In the 1990s, Harvey Mackay wrote a book called Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty. I read that book and several others by Mr. Mackay, picking up some valuable nuggets about networking and building relationships. He wrote about how to leverage your Rolodex (for those who don’t know what a Rolodex is, let’s just say it was the forerunner to Contacts in your mobile device). While I did benefit from those books, I also picked up other advice from co-workers, bosses and mentors about working hard with good things to follow. “Put your nose to the grindstone” and “Do the work, the next jobs and promotions will take care of themselves.” My work demanded that of me, and I saw others ascend by following that model. I listened to the internal counsel. I built my networks from within the organization, worked hard, and was rewarded with new roles. Until I wasn’t.
I approached my career like many people used to do: find a good organization, pledge your loyalty, put in hard work, and go the extra mile – and you will be rewarded with good jobs, nice total rewards, and a multi-decade career at one company. That model is outdated. I lost track of Mr. Mackay’s advice about building a broad network and keeping it active. While my internal network was sound with strong ties to colleagues across the globe, it was too inwardly focused. It was insular. Safe. One-dimensional.
My approach is shifting now. I am reaching out to friends and colleagues. I am using tools like LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with others. I am sharing my learnings and trying to help others develop to be the best they can. I am letting others know to have at least a Plan B in mind. Most people are on LinkedIn – but not enough are actively using it to connect, share and help others. Not just in the job search mode, but regularly. Loyalty and integrity will continue to be important for employers and employees. But employees must continue to invest in themselves and their networks within and outside of the companies they work for.
When you are asked to speak at your alma matter, go – better yet, call them and offer. When you get a chance to be involved in benchmarking with other companies, do so and stay connected with those people. If you get a chance to be part of an organization like the Conference Board, join and actively participate. These and many other opportunities will not only broaden your network, they will expand your perspectives.