Networking

Day 3 of the 12 days of Christmas is unfolding now. Networking is critical for all aspects of your personal and professional life. When I worked at a company, I had an extensive network gathered over 35 years. I nurtured it and was always conscious of you doing me a favor, and I will do you a favor. I learned the importance of networking when I was an IIBA Chapter President. I learned how to utilize it for sponsors, speakers, and more.

I joined LinkedIn in 2009, but I wasn’t serious about building a network. Some people from work and people I met through IIBA. The focus of LinkedIn in that period was to only connect with you knew. When I retired and opened up my own business, I spent a lot of my time building my network. My page is almost 4200 connections plus followers. My business page has nearly 900 followers. I have a Facebook business page, but my big success is LinkedIn.

Building my network, I have been asked on several dates, approached by all kinds of financial people, invited to attend several training classes and webinars. I could spend my entire life on LinkedIn, but I have met fabulous people along the way. I could travel almost anywhere and know all the places to eat and the things to do. I have also made vital business connections.

With almost all events being virtual the last nearly two years, I have used most of the virtual networking tools for conferences. It is fascinating to see all the creativity put into these tools and how you feel right next to the people you are talking to. I could do a blog on devices and platforms alone, but that will be another time. Until next time, please keep your glass at least half-full.