Social Networking

Who would have thought I would be so interested in reaching out to people and networking both in person and online? Once I got over the fear of putting myself out there and telling everyone I knew that I was looking for a new career, I've had an incredible journey. It's actually been a real learning experience for me as well - seeing myself in other people's eyes and seeing that I have been selling myself short for years! Not realizing my potential for impact on my friends and acquaintances...

After I was laid off, I was compelled to contact my fellow coworkers who suffered the same fate - just to see how they were doing and make sure they were OK. Some I have only chatted with via email or facebook, but others I have met in person for coffee or lunch - a few several times. last week, I even had someone tell me that after we met, she felt uplifted and inspired - wow! I truly care about the well being of these people - even if we weren't very close when we worked together. Now I have made friends and confidants with several of them - they know I am real and compassionate and here for them whenever they need me.

This week, my networking has landed me:

• A lunch meeting with someone who gave me insight and advice on social network and media companies I am interested in around the city. She took my resume even though her company isn't hiring until fall. Also found another connection to that same company - my friend knows the co-founder.
• A coffee break with a woman who is fast rising on Twitter and has over 1,200 followers - grown in a very short period time. She was incredible giving me her time and suggestions! Learned some new apps and links from her.
• An opportunity to shoot photos at my daughters dance recital in June! This will be my first semi-professional gig taking pictures for other people. I've done it for years for only personal use - and sending to friends too.
• Connections to a contact to get me in the door for a high-paying job on the northside of Indy for a well-known firm.
• A great connection to a company hiring for an account executive - my friend wasn't terribly interested in the position and is going to suggest contacting me instead!
• Marketing on facebook for our family's construction business - already up to 15 fans in 2 days - not bad for a definite work in progress! Upon my suggestion, he started posting about his work... got 3 referrals this week alone!
• Lead to apply to be a preferred vendor for a real estate company - for the family business.

Not bad in a weeks work!