Last week I had the opportunity to participate in a global career summit where my colleagues and I discussed what’s in the pipeline for our clients in terms of remote work and AI, and how we can help them navigate this very different kind of work world we live in.
I feel energized because after that week-long series I’m confident that I’m better equipped to help my clients bridge their current situation with their next career milestones.
But there was another benefit to attending the conference. After that week, I have to say I came away as grateful as I’ve ever been for being a part of this wonderful career-focused community, who, by their very nature, want to help others and are so generous with their ideas. I also came away beaming because, as I always do, I met some really cool people who challenged my ideas and helped me grow as a person and as a professional.
Community is so important, especially now. And I want to remind you that even though physical bonding may not be an option, there actually seem to be more opportunities to cultivate our existing community or build a new one. So many organizations are going virtual, and you’re likely to have access to more groups (and individuals!) than you had in the past because of that.
By the way, I don’t like the term “social distancing.” Can we just say “physical distancing”? I think it’s a much more accurate term, and certainly makes me feel less…well…anti-social, in spite of the circumstances.
Anyway, besides strengthening relationships with your all-important family and friends, the following are three ways you can build community:
Join a Professional Group
There are a couple of ways to approach this. One is obvious: join a group where people may have the same business interest or offer the same area of expertise across industries. By all means, find and join those groups!
But you don’t have to just join a group that’s dedicated to your specific career focus. In my global community, I learn a ton from people who work outside my area of knowledge. For example, my expertise is not video presentations, but I have colleagues who are experts in that area, and I’m grateful for all that I learn from them. Just as companies are recognizing the value of diversity in thinking, you want to be around people who offer a variety of perspectives. I recently joined a professional women’s group in the Bay Area where they bring everything from financial to non-profit leadership expertise. I’m excited to share my knowledge while learning from them!
Get active on LinkedIn
Do continue to cultivate your LinkedIn network, and I mean that in the most authentic way. You can do that by sharing your ideas, either in one of the LinkedIn groups or with your entire network, or by engaging with other people’s content (believe me, they’ll appreciate it!).
Be sure to connect with people on LinkedIn who work for a company or in a field you’re interested in. If you don’t already have a relationship with them, be very clear when you’re reaching out that you just want to learn more about the company or field. Don’t bombard new connections now (especially now!) about a job. Nurture those relationships first so that when you do need a job you’re top of mind. Is there anything you can offer now to help build the relationship? An introduction to one of your own contacts? Support for one of their causes? Commenting on their posts to demonstrate your support and knowledge? How about a virtual cup of coffee to show your appreciation for their time?
Finally, when you ask for a virtual meeting, have a clear idea of what you want to discuss, making sure it’s clear to them when you make the request. Also, be specific about the amount of their time you’re asking for, and stick to it! Remember, as with every great work, it takes time to build a strong relationship.
Volunteer
Volunteer for those causes you’re passionate about. It’s amazing the feeling you get when you witness that “aha!” moment for a struggling reader or you know you’re responsible for a family getting fed today. It’s also pretty cool knowing you’re a part of a team that’s making a difference, whether it’s your religious organization or a local group that serves foster children. A bonus is that you start meeting other volunteers, some of whom might even serve as a contact who’ll help you with your next career move!
And so, dear readers, I want you to know how very grateful I am for you, and I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving. And if it’s a relatively quiet holiday, I hope you’ll remember that you’re definitely not alone in this experience.
Best wishes,
Emily