with the position he landed but I still feel like I was part of winning the war.

20 Months…..The obvious first question…..

“What was wrong with him?” – the answer is NOTHING.

COMPLACENCY.....20+ years at the same firm had narrowed his skills, so he simply kept losing to people with better resumes. Hiring committees typically make the “safe” hire and they aren’t going to try to understand how your skills transfer.

He had NO NETWORK, he never saw the value of having one. He had to build one as he searched for a position, which meant he was connecting with people and then asking for something. Lack of a strong network meant he was typically 1 of 90 resumes in a pile with no "advantage"..….hoping to hit the HR lottery.

He was INVISIBLE……..No presence on LinkedIn – No Personal Brand. After 2,000 career conversations I can tell you being Invisible puts You At Risk!

BUILD A NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT!

BE VISIBLE!

The Older You Are......the More Important this is! If young people make this mistake early in their careers they have time on their side to overcome it. At 60....Not So Much Time.

#LOVETHISGAME