Networking

The US economic news from today is a bit scary-the biggest one month surge in unemployment in over (20) years, and crude oil prices rose sharply during the last 2 days. Why do I mention this bad economic news? Because it emphasizes that in good economic times, and especially in uncertain economic times, you should always be networking. There is no guarantee that your job will be there tomorrow. I hope that it will be, the chances are good that it will be, but no position is guaranteed!

So what is networking? Dictionary.com defines it as "a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest." Networking should be a never-ending activity. For example, if you are in Human Resources, join the local SHRM Chapter. No matter what you do for a living, you should also consider getting involved with the local Chamber of Commerce. Volunteer to serve on a Chamber Committee. Help build houses for the poor via the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Contact the American Red Cross and ask how you can help. Let me be quick to add that when you volunteer in your community, your primary goal should be to help others. An added bonus is that when you volunteer, you get to know people in your local community that you would not otherwise ever meet. These folks then become part of your network.

Thanks for reading.