RANDOM OCTOBER NETWORKING

While attending my 25 year college reunion I ran into a classmate named Chris who had just recently moved back to Indianapolis after being away for a number of years. She is eager to find new employment in the Indianapolis area so I used homecoming as an opportunity to introduce her to a number of friends to build her network in the area. I am confident that by connecting Chris to others in the area that she will identify the right opportunity for her career.

At the conclusion of the same trip I attended a college fair in Bloomington, Illinois. While waiting for students to arrive my conversation with another college representative named Heather led her to communicate that she was an intern and looking for full time employment in sports marketing. In the true spirit of networking Heather followed up the next day with her resume which I then proceeded to email to 8 athletic department officials I know around the country. Time will tell if Heather is able to identify a position but she is one step closer than she was last Friday!

These are just two more examples of how random and spontaneous networking is. There is always an opportunity around the corner and the process of
networking never sleeps!

FALL IS A TIME FOR NETWORKING AT HOMECOMING!

You can feel it in the air when the leaves begin to turn and the night air becomes crisp! Its time for high school and college homecomings to take place all across this country. From the birthplace of homecoming at the University of Missouri, to the banks of the Wabash at Indiana State University to tradition rich Wartburg College alumni come "home".

My how people change! Some you don't recognize and some friends it seems like it was only yesterday you were hanging out together on campus. As you rekindle friendships and memories remember this is also a time to develop new acquaintances. Depending on what reunion year you are celebrating you may be just beginning a career, revitalizing one or getting ready to ease into retirement. In any case re-establishing old friendships and starting new ones is what homecoming is all about.

There is no better opportunity to network for a new job, sell a product or share an entreprenurial idea then at homecoming. Put the bragging aside about what all you have accomplished and think about what you still have ahead of you.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy your time returning home to your alma mater. But while you are packing remember to include a few business cards to have handy as you meet old friends and make new ones!

You never know when that next opportunity will come but it just might be at the place where it all started!

VERIFYING REFERENCES IS A MUST IN YOUR JOB SEARCH

I can't tell you how many times I have called references that I am sure the candidate thought were going to provide positive responses. To be honest some of those references have been less than flattering. If you are in the job search mode you should contact your references so they are ready when that reference call comes.

Just a few reminders:

As you begin the job search contact your references to verify what they plan to say.

Notify your references if you expect them to receive a call and from what company or individual may be contacting them.

Send a thank you note or email to your references updating them on the status of the employment search they assisted you in.

Provide an updated resume ocassionally to your references so they have something to review before talking with potential employers.

Finally, make sure your pool of references reflect the diversity of experiences that you have had previously.

Good luck !

STAY CONNECTED TO FORMER COLLEAGUES

We all have good intentions of staying in touch with high school classmates, college classmates or former colleagues. The reality is that most people are good at this initially but over time we gradually lose touch with people. We are connected in life by our experiences and maintaining those former working relationships is important.

We have become a very mobile and global society. Individuals you have worked with move as often as you have and many times to better opportunities. There may be instances in your life where that former colleague can be of assistance to you. Make sure you periodically cultivate those relationships with former colleagues so when necessary they are a viable option for you.

Over the years I have seen many former colleagues move to positions where they have hired colleagues from their past. In addition you may move into a profession where those former colleagues become potential clients and customers.

So instead of closing the door on your way out leave it open for future opportunities.

LEADERS REMAIN LEADERS

As you move through life whether it be high school, college or your profession remember that leaders remain leaders. Individuals who assume leadership roles in high school and/or college do not stop being leaders in the professional world. So if you are impressed by an individuals leadership in a high school or college organization you participate in then stay connected to that person. In many cases that individual will become a leader in their profession and/or community and remaining connected could be beneficial to you at some point in your life.

All you Facebook and LinkedIn users make sure you reconnect with the Senior Class President, Fraternity/Sorority President, Captain of the sports team or Drum Majorette because most likely they are now leading another organization.

Remember, leaders remain leaders!

NETWORKING THROUGH SPORTS

Anyone who has ever played sports or has a child involved in sports knows that it is like a fraternity. You see many of the same people on a regular basis at tournaments or school events. As most modern parents know bleachers can be incredibly uncomfortable so get up and stretch those leg's by making a new connection. Sports are a greater connector of people and in addition to remembering which kid scored 2 goals or hit a clutch three pointer make sure you meet his or her parents as well.

I know in my own personal experience I remember individuals I played against 30 years ago and our paths have continued to cross over the years. Greg is a guy that I played basketball against years ago and I remember him as tough nosed, yet personable. Over 20 years later we found ourselves living in the same community and after reconnecting I ended up buying items from his promotions business.

So connect with those individuals who you battle on the court or field against. Most individuals who are competitive in sports remain competitive and successful in life so you want to stay connected to them.

NETWORKING AT LARGE EVENTS - ROUNDBALL STYLE!

So many times at big events people are rushing to get to their seat or on to the next event and not taking the time to engage others in conversation.

Well, here is a 12 hour example of the true power of networking from my time at the Final Four in Indianapolis. Try to keep up because it is a frenzy.

Within minutes of arriving at the Final Four I run into two high school coaches that I used to play against in high school, Steve Brett and Ron McBride.

Ramona Smith through my network reminded me before my trip to "congratulate" Bob Burchard the coach of Columbia College on his award. I run into he and his wife later in the day having never met him before and made the connection.

Earlier in the day I engage Bruce Pearl the coach at Tennessee in a conversation because he and my good friend John Feudo were roommates in college.

Not long after I run into a guy that looks very familiar. Instead of blowing it off I say something to him. He is Terry Futch a former basketball player at Indiana State in 1991 who I haven't seen since then. Only a few hours later I run into another Indiana State player Lasalle Thompson who runs a non-profit program for kids. I have encountered his father over the years officiating youth basketball games.

Then at lunch I begin a conversation with a young lady named Abby and her father from Dayton. Abby attends the University of Alabama and wants to be in the event planning profession. Before our conversation is over I have given her my card and will be introducing her to folks I know in higher education/athletics fields.

We get to the games and sitting next to me is Judge Clayton from Hannibel, Missouri who is good friends with the Brown family. Sitting right in front of me is Steve Alford's dad Sam and his wife. Their grandson and my son played AAU basketball together. Then just behind me is my good friend Bill Johnston from the University of Montana who I had no idea would be attending the Final Four.

MY POINT? I had no idea when coming here that all of these interactions would take place. Even when you are attending a event as a spectator you have the opportunity to network if you will just engage others in conversation.

This is a GREAT, BIG wonderful world we live in and take advantage of the truly wonderful people you have a chance to meet every day. Don't ever underestimate the power of talking to the person next to you or behind you.

ALL OF THIS INTERACTION TOOK PLACE BECAUSE I WASN'T AFRAID TO INITATE A CONVERSATION AND THEN CONNECT THE DOTS!

OH AND BY THE WAY ! GO BUTLER BULLDOGS!